Shadows To A Flame
Chapter 2: Shadows To A Flame
The moment Team 7 lands at the village gates, Yamato exhales, his hand still firmly on their prisoner’s shoulder, the woman still unresponsive, just like she had been for the two days it took them to return to Konoha. Bound securely with his wood release, but something about her stillness unsettles him. She doesn’t look at the village like a returning captive. There’s no resistance, no fear nor recognition, just blank acceptance. Yamato had secretly hoped for a reaction, he sighs at his own naive thinking, he should’ve known better.
“Captain“ Sai steps up beside him, cutting through his thoughts. The pale young man glancing at their prisoner expectingly.
“What are your orders?”
“Get some rest” Yamato says, his tone firm but weary. “That goes for all of you.”
“But!“ Naruto interjects, frustration still simmering beneath his skin. He’s been restless since they left the snake’s lair, his failure to chase Sasuke gnawing at him.
“That’s an order.” Yamato replies unshaken,
the Captain’s commanding tone unsettles Naruto, he clenches his jaw but doesn’t argue further.
Sakura, meanwhile, studies the silent woman one last time, brows furrowed knowingly before exhaling and following Sai and Naruto toward their homes.
Yamato gazes as the teens with a bitter and worried frown, moral seemed at an all time low. He had to deal with that later. With his team dismissed, Yamato guides his prisoner toward a darker path away from sight, leading her underground, to the Interrogation Force’s Departement. The amber eyed woman walks ahead of him with practiced ease, as if stepping into known territory. Another link to the haunting child roaming in Yamato’s mind.
The heavy doors of the building creak open, as the scent of metal and ink fills the air. The hall is dim, torches flickering along the walls, casting long, menacing shadows.
A carefully constructed atmosphere, designed to put prisoners in the right state of mind. Ibiki Morino stood ahead, his gaze buried in freshly written reports.
Footsteps echoed softly against the cold floor as they approached, the prisoner’s eyes lifting at last, taking in the figure before her. Broad shoulders, an imposing frame draped in a long, dark trench coat.
He looked every bit the interrogator she expected to see.
At last Ibiki turned, his expression unreadable as his sharp eyes met hers before lifting to Yamato, a flicker of recognition and surprise deep in his somber irises.
“Yamato.” Ibiki acknowledges with a curt nod, his rough voice low.
“Who’s this?” he finaly asks, an intrigued tone weaved in his question.
Yamato frowns, making the object of his presence take a few steps forward as he accompanied the movement. Wooden bindings remaining around her wrists.
“She needs to be kept under high priority containment” he explains, keeping his voice neutral. “Minimal contact, no low ranking guards.”
Ibiki observes the woman, his sharp gaze assessing her silence, how blankly her eyes met his and most importantly the Sound Village symbol on her headband. His gaze narrowing in recognition. “Orochimaru’s?”
Yamato’s nods in response, Ibiki’s eyes narrow slightly, Orochimaru’s operatives were always difficult, trained to resist interrogation, conditioned to endure pain.
“This one won’t break easily,” he mutters, scrutinizing the tied woman with a practiced eye, walking beside Yamato as he releases his wood style binding, Ibiki rapidly cuffing her in turn with chakra supression bindings.
Yamato’s gaze return to his prisoner, her eyes unchanging, staring into the void. “Most likely” He exhales slowly. “I need to inform the Hokage, until then, she’s better under your care.“
Ibiki nods. “She won’t be going anywhere.”
Yamato turns on his heels, heading towards the exit, he glances one last time over his shoulder. She doesn’t look at him in return, echoes of a pleading and frightened voice send a chill down his spine.
Yamato exhales slowly, a heaviness settling in his chest. He forces himself to focus, to push past the weight of old choices.
This is different.
It had to be.
By the time Yamato reaches the Hokage’s office, his thoughts are a storm of old orders and fresh realizations. He knocks once before stepping inside, his face carefully composed. Shizune barely has time to acknowledge him before he speaks.
“I need to speak with Lady Tsunade immediatly.“
The urgency in his voice makes Tsunade glance up from her desk, her green eyes sharp with immediate scrutiny. “That bad?”
