Disclaimer: As stated endlessly many times before – I do not own any of the Naruto characters, though I wish I did. I'd like to add that anyone who uses Ryu, Hanako, Riku, or any of the Uzuki-clan that isn't Orochimaru, will be hunted down and tortured in the most random ways – I will sing loudly and off key, trust you me!

Warnings: Uninhibited abuse of Kakashi, potty mouth and hormones.

Another chapter for your enjoyment.

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Wolf's Winter – Chapter Twenty-Four

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Kakashi cried out as firm hands dug into his shoulders. It hurt so much he thought he was going to die, and that would be bliss, but he wouldn't be able to see Iruka again so he had to stay awake. "Gaaaaah!" He groaned and tried to wriggle free, but Sayomi's treatment had turned him to jelly.

"Oh come on," Otome grumbled, shaking her head. "Big strong man like you, this shouldn't hurt at all." She dug in her hands again, then stepped back. "Okay, now stand up and do it again." She'd had him holding one stretch, then another, for what seemed like hours. Even his bones were hurting.

Kakashi did as told and tried to hold back his groans of pain. It wouldn't surprise him if one single poke at the end of the day would reduce him to tears.

"See? Much better," Otome nodded, satisfied. Kakashi had to admit, it was easier to stand, and bend over, even if he really didn't have the energy to walk so much as two steps in either direction. And the old woman hadn't so much as mentioned Iruka, would could only be a good thing. "Now that next one."

He succumbed to her wish again. It really was a lot easier to move, but he would no doubt feel this later. "How much longer?" It was a fair question. He really just wanted to go to bed and cry.

"Another hour or so. Then Sayomi will come back in for a while, and then you'll be done for the day." She watched his movements carefully, shaking her head. "Keep your hips level. Tighten your abdominal muscles."

Doing as told again, Kakashi groaned and aligned his body. "Another hour... How long will Sayomi be in here, anyway?"

"Until I'm certain she knows what she's doing," the woman answered. "We must not be working you hard enough if you're still able to ask so many questions."

Kakashi groaned and pushed himself harder, determined to do his best and recover swiftly. It hurt, and by the end of the session he was unable to talk at all and could barely move, but at least his body was functioning better.

He groaned again when he heard an irritatingly chipper voice at the door. It had to be a henge. Nobody could be that perky all the time.

"Oh, Hatake-san, you look well. At least, you're not crying." Sayomi leaned down and looked at his eye carefully. "You're not crying, are you?"

He shook his head and glowered. Sadistic bitches. Of course... His visible eye wasn't crying. Obito's eye was a completely different matter.

"Okay, girl, let's get to work. Otherwise his muscles are going to cramp up. Grab that leg, I'll take this one."

Kakashi's eyes bugged out as he watched them move. Not a single muscle in his body twitched, but he was quite certain that this would be a horrible experience.

If one of the therapists was bad, two was even worse. Exponentially worse. He held his breath when he felt hands just south of his groin, right where his legs joined his body. Then the women pulled his legs apart, simultaneously digging into that sensitive area with their fingers, and Kakashi knew everything else up to then had been a warm-up.

He bit his lip in order not to scream as they went from body part to body part, and by the end of the long session, he was an aching, shivering, whimpering lump of man. Kakashi was quite certain that these women would have been a wonderful asset to T&I. However, even if he was a shivering, whimpering and aching mess, he was also a mess well on his way to recovery. That had to count for something.

---

School was almost over. Konohamaru bent over his work, his eyes shifting to the window.

"Don't even think about it," came the terse response from the man at the lectern, working on his own paperwork. "You have thirty more minutes."

Moegi glared at him before she continued working on her own quiz.

He sighed, silently, because Iruka-sensei had been tense and distracted ever since they came in from the training field. Obviously not distracted enough, he realized, when a kunai sliced through the air, leaving a few strands of his hair fluttering to the ground.

"Konohamaru." The entire class seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what their volatile teacher was going to do.

"Yes, Iruka-sensei. I'm working." Konohamaru began to scribble furiously. Two more days. He could handle two more days. Maybe.

