The Beginning {Part 10}

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Sarutobi,
     I have given this note to Izumo with the instructions to pass it on to you as soon as possible; I hope that you don't find my unusual method of communication impertinent. On to more important matters, I have been able to ascertain that Asuma's killer was a member of a group entitled the Dawn, operating chiefly out of East Konoha and the Gunbai. If you have any intel on this group, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
Your favorite ex-agent


Kakashi,
     I must admit that I've never received such a lengthy and eloquent letter before, writing so much must have been a true test of your fortitude. I did not mind the unusual way of passing on a letter; though, I do not believe that Izumo would agree with my assessment. He also was not pleased when I asked him to deliver my reply as well, for despite the fact that this fine city has a functioning postal system, I would not want any of this information to fall into the wrong hands.
     As for the Dawn, I must admit that we have pathetically little intel on the group. I wish that half of my own spies were as skilled as the upper echelon of this organization. I have plans to place Weasel on the inside, but until then, we are in the dark. There are several things that we have been able to find for certain, however. Mainly, this is not your average gang or band of thugs; the man behind the operation is cunning in the extreme and so elusive that very few members even know his name, simply referring to him as the Professor. If this were not a time of war, I would make finding and apprehending this person a top priority. We also know that they are not limited to East Konoha or the Gunbai, that is simply one branch of a greater whole, and there is no knowing how far reaching their influence is.
     The situation is even more dire than we had thought if it was the Dawn who has killed my son, for it shows that their ambitions are even more high reaching than we had dared imagine.
     Best of luck on your continued investigation, and be careful, Kakashi. You're not invincible.
Respectfully,
The Hokage

Scoffing, I set the fine sheet of stationary down. I know that I'm not invincible; that's an integral part of the human condition and not one that I'm wont to forget. However, I could not deny that it was an interesting letter. To say that I was shocked when Izumo showed up at my apartment not even two hours after I had delivered my own missive, would be an understatement. That was undoubtedly the most expedient reply to a letter that I've ever received.

The contents weren't too boring either. It was fairly upsetting that Sarutobi didn't have more intel on the Dawn, but this news of the Professor would certainly be helpful. Also, I was shocked that Itachi Uchiha, the aforementioned Weasel, was going to be removed from the front to infiltrate a domestic threat. One thing was for certain: this Asuma case was just a thin slice of a much larger pie.

Glancing one more time at the letter to make sure that I had the contents memorized, I tossed the piece of paper into my stove. Closing the grate as it blackened and curled, removing all traces of its contents, I glanced out my window at the setting sun. It was time to go.

Dressing in my usual disguise, I was placing my cap over darkened hair when there was a knock on my door. Shikamaru, if the usual cadence was to be believed.

"It's unlocked," I called out, tucking up and away the last bit of my bangs.

"Heading out for another night of recon?" I heard the young Inspector say from behind me.

Turning, I squeezed my eyes into a smile. "That I am."

"Where are you going this time?"

Should I tell him that I was going to the Gunbai? I certainly didn't want him to try and stop me.

Noticing my slight hesitation, Shikamaru's eyes narrowed. "You're planning on going to the Gunbai."

I didn't even bother trying to deny it and just shrugged as I sat on the edge of my bed to pull on ratty, worn boots.

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