Into the Fire

Chapter Five

Kakashi pulled himself out of his daydream when the gigantic servant who’d prepared him earlier strode into the room and easily lifted him out of the swing, carefully turning him to lie face down on a soft couch. He heard voices, and was relieved when he felt healing chakra pouring into him, knitting up the torn and swollen tissues that were the inevitable result of the Daimyo’s games.

A newly revitalized copy-nin slowly sat up, waiting for the surge of pain that never came. “Thank you.” he whispered hoarsely to the medic.

“Have some water.” the giant rumbled, “They’ll expect you back soon.”

Kakashi gratefully took the offered glass, gulping down the water and wiping the back of his hand across his mouth. “Thank you again.” he said more clearly.

The giant bent and hoisted him yet again, carefully maneuvering through a set of connecting doors into a large room dominated by the biggest bed the copy-nin had ever seen. “Wait here.” came the rumbled command before the door swung shut, leaving Kakashi alone with his thoughts.

Ibiki shouldered his pack and set off toward the gate. It takes three days to get to Grass, he thought, Kakashi only arrived today, I’m sure he’s still fine. Having thus reassured himself the interrogator set off at a feverish pace, determined to halve the usual time for the trip, hoping to retrieve the copy-nin before he suffered any further abuse.

The clan heads remained in the teahouse, arguing fiercely about the problem at hand. “If not Tsunade, then who?” Shikaku asked reasonably, “Kakashi is the only one anywhere near her strength, and knowing what I know now I couldn’t in good conscience support him.”

“That’s a lousy thing to say Nara.” Asuma snarled, lifting his head from the cradle of his arms, “You all know Kakashi is a talented and dedicated shinobi . . . why should what was done to him change anything?”

“It is unfortunate Asuma,” Hiashi interjected, “but think of the repercussions if, in his capacity as Hokage, Kakashi was forced to deal with some of the same men who had abused him. I doubt they would take him, or this village, seriously. Not to mention the fact that Hatake might just choose to kill them himself, making a messy situation even messier.” He stopped and took a breath, eyeing the men around the table cautiously, “I propose we set a new standard. The Hokage doesn’t necessarily need to be the strongest, merely command the loyalty of the strongest. Perhaps, we should be looking for a man who is universally respected and admired instead.”

The assembled shinobi pondered Hiashi’s words carefully. What he suggested made sense, but it went against everything they’d been taught to believe.

“I take it you have someone in mind Hyuuga.” Shibi said softly, “Why don’t you just tell us who it is.”

“Umino Iruka.” Hiashi said abruptly, “Everyone, civilian and shinobi alike, admires him. He’s always cheery, has taught most of the younger shinobi . . . and certainly has no trouble maintaining order, it only takes one trip to the mission office to see how easily he manages to keep the jounin in line.” He trailed off uneasily, unsure of what the others were thinking.

“I have no problem with Iruka.” Chouza began, “Assuming I accept your original idea, that is. Won’t the other villages take advantage of our Hokage’s apparent weakness?”

“How on earth would they know how weak or strong he is . . . it’s not like the kages engage in a wrestling match before they meet. Most of the Hokage’s duties are administrative, I’m sure the day to day affairs of the village will run much more smoothly under Iruka’s care. If it comes to battle . . . every shinobi of the leaf will be at his back, I really don’t see a cause for concern.” Hiashi explained carefully, seeing realization dawn on the faces of Tsume and Shikaku.

“Well, someone should go get him then . . .” Shibi drawled.

“I’ll go.” Asuma volunteered, “I could use some fresh air.” He rose and slowly left the teahouse, heading for the mission office in hopes of finding Iruka. He slid through the doors just before closing, carefully taking a place at the end of the queue in front of the teacher.

“Asuma-san,” the chuunin said in surprise when he reached the head of the line, “I didn’t know you were on a mission.”

“Not exactly a mission Iruka . . . some of the clan leaders would like to speak with you. Would you mind coming with me when you get off?” Asuma politely requested.

“Is this going to take long? I have grading to do.” Iruka fretted as he stuffed his belongings into a satchel.

“Don’t think so.” Asuma replied cheerily as he slung an arm around the chuunin’s shoulders and steered him off into the night.

When they reached the teahouse, Iruka slowed. “Am I in some kind of trouble?” he asked, worry apparent on his face, “I just want to be prepared.”

“It’s nothing bad sensei, I promise.” the bearded jounin replied with a wide smile, “You can trust me, I wouldn’t lead you into a trap.”

“Of course I trust you Asuma-san.”, the teacher replied primly, “You’re a shinobi of the leaf, I trust you with my life.”

“Ah, Iruka.” Hiashi said with a welcoming smile, “Come and join us please. We have a favor we’d like to ask of you.”

“Of course, I will be glad to assist you.” the chuunin responded politely, “What is it I can do for you?”

“We have decided to remove Tsunade from her position as Hokage. It has come to our attention that she has been misusing her power and encouraging the abuse of one of her men . . . we will no longer allow her to sully the name of the leaf.” Tsume said angrily.

“When Tsunade came to power circumstances were different . . . we were overwhelmed by the loss of Sandaime and the threat from Sound. Now those factors have been eliminated.” Shikaku continued in a matter-of-fact tone.

