damned_institute | Day 37: Sun Room

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Day 37: Sun Room

Joe had read some of the larger notes stuck up on the bulletin board when the announcement came on the intercom. All things considered, this Landel guy didn't even seem so bad. Even if these people were held here against their will, he was certainly nice about it.

Apparently, the new patients - including Joe - were to hang around in the Sun Room or go to Arts and Crafts with the kids. Well, there was plenty of information on the board, including maps and descriptions of monsters, for Joe to prepare for the nighttime, when he could seriously get going on fighting his way out. He could look for where the boss would probably be waiting, or where his V-watch might be, and figure out how to fight the monsters. In fact, he had plenty of time to work all that out... but this the first time he'd had to really relax since he got his powers. So it couldn't possibly hurt to enjoy the calm period, could it?

The red-head stepped back from the board, and hopped back onto a comfy-looking couch to digest in the sunlight. He reached up to pull his cap down, and sighed when he realized it wasn't there. "Oh well, nothing's perfect. I still wouldn't call this hell."

[free!]

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Jiraiya crossed his arms, dropping his head a bit forward for a moment to think, "... that might be harder to achieve. Sai hasn't had teammates around to work with, so he's used to going off by himself. Naruto and Sasuke are working with Aidou, and Aidou simply refused to have more than a third member for an expedition to the basement. Sakura, I'm sure, can convince them that she'll be a worthy member of the team. Right now, I've been letting Naruto go off with him in the hopes that he can work things out with Sasuke. It seems to be working so far, save for the 'hickey incident' that happened last night. While maybe I went a bit far with teasing Naruto at breakfast, it's also a test to see how Sasuke reacts to Naruto's questions. If he doesn't maim him, it means that there's a chance he could stand working in a team with Naruto and Sakura again."

He assumed that Kakashi would try to get his old subordinate back and working with them, because it made sense. Sasuke was still considered a part of Team 7--now Team Kakashi--and leaving him out was like leaving one's leg at home. It just didn't make sense (and it was also painful).

"Sai and Sasuke won't be able to work together easily," Jiraiya stated. "He also doesn't get along with Zabuza, but that's mostly because Sasuke can be like a cat if his 'fur' is rubbed the wrong way. Sasuke acts just as independent as a cat, too. His ego is still as big as it was before, although he's calmer--at least, until he's mad, and then he acts his age."

He sighed and shook his head, "The best option would be to have a meeting between those from Konoha and the one previously from Konoha, if Sasuke will agree to it. I'm only Naruto's teacher--you're the one who knows your team best."

What Jiraiya said about Naruto and himself might have normally made Kakashi raise an eyebrow. But suddenly the benefactor of newfound perspective, he instead gave a slight nod as he listened. It made sense. This was Jiraiya's last chance. When they ended this place, the others would be returned to their world, and the legendary Sannin would be dead. While this prison was a torturous place, it had in fact given the man a chance to ease those regrets.

He could also understand why Jiraiya would be embrassed over such a thing. It was hard for any proud ninja to admit his mistakes. And that more than anything else was why Kakashi decided to tell Jiraiya something he hadn't asked for, something that no one else currently there knew.

"We might have to watch out for each other doing that, in that case." Any trace of the facade dropped, Kakashi's expression serious and somber. There was nothing good about what was coming next. "Some time after Naruto is sent away to train, Pein of Akatsuki attacked Konoha. I was taken from the middle of the battle against the village. Or specifically, from the end of my own."

The next words were harder to get out than he imagined, however. Giving what had happened the additional weight of sharing it with another person, making it that much more real; Kakashi realized then that it was harder to tell of his own death than to report that of others, in so many ways. "He's formidable. But they will find a way to win."

He was silent for a long moment after that. Even without directly saying it, Kakashi knew Jiraiya would be able to tell what he meant. He also hoped that the ninja would understand that it wasn't something Kakashi wanted told, if he could avoid it. There was no way to know who would show up next from their world, or from when, but for now only he and Jiraiya knew the truth of his fate. There wasn't any reason to include the rest of Team 7 or Team Kakashi in that knowledge.

Opening his book again gave the man something to look at, though he didn't resume reading. Jiraiya's surge of confidence helped Kakashi settle a bit, leaving the jounin to wonder exactly when the student began rubbing off on the teacher. It wasn't entirely surprising, and in it's own way, pleasant to have that spirit be contageous.

