Reckoning

******************

Gaara’s home, Westside Konoha City (the next morning)

Gaara wore a soft red sweater, enjoying the comfort so early in the morning. Kakashi showed up around 7:30 resting and anxious over his mate Iruka. The alpha did the only thing he could do, he invited Kakashi inside and cooked him breakfast. Scrambled eggs and sausage. The redhead seemed… raw as the early morning sun shined in through the windows of the dining room. 

“You must eat something Kakashi.” Gaara said quietly, letting his hand rest on the alphas shoulder. “You have been up all night.” He added, though it had been Gaara that was really up all night. The alpha hadn’t expected Ino to invade his home like she did. It was a night filled with cleaning up after the mess she had made and clearing out any evidence she might have found. Or any evidence that existed. Of course this was after having to spend time at the hospital with Kakashi. Gaara wanted to sleep. 

“Your tattoo seems more noticeable in the mornings.” Kakashi said, trying to make casual conversation but just feeling tired. “What’s it mean?” He asked, not understanding the strange foreign symbol.

“Love.” Gaara replied before saying. “Sit, eat. You must feed the body to feed the mind.” Kakashi took his seat with a sigh. 

“Iruka. He knew he couldn’t beat the cancer so he tried to beat it to finish line.” Kakashi said aloud, still not quite believing that Iruka —his Iruka— had tried to commit suicide. And nearly succeeded. “I can't blame him though.” Kakashi reasoned. “I can't blame him for wanting to control how he died.” 

“I believe those who can no longer function at an acceptable level possess the right to die.” Gaara replied. “If they wish.” 

“He cast you as an executioner.” Kakashi murmured to himself shaking his head, still reeling over it all. “He wanted to die.” The alpha shook his head and looked at the redhead. “I can't tell you how grateful I am you didn't let him.”

“As a doctor, I had no choice.” Gaara answered, taking a drink of his orange juice. “As a philosopher I had too many.” Kakashi tilted his head in confusion, eyeing the other alpha curiously. “It wasn’t what I could do to Iruka, it was what I couldn’t do to you.” Gaara explained. The redhead looked down into his cup before speaking,. “I suppose I am a better friend than therapist.”

“You’re great friend.” Kakashi reassured him and Gaara laced his fingers together and looked down at his food— wishing that Naruto was here to enjoy it with him instead of Kakashi. 

*****************

Hoshii Observatory, Eastside Konoha City 

When Kakashi and Sakura first came to see him in his cell that morning it didn't click with him what it was about. They both seemed so serious that Naruto had felt a vague hope bubble up thinking, ‘maybe Ino did it. Maybe she was able to convince them that Gaara is Black Zetsu. Maybe today is the day I walk free.’ 

It wasn’t of course. 

Instead, Sakura seemed to be here as though trying to comfort but She did nothing but make his skin itch like an allergic reaction. They mention Ino’s name, and something about a crime scene and the blonde squeeze his eyes shut— refusing to listen to them. 

Listening meant that he would have to accept what happened. What was done to Ino. ‘I failed her. I warned her, but I warned her too late.’ The blonde felt a festive anger burn because he knew exactly who had performed the crime. However, no one would believe him. No one except Ino. 

“I want to see her.” Naruto stated flatly interrupting whatever they were saying. Not even fifteen minutes later, the blonde was laced up in a straight jacket, and his feet cuffed together. Two of the guard heaved him up onto the seat to wheel him to the car. Konan, one of the female orderlies, muzzles him when they got close to the door. Slipping on the stiff metal masked over the entire lower half of his face and buckling the leather straps keeping it in place on the back of his head. Konan, ended up riding with them since she was designated to go where he went as long as he was outside the facility.

The buzz of people at the crime scene was like background noise as the blonde was carefully lead out of the vehicle. The only thing he was able to move was his feet. Karin was there, standing off to the side and snapping pictures of him wearing the muzzle, an unreadable expression on her face. 

Naruto was led inside the observatory to see the remains of Ino’s body— waiting for him. 

