Warlord

Chapter Fifty-Three

Raidou leapt off his horse and banged on the door, desperate to explain his actions to the warlord and totally unphased by the fact that it was the middle of the night. He pounded on the door and yelled again, finally relaxing when he saw lights come on inside and footsteps were heard approaching.

“Can I help . . .” Iruka trailed off at the sight that met his eyes. “General Namiashi, what are you doing here?” he asked in confusion, “Shouldn’t you be back in camp?”

“I have to see the commander.” he explained in a rush, “I need to explain what Asuma and I were thinking . . .” the scribe cut him off coldly.

“No, you do not need to explain how going behind his back and stealing his command was good for him.” Iruka sneered, “It amazes me how you and General Sarutobi seem to think ‘kashi’s just going to forgive and forget. He’s the one who realized what you were up to you know,” he added with a decisive nod of his head, “you won’t fool him twice.”

“I’m not trying to fool him at all.” Raidou retorted angrily, “Now get the hell out of my way.”

“No, I’m not going to let you hurt him anymore.” the scribe declared stubbornly.

“Look Iruka, either move or I’ll move you.” the general threatened.

“I’d think twice about that if I were you.” a deep voice cut in, causing both men to look up in surprise. “It’s okay ‘ruka.” Kakashi continued when the scribe opened his mouth to protest, “I’ll take care of this.”

“Kakashi, I just had to come and see you . . .” Raidou trailed off uncertainly at the disdainful look on the warlord’s face.

“Just who, may I ask, is in charge if both you and Asuma are here?” the tall man demanded, once again throwing the general off balance.

“No one? I’ll be back by tomorrow night.” he replied hesitantly.

“You expect me to believe you are worried about my ‘enemies’ taking control . . . so worried, in fact, that you saw fit to relieve me of my command, and yet you aren’t worried about leaving that same command with no one in charge?” the warlord growled angrily.

“Oh shit.” the general replied, turning pale, “I didn’t think about that. . . Genma told me not to . . .” he trailed off completely, a look of horror painted on his face as he realized his lover had left him, probably for good.

“Rai,” Kakashi said, shaking him hard, “snap out of it.”

“I blew it.” Raidou mumbled, “I’ve ruined everything.”

“It appears that way.” the warlord said cattily before turning and calling upstairs, “‘ruka, come here please.”

The scribe appeared almost instantly from where he had been hovering just out of sight, monitoring the conversation, determined to prevent anyone from hurting Kakashi any further. “I need to get back to camp immediately.” the warlord explained, “Are you coming?”

“Of course.” was the firm reply, “As if I’d let you go anywhere alone.”

The warlord smiled, “Thank you ‘ruka. It’s good to know I at least have your support.”

“You have my support too,” Raidou chimed in, “you always have.”

The warlord ignored him, turning back inside and letting the door swing shut in his face. He took the steps two at a time, hurriedly dressing and grabbing his weapons before heading back downstairs. “Ruka, are you . . .” he trailed off at the sight of the scribe, dressed for travel and busily packing some food into the backpack he carried.

“I grabbed some things for you.” he explained as he gestured towards the second pack at his feet, “The horses are being saddled . . . are you sure you can ride?”

“I’m sure I have to try.” the warlord replied tersely, “I have no intention of sitting here watching over my shoulder for assassins.”

“Let’s go then.” Iruka replied, squeezing a pale hand before handing over a pack and heading for the door.

“Uchiha, what are you doing here?” the deep voice rumbled as its owner crossed his arms over his chest and glared in annoyance.

“I’m here,” the soft, smooth voice returned, “to make sure the men know someone is in control . . . it appears all of our leaders have fled the coop like the chickens they are.”

“I’d watch what you say.” Jiraiya replied seriously, “Hatake left me in charge while he consults with the generals. I’d hate to have to tell him you were spreading rumors Itachi . . . you know his temper hasn’t been the best of late.”

“Listen old man,” the Uchiha spat back, “get out of my way while I’m giving you the chance . . . otherwise I’ll go right through you to get what I want.”

“That Is Most Unyouthful Of You Itachi.” Gai boomed from behind the slight young man as he dropped a heavy hand on his shoulder. “You Should Know Our Esteemed Commander Hatake Would Never Endanger Us In Such A Way. He Has Always Toiled Ceaselessly For Our Well Being. I Weep Manly Tears Of Sorrow Thinking Of All He Has Suffered On Our Behalf.”

Itachi shuddered as the hand on his shoulder squeezed tightly in warning. Maito Gai might appear to be a fool . . . but he was a powerful fool and much more cunning than he seemed. “I am only stating the truth . . . it seems suspicious that all three of them are missing at once.” Itachi stated smoothly.

“Hatake is still recovering, as is General Sartobi.” Jiraiya argued, “It’s only natural that General Namiashi would want to get their advice on the campaign. He’ll be back tomorrow.” I hope, I hope, he added internally, not feeling nearly as confident as he sounded.

“Tomorrow then.” Itachi spat, “If he’s not back I’ll assume this was all a ploy you cooked up for personal gain. Then we’ll see which of us has the most support.”

Jiraiya nodded brusquely in reply. He seriously hoped Namiashi got his ass back before muster tomorrow. Things like this were the reason why he’d always fervently avoided any sort of command responsibility.

“Why didn’t you push harder?” Kabuto hissed when Itachi related the events of the confrontation.

“Tomorrow will be soon enough pet.” He soothed as he smoothed the grey hair, “Come now, let’s go find something more enjoyable to do while we wait.” he crooned as he drew the reluctant man towards the bed, pulling on his clothes with rough hands as they moved.

“All you want me for is sex.” Kabuto muttered as he was pushed back onto the bed.

“Not true pet.” Itachi replied, “We have much in common . . . our desire to destroy Hatake, for example. Now stop sulking and kiss me.” he commanded as he swooped down and captured his lips.”

Enjoy it now, Kabuto thought, because tomorrow everything’s going to change.