Chapter 25
The day was unequivocally uneventful for me. Despite having to deal with this mountainous pile of labour extensive paperwork that was increasing every time I had turned away out of spite just for the sake of procrastination, it just had to be done on this quaint desk of this depressing, dark, bland and scarcely furnished office of mine. It used to be worst but this had certainly top those worst days easily and thus I was stuck there throughout the day and into the night. Suna and Konoha had been working closely with one another since the recent Chuunin exam. ROOT had been tasked to closely monitor the two countries' safety during the exam, a kind gesture from the Hokage that was willingly sharing resources with the Kazekage. At least, that was what people were allowed to know if they got high enough pay grade. It was actually my own suggestion to the Hokage herself. ROOT had since been operating under the watchful eyes of the two Kages. How of a tiresome time to be living in. The desk was littered with Intel, mission reports and candidate list for new ROOT operatives that I was compiling with Sai-san. There was one other missive that I was expecting today, Fu's report on his current a.s.signment. My pen scratched the paper loudly as it glided on it to form words in the reports I was reviewing. The sound was filling up this empty room and enthralled me deep into what I was doing right then.
"You seemed to be highly immersed in that particular paper, is there anything fancy in there?" someone loudly said.
In a surprise, my blood pressure skyrocketed as the blood left my heart at a rapid pace and of course, my breathing stopped as a familiar black cat registered in my peripheral view at the left corner of my desk. It took me a few moments to level out my nerves and the cat waited expectantly for my reply.
"At the very least, announce your entrance, Juzo-san," I chided the old cat. The taciturn ninneko chuckled at my exasperation as the familiar mahogany-black-Mangekyou-insignia scroll puffed into existence. In turn, a timid knock was heard from the door. I gestured at the doors for the cat's sake in the hope that he would learn some more human mannerisms that he lacked thereof. Quickly, I hid the scroll in my flak jacket.
"Come in," I announced and the door creaked open. The familiar Aburame walked into my office with a piece of paper in his hand. Torune had been on the roster with Fu since I sent that Yamanaka on a mission to shadow my best friend and my senior on their journey. They both actually hadn't been doing it in secret, instead, they went about without mask and voluntarily follow the idiots literally. It's not like I was against it, it's just that, they had been helping Naruto on his study with Jiraiysenpai. I could only hope that the knucklehead didn't trouble my operatives. What I meant was, that Naruto isn't the most diligent student when it comes to studying. Both of them hadn't made any indications that something bad had happened and I am not inclined to ask them.
"Director Hikari, sorry to bother your discussion with Juzo-dono, but this just came in this morning," Torune said as he pa.s.sed me the paper and I quickly fetched it to read the contents. It was encoded, of course, Sai had been very helpful in teaching me the Root signature secret codes for reading the encrypted messages. A smile made its way on my face.
"Our favourite idiots are coming home," I breathed and Torune managed to chuckle. One thing I had noticed is that both Torune and Fu had become somewhat loosen up and absorbed a bit of my senpai and my friend's behavioural characteristic in which they weren't as stoic as the first time I had known them.
"This is good news, I guess or the Akatsuki had really onto them now. Jiraiysama did tell us that if worst comes to worst, they will return to the village," he stated. I couldn't help but agree, I placed the paper on my 'In' tray that was ever piling up with paperwork for me to review. Torune dismissed himself soon afterwards as I became deep in thought about our ever-elusive adversary. My Root operatives and ANBUs alike had failed to get a whiff about the organization. I couldn't blame them though as the organization was immensely secretive even to its own member but Itachi had already provided me with enough information from time to time--the Akatsuki consists of S-rank criminals as well as having a Rinnegan wielding leader and possibly being controlled or manipulated by 'Madara', that guy would be the most paranoid ninja in the organization so Itachi couldn't risk exposure just yet. Such was also the same as Orochimaru's case, the deranged Snake Sannin had slipped through our grasp every time that we got a whiff of them and along with him, Sasuke. I sighed as I thought about my lost teammate, my weaknesses had led him into the dark path. If only that I was more hard-headed, he would've returned way back before he disappeared. I had to think of some tactics to get him back here without any major action on Team 7's part. Thinking of those Uchihas brought me back to the recently hidden scroll in my jacket, without a second thought, I withdrew the scroll to read it.
