31

Chapter 31: the meaning of our encounter is untraceableNotes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"The prophecy has already been fulfilled."

Jiraiya looks just as dumbfounded to be saying these words as Minato feels to be hearing them.

The Hokage stares, empty-headed. "What?"

Shrugging helplessly, Jiraiya repeats, "The prophecy has already been fulfilled. The Great Toad Sage himself told me. Apparently, he received a new vision about the Saviour already having arrived and finished his job."

"So, the shinobi world is…" Minato flounders before ultimately settling on, "saved?"

"Apparently so."

There is silence for a moment as they both stare at each other in mutual bewilderment.

Then, Minato ventures, "Who was it? The Saviour, I mean. It had to be one of your students, right?"

Jiraiya shakes his head, rubbing at his face, clearly frustrated. "That's just the thing—I have no idea! I thought it'd be you or Nagato, and then I thought Nagato was dead, so I was sure it'd be you, but now I'm finding out that it was someone else entirely or something."

"But Nagato isn't dead," Minato points out, tilting his head. "Could he have…?"

"He says Akatsuki's activities have been too localised so far since they were focused on Hanzo of the Salamander, and I'm inclined to agree." Jiraiya hesitates before venturing, "I thought it might have been you."

Minato blinks. "Me?" He weighs this in his head before sighing. "I don't think so, sensei. I've done good for Konoha, sure, but the entire shinobi world? If I'm the supposed Saviour of this prophecy, I certainly don't remember doing anything to bring it to fruition."

Throwing his hands up, Jiraiya makes a noise of frustration. "It doesn't make sense! I haven't taught anyone else. Konan and Yahiko are in the same boat as Nagato. As for your teammates—Emi has been undercover in Iron since she was fourteen, and I'm pretty sure Kei hasn't saved the world from the Archives yet. Who else could it possibly be?"

"Then is it possible that the prophecy was initially misinterpreted or just…wrong?" Minato suggests.

"The Great Toad Sage has a perfect track record, Minato. He is far closer to being a yokai than any normal Summon. This is his gift," informs Jiraiya, face grave. "Besides, he didn't say the prophecy has changed or was wrong. He clearly told me it has simply been completed and that I have done my duty as fate required it of me."

Minato frowns, scratching at his brow. "Did he say anything else?"

Jiraiya's face twists into a look of distant thoughtfulness. "He said that he hasn't ever seen anything like this before," he offers. "'That child has twisted destiny itself into an image of his liking and laid down the foundation for peace against the grain of time,' is what he said. The Toad Sage did imply some exceptional circumstances at play, but honestly, he's so old and he loses track of conversation so often that it's entirely possible I'm misunderstanding something."

Humming, Minato leans back in his chair. The cryptic speech doesn't really make sense to him yet, but he supposes he'll just have to chew on this problem for a bit. "Well, in any case," he says, "it appears that we are at peace for now thanks to this mysterious Saviour. What will you do, sensei?"

Evidently Minato hits the nail on its head because Jiraiya slumps like a puppet whose strings have been cut. "I have no idea," he admits. "I've been travelling all this time because it was supposed to aid me on my divine purpose, but apparently, I fulfilled it while I wasn't even paying attention."

Minato smiles at him empathetically. "You're a smart and capable man," he says gently. "I'm sure you'll figure something out."

"I guess," Jiraiys agrees half-heartedly. "High time I return to duty without any distractions, huh?"

Eyeing the older man carefully, Minato hums in considerations. "I can't really answer that for you," he says after a pause, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "What I can tell you is that you shouldn't look at doing your duty as a shinobi like it is some sort of assignment you must complete. We aren't at war anymore, sensei. You are free to do as you wish." Gentler, he adds, "I will not keep you, you know."

Face softening, Jiraiya nods. "I know, Minato-kun" Sighing, he shakes his head. "Sorry for making you deal with an old man's midlife crisis like this."

Minato laughs, propping his chin up in his hand. "I've practically been working as a part-time therapist since I took the hat. You're not that special, sensei," he teases.

"Kids really do grow up just to break your heart," Jiraiya bemoans, hand on his chest as he looks to the ceiling. "Well, whatever. Konan asked me to help with a possible proposal for an alliance between Amegakure and Konoha, so I'll do that first before I return to maintaining my network."

Minato tips his head. "We greatly value the intelligence you bring, of course."

