Chapter 2 - Councils regard

Chapter 2[br]

[br]

The council room was quiet as the council waited for the arrival of the days first appointment. The dimly lit room was ill suited for such early morning meetings as it had the habit of making one drowsy. Around the crescent table behind which the council sat many of it's members were struggling to remain awake many yawns passed through the silent chamber. Kakashi had abandon all pretext of remaining awake and was leaning back in his chair eyes closed and feet on the desk snoring softly. Next to him Anko was casting him disapproving looks. On the other end of the table another figure had taken Kakashi's lead and was also fast asleep and leaning against a rather disgruntled looking Ibikki. The only people that seemed to be fully awake in the chamber where Anko, Ibikki and the Lord Hokage himself. [br]
[br]

Suddenly the door swung open and a young man and pug dog walked into the chamber. The young man strolled purposefully forward and and stopped several feet from the desk, bowed and knelt before the council taking in it's members. If the rather unprofessional appearance of the members surprised him he didn't mention it. The dog too came forward and sat in front of the desk. The dog however rolled his eyes and muttered “How professional you all look this morning Lord Hokage.” The Hokage nodded grimly and gazed around at the lounging council with a exasperated look. The members were busy trying to arrange themselves in a more dignified and imposing manner. Anko to advantage of the opportunity and used a sharp jab in the leg with her kunai to wake Kakashi and Ibikki merely moved allowing the other sleeping figure to crash to the floor. After the council had settled. The Lord Hokage who had a look of tried patience with his council turned and faced the new arrivals kneeling in front of him and addressed the dog.[br]
[br]

“Thank you for going and fetching the boy Pakkun. I appreciate that immensely you may return to your master now.” the Hokage said with a genial smile at the pug. The pug bobbed it's head in thanks and trotted over to Kakashi. Who had picked up an open scroll on the desk and was ready to roll it up. Before he did the pug put a paw on his leg an annoyed expression on his face. The Jonin looked down at the pug and raised an eyebrow. [br]
[br]

“Yes Pakkun? Can I help you?” Kakashi asked an amused look in his eye. [br]
[br]

The pug rolled his eyes and let out a low growl. “Next time you go find the kid. I don't do early! Not to mention this kid always unnerves me a bit.” The pug said yawning and stretching. [br]
[br]

“I don't do mornings either Pakkun. That's why I have you. So you can do them for me.” Kakashi said his eyes closed in a goofy grin behind his mask. [br]
[br]

“Your lucky your my summoner or I would bite you” growled the pug while scratching behind his ear and glowering up at his master. Which merely made Kakashi grin all the more. [br]
[br]

“Is that so, isn't that nice. Anyway, why is it the kid makes you so unnerved? Is he really that odd Pakkun? You've known him nearly three years you think you would be used to him by now.” Kakashi teased patting the pug on the head. [br]
[br]

Pukkun put a paw over his eyes and muttered something that sounded like “Why do I have to be summoned by someone so immature.” then looking up at his master and stated with a sniff. “Let's just say this one throws his kunai at a different target than the other shinobi. The kid is wiser than he should be at his age. Just thinks differently. The fact he thinks at all puts him at odds with your other knuckleheads. He just isn't natural.” [br]
[br]

“Thank you for your opinion Dr. Pakkun, but I believe your time is up.” Kakashi said eyebrows raised in amusement as he rolled up the scroll and the pug vanished still grumbling under his breath. [br]
[br]
Anko rolled her eyes at Kakashi. “Can we get on with this meeting already?” She asked in her typical abrupt manner. [br]
[br]

“I quite agree.” The Third said nodding his head. “We have kept the boy waiting long enough.” The Third turned and smiled at the young man that hadn't moved a muscle since he had knelt. “Come now Ekyt. You've been through this before relax a bit. You can sit you know. You don't have to kneel all the time.”[br]
[br]

Ekyt hesitated a moment then sat cross-legged. “Thank you Lord Hokage.” [br]
[br]

The old Kage shook his head and smiled ruefully. “Your formality has always stunned me Ekyt. To have such discipline at your age is a wonder. Some of my Jonin aren't even half as disciplined as you are.” He laughed motioning toward Kakashi who had his hands behind his head and his feet on the desk again. Kakashi only grinned and nodded politely at the Kage. The Kage chuckled again and as he caught the slightest of smiles cross the boys face. The Kage knew that the boy liked Kakashi and he had succeeded in getting the boy to relax a bit. “I'm assuming you know why you have been called before the council this morning do you not?” The Kage asked politely but with authority. [br]
[br]