"The Forgotten One,
There is an unprecedented situation about me that both of us need to meet face to face. Meet me at a Dango shop near Taki and Fire border.
Sign,
The Forsaken One
P.S: We will be having a long discussion."
I rolled back the scroll before I set it ablaze. I didn't even miss the cryptic postscript at the end that I could only a.s.sume that he had found out about his amnesty. There was only one culprit of this predicament and it was sitting on my desk right now.
"Did you told Itachi about my decision regarding him that you unceremoniously forced me to tell you a few months ago?" I darkly questioned the cat as he gnawed on the fish nonchalantly. Even worst, Juzo merely huffed at me. I blew a heavy breath as I wiped my whole face and I grumbled about taking away the fish and tossed it to Tora before I whipped up an empty scroll to write my reply to Itachi. Juzo immediately disappeared from my office after I sealed the scroll that I was sending through him. Soon afterwards, I finally could go home, seeing as it was already late and Hitori might get angry at me tonight. Wouldn't want to mess with an angry Hitori, you'll burn, literally.
The next morning, I woke up to Hitori's shouting from the kitchen as per usual. In all honesty, me coming home late at night had never failed to numb down our nocturnal activities. Hitori never even muttered a single complaint about my late return and instead, she made do with what she had and made each and every night so meaningful. I could already smell the brine scent of das.h.i.+ broth simmering on the stove. With a heavy sigh, I opened my still drowsy eyes and stood up from the bed. With no clothes on, I could see my whole body on the mirror that we used as a closet door. It was littered with scars, more so on my thighs. Much to my relief, I had seized harming myself and I was thankful to Inoichi-sama that helped me and Sakura. The most profound scar was from the balcony of the Konoha General Hospital. That one had really made its mark on our lives, Sakura and me. We are now the better version of who we once were.
"Honey, you will be late for your trip!" Hitori shouted yet again. She was no doubt had finished whipping me and my escort a bento.
"Yes, yes," I said as I scurried into the bathroom before she got even mad with me.
My bath was brief as..h.i.tori had already prepared the hot tub and the bathrobe for me beforehand. Now, the protection detail was once a privilege for a director of a ninja unit in Konoha that was going out on a mission outside of the village but since my meltdown at the hospital years ago, Tsunade-senpai had made it her business to ensure that I would always be accompanied by someone if I am going outside of my village, or anywhere actually, as a precaution. I sighed thinking of this village that had done so much for me that I couldn't afford to let them down and I will not let them down. After the delicious breakfast, I went back to the bedroom to change into my travelling gear. I wore my black jumpsuit with the Root khaki robe on top of it and my mask was safely hidden out of sight within the robe and also not to mention my trusty Fudo Masamune along with a few others supplementary weapons are safely stored in scrolls which were in my back porch. Afterwards, I went to the front door to wear my sandals and stood up to face my love who was holding two bento for me.
"Here is your bento and one for your escort. Who is it going to be?" she asked as she handed me the bento. Our fingers barely grazed one another and a strike of static electricity could be felt. She blushed pink signalling that she had felt it too. When our eyes met, it was the first time we met all over again. Feelings of longing, excitement, and expectation were overwhelming our sense as we get closer and closer to one another. I risked a peck on her cheek, to which she replied with ensnaring me in a vice-like hug and kissed me pa.s.sionately to which I indulged gladly. When we were done, we were both panting and wanting more. Too bad that it had to end for now.
"To answer your question, it's Sai. Thank you for the bento and last night," I breathed, trying to dispel our l.u.s.t to no avail. She was looking deeply in my eyes like a kitten wanting a piece of the fish that I was eating.
"Wait for me. I won't be too long and when I am back, let's go out on a date?" I coaxed and it worked. Her face had brightened up considerably.