Puffing up with pride, Jiraiya grins smugly. "Well, that's just obvious, isn't it? No one is as good at the job as me."

"Now, I don't know about that." Minato pretends to think about it. "Raijin seemed like he was gearing up to give you a serious run for your money back when he was unaffiliated. Maybe I should retire you and hire him as your replacement? I could pay him with instant ramen and actually save some of our budget for something else."

Jiraiya gasps in earnest offense. "Don't you even joke about that, boy," he says seriously. "You don't know the trouble that brat caused me when I was looking for him. I'm still trying to figure out how he wreaked such havoc upon my network, and Menace doesn't even have the decency to give me a straight answer whenever I try to ask him."

Minato's smile freezes on his face. "Yes, Raijin is rather good at being evasive, isn't he?"

That brings Jiraiya some pause as he peers at his student. "Everything okay, Minato-kun?"

Sighing, Minato runs a hand through his hair and nods. "Yeah," he breathes out. "Sorry. I just—I've been worried, I guess. About Raijin, I mean."

Eyebrows rising, Jiraiya carefully probes, "What's going on with the brat?"

"I have no idea," Minato says, sounding helpless. "I think he's starting to break under his grief for his friends and family from before he joined the village, but he says so little about that time of his life and he shuts down whenever I start to pry. I want to help him, but I don't think he trusts me to, and I don't know what more I can do to make him see that he can lean on me whenever he needs to."

There is clear sympathy on Jiraiya's face as he listens. "Give him time, Minato," Jiraiya suggests gently. "The kid hasn't had anyone to rely on in quite some time, I suspect. Those kinds of habits are hard to break, especially in our line of work. I'm sure he knows you're there for him. Just be patient. It'll all work out."

Minato heaves a sigh and nods tiredly. "I hope you're right, sensei. I really do."

He doesn't know what he'll do otherwise.

Shikaku watches Uchiha Fugaku with an impassive face, holding himself deliberately still to eliminate any tells. The Uchiha are so used to watching others closely, most of them are exceptionally skilled at reading body language even without the use of their bloodline limit.

"You're making quite the request, Fugaku-dono," he comments lightly. "May I ask why?"

He's no good with these bogus formalities, but the Uchiha have always been sticklers for this sort of thing, so he's minding his manners for now. Antagonising Fugaku will do more harm than good and make him less likely to want to give up the answers Shikaku is looking for.

Fugaku doesn't so much as twitch, sitting in his perfect seiza and sipping at his tea. "I understand I'm running the risk of overstepping by asking this of you, of course, but I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't important." He sets his cup down. "I am in the middle of investigating a rather troubling matter, you see. I have requested this information of all the clans."

Eyebrows shooting up, Shikaku repeats incredulously, "All of them."

Smiling wryly, Fugaku nods. "Indeed. All of them. I'd rather not risk missing anything."

He always has been a meticulous one. Still, though—to ask for clan records on unclaimed children is a rather strange thing. Had Fugaku not been a clan shinobi himself, Shikaku would have considered it riskier than it already is.

"Are you looking for someone in particular?" he needles.

Fugaku sighs, index finger tracing the rim of his cup. He looks exhausted. "No, not quite. It is…a matter of delicacy, you understand."

Shikaku leans in ever so slightly, and lowers his voice, "I'm just trying to make sense of this, Fugaku-dono. You of all people must know why I would hesitate."

The Uchiha are their law enforcement, of course, but even so, it is rare that they embroil themselves with the matters of other clans. Clan conflicts are resolved amongst themselves. If the matter is large enough to warrant outside attention, the Hokage steps in. Understandably, there would be a conflict of interest if another clan stepped in and tried to assert authority or 'control' their affairs. Konoha's peace would fall apart entirely.

No one is more aware of this than Fugaku. He exhales slowly now and passes a hand over his face in an uncharacteristic display of stress. Shikaku's curiosity is suitably piqued.

"We have uncovered a rather longstanding conspiracy involving the abduction of orphans in the village," Fugaku admits. "At first, we believed the targets were limited to civilian children as they would be easier to take and harder to miss. Now, however, I have concerning evidence that says otherwise."

Shikaku freezes, unable to keep his own eyes from widening slightly. "Clan children too?"

"Mostly legacy children and orphans from the smaller clans in decline."