---

Iruka carefully finished the last page of the report. He'd carefully documented each boy's story, as well as Mitsuko's, and Sadako's. He had a copy of the school's charter and guidelines, and he'd sent a note to Izumo asking him to dig around the archives for any other instances of a child being, well, expelled. Technically, Mitsuko could still become a genin without ever attending the Academy, but that wasn't the point. The point was she wasn't at fault. Iruka bit his lip, forcing his rage into his hand. He'd forced this meeting, and he was going to make damn sure he was ready for it.

Just in time, because the bell rang. He nodded as the children filed out of the room, eerily silent. He couldn't blame them. He knew he was practically vibrating from anger. Fortunately, only Konohamaru seemed inclined to test him this afternoon. He set his papers into his satchel and shut off the lights. The entire school would be cleaned tomorrow and Saturday, in preparation for the New Year, so he didn't worry about tidying up. It could be done later.

He opened the door to the teacher's workroom, unable to keep his face neutral this time. His coworkers were already there - nobody bothered with detention so close to the Winter Break. Better to make the rule breakers do more than their share of work tomorrow.

"Iruka-sensei." The Director stood up, nodding at the other teachers. They all took their seats, waiting until Iruka was in his. "We have made the decision to remove Uzuki Mitsuko from the Academy."

"Why?"

"It's not your place to ask why. Remember that. However, you seem to get along well with difficult parents. So you will be meeting with the girl's parents after school on Saturday."

"I think it is my place to ask why. She was attacked by several of her classmates. To date, not one of the boys has been disciplined. Yet, you want to remove her from school. I'm asking why."

"No attack took place," Goko-sensei explained. "Technically, none of the stones hit, so no attack took place. She was unharmed. The same can't be said for the boys."

Iruka pressed his lips together, shaking his head. So that's how it was. It couldn't be bullying if she wasn't actually touched. They were going to use her kekkei genkai against her. "That isn't what Mitsuko-chan said."

"Oh, does she talk now? Well, that is different." The Director smiled, and Iruka wanted so badly to plant his fist in the middle of that smug face.

"She doesn't need to speak to tell her side of the story."

"Actually, yes, she does. Anything not obtained through a firsthand account is considered hearsay. And she can't give a firsthand account unless she can speak." Goko-sensei flashed a brief look at the Director. So, they'd expected that one.

"She is Goko-sensei's student. Why must I talk to her parents?"

The Director shifted and looked at Goko-sensei. "He has another obligation that will prevent him from being here that afternoon. You have her twin in your class, so it made the most sense to have you do it. You've met their mother before."

"And their father, as well," Iruka snarled. "And all but one of their uncles, including Riku-san, who will be released in another week." He hid a smile of triumph when their expressions faltered. "I am also currently involved with an old friend of Mitsuko's father. As you can see, I am rather intimately acquainted with the Uzuki family."

"Uh, that is to say..." the Director stuttered, glaring at the other teachers. Iruka didn't need to read minds to know he would be yelling at them later. But it had placed the man in an awkward position - he had already told Iruka his decision, but that decision was clearly wrong given Iruka's personal involvement with the Uzuki family.

"Even better," one of the older teachers offered. "They won't get mad at you when you give them the news."

"Are you all insane?" Iruka yelled, finally on his feet. "Have you learned nothing about these girls? Did you even read their files? Do you really think Uzuki-san is not already aware of your decision?"

"Exactly so, Iruka-sensei. And yet, he hasn't shown up here, demanding an explanation. So we have to assume the parents agree this is the best option for their daughter as well." The Director gave another little smile, his equilibrium restored. "This isn't a request. This is part of your job. You will do your job, or you will resign."

He was tempted at that moment. Tempted to nod and agree that yes, those were exactly his choices, and he chose to resign. But he loved his job, and he was good at it. And if he resigned, he would be unable to protect Sadako from the repercussions. The other students would blame her, and her life at school would become unbearable. If he resigned, he wouldn't have any authority to continue searching for a loophole. If he resigned, he would be breaking a promise to Sandaime.

The longer he sat, silent, the more tense the other men became. The Director was quailing inside. How could they not know Iruka had such a connection to the family? And just how serious was this relationship, if Iruka was even considering resigning rather than break the news to the family? He was the teacher of the Rookie 9! He worked closely with the Hokage, and had several friends among the tokujo ranks. To lose him over this... He glared at Goko-sensei, shaking his head.

