Fallout 2

Panting filled dimly light the room as the sound of sandals clanked against the floor echoed down the hall.

"Hinata report." He ordered while taking inventory of those that had managed to make it inside.

Byakugan active the young jonin calmly took in the scene around them for miles in every direction. "They've found our position Hokage-sama, they have us completely surrounded. All standard and reserve exits have been blocked. We are trapped."

Naruto gritted his teeth. This was bad. Everything had gone fine until they approached the border. Now on the last stretch, they found themselves cornered like a rat. How he found them was anyone's guess at this point. "He must have predicted we'd come here. How is the defense team fairing? Anyone managed to get into the tunnels?" He asked concerned for his fellow Kage and those that volunteered to support him.

Hinata calm as ever relayed what see saw, "All units are down except for Sasori. He seems to be holding them off but if they continue their assault at this rate… even he will be overwhelmed." A small tear went down her face.

Naruto closed his eyes in pain and to honor those who'd fallen. Kiba would be missed dearly. Time for morning was later though. "And the passages?"

Voice unwavering despite her clear emotional pain, "Your seals seem to be working. The zetsu cannot phase through. At least not yet." That last part she muttered but he heard it non the less as he clenched is fists in anger.

"Continue to monitor the situation. Inform me if anything changes."

More footsteps were heard and he turned to see Ganma, Raido, and Aoba along with several Suna-shinobi. "The tunnels are secure Hokage-sama and all seals have been place."

Naruto nodded in acknowledgement before replying, "Don't forget that our mission here is to escort the survivors of Iwagakure safely into fire nation territory." And then returning to his thoughts.

'What are we going to do? This was the last defense bunker that Onoki had marked in the land of earth. Garra is busy in the land of wind and Sasuke has to stay at the border to protect the refugees. No reinforcements can be called on.' Naruto thought looking out over the group of civilians and shinobi refugees they had been escorting.

The land of earth had fallen. It was not even a year after the land of lightning had finally been over run. He and the Godaime Kazekage were leading teams to gather the survivors of the onslaught and buy their borders time to prepare for the onslaught. They had succeed in both objectives but now the return journey to friendly territory was proving to be far more difficult.

BOOM! They heard echo through the caverns and the ground trembled.

Hinata immediately reported. "Hokage-sama they have started bombarding the weak points of the structure. Since they can't get in they are trying to bury us. Deidara is with them."

Damn Kabuto and his zombie jutsu. "What of Sasori?" He asked quickly as the others started to panic a bit. Another boom and rumble.

"He's puppet count is very low Hokage-sama. I am unsure how much longer he will be able to hold off then enemy. I don't think he can engage Deidara in time." Came the neutral and knowing reply from the raven haired clan head.

"Can we get to him before the cavern collapses?" BOOM! BOOM! Cracks began to appear along the walls and ceiling even as he saw her shake her head solemnly.

"We've got to get out." Came a shout from one of the civilians.

"We can't get out." Was the reply from an Iwa shinobi that had remained seated clearly having given up.

"Naruto you have to use it." Genma shouted. As rocks began to fall and tunnels collapsed. Giving Naruto a look that was both stern and serene. Naruto knew what Genma wanted him to do, and after doing a quick head count, was completely against it

"No! I can't take all of you with it. We will find another way." He shouted back mind racing for another solution. The others he could tell had caught on to what Genma was referring too.

"There isn't time! You have to go! It's ok Hokage-sama!" Genma shouted back as rocks continued to collapse from the ceiling. "It's alright."

Turn by indecision Naruto was frozen. Innocent people he was sent to save or his loyal friends and comrades that had fought by his side for years, it was an impossible choice. More explosions sounded as the roof finally began to cave in. It was time to choose.

"Naruto!" They shouted as the boulders fell on them.

"Haruki!" Came a voice that cut through the world like a kunai through cloth.