“Yes Lord Hokage. I know why I am here. You will inform me of your decision on whether or not I will be able to participate in the Chunin exams.” Ekyt said this in a stiff formal tone. Although he had seen them all lounging about only minuets before and had personal relationships with majority of them the council still unnerved him. He saw the strength of the village sitting before him and that image made him feel awkward and unworthy. “If I may ask though. Why was my appointment moved up so much?” Ekyt asked letting his curiosity go a bit. [br]
[br]

The Hokage smiled slightly before answering, “That will be answered momentarily. First however we will address the matter of your application of request to participate in the upcoming Chunin exams.” The Kage Watched as Ekyt unconsciously straightened ever so slightly in hope. The Kage looked down slightly sighing then looked up into the boys eyes. Ekyt visible sagged in a defeated manner having recognized the look from the previous five times he had applied. “I'm sorry Ekyt. Your request was denied by one vote last evening.” The Kage truly felt sorry for the boy. He knew that he was being held back for foolish reasons, but the laws were clear on the matter. [br]
[br]

Ekyt sighed , but then straightened and lifted his chin proudly. He turned and glared at the one he knew had denied him for the sixth time the chance to advance. Ekyt had expected to find Ebisu looking smug and cocky about his success at keeping him back, but the Tokubetsu Jonin instead had a face that suggested he had just swallowed a peeled lemon whole. Ekyt couldn't help but look surprised at the normally smug Jonin's sudden sour look. He turned to look at the Hokage questioningly. The Hokage was smiling slightly at the look of confusion on Ekyt's face.[br]
[br]

“As it is a confidential matter I'm not at liberty to say who it was that denied you the vote that would have let you take the exam, but I will say it has remained the same person every time.” The Hokage said with a slightly amused expression as Ekyt looked back and forth between the uncharacteristic face on Ebisu and the Kage. “Now on to the reason why your meeting has been moved up so far.” The Hokage said with a fatherly laugh at the still confused looking Genin. “You have in the last three years shown more potential than anyone in this village has in many years. You have mastered techniques that you shouldn't be able to preform in any right at your level. You having not even been raised shinobi are able to do things not even some of my Jonin can.” He motioned to Ebisu who grimaced and looked rather ill. [br]
[br]

“Thank you Lord Hokage.” Ekyt said not sure where this was going. The Kage held up his hand imploring that he be allowed to finish.[br]
[br]

“So, it is by my decision that I would like to motion that Ekyt be promoted to the rank of Jonin.” The Hokage beamed at a dumbstruck Ekyt.[br]
[br]

“Lord Hokage, I don't know what to say.” Ekyt stammered. “This is such an honor to have this considered, but isn't it a useless gesture?” Ekyt asked unable to keep out the hope in his voice and forgetting his formality a bit. “I mean. Won't the person that has kept me from taking the Chunin exams just vote no.” [br]
[br]

The Hokage lowered his head and in a semi mischievous voice that would have made Naruto proud answered. “Well true, but this time it only takes five votes.” [br]
[br]

Ekyt felt his heart jump as his hope was restored. “Is it really a possibility Lord Hokage?” Ekyt's excitement had made him forget his normally disciplined demeanor and the Genin was now grinning from ear to ear under his mask and his good eye danced with hope.[br]
[br]

“Well, it does take the votes of the Five highest ranking members of this council.” The Kage said in an offhanded manner as if to disregard this detail. Ekyt's shoulders slumped instantly and the fire in his eyes died. [br]
[br]

“Oh.” Was all Ekyt could muster. His hope had evaporated as quickly as it had come. Ebisu was on the top five. He would never vote in favor of the motion. Ekyt cast a despairing glance at the Jonin. He still looked rather ill. This puzzled Ekyt, but he didn't care. He began mentally berating himself for showing so much emotion. He knew better than to let them get a hold on him. [br]
[br]

The Kage watched the almost instant return to Ekyt's usual stoic demeanor. He watched the flame of hope disappear from his eyes. The old Kage almost felt bad for the boy. “Let's just take the vote and see what happens.” The old Kage said with a sympathetic smile and a encouraging tone.[br]
[br]

Ekyt merely nodded as he couldn't speak past the knot of disappointment in his throat. This vote was pointless and discouraging. Ekyt didn't understand why Lord Hokage wanted to put him through this disappointment. He almost spoke out that he declined the offer, but decided that it didn't matter either way. [br]
[br]

Lord Hokage stood and put his right hand in the air and spoke to the council with deliberate authority. “I motion that the Genin known as Ekyt be skipped past the rank of Chunin and promoted directly to Jonin for his incredible skills and dedication to this village. Will all those of the top five please vote 'Aye' or 'Nay'. I as the head of the five vote Aye.” The Hokage took his seat and looked at the Council expectantly. [br]