"Hurry back! I want to go to the Dango shop," she exclaimed happily before she waved at me. Chuckling, I shuns.h.i.+nned into my senpai's office. Tsunade-senpai was finis.h.i.+ng some paperwork as Sakura was waiting for an errand from her master, Tonton was happy to see me of course as I always spoilt her with a treat if I ever came across the pet pig for the day.
"Hey, morning, Hikari-kun! You're going out?" Sakura
"Yeah. Morning, Sakura, Tsunade-senpai. How's the paperwork wars?" I greeted the Hokage who immediately blew a heavy sigh. Who in the right mind would like doing paperwork?
"Che! You would know. What's the business?" she asked as she placed down her brush. My expression was turned into a serious one.
"I am meeting the spy. ROOT official business, you know?" I calmly said as I gave her a knowing look. She was silent at first and was understanding the fact that I was meeting Itachi. She never really agreed with my decision regarding the rogue Uchiha but she hadn't got much choice since Itachi is the only spy the five nations couldn't provide. The man though was no doubt would be unwilling with my decision and had other plans in mind regarding his future.
"You must be extra careful, Hikari-kun," Tsunade-senpai finally breathed. Concern was still evident in her expression. It was funny how a strong-willed woman such as she had that expression on her face. It was like how out of place a Hercules beetle would be if its sh.e.l.l was pink. Of course, I had to laugh.
"Senpai, you know that I always have an escort with me, one of my men at that. I confidently trust his ability. Write me quick paperwork for those two at the gate, will you?" I explained and she hastily whipped up a piece of paper and write the particulars before she signed it and gave it to me. "Thanks, senpai. See you, SakurTyrant."
I shuns.h.i.+nned out of the office before any excessively strong fists rained on me and made my way to the gates with ease. The scenery when I normally run was a flurry of images to me and I found it somewhat comforting to me, being distracted by it and all. The balance between speed and clarity had made me enchanted and took my mind off the countless burden I bore throughout my days in Konoha. I owed a shard of my peace of mind solely to Inoichi-Sama, as he said I was that some piece of work--all broken but mended enough to be just sane. In no time at all, I arrived at the gate to which I was the first to arrive.
"Oh, Hikari-sam..." Izumo greeted before I immediately shuns.h.i.+nned behind him with a sharp kunai on my hand directed at his left carotid. The man was quick to correct himself.
"Sorry, kid. My bad. It's a habit you know," Izumo said nervously, earning him a good laugh from his partner.
"Hahahahaha! That's what you get for tricking me to pay for your booze last night!" Kotetsu barked. "So, what's up, Hikari-kun? It's way too early for your standard and I'm surprised that Hitori let you go out on your own."
"Hha, very funny. I am going out for a bit with one of my men--official Root business," I said before I handed over my paperwork to them. Kotetsu looked over the doc.u.ment before stamping it and put it aside. Out of nowhere, Sai who was clad in khaki robe and mask appeared in a cloud of smoke. The two jumped a bit to the sudden appearance.
"Good morning, Director, Izumo-senpai, Kotetsu-senpai," Sai said in his signature monotonous voice. The said two swallowed down the bile that was in their throat. They, like all other ninjas in Konoha, was still getting used to us Root. Maybe it's the mask or maybe it was our monotonous ways to clarify and joke about things in general.
"Morning, Cat-san. It's been a while since we saw you," Kotetsu nervously greeted Sai. I wore my mask as Sai made an effort to converse with them as I get ready for our journey.
"Ah, Director Hikari didn't seem to put me on outside mission much these days. Maybe I am taking Tiger-san and Boar-san's place as his favourite. Maybe I am getting a promotion?" The mouthy pale expressionless guy joked with a monotonous tone. Izumo and Kotetsu's sweat dropped due to being baffled by the words.
"He is reading a book on human communication skills as a past time. Don't mind him." I said to them. "Let's go, Cat. You still need to brush up your joke more."