Iruka stood up. "I will think about this and give you my answer tomorrow."

"No, I'm afraid we need an answer now. We've, um, already sent the notice to the girl's parents." Goko-sensei tried to stare the younger teacher down. They had discussed this possibility, and they were all sure Iruka wouldn't resign over this.

Slamming his fist down on the table, Iruka opened his mouth. Something was going to come out, and he didn't know what, but whatever it was, he was tired of holding it back.

"Tomorrow will be fine, Iruka-sensei," the Director said quickly, glaring at the other man. He'd worked with Iruka long enough to know that particular look. "Don't want to make any hasty decisions, right?" He tried to smile, hoping it didn't come out looking crooked.

"Of course not," Iruka said in response. "We wouldn't want the Academy to become known for that, would we?"

"You realize this is considered internal Academy business. You aren't allowed to discuss this outside of this room. With anyone. Not even your, um..."

"My Um is my own business. And I know what contract I signed when I joined. It hasn't been that long." He nodded at the other teachers. "Gentlemen. If that is all?"

"You're dismissed," the Director said, knowing that Iruka was leaving on his own terms, but thankful the man was allowing him the illusion he was still in charge.

Iruka didn't slam the door behind him, but he wanted to.

---

"Do we or do we not live in a Hidden Village, full of shinobi, known worldwide as the masters of warfare?"

Nobody answered, although all eyes were shifting to Goko-sensei.

"We just beat off a combined attack by Sand and Sound. We just had one of our own graduates promoted to chuunin less than a year after he became a genin. And yet, somehow, nobody thought to look into Iruka's background with this family?"

"It's irrelevant," Goko-sensei replied.

"The hell it is! When he calms down, he's going to pull out the charter and the guidelines and he's going to go in front of the Council and I'm going to be the one..."

"That's only if he doesn't resign. And the last open Council meeting of the year is tonight."

The Director nodded, taking his seat. "True. Okay, I suppose there's nothing to be done about it at the moment. We'll have our staff meeting Saturday morning. Don't forget the party Saturday night."

The men stood up, gathering their things up for their trips home, or to their next assignment. Nobody spoke about what had just happened.

---

"What we actually came for, Hiashi-sama, is to ask for your help. Any help that you can offer." Hanako bowed her head and had to put down the cup she was holding because her hands were trembling. Ryu stroked his wife's back gently. "Mitsuko is being removed from the Academy."

"Removed? Are you sure that's wise, Hanako-san?" Hiashi put his own cup down, surprised. Sure, the Academy wasn't the easiest place for those special children, like the Uzuki and the Hyuuga, but hiding them away wasn't the answer.

"Hiashi-sama... It isn't our choice. The teachers are removing her." She bit down on her rage and looked up at him. To his great surprise, tears were forming in her eyes and her entire jaw trembled.

That was completely different. No Hyuuga had been expelled from the Academy. Ever. "Are they?" he answered, giving himself time to calm down and think. "And do they have a reason for this?"

"She defended herself against a band of bullying boys." Hanako's teeth were gnashing. "And they're using her kekkei genkai against her."

Hiashi shook his head. Something didn't make sense. "I'm not sure I'm understanding this. Perhaps you should explain the entire incident."

Hanako nodded, giving the version of events they had gleaned from their children, as well as the teachers' minds. It took a while, because she had to explain who thought what, and where each piece came from.

While she spoke, Hiashi listened, but his mind was only half on her explanation. He remembered growing up, surrounded by the fear and suspicion of the other shinobi. He'd heard stories of other villages systematically eradicating those with bloodline limits, powers that couldn't be controlled, that seemed almost supernatural. It was beginning to change, here in Konoha, at least for the Hyuuga.

"Have you spoken to your daughter's teacher about this?"

"No. Ryu has figured out that they will probably not listen to us, even if he is the head of the Uzuki household." Hanako frowned, furiously wiping at her eyes. "If Riku went, they would probably listen out of fear, but no justice would be gained. Also, it's difficult because he's in the ward." Hanako let out a slight sniffle and took a deep breath. "A victory like that would be no victory at all. I have a feeling that if we asked him, he would say that and smile sadly."