Instantly Haruki became aware of three things, he was screaming, sitting up in his bed in a cold sweat, and he was looking into kakashi's lone eye that was staring at him with concern while gripping his shoulders shaking him lightly.

Stopping himself from screaming, Haruki notices his body is trembling and his chakra his running around crazy though little had actually been released.

"Breath Haruki. Just breath." Came the soothing words from his silver haired friend, "You're not trapped. You're are safe. No one is gone. It's just you and I. Breath."

Haruki did just that as his dark eyes stared into Kakashi's and he breathed. In and out slowly calming his hastily hammering heart. He glances at his clock which read 4:17 and groans.

"Don't look at that. Just look at me and breath." Kakashi reprimands. The red head looks back at Kakashi and did as he was told to flustered to really argue.

After about a minute Haruki had calmed down to Kakakshi's satisfaction. "Now say here and stay calm I'm going to get you a glass of water." The man then got up slowly and carefully and left the room. His bedroom. Wait.

Realization hit him like bijudama to the face. Kakashi was in his room quickly getting up not caring he was only in boxers Haruki rushed over to the door and found that it wasn't broken and none of the seals seemed tamered with though he did find them inactive.

This made Haruki smack himself, 'Was I really so careless that I left the door unlocked and security seals inactive?'

"Ac-hem," Came a deliberate cough from his side. "I thought I told you to stay put." Kakashi said in a tone the brokered no argument.

Haruki seeing the look from Kakashi quickly stood and back tracked to his bed before sitting. "Sorry I just needed to know how you got in here it should have been impossible."

Walking over to him while staring at him with a bland look the man replied, "No doubt to protect you innumerable number of secrets. Because I'm sure they're not their to keep people from knowing you are in trouble or prevent them from aiding you. Whether it was something a silly as a "spider" or serious as a night terror. Right, Haruki?" Kakashi said with look that spoke volumes.

Haruki gulped as he realized Kakashi hadn't forgotten about the last time. Kakashi seemingly satisfied enough to move on continued relaxing his posture a bit. "Well don't worry I am not really that concerned with anything else except you at the moment. Your secrets are safe. Now drink this."

Haruki quickly gulped down the glass and handed it back to him whipping his mouth. Kakashi then continued before leaving the room, "Now back to bed."

Haruki huffed even as he laid back down annoyed at being ordered around in his own room as if he was ten or something. 'He doesn't have to be so bossy about it. Besides I got like 2 hours of sleep I should be fine. And I'm not going to get back to sleep at this rate. Wait. Kakashi didn't close the door.'

Glancing up after hearing some scuffling, Haruki saw Kakashi set down a chair arms length from his bed facing the door. He held a pillow under one arm and a blanket in the other.

"What are you doing?" Haruki asked before Kakashi sat down chest against the back of the chair as he set up his pillow and blanket.

"Making sure you go back to sleep with no further issues. Don't worry it's just for tonight." The man replied lightly before looking at Haruki. "Now sleep."

Haruki blinks owlishly before come to the decision that he's not going to be able to remove the man with out a fight and if he was honest it did help a little having him right there. He always slept better when he had someone he trusted watching his back.

"Fine" He said before rolling over on his side and closed his eyes. Besides if he couldn't sleep he could always go scheme with Kurama. And Kakashi would be none the wiser.

And so the cyclopes kept his lonely vigil over his friend the remainder of the night. And there was no further issues thank kami. Hopefully today would bring better news.

xXx

The following morning was a light affair. Haruki opened his eyes to the smell fo burnt toast. He quickly sat up and turned to find Kakashi's char draped in his blanket and his pillow on the floor. Quickly recognizing what must have happened and glancing at the clock to find it at precisely 9:37, the red head got out of bed before hastily heading towards the kitchen to hopefully save breakfast.