"Safe travels, Oni-kun," Izumo said before I waved at them and turned the other way to run.
It took us the whole morning to reach fire border and a few hours more to the Dango shop that Itachi mentioned. For the whole trip, I discussed with Sai about his progress on his interpersonal skills. It was essential with what I had in mind with how ROOT was heading today. Sai had it worse than the rest as he was actually suppressing his emotion rather than losing it entirely as that b.a.s.t.a.r.d had wanted. He was struggling to bring it out in the open rather than the others that were learning it back as he still thought that it was wrong for him as a ROOT operative. Danzo had f.u.c.ked his mind good. I curse internally at the b.a.s.t.a.r.d. His heartless ways had messed up the entirety of the operatives. Some may not even show progress at all but I know someone who could possibly pierce through his sh.e.l.l as he did to my right-hand guys. Before long, the Dango shop was already within sight, so, we slowed our pace as we reached the shop.
"Welcome to my humble Dango stall, s.h.i.+n.o.bi-san," the old man running the joint greeted us with glee. At least, the customer service wasn't bad thus I might order some Dango as we wait for Itachi.
"We're expecting one more person, Oji-san. Table for three, please and I'd like to have some Mitaras.h.i.+ while you're at it and a takeaway later for the road." I said and the old man quickly gestured us to our seats before he made his way back to the kitchen. There wasn't any noticeable character around here rather than the civilians seemed to be accustomed to seeing a masked man in a robe sitting here at the Dango shop. I shrugged to the situation before I eased myself more into the seat.
"Who are we meeting, by the way, Oni-kun?" Sai finally broke the silence.
"Our most valuable a.s.set," I replied before a flock of crows gathered together to reveal the raven-haired Uchiha clad in black robe lined with red clouds. Sai was quick to reach for his weapon and stood up. I was faster though as I grabbed his forearm and pulled him back to his seat.
"You're early," Itachi murmured. He was still figuring us out because he wasn't sure which of us was me.
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"Well, I am neither early nor late as you would know. Itachi-san," I said to broke up the silence. The Uchiha took a seat in front of us. No one said a word but the old man from the shop had come to bring out my order. We were still silent as he served us.
"The usual, UchihSama?" the old man asked whilst the said man grunted the Uchiha's patented sound. Sensing the tension that was rising, the old man was quick to retreat to his kitchen. As a precaution, we didn't take off our mask and sealed off the table from prying ears
"You look good, Itachi-san. How have you been?" I began but Itachi was eyeing Sai that was sitting as still as a rock on the ground. To some, they might find it creepy but Itachi was the genius and always saw through underneath the underneath. He knew that Sai was ROOT and he was still contemplating the man's presence in this meeting.
"Don't worry about him. He is here to watch over me. I am not that right in the head. Tsunade-senpai wouldn't me to chop off body parts again," I joked and the man closed his eyes before grunting.
"The Akatsuki are beginning to act more actively on our pursuit of the tailed beast. All other unrelated mission had been called off and Leader-Sama wanted us to focus on this one," he began. Instinctively, I slammed my fist on the table. Torune was right and I need to increase the manpower that was with Jiraiysenpai and Naruto. Then, something clicked in my head.
"Is there any order in the collecting process, I mean, do you need to start with any particular tailed beast or something?" I inquired, worried about the Kazekage.
"It is not about the number of tails, instead it is about the a.s.sessed risks and the capability of the two-man cell in charge of the capture. They already have four Bijuus right now as you knew," he answered. I might have been forced to act soon if it was that way. My eyes were wide as I thought about countless possibilities in my head.
"You know, they tried to gain information on you but when their spy came up empty, they became wary. You need to watch over yourself because you are a threat to the Akatsuki due to your third eye's prowess. They are under impression that you were experimented on when you were little," Itachi added and I couldn't help but snort at the comment.
"What else to expect when a kid bested the Uchiha prodigy and the Tailless Tailed Beast on his own. That's nothing new," I joked and Itachi seemed a bit irritated at my words.
