Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or its charaters. I also make no money from this work of fiction.
AN: To MisatosPenPen: Thank you for your kind review. That was (technically) the first lime I ever wrote. I hope this stays one of your favorites. :D To those who celebrate: Happy Independence Day! To those who don't, have a wonderful day!!
Chapter Six
May 26th
He was tired and disgusted, but mostly just tired. A quick visit to the remnants of the Taki house proved pointless to say the least as there was nothing left of the once opulent home but charred ash and blackened earth. A sense of tragedy hunger over the area as groups of people piled mementos at the end of the driveway mourning the loss of their idol.
Kakashi knew it didn’t have to happen…if only she had listened to him. Shaking his head he made his way to his car, gravel crunching under his heavy boots. The drive back was oddly quicker than he would have thought, but it left him time to think over what they already knew…
It wasn’t very much. They knew they had a serial killer on the loose that left no identifiable evidence, they identified the potential targets, and they even knew the methods of murder that would be used. All they could do now was try to prevent the next attack. But the murderer was a shadow lurking in the dark recesses of society and walking free among innocents with wanderlust for killing.
Sitting at his desk, Kakashi pulled the nearest case file to him and flipped it open. He barely registered the name on the file; the first victim: Yugito Nii as he pulled a pen from his drawer and drummed it over the polished surface of his desk in a stressful manner. Short of willing the information to scream out at him there was not much he could investigate. The file remained silent displaying its grizzly horror as words on a page.
He flipped the file shut and glared at it accusingly as those same unhelpful words began to run together. What he wouldn’t give for a witness…just one! Was that too much to ask for?
“Find anything new?” Sakura asked as she sat down in the chair opposite him. She tried to conceal a wide yawn behind her small hand and failed. “Sorry about that, I haven’t been sleeping well recently.”
He waived her off in understanding, knowing firsthand the toll a lack of sleep can have on the body. You took rest wherever and whenever you could get it. Too bad he wasn’t getting any. It had been weeks since he slept properly, his worry over Sasuke and Naruto’s safety preventing him from resting comfortably; even next to this lover.
“Nothing new to my eyes, but then again my eyes are not what they used to be.” He laughed and rubbed at them pointedly.
“Don’t sell yourself short Kakashi. Your eyes see better than you think.” Tsunade stated as she walked swiftly towards his desk with a steaming cup of coffee in her hand. She took a seat and leaned back, the epitome of calm at the moment as she sipped at her coffee.
Kakashis eyes narrowed toward his chief not fooled by her for a second. Underneath the calm demeanor her amber eyes reflected a brewing storm the likes of which he’d never seen before. There were minute details that betrayed her uneasiness, but you had to be close to the volatile women to notice the subtleties. The way she gripped her cup too tightly, the rigidity of her relaxed posture, even the way her jaw was set were clear signs that she was anything but calm. He was one of the few that had gotten close enough to learn these quirks of hers.
“I must be blind at the moment.” He replied jokingly.
“Oh, I doubt that Kakashi. In fact, your eye sight is better than Uchiha’s and I have the physical to prove it.”
Kakashis lips lifted in a smirk, chuckling softly. “We all know Sasuke’s too stubborn to wear glasses, but that’s no excuse for my inability to find a lead in these files…”
He pointed accusingly at the manila folder tapping it with his pen.
“Let’s not forget that I haven’t found anything either, Kakashi. Even Shikamaru’s come up empty-handed and he had the freshest view of us all.” Sakura stated.
“You have to remember that those files are just pages filled with pedantic words and can only tell us what was written.” Tsunade replied.
“I’m beginning to realize just how you felt then…always two steps behind. It doesn’t seem like we’ll catch up before time winds down.”
“I can’t give you the answers you’re searching for Kakashi. Some murderers have the luck on their side, that’s why we have cases that go unsolved for years. It’s unfortunate but reality. Maybe we can get a bit of luck on our side…enough to keep the investigation from going cold.”
“It would help if our entire investigation wasn’t one giant cold case. It baffles me how one person is capable of committing so many murders and still manages to leave nothing behind.”
“I know how you’re feeling, Sakura, because I’ve lived it. Do not forget that I was in your exact position 16 years ago when the cases first crossed my desk. Now, this is not an excuse, but it can shed some light of why we have very little evidence from the originals.
“Things were changing at the time. DNA was overturning many cases that should have been open and shut and setting people free left and right. I can’t say for certain now that there wasn’t more evidence that I could have passed over unknowingly. We weren’t looking then for the same things that we look for now.”
“It’s hard to imagine you passed over anything that could be helpful to an investigation. In fact, I don’t believe it is possible.” Kakashi chuckled darkly.
“I wasn’t perfect.” Tsunade counted with a chuckle of her own. “Four men that I put behind bars walked free because of evidence I didn’t know to look for.”