Yamato nods.
Tsunade doesn’t hesitate. “Shizune, out.”
Shizune exchanges a quick worried look with Yamato, he offers her a small reassuring nod as she walked passed him, closing the door behind her. The office is silent for a moment, aside for the faint rustling of papers.
“Report.” Tsunade orders, already bracing herself.
Yamato steps forward.
“We failed to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha.”
He confesses, still frustrated by this unsucessful first mission as the new appointed leader of team 7. Tsunade exhales sharply through her nose, an expected outcome but no less disapointing.
“However, we did manage to capture someone else, a kunoichi working under Orochimaru. She interfered in the mission and stalled us from chasing Sasuke any further. She’s skilled with advanced combat abilities.”
His voice tightens, slightly.
“I brought her in, hoping she could provide intel on Orochimaru future whereabouts. For now, she’s in Ibiki’s custody.“
Tsunade joins her hands, thoughtful for a short while. “It’s better than nothing. If anyone can get her to talk, it’s Ibiki.”
Yamato interjects carefully. “Getting her to talk won’t be easy, she was very unresponsive to my own attempts.“
Tsunade frowns. “Unresponsive?”
Yamato’s gaze hardens knowingly.
“She doesn’t react to much. Remained silent the entire way back, no struggles or protests.“
Tsunade leans back slightly, considering.
“If she worked for Orochimaru, she’s likely been conditioned.”
Yamato nods before taking a hesitant step forward. “If I may, Lady Tsunade… I don’t think this is our first time dealing with this kunoichi.”
Tsunade’s brow furrows, but Yamato continues.
“I suspect she may be the one we call Bane.”
Tsunade stills.
The name Bane had circulated through ANBU channels for years. An unidentified operative who had systematically disrupted any missions related to Orochimaru’s past experiments and his lairs. This mysterious shinobi appeared only long enough to interfere before vanishing without a trace, leaving but empty, useless ruins behind.
Tsunade’s expression hardens knowingly, gazing at Yamato, reading his expression. “Her? What makes you so sure?”
“I can’t say for certain.”
Yamato admits cautiously.
“but everything lines up with what we know about Bane. The reports mention an unusual fighting style, unorthodox movements. And a distinct copper colored Raiton. She matches both descriptions.”
Tsunade scowls, her frown deepening.
“Then we have a bigger problem than just Orochimaru’s leftovers.”
Yamato hesitates, then moves on to the heavier part of his report. “It doesn’t stop there.”
Noticing the shift in his tone, Tsunade’s expression hardens.“There’s more?”
He nods, his voice lowering slightly.
“I have reason to believe she may also be a former Konoha prisoner. From eighteen years ago.”
Tsunade’s surprise is brief, quickly giving way to something colder, sharper.
“…Explain.”
“Back when I was part of Root, Danz..!!“
Yamato abrutly silences himself, an agonizing sting shocking his entire system to a halt. His hand instinctively reach his throat as a sharp crushing pain invades his mouth and tongue. A frustrated frown darkens his usual stoic expression, the abrupt sensation forcing a few unpleasant coughs out of him.
Tsunade’s eyes narrow in worry.
“Yamato?“
He lifts a hand to reassure her, in the turmoil of his thoughts he had forgotten Danzo’s cursed tongue seal was still engraved in his flesh. Realization dawning on him, he wouldn’t be able to inform lady Tsunade as he wished to. He searched his next words mindfully, working around directly mentioning Danzo, Root or anything that may trigger the curse.
Tsunade observed Yamato with a knowing frown, his sudden silence and motions left no room for doubt. She hated the fact that one of her own Shinobis was still under the control of the old Danzo.
Pain finaly subsiding, Yamato took a deep breath, he had to get the information across. Focusing himself anew, he offered lady Tsunade a knowing nod before continuing. “A young girl, no name, no records. She was a prisoner given to Orochimaru.“
Tsunade’s grip tightens on her desk, attempting to piece together the implications. “You’re saying Danzo delivered a Konoha prisoner to Orochimaru?”
