Welcome!

[Kimiko Fukashi]

When the night was finally beginning to wear away, her ears picked up on the sound of small droplets of water hitting the window pane sporadically, creating a wall of rhythm from the outside world and where she currently resided. The young girl opened her eyes, revealing golden hues that was incomparable to any other shade of iris colour that one may have ever seen. The day was still dark, she only thought it was early morning, but the usually bright skies in the Sound Village were obscured by the dark clouds pregnant with the unrelenting rain that would simply not halt.

Kimiko glanced at the clock - eight twenty four, ante meridian. She had just awoken from a dreamless sleep, and the window was still open from last night, letting in the cold frosty morning air.

The girl shivered a little, as she realized to herself that she fell asleep on her teacher's bed with only his kimono to offer her protection from the cold. Yet throughout the night, she did not feel cold at all - she was awoken by the sudden temperature change, and parts of her body felt warm, her torso and her thighs, but her hands and feet were blisteringly cold. Self-consciously, she held her neck with her cold hands, feeling as though she had just been touched there before. Kimiko pulled the kimono tighter to her body, although it didn't do much help to alleviate the cold that she felt.

She looked towards the side of the bed and saw her teacher was on the ground, his sleeping face peaceful and handsome as he gently rested at the side of his own bed. His fingers were in her hair, and Kimiko felt embarrassed yet honoured at this gesture. Was it on purpose, or did he just happen to do it without knowing? Kimiko got up from the bed and climbed down, gently pulling away the hair that he was grasping. She closed the window quietly, and then the young girl knelt in front of Kabuto. At this point, she forgot all about her duties at home, about Hiroki and her mother - the only thing that seemed to matter at this point was her teacher.

She brushed the fringe of silver hair that shrouded his closed eyes.
"Yakushi-sensei? It's morning," she uttered in a gentle, intimate voice.

[Kimiko Fukashi]

(ignore)

[Hiroki Fukashi]

Where in the world was she? It was morning now - and there was no trace of his sister. As soon as it got light, or the hours were early, Hiroki ventured off to investigate if her sister was still alive or not. He leapt deftly from building to building, before the rain started to pour down in large droplets that saturated the Otogakure Village. He tried to track the movements of his sister - wherever jutsu was perfomed, he could track down trace chakra, but this was increasingly difficult to do as the rain washed away everything.

He leapt through the forest, and he found a camp of four people, all found to be dead. This was probably the group that Kimiko was targeting. Since it was a B-Rank Mission, there was little regard to the disposal or secrecy of taking these four lives. He sneered in disgust at this - well, at least he knew his sister was still alive. She was just most likely to be with that silver-haired freak. Immediately, Hiroki left the scene, and stopped by at the gates. He inquired if they saw Kabuto or his sister.
"Yes, just last night, I saw them together."

Defeated, Hiroki sat inside the Fukashi Medical Clinic, waiting for the hours to pass. His parents were concerned over the youngest member of their family. His mother made Hiroki a cup of tea, but the young man politely refused.
"Do you know where Kimiko is at the moment?" his mother asked, concerned.
"With Kabuto."
"Thank goodness, as long as she's in the care of a trustworthy adult..."
Hiroki made no comment to his mother's reply. He took the cup of tea and sipped it slowly - if only the tea was hard liquor, but it would have to do for now. His father had entered the room and he sat opposite his wife, looking somewhat solemn. He and Hiroki exchanged no words. It was plain to see that both of them thought the older Fukashi woman was being daft, idealistic and naive.

Hiroki got up and wandered around the house, and eventually found himself in Kimiko's room. He glanced around it, and noticed that she still had the teddy bear that she gave to him on display. She really treasured it that much? He then drew his attention to the desk, and noticed her diary. He picked it up carefully and flipped through it. He found a picture of Kabuto, albeit blurry. He seemed surprised, but he reverted back to a stoic expression. He paused on an entry, but flipped through it quickly, not wanting to read anymore. He repeated this cycle for a few pages or so.

April 28th,
Today, Yakushi-sensei smiled at me. He smiles at everybody, but I like it when he doesn't look at anybody else and smiles only to me.

April 31st,
Sensei scolded me today for being irrational and too daring. I was very upset.

May 12th,
Today Yakushi-sensei praised me.

May 17th,
I think maybe, the crush I have on Kabuto can't be called a crush or puppy love anymore, even though Hiroki onii-san tells me so. I think I really do love him.

He could bear it no longer, and shut the book. He walked out of the room and checked his watch, always keeping track of the time.