While still within the realm of kids whose disappearances would be easier to look over, it still sets a concerning precedent. If someone escalated to this level, it is entirely possible they could escalate to targeting clan children properly if they haven't already.

No doubt, Fugaku has realised this too.

"Have you noticed if any of your own…?" Shikaku trails off.

Fugaku shakes his head. "By Amaterasu's grace, all the children are accounted for. I have resolved to remain on the lookout, however. We don't yet know what the orphans are being taken in such consistent numbers for, after all. It is better to investigate all anomalies than to risk missing something."

"Yes, of course." Shikaku frowns. "Very well, Fugaku-dono. I will have the appropriate information sent to your office by tomorrow."

He's too good to outwardly look relieved, but Fugaku does dip his head slightly. "I appreciate your cooperation, Shikaku-dono."

"May I request that you keep me updated?" Shikaku ventures.

Fugaku watches him for a moment, obviously weighing his options, before ultimately nodding. "I will see what I can do."

"And if you need anything," Shikaku adds, this time more honestly, "know that the Nara will cooperate."

And with them, the Akimichi and Yamanaka will likely follow.

Clearly understanding this as well, Fugaku allows his shoulders to fall ever so slightly. Quietly, he murmurs, "Thank you."

When Shikaku recounts his discussion with the Uchiha clan head for his friends, seeing as they haven't received visits of their own yet, Chouza gets a strange look on his face.

"Tsume dropped by the restaurant the other day and she mentioned something interesting," he admits, voice deliberately soft. "One of the Inuzuka whelps went missing without a trace a few weeks ago. Not an orphan; her mother has been undercover for years and simply left the child by the compound to be raised by the clan in her absence. They couldn't even track the girl's scent to anywhere concrete."

Inoichi inhales sharply. "Could it be the same person?"

Shikaku purses his lips, grim faced. "It's possible. Fugaku seemed to be inclined to believe something like this should be expected."

"To steal children like this." Chouza shakes his head. "Clan children at that. An Inuzuka child above all else. They don't even truly adhere to the traditional concept of orphans since most kids are raised communally anyway."

"This isn't being done by someone who believes they're doing these kids a favour," Inoichi infers.

"No," Shikaku agrees, "these children clearly serve some sort of agenda. But what could it be? There's no ransom, no leads, and no corpses as far as I know. Where do all these children simply disappear?"

"And how long until one from our clans is taken form right under our noses?" Chouza poses.

The trio exchange troubled glances.

Shisui stares at the man before him, an inexplicable nervousness within him that tells him not to take his eyes off him even though he presents as a simple and well-meaning old man.

There's no use in him acting—Shisui already knows who Shimura Danzou is. There is no Uchiha child who doesn't. They are all warned about the man's personal military faction and his greed for capable shinobi. While it seemingly does not matter, the Uchiha know they cannot risk supporting any political agenda in the village that is not the Hokage's. Their standing is tenuous enough as it is.

Outwardly, Danzou is as loyal as they come. Shisui is clever enough to realise that there are far more nuances to the man's supposed loyalty than those visible on the surface. And even if Danzou was loyal to the Hokage, it was to the Sandaime. His relationship with the Yondaime is rocky at best and that isn't something that is kept secret so easily.

But Shisui cannot show any of this on his face or in his body language. Danzou has approached him with this particular façade because he is clearly expecting Shisui to be like any other naïve child looking to make a name as a loyal shinobi. It would be in Shisui's best interest to let him continue believing that.

Being underestimated is as good a card as any to hide up his sleeve.

So, Shisui widens his eyes ever so slightly and slows his blinking, making himself appear just a little bit smaller. "Did you need some help, Elder?"

He doesn't use his name. Danzou hasn't introduced himself yet and Shisui could probably get away with playing dumb. Let the man think he has all the advantage here.

Danzou's smile is sickly sweet. "You are Uchiha Shisui-kun, yes?" he asks kindly. "I've heard so many wonderful things about you! You must be quite the talented young man to be so famous already. How old are you, child?"

Shisui lets himself preen visibly, bouncing on the tips of his toes in a way no self-respecting shinobi would. "I'm nine now, sir," he informs dutifully. "Can I ask for your name?"

"I am Shimura Danzou."

Gasping, Shisui widens his eyes even more. "You're one of the Hokage's advisors! I'm very sorry for not recognising you, sir." He bows for the added affect, knowing just how to make himself seem young and endearing. This is how he scams the grannies in the market into giving him freebies after all.

