Into the Fire

Chapter Forty

It was two more weeks before the copy-nin finally hauled himself out of bed and into the shower, gratefully washing his matted hair. He drifted off into memories of the snake summoner helping him with this same task, staring blankly off into space as his mind wandered, hot water thundering down on his motionless form. Eventually the spray began to run cold and he shook himself out of his stupor, quickly toweling off before dressing in basic blacks, mask once again firmly in place . . . for the first time since arriving in Otogakure.

“Sempai, you’re up.” Itachi noted with surprise when he arrived for his daily attempt to rouse the jounin.

“It’s time to get moving.” Kakashi replied dourly, “What do I need to take care of before I leave?”

“Sarutobi Asuma is here with the treaty from Konoha.” the Uchiha replied primly, “I don’t think he likes being around me . . . but he’s been remarkably patient.”

“How long has he been here?” the copy-nin asked with surprise.

“About a week.” came the airy reply, “He’s been training with Kisame. He’s getting restless though . . . I don’t believe he trusts my explanation that you’re mourning, he’s afraid I’ve done something to you.”

“That’s ridiculous, you would never hurt me.” Kakashi said forcefully, “I need to talk some sense into him.”

“It isn’t important sempai.” the dark-haired man replied emotionlessly, “He believes I am a traitorous murderer . . . and he is right, circumstances not withstanding. There is no reason why he, or any other leaf nin, should treat me with anything other than contempt.”

“There is every reason . . . you were protecting your brother . . . and lashing out against what had been done to you. I admit, your actions were extreme, but I understand why you felt compelled to do as you did. Apparently Umino-san does also, as he has extended an invitation for you to return.” the copy-nin argued.

“An invitation it would be unwise of me to accept.” Itachi responded thoughtfully, “Sarutobi-san seems like a decent man, and he is aware of my history . . . still, he has problems accepting me. Think how the average citizen would react.”

“Once they know . . .” the jounin trailed off into uneasy silence, “I wouldn’t want them to know about me either. I understand . . . I will miss your friendship ‘tachi. You and Kisame have been a great comfort to me.”

“Then I have merely returned the favor.” the Uchiha said with a slight nod, “I will send Asuma-san to see you now.”

“Itachi.” Kakashi’s voice stopped the slender man halfway to the door, “I would like you to consider taking over as Otokage . . . you have the intellect, and the training. I’m sure Umino-san would allow me to act as ambassador . . . it would give me an excuse to come and visit you.”

“That’s a very generous offer sempai.” the Uchiha replied serenely, “Are you sure it’s wise to offer someone like me so much power?”

“I’m not worried . . . I believe you’ll keep your word to me to uphold the treaty with Konoha. Beyond that it’s up to you how to best rule these people.” the copy-nin answered decisively, “I don’t know of anyone else who would be capable . . . and I do not wish to stay here any longer, you would be doing me a great service.”

“If you insist sempai.” the light, toneless voice affirmed, “I will be honored to succeed you.”

“Kakashi.” Asuma’s voice rang out, causing both men to turn toward him. “It’s good to see you.” he continued heartily as he strode forward to clasp forearms with the slender jounin, “I’ve been worried about you.”

“I needed some time to myself, Sarutobi-san.” the copy-nin replied softly, “I am sorry to have made things difficult for you.”

“Oh no, it’s fine.” the bearded jounin assured him, “I’ve been training with Kisame . . . I haven’t had such good workouts in a long time. I’m just glad to see you up and about.”

“I was . . . unsure of how to move forward.” Kakashi finally concluded, “Now, I’m ready to go home . . . I no longer belong here. Did Hokage-sama send treaty documents for me?”

“If you will excuse me,” Itachi began, “I’ll leave you to your negotiations.”

“Wait ‘tachi.” the copy-nin commanded, “This affects you more than me. Uchiha-san has agreed to succeed me as Otokage . . . ultimately it will be he who enforces the agreement we make.”

“How did you get to be Otokage anyway Kakashi?” Asuma asked curiously, “Wasn’t that the Snake’s position?”

“Orochimaru-sama was my lover . . .” the copy-nin managed before trailing off, staring off into space as his mind returned to happier times.