[br]

Anko stood and threw Ekyt a rare but impish grin. “Ah, damn, what the hell why not. I can handle having the little punk around as a Jonin. Maybe I'll get to spar him and wipe the floor with his face. He has my vote. Aye!” Anko sat down a blissful look on her face. Ekyt shivered slightly as he knew she was imagining kicking the crap out of him. For some reason, Ekyt felt rather fond of her despite her somewhat brutal demeanor.[br]
[br]

Following Anko. Ibikki Stood and gave Ekyt an appraising look over. Ekyt had the odd sensation that he was being x-rayed and had to fight the urge to fidget. Ibikki nodded as if confirming what he had suspected. “This young man shows promise. I would love having him a Jonin. He might one day make a valuable addition to the ANBU. He has my vote as well. Aye!” Ekyt managed a weak smile for the head of the ANBU black ops. That statement was high praise coming from him. He tolerated many, respected few. Ekyt would have been more pleased with himself had he not known that despite that praise this motion would fail.[br]
[br]

Following Ibikki's vote of Aye; Kakashi spoke lazily, not bothering to stand or take his feet off the desk for that matter. “I've known this kid for Three years. I'm the one that welcomed him to the village. He is basically been a constant member of my team since Sasuke deflected. I know what he can do and I'm definitely not worried about him as a Jonin.” Kakashi who's eyes had been closed as he spoke opened his uncovered eye and glared down the table at Ebisu. “He would be a better Jonin than some of the ones we have.” Ebisu flush angrily, but said nothing. Kakashi closed his eyes again and said in a offhanded manner. “He definitely has my vote.” With this he feel silent. Ekyt couldn't help but smile at the completely unconcerned way with which Kakashi spoke. [br]
[br]

The chamber feel silent after Kakashi finished. Ekyt reluctantly turned and face Ebisu not wanting to face the smug face he knew he would see there. He knew all to well Ebisu would be relishing a chance to stop Ekyt's dream again. Ekyt stared into the surprisingly annoyed face of the Jonin. “Well, let's get this over with. Go ahead and ruin the motion.” Ekyt spat a bit more disrespectfully than he meant in front of the Hokage. The Tokubetsu Jonin looked like he was having a hard time controlling his temper as he stared back at Ekyt.[br]
[br]

“It isn't my call this time or believe me I would crush this motion this moment. A punk juvenile that associates with the likings of sub-standard and sub-human shinobi like that beast Naruto do not deserve to hold the honored rank of Jonin. Regretfully I have no say in this motion, so if you excuse me I don't care to defile myself by talking to your likes.” Ebisu said through gritted teeth in a hiss laden with the purest of hatred and loathing before turning his attention away from a stunned Ekyt. [br]
[br]

Ekyt stared at the Tokubetsu Jonin in disbelief unsure of what was going on. “Sir?” He asked turning a inquisitive gaze to the Lord Hokage. “I don't understand. He's the fifth ranking member of the council. What's he mean he doesn't have a say?” [br]
[br]

The Third smiled and let out slight chuckle. “He means he's been replaced during this session by someone of higher rank. He has no say in this matter only his replacement does.” Saratobi lowered his head slightly and leaned forward lighting his pipe smiling slyly. “You didn't think I would ask to carry a motion I knew would be shot down did you?” The Third leaned back into his chair comfortably an rested his hands on the arms of his chair a smile on his Fatherly face and a brow arched in amusement as he puffed on his pipe.[br]
[br]

Ekyt stared at the old Kage the hope and excitement he had felt at the first mention of the promotion starting to stir again. He kept it in check though as the motion hadn't been carried yet and he still didn't know in who's hands his destiny rest in. “If Ebisu isn't the one casting the vote who is?” Taking a quick calculating glance around the chamber it was then that he realized there was indeed one more person than usual sitting at the curved desk. He was leaned back in his chair feet on the desk much like Kakashi was. Ekyt did a double take as he recognized the man grinning back at him.[br]
[br]

“That would be me kid.” The man said his eye's sparkling at the stunned look on Ekyt's face. “Long time no see. I happened to be here on official business and Saratobi here asked if I would like to help out an old friend. What can I say I couldn't help but agree just to see the look on that @$$ Ebisu's face when I took his place.” The man laughed.[br]
[br]

