ANIMALS

Genre(s) – Erotica/(Dark) Romance/Fantasy

Rating – NC-17

Warning(s) – Harem, Alternate Universe, Character Deaths, Gender-bending, (Slight) OOC, Bi

Main Pairings – Naru/Harem, Naru/FemSasu

Full Summary:

The slave business was a mean one. Black markets, cunning merchants, fierce competitors and demanding customers were just a part of the problem. The biggest was the slaves themselves. Breeding slaves who were bigger and stronger than you required skill. You had to break them with kindness and cruelty. You had to gain their respect and fear. And even then there are a few who must be kept under strict observation. Especially if they were never meant to be yours.

He hailed from an icy wasteland. He's a king of the arctic, a warrior who has braved the harshest weather and survived the coldest winters, a predator who has hunted the greatest beasts. His kind was strong, bold and feared throughout the lands. He shouldn't have been yours.… Inspired by Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

000

Naruto fought against his restraints, but slipped. His horns got stuck in the bars of his cage and he struggled to free them. The cage he was kept in was much too small. He couldn't stand upright and it was too narrow for him to sit down. He had been crouching for hours. His legs were shaking from the strain. He was dizzy and nauseas. He was hungry, tired and dirty. He tried to breathe around his gag, but it was difficult. His horns were still stuck, forcing his body into an even more unnatural position. His aching back screamed in protest.

This was the third day he had been put on display on the black markets of Konoha. He had stopped trying to call out for help on the second, realizing it was no use. The crowd merely stared at him, eyes wide in fear and amazement. They were intrigued by him, but didn't dare get too close.

The merchant who was trying to sell him had deliberately put him in a small cage to make him seem smaller, but the people were not so easily tricked.

'C'mon people! Step right up! Don't be scared!' He called out to an elderly couple that couldn't seem to take their eyes off of Naruto. 'Interested?'

The man yelled out in surprise when the merchant tried to drag him closer to the cage. He pulled himself free and angrily stomped away with his wife.

'Come now, he wouldn't harm a fly!' The merchant's name was Kakuzu. He had been feeding Naruto cheap wine and berries with a high alcohol percentage to keep him disorientated and weak. Last night he hadn't even bothered to clean him or his cage, forcing him to stand in his own waste. The longer it took for him to sell Naruto the worse the neglect would become. And, from the looks of it, no one wanted him. He was too intimidating. No one wanted a slave that strong unless they could be assured that he was trained. Black market slaves were rarely trained. They were disobedient, diseased, often infertile, tried to escape and were very poorly taken care of. A majority died within a year after purchase. Kakuzu had lowered the price several times, but it wasn't enough.

'Look, darling, this gentleman has caught a satyr.' A young woman and her male companion stopped before his cage and stared at him in amazement. They were standing much closer than any of the others who'd appeared interested.

'Is that a satyr? It's awfully big. I thought they were much smaller.' The man said, eyeing Naruto disdainfully. He didn't seem as enthusiastic as his mate.

Naruto lifted his head, trying to look healthy and non-threatening. The only way out of the wretched cage was if he was bought. He desperately wanted to get out. He focussed on the female. She seemed to be the bravest of the two.

'You're absolutely right, my dear sir!' Kakuzu stepped forward, presenting the couple with his biggest fake smile and ushering to stand even closer. 'This right here is a minotaur. Much more useful than satyrs. They're strong and fit creatures. Perfect for labour.'

'Really?' The woman gushed, her eyes glued to Naruto's muscular physique. She lowered her gaze to his crotch. 'My father breeds minotaurs. What species is it?'

Kakuzu's smile froze. 'Species?'

'Yes, species. Surely you know that much.'

Kakuzu glanced at Naruto, who was trying his damndest not to faint in front of potential buyers. Within two seconds, the merchant seemed to realize something. The woman wanted Naruto badly. His smile returned, wider and brighter than before. 'I'm afraid I don't know exactly what kind it is. My knowledge on minotaurs is rather limited, I must confess.'

'Where did you catch it?'

'It was in the northern mountains. It was walking through the woodlands by itself so I figured it had gotten separated from its herd.'

'The northern mountains?' The woman mumbled.

'Is it feral?' Her mate asked. He had pulled a silk handkerchief out of his pocket and was holding it to his nose.

