Struck: A Kakashi Hatake Fanfiction

Chapter Twenty One: Konton

"No sneaking off this time," he said with a stern one-eyed gaze.

I rolled my eyes as I packed my bag. "Don't give me a reason to this time." I gave him a face and then resumed my packing. "But no need to worry, Hatake. I promise."

We checked out of the inn and headed south, back to the small village where Konton resided. We'd both agreed that we should report the info we found on the missing girls and Hideshi's possible involvement to the Hokage and await direction. In the meantime, we'd head back and confront Konton—at this point we had no other leads.

XXXXX

"Emi, you can't just knock on the door and accuse the man of committing murder!" I whisper-shouted at this infuriating woman.

"Breathe, Hatake. I'm not an idiot. Just follow my lead." I grumbled as I trudged up the hill behind the house. As I passed a certain tree, I couldn't help but remember what happened the last time we were here. And how things had changed since that night.

We'd just reached the entrance when two large men came out to greet us.

"I think you've got the wrong house, little girl," one said with a smirk.

"No I'm pretty sure this is the right one. I'm looking for Konton," I said matter-of-factly.

The two exchanged a look. "The boss isn't taking visitors today, girly."

"Well, tell your boss that if he doesn't want his men to start dropping like flies that he'll make an exception," I said, sweetness dripping like venom from my lips.

One of the men chuckled. "You know what, the boss likes 'em feisty, maybe he will see you." Then he eyed Kakashi behind me. "But you're not quite his type, old man."

"Sorry boys, he has to tag along. But don't worry, he's harmless. I mean...he only has one eye," I whispered to the guard nearest me, containing my laughter inside. There's no way this is gonna work...When I turned around Kakashi was giving the men a wave.

"Wait here," one of the brutes said as he disappeared inside. He came back after a minute and held the door open for us.

XXXXX

That...should not have worked.I was following closely behind Emi as the two men escorted us through the house until we reached a sitting room of sorts. A large set of double doors sat to the left of us and the men motioned for us to sit on the couch.

We sat in silence and after a few minutes, the doors opened revealing a young blonde woman."Sir Konton will see you now," she gestured for us to enter and closed the doors behind us.

The room was dim, dark actually. The windows had been blacked out and the only light was from a small desk lamp that cast shadows around the place.

"Please, have a seat," a low voice said from the darkness. Emi gave me a glance before moving to the two chairs in front of the desk. I followed and sat beside her.

"So, to whom do I have the pleasure of meeting today? I gave specific orders to not be disturbed but I was told I may enjoy this surprise." As my eyes adjusted I could see the silhouette of a man at the far wall of the room leaning against a mantle. He started to slowly make his way to us.

"My name is Emi—Emiko Akiyama. And I'm here about my family."

The man's crimson hair glowed as he entered the field of light, his amber eyes focused hard on Emi as he came to rest his hands on the desk in front of her.

"Akiyama...Now why does that sound familiar," he teased. She just held his glare. "Oh that's right. You must be the daughter. My, my. What can I do for you, darling?"

"Was it you?" she snarled. My stomach flipped. This woman is actually going to be the death of me.

"Me? No, no. You're mistaken. Wherever did you hear such a rumor?" He gave her an evil grin.

"Hideshi Fukuda. He seemed pretty sure about it."

The redhead let out a low laugh as he stood up and walked back around the desk to stand in front of Emi. I stood then, grabbing a kunai.

"Down, boy," he spit at me before returning to her. He took her chin in his hands. "I've heard a lot about you, you know."

"Do you know anything about my family's deaths or not?" she asked as she jerked out of his grip.

"Other than the fact that they died, no I'm afraid I don't. Truly—I had nothing to do with it." He leaned back on the desk.

"And I'm just supposed to believe that?" Emi stood and held a kunai to the man's throat.

"Emi—"

"Ah, Miss Akiyama, so brazen. You do live up to your reputation." Their eyes were locked together, a smile on the bastard's face. "You know, you would make a lovelyasset to our little organization. Why don't you join me?"

"And what sort of organization is this exactly?" she asked as she pushed him down on the desk and shoving the kunai into his neck even harder. A trickle of blood oozed from the tip.

"Oh I think you'd fit right in..." he trailed. "But unless you plan on moving this little get-together to my bedroom, I ask that you kindly give me some space, darling." I could see the redness rise to her cheeks as Emi took in her position; she was straddling his chest. She stood then and let him up.

"Another time then," he said shooting her a wink. I tightened my grip on my weapon. "Now, I believe I've tolerated your outburst long enough—"

"I don't think so," she said cutting him off. "I'll give you one more chance, before I makeyou spill it. Now talk!"

He crossed his arms. "it's time for you to leave, Miss Akiyama."

She shook her head and a dangerous expression took over her before her hands furiously weaved a series of signs. "Wind Style Asphyxiation!"

Instantly the man before us reached for his neck. Wind was whipping around Emi, bouncing the desk lamp and causing shadows to dance on her face. The effect was unnerving.

"You see, this is an Akiyama special. It works on the molecular level, pulling the oxygen from your very lungs." He was gasping now, but clearly getting no relief, his face warped with fear. He fell to his knees and Emi released the jutsu.

"Next time, we go two minutes. I suggest you answer our questions." He was sputtering and sucking in as much air as he could. This must be one of the secrets Lady Tsunade had illuded to. I'd never heard of such jutsu...

"P—please," he begged. Begged.

"Tell me about my family."

He was still on his knees, rubbing his throat. "I told you," he huffed. "I don't know anything. It wasn't me—but that doesn't mean it wasn't us."

"Explain."

The man gulped and his eyes widened. Looks like someone was regretting what he'd just said.

Emi lifted a brow. When he didn't respond, she again weaved her signs. As she promised, two full minutes passed. His lips had turned a pale blue, his eyes bloodshot.

"I'm not sure you can make it another round, let alone a three minute round. This is your last chance," she said as she stood over his body. He'd crumpled to the floor and was currently on his hands and knees trying to catch his breath.

"Now what the fuck did you mean," her voice was eerily quiet.

"I'm...not Konton. Not the...real one. I'm a stand in. I just play the part for the public. No one's ever actually seen him—the real Konton."

"And my family?"

He nodded. "Him. It was him."

"Where is he," she hissed.

"I don't know. He finds you. He doesn't stay in one place."

"You have no way to contact him?"

He shook his head.

She was quiet for a minute. "Alright then. You give this son of a bitch a message for me the next time you hear from him. Tell him to come find me."