Into the Fire

Chapter Sixty

It was evening two days later when the party from Konoha finally reached the gates of Suna. “See Gen, you were worried about nothing.” Iruka quipped with a smile, “We didn’t have a single problem on the way here.”

“I guess I’m just paranoid.” the honey-haired man reluctantly admitted, “I still have this feeling something’s going to happen.”

No sooner had he spoken than they were intercepted by group of Suna nin. “Please follow us, Hokage-sama.” their leader requested respectfully, “The Kazekage wishes to see you immediately.”

“Could we clean up first?” the Rokudaime fretted, “I don’t want to meet Gaara looking like this.”

“My orders were to deliver you directly to him immediately on arrival.” the Sand nin replied with a shrug, “He doesn’t really notice such things anyway, I wouldn’t worry if I were you.”

“So why did every hair just stand up on my neck.” Genma whispered worriedly as they hurried toward the palace.

“God it’s good to see you Rai.” the senbon sucker swore as he moved to embrace his best friend, “I can’t believe you’re getting married.”

“I’ve missed you too, Gen.” Raidou replied gleefully, “I’m so glad you’re finally here. I want you to meet my fiancé . . . Gaara, this is my best friend Shiranui Genma, Gen, meet my intended Sabaku no Gaara, Kazekage of Suna.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you.” the honey-haired man replied in delight, “You’re a lucky man Gaara . . . Rai’s a sweetie.”

“Yes, I am lucky.” the redhead replied with surprise, “He is very beautiful, is he not?”

“Inside and out.” Genma responded seriously, making Raidou blush brightly.

“I’m sorry if I worried you . . . I wanted to make sure I gave you the news personally.” the Kazekage began formally, “Hatake Kakashi was tortured and nearly killed by my brother twelve days ago. He has had fifteen surgeries so far, and another was scheduled for this afternoon . . . I imagine it’s over by now. He, unfortunately, will not be making a full recovery. Perhaps you should read the medical report.” he suggested, holding a thick folder out to the shocked brunet, “It will explain everything more clearly.”

“I want to see him.” Iruka demanded immediately.

“He does not wish to see anyone from Konoha.” the redhead demurred, “Just read the file, then you’ll understand.”

“I don’t care what he wishes.” the Hokage barked angrily, “He is a Konoha nin, he will speak with me.”

“As you wish.” Gaara conceded, “I have no desire for animosity between us Umino-san. Please read the report first though . . . you need to be prepared.”

Iruka’s face paled as he read the account of Kakashi’s injuries, finally dropping the folder and rushing out onto the balcony to vomit over the edge. When he came back inside his face was set and normally warm chocolate eyes were hard as stone. “I cannot let this pass, Kazekage-sama. Brother or no, Konoha demands retribution for these crimes.”

“Kankuro is in custody awaiting Morino-san’s punishment.” the redhead hastened to explain, “I asked that he wait until after the wedding.”

“I see.” the former teacher replied coldly, “Will you take me to the hospital now?”

Once the arrived he took a moment to compose himself before quietly opening the door, heart aching at the sight of the haggard interrogator slumped in a chair next to the broken copy-nin. The Hokage cleared his throat, getting the dozing man to look up before he whispered “How is he doing Ibiki?”

“The operation went very well . . . they didn’t remove his testicles after all. I’m sure he’ll be relieved when he finds out.” the scarred man answered hesitantly, “Over all though . . . he’s not doing anything to help himself Iruka, it’s like he’s given up.”

“I’m not deaf, you know.” the copy-nin chimed in acerbically, “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.”

“I thought you were asleep ‘kashi.” the interrogator hastened to explain, “I didn’t want to wake you.”

“I wish to speak with the Hokage in private.” the copy-nin declared formally, “Please leave us.” Ibiki cast a worried look at the Rokudaime before heading for the door.