Then it was back to Sasuke, and briefly, Kakashi entertained the thought that maybe Naruto wasn't the only one obsessed. Certainly the ero-sennin had earned his nickname, and Kakashi was tempted by the thought of challenging the man on it. Jiraiya was just as likely to go flirt with a woman simply to prove that he still prefered them. Regardless, he decided he'd rather not run the risk of Jiraiya getting slapped just then, so the thought remained just a thought.

Besides, it wasn't so important after the elder pointed out that Naruto and Sasuke had kissed. Again.

Eyebrow quirking up, Kakashi's book was again snapped closed. The half-serious, half-comically presented talk was good for getting him out of his own thoughts, and even for getting a bit of a laugh of them. "Ah. You might not want to mention certain parts that to Sakura. There wouldn't be any chance of them working together if she killed them both." Or spent all her time trying to watch them make out. But those were things that Kakashi did not want to be thinking about. So he didn't.

"And if you ask Sasuke, he'll deny it with every bit of force he can muster." Naruto's conclusions aside, it was easy enough to realize that anything they'd learn about that relationship would be done through observation. "I don't think it will be much longer before they all find each other. They're all stubborn, but I don't think it's something Sasuke can get away from, from what I've observed of this place."

The news concerning the conflicts and Jiraiya's subtle testing was appreciated, as was the Sannin's forethought regarding the matter. It was a good test, and Naruto could handle himself against the Uchiha, especially since both probably had their chakra sealed away. And he was definitely right about Sakura's persuasive abilities. Whoever this Aidou person was, he'd either very quickly learn to let Sakura come along, or suffer serious head trauma. Being Sasuke's apparent make-out partner wouldn't help his situation there any.

"I probaby do." Though Kakashi might be tempted to say that he knew them best. He hadn't spoken to Sasuke since before he defected, a talk which apparently had been rather unconvincing. That was three years ago, and the boy had been under Orochimaru since. Still, he was still Sasuke, and Kakashi didn't intend to let him just go about on his own when now was their best opportunity to rectify the situation. "I don't think he'll have much choice. Sakura will corner him, and seeing that, Naruto will definitely join them. Regardless of what he dislikes, Sai has an interest in bonds, from what I've heard. So he'd join them as well."

And neither Kakashi nor Jiraiya would stay away from that little meeting once it started. But that much went without saying.

Not only had Jiraiya understood what Kakashi was getting at, but he gave the younger man a shocked looked. Pain had killed Kakashi, too? Damnit. Jiraiya had only a mild idea of how Naruto had taken his death, and now, when he heard about Kakashi's as well....

Well, Naruto wouldn't be hearing about it from Jiraiya's lips. He didn't need to tell Kakashi that in order for Kakashi to know he wouldn't tell the others.

He glanced at Kakashi, giving him a serious and somber look, "Naruto will get him--I mistook Pain originally as the child of prophecy, but it's Naruto. He's the one that's supposed to change the world. We have to believe in him and the rest of Konoha."

But that was enough of that. He didn't want to focus on morose thoughts for too long. They needed to be avoided as much as possible in this place, which was good at wearing anyone down without help.

"I think it'd be funny if Sakura found out, but I agree that she'd probably kill both of the boys, or at least maim them horribly," Jiraiya forced a grin. "But besides the accidents, I'm fairly certain that Sasuke will be joined by Naruto and Sakura, and I doubt he'll have much choice in the matter. Being blind, he'll most likely unconsciously seek those that he can trust to be his eyes, and it'll be those two. Sasuke won't forget how they've been chasing after him, and what that means. Both are also capable in their own way. Unless Sasuke's stupid, he'll agree to work with the two of them. ... I suspect he'll be against Sai, but he'll be worn down by the others, and learning to work with someone he doesn't get along with will be good experience for him."

And then, Jiraiya quirked a smirk, amused now, "I heard that both Sakura and Naruto were here before, but don't remember it. ... I'm kinda hoping that Sasuke never had to be on the wrong end of Sakura's persuasive techniques before. It'll be funnier if he finds out the hard way how strong she's gotten."

"Judging by last night, she might still have some of her strength," Jiraiya stated with a chuckle. "She beat a monster to death with a baseball bat."

And then was very annoyed with him and Renamon flirting. Speaking of Renamon....

Jiraiya spotted her across the room and nearly got up before realizing that she was already in a conversation. She was soaking wet, and Jiraiya couldn't help but recall the flash of fear that had come across her face as she mentioned the showers as being an issue. Without her fur, and being that naked--he wasn't even thinking of it in a perverted way, such was his respect for the Digimon-turned-human--he knew how vulnerable she must have felt.