[Kabuto Yakushi]

Yakushi-sensei? It's morning,"

Kabuto stirred, his eyes scrunching up as he shifted in his sleep. He felt small hands gently touch his fringe and the first thing he thought of was an enemy managed to get close to him. Kabuto's eyes opened up and he was about to grab the fingers, when he made out the shape of Kimiko. Despite his bad eyesight and the bedroom windows closed, he could still tell it was her because of her lustrous golden hair and petite figure in his kimono.

He must've looked startled, but Kabuto swiftly composed himself, turning away from Kimiko to reach for his glasses. He fumbled for them a bit, grumbling out the words 'Morning' before finding his glasses and putting them on. How long have they slept? Kabuto wasn't planning of having the young genin sleep over, but in the end she did and it was morning. Last night's event must've worn out Kabuto more than he thought. He groggily got up, adjusting his kimono as his chest was bare.

Kabuto noticed that Kimiko returned to referring to him as 'Yakushi-sensei'. He felt at ease. He doesn't know what to feel when she refers to him by his given name. He doesn't feel upset, he just felt awkward, but at the same time... good? But the title 'Yakushi-sensei' now held more evocative meaning than when she first uttered them.

His body ached. It wasn't everyday he would sleep at the side of the bed. It wasn't also everyday he would sleep in a bed, either. Kabuto spends his nights on a chair at the lab for human experiments, so his bed and home was barely used. Kabuto wouldn't be surprised if he'd feel more uncomfortable sleeping on the mattress.

"We should get some breakfast." Kabuto said to Kimiko, giving her a small smile. Once his glasses were on, he can see Kimiko in all her radiance. Though, his kimono was still too big for her. Should he buy clothes for her as well? He can't have her going home with the torn up and bloodied garb.

"Just wait here." He said stoically to the genin before leaving through the front door. He would arrive ten minutes later, carrying a fruits basket and small package. Kabuto was breathing a bit hard, but his expression hasn't changed. He set the fruits basket and the package on the table, as he took a seat. He grabbed an n orange from the basket and begun peeling at it.

"I hope those would fit you." Kabuto curtly said, putting a piece of orange in his mouth. "It's nothing much. I just picked some essentials." He avoided revealing information about how the store owner's question why Kabuto wanted young female clothes. Kabuto had to pay extra as he was in a hurry. He still needed to make a report to Orochimaru about the completion of the mission and other information. First, he needed to remove himself from Kimiko.

"After breakfast, I'll bring you home."

[Kimiko Fukashi]

The slightest touch held all the violence in the man's heart, and Kimiko immediately backed away for a split second, but her beloved idol had composed himself as quickly as the feeling passed. He put on his glasses and immediately greeted her with a quiet but groggy, 'morning'. She stifled a giggle from watching her tired sensei adapt to the early morning. She found his slight clumsiness endearing, but obviously, such thoughts were kept to herself.

"Just wait here." he said stoically. Kimiko nodded. When he departed, she walked into his bathroom and produced a comb. Then the girl sat on her teacher's bed and began methodically brushing her hair. As she ran the comb through her fine gold hair, she realized how long it had grown. It used to be just below waist length, but now it extended past her derrière. Though it was somewhat impractical in the way of the ninja, there was no way that she was going to give up her long blonde hair for a certain lifestyle.

After brushing her hair, she washed her face and brushed her teeth with what looked like to be an unopened toothbrush still in its packaging. It should be fine, anyhow...

Kabuto arrived promptly ten minutes later, carrying a basket of fruit and what appeared to be a small package. "I hope those would fit you." Kabuto curtly said, putting a piece of orange in his mouth. "It's nothing much. I just picked the sort of clothes that would fit you." Kimiko took a peek at the package and opened it up.

She hated Hallo Katzi.
What seemed to make the situation worse was the words "Fresh & Sweet" written on the back. Kimiko blushed - though Kabuto should be the one that was more embarrassed. She couldn't believe he would sacrifice his dignity to go and buy her essential clothing. Perhaps the design was on special or something.
"Thank you, sensei," Kimiko mumbled as she stood in the corner of his bedroom, out of his sight to put them on.

She then walked over to the fruit bowl and took an apple and ate it.
"After breakfast, I'll bring you home."

Kimiko did not want to go home. Namely, she didn't want to face her brother after she stayed the night at Kabuto's house. She bit into the apple slowly, as if it would lengthen out the time between breakfast and departure.

[Kabuto Yakushi]

Kimiko seemed to have fallen silent. Was it because of what he got her? Kabuto watched from the corner of his eye as Kimiko came back and ate an apple. Kabuto hoped he didn't offend her in some way. He doesn't want to sour their relationship, after all this hard work.