Yamato nods then exhales slowly, his jaw tightening, shoulders squared as if bracing himself. Finally, he speaks.
“I was the one who took her, without lord third’s knowledge.“
Silence follows, Yamato doesn’t look away, though there’s a stiffness in his posture like a weight pressing down on him that he can no longer ignore.
Tsunade bites her nail, a deep frown darkening her expression, tension coiling in her frame.
“So Danzo ordered a Konoha prisoner to be handed to Orochimaru, and Hiruzen never found out…” her tone is edged with something uneven: frustration, anger, disapointment… Tsunade exhales, rubbing her temples. Every thought drowned with the endless cycle of buried secrets that came back to bite her again and again, the things her predecessor let slip through his fingers.
Her hands eventually drop to her desk in defeat. “Fools, the both of them.“
Tsunade mutters under her breath before reaching for the classified file drawers behind her. She flips through them with quick, practiced efficiency. Many documents pushed aside by her fingers, until she finds what she’s looking for.
She slaps the file down on the desk, Yamato stepping closer as she opens it. Two distinct profile reports appear, one displaying the picture of an old man registered as an executed target from the land of lightning. The other shows a young girl that Yamato recognizes instantly, the same frightened amber eyes and green Kimono. The paper is old but intact, details inside still clear.
Tsunade reads throught reports with a focused frown.
- Name: Unknown
- Age: 7
- Origins: Unknown
- Discovered living with the Target. (A-rank Kumo fugitive registed 3 years ago in the Bingo Book)
- Target eliminated on sight by ANBU
- No weapons or Ninja Uniform found
- Girl taken in for interrogation
- Unidentified seal found on her back
- All attempts to break the seal failed.
The official report states she was freed by order of the Hokage third, no further investigation pursued. Tsunade exhales sharply, her fingers pressing into the paper.
“A prisoner like that, and Hiruzen would’ve just let her walk free… I can almost see why Danzo acted. But to hand her over to Orochimaru.”
Her tone is tight, but Yamato can sense the political and personal frustration beneath it. Orochimaru’s involvement is a bitter cherry atop this messy cake he brought her. More than another exposed crack for his Hokage to mend, she was forced yet again to clean up the wreckage her predecessor had left behind.
Yamato keeps his voice measured. “If that file is correct, then she has ties to Kumo aswell.”
Tsunade’s eyes snaps up at that, and she knows their thoughts aligne. If this woman had once been connected to a Bingo Book Kumo fugitive, especially one high ranking enough to justify ANBU operatives to kill on sight. then her mere existence in Konoha now was a potential diplomatic nightmare aswell. If Kumo were to find out, they could easily claim she was one of theirs. Worse, they could use it as leverage to accuse Konoha and retiliate.
Tsunade’s lips press into a thin line.
“This entire thing has to be kept under strict secrecy. Hoping this may be old news to Kumo by now, but if the information leaks.. This could spiral into something out of our control entirely.“
Tsunade exhales again, rubbing her temple more harshly as to prevent a waking headach. “Unbelievable...”
There’s real exhaustion in her voice now, simmering beneath her usual composure. This wasn’t just about Danzo’s treachery or Orochimaru’s implication, it was about the Third Hokage’s failure or perhaps
unwillingness to take an unpleasant decision. He had supposedly “freed” the girl despite her uneasy status, opening an obvious opportunity for Danzo to steal her away. She dared not think what may have occured if Danzo didn’t act either back then, the affaire was still fresh, heighteen years ago, hard to predict the possible consequences of having allowed this girl to roam free.
And now this problem was back and hers to deal with, silent, and a complete unknown factor in Konoha’s security. Tsunade drags her hand down her face, composing herself. When she speaks again, her voice is level but firm.
”We need to know exactly what that seal does before touching it. If it’s lasted this long, it’s not just some ordinary curse mark. Could be a failsafe, could be a weapon—we’re not taking chances.”
Her gaze sharpens. “In the meantime, we need intel on Orochimaru: his plans, locations, connections. Anything we can get.”
She glances at Yamato. “Jiraiya knows seals better than anyone. Have him analyze it. If it’s tied to Orochimaru, he might have insight we can use.”