Hence why she had pretty much run out of the showers without properly drying off and was now doing her best impression of a drowned wet. Jiraiya cursed and forced himself to sit back down heavily next to Kakashi. She wouldn't appreciate him barging into a conversation like that, and getting pissed at him wouldn't help her. Besides, she could handle her own. It meant that Jiraiya only had to watch the conversation to make sure nothing happened to disturb her more. If she needed backup, he'd know, and he'd be able to help.

Jiraiya realized what that must have looked like to Kakashi, and laughed nervously, "Renamon uh. Has some problems with the showers. But. She. Uh! Looks fine!" Even though she was horribly wet. "She can handle herself! I-I'll only step in if she needs me to."

"I think we both do believe that." Kakashi had given his life up out of that belief, that the information could be used by those who were still fighting, and the one who had yet to arrive. He'd seen enough, watching the ninja there grow and mature, to have faith in them. In that aspect, at least, he'd been able to make his choice with no regrets.

He was ultimately as eager to move away from the sorrowing talk as Jiraiya was, particularly since he was still adjusting to the idea that he was dead. Eventually, Kakashi knew he would accept it, just as Jiraiya proclaimed to be doing. For now, however, it was nice not to think about it so much.

Jiraiya's analysis of the younger ninja's actions matched with what Kakashi expected to have happen. Those would certainly be the best results, particularly if they carried over to when everyone returned to Konoha. So, he'd have to watch, and make sure that was what ultimately happened.

"Sai said I'd been here too." Kakashi motioned to the bulletin, then shrugged. "But I don't remember anything from it either. Three times means it probably isn't a coincidence." Of course, that only raised more questions, particularly ones about how such a thing was even possible. Lacking memory of it, Kakashi could pinpoint certain times when it could have happened: while he was in the coma thanks to Uchiha Itachi, for example. But to the best of his knowledge, neither Naruto nor Sakura had had extended periods of that nature.

Sakura retaining her strength was an interesting factor. Renamon had mentioned chakra being unreachable, and Kakashi was about to mention the blindness in his left eye when suddenly the sannin's focus was obviously elsewhere. It wouldn't have bothered Kakashi too much for the man to leave, now that he had a book. But since he had stayed, the jounin was going to point out the interesting points of the elder's reaction, because there had been a few.

"That's rather restrained of you, Jiraiya-sama." Really, the fact that Jiraiya had opted to talk to Kakashi instead of peeking into the women's showers was restrained. But Kakashi knew the elder well enough to note the rather obvious difference in his attitude then, as opposed to how he normally acted.

For one, he wasn't currently finding a tissue because the man's nose wasn't bleeding. For another, he was stuttering like some shy schoolboy.

Since most of the serious talk seemed to be over, Kakashi yet again opened his book, going right to the page he'd left off on. He began to read, practiced enough to be able to do so without skipping a beat in his conversation. "Does that mean you won't be writing anything while we're here? You might not want her to think you were a perverted old man, or something like that."

"I think everyone believes that, knowing Naruto," Jiraiya grinned for a moment, and then nodded at Kakashi's comment about his own reappearance. "I believe I'm here for the first time, but yes. It's too much to be a coincidence that people have reappeared, especially in such a close timespan."

Jiraiya looked first embarrassed--and then he realized that Renamon had been looking at him and had made a comment. Shit. Jiraiya had forgotten about her super hearing.

He shot Kakashi a half-frightened look before he managed a glare, responding to Jiraiya's challenge. "Of course I'm still going to write--I wouldn't be much of an author if I didn't! It'll be different than the last few Icha Icha novels, though!"

As for the restrained comment, Jiraiya actually looked a little annoyed at Kakashi, "I respect Renamon. She has a strong mind, spirit, and body. Renamon would punch my face in if I had any sort of perverted interest in her. It's just that we're alike, if you ignore the fact that she isn't a pervert."

Okay, so the last bit was for Renamon, who had been listening in on the conversation. Jiraiya shot her a bit of a goofy grin for a quick moment before wiping his face to look at Kakashi again. So maybe he liked Renamon a little bit.

Part of Kakashi knew he should keep up the conversation focused on the more serious aspect of things, such as faith in each other, and the workings of the Institute. But part of Kakashi was an Icha Icha fan to an extreme degree, and that part pushed its way to the forefront when Jiraiya mentioned that things were going to be a little different. It could either be very good, or very bad, depending on just what the man decided to try for.