What he find when he rounds the corner is both amusing and surprising. On the table already prepared and apparently still warm was two omelets and a bowl of rice at two places with a glass of milk each. Off in the corner juggling burning bread was a certain masked ninja who was doing his best to curse quietly while trying to make the toaster explode with his glare. "Itai itai. Stupid thing. How hard is it to cook toast. I swear a Koton jutsu would be more effective that this stupid thing. Why doesn't this thing work?"

Deciding to come to the man's aid Haruki chuckled lightly. "That would be because you only pull the lever all the way down if the object you putting in is frozen genius."

Kakashi whipped around at the sound of his voice before smiling. "Goodmorning Haruki! I wanted to surpise you with a breakfast that didn't explode your kitchen and I was almost successful."

Haruki just smirked, "Yes. Almost."

Kakashi rolled his eye but still smiled as the red head walked over and took his seat. Kakashi quickly joined him completely forgetting about toast and stupid machines with no instructions. (I mean seriously how was he suppose to know)

Haruki eyed the food for a moment before glancing up at his friend's hopeful face and decided to risk it. Taking a bite of the omelet Haruki savors it in his mouth before swallowing taking great care to not show any facial reaction at all. Kakashi had leaned so far in his observation of his red headed friend that he was practically across the table. "Well? What do you think? How did I do?" he asked impatiently.

Haruki hums to himself as if debating in his head what he's going to say. "I give it a B."

Kakashi stares at him for a moment before eye smiling, "That's way better than I was expecting." It was his best dish, after all it was hard to screw up eggs.

Haruki just laugh. "Hahaha honestly I'd have to agree."

They continued their meal bantering back and fort, talking about random things and training. It soon became apparent to Haruki that Kakashi seemed to have no intention of discussing the previous nights events. And honestly he was glad for that. He certainly was not in the mood to discuss that. Kurama had told him what he said in his sleep. Nothing crucial but nothing he wanted to elaborate on either. The fox couldn't wake him without releasing some of his chakra which they knew he couldn't do for obvious reasons.

Soon enough the two jonin cleaned up and got ready for the day. Haruki even convince Kakashi to just take a shower there to save time. He was sure to give the man his privacy and when he himself came out after bathing found that the silver haired man had already left leaving a note that he would catch up with him later.

After locking up and getting the necessary materials he would need for team ten's training later today, Haruki locked up his room ant apartment before heading out wondering just what was instore fore him today.

xXx

Haruki's first stop of the day was to go by his office to do his paperwork and refresh his clones for later. Part of the reason he wasn't in a terrible hurry was because he had left three clones in his office that night when he left to continue working. So in terms of work he had never actually left. He approached the hokage tower and was greeted with nods of respect from the chunin on duty. He waved at the guards in return being sure t use the hand that he had kept hidden yesterday to show it was completely healed. Whether they noticed or not was a completely different issue that he honestly didn't care about. He passed the Hokage's office on his way, and the old man's secretary waved at him with a sweet smile and a greeting good morning, though there was clearly an appraising look in her eyes. This time he smiled back and waved again with his healed hand. This seemed to be what she was looking for as her posture relaxed and she nodded to him before writing a note down off to the side. No doubt about his condition. Still this didn't bother him in the slightest and was determined to start the morning in a good mood. And he believed that up until he rounded the corner to the hallway his office was on. Low and beheld standing in front of his office door was one of his least favorite people in all of Konoha.

"How can I help you Danzo-san?"

The old man turned and greeted the red head jonin. "Good morning Haruki-san. Yes infact I've been waiting to meet with you is now a good time?"

Haruki glanced at the door and finding that no seals were glowing it was evidence that the man had had no desire or made no effort to enter the room before Haruki's arrival. That was a point in the old man's favor.

Taking a moment to calm himself and observe his surroundings he realizes that he is in fact alone. The guards were stationed at the ends of the hallway, but nothing else was out of place and there were no body guards with Danzo. Another point in the man's favor. Steeling his face and emotions as best he can, Haruki nods to the man before forming a handseal. Instantly purple, blue, and red seals flair to life all across the door before fading. The Red head then walked forward and unlocked it.