'No, I assure you, it's very tame. I wouldn't dare sell a violent or aggressive slave. I have a reputation to uphold.'

The man looked unconvinced. He stared at the bottom of the cage. 'Is it housebroken?'

'I want it.' The woman said suddenly. 'How much is it?'

'355 coins.' Kakuzu answered immediately.

The woman's excitement faltered slightly. 'It says '55 coins' on the sign.'

'Oh, dear me, seems the '3' has been wiped out.' Kakuzu lied smoothly. 'I'm terribly sorry. The price is 355 coins or 400 if you buy the cage with it.'

The woman mulled it over. 'I'll give you 250 for both.'

'Deal!' Kakuzu clapped his hands together. 'They're yours. For a mere 20 coins I'll help you bring them to your house.'

'That won't be necessary.' The woman said. She gestured behind her and a small group of human slaves appeared. 'Load the minotaur onto the cart and bring it to the house.'

The slaves bowed before setting to the task. Some of them were hesitant, but eventually helped the others when they realized that Naruto was not going to attack them.

His legs almost gave out on him several times on the way. One of the slaves had poured water on him to cool him down which he was grateful for. When he had pointed at the gag, silently asking for something to drink the slaves shook their heads.

'I'm sorry, but we cannot remove any of your bonds until our masters return.' One of them said. 'Please, hang on a little longer.'

Two hours had passed before the couple returned from the black markets. The woman shrieked when she saw him in the hallway.

'What is it doing inside? Can't you see that it's filthy. Take it to the atrium and hose it down, cage and all.' Naruto nodded at his chains as the slaves moved him once again. 'Yes, yes, we'll remove your chains soon.'

After ten minutes of having hot water poured and splashed onto him, they finally removed his bounds and released him from his cage. The couple was standing far away from. They were surrounded by large, mean-looking slaves who carried weapons. They stared at him as he rubbed his wrists and stood straight. The male took several steps back in shock at seeing Naruto's true height.

'It's massive!' He choked out in fear.

'It's marvellous!' The woman replied giddily. She was bouncing on the spot. 'Bring the largest tub and the soap!'

Naruto allowed the slaves to wash him. It would be useless to try and escape now. He was too weak. He'd have to endure it for a few more weeks. He would be obedient and work hard until he reached his full strength. Then nothing would stop him. He gratefully accepted the water and small plate of food one of the human slaves offered him.

'Oh, look. Isn't it the most wonderful creature you've ever seen!' The woman bounded over to him and even dared to touch him before her mate grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back.

'Don't get too close. We don't know if it's tame yet.'

'Oh, please. If it was going to attack it would have done so already.'

'I can't believe I paid 250 coins for the beast. Why on earth would you want to spend so much money on another minotaur? Your father owns the biggest minotaur empire in Konoha.' The man complained. 'How do we even know the merchant was telling us the truth? It doesn't look like a mountain creature to me. It's too tanned.'

'Have you ever been to the top of a mountain, love? The sunlight is very harsh up there.' The woman said. 'And you paid 250 coins because this isn't just any minotaur, love. This is a northern Mountain Majora. They're rare and extremely valuable. That merchant thought he had tricked us out of our money. But it's worth several hundred times the price we paid for it. Especially if we can train it to become a breeding bull.'

The man looked at his mate in shock. 'Well, that changes things.'

'Yes, indeed. And when you present it to father as a gift I'm confident that he'll bless our marriage.'

The man's face lit up like a torch. 'Then we must ensure that it looks the best it possibly could when your father sees it.'

The woman giggled. 'I'll get the jewellery!'

Naruto watched the couple leave as he munched on his apple. He took a large sip of his water before approaching one of the other slaves. 'What's a breeding bull?'

The slave looked up in surprise. 'You, if you're lucky.'

'How so?'

'Well, you heard them, didn't you. You're rare and valuable, big, powerful and you're easy on the eyes, especially once the masters have dolled you up a bit. You're the type of slave that the social elite love to add to their collection. They would pay a fortune for your offspring and twice as much for a bottle of your sperm.'

Naruto raised his eyebrow. 'And that's good?'

