Chapter 13 - "The Wayward Son."

Chapter 13 - "The Wayward Son."

The next morning Minato was at his office early. As usual, the towers of paperwork were looming. But wasn't there to work on them. He there to deal with the Uchiha problem. He wasn't stupid enough to believe that he could solve it in one morning, but he had to start sometime. And with yesterday's display, it was clear that it was only going to get worse. It was starting to get to violent. That wasn't good. He had to try to control the situation.

It was true that he was angry at BOTH the Fugaku AND the Hiashi, but he couldn't allow his rage to cloud his judgement. This was merely a symptom of a larger problem. One that could destroy the Leaf from the inside. Something he had to stop at all costs!

The problem was huge. One that no Hokage had been able to solve. Every effort made so only far succeeded in making it worse. Now they were fighting like street thugs. What was next? Insurrection? Minato wouldn't stand for that. How many children would get hurt by such an catastrophe? Would Naruto be caught in the crossfire? He wouldn't let that happen.

He had already been sitting there for hours and nothing had come to mind. Soon, his staff would be there and he'd have to deal with this paperwork. His attention would be drawn elsewhere. He had all the important and boring duties of a Hokage to perform. And he would be no closer to answering this difficult question.

There was also the Kakashi problem. He was excelling at the ANBU. He was excelling too well at the ANBU. He was almost completely swallowed by darkness. He was in line to become a ANBU Captain. Which disturbed Minato greatly. The ANBU lived in darkness and shadow. Even more so than your standard Ninja. They answered ONLY to the call of their master. Murder, Assassinations, secret missions, espionage they did it all. Whatever had to be done in the cover of the night was carried out by them. They were the definition of darkness.

Minato was uneasy with them. He knew that he needed them. He knew that they kept his family safe. He was even one of them for a short time. Despite all that, he wished that he didn't need them. That children such as Kakashi weren't among their ranks. If his son ever got the bone-headed idea of joining them, he'd kill him. Naruto would NEVER join the ANBU so long as he lived.

Minato had seen what it had done to Kakashi. How it made his problems worse. He felt so guilty for sending them there. He felt guilty for giving him that mask. Minato wanted to rip it from him then force him to return to the boy he knew. The boy was so damaged that even the ANBU were concerned about him. Minato had received several reports relating to the boy's problems. He was carrying out his missions too well. He was too violent. It was disturbing.

Minato considered Kakashi a part of his family. He was a son to him. And he didn't want his sons lost in the darkness. He was supposed to protect them from that. He just didn't know how. He had to find an answer. Minato stood up. He was getting no where fast. None of his problems were being solved. He was absolutely stuck. None of them would be solved anytime soon. It was frustrating to say the least.

A couple of hours later, Lord Third came to visit Minato today. He had distressing news that he had reserved until after the party. News that Hiruzen felt was best to share afterwards. News that explained some of Kakashi's recent behavior but also cast doubt on the boy.

Shortly before the birthday party, Lord Hiruzen caught Kakashi breaking into Tower's Library. This library was only for the use of the Hokage. Access was not permitted without permission. This was a serious violation of trust - especially for the ANBU. Fortunately for Kakashi, Lord Hiruzen considered the matter closed. If he hadn't then Minato would have punished the boy severely. Somehow, Lord Hiruzen got the Kakashi to tell him why he did it. Which is when he discovered Danzo's plot and treachery.

A part of Minato wanted to punish Kakashi for going behind his back. He felt betrayed by his student. Not only did he break into the library but he consorted with Danzo! That hurt the most. Kakashi was like a son to him. He didn't know what Danzo was after, but he planned to find out. Kakashi was going to tell him everything. Then . . . Then . . . He didn't know what.

The truth was that he couldn't bring himself to properly punish the boy. It was almost like raising a hand to Naruto. He couldn't do it. It was his weakness. His fatal flaw. He could never bring himself to harm those he loved. No matter what they did to him. He hoped that Naruto wouldn't take advantage of his father's weakness, but that will be a problem for another time.

For now, Kakashi would have to be dealt with. Since Minato couldn't punish him he would have to use him. Something equally distasteful for Minato. But Danzo had foolishly tried to recruit his student. Something Minato would not permit under any circumstances. Minato planned to remind the man why he was Hokage. To suggest that he reevaluate such plans in the future. To remind him that Kakashi was off limits!

