Permission To Seek

Chapter 55 Autopsy

{WARNING:XGC, child autopsy}

{This chapter is inspired by: Linkin Park The Little Things Give You Away}

Vacant eyes stared blindly at the overhead florescent lights, once a deep ruby color now a muddy brown the color barely noticeable in the clotted blood stained sockets. The child lay cold on the examination table, mouth slightly parted due to the swollen blackened tongue. Her badly decomposed body still maintained some areas of skin covered in marble shades gray and blue. Medical staff has made the determination that this level of decomposition could only be due to the body exposure to the elements. Although the body discovered in a small marsh during routine border patrol, the examiner estimated the submersion in water was between twenty-four and forty-eight hours. Several factors related to the girls’ death as well as the body appears relocated to that area which contributes to classifying the case suspicious.

EXAM 1 EXTERNAL:
External examination revealed female age between eleven and thirteen years, height four feet and five inches. No clothing or personal belongs were on victim or in the immediate vicinity. Remains located in a body of water accurate determination of body weight highly unlikely however, examination will note despite evidence of bloating such as to say the body absorbed water in an amount that extends the skin giving it a stretched appearance and in some areas, elasticity exceeded maximum capacity causing, skin rupture. I will presume average weight for child of this approximate age, examiner note upon meeting with next of kin will adjust records appropriately.

EXAM REVIEW NOTES:
Female body remains in examiners office decomposition although halted by medical staff is very severe, visual identification not possible. Release of information to public reserved until dental records are confirmed {Authorized by the Fifth Hokage}.

EXAM 2 EXTERNAL:
My initial examination of the remains, indicated signs of bloating examination medics have corrected the problem I am able to proceed with the autopsy. My first observation after searching for signs of possible injury is that there is a cranial wound length one and one half inches in diameter. Therefore, I will conduct my internal examination focusing on this area first. Further, external notes numerous insects and other marine life type wounds to the body. It is note worthy to state they seemed to be presented at postmortem i.e. the victim was dead at time that she sustained the these wounds. Victim has two openings each two quarters inch in diameter on left and right sides of each wrist as well as similar openings on either side of both ankles. The areas are free from signs of injury the examination will hypothesis that these openings are unique the individual and not associated with cause of death.


EXAM 1 INTERNAL {CRANIAL}:
Upon reviewing the cranial region, I noted an injury at the dorsal portion of skull. Retracting the skin reveals the skullcap, which once removed, the presence of subdural hemorrhage (bleeding beneath the Dura, the membrane the envelopes the brain) is present. In addition, the bone fractured inward leaving a spherical-shaped wound in the brain, imbedded with cranial material. Object that would cause this type of injury has not yet been determined. The examiner theorizes the object that caused injury is small pointed cylinder shaped. Since wound exit is at the base of skull, the probability that the instrument traveled at an excessive speed from a height above the victim is likely. Based on the findings the cause of death will be blunt force trauma to the head, *murder*.


EXAM 2 INTERNAL {CHEST AND ABDOMEN}:
A Y-Shape incision utilized to open the chest cavity and determine if there is present additional data that is note worthy to the cause of death. Lungs are normal in size although decomposition extensive the examiner will note fluid is not present, theory that victim placed in body of water post mortem confirmed. The presence of developed chakra circulatory features indicates victim is a Shinobi. My next investigation will determine how long victim used chakra; perhaps create a time line that techniques were utilized; this may narrow down the victims’ identification.

“There will be no need to examine her further.” The silent observer approached the table reaching in a large box of latex gloves.

“You are not authorized to participate in this autopsy. I will continue to document and record any findings that will assist in discovering her killer.” The head medical examiner had agreed to allow the teen to remain present at the request of the Hokage, although she said only for observation purposes. “If you have problems with my examination take it to the Fifth.” He did not care for the arrogant Aburame.

Shino tilted his head unlike the medic he did not ware the protective facial guard or mouth cover it appeared the smell did not bother him.

“Small men often hide behind those of power in hopes of elevating their position.” His brows knitted behind the dark frames the medic giving him a blank look. “In other words, I will not ‘take’ anything to the Fifth; however you are welcome to enjoy that adventure.”

His last words punctuated with a horde of Kikai surrounding the examiner in a whirling cloud. Whipping around the medical examiner several feet in the air and tossing him out the room, hovering mincingly before returning to the host, barring the door.

The medic crawled on his hands and knees his chakra reduced by the opportunistic insects. Reaching for an intercom gritting his teeth, ‘Son of a B!tch!’ “Inform the Fifth that Aburame just assaulted me and blocked the door! I can not get to the child!” The com chirped in confirmation as he attempted to pull himself to his feet. Staring through the observation window, the dark clothed Shinobi blocking most of the child’s remains his back to the glass. The examiner punched the unbreakable surface swearing at the teen.

Standing at the edge of the table he stared at the openings in her arms closely, there is no doubt she is from their clan. Spreading a large palm over the center of her chakra circulatory system, he whispered the hidden technique. The Kikai hovering over the examine table swooped to cover the glass blocking the technique from view. The decomposed flesh yields a mottled three-inch cocoon, blackened with decay the outer surface should maintain a hardened surface however, this shell felt soft between his fingers. He methodically placed the pod in a vile filling it with a preserving fluid, closing it tightly.

Finally directing his attention back on the child, her facial features distorted with decay however her eyes, held something more. He leaned over the cadaver his mind reconstructing the shape of the macabre visage from the eyes outward; images of children from his clan one by one passing through his mind. ‘*The dead will tell their story from the grave; it is a silent message of the life they lived.*’ Standing straighter, a set of ruby eyes glowing across a darkened room stood out in his memory. ‘She would fit this profile, how has it come to this?’ Shino now realizes whom this victim is her voice echoed in his head.