'Definitely.' The slave said, nodding to himself. 'Life doesn't get any better than that if you're a slave. Of course, there's still a difference between breeding bulls. Some are worth more than others. The most valuable breeding bull is called a prized bull. They bring in the most money and, in return, they get the best food, best room, best of everything. There are free people living in Konoha that don't live as well as a prized bull.'

'And I could be a prized bull?'

'If you're lucky.' He repeated with a smile. Most of his teeth were missing. 'Konoha is the slave capital of the world after all. You're not the only rare creature roaming these lands. You're probably not even the only rare minotaur. But I wouldn't be too worried. Even if you don't become a prized bull you'll still live a decent life.'

'Where's my little breeding bull? Oh, there it is!' The woman and her mate entered the atrium, followed by a gaggle of slaves holding expensive accessories. 'Do you have a name, sweet thing?'

'Naruto.'

She muttered his name several times before shrugging. 'We'll see if you get you keep it. Now come here.'

Naruto obeyed.

'Remove your cloth.'

Naruto blinked at her. He stared down at the only piece of clothing he had. Even though the slaves had tried their best to rinse it, it was still stained with blood and other bodily waste. Also, it smelled horrible. He looked back and noticed one of the female slaves was carrying a bundle of white silk. Sighing, Naruto got undressed.

The couple and their slaves stared wide-eyed at his crotch. 'Oh my…'

Naruto failed to understand the reason for their shock and waited for his next order. He was led inside of the house to the couple's personal baths by two other male slaves. They washed him again, more thoroughly this time, and used scented soap and oils.

'Sarutobi Hiruzen is the head of the Sarutobi clan. He owns the land on which the Sarutobi clan lives and he owns the business in which most of its members work. Officially, he is the master of every household on Sarutobi property, but he rarely mettles in matters that happen outside of his own, especially matters concerning people's personal slaves. You will address him respectfully as 'Dominus'. You will address his wife as 'Domina'.'

'Your duty as a breeding bull will be to impregnate as many kaus as the Dominus orders you to. In case you didn't know, a kau is a female minotaur used as a breeding slave. You will also have to produce a certain amount of sperm. It is counted per filled bottle which will be sold to other breeders, mostly amateurs. Although you will be working with other breeding bulls, do not make the mistake of thinking they are your friends. They are not. They are your competition. The luxury available to you will depend on your popularity among customers, how much demand there is for your offspring and sperm, and your obedience. If you manage to become a prized bull, you will not only be competing with breeding bulls from the Sarutobi business, but every breeding slave in Konoha, regardless of their race or species.'

'How many prized bulls does the Sarutobi business own currently?' Naruto asked as the slaves attacked his hair with a comb.

'One. Every breeder has only one prized male breeding slave, mainly because they each specialize in one particular race. Our prized bull is Kakashi. He's won the title of best breeding bull for two decades straight. He's the first bull to have ever won a show as well. But he's not the only one you need to watch out for. There's Jiraiya. He used to be the prized bull before Kakashi came along. He's a White Stag Minotaur.'

'Don't forget about Gai. He's been Kakashi's rival for several years.' The other slave added.

'Anything else I should know?'

'The clan who owns the land next to us is the Hyuuga clan. They breed serpents and amphibians. The amphibians are alright, but the serpents are a nasty bunch. They're always sneaking into our grounds. They poison the kaus, killing them or rendering them infertile. They sabotage the gates, raid our pantries and smash the valuable bottles of sperm.'

'And you let them?' Naruto flinched as they pulled at a knot in his hair.

'We can't prove that they did it unless we catch one of them. They're slippery little whores, serpents. Horrible creatures. But they're very valuable. They're not just used for breeding either. Their poison is worth a small fortune per vial. They use it for medicine and stuff.' The slave struggled to free the comb from Naruto's locks. 'Your hair is a mess. When's the last time you combed it?'

'Since I got captured.'

The slaves stopped. 'How did it happen?'

'I got ambushed by a group of deviants. I was winning until one of them pulled out a tranquilizer. When I woke up I was chained in a small cage on the black market.' Naruto said half-truthfully.

'Sounds like Kakuzu's doing.'

'That was the merchant's name. Is he famous around here?'