“Yes, but all four of them were guilty and picked up on other crimes linked to them from the same DNA collection.”
“That is beside the point.” Tsunade murmured. Taking a sip of her lukewarm coffee she paused in thought, a sudden idea hitting her. “Hmm, I want you to send Shikamaru back to the crime scenes; the sooner the better. I’ve been holding off on the cleanup for some time now, so see if he can spot something new or overlooked.”
She stood from the chair and stretched. Her eyes narrowed as she watched her shaggy-haired vice detective edge his way towards the coffee pot, throwing furtive glances over his shoulder. “INUZUKA!” She spat with venom causing the poor guy to jump before he even touched the handle. He snapped his attention to his chief as she glared amber daggers at him.
“What do you think you are doing? You are not to step within five feet of that coffee pot. Do I make myself clear?!” Her tone was arctic and had the brunette shaking in his boots.
“I-I…think that I’ll umm…just-just get some umm…water then. Yeah, just-just water?” He asked questioningly, trembling from head to toe at being caught by the chief no less.
“I think that is wise Inuzuka.” She whispered dangerously.
Kiba practically ran from the squad room and towards the vending machine down the hall. He sighed trying to calm his fraying nerves as he dialed Sasuke’s number. He leaned heavily on the vending machine for support.
‘Kiba?’
“She’s scary, Uchiha!” The shaken man whispered out feverishly.
‘What did you do this time?’ Sasuke replied caustically.
“There’s no need to take that tone. I just don’t see why I can’t have a coffee.” He snapped at the apathetic detective. There was a slight pause on the other end of the line.
‘Is that the reason you called me? I’m not here to hold your hand Inuzuka. You were warned not to go within five feet of the coffee pot; let alone touch it. You were warned not to even look at it. Do you remember the last time you had coffee?’
“As if I could forget.” Kiba grumbled into the receiver. Nobody would let him live down the singularly most embarrassing moment of his life! It really wasn’t his fault that he became excessively hyper when caffeinated by coffee.
‘If that is all you called for…’
“Hold your horses Uchiha; I didn’t say that was the only reason I called.”
‘No, but I know you. That was your main motivation.’
“Look,” Kiba growled, frustrated by the Uchiha. “I was searching last night through those records for your… whatever he is. Anyway, I found an interesting tidbit, but I had to pack up before I could check it further. It was a huge article about the Council from what I could tell.”
‘If that’s the case than let me know what you find out; and by the way, his name is Naruto and he is my partner.’ Sasuke replied with an edge to his voice.
“I thought Sakura was your partner?” Kiba asked as he scrunched his nose in confusion.
‘Try not to think so hard, Inuzuka.’ Sasuke sighed. ‘I’m protecting Naruto, but his job is to protect me too. That makes him temporarily my partner.’
“Oh,” Kiba chuckled nervously. “My bad.”
‘I’m hanging up now.’ Sasuke growled and didn’t wait for a reply.
~REVENGE~
“What did Kiba have to say?” Naruto asked me as he stepped in from the balcony and towards our bed. I tossed my phone down not caring where it landed as he slid into my lap and tangled his hands into my hair. He tugged gently on my raven locks as I stared at him in contentment.
“He may have found something, but he wasn’t able to finish reading it before he had to leave. He’ll let us know then.”
“Hmm, it looks like he’s making progress then. This is good.” Naruto replied as he nibbled on my bottom lip.
“Hn, only if it yields results dobe.” I murmured as I attached myself to his neck and trailed nips and kisses along that tantalizing bronze column.
“Hmm…results would be nice.” Naruto released a hum as I bit at his collar-bone marking him as mine. A thrill shot through me as I surveyed my handy work, pleased at the reddening splotch. Now to mark his neck…!
A distraction in the form of my jingling phone interrupted my well thought out plan. I growled into the junction between his neck and shoulder frustrated. I swear if this was Kiba again...! I reached across the bed and answered.
“Hello!” I snapped, not caring in the slightest that I was being incredibly rude. Naruto swatted at my shoulder shooting me a pointed look of disapproval.
‘Put the brat on the phone!’ Chief Tsunade snapped back.
Naruto stiffened above me; turning two shades paler than normal. He immediately removed himself from my lap and sat, with a thump, next to me. His eyes were wide and his face dusted with a blush. I inwardly cursed the damn phone, blaming it for Chief Tsunade calling and interrupting some good quality time with my dobe. I held my cell towards the shocked blonde as he brought it to his ear.
“Hello?”
‘Brat, how are you holding up?’
I watched Naruto gulp as he answered his grandmother. “We’re fine.”
‘I didn’t ask about Uchiha, I asked about you?’
