Into the Fire

Chapter Sixty-Eight

“Where’d they go?” Ibiki rumbled suspiciously when he lost sight of Zabuza and the copy-nin.

“They were headed in that direction.” Raidou supplied helpfully, turning and pointing toward the door.

“Shit.” the interrogator exclaimed as he noticed Kakashi being pulled out the door by the Mizukage and the Daimyo from Grass.

“I’ll go with you.” Kisame growled angrily, “This is totally unacceptable.”

The angry pair stormed out of the banquet hall, concerned eyes following their progress. “What was that all about?” Genma asked placidly as he joined the group and handed Iruka a drink.

“The new Mizukage just asked if he could have Hatake-san as his consort.” the Rokudaime replied with concern, “When I said no he dragged Kakashi off . . . Ibiki and Kisame went to straighten it out.”

“Without backup?” the senbon-sucker asked incredulously, “They’ll kill him.”

“Payback’s a bitch.” the former teacher muttered angrily, making his lover clutch his genitals in fear at the seldom heard tone in his voice.

“Why haven’t you two ever married?” Gaara asked softly, “Raidou says you’ve been together forever.”

“I’m afraid such unions aren’t allowed in Konoha.” Iruka replied sadly, “I envy you.”

“But you’re the Hokage . . . surely you can change the law?” the Kazekage retorted, “Unless you don’t want to?”

“I’d like nothing more.” the former teacher answered honestly, “But I’m afraid it’s not up to me . . . such decisions are in the hands of the council of elders . . . and they’re not as open-minded as you are.”

“I think you’d find them more open these days Iruka.” Asuma suggested, “They backed you for Hokage knowing your proclivities, after all.”

“Still,” the Rokudaime replied softly, “that doesn’t mean they want to encourage it . . .”

“If you’re interested bring it up . . . I’ll back you, so will Hiashi.” the bearded man continued as he lit another cigarette.

“Back him for what?” Kurenai asked as she joined her husband, slipping under his arm and leaning against him comfortably.

“Allowing men to marry.” Asuma answered shortly, “It’s about time we moved into the modern age.”

“Where’s Kakashi?” she asked him quietly, “I’ve been looking all over for him . . . there are some people I’d like him to meet.”

“The new Mizukage propositioned him, he even threatened war.” Iruka growled, “Then the bastard dragged him away.”

“Where’s Ibiki?” the kunoichi exclaimed.

“He and Kisame went to get Hatake-san back.” Itachi responded calmly, “I wouldn’t worry . . . nothing will happen to sempai while they’re watching his back.”

“Still . . .” the dark haired woman fretted, chewing her lip as she tried to visualize the possible outcomes, “Shouldn’t someone go after them?”

As soon as the doors to the hall shut behind the trio the copy-nin began to struggle in earnest. “I will not.” he insisted, digging in his heels mulishly, then stumbling forward when Zabuza gave a hard yank on his still captive arm.

“Now, now boy.” the Daimyo hissed as he fisted his hand in silver locks and twisted Kakashi to face him, “We’ll think you’re not happy to see us.”

“Why the fuck would I be happy to see you.” the copy-nin spat back angrily, “You’re a sick pervert.”

“Watch how you speak to your superiors, boy.” the Daimyo warned as he slapped the jounin hard across the face, “Otherwise we’ll have to punish you.”

“Like hell you will.” the copy-nin growled angrily, “I don’t have to do this anymore.”

“You will do what I tell you to do.” Zabuza rumbled in frustration, “Now move your slow ass.”

“Let him go.” Ibiki barked from the doorway.

“Look,” the Mizukage bit out, eager to get to his rooms with his prize, “I already said I’m willing to share . . . can we just get on with this, please?” before once again towing the hapless copy-nin behind him.

“You may be willing to share.” the interrogator husked darkly, “I, however, am not. If you do not remove your hands I’ll take them off at the wrist.”

“Big words . . . care to back them up?” the swordsman asked with a bark of laughter as he turned to face the threat.

“If he doesn’t, I will.” Kisame declared, “Hatake-san helped Itachi and me, I’ll do whatever I need to do to help him in return.”