“What they are trying to say is that we would be honored if you would accept the mantle of Hokage, Iruka.” Hiashi finished with a broad smile.

“Me?” the teacher said incredulously, “I’m just a chuunin academy teacher . . . why in god’s name would you want me to be Hokage?”

“Everyone likes you Iruka. All the active shinobi know you and respect you, plus you have good relations with the civilians as well. You are one of the best at organization and administration . . . and that’s a lot of what a Hokage does. If you need help you’ll have the council, the clan heads and ANBU to lean on.” Shikaku explained lazily, “Just say yes already, there’s no good reason not to. If you don’t I’m not sure we’ll be able to come up with another candidate we feel comfortable with.”

“I need to understand why you’re doing this.” the teacher finally said, “It sounds a lot like treason to me. No offense to anyone here . . . but I am loyal to my village.”

“No offense taken Iruka.” Hiashi replied almost cheerily, “Tsunade has ongoing expenses for her gambling and sake habits, add to that her outstanding debts and she found herself in dire financial straights. She has decided that the best way to meet those obligations is to force one of her high-ranking jounin to act as a sex slave for hire.”

“Oh my god.” Iruka choked, covering his face with his hand in dismay, “Who is it?” he finally managed through gritted teeth.

“Hatake Kakashi.” Asuma choked out, “I feel so guilty Iruka . . .my own father started this whole horrible mess, he used Kakashi’s father . . . and after Minato died he used Kakashi too. I can’t stop thinking about how much he must hate this place and everyone who lives here.”

“It’s alright ‘suma.” the teacher said kindly, wrapping an arm around the man’s broad shoulders and drawing him down to sit next to him. “I’m sure that Hatake-san loves the village very much . . . if anyone could have gone rogue and survived it’s him, yet despite what he’s been ordered to do he’s remained a loyal shinobi of the leaf. And didn’t I see you two at the barbecue stand last week? I’ve seen how well Hatake-san dodges Gai-sensei . . . there’s no way he’d eat with you if he didn’t want to.”

“And that is why we want you to be the next Hokage.” Shibi remarked quietly, “I think the people of the leaf need a leader who truly cares about their well being.”

“I guess I accept.” the teacher replied in a daze, “What will I do about my classes?”

“We’ll all help you get it sorted out and settled in. First though, we have a little housecleaning to do.” Tsume barked angrily, slamming her balled fist into her hand. At that the clan heads rose as one, bowed to the teacher and headed off to the tower, leaving Iruka to wonder if perhaps he’d hit his head at some point and this was all a bizarre hallucination.

With that thought pounding through his brain the teacher slowly headed home, absently shoveling some cold rice into his mouth before tumbling into bed. I hope all this makes some kind of sense in the morning, he thought as his eyes slipped shut and he passed into sleep.

Kakashi tensed when the door opened, the Daimyo and his friends laughing and joking as they entered. “Are you ready for your reward boy?” his tormentor asked with narrowed eyes.

“Yes Master, whatever you desire.” the copy-nin spat out sullenly, “Where do you wish me?”

“Right there on the bed is perfect. You,” the Daimyo continued as he stroked sticky fingers over the copy-nin’s silky flesh, “are going to get to try out those new piercings of yours . . . we want to see how well you can fuck boy, we expect you to give us a good show.”

The door opened again and the giant strode in, dropping a boy of twelve or thirteen onto the mattress. “Have at him boy.” the Daimyo urged, “You earned it.”

“I will not.” the copy-nin snarled, “He’s a child for god’s sake.”

“You will do as you’re told boy.” the Daimyo threatened.

“I will not.” Kakashi declared icily, turning his back defiantly as he quickly calculated his odds if it came to a fight. Damn chakra block, he thought angrily, still . . . I can definitely take these four, it’s the big guy I’ve got to worry about. He was unsurprised when the Daimyo grabbed his shoulder, whipping him around so they were face to face.

“Are you saying no to me slut?” the Daimyo growled angrily.

“I’m saying hell no.” the copy-nin barked back, “No children. I’ll even go so far as to warn you . . . if any of you touch that boy I’ll have no qualms about killing you. Let him leave and you can go back to torturing me, I’ll not fight you.”

“You don’t order me boy.” the Daimyo screeched, “I’ll do whatever I choose.”

“Not this time.” Kakashi growled, grasping a pudgy wrist in long fingers and twisting it expertly, dropping the Daimyo to his knees, “Let him go.”

The Daimyo sullenly gestured for one of the men to open the door. The moment he did the boy leapt from the bed and bolted down the hall. As soon as the door shut the copy-nin dropped his hold and returned to his submissive posture. “Your funeral boy.” the Daimyo muttered angrily as he stormed to the door and yelled down the hall.

“Jubo,” he began when the monstrously large servant loomed in the door, “this boy, refused his reward.” he said, gesturing towards Kakashi. “I believe he needs a lesson in how to fuck.”

“As you wish my lord,” he rumbled. Jubo strode towards the copy-nin, sweeping him up and tossing him back on the bed before settling himself on the edge and pulling a startled Kakashi into his lap.