The older ninja finished his apple and took a banana from the basket. He walked towards the door, opening it and watching the rain drizzle slightly. It wasn't always he would be at home to watch the rain early in the morning. He has a different outlook of Otogakure now. How busy it was in the morning, how refreshing the cold air was during the rain, and having to eat breakfast with someone. All these were rare, and if not new, experiences for Kabuto. He peeled his banana and begun eating it thoughtfully, looking back at Kimiko once in awhile.

Was it truly rare for someone like Kabuto to experience this, or was this 'normal' to any other human being?

Kabuto would recall how he would spend his mornings, afternoons and nights either in missions or at the morgue, He would recall the hollow echoes of footsteps, and screams and the blood. They seemed to be a dream compared to what he has now. Or was this the dream? Was he still sleeping?

Kabuto walked back to the table to put the remains of the banana behind the fruits basket so Kimiko could not see it, along with the peeled orange skins. "We should get going." Kabuto stated. Kimiko didn't seem too happy. Was she worried of her family's reaction? She shouldn't worry. She was with her teacher after all.

Something like last night wouldn't happen again.

Kabuto urged Kimiko and they were outside. Kabuto has an old fashioned umbrella and he held it over between them. He carefully matched Kimiko's pace, aware that his kimono would become wet because of its length. "I don't mind it getting drenched." Kabuto said. It was true. It was an old kimono, and he barely used it. Kimiko could have it if she wanted, but he kept quiet. It felt forever until the front of Fukashi Medical Clinic came into view. The rain still drizzled, and he looked over to Kimiko, giving her a small smile.

[Hiroki Fukashi]

He saw them.

Through the glass windowpane, the older brother of Kimiko observed his younger sister and her nefarious 'Yakushi-sensei'. She was holding up the hem of a long, oversized silken black kimono - it looked as if it belonged to Kabuto, judging by the size. Her ankles, feet and collarbone were white and exposed, but that was not what was bothering Hiroki. It was the fact that they were walking together under an umbrella, and he was smiling at her. It wasn't the kind of smile that Kabuto put on for him either - it was something entirely different in its meaning.

They looked like the traditional kimono couple, and Hiroki could feel the rage that was beginning to unravel slowly like a thread being undone. The man cracked his knuckles, before opening the door and the rain's noise seemed to be magnified, and he saw the pair come up to the door.
"Welcome home... imouto-san." Hiroki said with scorn, looking down on his sister with disdain. He didn't even dare to cast a gaze to Kabuto. Such a man didn't deserve attention, especially not from the likes of his sister.

He saw what she was wearing, and at this angle, she looked positively vulnerable, with her thin, delicate neck and her beautiful, pale face with the most doe-like and innocent expression held on her fine features, as if she was already begging for mercy and forgiveness. When their eyes met, she instantly cast her gaze towards the ground helplessly.
"Get dressed - immediately." Hiroki demanded, casting a stern gaze on his younger sister. "You're his student, not his lolita."

The words hurt Kimiko, but she merely agreed and departed Kabuto's side. Her mother appeared and escorted her youngest daughter away to her room, casting a fearful gaze at Hiroki before walking away from the two men. Kimiko's heart was filled with distress for what would happen to her beloved sensei, and she gripped onto the collar of the kimono that she was wearing, too terrified to even speak a word to her mother.

The rain would still not stop. The father already knew not to interfere when Hiroki's anger seemed to be coming towards the surface. His son always held such unprecedented anger towards one man, that it must have been unhealthy to have it withdrawn constantly. Though why did it have to be revealed in this fashion?

He spent a few seconds in silence before finally speaking to the scorned Kabuto.
"Have you got some time to spare? We need to talk." Hiroki addressed formally, his eyebrows furrowed into a glare, and his golden eyes, unlike Kimiko's did not hold innocence or vibrance in its tone - it was sharpened with contempt and hatred.

[Kabuto Yakushi]

"Welcome home... imouto-san."

When they arrived at the front door, Kabuto was planning of just talking to the parents and telling them that Kimiko did a marvelous job at the mission, and he would apologize for bringing her back home in the morning.

What Kabuto had not planned was Fukashi Hiroki meeting them at the front door, like a golden lion with fangs bared. He could not blame Kimiko for becoming so silent at the prsence of her older brother. He had an aura that would make your skin crawl, a stare that would weaken your knees and a tongue that whipped at your soul. Kabuto watched Hiroki with even eyes, his smile changing. To Hiroki, he has a special smile for him, and it was not out of politeness.

"Get dressed - immediately. You're his student, not his lolita."