"Indeed, I am," Danzou confirms, reaching out to pat the Uchiha's head. Shisui holds himself very still, and does not cringe away even though he wants to. "Now, boy, I must admit that I was looking for you."

"For me?"

"Yes." Danzou nods. "Have you heard of ROOT, Shisui-kun?"

"It's a division of the ANBU under your command, sir," Shisui answers. "ROOT carries out covert duties focused only on the village's betterment."

It's a textbook answer. Every Academy child receives the same spiel when they learn about the different shinobi jobs they can take up after graduating to genin.

Danzou obviously recognises the recitation judging by the twitch in his face. Shisui is perhaps more entertained by the reaction than he should be. "Very good," the elder compliments. "Then, do you know that I am always searching for talented young shinobi such as yourself to recruit to my forces?"

The man sure has some audacity to be attempting to recruit an Uchiha out in public like this. If someone figures out what is happening here, there's bound to be all sorts of speculations and unpleasant rumours for the clan.

Shisui forces himself not to frown. "I wasn't aware you recruit personally."

"Not always," Danzou says. "I make exceptions for those who prove themselves—well—exceptional. And you certainly have the qualities I look for when searching for potential ROOT agents, Shisui-kun. It takes a lot of talent, ambition, and drive to be selected to be part of those who follow me, but I believe that you have all of those characteristics, boy."

He isn't wrong about Shisui having all those traits. Unfortunately for him, however, Shisui also has an abnormally well-honed radar for bullshit.

He peers up at the man and casts a quick glance at his surroundings. This is a route between the park and the Uchiha compound that not many people take, but it is emptier today than usual. He purses his lips. This is pre-arranged then.

Things aren't looking too good for him. He needs to stall until he can think of a suitable excuse to make an escape.

"I'm really flattered, sir," he says, only paying half a mind to what his coming out of his mouth while he scans around for any opening he can take to get out of here. Man, he'd give away his firstborn child for a rescue right about now. "It's so gratifying to know an important man like yourself has taken note of me. Truly, I am honoured."

Laying it on a bit thick, but whatever.

If Danzou can sense his bullshit, the man doesn't let it show. "It is my honour, Shisui-kun, to meet the future of Konohagakure's shinobi forces in talented young shinobi like yourself. I'm sure you will do many great things. I only hope I can help you steer in the…right direction."

Shisui's gaze snaps back to the elder in interest. That sure was purposeful language. "The right direction, Councilman Shimura?"

"I hope you will choose your duty over other commitments, Shisui-kun," the man says plainly. Shisui blinks, a little startled. "Your clan is famous for producing excellent shinobi, but too many of them go on to discard their talents and their oaths as shinobi of Konohagakure to pursue frivolous distractions."

Since when is the village's Police Force a frivolous distraction? Dumbfounded, Shisui can only stare.

"You are still young, but it will be time soon enough for you to make the choice, yes?" Danzou's eye pierces into him, obviously referring to when Shisui's mandatory service will be concluded in three years. "Choose wisely, Shisui-kun." He pretends to hesitate before adding, "And, of course, remember that my offer will always be open to you. I truly would be pleased to shape potential like yours."

Shisui has to try very hard not to shrink as he looks away, unable to hold eye contact. The hairs at the back of his neck have risen in response to the chill that races down his spine. He needs to leave. Now.

And as though Amaterasu herself is watching out for him, a voice in the near distance calls, "Shisui-kun! There you are!"

Shisui thinks he could cry from the overwhelming relief that hits him. He spins around to see who his saviour is so he knows who he owes his firstborn to, and blinks when the Yondaime's brother comes into view, strolling down the path and waving as though he and Shisui are the closest of friends.

Well, they sure as hell are now. Shisui waves back hard enough that he feels like his arm is going to fly right out of its socket. "Raijin-san!"

"Shisui-kun!"

"Raijin-san!"

"Shi—"

Danzou interrupts their beautifully heartfelt reunion with a dry, "So, the both of you are familiar with each other."

Raijin is close enough to ruffle Shisui's hair as he comes to stand beside him, casually letting his hand rest on the boy's shoulder. "I wasn't expecting to run into you here, Councilman Shimura. It's nice to see you again," Raijin greets, shooting the elder a friendly smile as though nothing is amiss.

Nodding, Danzou lets his face soften. "You as well, Raijin-kun. I trust you are keeping well?"

