Aftermath (A Sequel to A Flash to the Future)

Chapter 31 - Invasion: A Corollary

Kitsune walked through hospital with a casual stride as he inspected the damaged wings of the hospital. He had been investigating the scene to see where the bombs had been placed. So far, he hadn't had any luck. He was currently comparing the damage taken in specific areas to see if there are any differences in the ruins. Apparently, this route was more fruitful. Looking at the wreckage, he find the locations of the explosion source the intensity of burned debris and look at the burn patterns to determine the point of origin. After a few hours of inspection, Kitsune returned to the main building, were most patients were now.

As he walked through the halls of the main hospital, he looked around at all the people who were injured and waiting to be seen. Nurses and doctors alike ran around, trying to cater to everyone and assist those in need. Several people walked out of rooms crying or numb as they had just lost a loved one. Kitsune frowned under his mask as he continued to walk the halls. He concluded that the infiltrators had been planted deep into Konoha's shinobi and civilian population. There was no other way they could have gotten in.

He was relieved when he finally made it out of the hospital. He disappeared and reappeared on the roof, looking over the village. He watched as his ANBU teams dispatched from and returned to the village. He had ordered them to hunt down their retreating enemies. He told them to eliminate them all and leave a few of them alive for interrogation. He was sure Ibiki and Anko would love to see the impending wave of toys they get to play with. A gentle breeze swept the commander, capturing the hem of his cloak. He looked at the Hokage Monument, specifically at the man that was the reason he stayed in the village for so long. 'I wonder what kept you here, old man.' he said as he looked at the head of his father. He was pulled out of his musings when he felt a familiar chakra signature land behind him.

"Jiraiya-sama." Kitsune replied without turning around.

"You must be the ANBU Commander I've been hearing about." Jiraiya said. "Kitsune, ne?"

Kitsune didn't say anything for a moment before he turned around to face the Gama Sennin. "Yes." he finally answered. "How may I help you?"

"I heard what you did for the Hokage." Jiraiya stated. "I wanted to say thank you." he said genuinely.

He had been beating himself up about not being their for his teacher and being too late to stop his former teammate from escaping. The least he could do was thank the man who had been watching over his teacher in his absence, although it did beg the question of how he did it. The commander seemed to stare at him for moment before turning back around. He noted his short, spiky, raven locks and his rather tall statue. His body movements gave nothing away for the spymaster to read and he seemed impassive.

"I did what any shinobi in my position would do." Kitsune replied. "I fought at my Hokage's side."

"Not many shinobi could fight at the Hokage's side." Jiraiya commented. "Especially against two Hokage and a Sannin."

Kitsune glanced over his shoulder at this before looking back over the village. "I am commander of the ANBU. Such skills is to be expected of me." he replied. "I can see that you are worthy in your profession. To able to gather that much information when you've only just arrived."

Jiraiya scratched the side of his head bashfully. "What else do you expect from the Great Toad Sage and Legendary Sannin, the wonderful and gallant Jiraiya!" he said proudly.

Kitsune only chuckled at this. "Is that all you need, Master Jiraiya?" he asked. "If thanks was all you've come to say, then it is not needed. I was simply doing my job."

"Hm. Humble and powerful." Jiraiya commented. "I'll be seeing you around, Kitsune." he said as he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Kitsune didn't say anything as he felt his signature grow more and more distant. He frowned under his mask. Sometimes, he hated how talkative Konohans were. It was absolutely ridiculous how fast rumors spread. It was no wonder other nations were easily getting info out the village. While it was true shinobi were required to turn in mission reports, official work should remain confidential. It was one of the reasons why civilians had their noses in shinobi matters where they shouldn't. As he continued his pondering, a wolf masked operative landed beside him.