Kabuto noticed Kimiko's reaction and her slight body movement. The words must've felt worse than being stabbed or dying. Not even breaking your knees with a sledgehammer or having your arm ripped off would have matched Hiroki's vehemence. The older ninja watched the young genin obeyed her brother. The way she looked down on the floor to avoid eye contact tells Kabuto how much she feared her brother's wrath. The mother was present and she took Kimiko away. The worried glance on her face tells Kabuto that this was going to become another tiring ordeal.

It was fine. He wasn't satisfied with their talk last time. This could be a continuation of that night, or maybe even a conclusion.

Kabuto stood there in the rain, still holding his umbrella. With Kimiko's presence gone, Kabuto felt he can become his self once more, or the facade of his true self. Left alone with Hiroki, under the falling rain, he stared back at Kimiko's brother. How many has he shown those eyes of his that were filled with killing intent? Was Kabuto mistaking it for hatred? It didn't matter. It was thoroughly clear how much distaste Hiroki has for him.

It felt hours how they met each others glare, when it has only been seconds. Kabuto couldn't feel the cold on his bare chest, his kimono flapping slightly. The drizzle became harder, and he felt his feet being bitten by many cold bites of rain. Nothing mattered.

"Have you got some time to spare? We need to talk."

Hiroki finally spoke, and Kabuto complied by nodding his head with his eyes closed. "I also want to speak with you." Kabuto said, gently treading towards into the house and lowering his umbrella, making sure not a droplet would enter Kimiko's home.

Kabuto looked up, his smile still plastered on his face, being stared down by the golden eyes of the older Fukashi. "Is this regarding your sister?"

[Hiroki Fukashi]

To see Kabuto with his smile bared on his face was like watching a dog wag its tail or make itself appear smaller and less menacing, in order to appease and calm down the object that was making it nervous. Hiroki was not at all impressed with Kabuto, and he could see through the smile reserved for him, as he had already seen Kabuto's more genuine and realistic smile bestowed upon his sister. The contrast was lucid and coherent, yet Kabuto still retained his pristine and charming façade despite the fact that he couldn't hide that he wanted to continue their meeting in the Laboratory last time.

Even the upward turn on the corners of his lips suggested a sinister challenge was to take place. Still, Hiroki tried to remain neutral, even though it became increasingly difficult. Anger was slowly enroaching him, inching closer and closer until he could recognise the distance no longer before he would finally snap. How long would it be until Kabuto truly provoked him?

"I also want to speak with you. Is this regarding your sister?"

"Oh, no. My sister only plays a small part in this." Hiroki corrected, staring down at the smiling face of his most loathed enemy. "This is regarding you."

Kabuto had stepped into the Fukashi residence, and Hiroki found himself trying to control the primal urge of attacking him for entering as if he already deemed the property to be his. He directed Kabuto to what appeared to be a living room or dining room of sorts, although the tension and the prescence of Hiroki made it appear more like an interrogation room. A traditional Japanese table was in the middle. The heating was not turned on, so the room was cold. A wall scroll was suspended from the white walls, and a vase of flowers decorated a small chest of drawers.

"Hai, dozo,"
Hiroki's mother entered the room and she smiled politely and warmly at Kabuto, her hands carrying a tray of snacks and tea. After all, Kabuto was an honourable guest to the house - Kimiko's sensei who managed to bring her home safely, and also one of the most important figure in Otogakure.
She looked more like Kimiko's older sister than mother, and she had aged gracefully indeed. Kimiko held a striking resemblance to her mother, but there was something more homely and Nadeshiko-like to the older Fukashi woman.

She set the tray down on the table, but during the whole time, Hiroki's gaze never departed from Kabuto. As his mother exited the room, the two men were finally left alone, and thus Hiroki began to talk.

"You perverted your role as her teacher. Dressing her in your clothes, letting her stay at your house, walking together in the rain like a couple-"Hiroki closed his eyes and inhaled sharply, unable to disguise that evidence of being upset. It sounded like an exasperated and melancholy sigh.
"Don't hide the truth now. I can tell when you lie. If you lie, there will be consequences."

[Kabuto Yakushi]

"Oh, no. My sister only plays a small part in this. This is regarding you."

If words could truly inflict fatal wounds, Hiroki's words would have stabbed Kabuto, tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands times. Such were his vehemence that Kabuto would be a fool to not notice it. It felt like Hiroki was at the brink of exploding, or a volcano erupting, or a tsunami about to cascade. There was no backing out of this situation. Kabuto, on the other hand, has no plans of retreating. Any normal man would have fallen to the Fukashi male's golden gaze. At the same time, something told Kabuto it was best to be silent until they arrived at a more suitable location in the household.

