Aftermath (A Sequel to A Flash to the Future)

Chapter 4 - Assignment

"Kitsune" the Hokage said.

"Yes, Hokage-sama." the ANBU Commander answered at attention.

"I trust that you have spoken to Uzumaki about the concerning issue?" Hiruzen said as he placed more tobacco in his pipe before using a fire manipulation to heat the plant. "He said he did."

Kitsune nodded while Shikaku raised an eyebrow. "Yes, he informed me as soon as he got word of it. I was the one who assigned him with the task of gathering the information." he affirmed.

"What does Uzumaki have to do with this?" Shikaku asked.

Hiruzen turned to Shikaku with a serious gaze. "You know when I asked Naruto to stay after I dismissed everyone?" he asked. Shikaku nodded.

"During our conversation, Naruto brought up a name." Hiruzen said as he picked up one of the files from his desk. "Yakushi Kabuto."

Shikaku grabbed the file from the Hokage and opened. After reading over it, he closed it and turned to Hiruzen. "I see." he said as a thoughtful expression bore his features. "Is record is odd."

Hiruzen nodded. "Hai. I thought that maybe it was a coincidence. I mean, the Chunin Exams aren't an easy task." he stated. "However, it was something else that made me reconsider Uzumaki's suspicions."

Shikaku raised an eyebrow. "What did he suspect?" he question.

"He believes Yakushi is a spy." Kitsune spoke up. "While I don't doubt that chunin exams aren't challenging, to have tried and failed, and be jonin level in skill set it awfully suspicious."

"Jonin level?" Hokage said with a raised eyebrow. When he read his file, the assumed the medic-nin had to be a chunin level.

"Hai." Kitsune affirmed. "Once Uzumaki brought his suspicions to my attention, I ordered him to spy on him and report everything he saw." he continued. "In all honesty, the man lives an average life. He works the evening through night shift at the hospital and his a doctor's assistant. His colleagues speak very highly of him."

"However, for the past 6 months, the man has been going into the forest around a certain time at night." Kitsune said.

"Six months?" Hiruzen said with a raised eyebrow. "Why wasn't I informed of this then?"

"We had to confirm our suspicions. I asked Uzumaki not to say anything to anyone and to report straight to me." Kitsune explained. "I didn't want to start unnecessary worry. You very well know that preparations for the Chunin Exams is not easy."

Hiruzen and Shukaku stared at the ANBU Commander for a moment. While the Hokage didn't like the fact that it was being kept from him, he reluctantly conceded. Kitsune had always been a careful man and most reliable when he was needed most. Deep down, he trusted his judgment and wouldn't hound the commander about it. This time.....

"Very well." Hiruzen conceded. "However, next time I want you to inform me of these things, am I understood?" he said in his Hokage tone.

Kitsune narrowed his eyes under his mask. The ANBU forces were designed the hand the dark and complicated matters involving the ninja corps. While the Hokage was indeed the leader of all ninja, he had leaders for a reason. Pushing those thoughts aside, Kitsune nodded his head in understanding. Accepting his answer, Hiruzen spoke again.

"Please continue your explanation." he ordered.

"Hai." Kitsune replied. "As I was saying, I had Uzumaki-san spy on him. The first thing was his late night trips to the outer walls of the village. Secondly, his apartment was layered with seals."