“O-oh, I’m fine, why wouldn’t I be?” I instantly noticed the nervous tone to his voice his eyes darting around the room like he’d been caught doing something wrong.
‘Why wouldn’t you be?’ She asked turning the question around on him.
I could picture the look on the Chiefs face, stiff with eyes that glared pointy daggers, directed solely on me. I smirked at the image. Naruto was mine; there was nothing she could do to change that.
“What do you want?” The blonde grumbled, slugging my shoulder again when he noticed my smirk.
‘
Do I need a reason to call my grandson?’ “Huh, you always have an ulterior motive; so out with it!” My smirk broadened. Narutos lips lifted in a small grin before he grew serious. He pushed against my shoulder and I allowed the momentum to carry me backwards, my back hitting the mattress with a flop. Naruto took one look at me and smothered a laugh.
‘Bring yourself to the station!’ She demanded.
Naruto knit his brow in sudden attention. “Why, what’s wrong?” My smile quickly slid away and I sat up on the bed leaning in to listen along with Naruto.
‘Nothing is wrong. I want to see you and Uchiha in my office in half an hour. I have things to discuss with the two of you.’
“Of course, we’ll be there.” Naruto flipped the phone shut and made to stand up. I reached for his waist and held him in place.
“Granny Tsunade wants to see us teme. We should get going…” He worried his bottom lip avoiding my gaze.
“You don’t have to worry…she can’t know about us.”
“I’m not worried about that, teme.” Naruto took a step away from me. I grabbed his hand and forced him to turn and look at me.
“What’s worrying you then?” I asked.
“Maybe she found out that Kiba is helping us…”
“I doubt that.” I held back a laugh. There was no way that Chief Tsunade knew Kiba’s little side quest; she just couldn’t. The dobe was worrying over nothing.
“Than what could it be?”
“Let’s go straight to the source and find out then.”
Naruto nodded and made his way down the hall and into the living room. I quickly pulled a discarded t-shirt over my head and shadowed the dobe, never letting him out of my sight. I grabbed the car keys and the room key from the counter and stepped outside into a bright morning that was shaping up to be a warm day. The birds chirped merrily overhead flying to some unknown destination as I followed the walk way to the elevator. I looked down at my hand as Naruto grasped it tightly and smiled happily waiting for the elevator to reach our floor on its downward descent.
I heard the ding as the metal doors opened to reveal the same family from the night before. The mother glared at us fiercely as she pulled her daughter next to her when we boarded. Her beady eyes glued to our grasping hands displaying her disdain with our relationship.
On the other hand, the little girl smiled dreamily and replied with a ‘hi’ that Naruto was quick to reply too. He seemed oblivious to the steely gaze of the raging parents, something I was all too aware of. I growled low in my throat at the two and snaked my arm around the dobe who was still engaged in talking with the small child who tugged incessantly against her mother’s iron grip. As if we could corrupt her daughter just by being in her presence. Really, people held no understanding of things that were different. Different doesn’t make it wrong.
“Naruto.”
“Yeah, teme?” He turned to me with a silly smile on his face as he tried to listen to the little girl and pay attention to me at the same time. It would have normally been an amusing sight if not for the icy parents in the background.
“I think they would like us not to talk to her.” I gave a hefty glare at the couple as the mother’s grip tightened further around the girl’s arm.
“Oh, I apologize.” He turned to the couple with a bright smile on his face. “I didn’t mean to be a bother.”
I shook my head in disbelief as the mother turned away from the apologizing form that was Naruto. He shouldn’t even be the one apologizing; we did nothing wrong! I snarled as the woman brushed him off and, if possible, pulled her daughter further towards her. Any closer and they might just be conjoined.
“Teme, there’s no need to be rude. I didn’t ask permission to talk to her daughter and therefore I had to apologize.”
“That’s not what…never mind.” I ground out as the elevator opened to the lobby. The woman brushed by quickly dragging the little girl behind her who wriggled in her mother’s steely grip to wave goodbye to Naruto. The father forced her around and hurried them away as if we were something contagious.
“Stupid, idiotic, shallow, narrow-minded people!” I whispered under my breath.
“What was that teme?”
“It’s nothing.” I grumbled.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion.” The blonde chirped.
“Is that directed at me or her?”
“Both; I can’t make her accept us and I really don’t want to try. Until something comes along that opens her eyes she won’t be able to see around that veil of misunderstanding. But I won’t stop being who I am just to satisfy her notion of propriety.”
“Now I know you’re a teacher.”
“I surprise myself sometimes, too.” He smiled and pulled on the car door handle, sliding inside easily. I waited until he was seated before making my way around to the driver’s side.