He stopped with his hand on the knob. “I’ll be right outside sweetheart.” the scarred man declared before leaving, not quite slamming the door as he left.

“I have a request Hokage-sama.” Kakashi stated flatly the instant the door shut behind the interrogator.

“Certainly Hatake-san, I’ll do whatever is within my power.” Iruka assured him with a smile.

“Take Ibiki with you please.” the copy-nin entreated, “I can’t be what he needs . . . not anymore.” he continued morosely, “You and Genma will make him happy, he’ll forget about me.”

“What about you?” Iruka asked in concern, “What do you need?”

“To get out of this hospital.” Kakashi replied mournfully, “I hate hospitals . . . until then . . . just take Ibiki back home, please. It breaks my heart to look at him.”

“I can’t do that Hatake-san, not if he doesn’t want to go.” the Rokudaime responded warmly, “Kurenai is outside, by the way. She’s dying to see you.”

“I can’t let anyone see me like this.” the copy-nin retorted bitterly, “Look at me . . . it even makes me sick when I look at myself.”

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop her.” Iruka decided with a chuckle, “But I’ll try. We had hoped you and Ibiki would travel back with us after the wedding . . . you two are sorely missed.”

“Itachi knows a surgeon in Iwa . . . I may head there when I can travel.” Kakashi mumbled, “In any event, I won’t be going back to Konoha.”

“That is unacceptable. You are a leaf ninja . . . I have need of your skills.” the Hokage replied crisply.

“I am no longer fit for duty.” the copy-nin explained, “I was told the risks are too high to run missions . . . even assuming I heal as well as predicted.”

“We need your mind Kakashi.” the Rokudaime assured him, “Not just your body.”

“Aaaaa.” the copy-nin equivocated, “I’m very tired Umino-san . . . I’m afraid we’ll have to continue this another time. Please consider my request . . . Ibiki needs you.”

“No . . . he needs you.” Iruka whispered, but Kakashi had already shut his eyes, and if he heard he did not respond.

The Hokage slipped out into the hall, surprised to find Uchiha Itachi and Kisame quietly speaking with Ibiki. “He’s on his way Morino-san.” the Otokage explained tonelessly, “We should know something in a few days.”

“How is he doing?” the interrogator asked anxiously when he spotted Iruka.

“He wants you to come stay with Genma and I . . . permanently.” the former teacher replied sadly, “He, on the other hand, isn’t planning on returning to the village.”

“Hopefully the specialist I summoned will give him reason to change his mind.” Itachi offered, “He is extremely skilled in dealing with this sort of injury.”

“Thank you Uchiha-san.” Iruka replied with a wan smile, “I appreciate your efforts on Hatake-san’s behalf.”

“Kakashi-san is very important to us.” Kisame hastened to explain, “We will do anything we can for him.”

“Except grant his request for sanctuary.” Itachi added absently, “I won’t let him hide himself from the world.”

“Oh my god.” the Hokage exclaimed, hand covering his mouth in shock, “He wasn’t wearing his mask . . . I just realized.”

“Sempai is an arresting man, isn’t he?” the Otokage remarked idly.

“Gaara’s pretty . . . and so are you Itachi.” the former teacher hastened to add, “But Kakashi’s gorgeous without being at all feminine . . . he must break hearts when he smiles.”

“Kashi has a beautiful smile.” Ibiki remarked wistfully, “I hope I get another chance to see it.”

Kurenai listened to their conversation with half her mind, the other half racing to find a way to help her friend. “I’m going in to see him now.” she declared, only to be stopped by a frantic interrogator.

“No, you can’t.” he panicked, “Kashi doesn’t want anyone to see him like this.”

“We don’t always get what we want.” the kunoichi declared, “He’s acting like an idiot. I don’t care how injured he is . . . someone has to talk some sense into his stubborn ass.” That said she brushed past the startled men and disappeared into Kakashi’s room, leaving them staring after her in shock, waiting for the explosion they were sure would come.