Warlord

A/N Sorry for the delay . . . If you want to see why read my other new story Matchmaker, Matchmaker!

Chapter Fifty-One

“I’m going to go talk to him.” Raidou declared as soon as Genma delivered the news.

“That is exactly what you are NOT going to do.” the courier replied, “General Sarutobi was very clear that you should stay here and let him handle it.”

“Yeah, it’s obvious he’s handling it so well.” the general replied sarcastically. “Look, Kakashi will listen to me, he knows I’d never betray him.”

“Oh really . . . and what does sticking your dick in him without permission qualify as then?” Genma asked angrily, “I’d like to see you survive this, and that means I’m not letting you go.”

“I’d like to see you try and stop me.” Raidou retorted angrily.

“Just calm down for a minute and think about this. If you go there will be no one in command here . . . it would be the perfect opening for whoever is in on this plot to take over. The commander and General Sarutobi are counting on you to take care of things here, you can’t let them down.” the courier explained, “We’ll be back there in a couple of weeks, you’ll be more likely to get Kakashi to see you if you have a victory to regale him with.” He paused thoughtfully before continuing, “Besides, the general said he couldn’t get past Iruka to even talk to Hatake . . . he and Kurenai are even moving out at Iruka’s request so as not to upset the commander. No matter what your relationship is with Hatake there’s no love lost between you and Iruka.”

“This is all his fault.” Raidou groused, “Everything was fine before that damn scribe came along.”

“I’d be careful if I were you,” the courier cautioned, “you’re sounding a lot like Ibiki.”

“I thought you were on my side.” the general bit out angrily, “It sounds to me like you’ve joined the Iruka fan club.”

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you.” Genma replied coldly, “Let me make this clear. Hatake told you he wasn’t interested, Iruka or no Iruka. You need to let this go before you totally alienate him . . . and me.” he added under his breath.

Raidou was so angry that the words just weren’t processing. “Kakashi is my friend.” he retorted angrily, “It’s my job to protect him . . . even from himself.”

“That’s it.” Genma bellowed, effectively derailing the general’s thoughts. “I am fed up with doting on your every whim only to come in second to a man who’s not even interested. You do whatever you want . . . but do it as far from me as possible. I do not want to see your sorry hide darkening my door ever again. I’m through with you.” he spat, grabbing his things and rushing out into the night.


What did I do? Raidou thought shaking his head, I just don’t get it. He refocused on the problem at hand. I need to go see Kakashi, he decided, I’ll patch things up with Genma when I get back, that’ll give him time to cool down. He hurriedly stuffed some things in a pack and saddled his horse, planning on riding through the night and arriving the next evening. I’ll only be gone a couple of days, he reasoned, that won’t hurt anything.

Several sets of eyes followed the general’s movements as he rode out of camp, the looks they wore varied from disappointed to amused to triumphant. Unaware of each other, yet almost in unison, the three watchers turned to go and act on what they had just observed.

Idiot, Genma thought viciously, I thought you had more brains. He knew he should stick to his resolution and let Raidou hang himself with his actions . . . but he just couldn’t. So he wracked his brains trying to decide who he should let know about the general’s departure.

The tall dark haired man smiled. Interesting, it looks like Genma and the general are on the outs. He had been interested in the courier for awhile . . . and the one time he’d come close Namiashi had interfered. This time he’d get what he wanted with no interference.

Finally, Kabuto thought triumphantly, I knew he couldn’t stay away from Hatake. He and his allies had been waiting for the general to leave so they could assume control. Soon, he thought as he rubbed his hands together, soon your balls will be mine Hatake.

Genma arrived at the tent he’d been seeking and stopped to collect his thoughts before calling to announce his presence. “General, I have a message for you.”

“Enter.” the deep voice called.

The courier lifted the flap and slid into the tent. “I have a message from Commander Hatake.” he lied, hoping that proof wouldn’t be asked for, “He needs you to assume command while he meets with generals Namiashi and Sarutobi.”

“Oh he does, does he?” the white haired man replied sarcastically, “And I’m going to agree because?”

“Because you pledged your loyalty?” Genma offered tentatively.

“Ha, to that pup? He’s a good commander to be sure, but not half the man his father was.”, the general responded.

“Because otherwise he’ll lose control completely.” the courier admitted reluctantly.

“Spill.” the general demanded, “And don’t leave anything out . . . I want to know what it is I’m getting myself into.” The courier quickly ran through the recent events, touching briefly on the plot against Kakashi and Raidou’s rash actions, but leaving out the details of their fight or its reasons.

“So, I was the best choice in your mind?” he asked when the tale finally petered out.

“I thought you’d stay loyal to Hatake . . . I wasn’t sure about anyone else. You need to assume power before anyone else realizes he’s gone.” Genma said urgently.

“I still don’t know,” the older man pondered, “what advantage is there for me?”

“You’ll get in Hatake’s good graces.” the courier bribed.

“I’m not so sure of that, based on what you’ve told me. Still, it would be better than the alternative. Alright kid, I’ll do it. Now go away and let people know so I can get back to sleep, I’ll take over at muster.” With that he turned his back on the courier, heading back to his bed and the few hours of sleep he had remaining.

Genma left the general’s tent and headed for the mess. I’ll just let whoever’s there know and then I’ll grab some sleep, he reasoned. He walked inside and quickly talked to the few souls still awake. Turning to leave he ran into the solid wall of another man’s chest. “Aoshi, how are you?” he asked warmly, he hadn’t seen his friend since the day he’d gotten back together with Raidou.

“I’ve missed you Genma.” the tall man purred, “You’ve been keeping to yourself. Come to my tent for a drink and we’ll catch up.”

The courier thought for only a moment, he knew his friend was offering more than drinks, the question was if he was interested. He looked the tall man up and down. Aoshi was handsome, attentive and wanted him . . . yeah, he was interested. It had been too long since he’d had that kind of attention. “That sounds great.” he responded with a smirk, “Let’s go.”

“It’s time.” Kabuto whispered, bringing the sleeping man instantly awake.

“Who else have you told?” was the response.

“You’re the first, I’ll be going now.” the grey-haired man said quietly, “I’ll see you in a few hours at the usual place.”

“I’ll be there.” The quiet response fell unremarked as Kabuto was already gone, leaving him to prepare for the events ahead.