~REVENGE~
The room was unnaturally chilly, but it wasn’t due to the air conditioning. No, it was due to the small group of five standing in the center of the station as if they owned the place and glaring at the Chief of Police. Well, only three of them were glaring. Shikaku Nara was secretly supporting the Chief in her ‘crusade’ against the Council and Daimyô Fyre was staring off into space in utter amazement.
“This architecture is amazing. This is a very old building indeed; why have I never been inside here before?” He muttered to himself.
“You had no reason to run afoul of the police, Daimyô.” Shikaku whispered. He had taken it upon himself to become Daimyô’s unofficial guardian from the other Councilmen; secretly of course.
“True, very true Shikaku. I never received so much as a parking ticket. But my goodness; this must be one of the oldest buildings in Konoha. Just look at the architecture!” He exclaimed in awe.
“It is the oldest building, Daimyô.” Shikaku supplied.
“Tsunade,” Orochimaru chuckled ignoring the oblivious Councilman in favor of the police chief. “I believe you know why we’re here.”
Tsunade snorted but otherwise ignored the oily, reptilian man. What had she been thinking to once consider this man a friend of hers? She had to have been temporarily insane to even consider the notion…yet that didn’t change the fact that they had indeed been friends at one time. She regretted it…Orochimaru had changed into someone unrecognizable.
He chuckled in the remaining silence. Anger flashed through Tsunade as her fists balled and she ground her teeth, readying to hit the man at a moments’ notice. A hint of blonde caught her eye followed by a sliver of raven, stilling her hand. In that moment she fully regretted requesting Naruto’s presence, but should couldn’t run the risk of leaving him alone.
The Council was never supposed to show up in her squad room. Sasuke was supposed to go to their Chambers; this way Naruto would be protected just by being here in the presence of detectives. That would have freed her to escort the Uchiha to the Councils Chambers.
“Sasuke!” Sakura squealed when she caught sight of them. She rushed to her absent partner, crushing him in her signature bear hug before moving to a shocked Naruto.
~REVENGE~
My lips curved into a hint of a smile as Sakura released me and pulled the dobe into her death grip; I mean bear hug. He must not have expected her acceptance if the stunned look on his slowly purpling face was anything to go by. How long was she going to crush him anyway? I liked my partners alive and breathing, not dead and blue.
“It’s good to see you, Naruto.” She smiled happily as she granted mercy on the grade school teacher.
“It’s good to see you too, Sakura.” He wheezed out happily.
“Why are you here?” She whispered furiously, turning to look me.
“The Chief wanted to see us. I thought it was something new about the case, but clearly I was wrong.”
I turned to glare full on at the group standing in the middle of the room; making their presence known without saying a word. It seemed all eyes were on us now and I had to fight back the urge to shield the dobe from their unworthy glances; my fingers twitching subconsciously. Naruto seemed to understand my uneasiness as he took a hesitant step towards me. He didn’t touch me, but his proximity was a balm to my internal ticks.
“Sasuke,” Shikaku nodded in greeting. “I’m sorry this isn’t a social call.”
“What is this about?”
It would be a lie if didn’t say I had my suspicions considering the Councils’ involvement. Whenever they were involved one was sure not to like the outcome. I stood staring at them trying hard to hide my contempt. Finally, an Uchiha approved emotion!
“Do you know why we’re here, Sasuke?” Shikaku Nara asked kindly. I leveled a stare his way.
I shrugged my shoulders noncommittally. “I have no idea.”
“You’re here because of your failure to return to duty after an approved absence. What do you have to say to that?” Orochimaru asked sickly sweet, unfazed with interrupting his fellow Councilman.
I swallowed back bile and inwardly shuddered at the creepy, perverted glare he was throwing my way.
“I wasn’t aware.” I growled amazed at how well the lie slipped from my tongue.
“Spare me your lies, you insolent boy!” Koharu shrieked.
“Calm down Koharu and let Mr. Uchiha explain. Was there some form of a miscommunication that you would be unaware of your return to duty?” Homura asked as he soothed the furious women next to him.
“I’m not aware of any miscommunication from either party.”
Orochimaru chuckled at my drawled response. I tried to suppress the physical chill that raced down my spine in vain. I noticed Naruto shift slightly behind me. Golden eyes snapped to the dobe and narrowed in malice. “Naruto Uzumaki.”
I didn’t appreciate the slithering tone he used. A growl from deep inside me rumbled to the surface and this time I did step in front of Naruto to shield him from this vile man.
His eyes followed me as I planted myself in front of Naruto, blocking him from view. His lip quivered in disgust. “You really are an entertaining boy, Sasuke. That ‘thing’ is not worth your protection.”
Naruto fisted my shirt as I took a heated step towards the bastard, readying myself for a fight. “He’s not worth it teme…”
“Back away Orochimaru!” Tsunade threatened drowning out Narutos voice. He eyed her from the corner of his eye and chuckled again.