"This is quite an extensive security system there are even more here than at your home I should think. Some of these symbols I can't even understand their purpose. Your skill in fuinjutsu continues to impress me." The warhawk said without looking away from the door.

Haruki just hmmed as he opened the door to find the office furnished and organized. Good they had gotten a lot of work done. He paused for a moment in the door looking at his secretaries desk while absorbing the memories of the clones he had left behind last night.

"Is there a problem Haruki-san?" he old man asked as he stopped behind the man.

"No, I was just reminding myself that I told my secretary not to come in until the afternoon is all." Haruki sais quickly recovering as he made his way into is actually office room.

If Danzo believed him or not he didn't show it as he sat in one of the two chairs acroos the desk from Haruki. "I should be thankful I suppose that I am getting such an impromptu meeting especially for you apparent distaste for me. Yet you've given my a private audience. Curious."

Trying his best not to lose his patience. He would rather deal with Orochimaru than this guy. Haruki all but growled out, "What is it you want Danzo?"

Unphased Danzo continued, "There are several topics I would like to discuss with you. First-." The man places one of the files he was holding down on table.

"These are the list of sealing techniques I know and would add to the village armory per your review of course."

Haruki just stared at the folder before looking back at the war hawk and raising an eyebrow. Danzo just pulls out another folder and lays it on top of the first.

"These are the list of anbu operatives that I am aware have Fuinjutsu training as well as the applications of my personal guard for the program."

That caused a but of a reaction from the red head as his eyes narrowed. Weighing his options. He wanted to flat out refuse. But perhaps having them go through the program on some level would give him an avenue of control. Was it a risk Haruki was willing to take?

"And finally here it the list of Elders on the Hyuga council along with a summation of their skills, records, conections, and personalities."

The last fold had barely hit the desk before Haruki was on his feet.

"What kind of game are you playing?"

"I don't know what your so upset about. It's not like what happened last night was much of a secret. The entire clan saw what happened. I just figure I would try and etend an olive branch in the form of information that you no doubtly need on your new opponents. It gives you an advantage that they are sorely lacking as is most of the village when it come to you. Even so you're a spy aren't you surely you understand the benefit of something like this. And I assure you this is just a compilation of information that you could attain all on you own if you wish."

Haruki stared at the "crippled" man for a long moment before retaking his seat. He still wasn't happy about it.

"Why are you helping me?" Haruki asked leaning forward.

"You seem awfully convinced that I should be opposed to you somehow, despite my actions in front of your very eyes. I have done nothing but supported you. I simply have allowed for the possibility that Hiruzen has truly gone senile but you don't seem too concerned with the event that is rapidly approaching in fact I would wager you are more concerned with audience and not the task." Pausing the war hawk finally fixes the red head with a piercing look. "Make no mistake. I am incredibly curious as to who you are and where you come from, what your abilities are, what information you have. Though I'm beginning to piece somethings together. I sincerely doubt your actual surname is Kazuma. However, you are a great asset to Konoha and your presence has final kicked Saru in the pants a bit, which I have been wanting to see for years. He's becoming proactive again which is something Konoha desperately needs. So Haruki please don't be so surprised that for the time being at least. I am on your side."

Having said his piece and not giving the red head a chance to respond Danzo stand and excuses himself. "Now I'm sure you have a great deal to o and I wouldn't want to cause you to be late to your training appointment because I delayed you. Good day." And with the fading rhythmic tapping of his cane he was gone. Leaving a rather flabbergasted Haruki. Perhaps Danzo hadn't fallen so far yet. Good that gave him time.

For the next hour or so Haruki went through the very seals that the man had provide. There had been quite a few that he hadn't realized someone in the village had access to and went about categorizing them by difficulty, danger to the user and others, and over all usefulness.