Yamato nods. “I’ll request his presence immediately.”
Tsunade’s fingers drum against the desk.
“…And you.”
Yamato straightens. “Yes, Lady Hokage?”
Her gaze is piercing. “As you said, she won’t break under standard methods.”
Yamato remains silent, waiting.
Tsunade leans forward slightly. “You’re the only person in this village who’s ever seen her before.”
A pause. A beat just long enough for the weight of her words to settle.
Yamato tenses, but Tsunade doesn’t let him look away.
“Use that.”
There’s something unspoken in her tone. A possibility. A gamble. Maybe there’s still something human left inside the woman’s cold, empty eyes.
Yamato takes a slow breath. “…Understood.”
Tsunade exhales, sitting back.
“Good. Get to it.”
As Yamato turns to leave, he can’t shake the weight settling over him. Standing in Konoha’s interrogation chamber was the consequence of many decisions, many of them were his own. Shaped first by orders and corrected by will.
Yamato was long gone when Tsunade leans back in her chair, exhaling slowly. The weight of the past few hours settles heavy on her shoulders, team 7´s mission aftermath was certainly an unexpexted knot to untie for the woman.
This woman’s life was deeply weaved into the village’s affairs: a forgotten Konoha prisoner, ANBU’s Bane, Danzo’s interference and Hiruzen’s passivity. Not to mention Orochimaru’s implications and the possibility of a rekindled political mess with Kumo. It all sounded like the begining of a very bad joke after a few drinks.
Thinking of it, she wouldn’t say no to one in this instant. But Tsunade doesn’t have the luxury of letting this spiral out of control, time was of the essence.
“Shizune.” Her voice is firm. “Bring me Hatake.”
Shizune nods and quickly exits the office.
Before long, the door creaks open, and Kakashi steps in, his posture ever relaxed but his sharp gaze takes in the atmosphere immediately. Despite being fresh out of the hospital for the occasion, he is in his usual uniform, mask in place, a familiar book tucked in his hand as per usual.
“You called, Lady Tsunade?”
His tone is as casual as ever, but Tsunade knows better, his eyes and expression betraying a silent expectation.
She doesn’t waste any more time.
“Yamato just returned from his first mission with Team 7. They failed to retrieve Sasuke.”
Kakashi’s visible eye narrows slightly but he doesn’t interrupt. He knew the mission was risky, and he had his doubts about its success, such an information couldn’t be the reason of his summoning.
“But they didn’t return empty handed,” Tsunade continues. “They captured a kunoichi, one of Orochimaru’s operatives. A dangerous one. From what Yamato’s gathered, she may be this Bane ANBU has been chasing for years.”
Kakashi’s brow lifts slightly, he knew that name back when he was in the ANBU, so many failed operations to retrieve intel in Orochimaru’s abandoned laboratory. He had probably been among the last to enter one without encountering this ghostly figure. Ever observant, Tsunade sees the gears already turning in his head.
“And here I thought today would be boring.“ he murmurs, tucking his book away as if reality finaly caught his attention.
Tsunade doesn’t respond to the comment, there was no time for useless banter. She continues unshaken. “There’s more.”
She quickly briefs him on the likely correct suspicion that this kunoichi is a former Konoha detainee from eighteen years ago. Tied to a Kumo’s fugitive, freed by the Hokage third but taken by Root and delivered to Orochimaru under Danzo’s orders. The old man’s name doesn’t fail to stiffen Kakashi’s shoulders, any knot tied by Root and Danzo had an unpleasant habit to snap when untied. No matter how delicatly one proceeds.
“Hiruzen never knew about it.“
she adds grimly. “Now, the mess he left behind is back at our doorstep.”
Kakashi exhales, shaking his head slightly. “Root’s ghosts never stay buried for long.”
“Tell me about it.” With a weary sigh Tsunade leans forward, her expression serious. “That’s why I’m assigning you to this.”
Kakashi raises a brow. “This?“
“Yamato.” Tsunade clarifies, foldind her hands together. “I need you to keep an eye on him.”