“Always so quick to defend the helpless boy, but then you were always blinded by him, Tsunade. I would have hoped that you would wizen up where he was concerned, but you obviously still have those blinders on.”
“There were never any blinders, Orochimaru.” Venom oozed with every word Tsunade spoke.
I had no doubt that the Chief could become destructive if she puts her mind to it; actually, I hoped she would destroy the man who dared to insult my dobe!
“The only blind person here is you!”
“That is a matter of opinion, Tsunade. That ‘thing’ is unworthy…”
“GET OUT!!” She seethed. “Get out! You’re not welcome here!!”
The serpentine man chuckled, but obeyed. He slithered his way towards the door, hissing as he went by: “Be careful, Sasuke. He may look innocent, but he’s as cunning as a fox; probably rabid like one too.”
I clenched my fists as he continued on his way, wanting nothing more than to see him dead in a ditch somewhere…
On second thought, even that seemed too decent for such a snake as he. How was he elected to the Council in the first place? With every fiber of his being he screamed ‘don’t trust me’!
“Are we done here?” I snarled at the remaining members of the Council. I had felt Naruto stiffen at Orochimarus words and he hadn’t made a move yet. A pang of fear seized me knowing that Naruto couldn’t stay still for longer than a minute.
“I have just one question, Mr. Uchiha. Now that this ‘miscommunication’ has been remedied, do you plan to return to work tomorrow?” Homura questioned.
“I have no intention of returning. As I told you before, there was no miscommunication. I quit, that was the end of it. At least, that was what I thought?” I snapped.
“Watch your insolent tongue!” Koharu shrieked again.
Homura held up his hand to quiet the seething woman. “We were not made aware of your resignation. If we had, we would not have involved ourselves in this matter.”
“I find that highly unlikely.”
“Teme.” Naruto whispered heatedly so only I could hear. I felt the fear slip away in an instant.
“Well, with that settled let’s be on our way.” Daimyô replied happily finally joining in the conversation. He had been so occupied with the architecture of the police station that he had missed everything that had transpired right in front of his nose.
“That sounds wonderful.” Shikaku confirmed seizing the change of topic and running with it. “I suggest a bit of lunch, Daimyô. I know of a little ramen bar in the old whirlpool district. Wonderful architecture; a must see.”
“Really, how did I not know this ramen bar?”
“You are a busy man, Daimyô. Koharu? Homura, would you care to join us?” Shikaku asked.
Homura nodded as he and Koharu led the way out of the stock-still station. Shikaku nodded as he passed his son following behind the other Councilmen.
As soon as they were out of sight I turned to Naruto, but was pushed out-of-the-way as Tsunade grabbed his arms and knelt before him. He wasn’t looking at anyone, staring at a spot on the floor. I felt the fear rise up again. Was he affected more than I thought he was?
“Naruto?” The Chief started in worry.
“I’m fine.” He whispered. I could barely hear him speak and that did little to set me at ease. I wanted to pull him to me, but the Chief was in the way and I knew she wouldn’t approve of our relationship considering we hadn’t informed her about it yet.
“I don’t believe you!” She growled and shook the pale blonde slightly. “Look at me and tell me you’re fine.”
Blue eyes made an appearance as he tilted his head slightly. “I’m fine.” He replied, but even I could tell that he wasn’t. It lacked his usual warmth and his eyes were dull. Those eyes had no business being on his face.
Tsunade sighed dejectedly and pulled the apathetic blonde into a hug. “I should have told you to stay away, but I never thought they would turn up here. I’m sorry.” She mumbled.
“It’s fine, really.” He murmured and this time I saw a small glimmer in his eye. He was slowly coming around and I sighed in relief.
“I’ll believe you for now.” Tsunade replied. Standing up, she released her grip and stood there with arms crossed; staring at me. I stared back.
“Sasuke…”
“Is this what you wanted?” I accused. She nodded curtly.
“It was always a possibility that something like this could happen.”
“I didn’t resign though.”
“No, but I put your résumé through to Governor Sarutobi. I believe that you qualify for a Federal position. In fact, there should be an opening in a few months. Does that make up for my duplicity?”
I narrowed my eyes at her mocking tone. Was this what she wanted all along; a way to get rid of me? “Will this change anything with my current task?”
“No, everything will proceed as it was…”
“Wait, what’s going on?” Tenten cut in; thoroughly confused by now. She wasn’t the only one either. Startled looks surrounded us on all sides.
I shot a questioning look to the Chief wondering if she was going to tell them. Coming to a conclusion, she nodded. “Grab those boards Kakashi. Sakura, grab the files.”