“Leave us alone.” Kakashi ordered, and suddenly it was just Naruto and Kakashi left inside. Kakashi sighed pulled out his gun and clicked off the safety before he began to undo the straight jacket that Naruto was forced to wear. Naruto took the muzzle off himself. ‘Disgusting.’ He thought as he tossed the muzzle to the ground. ‘That I have to be freaking muzzled like- like some dog. I am not a dog.’

Ino’s body filled his mind as he looked at it, feeling anger and loss wash over him. She was, after all, the closest thing besides Gaara he had to a friend. ‘I don't think Gaara counts as a friend anymore.’ Naruto thought trying to ignore the mixed feelings he had on some of the moments of kindness the redhead had spent on him. Naruto could feel his empathy curl and put in the back his skull ready to be used and eager to know what happened. What led to…. this.

“You said you just interpret the evidence. So interpret the evidence.” Ino had said once. 

I come up from behind her, reach around to grab her throat, pulling it back so her eyes meet mine. I strangle Ino, while looking into her eyes. She knows me and I? I know her. I expectantly squeeze the life from her, kicking her empty gun away with my feet as she struggles. Her body starts to sink, as she falls unconscious. I haul her body over to one of the deep freezers. Freezing her solid within a few hours. I freeze her to preserve shape, and form so that I can cut her more cleanly. My tool, cuts her like stone. Smoothly and without a flaw. Not even blood spills, from how frozen she is. 

I tear her apart Bit by bit layer by layer, just like she would do to a crime scene. Sealing each slice of her body between glass and standing them up right. I can look at the sides, and see her innards like picture in a textbook. I leave no usable evidence. 

This is my design.

 I frown. She had found something though.  She found me. What she found is already gone. What do I take from her?

“It’s Black Zetsu, isn't it?” Kakashi asked, jerking the blonde from his empathy. Naruto nodded tiredly. 

“Yes, its Black Zetsu. And the copycat.” The blonde shook his head. “Same killer two masks. Ino helped me to see it.” Naruto added quietly trying to think of a plan. A way to untangle the convoluted mess that this had become. Something… easy to make it all okay.

“Help me see it.” Kakashi ordered. 

“She was looking for a link between Black Zetsu and the copycat.” 

“You think she found it?”

“She certainly found something.” Naruto muttered, frowning. He turned to look at Kakashi. “Where were you last night?” 

“In the hospital.” Kakashi replied and the blonde let out a sharp angry sigh. “I was with my wife.”

“I told her to go to you. To tell you everything she found, everything she knew.” The blonde swallowed. “Instead she went looking for evidence.’The blonde looked down at his feet. “She meet Black Zetsu last night. She will be missing organs.” Naruto took a deep breath willing himself to just hold it all together. ‘She could have been more than a friend.’ Naruto realized suddenly. ‘She was so much more than Sakura ever was. Headstrong sure but steady and calm. She didn't hover over him like a crazy mother hen.’ The blonde felt a fresh wave of grief wash over him as he realized that maybe— just maybe, Naruto could have been happy spending his life with her. “Black Zetsu had to take his trophies.”

“Who is he, Naruto?”  The blonde opened his mouth to answer but closed it with a grunt, already knowing how the alpha would respond. 

“Ino made her connection You need to make your own.” The blonde said finally. 

“Why did I bring you all the way out here then?” 

“A chance to say goodbye.” 

*******************

Kaguya's Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Northside Konoha City

“Would you like to discuss what happened to Ino or what was at the Observatory?” Orochimaru asked. Naruto once again felt like he was sitting in weird metal dunk tank.  ‘I cant use Prison as an excuse. I need to stop depending on others, stop depending on people like Ino or Kakashi to come help me. They won't.’ Naruto I decided firmly. 

“You discussed my therapy with Gaara.” The blonde answered, lifting his head up to stared at orochimaru. “That is against our agreement.”

“I only gave him a peek. Just a little something before I pulled the curtains shut so to speak.” Orochimaru replied, disagreeing.

“I have appearances to maintain.” 

“Naruto.” Orochimaru said finally. “Ino paid you a visit. You are the last known person to have spoken to her before she died. What did you two discuss?”

“Oh you weren’t listening to that one?” The blonde snarked back, hating the feeling of being caged. Orochimaru rolled his eyes.