'Infamous, more like. His family are the ones who introduced mantures on the black market. His father was the first. Came here with a load of lycan cubs, selling them as pets to young children. It didn't take long before everyone wanted one. They've sold everything from mermaids to imps over the years. But it's mostly Kakuzu's doing that everyone around here thinks you're all dumb animals.'

'After a while, Konoha had enough mantures to begin breeding them on their own. So now Kakuzu and his band of thieves have to travel far and wide in search of rare species to keep up. He's been in the business for years and has lived longer than any human I know so a lot of us have come to believe that he himself might be a manture or at least half.'

'Why aren't they going against their masters? Why aren't they fighting or trying to escape?'

The slave shrugged. 'Most of them don't know any better. They were born and raised as slaves.'

Naruto scowled. 'It is not right.'

The couple entered the baths. 'Is it clean yet? I think we've waited long enough.'

The slaves stood up and bowed. 'We have finished washing him, Domina.'

'Good. Take it back to the atrium so that we can mark and decorate it. And hurry. Father will be here any minute.'

'Yes, Domina.'

The two slaves dried Naruto briefly before bringing him back to the open court. He sat on the tree stump and stared at the couple as they bickered over what material to decorate him with.

'Gold and rubies would look best on him.'

'But it's so expensive.'

'Father would never allow me to marry a stingy man.'

The man stuttered. He scowled before signalling the slaves to go ahead. 'Fine, but this goes out of our wedding budget, just so you know.'

Naruto's good mood from being freed of his cage and fed quickly evaporated when the slaves approached him, armed with what looked like torture tools. The sun was setting by the end of it, and he was ready to forget his plan and escape that night. They had put a gold ring through his septum and several through his pointed ears, loaded his horns with trinkets and burned a leaf symbol as well as large 'S' on his forearms. He rather liked the ruby necklace and the silk wrap, but not enough to forgive them for poking him with needles.

'Gorgeous!' The woman gushed, circling him. 'Come. Father has arrived and I can't wait any longer. Love, you hold it. Remember what we discussed. Don't fidget! It won't bite.'

'I'm not fidgeting. I'm excited.' The man lied as he cautiously shuffled towards Naruto. 'Come, uh… beast. Follow me.'

Naruto glared at man, but obeyed. He smelled food. If he behaved they might give him some. But once they had arrived in the dining area, it was not the feast that had captured his attention. There was an older couple sitting at the table. They wore clothing similar to that of the younger couple so he correctly assumed that they were Sarutobi Hiruzen and Biwako. Next to Hiruzen sat another man with eyes like moons and long brown hair. He was accompanied by a slave. A serpent. And she was dancing sensually to the soft music. 'Hiruzen,' the man began after clearing his throat, 'I present to you your gift in the hopes of winning your blessing and your daughter's hand in marriage.'

The moon-eyed man sneered in disgust. 'What is that?'

Hiruzen slowly stood up. 'Is that… Is that a-'

'A Mountain Majora! Isn't it spectacular!' The young woman said, reaching a higher pitch every time she opened her mouth. She seated herself next to her mother.

'We do not refer to a minotaur as 'it'. Where did you find him?'

'We were walking near the black markets, on our way home from the temple, when we spotted it. The merchant selling it had no idea how rare a creature he had in his possession.' The young man lied smoothly.

'How much did you pay for him?' Biwako said.

'250 coins precisely.'

'That's a lot of money for such an ugly beast.'

Hiruzen glared at the man sitting next to him. 'Hiashi, we all know you're not fond of minotaurs. No need to remind us every time you come to visit.'

'I just don't understand how you can surround yourselves with such morbid muscle heads.'

'Breeding minotaurs has been in our family for generations.' Biwako snapped. 'A tradition which will not stop simply because our neighbour doesn't like the way they smell.'

Hiashi gave her snobbish sneer. 'I cannot help it that I prefer the company of a more ethereal race. One well-known for their beauty and grace.'

'As well as their cunning and overall malevolent personalities.'

'I prefer to see it as intelligence. Something which minotaurs, in my opinion, lack.'

'You do realize that the snake is a universal symbol for evil, don't you?'

'Now, now, calm down. No need to get nasty, you two.' Hiruzen said. He gestured to Naruto. 'Come here, let me take a good look at you.' Like his daughter, Hiruzen did not appear to be afraid of him in the slightest despite the apparent difference in height and size. 'Yes, you are a beauty.'