~revenge~
Within minutes the white board was covered with the crime scene photos from 16 years ago; the first time I was actually seeing them. Those who were not aware of the cases stood riveted by the grotesque images crowding around the boards with interest.
One by one eyes shot to me as they recognized my parent’s in the one set of photos. It must have been a shock for them to realize that my parents were murder victims. Only Sakura knew of this fact; the only one I trusted with the sensitive information.
Yet, even as they recognized my family and began to feel pity for me, they recognized the images of Governor Namikaze and his Ambassador wife. Unlike me though, no eyes locked on Naruto who was steadfastly refusing to look at the pictures; any of them. Only Shikamaru was cunning enough to link Naruto’s presence here to the pictures on the white board.
“Would anyone like coffee?” The lazy man asked his eyes fixated on Naruto.
“I would! Oww!! What was that for?” Kiba whined.
“Are you allowed near the coffee pot, Kiba?” Sakura asked dangerously.
“But Shikamaru asked.” He whined again and flinched as Sakura made to smack him again.
“That doesn’t mean you need to accept!”
Blocking out Sakura and Kiba, I turned to Naruto and whispered, “Would you mind getting me a coffee, dobe?”
He looked towards me with relief shining in his eyes and nodded.
“Shikamaru can show you were it is if you don’t mind pouring the cups?”
I watched Naruto nod again as he moved to follow Shikamaru over to the kitchenette in the corner of the squad room. I noticed Tsunade following him from the corner of her eye as he bustled around making 11 cups of coffee.
Turning back to the pictures I couldn’t help the nauseating feeling in my stomach when I looked at the Namikaze’s. Everyone showcased a canvas of blood; it was everywhere. It was no wonder Naruto didn’t want to look at them; he lived through it.
“He really survived that?” I whispered to myself.
“Yes, he survived it.” Tsunade replied. Her lips were pursed into a thin line as she bit on her fingernail. “It was a miracle that he did.”
“And he witnessed everything?” Of course I knew that he had, I knew that from day one; but seeing the pictures now…I was awed to say the least. Naruto survived and that was all that mattered. He lived through horror and still managed to maintain an upbeat attitude.
“Every last minute; he witnessed it all and it’s all locked up in his memory, collecting dust and giving him little problem…”
Yes, I knew that too. And now that I finally had pictures to reference I didn’t begrudge him that. I wouldn’t want to remember.
“I found him that morning, sitting in the room next to his lifeless parents. I can’t describe the feeling of…” She paused to take a calming breathe.
“Naruto was sitting there, just sitting there; not moving an inch and staring at them. It was like he didn’t recognize them. There was no crying…it was like the life was gone from him. I’d never seen such dead and soulless eyes. They were haunting and hollow.”
It was hard for me to comprehend Naruto in such a state; lifeless and hollow. It seemed like a foreign emotion to someone such as him. My eyes followed Kakashi as he made his way towards us, his arms crossed.
“He survived Tsunade. He survived, and despite the current circumstances, he’s a happy adult. That’s all that matters.” Kakashi whispered, having overheard our conversation. “As much as it could help us I feel it would do more harm than good for him to remember, especially now.”
“I know that Kakashi. I’m so proud of the man he’s become.” Tsunade replied, fixated on the hanging photos. “He becomes more like them every day.”
“That isn’t a bad thing.” Kakashi said.
“No, not a bad thing at all; but it makes me miss them more to know that he acts just like them at times.”
“We all do.”
“What were they like?” I asked. I didn’t intend to say it out loud; they just slipped through without any regard to what I wanted. I inwardly cringed, expecting Chief Tsunade to glare at me. To my surprise a thoughtful expression overcame her, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
“I don’t understand?” Shino interrupted quietly. “Why are they grouped together like this?”
“Because, Shino, they were all committed by the same person.” Kakashi drawled.
“A serial killer,” Tenten asked in shock. “Wait, if it’s the same person why isn’t the method the same for each murder? Where’s your reasoning?”
“Look behind you, Tenten.” Kakashi sighed. She turned to witness another group of photos, understandably smaller than the group they had just been viewing. “Find anything similar between the groups?”
She shook her head in bewilderment looking back and forth between the two boards.
“Damn!” Temari whispered and turned to Tsunade. “This is for real?”
“It is very real, very present, and very deadly.” Tsunade started. She pointed to the first group, eyes following her direction and ears primed to listen.
“This all started 16 years ago; if you haven’t realized that already, and culminated in 16 murders. I didn’t recognize a pattern until I had a third murdered couple on my hands. Once I knew what I was looking at it was easy to establish a pattern. The perpetrator struck in two-week intervals; against high-profile, affluent individuals with seemingly nothing in common with each other. He would fly under the radar by changing his M.O. with each victim.