He must admit though, the Fukashi has a splendid house, much more than Kabuto's own home. There was more life in this place that it was almost stifling, despite the house being so roomy and wide. Kabuto kept quiet, When the elder Fukashi woman came in and gave them tea, as Hiroki motioned for Kabuto to seat down. He graciously took the tea, but didn't drink any. He may need it for later.

Sitting in the traditional 'seiza' position, Kabuto took his place on the other side of the table of Hiroki. Kabuto can now understand how Kimiko fears her brother. From where he sat, Hiroki towered, was frightening, foreboding and definitely overbearing. If Kabuto hasn't steeled his nerves throughout the years of combat, senseless slaughter and death, he wouldn't have been prepared for Hiroki. His heart may have been unprepared if it weren't for the fact Kabuto has 'slayed' it of emotions.

But there was a beat of excitement there. Why was in his heart? Was it the only thing he cherished and decided not to crush, like how he would follow the leader of Otogakure around, yearning for his might? Or was it revive by something, or someone, else?

The Fukashis were truly intriguing.

Not like Kabuto was preparing for HIroki at all. Kabuto was just thinking to himself that any other man would have knelt before Hiroki's gaze. Kabuto calmly watched for Hiroki to sit down, so they were at an even level. Even then, Hiroki wasn't probably thinking that they were at the same. In his mind, Hiroki would rather step on Kabuto underneath his heel than talk to him, like a common pest, like a flea. A flea that has clung to his sister and festering. Kabuto smiled at this thought.

It was fine, regardless of what Hiroki thought of him. Kabuto understood why Hiroki could have been angry at him, and after that silence, he confirmed it.

"You perverted your role as her teacher. Dressing her in your clothes, letting her stay at your house, walking together in the rain like a couple-"Hiroki closed his eyes and inhaled sharply, unable to disguise that evidence of being upset. It sounded like an exasperated and melancholy sigh. "Don't hide the truth now. I can tell when you lie. If you lie, there will be consequences."

Kabuto continued to smile. It was hollow, faceless mask. There were levels he would put on his facade, but for Hiroki, he shouldn't bother. The older Fukashi knows his masks too well, and lying wasn't going to get Kabuto anywhere. It's best to tell Hiroki what he wants to hear.

So, Kabuto sat back, relaxing a bit in his posture and breaking his 'seiza'. He spoke in a tone, a bit too casual. "Your sister was 'excellent' last night." He said, pushing his glasses up with a thumb.

Kabuto became quiet, letting that silence settle in and to let Hiroki absorb the words. he can only imagine what sort of images Hiroki was thinking in that single moment, and Kabuto was fine. Hiroki thought the worse of Kabuto, and Kabuto wasn't going to let him down. At the same time, he did not want to portray the younger Fukashi in such a way that it would disgrace her image. Suddenly, a pang of pain shot at Kabuto's chest.

What was it? What was this pain? His mask, his facade, failed him for a moment, but he mentally shook it off and continued to smile a contorted smile at Hiroki.

"I was talking about the mission we did last night. Your sister did exceptionally well for a genin. It is rare for me to compliment someone, and this would be those rare moments. But I must say..." Kabuto's eyes furrowed, glaring back at Hiroki. As much as Hiroki was fearsome, Kabuto refuses to be the prey. Kabuto sat forward, returning to his seiza. He leaned forward, arms on the table and he was unrelenting as Hiroki's golden glare. Kabuto's black met Hiroki's gold. "You mentioned that I won't understand a basic human foundation. Yet, meeting you here and now, I learned something about you and Kimiko."

"It's called a sister complex. No wonder your sister is the way she is."

[Hiroki Fukashi]

"Your sister was 'excellent' last night." Kabuto remarked, pushing up the side of his glasses with his thumb. Hiroki's eye twitched slightly, and he brought up a hand to his mouth to stifle a cough. It wasn't like he thought it was, right? Kabuto enjoyed teasing him through word play and it shouldn't be too surprising if he used a double entendre. Though the image that conjured up in his mind was one not so pleasant, and he thought of his younger sister being thrown into an adult's world suddenly.

Though Kabuto made a strategic retreat from his comment. He took it back, and Hiroki was surprised that Kabuto would go back or justify his words. "I was talking about the mission we did last night." Kabuto said. "Your sister did exceptionally well for a genin. It is rare for me to compliment someone, and this would be those rare moments. But I must say..."