'Speak for yourself.' Hiashi said coldly. 'Sasuke, come here. I don't want you touching that creature.'

The serpent stopped dancing. As she walked by Naruto caught a glimpse of two round, perky breasts when her already revealing robe slid off one shoulder. She quickly covered herself again, but Naruto had already seen the silver chain dangling between her pink nipples as well as the red-pinkish scales around them. She walked as elegantly as she had danced, slowly with her hips swaying provocatively with every step until she stood next to her Dominus. He continued to stare at her. He was fascinated by the way she swished her tail, the way her long forked tongue slid in and out of her slightly parted lips, the way she moved her lithe and hairless body and even the star-shaped marking on her nose. It was not the first time he had been attracted to a female from another race.

'Hiashi, would kindly tell your tailor to take more accurate measurements when making clothes for your slaves. I am convinced that everyone in Konoha has seen her naked.'

'My dear, Biwako, that is the point. She is perfect advertising. Even your wretched beast can't take its eyes off of her.'

'I am very much in love with my wife, thank you very much.' Hiruzen replied.

'I was referring to the minotaur.' Hiashi rolled his eyes, failing to see the humour. 'Sasuke, my sweet, does the beast's stare make you uncomfortable?'

The serpent looked at Naruto for the first time. Her big black irises trailed over his large body. Although she had appeared perfectly unbothered by him before, she suddenly hid herself behind her master. 'Yes, Dominus.'

'Would you be so kind as to remove your creature from the room. My Sasuke is very delicate. Look, she's shaking in fear of it.' Hiashi gently caressed her cheek.

'Your serpent can leave if it's so afraid of him.' Biwako barked.

Hiashi narrowed his eyes. 'Do I detect animosity?'

'Certainly not.' Hiruzen laughed before his wife could say another word. 'Moegi, could you take my gift to my wagon? Give him something to snack on while he waits.'

Naruto didn't want to leave. He wanted the serpent to say something else in that soft hissy voice or continue dancing. Also, they hadn't given him anything from the feast yet.

'Should I take him to your house for you?'

'No, that's alright, Udon.'

'It's no trouble at all.' The man said, apparently eager to be seen as a capable spouse by his mate's father.

'Well, if you're sure.'

'Come! Uh…'

'Oh, by the way, father, its name is Naruto.' Moegi said, winking at her mate.

'His name, my child. And that's a splendid name. I'll let him keep it.'

'Naruto, this way.' Udon said, puffing out his chest. Once out of sight from the others, Udon hastily increased the distance between himself and Naruto. 'G-get in the wagon.'

Naruto didn't move. He stared at the gates at the end of the broad street. They were still open. But his legs were still hurting and he was tired. He might be able to outrun the jumpy man, but he might not be able to outrun whoever came after him once it was known that he had escaped. So he relented and did as he was told.

By the time Naruto had arrived at Hiruzen's house he could barely walk. Udon was greeted at the entrance by a young man his age. They hugged like brothers.

'Konohamaru! It's good to see you're still up. I wasn't sure what to do with the beast once I had delivered it.'

'Beast?' Konohamaru's eyes fell on Naruto. 'Is-is… is that a…'

'Yes, it's a northern mountain something. Now, can you please take it off my hands? I've had about enough of it.'

'Gladly!' Konohamaru dashed forward and grabbed Naruto's hand. He dragged him inside the house after saying goodbye to Udon and led him into a well-lit room. 'Now, this is a bull! Look at you. You must be tired.'

Naruto nodded. 'Yes.'

'Yes… what?'

'Yes, Dominus?'

Konohamaru laughed. 'No, no, that title belongs to my father. You refer to me as the lanista. I will be training you in your duties. As such, it is also my responsibility to make sure that you are well-rested and healthy.'

Naruto stared uncertainly at him. 'May I rest, lanista?'

'Yes, yes, of course. I'll bring you to your chamber.'

Once Naruto had arrived at the room, he didn't even care that it was more like a cage. All he cared about was the bed. He limped towards it, dropped himself on it and he was gone. He didn't even hear the door to his 'room' snap shut nor the turning of the key.

