Warlord

A/N mizukiruhoh . . . yes, it is quick for them to be friendly, but they need to work together . . . especially now when Kakashi's down 3 generals and readying for war. They aren't going to be hanging out, but at least they can work together


Chapter Thirty-Seven

“Iruka, can you bring me some clean diapers.” Kurenai called, exhaustion apparent in her voice.

“Here you go.” he said as he entered the room with the laundry basket, plucking a clean diaper off the top and handing it to her with a smile. “It’s amazing how much laundry such a little thing can make.” he continued as he briskly started folding the basket’s contents.

“I’m so lucky to have you to help me Iruka.” the tired new mother replied. “I thought this was supposed to get easier.”

Iruka chuckled. “It is easier Kurenai. Aoi is sleeping through the night a few times a week now. But it’s only been a couple of months, it takes a while to recover completely . . . especially when you keep yourself up worrying.”

“Well what do you expect . . . I haven’t heard from that idiot in almost a month. The first few weeks he wrote all the time. I can’t help but worry.” the dark haired woman replied sadly, “Aren’t you worried?”

“No, I refuse to worry.” Iruka said firmly. “‘kashi said there could be breaks in communication and not to worry, so I’m not. We’ll be joining them in another month, I’m just looking forward to that.”

Kurenai finished changing the baby and handed her to the scribe. “Could you watch her for a few minutes while I clean up.” she asked quietly, “I’ll feed her when I’m done.”

“I’ll feed her now.” Iruka said seriously, “You relax in the tub and then you can both take a nice nap.”

“All I seem to do is sleep.” she said with irritation, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me these days.”

“Well,” the scribe said thoughtfully, “you need more sleep because you’re still recovering from the birth. You need more sleep because you get up with Aoi so often.” he paused for a moment before adding, “And you may be sleeping because it fills up the time until you see the general. It’s even harder than it normally would be because the baby reminds you of his absence. It’s okay Kurenai, you’re doing fine . . . and I’m sure we’ll have news soon.”

She smiled sadly and shuffled off towards the bathroom. Iruka looked at the baby in his arms, smiling sweetly at her as he crooned “Let’s get you fed sweetie-pie. Then you and Momma can take a nice nap together.”

She wrinkled her brow and studied him with all the concentration her two month old brain could muster before stretching both arms up and grabbing for the hair that had escaped his low tail. “No, no . . . play with this instead.” the scribe said quickly, replacing his hair with a small rag doll.

He soon had a bottle ready and settled in to feed her, singing softly to her as she greedily emptied her bottle. Then he swung her up on a shoulder and efficiently coaxed out a gigantic burp before carrying her into Kurenai’s room and settling her into her crib. “Sleep well Aoi.” he said with a smile before bidding her mother the same and heading back downstairs.

Iruka was idly reading a book to keep himself from worrying. However, the book was currently open in his lap and he was daydreaming about the warlord. I wonder what ‘kashi’s doing? he thought, the concern he’d masked in front of Kurenai coming to the forefront. He startled from his thoughts when the doorbell rang, trepidation rising as he hurried to answer it.

The door swung wide to reveal a dusty Genma. “I have news.” the courier said simply, moving inside and collapsing into a chair.

“Do you need something to drink?” Iruka asked in alarm.

“Water please.” the courier replied before slumping back into silence. When the scribe returned he accepted the glass and drained it in a single draught, placing it carefully on the table when it was empty.

“There was a rock slide . . . General Sarutobi’s been injured. His leg is badly broken and may never be quite right, although they don’t think he’ll lose it.” Genma said slowly.

“Oh my god.” Iruka exclaimed, “I’ll go wake Kurenai, I’ll be back in just a minute.” he stood and began to leave the room, pointedly not wanting to hear anymore, the sick feeling multiplying in his stomach as he feared more bad news was forthcoming . . . news he didn’t want to hear.

“Iruka wait.” the courier said, standing and catching his arm, “Sit back down . . . there’s more.”

The scribe reluctantly retook his seat, glaring at Genma with hard eyes as if daring him to deliver bad news. “It’s Kakashi.” the courier began slowly, “He was riding with Asuma, it looks like he threw himself over the general. . . he took most of the force, he was still unconscious when I left and it didn’t look good. He had lots of wounds and a number of broken bones.”

Genma watched the scribe’s face carefully, hating to deliver such hard news, flinching inwardly when the usually tan face paled to the color of cottage cheese. “Iruka,” the courier said loudly, “put your head between your legs and breathe.” He reached out and pushed him into the suggested position, repeating his advice, “Breathe . . . that’s it, nice and slow.”

When a few minutes and passed and some color had returned to Iruka’s face the courier finally let him sit upright, keeping a steadying arm around him. “Are you ready for me to go on?” Genma asked solicitously, continuing when the scribe gave an almost imperceptible nod.

“As I said he’s unconscious and badly injured. And, in my opinion at least, what he needs is you. Will you come back with me?” the courier hesitated before continuing, “I should warn you it won’t be pretty . . . and he might even be gone by the time we get there.”

“Then we have to hurry.” Iruka said calmly as he rose and wiped his eyes. Kakashi needed him and he was not going to let the warlord down. “Kurenai.” he called as he headed towards her room, “Kurenai you need to wake up.”

By the time the scribe reached her room the dark haired woman was up and at the door. “What’s the matter Iruka?” she asked in concern.

“Genma’s here with news . . . there’s been a rock slide. Asuma’s broken his leg and Kakashi . . .” he trailed off brokenly, stifling a sob before continuing “he’s in very bad shape. I need to leave now so I can see him.” Iruka visibly pulled himself together “Will you be alright on your own?” he asked her with concern.

She was already moving into his room and packing a bag with some essentials, pulling the shell-shocked scribe into a tight hug before sweeping downstairs with him in tow. “Genma.” she said tightly, “I hear you have news of my husband.”

“Yes ma’am.” the courier replied softly, “I’m afraid the general was injured in a rock slide. His leg was badly broken. The plan was to move him back here once it was set so he’s probably already on his way.”

“Hire some help Kurenai,” Iruka said in an overly calm voice, “You all can stay here, there’s lots of room . . . and I’ll bring ‘kashi back as soon as he can travel.” He refused to even consider the alternative. “Hurry up Genma, let’s get moving.” he urged, avoiding the pointed looks he was getting.

Kurenai watched the courier’s face and her heart broke for her friends. If Genma’s expression was any indication Kakashi was in very grave shape indeed. She sent up a silent prayer for the warlord and Iruka both as they mounted fresh horses and headed off at a gallop, turning back inside with a heavy heart when she heard Aoi begin to stir.