No, he was not retreating - he still had something more than those words. Hiroki readied himself to what he was about to hear, and his hands were on the table, clasped together. His fingers were clenched so tightly that his knuckles appeared white. "You mentioned that I won't understand a basic human foundation. Yet, meeting you here and now, I learned something about you and Kimiko." The right-hand man of Orochimaru paused for dramatic effect. "It's called a sister complex. No wonder your sister is the way she is."

. He knew exactly what Kabuto meant when he said 'No wonder your sister is the way she is'. Her diary, her expression, Kabuto's words all mingled together to construct the worst possible answer for Hiroki to deconstruct.

Did he really push her away that much, that she would resort to using the comfort of an older and kinder man to take the place of a masculine love? Despite the fact what Kabuto said annoyed him, Hiroki knew that they weren't the answers he was looking for, but he could not help to resort to extreme measures.

"Don't hide behind the protection of my sister." Hiroki spat out venomously. His hands darted across the table and clutched onto Kabuto's wrist. He showed that he was not afraid of this vile creature enroaching towards him - there was no way he could back down or draw away now: the argument was only beginning.

His glare and focus on Kabuto did not waver at all, but it seemed to intensify as the grip on Kabuto's wrist tightened. Hiroki could feel the pulse of the man against his fingers, and he dug his nails into his flesh unconsciously. "You're a coward to hide behind your student - a poor example of a leader. Now, recount the events of last night to me, without using my sister as some kind of verbal defence."

Hiroki became calmer in his tone and expression, but he was still stern. "I told you that I can tell when you're lying. I can tell you're afraid of me, even though you're not showing your fear on the surface. Lie, and I will deliver punishment to you so cruel, that you would be humiliated to be alive."

[Kabuto Yakushi]

Hiroki's hand clenched tightly around Kabuto's wrist. Kabuto could feel the blood circulation beginning to cut off, that's how much the older Fukashi was gripping his wrist. This was probably the first time Hiroki has physically touched Kabuto. The silver-haired ninja didn't even realise that Hiroki was capable of such a task, always preferring to talk to Kabuto from a fair distance. Now, things were much different. This grasp was an indication that Hiroki was at his limit, and was volatile and destructive.

Kabuto accepted the pain as he stared back at Hiroki. Kabuto has invaded Hiroki's world, and in those golden eyes, it sees Kabuto as a sort of plague. Vermin. Pestillence that needs to be stopped. In Kabuto's eyes, he sees Hiroki was mad with his obsession with his sister. It was easy to see. Blood drew from where Hiroki gripped him.

"Don't hide behind the protection of my sister. You're a coward to hide behind your student - a poor example of a leader." Kabuto made a short laugh at Hiroki's statement. It should have hurt. Technically, Kabuto did use Kimiko as a distraction, but was it not safer for her to be right under the enemy nose than in front? Then, he recalled how Kimiko was captured. This immediately brought Kabuto's laugh to a short pause. He made a -tsk- noise and let Hiroki continue. "Now, recount the events of last night to me, without using my sister as some kind of verbal defence."

"I told you that I can tell when you're lying. I can tell you're afraid of me, even though you're not showing your fear on the surface. Lie, and I will deliver punishment to you so cruel, that you would be humiliated to be alive."

Kabuto was a bit miffed. He was afraid of Hiroki? How dare he insinuate such a thing? Who has stood by Orochimaru-sama for so long and fought by his side, and who was the right hand of the leader of Otogakure? Who has survived many deaths and tasks and missions while this medic ninja has been pampered with healing the ones who should have died? Even though Hiroki has released Kabuto's wrist, and he has injured him, Kabuto decided to keep his facade. But his displeasure was showing at Hiroki's remarks. Kabuto should just end this interrogation and just battle Hiroki.

"What me and my student do is none of your business." Kabuto stated angrily, hands on the table. Then, he saw the tea and the food on the table, as Kabuto was about to push himself up. It reminded him where he was, and the other person who lived here. Kabuto closed his eyes, ignored the insults and the injury, and opened his eyes to face Hiroki.

"The mission... yes. Last night, I have summoned your sister to aid me in a mission of utmost importance from Orochimaru-sama." Kabuto begun, matching his heart beat with Hiroki. The man has calmed down, and so should Kabuto. "We were sent out to obtain information and silence the source." Kabuto closed his eyes once more, and pushed up his glasses with a finger. "We found our targets and immediately confronted them. I sustained an injury, protecting your sister, and Kimiko-san healed it."

Kabuto faced Hiroki, his inky black eyes revealed, to challenge Hiroki's golden gaze once more. "We were fatigued and covered in blood. I did not want to send her back home in such a state."