“You spoke to her in the privacy room. It’s the only room in the facility that I’m not legally allowed to monitor.” 

“When do you let that stop you?” Naruto muttered before shaking his head. ‘I can't afford to be all anti-people right now.’ He thought to himself. ‘Even if i do want to go around and smash some skulls in.’  “We talked about Black Zetsu.” Naruto admitted. “Then she went and found him.” 

“Psychopaths can be indifferent to those sorts of… setbacks.” Orochimaru commented. “I know something of the monster you are struggling to catch. I did consult on the case much earlier with Kakashi and his little trainee Obito.” Naruto arched his brow. “Black Zetsu would be well educated and socially skilled. He would possess surgical experience or at least some knowledge. In short he wouldn’t poses the usual markers.” 

“You thought Sasori could have been Black Zetsu.” The blonde reminded him with a very faint growl. 

“Yes well… evidently I was wrong about that.” The alpha muttered unhappily. 

“Sasori knows who Black Zetsu is.” Naruto told him. Orochimaru cocked his eyebrow and stared at the blonde looking unimpressed. 

“And I suppose you know who it is too?”

“Wouldn’t it be interesting if we both said it was the same person?” Naruto suggested. ‘I dislike Sasori anyway.’ The blonde decide, not really caring if Gaara somehow managed to kill him. ‘Gaara seems to kill everyone else that gets t I lose to me. Heaven forbid that I fall in love.’ Naruto thought, feeling lonelier than ever and he hated that fact that it was all Gaara’s fault. 

“Yes it would.” Orochimaru agreed with a cold greedy glint to his eyes. 

That night, as Naruto laid down on the cot in his cell he recalled the last time he had met the omega, Sasori. 

[ref. To Book 1, Chapter 48]

“NO, I don’t care WHO I am!” Naruto had snapped, letting out a loud rumbling growl as he point the gun straight as Sasori's face. “Just tell me, if HES real.” Naruto had swallowed, torn between wanting it to be real and knowing it to be fake. Naruto had been hullanting that Mikoshi was somehow alive and right there in front of him. The blonde wanted to pull the trigger at the time, had been excited for a chance to kill him again. To feel powerful again. 

“Who do you see Naruto?” Gaara had asked softly. 

“Mikoshi Visfiya.” Naruto had answered. “Who do you see?” Gaara went silent, and Sasori narrowed his eyes at the alpha. Though the omega had still been trapped under Naruto's gunpoint.

“I don’t see anyone.” Gaara had answered, lying. 

‘It used to be that was all I could remember.’ Naruto thought to himself, as he laid back and stared up at the ceiling. ‘Not anymore.’ Naruto wasn’t sure if it was the rut itself or just the process of actually letting his body heal and have a cycle, but he felt like he was getting better and better. Stronger than it was when he first went in here. 

Ironic, how in the end Gaara did help him get better. In a round-a-bout convoluted sort of way. Still Naruto chose to focus on the rest of that conversation, the new parts of it that he hadn’t remembered before. 

[ref. To Book 1, Chapter 48]

“He’s had a mild seizure.” Gaara had said casually, before take a step back with the gun. 

“That…. Doesn't seem to bother you.” Sasori replied slowly.

“I said it was mild.” Gaara had answered, watching him like a predator watchs prey. “Are you the mani who claimed to be Black Zetsu?” 

“Why do you say claimed?” Sasori asked. 

“Because your not. You know your not and you don’t know much more about who you are beyond that.” Gaara had answered. 

“Are...you Black Zetsu?” 

“A terrible thing, to have your identity taken from you.” The redhead had responded. 

“Well I’m taking It back. One part at a time.” Sasori had declared proudly. “You should see the parts i pulled out of my psychiatrist.” The omega had said after glancing at the blonde. 

“Sakura Haruno was one of your psychiatrists, correct?” The alpha had asked and the omega nodded. 

“Yes, Dr.Haruno.” 

“I can tell you where to find her.” Gaara had offered and Sasori just stared at him.

“And why, pray tell, would you be willing to do that?” 

“Curiosity and personal reasons.” Gaara had answer plainly. “Tell me, can you remember the full address?”