Kakashi tilts his head, his one eye narrowing intrigued and slightly surprised by this request. “I assume this isn’t because you doubt his ability?”
“No,” Tsunade admits. “But this prisoner isn’t just some rogue kunoichi. She’s tied to Yamato’s past in Root.“
Tsunade leaves out the nature of this link, she knew Kakashi and Yamato would likely speak of it. She would much rather have Yamato confess to his friend and former Captain than anything else. She watches as Kakashi processes her words, he’s sharp, he’s always been, and he understands what she’s not outright saying. Yamato has personal ties to this, and personal ties make things messy.
“This tie is a welcomed opportunity but I need you there to ensure he stays objective. This entire situation is too delicate. I can’t afford any setbacks.“
Kakashi is silent for a moment, Tsunade’s words ringing clear in his mind, he exhales, a small, almost amused huff.
“So, in other words… babysitting duty?”
Tsunade’s brow twitches, the stress of the situation flaring in her gaze.
“Call it whatever the hell you want, just do it.”
Kakashi nods reassuringly as he turns around and gives a lazy salute, but there’s a knowing sharpness in his eye, he could be fully trusted to see this through. “Understood.” As he turns to leave, Tsunade speaks once more, cutting through his motion.
“Kakashi.”
He glances over his shoulder.
“Make sure Yamato doesn’t carry this alone.”
Kakashi’s expression softens just slightly, almost imperceptibly so. he wouldn’t, very evidently so.
The dim torchlight outside Konoha’s interrogation building flickers against the cold stone, casting long shadows that stretch with the evening lights. Kakashi moves with his usual unhurried steps, hands in his pockets, his visible eye half lidded in that unmistakable and unreadable way of his. He had a good idea of where to find Yamato, given the situation, he’d return to Ibiki’s interrogation room sooner or later. As he approaches the entrance, he slows his steps at the sight ahead.
Yamato is standing just outside the door, Jiraiya by his side. The two haven’t noticed him yet. Yamato’s voice is quiet, but serious as he exchanges with the old Ninja.
“It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before.” Yamato murmurs, arms crossed.
“Even eighteen years ago, neither the Intelligence Division nor Orochimaru managed to break it. The patterns I’ve seen are likely foreign.“
Jiraiya hums, lost in thought as he rubs his chin with a focused frown. His usual easy demeanor is quieter, his sharp gaze flickering toward the door behind them, toward the prisoner at the center of their problems.
“Foreign, huh…” he mutters. “That narrows it down, but not by much.”
Kakashi tilts his head slightly, their conversation picking his Interest. He knew Yamato wouldn’t speak lightly about something like this, given the apparent complexity of this seal, whoever placed it on the girl wanted it to last.
As Kakashi stepped closer, Yamato’s stance shifts, finally catching a glimpse of movement from the corner of his eye. His head turns and for a moment, his expression betrays his surprise and confusion.
“Kakashi?”
Jiraiya follows Yamato’s gaze, smirking lightly as he glances over his shoulder. “Heh. Took you long enough.”
Kakashi steps forward, his single visible eye crinkling in amusement, the ever sharp Jiraya had likely anticipated Tsunade’s train of thoughts.
“You two looked like you were having a moment. Thought I’d let you finish first.“
Yamato’s gaze narrows almost suspectingly, shaking his head calmly. “What are you doing here?“
Kakashi shrugs in response, his usual nonchalance coming back to him, but there’s a subtle weight behind his next words.
“Tsunade sent me.” His gaze lingers briefly on Yamato before flickering toward the door.
“Figured you could use a familiar face.”
Yamato offered his former captain a knowing frown, the reason of his presence dawning on him. He shifts his focus to the door behind him with determination.
“Alright, in that case. Let’s head in.“
Yamato suggests as he leads the trio inside.
The heavy door creaks open, allowing a flicker of torchlight to cut through the darkness. The three man’s silhouettes cast a long and almost ominous shadow over the floor that stretches to the lone figure seated at its center. In the dimly lit room, the woman’s amber eyes glimmer with cold emptiness as her gaze meets theirs.
The promise of a long night ahead.