[Hiroki Fukashi]

"The mission... yes. Last night, I have summoned your sister to aid me in a mission of utmost importance from Orochimaru-sama. We were sent out to obtain information and silence the source." Hiroki felt the pulse of the other medical-nin, it was normal. Breathing sounded normal, and there was no sign of fidgeting and sweat. Truly, Kabuto was a superhuman liar, even though he didn't lie, he covered it up very well. Hiroki still objected to this progression in their argument.

"A mission of 'utmost' importance, yet you failed to clear away the bodies and dispose of evidence? You had an ulterior motive into bringing my sister on a B-Rank Mission, or you wouldn't let yourself get injured." Hiroki deducted precisely. "A ninja at your level should come out of a B-Rank Mission unscathed." Hiroki smirked. Maybe it was a good idea to have checked out the scene in the morning. Even if Kabuto did not appear to lie, there was still holes in the argument that he could pick out - and tear his defense to pieces. Then soon, maybe he could go for Kabuto's weakness directly.

"We were fatigued and covered in blood. I did not want to send her back home in such a state." Hiroki slammed his hands on the table decisively. His sister should not have agreed so readily to such a claim, even if she was positively obsessed with the silver-haired, four-eyed abomination of a man. The error was obvious in Kabuto's testimony.

"You also had the option to send her back to her house. Why didn't you? Did something happen on the mission that you knew I wouldn't like to see, so you stopped by at your house for a 'quick break' to clean up?" Hiroki's own personal insight was frightfully accurate, that he did not even realize the possibility that he may have already picked apart Kabuto's words.

"Is that why my sister was wearing your kimono?"

He heard somebody at the back of the door who was making slightly small movements. Otherwise, he sensed the presence of his blood relative telepathically. He stated in a slow and solemn tone: "Kimiko. Stop eavesdropping like a common thief and just come in."

[OOC: The defence would like to call up the witness to the stand.
State your name and profession.

-cue Phoenix Wright music-]

[Kimiko Fukashi]

"Kimiko. Stop eavesdropping like a common thief and just come in."

Kimiko made a startled jump at the mention of her name. How could her brother have known? Yet, at the same time, Kimiko wasn't surprised. Her brother has known her small habits since birth, and it was not out of the ordinary that he would pick up either her small shifting movements, her short, slow breaths or her presence from the other side of the door. She opened the door without greeting and stepped tentatively into the room.

She had heard the conversation from when Kabuto mentioned that her brother had a sister complex. She had changed out of Kabuto's black kimono into something more respectable and modest - a knee length dress that was off-white in colour, closer to grey. The collar was tight, and closer to grey. She was wearing white stockings. In a normal setting, it would have looked as if the young girl was dressing to go to church. Overall, her appearance was demure and girlish, almost prude.

Kimiko took a seat next to her brother and looked at Kabuto with forlorn eyes, but as soon Hiroki saw that kind of eye contact was being exchanged, and Kimiko looked at her lap, fidgeting with her hands.
You had an ulterior motive into bringing my sister on a B-Rank Mission, or you wouldn't let yourself get injured."
She couldn't bear it any longer.

"Yakushi-sensei, is this true that you had an ulterior motive into bringing me on a B-Rank Mission?" Kimiko asked suddenly, her voice somewhat melancholic and strained in tone at the realization that possibly this whole mission had been fabricated by Kabuto in order to achieve something entirely different. The young girl was positively heartbroken by the two men fighting over her. With Kabuto on one side, and Hiroki on the other, she didn't know how to respond any further.

"H-Hiroki onii-sama, please don't hurt sensei..." Kimiko whimpered to her brother. She moved closer to her brother and held onto his arm, displaying a bond of blood affection to Kabuto, the man who couldn't understand a 'basic human foundation'. Hearing the conversation made her realize that possibly Hiroki still loved her as a sister, despite his astringency and hostile tone. Though hearing Kabuto's words made Kimiko further divided by his intentions, she still loved him.

[Kabuto Yakushi]

"A mission of 'utmost' importance, yet you failed to clear away the bodies and dispose of evidence? You had an ulterior motive into bringing my sister on a B-Rank Mission, or you wouldn't let yourself get injured." Hiroki deducted precisely. "A ninja at your level should come out of a B-Rank Mission unscathed." Hiroki smirked.