Minato was going to have a heart-to-heart with that boy even if it killed him! This had to end. That mask had to go. It was destroying whatever was left of that child he knew so long ago. He couldn't bare it for much longer. Minato needed Kakashi back.

He found the boy alone in his apartment. He was washing his hands again. It disturbed Minato to see Kakashi like this. Gone was that cocky, little bastard that was desperate to prove himself. In his place was a damaged and tortured soul trapped in a cage of flesh. How did I let things get this bad? Minato thought as stepped through the window.

Kakashi whirled around to see his sensei in his apartment. Minato was the last person that he wanted to see that night. He felt so guilty that he was sick to his stomach. "Minato-sensei!" His voice cracked.

Minato gave him a sad and hurt look. It was far worse than any punishment. Kakashi had foolishly betrayed him. It wasn't his intent, but the results were the same. Kakashi wanted to die for his sins but somehow he couldn't find the courage to end it.

Minato sat down on the bed. He looked so exhausted. For a long time no one said anything. They stayed there in silence. Finally, Minato said, "What is going on Kakashi?"

Kakashi didn't have an answer. Minato was his idol. He was the closest thing to a father that Kakashi had left in this world. And yet he betrayed him so easily. Worse he almost destroyed him. It was unforgivable.

"Kakashi, I asked you a question."

Kakashi's attention snapped back to his Sensei. His master's patience wearing thin. Minato was a patient man but even he had his limits. He had to answer him now. Minato would not wait. But what do I say? Minato's eyes did not stray from Kakashi. Not even for a second. Kakashi had to say something.

"I don't know."

Minato wasn't satisfied with that answer. His voice became hard. He was not going to accept that answer. "Not good enough. What is going on? Are you working for Danzo now?"

Kakashi looked at him in surprise. "What? No! That's not it!"

Minato was truly frustrated now, "Then what is it, Kakashi?"

Kakashi looked at the floor. He couldn't tell his sensei what he had done. He couldn't! He was so ashamed of himself that he could die. "He said that you were in danger . . ." The rest was lost to sobs.

Minato softened a bit. He hated yelling at his student. He hated even more making him cry. As far as Minato was concerned, he had two sons. Naruto and Kakashi. They were precious to him. He didn't want them to suffer. But he couldn't allow them to get away with things like this either.

"Kakashi" He breathed.

Minato stopped after that. He forced himself to be more stern. "I need to know what Danzo's plan is. What does he want you to do?"

The boy didn't answer. He was far too consumed with his tears to to respond. Finally, Minato went over to the boy. He placed his hand on his shoulder. "Whatever happened; whatever you did; I can deal with it. But you have to tell me! Danzo can't be allowed to do as he pleases. He will destroy us all if we allow that. So, please tell me what happened, Kakashi!"

There was no way around it now. Kakashi had to tell his sensei what happened. He had to tell him what he did. He couldn't keep it from him any longer. So, he told Minato everything: From the 'plot' to kill Minato. To Danzo's request for secret documents. To how close Kakashi got to giving them to him. He believed Danzo. He truly did. Kakashi had misgivings. Especially, when he met the strange Wood User from Danzo's Root Organization. Something wasn't right. That's why he broke into the library. That's when he got caught.

While he talked Minato didn't interrupt. He remained absolutely still. Kakashi could see the hurt in his eyes. The pain he had caused his sensei. He could see his teacher's rage. And for what? Nothing good has come of it! He berated himself.

Minato was silent for a long time before he finally spoke again. "I wish you had come to me about this before. I would have handled it. You should have come to me." He took a deep breath then continued, "As it is, I cannot overlook this breach of trust. Give me your mask."

Minato took the mask from him. He stared at for a long time. He didn't realize how much he had grown to hate the thing. Instead of helping his student, it had lead him here. If anyone is to blame then it is me. Minato sighed. He was still going to need this mask for one more mission. Then Minato was going to destroy it. He handed the mask back to Kakashi.

He didn't understand what was going on. "Why?"

Minato tried to keep his voice as neutral as possible, "You're going to need it. I have one final mission for you."

Well that's it for The Will of Fire this week. Next week there will be another exciting chapter! PS: I know you have been reviewing, sorry this week I couldn't respond - I will next week. See ya!