"Always, sir." Raijin grins brilliantly. "I was hoping to run into Shisui-kun. Itachi would like it if he could join us for dinner. They're best friends, you know." He says this like it's an adorable little conspiracy.

Shisui visibly perks up, playing his part. "Oh, can I, Raijin-san? You make the best ramen!"

He doesn't really know if that's true but it feels like the right thing to say for some reason, so he goes with it. Better to do what he can to sell their supposed 'closeness' so they can't be accused of lying to or offending a village elder.

Raijin pats his back. "Of course, kiddo. You're always welcome over."

He might just be saying that to play his part but he's an idiot if he thinks Shisui won't take this literally to take full advantage of having more access to his favourite cousin.

"Well then, I won't keep you any longer," Danzou says, dipping his head as if to acknowledge their win for now. "Shisui-kun and I were done with our conversation anyways." He sends the boy a meaningful glance. "I look forward to our next discussion, Shisui-kun."

Shisui bows and says nothing, keeping a perfect smile plastered on his face until the Councilman has turned around and disappeared down the bend. Raijin's hand remains on his shoulder for several heartbeats until they are both sure they're in the clear.

"Raijin-san, I promise you my firstborn for that amazing rescue," he declares seriously, turning to the blond.

Startled, Raijin lets out an uncomfortable laugh. "Uhm, I'm okay, thanks." He looks Shisui over. "And you, kiddo? Doing alright?"

"Thanks to you, yeah." Shisui nods. "You must have been sent down as a blessing from Amaterasu herself."

Eyebrows rising, Raijin shakes his head. "You're very sweet, but this was just a happy coincidence, I'm afraid." Lowering his voice conspiratorially, he adds, "I just have an awesome knack for timing."

"You've been blessed," Shisui corrects him. Pausing, he reconsiders, and muses, "Or I've been blessed through you? Whatever. I'm glad either way. I owe you one for that."

Raijin snorts and ruffles his hair again, sending the curls into a state of disarray that has Shisui giggling. "You can make it up to me by joining Itachi-kun and I for that dinner."

Grinning, Shisui says, "Really? You're the best, Raijin-san!"

"Sure am!" Raijin laughs, the sound coming from his chest. He quietens as something thoughtful comes over his countenance. "Hey, how'd you know I made ramen?"

Shisui gapes. "For real? I totally made that up. I can't believe I was right!"

"Seriously?" There's a look of wonder on Raijin's face as he leads the way down the path, back in the direction he just came from, opposite to where Danzou headed. "Man, the world sure works in mysterious ways."

"Maybe I really am blessed."

"Sure thing, dude."

In Kakashi's dreams, he is older.

The watercolour landscapes and non-linear passage of time confuse him into forgetting most of what he dreams the moment he wakes, but he does know that, in his dreams, he is older.

He doesn't really see Rin, Obito or Minato in these visions, or if he does see them, then he certainly doesn't remember. His ninken are there though, and they're older too. As are Gai, Kurenai and Asuma.

And there are faces he doesn't recognise. The details tend to get warped in his memory, but he remembers fondly exasperated calls of "Kakashi-sensei!", bright laughter, and the bickering of kids. He remembers a pink-haired kunoichi and a boy he knows on sight is an Uchiha. He remembers a troublemaker with hair like sunshine and whiskers on his face.

He always wakes up disoriented and confused, filled with the ache of longing for these people he does not recognise.

And that doesn't make sense in and of itself. Kakashi knows that humans cannot dream of faces they don't recognise. He must have seen these kids somewhere.

Or maybe he's just losing his mind. That could, quite possibly, be it. Maybe he has finally fried all his brain cells after one too many mishaps with lightning jutsu. Rin always did warn him it would happen one day. This is what he gets for ignoring his doctor's advice.

He's groggy from a particularly vivid dream today, stumbling to the shops so he can splurge on coffee beans now that Konoha is importing again. Minato agreed to meet him for a training session in one of the fields later today and Kakashi refuses to go in looking like the undead. His sensei's time is more precious now than it ever has been, and he refuses to waste any of it.

When he catches sight of a head of familiar blond hair, for a moment he thinks that it is Minato. Except it can't be because Minato is almost certainly in the Hokage office at this time, which means that it is likely Raijin.

Only when Raijin turns around and meets his eye, the first thing in Kakashi's mind isn't anything to do with his sensei's brother at all.