Kabuto's eye twitched, but just barely as he managed to catch his reaction. Mentally, Kabuto was cursing Hiroki's name. Kabuto wouldn't dare admit to such a claim so easily, but at the same time it irrtated him that he has to back away from this statement. How fortunate of Hiroki. He might as well have been blindfolded, spun around and tried an arrow at the apple on Kabuto's head, then succeeding in hitting the apple but not Kabuto. That means was that Hiroki was at least close to the mark. Such a thing formulated so quickly and with a blink of an eye made Kabuto wonder how deep Hiroki's perception was.Yet, the silver-haired fox would not compliment Hiroki, as that too makes Kabuto admit to his deeds. On the other hand, Kabuto didn't have the urge to hurriedly congratulate the other doctor. Why would he, when Hiroki practically put him on trial here with no means of defending?

Kabuto gave himself a small laugh. That was a lie, actually.

Kabuto replied cooly. "You find it hard to believe that I am also incapable of making human mistakes? Dolls don't bleed, and I certainly am not one." He crossed his arms, tilting his head at Hiroki. "A B-Rank may be nothing for me, but it doesn't mean I wouldn't die from it either."

"You also had the option to send her back to her house. Why didn't you? Did something happen on the mission that you knew I wouldn't like to see, so you stopped by at your house for a 'quick break' to clean up?" Is that why my sister was wearing your kimono?"

Once more, Hiroki hit close to home. This man's deductive ability was simply amazing. Was he even more analytical than Kabuto was? Or does HIroki have foresight? Kabuto must say though that any more, Hiroki would have a large enough ego to blow away at anything Kabuto would say. The man was truly obsessed with his sister, and Kabuto can't get out of this as he was painted the villain.

Kabuto can't deny that, because him being a villain was true anyway.

In the end, Kabuto told Hiroki 'the truth' that he so wanted to hear, to answer his question. "If I did send your sister back to you, covered in blood, you would say I involved her in a dangerous battle. If I didn't, and told her to freshen up at my home, you would say I did something to her. Fukashi Hiroki. I did nothing to your beloved little sister. Stop accusing that I did something to her. She is still the same sister you know who left this home. As for your sister wearing my kimono, you rather she walked around bare in my home?" Kabuto scoffed. "Such dirty thoughts, Hiroki-san. I didn't think you would have so little faith in Kimiko-san."


"Kimiko. Stop eavesdropping like a common thief and just come in."

Kabuto was startled for Hiroki to say that. True enough, the door opened and came in Kimiko. Kabuto looked at the younger Fukashi, who tried to make eye contact with him. She looked like a caged animal, deprived of her freedom. Kabuto almost felt sorry for her situation. Then, Hiroki caught their exchange and immediately, Kimiko looked away. Kabuto on the other hand refused to lower his eyes at the older Fukashi.

This was nonsense.

"Yakushi-sensei, is this true that you had an ulterior motive into bringing me on a B-Rank Mission?"

Kimiko's voice caught Kabuto off guard. He was ready to attack Hiroki with more verbal harassment, but with Kimiko at his side, Kabuto can not be as merciless. Why did she have to appear now? This would have been so much more easier if Kimiko wasn't here. But she was now, and Hiroki was practically using his sister as HIS shield. The irony of his words. Kabuto did not lose heart, though. Despite Hiroki having his sister as his shield, Kabuto just needs to get around Kimiko. It still won't be pretty.

Kabuto smiled, using his facade with Kimiko. Yet, he felt like his smile wasn't as convincing as before. Why? Why was it so hard to lie to this girl? Kabuto needed to get a grip and gave himself a mental kick. He refuses to lose this battle. "Kimiko-san, please understand. It's your brother who was making all the accusations. There is no ulterior motive on this mission. But if I must, I would tell you this."

Kabuto placed a hand on his chest. "I want you to feel the danger of becoming a ninja. Not just to you, but on your team mates lives. I want you to know that making a mistake could cause dire consequences. Not many knows this. Your other team mates would have been a hindrance to you but at least not the other way around." Kabuto ignored HIroki and focused on Kimiko. This time, it was using the shield against the older Fukashi. "You've proven yourself that you are ready to become more than a genin, and prepared for the chuunin exams. I am your Squad Leader, and it's my responsibility to see you grow well."

What he saw next made Kabuto feel... envy. The way Kimiko hugged Hiroki's arm, the way she looked at him and the older brother seemingly understanding what she was saying, without any further words than mentioned.... The way Hiroki looks back at his adoring little sister, his eyes softening for a moment before retaining their defiant glare... These were things Kabuto wasn't sure of what to say. Even when Kabuto said that Hiroki had a sister complex, he wasn't really aware of the significance of the words. Now, he can see it, and Kabuto could tell that he felt like an outsider, who didn't belong in this touching moment, a thin line between peace and conflict.