Ryu rubbed a hand down Hanako's spine and sighed deeply. "I went to talk to him, to ask for advice, but he just sat there an hummed, even if his eyes were completely sane. His thoughts were closed to me." He shrugged. "As for now, we're trying to gain justice the right way."

Hiashi nearly snorted. The idea of such a powerful family having to creep and crawl around, begging for justice. He could feel a stirring of anger in his gut, but he couldn't allow that to sway his thoughts. He had to put his own family's interests first. Hanabi was at the Academy, and Neji would likely make chuunin in another month or so, when the next exams were held. If he publicly stepped in now, he could jeopardize his own family's advancement.

"I'm not sure what you think I could do," he explained. "Perhaps it would be best to follow the regular process for now. I know there are ways to protest the expulsion."

Hanako visibly deflated. "Yes, Hiashi-sama. Thank you for listening to our troubles." She swallowed hard. "We're going to try until we succeed, either way." The woman flashed a weak smile and bowed her head, shoulders trembling, fists clenched. Her husband didn't seem very affected, but if Hiashi looked into his eyes, he could see a slowly burning and highly fierce flame of anger there.

"Reign yourself in, Uzuki-san," Hiashi said gently. He understood, oh, he did. And he wasn't going to sit by helplessly and watch either. He couldn't get involved directly, but he could help the couple in other ways. "Showing your anger will only prove the teachers were right to fear your daughter. Riku-san's situation is regrettable, but it can't be helped. It is up to you to show them his behavior was the aberration, not the rule."

"Yes, Hiashi-sama. But... Riku only selected the lesser of two evils. However, I think you understand that. The others are the ones who don't, and they don't seem to want to either." Ryu bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your kind advice."

Returning the bow, Hiashi rapped on the table. A servant slid the door open, waiting respectfully to show the couple out. I'll be attending the council meeting tonight, Hiashi thought, looking at Ryu as he stood up. If I hear anything, I'll let you know. He smiled, returning Hanako's bow. "While it's true the Hokage does not have direct control over the Academy, I am certain Godaime would be interested to hear how the teachers are spending their time."

Hanako and Ryu smiled and stood, then bowed deeply once more. "Thank you so much for all the advice, Hiashi-sama." Ryu looked up at him, nodding that he'd understood, then straightened and placed a hand between his wife's shoulder blades. "Yes, thank you, Hiashi-sama." Hanako smiled, then they turned and followed the servant out.

When the servant returned, he found the room empty. He sighed, shaking his head. It was unlike Hyuuga-sama to lose control like that, crouching down to pick up the wooden splinters of what was left of the table.

---

He wasn't sure what hurt more - his back, his arms, his legs... About the only thing that didn't really hurt was his head, but that hurt too, since he'd been clenching muscles to steel off the pain. If Iruka decided to kill him today, that would be alright by him. Because he really hurt too much. "One thing is sure," he mused to himself, "I'm never getting this badly injured again. And if I do I'll just lay down and die."

"Oh, don't do that. I would hate to think all my hard work was for nothing," Sayomi replied, hiding a yawn behind her hand as she poured another glass of tea. "Here, you can rest for a while. Drink this, then someone will be in to finish up. Be sure and give Iruka-sensei those papers Otome-san gave you. You'll need to keep doing the stretching exercises at home tonight. About once an hour. Shouldn't take more than ten minutes."

Kakashi almost cried then and there. "Okay," he said, and sipped the tea. It wasn't as vile as the stuff Tsunade made him drink, but it still wasn't what he liked best. He seriously hoped that Iruka would be able to support him. Then he sighed. Of course Iruka would be able to support him, he'd carried him to the bed countless times. But would he want to support him? Kakashi really hoped so, because without Iruka's help he was most likely to fall flat on his face. "Can I sleep for a little?"

"Sure. I've got some paperwork to do, so I'll leave you alone. I'll tell one of the nurses to stop by in fifteen minutes or so."

Kakashi nodded and sank back into the blankets. How he managed to nod off was beyond him, but he did. It felt good to just relax for once. Really good.

Smiling to himself, Kakashi was asleep within seconds.