Instead, unbidden, he thinks 'Naruto.'

The smile on Raijin's face fractures, his eyes going wide and face losing its colour. He looks like he has seen a ghost. "You—what did you just say?"

Kakashi blinks. "Did I say that out loud?"

"You just said 'Naruto', right?" Raijin asks, something urgent and manic in his eyes as he crosses over to Kakashi and takes him by the shoulder.

Kakashi frowns. "Yes," he confirms slowly. "Just something from my dream, I think. Does it...mean something to you?"

Raijin lets him go like he's on fire, stepping away as though in a daze. "No," he says, voice small. "No. I thought—" He shakes his head and tries for a smile once more. It comes out weak and faltering, looking wrong on a face that Kakashi is used to seeing as so full of joy and mischief. "It's nothing. I must have misheard. Sorry about that, Kashi-kun."

Kakashi eyes him suspiciously but nods eventually when no other explanation is forthcoming, and Raijin's smile just becomes surer and more natural on his face. "Sure, whatever. You acting weird shouldn't be anything new by now, I guess."

At this, Raijin squawks and flaps his hands in indignation. "You should seriously respect your elders, Kakashi-kun!"

"I'll respect my elders when they earn it," Kakashi fires back, sniffing. "Besides, don't act like you're some paragon of politeness. I've heard all about the trouble you went about causing before you came to Konoha. Is courtesy even a word in your vocabulary?"

Raijin scowls. "Can a brat like you even spell 'courtesy'?"

Kakashi scowls right back and crosses his arms. "Can you?"

The blond gasps in offense so hard that he accidentally inhales his own spit and starts choking. Smugly, Kakashi counts that as yet another victory and strolls away to pay for his coffee, now in a much better mood than when he woke up.

It is only later that he realises that Raijin looks an awful lot like the whisker-cheeked boy from his dreams.

"Kushina and I were thinking about baby names," Minato comments when they're both collecting all the kunai and shuriken that were thrown around during their spar. "It's not a sure thing yet, but we're seriously considering the main character from one of Jiraiya's books."

Kakashi pauses, turning to peer at his sensei. "Jiraiya-san's books?" The very much not child-friendly, adult literature books? He might not know much about parenting but something about the choice strikes Kakashi as very wrong.

Minato snorts like he can clearly read these thoughts on his face. "His first ever release. It didn't do well, but I've always rather enjoyed it. It's an adventure novel. You might like it."

Humming, Kakashi decides he's better of just accepting this at face value and not prying. "What's the name?"

His sensei grins and proudly says, "Naruto."

Kakashi freezes. "Like narutomaki? The fishcake?" he blurts out because his brain has decided to abandon him entirely.

Minato chuckles and shakes his head. "We were thinking more like a maelstrom," he explains dryly. "Uzumaki tend to name their children after storms and such anyway, so Kushina gets to carry that forward. And both Raijin and I have weather-based names too, so we thought it'd be the best of both worlds for us to continue that theme too. Besides, it's a nice strong name based on a strong character written by a strong shinobi. That ought to be pretty auspicious, right?"

It's not like Kakashi really knows, but he nods anyways. "Sure, I guess. What if you have a girl?"

Blinking, Minato tilts his head. "Is it not a gender neutral name? Aren't storms genderless? Should we think up another name for our daughter?"

Kakashi...doesn't know that either. He shrugs. "Namikaze Naruto?"

"Or Uzumaki Naruto. We haven't decided yet."

The name rings in Kakashi's head like a shrine bell, rooting him to his spot. His instincts are screaming at him, demanding he take notice, but of what? It doesn't make sense for him to react like this. Once again, unprompted, he thinks of the blond troublemaker from his dreams.

Kakashi's eyes narrow. He's starting to think that there's more to what he has been seeing than simple dreams, and he has a feeling that Raijin knows it too.

Something strange is going on, and Kakashi is going to find out what.

Notes:

So much fun stuff is going on!! This chapter really is all about people being close to solving several mysteries, and it's so funny to me that Raijin is at the heart of most of them.

We're so close to the climax now. I'm actually really nervous. These last few chapters have really taken the life out of me as I try to figure out which threads need tying off by the end. Next chapter should finally get us back to Raijin's POV since my boy hasn't had too much spotlight recently. I hope you'll all enjoy what is to come.