“Of course.” Sasori had answered easily. 

*******************

FBI Headquarters, Northside Konoha City

“Ino isn’t your responsibility.” Kakashi said sadly, “you should be allowed to grieve.” 

“Ino wouldn't run away. Neither are we.” Kiba responded determinedly, despite the tear racing down his cheek. 

“Kakashi. I double check the autopsy report.” Lee said quietly. “Not everything we found we hers.”

“What do you mean?” The alpha asked, turning to face him fully. For once it seemed Kakashi was willing to put his prejudice behind him. “The kidneys were placed inside her body after she was killed but they aren't her kidneys.”

“Wen we tested them, we got a confirmation. The kidneys belong to the mural killer.” 

“So whoever murdered Ino, also killed the mural killer?” 

“Right now the only thing we have to go on, is that if we find her kidneys we find her killer.” Lee answered. 

That night, Gaara ate roasted kidneys.

****************

Kaguya's Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Northside Konoha City

“Mister Uzumaki.” Sasori said with smile. “Always did look like the boy next door.” Konon, the orderly that had brought Naruto threw a frown towards Sasori as she walked away. ‘Orochimaru moved quick.’ Naruto thought, as he recalled how basically implied slash ordered the other alpha to bring Sasori back. To gather evidence. “Is it true you ate the poor girl's ear? What was her name again? Mumbled Jumbo? Syrup? Ah no wait… Matsuri. That was it yes?”

“You can call me Naruto,” the blonde replied. “Now that we are of equal social standing.” Sasori rolled his eyes and huffed. 

“Is this Orochimaru’s idea of punishment? Group therapy with the guy who tried to kill me…” Sasori wrinkled his nose. 

“No.” Naruto stated bluntly, before trying to gather his words up just right. “I’d like to talk to you.”

“Oh?”

“About Black Zetsu.”

“I thought i was Black Zetsu.” The omega replied with a reflective tone to his voice. 

“No your the pretender to the throne.” Naruto corrected and Sasori leaned back watching him. 

“What did you offer Orochimaru to bring me back? I’m the last person he wants to see.” Sasori grinned. “I give him a chill in the guts—“ He shrugged. “Or at least what’s left of his guts anyway.” 

“You know who Black Zetsu is. You’ve met him.” Naruto stated flatly, and the omega made a soft ah sound as understanding dawned on him. ‘Subtle has never been my strong suit.’ Naruto thought with an inward wince. 

“So orochimaru will get to catch Black Zetsu after all. But what do you get?” Naruto turned to look him in the eyes. ‘I’m not good at subtle, but manipulation doesn't just rely on subtly does it?’ Naruto thought.

“I remember that night at Dr.Subaku’s.” Naruto murmured as he leaned against the edge of his little cage next to Sasori. “The night that I brought you there.” 

“The night you tried to kill me.”

“Yes how do you think i found you?” Naruto murmured hurriedly, letting the truth of his words bleed into his voice. “He told me where to find you. He sent me to kill you.” 

“Am i your evidence?” Sasori questioned, avoiding the conversation but Naruto didn't mind too much. He could practically taste the tension build up in Sasori’s form. “Oh you are in trouble Mister Uzumaki.”

“Why would you protect him?” The blonde asked, as curiosity burned. 

“You were quite happy to kill me yourself. You have it in you, as they say.” Sasori finished, turned away from the blonde as he spoke. “He is the devil, Mister Uzumaki. He is smoke. You can't catch Black Zetsu. He won't be caught. If you want him, you’re going to have to kill him.” 

“Fair enough.” Naruto growled. As they were led back to their respective cell the blonde cast Orochimaru a look and said, “I want to talk to Karin Namikaze.” The other alpha blinked, watching him critically. 

“And why would you want to do that?”

“Isn’t that my business?”

“Not while you are under my hospital roof its not.” Orochimaru threatened, but the threat didnt seem all that threatening to Naruto. It just seemed like a weak man grasping a straw as to stay in power. 