"Pride is a weakness, Hikari-kun. Remember that," Itachi chided and I quickly rubbed the back of my head and laughed nervously.
"I am only joking, Itachi-san. Sheesh, keep your hair on! I a.s.sure you that I am not that easy to get hold of you know. Besides they got a whole nation and the ROOT to get through before they get to me," I retorted. No words were heard from him but the old man came back to bring out Itachi's order. Naturally, we decided to go through our food before continuing.
"Another thing, which is partly the main reason that I wanted to meet you in person. Why did you have me pardoned and a.s.signed me as the ROOT Captain and you're second in command?" Itachi said after he took the last bite of his Dango. On cue, I choked on the tea that I was drinking and Sai visibly stirred in his seat. The matter was supposed to be confidential even towards my operatives. He turned to me for an answer.
"I should've killed that old cat," I said in disdain.
"Ninneko rarely able to keep a secret unless they promised so. Juzo especially," the Uchiha clarified. I could only heavily sighed as Sai returned to his previous posture.
"That was rambunctious even for you, Hikari-kun. You don't have to do that. My previous plans were necessary for the Uchiha's sake and for me to atone my sins to my clan," Itachi added and I let out a much heavier sigh.
"Why do you want your brother to live the dark life he is on right now?" I questioned but when I was met with silence, I pressed on.
"Did you know that he had fled the village? Your plans had already fallen to pieces now, isn't it?"
"It doesn't matter as long as Sasuke would search for me and kill me to restore the Uchiha to its former glory," Itachi defended and I clenched my fist to hold back some of the boiling anger inside of me. "I will make sure that Sasuke will come back to Konoha."
I slammed the table, angry. The seal was close to being dispelled due to my action.
"d.a.m.n f.u.c.king right, you will. The family is f.u.c.king important than any f.u.c.king else. Have you ever thought about what he f.u.c.king feels at all? Do you even know how f.u.c.ked up he is? He is obsessed to kill you. Even if he succeeded, what then? Are you sure that he would be in a right f.u.c.king state of mind? Have you f.u.c.king regressed to a f.u.c.king r.e.t.a.r.d, Itachi?" I growled darkly and Sai was quick to nudge me.
"You're less than desirable self is leaking out, Hikari-Sama." He said. Immediately, I took a deep breath and remembered my therapy session to calm my nerves down to which I was successful. Itachi was baffled at my change of personality.
"Sorry about that. When I get heated, my personality changed," I said and Sai just had to chuckle.
"Well, that's an understatement," he snorted as she wiggled for a bit in his seal and that had earned him a hard slap at the back of the head.
"Stuff it, pale face," I growled. "Anyway, the ones who knew your true circ.u.mstances are all dead now and I should be the one to correct their mistakes and give you a true mission for their sins towards the innocent Uchiha children that died that night."
No words could be heard from the Uchiha before he rose and bid us goodbye. I asked for forgiveness for my harsh words but he grunted and disappeared in a flock of crows. I would have sighed at his behaviour but I was distracted by a chakra presence nearby. Immediately, I turned to the source expecting the impossibility.
"Mother? No, this chakra had too much evil intent," I inwardly said but there was no one I could see even with the byakugan. I was beginning to wonder if I was having a psychotic break right then but Sai came to my rescue.
"What's wrong, Director?" he questioned. I shook my head and told him nothing. After paying the old man for the Dango and a takeaway, we too disappeared in a puff of smoke.
On our way back, my mind was churning with information and no doubt, questions. Who was it that was watching us, I was 100% sure that I had sense Mother but with that much evil intent, I know that she even cared to warp into this timeline to see me. h.e.l.l, if she had wanted to, she could've done it way before she had those two. I hoped that I was imagining things for Itachi's sake. I mean, he, of course, could take care of himself but this is Mother we are talking about; this world's progenitor of chakra, so to speak.
"What are your intentions about Itachi, Director?" Sai suddenly blurted our when we were near to the village. I didn't realize how dark the day had been. I must have been too distracted to notice.