It was then that he heard another knock at his door.

"Come in," he called out not looking up from his desk.

Haruki heard the shuffling of feet and smelled the faint scent of tobacco as he finished the last line of the seal description he was working on. He looked up to see standing before him the Hokage and his two chief advisors.

Quickly standing himself in he greeted them. "Ah Hokage-sama I was not expecting you. I was not expecting you. If you will wait a moment I will grap another chair-"

Hiruzen raised his hand to stop him. "That will not be necessary I am just here for a moment to address a complaint submitted by that Hyuga clan elders. Would you mind securing the room Haruki?" The old man said with a neutral face.

Haruki does so with a flair of his chakra the room glows with seals of all colors before fading. Internally he groans at the tongue-lashing he's probably about to receive.

After the seals fade and Haruki confirms the room is secure, Hiruzen smirks and makes his address, "Good job Haruki."

Haruki blinks. Well this is not what he had been expecting.

Before he can reply the hokage, turns on his heal. "Now that you have been properly chastised I must return to my duties. Haruki, if you would please."

Haruki just nods numbly before deactivating the seals and the Hokage leaves with out another word. Realizing that the others did not leave with him he turns to them and raises an eyebrow.

It was Koharu that spoke, "Don't act so surprised Haruki. Hiruzen would smack those old crones over their heads with Enma himself if he could. Though we wouldn't recommend continued antagonization and we do have to follow up on such complaints, Hiruzen would sooner promote you then take any action against you over such an issue."

"Especially after finding out the details of the evening from Hiashi himself." Homura added chucking, "You should have seen the look on his face when he heard the elders had filed a complaint with the Hokage's office. I swear I saw his eyes begin to twitch."

Haruki smiled himself. He had to admit such a sight would amuse him too.

"Then may I ask what I can do for you two."

Getting down to business, Koharu set down a file she had been carrying. "This is all the information and details pertaining to the village wide evaluations you had us schedule as well as any related shinobi information concerning fuinjutsu users. The list is not very impressive. The first batch of testing and the basic introduction are scheduled for tomorrow morning in the academy. The students are getting a week's break to make space or this."

After she finished Homura began, "And we came to inform you that the Barrier corps is schedule for review tomorrow afternoon. I trust you have had time to look over the current schematic and upon your review have recommendations for improvements prepared." It was not a question.

Haruki nodded. He of course hadn't but his clones had.

Having delivered their messages the two elders stood together and prepared to leave. "I there anything forther you need to preform your duties?" Homura asked from the door.

"Nothing I can think of at the moment but if something comes to mind I'll be sure to let you know." Haruki replied. He was honestly very confused by this whole interaction. First Danzo and now these two. Weren't they opposed to him at every step?

He was broken from hi thoughts when Koharu spoke from the door, "Do try to keep your political enemies to a minimum though if you would. Clean up after Hiruzen is enough of a task as it is." And with that final scolding she was gone.

Haruki had just enough time to file the folders away and create a clone before there was once again a knock at the door though this time it opened without his permission.

Of course the only person with the authority and gall to do so was of course Shikaku.

"Haruki? Do you know what time it is?" the man said gesturing to the clock on the wall.

"Yes, yes I'm on my way. I've still got another thirty minutes before their training starts."

Shikaku smirks before saying. "Before you that might have been true, but they have already been training for about an hour now and that was after waiting thirty minutes. Didn't Asuma tell you?"

The words had scarcely left the man's mouth before there was a poof and whoosh as the now late jonin made a clone a race out of his office with a speed Shikaku could barely follow.

Shikaku just chucked as he waved to the clone and closed the door behind him hearing shouts a curses form down the hall. No doubt caused by a certain red heads haste. That chuckled turned into a full blown laugh as he stepped outside to find the two elders pressed against the wall as if they had dodged a bull of some kind. 'Well Asuma I almost pity you. He certainly isn't going to be happy when he gets there.'