“I need something from her.” Naruto stated bluntly before going to flop out onto his bed, letting those words soak into Orochimaru's brain.  ‘The never caught the killer who sent me the ear, and they never caught the killer who killed the judge. Of course it doesn't matter because i know who the killer is. It’s freaking Gaara.’ Naruto thought as he rolled over onto his side. ‘But it still bugs me. Why? Why did Gaara go to all of this trouble to put me in here if he just wants to whine and complain to get me out again?’ Naruto sighed. ‘It doesn't fit. Somewhere i missing some sort of price of this puzzle. And what better way than to ask him directly?’

**********************

Gaara’s office, downtown Konoha City

Gaara and Orochimaru were both sitting casually in the redheads office. Gaara, had poured them both a glass of wine, as the spoke. Orochimaru was quiet— quiet for himself anyway. 

“We are both unorthodox psychiatrists.” Gaara said, “I understand this. What I am trying to understand i why you decided to bring Sasori under your care.” 

“It was not for selfish reasons, if that's what you are implying.” Orochimaru answered. 

“Selfishness. The original sin of mankind.”

“We are not talking about morality or ethics here are we?” Orochimaru said, raising his brow. “We are more likely concealing the lack of them.”

“Sasori ripped you open. It’s is brave of you to keep the evidence of your misdeeds under your own roof. Perhaps even wise.”

“My misdeeds, and yours.”

“Neither of us controls our stories well enough to gain anything from exposing the other.”

“Cheers to that.” Orochimaru said, taking a sip of his wine. “In truth I brought Sasori back because I thought he would be helpful with Naruto's therapy.” He said, lying. “The blonde shot him, almost killed him yet he has no memory of it.” 

“You are aware that memories, emotions… even spiritual experiences can be manipulated while under the influence of medications.” Gaara carefully warned and Orochimaru paused to look at the redhead. 

“I am trying to put Naruto on the path to rebuilding his broken brain. Picking up your pieces and problems.” Orochimaru finished smugly. Gaara tilted his head, taking a sip of his wine. 

“You have analyzed my patient. Perhaps you will allow me to analyze yours?” The redhead said it like it was a question, but meant it like an order. Inwardly, Orochimaru felt a cold chill seeped into his bones. “I’d like to interview Sasori.”

****************

Kaguya's Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Northside Konoha City

Sasori was brought out to the guest hall and shoved into one of the cages, and Gaara walked towards him with all the grace of a lion— beautiful and fierce. Sasori gave a soft little purr as the redhead came over to stand in front of him. 

“No need to stand way over there.” Sasori said calmly, watching the alpha intently.

“Hello, Sasori.” Gaara said calmly. 

“Our brains devote more space to reading the details of faces than any other object.” The omega said with a sly smile. “Dare I say— I’ve never seen yours before.” A twinkle of amusements shined in Gaara jade green eyes. 

“I am Doctor Gaara Subaku. I was Naruto’s psychiatrist.”  Sasori raised and brow and clicked his tongue.

“Well he isnt a very good advertisement of your abilities, doctor.” 

“That remains to be seen.” Gaara replied and Sasori let out a laugh.

“Ah, i bet your a devil at the poker table. Still, it's a pleasure to meet you.” 

“The pleasure is mine.” 

“Know that I know your name, I am aware of you be reputation.” Sasori explained. “I can see way Orochimaru fawns over you. He resents and reverers you— In fact I would say he very much wants to be you.” 

“He should be more careful what he wishes for.” The redhead responded.

“And you should have been more careful with Naruto Uzumaki.” Sasori warned. “That alpha has a bone to pick with you.” Gaara blinked. The omega had confirmed his suspicious about the blonde just like he thought he would. 

“As a therapist my concern is finding methods of overcoming…. resistance. Not building it up.”

“Well you certainly built up something.” Sasori said with a snort. 

“Thank you for your time.” Gaara finished quietly and the omega nodded. 

“Do come back again, doctor.” 

As Gaara left the facility, he felt more problems beginning to surface. After all, while Sasori had cooperated by pretending not to know him he also confirmed the fact that Naruto was playing a game. Gaara had wanted to believe the naruto had finally caved and believe him— trusted him. That couldn’t be further from the truth it seemed. It left Gaara once again considering what to do next. The bright flash a camera distracted him from his thoughts as he walked out, to see Karin snapping a photo of him walking out. 