"Different?" Still, it was a fine line to tread; Kakashi hadn't finished the final chapter of the last book. He didn't want to have too much told to him about one that wasn't even written yet.

Despite the lingering threat of being spoiled, however, Kakashi had to poke a bit of fun at the sennin. He found it was something akin to a much older Naruto, in the sense that Jiraiya had suddenly become quite defensive. "Tsunade-sama might not appreciate hearing that. Not that she wouldn't punch you in your face anyway." Kakashi quite clearly remembered Jiraiya guessing the woman's breast size, after all, just the least of many things that their Hokage used as reason to punish Jiraiya.

It was clear by this point that the sannin did indeed like Renamon. Even without what he observed, the grin he gave the woman from across the room was something like a neon sign pointing toward that conclusion. Much of his own expression hidden behind his mask, Kakashi smiled sweetly in reply to the irritated look he received. "Ah, I see. So deep respect is the extent of what you feel for her. I'll remember that."

"It won't be related directly to the other ones--the setting and characters will be different; it could be a short story, it could be an entire novel," Jiraiya answered, although he grumbled slightly at the next bit. "Tsunade is fine with me writing--it's the... other stuff that she doesn't appreciate."

Like hell he was gonna mention his peeking habit when Renamon was listening! She'd definitely get pissed, then. And Kakashi was doing this on purpose.

His eyes widened a bit at the words 'extent of'. "T-That's not what I meant at all! She's a friend!"

The brat was teasing him, he knew it. Just because he wasn't attracted perversely towards a woman for a change! Although, Renamon did have a nice, youthful, and healthy body--but that wasn't the main reason he was interested in her! It was just a bonus! Really!

He forced himself to be calmer, and he grumbled out a sigh, "I see that Naruto's rubbed off on you, too. Brat."

Oh, this was too good to pass up. Kakashi did enjoy poking fun sometimes; there was a period when he really had been a brat, after all, and sometimes it still showed. Of course, he also didn't know about Renamon's hearing, though it was obvious Jiraiya was worried about the woman overhearing them. But then, he may or may not have acted any differently if he had know how possible it was for that to happen. Especially not when he could fake innocence so well when he tried. "Other stuff?"

Said as if Kakashi, of all people, somehow didn't have a clue what Jiraiya was talking about.

"Right. A friend you have a very deep respect for." He turned the page, knowing that the sannin knew exactly what Kakashi was doing. Which was why he could continue doing it, and enjoy the sight of a legendary ninja growing increasingly flustered. Somehow he doubted many people could say they'd witnessed such a thing.

He did give Jiraiya something of a flat look, however, when the comparison to Naruto was made. "I'd like to think my technique is a bit better than his. Naruto's an impressive prankster when he puts his mind to it, but he's not subtle. If he figures certain things out, everyone in this hospital will know what's going on because he'll shout it at the top of his lungs."

"Yes, other stuff," Jiraiya mock growled, but he knew it wouldn't have any effect on the Jounin, and then he just sighed. "A friend I have a very deep respect for."

And a friend he flirted with. He hoped beyond anything that Kakashi and Sakura wouldn't compare notes about Renamon. And he was glad that Naruto hadn't met Renamon yet, because Kakashi was completely correct in what would happen if he found out--Naruto would shout it for everyone to hear.

"You're just more subtle at it," Jiraiya grumbled in agreement. "And I'm not falling for that innocent look, because even Naruto knows that won't work on me. But if you started shouting like Naruto, I'd worry about your sanity."

He still seemed flustered, but he was more annoyed now. Although a small part of him was amused, too. If Kakashi was teasing anyone else, it'd be funny.

"The kid can be subtle when he really puts his mind to it, but he rarely puts forth that much effort," Jiraiya rolled his eyes, then looked at Kakashi pointedly, dropping his voice. "Renamon's listening into this conversation, I'll have you know."

He immediately regretted telling Kakashi. Shit. Now he was going to have a field day with him. And Renamon probably heard the whisper, too.

Well, at least she'd have something to distract her from the showers. The conversation she was in would help, too. At least she'd be amused.

Ah, well. Kakashi had never expected Jiraiya to actually elaborate on the other stuff, though he did have to try just once to see how far the elder would slip. It would be a fairly sad state of affairs if Jiraiya was so taken by Renamon that he stumbled to that degree. That would have been the point where Kakashi would have to be seriously concerned for any ventures at night. As it stood, there might be a certain level of distraction, but Kakashi didn't think it'd be so significant that it would be harmful.