The next morning was like a blur. Naruto had been woken up early by Konohamaru for a health examination. He was ushered out of bed by a few house slaves and into a room that resembled a torture chamber where the house slaves took off his clothes and left. Konohamaru positioned him in front of a chair. He looked a flustered.

'Tsunade will be arriving shortly. She is the most renown doctor in Konoha and a member of the social elites. You will speak only when spoken to. You will answer all of her questions truthfully and instantly. If you struggle you will be tranquilized. I'd rather not do that so behave.'

'Yes, lanista.'

Tsunade was a tall human woman with blond hair, amber eyes and massive breasts which her expensive robes did little to conceal. Her assistant was more modestly dressed, had short black hair and was carrying a large bag.

'Is this the slave you wish for me to examine?' Tsunade said, flinging her mantle towards her assistant who barely caught it.

'Yes, doctor.'

'You want me to conduct a full examination?'

'Yes, doctor.' Konohamaru repeated, smiling politely at the woman.

'Leave us.'

'A house slave will be standing outside the door in case you need my help.' Konohamaru said before closing the door.

Tsunade didn't seem to have heard. Her eyes seemed to be scanning Naruto as if she could tell what was wrong with him just by looking at him. 'What is your name?'

'Naruto.'

'Is that your real name?'

'Yes.'

'How old are you?'

'Sixty-nine.'

Tsunade turned to her assistant. 'How old would that make him in human years, Shizune?'

'In his early twenties?'

'Wrong! He's a teenager. How many times do I have to tell you to examine the horns. His horns are very light and spotted which means they're still growing and developing. Pay attention!' Tsunade roared. 'You can redeem yourself if you tell me what species he is.'

Shizune fidgeted uncertainly. 'Hiruzen said that he was a northern-'

'Am I asking you what he said? No, I think not. I'm asking you what species you think he is.'

Shizune paled and stared at Naruto. She swallowed hard before approaching him. 'Based on the colour and thickness of his skin, he lives in cold climates with harsh sunlight.' Shizune continued to touch him softly, muttering to herself.

'And?' Tsunade said impatiently. 'What do you think?'

'I think Hiruzen has made a mistake. He's not a Mountain Majora.' Shizune's face lit up when Tsunade nodded, giving her a boost of confidence. 'In fact, I don't think he's a minotaur at all. I think… he's an Arctic Warland.'

Naruto snapped his neck towards her in surprise. He had never bothered to correct the others in fear of being sent back. He had gone through a lot of trouble repressing his urge to growl and show his fangs as they insulted him intentionally or not. He didn't know what to expect now that his secret had been exposed. He glanced at the doctor, wondering what was going to happen to him.

Tsunade smiled. 'What gives it away?'

Shizune cleared her throat. 'He has a long, thick and hairless tail. It's shape and weight indicate that it's used for balance, especially during running. He has paws with very large claws and he also has sharp teeth. These things tell me that he's either carnivorous or omnivorous. Minotaurs are herbivores.'

'Very good, Shizune. I'm proud of you.' Tsunade clapped shortly, looking impressed. 'Now, what do we know about warlands?'

'Warlands are powerful apex predators. They prey on large mammals like most bovines, elephants, orcs and even minotaurs.'

Naruto didn't like where this was going. He doubted that Hiruzen would keep him if he knew that his precious breeding bulls were his natural prey.

'However, they are also very closely related to minotaurs. In fact, it's not uncommon for them to mate and produce hybrid offspring.' Tsunade added. She glanced at Naruto, giving him a penetrating look, 'Pureblood warlands are notoriously difficult to catch. They are extremely rare and extremely valuable. Even a common warland could be worth more than the entire Sarutobi enterprise. No need to look so fearful. I honestly doubt that Hiruzen would sell such a priceless specimen.'

Naruto visibly relaxed.

'Shall I start the examination?' Shizune said, eager to impress her teacher again.

Tsunade frowned at her. 'You've already examined him. You should already be able to tell what's wrong with him.'

Shizune faltered. 'W-well, he's a little underweight…'

'And?'

'He has a light rash on his inner thighs. Probably from being kept in an unhygienic environment. Nothing a little ointment can't fix.'

'And?'