“That was rude.” Gaara stated and Karin flashed him a smile. 

“Did you really think i was above that sorta thing?” She shot back, slipping her camera into her bag. “Oh dont be disappointed.” She added as Gaara stood there watching her. “Disappointment evolved to induce shame.”

“A shame is present to teach good manners.” Gaara replied. 

“Unfortunately for you— i didnt evolve with the ability to feel shame.” 

“You should explore that in therapy.”

“No thanks. I saw a therapist once, her deleted my conversation recordings.” The beta women said pressing her lips together in a frown and glaring at him.

“You did come to see me under false pretenses.” 

“It’s as as permission.” She replied with a shrug. 

“Tell me then what are you doing here?” The alpha asked and Karin crossed her arms as her face settled into a deep frown. 

“Oddly enough, I’m here to interview Naruto— at his own request.” Karin huffed. “Imagine that.”

“I am trying.” Gaara replied carefully, recalling the time Naruto had basically threatened to kill her.

*********************

Naruto sat in the privacy room waiting for that irritating beta woman to arrive. ‘I hate her.’ Naruto thought when he caught sight of Karin finally coming over towards the room. She walked in with a flourish and stood across with him practically oozing curiosity and— ‘fuck Gaara was here?’ The blonde wondered catching the alphas scent lingering on her clothes. ‘Damn, She must have met him on her way in here. If so then… Gaara knows I’m meeting her.’ The blonde frown for a moment before giving a mental shrug. ‘What does it matter? I’m trying to contact him anyway.’

“It’s good to see you again Naruto.” She said before pausing dramatically. “Let me rephrase that— its good to see you in here. Where you belong.”

“Thank you for coming.” Naruto says simply, not rising to the bait. 

“And, Why am i here?” She asked sharply getting straight the point, which Naruto appreciated. ‘Her scent is gross.’ Naruto thought mildly. 

“I have an admirer and he seems to fit in with your readers.” 

“My readers being murderers and people obsessed with murders—“

“I’m talking about the killer who murder the judge and the other guy at my trial.” Naruto interrupted and she raised her brow. 

“Other guy?” She said softly before finally sitting down. “And you think this… killer is your admirer?”

“Well he killed the other guy to give me an alibi and he killed the judge because he threw that alibi out.” Naruto replied, catching sight of Konon standing guard outside the door of the privacy room and was reminded once again of how much he hated being in prison.

“So it your admirer crazy?” She asked and the blonde huffed a laugh.

“I don't think anyone as careful as he is could be crazy.” Naruto replied honestly, thinking of how carefully controlled Gaara is all the time. “I think— I think he’s… different.” The blonde found words pouring out of his mouth unbidden as he spoke again. “I think maybe a lot of people think he’s crazy because they don't understand him. He doesn't let other people understand him.” 

“But you understand him?”  She clarified and the blonde gave humorless laugh. ‘Understand Gaara? No, no I dont.’ Naruto thought. “And i never will.’ Karin leaned forward and stared him. “Are you trying to catch him or contact him?”

“I want to communicate with him. Your website seems like its a good way to do that.”  

“Well i could open it up for you, ads, editorials… online chat rooms…” she flashed a smile. “I could be discreet.” Naruto had to fight not to roll his eyes.

“In exchange for…?” The blonde asked, knowing there were strings attached. There would always be strings attached with Karin.

“Exclusive rights to your story!” She purred out proudly, greed bubbling up in her eyes. 

“It’s all yours.” He agreed and she pulled out her travel recorder form the bag with her camera in it.

“You want to talk to your admirer? First you’ll have to send out an invitation.” She purred. 

*********************

Gaara’s home, West side Konoha City (later that night)

The redhead sat in front of his fireplace, his tablet open to Karins website reading her latest article. He recalled how she had gone into talk to Naruto and curling tugged at him. 

…..Sadly other killers have drawn inspiration from Naruto's story, and as he stood trial— fighting for his life one such killer built poem, to honour the alphas gruesome skill. Naruto believed this man wanted to help, despite the fact that the killers motives are unclear. This killer killed people in his name, and Naruto would like to ask him why…..