A Ninja's Path (Kakashi X Reader)

Chapter Twenty Six

You cleared your throat again. "Like I said earlier, they took over about thirty years ago, overthrowing the last leaders of our country. From what I was taught in school, the Council 'saved' the Land of Shadows from the dictatorship of a woman named Kana Kuraimura. It was believed that she was going to claim herself as the first Yamikage after she led the country to gain it's independence. But before she could take the title, the Council assassinated her, taking the government into their control."

Lady Tsunade nodded in acknowledgement. "And how does your society usually function? If I'm correct, it's nothing like Konoha."

"Right. For one, most people keep to themselves. Getting attached to others never ends well." You agreed with the Hokage. "Although no one is very social, our society functions efficiently. Everyone is focused on their jobs, knowing that to step out of line would only bring them suffering by the Council's hand."

"And how many people make up this Council?" The woman asked.

"Seven. All of their identities are unknown, they keep completely anonymous. No one has ever seen their faces either, they wear masks." You explained.

"How do they keep control over the people exactly?"

You explained about the Nightmares, the Anbu-like organization that makes anyone 'disloyal' to the Council disappear.

"And back to what you said earlier about how to become a Jonin, can you explain that in fuller detail?" The Hokage asked.

You nodded. "To become Genin and Chunin are similar to most others countries, with our own slight tweaks. But to be a Jonin, you must first be nominated by a Jonin or by the Council itself. Then, you are tasked with killing everyone you love. We've been told that it's to 'pledge our undying loyalty to the country' and so that we 'have no obstacles to prevent us from protecting the country at all costs'. The thought was that having loved ones is a weakness, a way for enemies to use against you. It could compromise your mission and the safety of the country. So all loved ones must be... eliminated in order for the Council to fully trust you."

Lady Tsunade clasped her hands together. "And failure to 'eliminate' your loved ones...?"

"The Nightmares would kill them for you while making you watch. Then you would become a social outcast to society and ultimately exiled."

Kakashi drew out a long breath from his corner of the office. He stood by only to support you need be. He knew that this was something you had to do on your own, but you still wanted help on. He was there to offer it if you asked, but not to get involved otherwise.

"And did you have to... eliminate your loved ones?" The Hokage asked gently.

You nodded, swallowing a lump in your throat. "I admit, I have killed people for the Council before. It was the only way to gain their trust and ultimately make my way here to ask for your help." You stayed silent, expecting the woman to arrest you immediately.

Instead, she asked, "What can I do to help?"

You nearly collapsed in relief, but you were able to hold your ground. "I am part of a secret organization set on taking the Council down. Our numbers are small and sparse, so I was sent to ask for help from an outside source."

The Hokage nodded. "So you are planning on staging a coup d'etat. And you want the help of the Land of Fire."

"Yes."

Lady Tsunade leaned back in her chair again, lacing her fingers together in thought. She watched you closely for a moment, as if evaluating your request.

You stiffened as she sat up straight, opening her mouth to respond.

"I will have to bring this to the attention of the Konoha Council. I can't make any guarantees that we can provide help to your cause, but I will vouch for you. We will probably end up investigating the Land of Shadows to begin with."