The Case-Book of Kakashi Hatake

The Hound of the Uchiha {Part 5}

As Hardwick shuffled away into the morning glow, I noticed that Uchiha's mouth had curved into a deep frown.

"What is it?"

The young man hissed between his teeth, "'Young Itachi,' as if the old man knew my brother well enough to speak with such familiarity."

I took a moment to adjust my coat sleeves while pondering his vitriolic reaction. "Jugo informed me that Hardwick moved into the hamlet fifteen years ago. Wouldn't that allow him plenty of time to get to know your brother?"

Uchiha began to pace around me, "No. He hasn't spent much time here. Hardwick used to have some sort of government position in Konoha, and until a few years ago, he split his time between Kuromoor and the city. And even when he is in the area, the old coot keeps to himself. This was the first time we've spoken since I left for school."

"Ah, his government position explains how he knows Dr. Kato and likely why I recognized his voice," I pondered while rubbing my chin. "I wonder why he decided to retire out here of all places? No offense meant," I quickly clarified, hoping to avoid getting into yet another disagreement this morning, "simply that this isn't a town but a few homes attached to your manor; there isn't really anything to do here besides serve the house or its property."

Uchiha ran a hand through his hair, which he kept a bit long and pushed back in a way that some might consider stylish. "I have wondered the same, to be honest. He purchased the cottage from my parents; any specific knowledge on the arrangement beyond that passed with them and my brother. I cannot imagine what could have enticed a city official to move out here."

We began meandering down the lane once more, heading towards the next neighbor to be introduced.

"Could he have been friends with your parents?" I asked.

"I do not think so, though that is possible. My brother was the heir to the estate; he was trained in all the knowledge of running it and introduced to all their acquaintances and business. As the second son, I was sent to school to learn law and trade." He could not hide the bitterness in his tone.

We walked on in silence.

The next cottage along the narrow lane was low and encased by a lush garden. Voices could be heard coming from around the back.

Uchiha's steps gave a tiny stutter as he came to a halt. "I believe that we have done enough meeting the neighbors for the day."

"Who lives here?" I planted my hands on my hips, feeling that I already knew the answer.

"The Berks."

As I had suspected, it was the elderly couple which he had fired when taking up the estate. Now he was worried to talk to them and come face-to-face with the consequences of his actions. I found that I had little pity for his predicament.

"By the sound of it, their son is visiting. Perfect! Lead the way."

Uchiha started. "Perfect?"

"Yes. He's a potential suspect; this is an excellent opportunity to appraise him." When Uchiha stayed frozen, I could not help but lean a bit towards him and mutter out of the side of my mouth, "Oh, are you afraid that he might confront you over firing his elderly parents thus depriving them of their livelihood after serving your family for decades? Well, it's bound to happen eventually. Might as well bite the bullet." I took a few steps forward and then smirked over my shoulder, "I can't introduce myself alone, that would be rude."

Alas, before I could torment the man any further, an elderly figure shuffled down a narrow stone path around the side of the cottage from the back garden. Her hair was white and wispy, pinned up on the top of her head by a clean bun in a style that was in vogue when my mother had been a girl with its long curled fringe framing the sides of her face and a white, lacy cap on top. Her back was just beginning to curl forward with age, and the pale green, long sleeve dress she wore with its voluminous skirt made her seem all the more short and slender.