'Um…' Shizune glanced at Naruto, running her eyes over his naked body to see what she missed. 'Uh… Oh! His gums! They're a little infected. That's due to a poor diet. It's likely been a long time since he last ate meat.'

'Did you feel any broken or dislocated bones?'

'No.'

'Look at how he's standing. Does the way he's leaning on his left foot seem normal to you?'

Shizune's eyes were cast down, her confidence shattered. 'N-no…'

'Right.' Tsunade sighed. 'Now it's time to test his fertility.'

Naruto wasn't sure what to expect. Although he hated to admit he was impressed that the women had managed to guess his race and see what ailed him, but he was far from enjoying himself. He wanted to go back to sleep.

'Well?' Tsunade snapped after a moment of silence, making both Naruto and Shizune jump out of their skins. 'Don't just stand there. Milk him!'

Shizune jumped. 'Oh, you want me to… right.'

'I've shown you how it's done. Shouldn't be too much to ask.'

'No, of course not.' Shizune stumbled towards him in her haste. She stared at his crotch, seemingly paralyzed with nerves before taking a big breath and grabbing his cock.

Naruto froze. He clenched his fists to keep himself from attacking her as she kept stroking him gently. He knew that the doctor had her eyes trained on him. He also knew that he would be tranquilized if he tried anything funny. He began to growl when she cupped his balls, but it didn't stop her. Shizune appeared to be more afraid of her teacher than him.

'It's not working. He's still not erect.'

'Then you're not doing it right.' Tsunade rolled her eyes in exasperation. She stood and pushed Shizune out of the way. She grasped his cock more firmly, rubbing it in steady strokes and tickling the head. Just as his groin started to tingle, she suddenly stopped and glared up at him. 'You are a stubborn one. Sit down.'

Naruto blinked at her. He sat down.

'Lift your feet up and drop your legs to the side.'

Naruto hesitated. He didn't like being exposed, let alone with his legs in the air. When he didn't do as he was told Tsunade stormed towards the door, ready to inform the house slave waiting outside that he wasn't cooperating. He quickly lifted his legs. The two women stared at him, wondering if it was safe to continue. He felt ashamed. His cheeks burned with embarrassment as the women whispered to each other and stared at his half-hard cock.

'It'll be quicker if we both do it. He's no longer standing on his ankle so he shouldn't be in pain anymore. We've already spent too much time on this one so let's just get it done.'

The women walked over to him. Naruto yelped in surprise when Shizune dropped to her knees and began to suck on his balls. Tsunade was leaning over her, taking as much of his cock into her mouth as she could. They wanted him to cum. They probably needed his sperm to check his fertility.

Naruto closed his eyes and tried to envision something that would help him climax. He thought about Mei and the night she had taken his virginity. He thought about the two minotaur sisters who had seduced him, mistaking him for one of the many bulls that travelled there for mating season. He thought about the pretty Snow Lepor who had walked into his shelter during a snow storm, thinking it was empty, and the way she had bended over and shaken her hips at him. He remembered spying on two female polar selkies rubbing each other with their genitals.

'He's close. Get the vial.'

Naruto scowled, having been snapped out of his fantasies. He desperately tried to think of something else, feeling his climax slipping away. And that's when he remembered her. The serpent and her dancing, her hairless body, her forked tongue, her pierced nipples, her soft hisses – he ejaculated.

'Don't worry about spilling it. We only need one vial. Wrap his ankle tightly and tell the house slave that we're finished.'

Naruto hazily watched Tsunade pull a strange device out of the bag they had brought with them. She poured some of his semen into it. When Shizune returned she blocked his view of the rest. He sat awkwardly in the chair until Konohamaru appeared. Realizing he was still sitting with his legs in the air, he immediately stood up.

'Well, I'm glad everything went smoothly. Did it go smoothly?'

'Yes.'

'Oh, I'm glad.'

'So you've said.'

'When can I expect the result of the test?'

'In about thirty minutes. Or an hour if you keep bothering me.'

'Right. My apologies. I'll leave you to it.' Konohamaru laughed. 'Come, Naruto. There's food waiting for you in your chamber.'

'Oh, before I forget. Shizune inform the gentlemen of our findings so far.'