"Huh? Hmm, do you understand the concept of the sacredness of human life? Every life is precious regardless of whether their heart is good or bad. Jiraiysenpai once said that it is my job as a sage to find out which is which and guide them back to the path of righteousness," I answered and he seemed to be satisfied with my answer. When we reached the gates, it was Morino-san and Anko-san's turn to run the night s.h.i.+ft. I took off my robe and mask and gave it to Sai before he fled inside towards the headquarters.
"Eh, back already, did you have a bad trip, brat?" Anko-san teased. Naturally, I grumbled at her before giving her a package of Mitaras.h.i.+ from the old man's shop.
"Holy f.u.c.k, this is my favourite Dango from the old man's. No wonder you weren't gone for long. Thanks, kid!" she said as she dug into the Dango like someone was making love with somebody.
"Whatever, at least I didn't have to make love to food as you do," I teased her and she was expectedly annoyed by it. So, I hastily flee towards the village whilst shouting good night with Morino-san laughing at Anko-san. I found myself running to the Hokage tower in order to deliver the intel to Tsunade-senpai at once. Unfortunately, there was only Sakura in the office finis.h.i.+ng her errands for the day. Without wasting much time, I sneaked into the office hoping to surprise her but she caught me like a deer in the headlights. How much she had changed since then.
"Hikari-kun?! Back already? You know we got doors, aren't you?" she said with a bead of sweat dropped in her forehead, annoyed by my antics.
"Haha, I was hoping to scare the s.h.i.+t out of you! My business had been concluded earlier than expected. How are you doing, Sakura? Good?" I replied as I leaned against the wall right next to the windows. Sakura shook her head while chuckling at my expense.
"I'm good, considering all these errands that s.h.i.+sho left me. Distraction is good like Inoichi-Sama said. So, how are you?" She answered as she tidying up Senpai's desk. I had to blew a heavy sigh before I answer her question.
"I can't say that I am better per se, but it's been, what? Two, three years since my last episode? I take that as a win in my book. Thus, generally, I am better. I hadn't been hurting myself also. You?" I inquired. She smiled a relief.
"Me too. Thank you, I guess, in a way. If you hadn't, well you know," she stopped before the mood has gone dark. Luckily, I got just the thing to lighten up the mood.
"This got in this morning, Naruto is coming home. How much did the knucklehead had grown, eh, Sakura?" I rose my eyebrow at her as I could see a wistful smile made upon her face.
"I'm sure he'd changed. We all did. I mean, time could do us quite a number thing," she said and she smiled indulgently, no doubt that she was remembering our Naruto during our days as teammates.
"Yeah, we all did." I nodded subtly. "Come on, let's go home. I missed Hitori more and more."
In a flash, we exited the office with much ease and I made my way all to my house in haste to see my beloved Hitori. When I had reached there, I noticed that my whole family was here.
"I'm home!" I shouted as I took my sandals and dust off my clothes. Hitori would hate dust on her waxed floor.
"Hikari-kun?! Will you call some friends over? Hinata and I had cooked too much food," Hitori hollered from the kitchen. I fetched my flipflops in the cupboard and put it on before I shuns.h.i.+nned out of the place, grabbing whoever I found. A few minutes in, I realized that Kage Buns.h.i.+n would do this job well and thus, I performed the jutsu and my clones parted ways from me. Half an hour afterwards, my dining was filled with two unwilling ROOTS; Torune and Sai, the hammered G.o.daime that was loitering at a nearby pub with s.h.i.+zune and Tonton, Kakas.h.i.+-sensei that was at the memorial in the middle of the night for no apparent reason and Sakura along with Kizas.h.i.+-Ojisan and Mebuki-Obasan, Neji and his team and of course my whole family. We ate and drink through the night to finish Hinata's and Hitori's cooking. All of us were completely stuffed by midnight and drank some root beer that I had fetched before returning home after the search. A few minutes after midnight, all of them had left for their home and we just had to tuck in for the night without some serious action as we were really tired for the day. That night I dreamt of happiness and fulfilment.