"You can relax. I seriously doubt Naruto's particular methods would work for anyone besides him." Really, it was amazing that they worked for anyone at all. But that was the kind of person Naruto ultimately was: someone who was exceptional.

But at it turned out, Kakashi could be as subtle as he wanted. Jiraiya's seriousness left the jounin with little doubt as to the truth of what he said. And Renamon had said certain powers were reduced, but not taken away. It also explained why she had winced earlier when Naruto had shouted--beyond the fact that the boy was just that loud, anyway.

"I'll have to be careful with what I say then." Something that had gone without saying from the start, really, but by confirming that they were being listened to, Jiraiya had dug his own hole a little deeper. And unlike Naruto, Kakashi was good at putting forth the effort needed to keep up the facade in just the right amount over a length of time. "It'd be a shame if she got the wrong idea about you."

It wasn't something Kakashi would actually do, of course: purposely give Renamon a bad impression of the sannin. Not unless Jiraiya did something incredibly heinous, such as destroying the integrity of the Icha Icha series.

Jiraiya let out a heavy sigh. Kakashi would never cease to be a brat. He'd only grow at being more subtle as he aged.

Except Kakashi couldn't 'age' anymore, either. They were both dead yet not, now. That sobered him up a little... but he refused to think about it just then. Kakashi wanted to talk about something else.

He humphed to cover up his pause in thought. "Well, if you convince her to kill me, then you won't get another installment of the Icha Icha series. So you better be careful."

Jiraiya knew that Kakashi was teasing and not planning to do anything like that, but he wanted to get the upper hand back. He wasn't going down without a fight! There was no chance of him simply rolling over and giving in!

Of course Kakashi knew the moment he began taunting Jiraiya that the series would come up. His utter adoration of the Icha Icha books was well known, due mostly to the fact that Kakashi didn't hesitate to read one in any spare moment he could find. It was, in ways that involved this battle of wits, the ultimate power Jiraiya had over the jounin. And like any good ninja, Kakashi knew his weaknesses as well as his strengths.

It still didn't mean he was happy when the man brought it up.

"I'll definitely have to be." Matching Jiraiya's expression with one equally pleased, Kakashi let out a small sigh. There, the man had him, and it was an inescapable trap. "I just hope there isn't such a long period before the next one comes out. The last wait was agonizing enough to make your fans believe you have a sadistic streak."

"I had a hard time getting decent feedback from my student," Jiraiya stated with a bit of annoyance, but he was still amused--so he was winning for the moment. "Eventually I gave up after he'd only claim it was 'boring as hell' all the time. Kid doesn't know a good book when it bites him in the ass."

"As for the wait for the next one..." Jiraiya leaned back a bit more, uncrossing his arm with a twinkle in his eye. "I could use someone that would give me decent feedback on a chapter by chapter basis. Or it could be a selection of short stories, in which case it'd be on a story by story basis. Either way, I'll need someone who knows the series to help me out."

Short stories because he wasn't sure how far the lesbian subplot would go (Naruto better make his next meeting with Sasuke and Aidou interesting!), and because he might have other stories he couldn't tie in together to write about. There was also the issue of the fact that he was, for all technical purposes, dead back in his world. If he was going to have a postmortem release, it'd be more likely if he could write it faster. Writing a series of short stories would put out the most material for a "complete" book.

Jiraiya had cast his line. Now it was time to see if Kakashi would take the bait.

[Sorry about how long it took me to get to this! And YAY, I get to use this icon ICly.]

If? There was no question of if. Kakashi was a trained ninja, and he knew very well that this was a trap, one meant to protect Jiraiya from any further mocking based on his obvious fondness for Renamon. But even knowing that, as Jiraiya made his offer, Kakashi couldn't help but tremble a little in sheer delight.

Naruto had given him Tactics even before it was officially published, and holding the books in his hands made him shiver. This? Was better.

The sennin had Kakashi right where he wanted the man; the look Kakashi was getting made it completely obvious. But at the moment, it was a bit too late for composure to become a factor to guard the jounin's reaction. Besides, for something like this, Kakashi was almost happy to admit defeat.

"Well, if it will help you," Kakashi practically beamed under the mask. "I think I could give you the feedback you're looking for."

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Day 37: Sun Room

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