Queen of Air and Darkness

xiv. it was not at your disposal; you had a duty towards it

"The court's judgment is final," Danzo said, his voice a self-satisfied growl.

Stiff from riding for days, exhausted from nights without proper rest, and furious, Kakashi stood before Danzo ready for combat. He itched to draw his blade and settle this matter of sorcery and Tsunade with steel and blood. But he was a courtier by blood, if not by trade, and he could master those baser instincts.

"Need I remind you that Tsunade has served as regent for four years without incident, guiding Konoha into a period of greater stability than anything we saw under King Hiruzen. What evidence could possibly stand in the face of such a record." Whispers from the surrounding clerks and courtiers filled the room at Kakashi's rebuttal.

It was never wise to fight a battle such as this with witnesses, but Kakashi had no choice. He had arrived in the midst of a flurry of activity and now every occupant of the room was turned their attention to the battle at the center of the room.

"We have witness accounts of the use of dark magics, a crime which I am sure you remember is punishable by death. Worse, we suspect she is conspiring with her old companion, Orochimaru." Danzo let the word companion linger, full of insinuation. Then, he had the gall to wave a dismissive hand in Kakashi's direction. "Now, if you have an issue with the rule of law, please take it up elsewhere. Your king is to be crowned tonight, and there is much to prepare." That explained the flurry of activity. There had been no plans for a coronation a month ago, and such a ceremony took time to prepare.

Kakashi nearly summoned the lighting that was his birthright and used it on the old man right then and there.

The laws against sorcery were unenforcible; Kakashi himself was living proof of that. He also had no doubt in his mind that Danzo suspected as much. This was just a useful cudgel to wield against his political enemies. If Danzo had not been able to accuse Tsunade of sorcery, it likely would have been embezzling or licentious behavior that sealed her fate. This was just the first opportunity to eliminate a rival that had been a thorn in his side for four years.

"The deaths of eighteen years ago should not dictate the deaths of today," Kakashi snapped. "If you think this is in the realm's best interest, you are a blind fool." He could still remember the day the laws had changed, forever ending the kingdom of his youth. The laws against sorcery were a piece of nonsense legislation, written in haste by a man who should never have been king, to soothe the wounds of a grieving nation.

Before he could say something more incriminating, Sir Jiraiya emerged from the shadows. He wore a broad smile meant for peacemaking and good humor. Stepping between Danzo and Kakashi, he said "You have been on a long journey, Sir Kakashi." His voice boomed off the walls as he emphasized the Sir in Kakashi's title. It was a petty jab, meant to remind him of his duty.

Duty, a familiar and tiresome friend.

Kakashi tried to ignore him, brushing the bigger man aside to stride forward and ('what?' a part of him demanded. Seek satisfaction by duel from an old man?) But Sir Jiraiya would not budge, saving Kakashi from his own folly. He put a big hand on Kakashi's shoulder, applying enough force to hold him in place. "Perhaps we should go for a drink."

It would do no good to engage in a power struggle with one of his few allies. Kakashi grunted in surrender, allowing Sir Jiraiya to lead him out of the office. As they escaped into the brighter hallways of the castle, Kakashi turned for one final jab.

"You'll burn this realm to the ground for politics," he hissed.

Sai, the squire Danzo had once ordered to kill Sakura, shut the door in Kakashi's face.