“Hatake-sempai is the strongest in the village by far, not to mention the former Otokage’s confidant.” Itachi offered smoothly, “He was, of course, the council’s first choice to succeed Orochimaru-sama.”

“You had sex with Orochimaru?” the bearded man asked, cigarette dropping from his mouth in shock.

“Yes . . . does that offend you?” the copy-nin inquired earnestly.

“No, no.” Asuma assured him, waving his hands in denial, “I was just surprised, that’s all . . . how on earth did you two ever . . . you know . . .”

“We had . . . history in common.” Kakashi replied haltingly, “It was enough to bring us together . . . who knows why people find solace in each other.” he finally concluded with an expressive shrug.

“My father was a bastard.” Asuma gritted out, fists clenched unconsciously at his sides, “I am sorry for the hurt he caused you Hatake-san . . . I take it he turned his attentions to Orochimaru also then?”

“He was your father’s favorite student.” the copy-nin said simply, dropping his head to fix worried eyes on his feet, “I’d really rather not be the one to discuss this with you Sarutobi-san.”

“With my brother then.” the bearded man remarked as he lit another cigarette, “He’s anxiously awaiting your return.”

“You don’t have a brother Sarutobi-san . . . at least not one that’s alive.” Kakashi responded flatly.

“There have been a number of shocking revelations since Tsunade was replaced.” Asuma assured him, “Not the least of which was the fact that Umino Iruka is my half-brother.”

“Iruka-sensei?” the copy-nin said in surprise, “I was wrong then.”

“Wrong about what, sempai?” Itachi asked curiously.

“I always assumed Iruka was like us . . . he was always so pretty . . . and he spent so much time with Sandaime, playing shogi, drinking tea . . . I never imagined . . . did he know?” the silver-haired jounin turned to ask.

“No, he was as surprised as I was.” Asuma replied wryly, “Just another dirty secret for him to keep.”

“Another secret?” Kakashi asked warily.

“He’s kept this whole thing secret . . . well apart from the clan heads, Genma and Ibiki, that is.” the bearded man continued after first taking a deep drag off his cigarette and blowing out the smoke in a long trail, “He’s determined you should be able to live as you choose . . . without worrying about your reputation or the threat of reprisals.”

“I had hoped they would send Morino-san.” the copy-nin responded vaguely, “I need to speak with him.”

“Iruka arrested Jiraiya for treason just before I left . . . I imagine Morino-san is busy interrogating him.” Asuma said mildly.

“Aaaa.” Kakashi replied enigmatically, “Shall we get started then?”

Genma stepped out into the anteroom, looking around carefully before stepping back into the office and locking the door. “What are you doing Gen?” the Hokage asked absently as he continued to dig through the ever receding mountains of paperwork left in Tsunade’s wake.

“I’m protecting you.” the senbon sucker replied gleefully.

“Protecting me from what?” Iruka asked with concern, turning to peer into his lover’s eyes.

“Scandal.” the honey-haired man whispered.

“What scandal?” the Rokudaime asked in alarm.

“The scandal it would cause if someone saw this.” Genma husked in his ear before dropping to his knees in front of his lover’s chair, undoing the startled teacher’s pants and taking his cock into his mouth.

“Gen . . . ahhhhhh.” the Hokage trailed off into a guttural groan as he was encased in the talented warmth of the senbon sucker’s mouth. Years of practice with his weapon of choice had given the honey-haired man great range of movement with his lips and tongue . . . a skill he was demonstrating as he nipped at the ridge before dipping aggressively into the slit, squeezing the base of Iruka’s rapidly swelling cock to prevent his playtime ending too soon.

Genma began to bob his head, sucking and slurping the dripping length expertly until the teacher could stand it no more and began to thrust up wildly into his lover’s mouth, the honey-haired man swallowing it deep in his throat again and again until, with a nip to the tip, Iruka came, shooting his seed down the senbon-sucker’s throat as he thrashed and twitched, finally growing still.

“What was that for?” Iruka muttered when he could speak.

“You looked stressed.” Genma replied lightly, “Feeling better now?”

“Umhmm,” the Hokage responded absently, “but I’d feel better still if you took me to bed.”

“Your wish is my command.”