“*I believed you would overthrow him and take your place as Head of the Clan. Please save us.*”

“*How many must die while you hesitate!*”

‘I swear your death will not go unpunished, we will kill the one responsible.’ He put his hands together making several signs, ignoring the pounding on the door. “Hai-Ninaru!” (Reduce to ash). The body glowed shortly surrounded by a white light.

Tsunade entered the morgue and waved the ninja attempting access out of her way. Walking to the observation glass currently covered with a blanket of Kikai. ‘She must be from their Clan it has to be the reason he wants to be alone with her remains.’ “Shino allow me to enter we will discuss what you have discovered.” The Fifth has a short temper as everyone knew; before she plucked, the glass to dust the insects retreated. Tsunade noticed the door open as well however now the room stood empty, as she and the medical team entered.

“Hokage-sama look at the remains, he has destroyed them!” The chief examiner growled. “That son of a b!tch! I knew it was a problem allowing that boy in here!”

“Watch your tongue or I’ll remove it.” Tsunade shot, she did not like her decisions questioned, especially by a ninja on his level. Shino arrived in her office several hours ago informing her that his team would turn up in the morning. She felt proud of herself for realizing that the brat sent the bug clone ahead of the others. Thinking that the remains discovered may relate to Kuni-te she asked him to make some observations believing the gifted medic could assist them on their investigation upon his return. She did not expect the Clone to take matters into its own hands and destroy the body.

Walking to the table, she stared at the ashes, “Give me any and all data you collected so far, since this person was a child of the Aburame Clan it should not be difficult to determine which one of my Shinobi from the clan is missing.”

“Tsunade-sama, what should we do with the ashes?”

She stared down, wondering how the insects left so quickly, her mind not truly on the current situation. ‘If Kuni-te is responsible for this child’s death, Shino’s theory of smoke and mirrors is incorrect. Now with the evidence destroyed how can we determine who is responsible?’ “Her remains, please save them for burial inform the clan once identification has been determined.” She did not want to believe Shino is part of the conspiracy with the old bastard to make him look the hero by killing his uncle a terrible villain. Since he destroyed this child remains it seems obvious he did not want something discovered, perhaps he is trying to conceal Kuni-te’s treachery.

Two of her top guards appeared behind her. “Genma, Asuma rendezvous with team Morino and take Aburame Shino into custody take as many ANBU members as needed, but keep the border patrol at sixty-five percent. They are traveling with several others they should be of assistance. I do not believe he will resist but we will err on the side of caution, understood leave immediately.” They both nodded leaving in a blink the Fifth regretting the decision.

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The clone moved at an alarming rate in its determination to reach Shino with the news of a child’s death. The creature possessed no true feelings it actually reflected its sensations based on instinct and images it received from Shino. Therefore, the knowledge of Ruby’s death did not cause it any sorrow for her passing only the acknowledgement that the host will be aggrieved and angry by the event. The Kikai were as much a tool, an inanimate object likening itself to an extended sharp instrument that can make calculating decisions when needed. Despite its contention not to possess human senses, it did have one, which it did not consider a completely human trait. Its vindictive nature, the trait that was never sated with defeating an enemy until they were walking with the Necromancer. It took pleasure, in causing extreme pain one Shino shared with it although the boy knew when to decease the torment.

During one of their numerous discussions about the Kikai’s connection to human emotions, Shino pointed out the very valid issue.

‘The fact that you wish to distinguish yourself, Kikai, from that of humans demonstrates that you are an entity that is as close in nature at least to that of primates; although a primate would not argue the validity of their relationship to mankind. Actually you are closer to humankind than that species since you contain an aspect primates will never learn, pride.’

The consideration of Shino’s words caused a sense of urgency in the cluster of insects, it did not enjoy when the boy correctly calculated its actions. Their mental war almost a constant up until three years ago, now the Kikai never disagreed it was as if they have finally become one and now perfectly in accord with each other thoughts. The Kikai smirked at its other similarities to humans; its queen would not rest tonight, and soon as opportunity presented itself there are a few others it intended to molest. Well, not in a manner that a human would, but absorbing Chakra especially at certain times, from particular individuals with whom it has an attraction is intoxicating, in an erotic manner.

They landed in the Aburame cemetery, its physical form switching like a chameleon, so it blended with the darker foliage of the surrounding forest. They shimmered briefly then collapsed in thousand of tiny bodies entering the thick grass crawling toward its destination. There was one mausoleum, which his uncle had taken him to often when he was young; this is not where his mother remains laid, this sacred sight reserved for founders, and leaders of the Aburame Clan. The Kikai knew this would be the first question to cross the host mind when the information it collected merged in their common thoughts. It did not take long to reach the crypt of the unnamed warrior. Before resuming its clone form, the Kikai scouts returned passing the ominous message that patrols over this portion of their land was no longer prioritized, they merged at once becoming the six-foot Shinobi and quickly released the seal that protected the remains.

Descending the narrow stair down to the darkness below, the non-human creatures stood in front of the cement casket its conversation with the Jonin Guy created numerous questions it wanted answered. The host would not be pleased if the remains prove to be Shibi-sama. The clone dissolved surrounding the casket on all sides seeking an entrance. In a few minutes, two opening discovered; one attached to a long tube that allowed air to flow in. The other tube contained residue of distilled water. The Kikai swarmed into both tubular openings gathering data for the host, wondering why a crypt would need air and water.

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Sorry for the long wait, another chapter right behind this one, as always thanks for reading. Yes the story is getting much darker toward the end.