Warlord

A/N Sylvir - I agree I’m far from realistic. . . but I was careful to make sure no one ever mentioned Iruka to Kabuto. He is being punished for creating the poisonous pleasure slave Hajime, not for hurting Iruka as a child (although it certainly was more severe because of it.) He was captured and punished separately from the traitors and didn’t hear anything from them. All Kabuto knows is he recognizes Iruka from years earlier and is looking for some kind of ally.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed. I am amazed that this story is going to top 20,000 hits soon. I REALLY appreciate you support and criticism, it keeps me sharp.

Chapter Forty-Four

Iruka left when the medic arrived to check Kakashi, who was moaning and complaining that he was just fine and didn’t need a check up, and headed to Raidou’s to pick up Genma. When he arrived the general studied him seriously “I’m not sure about this Iruka, if they recognize you it could be dangerous.”

“Well that’s true. . . but Kabuto didn’t know about my relationship with Kakashi, he recognized me from when he was my master.” The scribe sucked in a harsh breath and clapped his hand over his mouth. How stupid am I, he berated himself, Raidou and Genma didn’t know about that part of my life. “I’d rather not talk about that.” he finally managed, “Just believe me when I say he doesn’t know I know ‘kashi.”

“If you say so.” the general said warily, “I don’t want to even think about what Hatake will do if I send you into a trap.”

“Come on Genma, let’s go.” Iruka urged, impatient to get this over with.

“All right, I’m coming.” he replied, turning to the general to whisper “Don’t worry, I have his back.” before planting a kiss on his cheek and following the scribe out of the tent, a cheeky grin stretched across his face.

“I’ll be watching.” the courier reassured Iruka as he found a good vantage point to watch the meeting. The scribe nodded and headed across the open expanse until he reached the edge of the forest.

Iruka almost jumped out of his skin when a man suddenly ghosted out of the forest and appeared at his side. “Dear gods you startled me.” he practically shrieked, hand going to his chest to calm his racing heart, “Are you Shimata Jun?” he asked when his voice was under control.

“Yes,” the man replied warily, “and who are you that you know my name?”

“Kabuto sent me,” the scribe replied, “My name is Iruka . . . Umino Iruka, Toyo was my cousin.” he added, hoping that a connection to the traitor would convince this man to talk to him.

“Ah,” Jun replied confidently, “a good man, it was a real shame he got caught. He got greedy and rushed into things . . . just like Kabuto wishes to. For myself, I prefer to let things settle out on their own. It’s generally just as effective . . . but a lot safer.”

“So you aren’t planning on helping Kabuto to escape?” Iruka asked doubtfully.

“I didn’t say that.” was the glib reply, “I said I wasn’t going to act against Hatake . . . it’s a death sentence. Kabuto is a sweet little whore though, I wouldn’t mind having him all to myself.”

“Did you tell him that’s all it is?” the scribe asked critically, “Is that what he wants?”

“Who cares what he wants.” was the derisive reply, “Besides, it has to be better than his life is now. What’s the problem, do you want a turn? I could be convinced to share.” he wheedled oily.

“No, no that’s quite alright. He’s a little too used for my taste.” Iruka replied hurriedly, his stomach turning at the thought. “So what should I tell Kabuto?”

“Tell him I’ll come pick him up tomorrow night while he’s still at the medic’s. It should be easy to smuggle him out of camp and then we’re history.” Jun smiled widely, “I’m sick of war and campaigning, it’s time for a little rest and relaxation.”

“Alright, I’ll tell him.” the scribe replied hurriedly, suddenly anxious to get away from this man. “Nice to meet you.” Then he quickly headed back into camp, Genma slipping around the corner and catching up with him.

“So, what is the plot?” the courier asked excitedly.

“He says there’s no plot . . . he just wants Kabuto all to himself so he played along with him.” Iruka frowned worriedly, “I don’t know whether to believe him or not. I certainly would love Kabuto as far from me as possible, but I don’t know if Jun’s trustworthy.”

“Who?” Genma asked with a puzzled frown.

“Shimata Jun . . . at least, that’s what he said his name was. Do you know him?”

“Never heard of him.” the courier replied, “I think we need to go tell Raidou about all this and see what he says.”

The two hurried across camp, intent on informing the general about all that had occurred. When they reached the tent they hurried inside, happy to find that Asuma had joined the general for a game of shogi. They quickly filled the pair in on all that had happened, hoping they could shed some light on the situation.

“That sounds like Shimata.” Asuma finally said, “He’s one of the laziest men I’ve ever had under my command. A born slacker. He doesn’t seem the type to get involved in rebellion.”

“Still,” Raidou countered, “he would have been better off under the old system, like Ibiki. He can’t advance under Hatake without performing.”

“So what should we do?” Iruka finally demanded, hands on his hips. “I need to get back before Kakashi starts wondering where I am.”

“You should go take care of the commander.” Asuma began, blushing brightly when he realized how his comment sounded, “Er, I mean, go help him out. . .” he stammered to a halt, overwhelmed by the unwanted images his mind was conjuring up, memories of how the pair had looked when he, Raidou and Genma had walked in on them. “Just go.” he finally gritted out weakly, “Rai and I will handle this . . . Kakashi doesn’t need the hassle right now.”

“But I need to pass the message on to Kabuto.” Iruka threw back, “You can’t just cut me out of this now.”

“I can and I am.” Raidou said seriously, “This is really too dangerous for you to be doing, you don’t have any training in this kind of thing.”

Iruka just rolled his eyes at the general’s words. “Please . . . I was a slave for over fifteen years. Trust me when I tell you that I’ve handled much worse than this. I’m going to the medic’s tent to give Jun’s message to Kabuto now, and then I’m going home. I expect you to fill me in on what you decide.” With that he tossed his head and stormed out of the tent, hellbent on following his own course of action.

“Follow him Gen.” Raidou asked as soon as the scribe left, “Make sure he gets back to Hatake all right . . . and keep an eye on him, no heroics please.” he ran a hand through his hair and sighed wearily “I’d like to keep my balls another week.”

“Yes dear.” the courier replied snidely, “Anything else I can do for you?”

“I’m sorry Gen,” the general said, pulling him in for a sweet kiss, “I’m just distracted. Could you please keep an eye on Iruka for me and make sure he’s okay. I’ll make it worth your while.” he finished with a leer.

“Now that’s more like it.” the courier replied with a smile, “I’d love to. See you later.” He headed out with a wave while the generals settled back down to finish their game and talk about a strategy for handling this threat.