Naruto swallowed nervously as the doctor's assistant told Konohamaru about what they had discovered while examining him. He watched closely as the lanista's expression changed from worry to disbelief to shock to sheer astonishment. As Shizune yammered on about the proper diet for a warland, Konohamaru slowly turned to face him for the first time since he left him in the care of the two women.

'He's an Arctic Warland?' He whispered, his eyes wide. 'But… but we thought…'

'You thought he was a Mountain Majora, but I can assure you that he's not.' Tsunade stated, still looking at the device and occasionally pressing something. 'I'll have Shizune write down a short list on how to care for a warland, including a well-rounded diet… unless you want to sell him in which case I'd be more than happy to buy him from you.'

'No!' Konohamaru shouted instantly. 'I-I mean, thank you, but he's not for sale.'

'Thought as much.'

Naruto was led back to his chamber by Konohamaru after Shizune had bandaged his ankle. The lanista quickly ordered another slave to fetch some meat from the kitchen before leaving to find his father, excited to inform him of Naruto's true race. He returned shortly with both his parents by his side.

'Yes, yes, now I see it. How could I have made such a mistake?' Hiruzen uttered, gazing adoringly at Naruto as he devoured a whole chicken.

'Yes, it's amazing how lucky we've been this past year.' Biwako deadpanned. 'But this also presents a new problem. We can't put him with the other breeding bulls now. He might eat them.'

'He didn't try to eat us.' Konohamaru replied. 'He was poorly taken care of while being displayed on the black market. He probably hasn't had any meat since he got captured and yet he hasn't attempted anything which is remarkable, even more so if you take into account that he hasn't been trained.'

Hiruzen nodded in agreement. 'He's tame and obedient. It's unlikely that he'll harm the other bulls, especially if we keep him well-fed. Besides he's smaller than most of the adult Majora bulls.'

'And what if he's infertile?'

'The doctor's assistant informed me that he's quite young. In his teens, even. Unless the merchant who was selling him or the hooligans who caught him had somehow poisoned him it's safe to assume that he's fully functional.'

'We don't know for sure until the test results are in. Do you know what you'll do if he isn't?' Biwako demanded, looking at her husband.

'I'll sell him to the highest bidder.' Hiruzen said. 'There are enough people in Konoha who collect exotic slaves. He'll still bring in good money. Let's leave him alone for now. Poor thing probably went through a lot knowing Tsunade.'

Naruto listened in on their conversation even after they locked the door to his chamber.

'What if the test result is positive, father?'

'Then you will introduce him to the other bulls and begin milking him tomorrow.'

'I don't know if that's such a good idea. He's sprained his ankle, you see. He won't be able to endure standing on his feet for too long. It might risk permanent damage.'

'Then take him to public places and advertise him. In any case I want him to meet the breeding bulls tomorrow.'

'Yes, father.'

Naruto couldn't make sense of anything they said after that. They were too far away for him to hear properly. He dipped the piece of bread into the olive oil and munched on it. He was curious about the other bulls. Especially, the prized bull named Kakashi. He might be able to convince them to help him escape or even join him in the attempt. He yawned, ready to fall back asleep and wondered if the cheers he heard later on meant that he had passed the test.

TBC

0000

A/N – There are a few things I want to clear up before I continue the story.

Firstly, the world the story takes place in is steam-punk/ancient Rome kind of deal. It is in no way meant to be historically accurate so if you've spotted things that you know wouldn't have happened or been present in the time of Ancient Rome than that's why.

Secondly, as previously mentioned in the summary, this story is partially inspired by the short series Spartacus: Blood And Sand. Those of you who have seen it will probably see similarities. I've stolen several concepts from them, including the whole 'Dominus/Domina' thing and the 'lanista' who is actually the owner of a gladiator school, but I've used it as a respectful way for a slave to address his trainer/caretaker.

Thirdly, I would once again like to point out that this story contains gender-bending, particularly in the sense that some male characters have conveniently become female (such as Sasuke) and that it's actually an erotica and not a specifically a story of romance. I would also like to add that some characters have had their family tree shaken up a bit (such as Konohamaru being Hiruzen's son instead of grandson, Moegi being his sister and not team mate and Asuma, who will appear later on, his older brother).

If you have any more unanswered questions don't hesitate to ask me. Comments, criticism and suggestions are welcome and even appreciated.