“Then, for no apparent reason, it stopped. There were no more killings. I thought it was over, but I was proved wrong.” Tsunade pointed to the next grouping of photos. “He only went into a period of dormancy that lasted until just eight weeks ago, when he became active again without cause or reason that we know of. Can you tell me what the connection is between the two, besides the perpetrator?
There was silence in the room as the detectives shifted from one group to the other, soaking in all the details, but it was Kiba who spoke up first.
“He’s striking against the same families he originally hit.” He mumbled, looking green around the gills. His eyes were adverted, trying not to look at two specific groups of photos.
“Do you have to have them up there?” He whispered.
“Are you disturbed?”
Kiba glared at his Chief, her seemingly innocuous comment riling him. “Why wouldn’t it disturb me? That’s my colleagues parents up on that board! How can you look at them?”
“I found them all, Kiba. I was the one that was first on scene, I was the one that spent hours in their rooms waiting for the coroner to remove them so the search for evidence could begin, I was the one that investigated them and noticed the pattern. Those pictures can’t convey a fraction of what I witnessed with my own eyes. I can look at them because I’ve seen it real; I lived it.”
“But the Governor…”
“Those pictures-those pictures…” Tsunade started swallowing thickly.
“They were least horrifying.” Kakashi stated sadly. “I’ve seen every one of the pictures from that file and believe me when I say these are tame compared to the others. It is necessary for you to see the damage this man is capable of; to know what you’re dealing with.”
“Wait, how do you know it’s a male perp?” Temari asked.
Tsunade took a short pause debating if she wanted to go down that road. From the corner of her eye she watched Naruto inch closer to Sasuke, trying to shrink back and hide. Shifting her narrowing eyes back to Temari, she exhaled.
“We had a witness. That was all they were able to tell us before…” Tsunade said.
“You ‘had’ a witness?” Tenten asked in a rush. “Are they still alive? Why is this case still open then and which murders are they connected too?”
“Yes, there was a witness and yes, they are still alive.” Tsunade replied through gritted teeth.
I felt Naruto shift uncomfortably next to me. I reached out and touched his arm briefly drawing his attention to me and not the ground. Stepping closer I whispered in his ear. “You can sit in the Chief’s office if this is too much for you.” But he shook his head at me.
“The case remains open because they can’t identify the murderer. They’ve blocked everything out from that night.” Tsunade continued.
“Then how are we even certain this is a male? Could the witness have been mistaken?” Temari asked again. Tsunade shook her head.
“They were adamant and I believe them. I can’t imagine a female being capable of subduing 11 men; three of them being just recently. No, not likely considering there was no traces of drugs in their systems.”
“Which one did they witness?” Lee asked, but was ignored. He was for once subdued and not his overly boisterous self.
“It was more than just witnessing, Lee. With every crime there was one common factor, the children. None of the children were home when their parents were murdered, except for one; and as a result they were caught in the assault as well.” Kakashi knew he held their attention, rapt with curiosity. He knew they were wondering just who this mystery person was and where they were now.
Naruto shuddered and took another step closer to me, his hand fisting the sleeve of my navy blue shirt and wrinkling the fabric. I could tell he was on the verge of tears…but I didn’t understand why. I brought him into a hug, snuggling him tightly against me.
“Who…?” Shino started to ask, but paused when he caught sight of us. I felt Naruto stiffen against me as eyes turned to stare at us. The Chiefs honey brown narrowing in suspicion. Honestly, I didn’t care what anyone thought as I gripped Naruto tighter.
“Him?” Shino asked as he pointed to the stiff back of my blonde dobe.
“His name is Naruto and yes he witnessed his parent’s murder.” Tsunade stated blankly still eyeing us with suspicion. “He was attacked that night as well and physically scarred…”
“You know who the murderer is?” Tenten accused.
Naruto fisted my shirt in an iron grip. His breath quickened next to my ear. “No, he doesn’t know who the murderer is.” I replied.
“Are you sure?” Tenten demanded. “Are you sure he’s not just keeping quiet out of fear?”
“Tenten.” Tsunade warned, but she clearly couldn’t take a hint.
“You believe that he doesn’t know who this person is, that he blocked everything out?! Are you even sure that’s what he’s doing? I don’t believe it.”
“I don’t…” Naruto shook and clung further to me.
“I think you’re a liar!”
“Tenten!!”
“You can’t believe this line of bull, Chief?! You don’t forget the person who murdered your parents!”
“Enough, this is your last warning!”
“I don’t remember!” He cried out and gripped my arms harshly, his breathing coming out in short gasps. He was shaking like a leaf. “I don’t remember…I don’t remember.”
“Why are you holding him like that?!” Tenten snarled.
I leveled a heated glare her way and smirked in satisfaction when she took a hesitant step back. I never had any problems working with Tenten before, so the behavior she was displaying was shocking and reprehensible to say the least.
