Dreams of the Past

Devastating Fury

Chapter 31

Devastating Fury

Two aging shinobi stood atop Hokage tower in the shade of a spire. Dawn was two hours away yet and the village was quiet, deceptively peaceful. Both men hid their hands in voluminous sleeves as they stared out at their domain.

"I apologize for the late hour, but I have urgent news," said one man to the other.

"Hm. As it happens, I was already awake," said the second from beneath the wide brim of his hat.

The corner of the mouth of the first man tugged up in a sinister, facsimile of a smile above a scarred chin. "It seems our enemies in Iwa have actually infiltrated the village. There was a disturbance at the Hatake compound and some of the surrounding area. Unfortunately, there were casualties."

"Hn." The other man pursed his lips, tipping his head, appearing to anyone that might have witnessed to be much aggrieved. "A bitter tragedy. Were there any witnesses that might explain how this could have happened?"

"Unfortunately no. It happened as the village slept. I sent my agents to keep away the few stragglers that had been disturbed from their sleep, for their own safety, of course."

"Of course."

"The foreigner's wife was killed."

"More's the pity. She had been a boon to the hospital, personally saving many lives and training new medics." What might have been genuine regret lined the man's face. "My intelligence had it that she was with child. The Hatake may be an unruly and difficult to control clan, but they are always powerful. Another brought up with proper influence might have been a blessing."

The first man frowned, this information appeared to be news to him. "Is that so? Hm. A pity indeed. I wish I had known sooner, measures might have been taken to ensure her safety, what with her husband away."

"Indeed. I had hoped to have more of a hand in young Kakashi's upbringing too, but his father would have none of it. The influence of this foreigner and his wife, no doubt." He turned so that he could look at the other man. "What about the boy?"

The scarred man shrugged. "Sakumo's heir was, tragically, killed as well."

"And Orochimaru's experiment?"

The first man tucked his scarred chin against his chest. "Died in his adoptive mother's arms. The sight moved me nearly to tears."

Beneath his hat, the second man sighed, closing his eyes in what may have been a silent prayer for the dead. "Send word to Sakumo. He should be notified that Iwa has targeted his family. What a tragedy."

The first man bowed his head. "At once. Perhaps, this will fuel that famous Hatake rage, discouraging any further plans for insurrection and peace. They may even be able to put down the Tsuchikage's rebellion against us."

"Honestly, Ōnoki will not be so easily defeated. Rampaging Hatake's will not be enough to end the war." Their eyes met and both men smirked. "Though, it certainly won't hurt." He turned away, to head inside. "I have a public statement to finish writing. Keep me apprised of any developments."

"As you say."

The man waited until he was alone before signaling. A masked ANBU appeared, kneeling at his side. Without looking away from the village, he pulled a sealed scroll from an inner pocket.

"Go to Commander Hatake in Grass. Give him this. It details Iwa's attack against his family. While he is distracted, remove the bug you placed last month. We have everything we need, best not risk him finding it."