Crow's feathers - Naruto fanfiction

Chapter 42 Politics

Sarutobi yawned as he rubbed his eyes. It was still early and not many shinobi were up and about at this hour. He was surprised when a Jounin called him out of bed to inform him Kakashi requested an immediate meeting. It seemed to be urgent, but the Third Hokage couldn’t figure out what it would be about. The solo mission he had sent Kakashi on was nothing out of the ordinary. Just a common C-rank.

With a sleepy face, he sat down behind his desk and motioned for his assistant to let Kakashi in. When a second person followed Kakashi, Sarutobi straightened up and motioned for his assistant to leave. He ignored the smaller person, whose features were hidden by a hood and looked at Kakashi questioningly.

“Lord Hokage,” Kakashi bowed.

Sarutobi nodded. “Do explain Kakashi,” he said, “who’s your friend?”

He took in Kakashi’s hesitant expression. The shinobi suddenly didn’t seem too sure anymore that this had been a good idea. He sighed and pulled the hood off his companion’s head. Then he took a dagger and cut through the ropes that tied her hands on her back.

Taryn glared at Kakashi. “Those ropes were really unnecessary, you know,” she hissed. She rubbed her wrists to restart the circulation.

“I wasn’t taking any risks,” Kakashi retorted, “And they were for your safety as well as my own.”

“You actually thought I would kill you?”

”I don’t know what to think right now,” Kakashi said.

“Then why bother helping me and bringing me back here?” Taryn muttered. Before Kakashi could reply, the Hokage ended their bickering. He had been stunned to see this girl again, but now he had regained himself and cleared his throat. Both shinobi turned to him. Taryn crossed her arms annoyed. Kakashi merely sighed.

“Taryn Desertstorm,” the Hokage spoke, “what brings you back to Konoha?” Taryn pointed at Kakashi. “He did.”

Sarutobi momentarily closed his yes. Whatever had happened with her, her personality hadn’t changed much. Still stubborn. But that was only one side of her. He new that too. “What happened?” he asked. He looked at Kakashi, knowing he wouldn’t get a straight answer from the girl otherwise.

“I was returning form my mission,” Kakashi reported, “when I heard sounds of battle. When I went to check it out, I found Taryn. She was being attacked by four Mist shinobi, all missing nin.” Sarutobi nodded. “They were sent to retrieve her,” Kakashi continued, “by Orochimaru.”

This sparked the Hokage’s interest. “Orochimaru?” he looked at Taryn now. “What does Orochimaru want with you?” he demanded.

Taryn narrowed her eyes. “My power,” she said, “my body as a vessel.”

“He marked her,” Kakashi cut in.

Sarutobi’s eyes narrowed in concern. “Kakashi, I’d like to speak with Taryn alone if you don’t mind.”

Kakashi glanced at Taryn a little concerned. He didn’t want to leave her by herself, though he knew he had no choice. He wanted to speak in her defense if necessary.

“Kakashi,” Sarutobi said more demanding now. Kakashi gave a stiff nod. “You can wait in the hall,” the Hokage directed him and waited for the Jounin to leave. When he was alone with Taryn, he gave a deep sigh. “Orochimaru marked you?” he asked. Taryn nodded. Sarutobi slowly rose from his chair and walked up to her. “Will you show me?” he asked.