“I was assigned to protect Naruto.” I ground out, clutching the blonde closer to my chest.
“Really, from what?!” Tenten scoffed.
“It seems you have forgotten that the killer is targeting the same families from before…” Kakashi offered.
“If that’s the case than why is Sasuke protecting him? Is he not a target as well?” Lee asked calmly and in stark contrast to his raging partner.
“We hit a snag with the Council. I had no choice but to assign it this way.” Tsunade replied darkly. “It is far from ideal, but it’s working for now.”
She threw a pointed glare my way. I got the hint; try anything and Naruto would be placed somewhere else. But that didn’t mean I was going to relinquish my hold on her grandson.
“How is the Council hindering us?” Temari asked with an edge to her voice.
“Our cutbacks are in direct retaliation for my hounding them on this subject. It’s all a political game to them. And if it comes out that they were in direct knowledge of a serial killer and did nothing about it their careers are sunk.” Kakashi stated. “They may have had cause to be skeptical 16 years ago; I admit that it was only a theory then. Yet with the recent murders in the same timeline and from the same families; it just confirms that Tsunade had been correct all along and that frightens the Council. If they had stopped hindering and supported us instead; who knows, we may have caught the guy already and saved two people from a horrible death.”
“They’re a bunch of idiots.” Kiba growled.
“Don’t forget that my father is on the Council. They’re not all idiots or against us.”
“I didn’t mean your father Shika.”
“Teme, do we need to stay here or can we go?” Naruto whispered into my shirt. He was still shaking, but not as vehemently as before. I liked the idea of leaving and turned to tell Kakashi just that when he intercepted us.
“You two can leave if you like.” Kakashi answered. “In fact that would be better considering you’re no longer a part of the investigation, Sasuke.”
“My unemployment isn’t an issue?”
“Not at all, in fact it leaves you open to move and not tied down by the oaths you made. Just leave your service weapon and shield; I’m sure you have your back up.”
“I do.” I pulled my gun from my holster and handed it off to Kakashi for safe keeping along with my badge. I ran a thumb over it before releasing it from my grasp and into the hands of my lieutenant. I felt oddly naked without it.
“I’m sorry.” Naruto replied shakily.
“It’s fine, this works out better anyway.” I smiled.
“I’ll be in touch later to explain further Sasuke.” Tsunade said.
With a nod in understanding Naruto and I made our way passed her to the door. He cold eyes followed us the entire way. Of course I would have to answer some questions as well. But for now I only wanted answers to my questions, like; ‘what the hell was up with Naruto?’”
“I’m very sorry, teme.” Naruto stopped suddenly just outside the door to the squad room.
“For what?” I asked in confusion.
“She wasn’t wrong to call me a liar…”
“Tenten was out of line.” I stated. I balled my fist against the rising anger I felt towards her.
“She’s just worried; fear does that to you. I don’t think a serial killer is the first thing that goes through your mind? This is probably her first.”
“Don’t defend her! There are better ways to deal.” I growled.
“I’m sorry I don’t remember. I tried for years to recall something; anything, but I couldn’t. It’s all black and fuzzy…but I clearly remember it being a man. I can remember the evil laugh he had even though I can’t recall his face.” Naruto paused and swallowed, his hands ringing themselves nervously.
“I spent hours with him. I had to have seen as he tortured my-my…
…there’s nothing but darkness. It was the last hours I had with my parents and I only have an empty space to show for it.”
“Is that why you were about to cry in there?” I asked softly before reaching out and running my thumb along his jaw before reaching down to still his shaking hands. “I’m glad you don’t remember. You don’t need the memory of seeing them in that state.”
Naruto took a hesitant step back, yet he didn’t release my hand. “Why don’t you blame me? I could have stopped five murders from taking place if I had only recalled his face.”
I shook my head in defiance to his logic. “There was no way of knowing that. Even if you could identify him it doesn’t mean that we would have been able to stop him.”
“What are you saying, teme?”
“Dobe, I thought you understood this. Everything could be at our finger tips; we could know his name and address and still be unable to prevent him from murdering. I don’t see your memory as a major obstacle to overcome.”
“Then were does this leave you?”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. There’s still four weeks until then. Who knows, maybe we’ll catch him tomorrow.”
“Is it really that simple?” He asked skeptically.
“Sometimes it is.” I smiled.
The elevator dinged behind us as the doors opened and flooded the room with florescent lighting. I pulled Naruto inside, stealing a kiss as soon as the doors closed on the squad room.
~revenge~
The squad room was silent for some time after the two departed having unintentionally been included in their private conversation. Tenten shrunk into her seat feeling heated gazes directed towards her. She was mortified by her behavior and resolved herself to apologizing the first chance she got.