“Enough.” the copy-nin bellowed, causing them all to fall back in fear as white-hot chakra began to flicker in his palms, “I refuse to allow this to continue. You,” he declared, pointing a finger at Zabuza, “need to learn that no means no, and you,” he continued, turning to face the Daimyo, “have been warned already. As far as you two are concerned,” he concluded as he turned towards Ibiki and Kisame, “I can fight my own battles, thank you for your concern.”

“No.” the interrogator growled angrily, “That is not acceptable . . . no one is going to manhandle you in front of me and get away with it.”

“Both of you stop it.” Kurenai’s high-pitched voice cut through the argument, causing all five men to turn and stare at the petite woman in shock.

“Who the fuck are you?” Zabuza asked incredulously.

“She’s my wife.” growled Asuma, who had followed the kunoichi out of the hall after them. “Watch the way you talk to her.”

“Maybe you should tell the little missus to keep her nose out of other people’s business before she ends up getting hurt.” the Daimyo sneered, “This is a private matter between the Mizukage, the boy and myself.”

“That boy, as you so like to refer to him, is the strongest of us all by far. Be thankful I’m the one who will end your life instead.” the interrogator rumbled as he moved to attack the hapless ruler.

At the same moment the hallway exploded in a chorus of menacing growls as all eight of Kakashi’s ninken suddenly appeared in the crowded corridor, easily separating the copy-nin from everyone else before surrounding him with a barrier of bared teeth and sharp claws.
“Hey boss.” Bull remarked over his shoulder, “Sorry we’re late.”

“I didn’t summon you.” Kakashi muttered angrily, “I have everything under control.”

“Still, it never hurts to have a little backup.” Tomodachi barked excitedly, “You need to trust us.”

Ibiki took advantage of the copy-nin’s distraction, easily lifting the Daimyo by the throat and pinning him to the wall. “I promised I’d punish you for what you did . . . do you remember?” he rumbled menacingly, “I only wish I had the time and facilities to truly make you appreciate what’s it’s like to be on the receiving end of your games.”

“I can help you with that Morino-san.” Kurenai chimed in with a scary smile, quickly making a series of hand signs and casting a genjutsu on the hapless Daimyo, plunging him into a world of sexual torment, the scenes of which were pulled from the memories contained in his own mind.

The haughty ruler writhed and screamed, pleading for mercy from the tormentors in his mind . . . to no avail. Indeed, the assembled crowd watched with expressions ranging from mild interest to outright glee . . . with the exception of the copy-nin. Kakashi let out a strangled moan, pressing his back hard against the wall, eyes wide with fright. “Please make it stop.” he whispered, “Please.”

As soon as the words left his mouth all attention turned to the obviously tormented jounin. “Sweetheart, you’re fine, just relax.” Ibiki soothed, dropping the Daimyo like a discarded kleenex in order to wrap the traumatized man in his arms.

“Make it stop Kurenai . . . please.” Kakashi gasped as tears ran down his face.

“Gods, what a miserable excuse for a ninja you are.” Zabuza spat in disgust, “Your Hokage would be doing the leaf a favor by letting me take you.”

“Shut your filthy mouth.” Bull growled menacingly, “You have no idea what’s happening.”

“I know a worthless piece of shit when I see one.” the Mizukage retorted.

“As do I.” Gaara remarked coldly from behind him.

“Ah, Kazekage-sama, I was just pointing out the obvious.” Zabuza insisted.

“The only worthless ones I see are the two of you.” the Sand leader remarked blandly, “After all, you insult Suna by destroying the peace of my wedding day. Not to mention trying to force yourself on a cherished friend of mine. Truly, you must have a death wish.”

Kurenai rushed to the copy-nin’s side. “What can I do Kakashi?” she asked frantically.

“Stop the genjutsu.” he managed to grit out before squeezing his eyes shut and letting out an agonized shriek.

Before the kunoichi could complete the signs to dispel the illusion an unseen watcher stepped forward, “I’ll take care of him.” Jiraiya declared happily, easily lifting the Daimyo and turning him to face the slumped copy-nin. “You’re going to die now.” he husked into the struggling man’s ear, “Be glad I’m letting you see such beauty first.” Then he snapped the ruler’s neck, dropping him to the floor before turning to face Zabuza. “Hello sonny-boy.” he chuckled, “I think it’s time for you and I to have a little talk.”