Ekyt opened his mouth to speak but instead closed it and shook his head, a broad grin on his face, trying hard to suppress a laugh. The man chuckled an nodded his head winking at Ekyt. Then without warning hopped up onto the desk raising a finger high into the air and declaring loudly to the room in general. “I cast my vote in favor of this young man joining the ranks of Jonin so long as he swears not to be a pompous @$$ like the substandard shinobi I replaced on this council. I vote aye so long as he swears to follow Kakashi and I's legacy of making sure everyone has a chance to excel as a shinobi. So let it be written let it be done. Ekyt is now a Jonin!” With this the man did a back flip off the desk and landed grinning in front of Ekyt. “Congrats kid.” he said pumping Ekyt's hand animatedly. [br]
[br]

Behind him the Third put a hand over his eyes chuckling and shaking his head. “Ryu my old friend your lucky your a former favored student and a Kage. You just stole my lines.” [br]
[br]

Ryu turned and mischievously winked at the old Kage. “What's the fun of having immunity to the laws of your village if I can't have a bit of fun and cause some disruptions while here.” The Third just chuckled and turned his attention to Ekyt.[br]
[br]

“Like Ryu sensei said. Congratulations upon obtaining the rank of full Jonin.” The Old Kage stood and bowed slightly to Ekyt who returned the gesture enthusiastically. “Now onward to more business. It just so happens that your promotion here has made you eligible to run an A ranked mission that Ryu has requested we assist with.” The the old man beamed proudly at Ekyt. “You being the most qualified and available to work this mission have been personally selected by Ryu to head up this assignment. Ryu will give you a briefing at 1600 hours. Until then. I believe you have a medical lesson to attend with Sakura-chan do you not. I think you will be surprised further once you arrive there. I think it best if you extend your session with Sakura. I will attend to finding someone to replace you on the mission you had docketed for this afternoon.”[br]
[br]

Ekyt stood stunned at the old Kage's announcement then looked at Ryu. A broad grin splitting on his face. “You really chose me personally Ryu-sama?” [br]
[br]

Ryu twitched his brow once and grinned. “Last time I saw you fight I was major impressed by your skills. I was rather disappointed when the fight was ended. Let's just say. I'm curious as to just what you can do. I think you will do the job I need nicely.” Ryu clapped Ekyt hard on the shoulder then turned around to the rest of the council with a broad grin. “I'm hungry how bout all you? How bout we all get a bite. Kakashi is paying.” [br]
[br]

Kakashi looked up from his book startled. “Uhh? I am?” [br]
[br]

Ryu merely laughed and strode to the door throwing them open and nimbly jumping up into the trees calling over his shoulder to Ekyt. “I'll meet you at the village gates at 1600 hours sharp. Don't be late.”[br]
[br]

Ekyt merely shook his head trying hard not to laugh at the rambunctious Jonin's total randomness as he turned to receive his dismissal from the Third who was leaning back in his chair his head tilted back massaging his temples; his pipe dangling dangerously from the corner of his mouth.[br]
[br]

“That boy is going to be the death of me yet.” He mused as he sat up straight and watched the young Kage bound away through the trees. Turning his attention to Ekyt who with a bit of difficulty had returned to his disciplined demeanor although a hint of a pleased smile could be seen through his mask. “Well it seems you have made out pretty well from this meeting today my boy. There is one final thing I wish to attend to before I dismiss you to your medical lessons. It has been discussed as of late that we need some fresh blood here on the council. According to the vote we will be taking here after you leave I believe one of our members will be being assigned to a duty that will be taking up a lot of his time.”With this everyone on the council turned and looked at Ebisu. Ebisu merely closed his eyes looking livid and sunk deeper into his chair. Ekyt grinned even larger under his mask a feeling as though Christmas had come early filling him rapidly. The old Kage returned his attention to Ekyt a mischievous grin on his face once again.”I believe Ebisu will have his hands quite full with his new soon to be position as personal trainer and tutor to every academy student that has trouble with anything. As he will be so busy he won't be having time to attend the council proceedings. It is the councils wish that you consider our offer to join this council. You are a noble and honest man and we could use you desperately with us. So if you would please think on it and give us your answer upon your return from your mission.” With this the Third nodded his dismissal and turned to the rest of the council. [br]
[br]

Ekyt could barely hold his demeanor as he bowed to the council and backed from the chambers. As he reached the chamber doors and began to pull the doors closed he could hear the old Kage as the council to vote now on the issue of Ebisu's transfer of position. Ekyt nearly laughed as instantly there was a unanimous and strong aye from the council. Ekyt turned and looked out over the cherry blossom strewn road that lead back into the heart of the village. Taking a deep breath of the fragrant aroma he exhaled enjoying the thought that his life for the first time since he arrived seeming to be moving forward. Grinning from ear to ear he began to make his way toward his lessons with Sakura the day seeming to just get better with each step.[br]

You are not authorized to comment here. Your must be registered and logged in to comment