Disclaimer: I don't own the Naruto universe or its laws and rules.

A/N: Hello to everyone in the Naruto section. I'm a big fan of the show, first-time writer. Well, like the summary said, this is a spin-off of 'Sound of the Soul' by Silverwolf-fox. Although I will give a short summary of what's happening, I do recommend that you look up the original story; it's very good. I'm using original characters that I outsourced to Silverwolf-fox during the story's posting. Anyway, I hope you like it, but, in truth, I just hope you read it. Also, please forgive the lack of action in part 1; I promise part 2 is all action. And here … we … go.

Vagrant Ninja: No Longer roaming pt.1

Summary: Zenji Kozajima and Tsubame Kurakagi are two roaming shinobi on a bounty to recover a 'sapphire girl' who's being held captive by the Akatsuki, while their leader, Rakugo Soujen, is in Konohagakure with the girl's sister. When they arrive at the Akatsuki hideout, the two end up fighting the girl and her assigned 'guardian', Deidara. After some furious fighting, Deidara gets the best of Zenji, which leads into this story.

He was bruised, battered, and burned, practically near-death yet still conscious. He heard his partner yell out as she ran towards him.

"Zenji," his teammate and wife, Tsubame, called out in worry and apprehension.

He saw her come close, kneel next to him, and check him. He heard a sigh of relief escape her body, her finding out that he was still alive. He could barely move from fatigue and pain, but moved just enough to see Tsubame's face rapidly go from relieved to enraged in a matter of seconds. He knew what look meant; she was intending to kill, no matter what it took out of her.

"Tsubame … no,"

He tried to speak as he watched her rise to her feet and turn intensely toward Deidara, but the thought only came out as a barely audible groan. He could only watch helplessly as Tsubame shot towards the Akatsuki member with the rage of a demon and power of 1000 of them. She didn't seem to notice, but Zenji saw it clearly; 'the sapphire girl' arrived and stood between Tsubame and Deidara as the former was flying through the air toward her intended victim. Then, it was Zenji's turn to worry.

He could barely breathe as he watched 'the sapphire girl' freeze Tsubame in mid-air with what looked like orange musical notes, and begin to 'grab' them. Fortunately for Tsubame, the sapphire girl collapsed before she could kill Tsubame, but she wasn't safe yet. He continued to apprehensively look on as Tsubame's unconscious body fell hard to the ground. He knew he had to act fast, and he had one last resort he could use.

In a horrible situation, he was forced to use his special technique, the 'Stockpile Chakra Release'. Using a special technique known only to him and his comrades, Zenji would 'stockpile' his chakra by storing amounts of it around his eight gates for use in emergencies. Bursting through his first gate, the Gate of Opening, he released his first chakra stockpile, sending a rush of energy through his body, allowing him to move again. However, he miscalculated the damage done by Deidara, and so he didn't have as much energy as he wished. Still, he slowly and quietly approached his fallen partner, laying her across his back, while Deidara and the sapphire girl were distracted with each other. Taking the opportunity, Zenji gathered up half of his regained chakra, and body-flickered them away, the sapphire girl's singing still ringing in his ears.

After travelling a sizeable distance away, Zenji and the still unconscious Tsubame came to a cave in the midst of a fast-approaching storm, and quickly entered to escape the rain and to rest. Alone, Zenji removed his thoroughly charred and cracked mask, and tossed it aside before gently resting Tsubame on the ground. That's when he noticed. That last attack she took had affected her more severely than he thought; her breathing was irregular, stunted, and inconsistent, and she seemed to be showing early signs of arrest. Quickly, he placed his hands over her, and, using the last of his restored chakra, performed the 'Mystical Palm Technique', his hands becoming engulfed in green flame as he repaired the damage done to her lungs and heart. After a tense couple of moments, the flames in Zenji's hands extinguished as he could no longer sustain it, and he silently and anxiously watched to see if it had any effect. Finally, Tsubame's breathing had returned to normal, and, though she was still battered, she would be fine.

Once again exhausted, all Zenji could do was collapse on to the ground next to his partner, his loved one, and just look at her; even after such a grueling battle, she still looked amazing, Zenji recognized.

Thinking to himself, Zenji's mind produced as he slowly succumbed to fatigue, "Sorry, Death, but you're not needed this time. Well, it looks like this is our second DNC, Tsubame. Oh well; at least you're okay."

--

Rakugo had had an excellent swing of fortune since being in The Hidden Leaf Village. Not only had he ended up with the girl he had been admiring for so long, but thanks to her he'd actually found a home; she recommended him to the Hokage, and, because of the village's strained ninja force and the money Rakugo was donating to them, he was welcomed into the ninja ranks with full recognition of his ninja training and skill. Immediately he knew he had to include his teammates into this, and quickly asked permission seek them out and extend the inivitation to them as well. Though reluctant at first, the Fifth Hokage granted permission and he hurriedly set out to find his comrades.

Because of his elevated genjutsu skills, Rakugo could easily form a 'link' to his team, by focusing on something in their possession that they are easily identified by. So, by focusing on Zenji's mask and Tsubame's fighting gloves, Rakugo rushed to them non-stop, reaching them in just a day's time. Coming to a cave amidst a particular vicious rainstorm, Rakugo slowly entered when his link to Zenji grew immensely strong. Stopping, he looked around and saw the burnt and fractured mask lying on the ground; Rakugo at that moment knew that a fight occurred and that his two companions hadn't fared well. Venturing deeper within, he found them asleep, Tsubame resting her head on Zenji's chest and Zenji wrapping his arm around Tsubame's shoulders. In fact, they looked quite peacefully despite the extensive damage evident on their bodies. Rakugo couldn't wake them up.

Finally, his own fatigue set in; he'd been travelling all day without a break. Not to mention that sustaining a mind link required a large amount of energy especially two at the same time. With that in mind, Rakugo decided to rest here along with his friends on that night; he would tell them the good news the next day, so, he built a small fire for warmth, and fell asleep as the serene sound of rainfall lulled him into slumber.

--

The next morning, Zenji and Tsubame were glad to see their friend and teammate back, but nowhere near as glad as they were after he told them the news.

"Are you serious," Zenji couldn't help but ask, "The Fifth Hokage … wants us?"

A smile on his face, Rakugo confidently confirmed, "Yep; it's all true."

Tsubame, barely able to contain her joy, burst out, saying, "Really, Rakugo? That's excellent! That means … we'll finally have a home. And in the Hidden Leaf Village too. Oh, just think of it: the festivals, the weather, all the trees, and all the people."

Feeding off Tsubame's excitement, Rakugo added, "Plus, Lady Tsunade has offered us positions in the ninja corps with full recognition of our training, so money won't be an issue anymore." Although he was sure he already knew the answer, Rakugo asked, "So, what do you guys think?"

As expected, Tsubame's answer shot out of her mouth like a rocket, "I'm all for it! We couldn't find a better place to live."

Suddenly, Zenji replied in a skeptic tone, "I don't know," which caused both his friends to look at him with confusion. Feeling the need, he went on to explain, saying, "It's practically unheard of for a Hidden Village to welcome roaming ninja. On top of that, as much as we hate it, we're still former associates of Orochimaru, well-known enemy of the Hidden Leaf Village. Plus, I doubt the existing ninja are gonna be too thrilled that three vagrants just came in, and bypassed all the prerequisites for ranking, even if we do qualify."

Discouraged by her loved one's valid points, Tsubame asked in a slightly downtrodden voice, "Zenji … You're not serious, are you?"

Zenji was silent for a moment, but eventually, although it was hidden beneath his new, pristine mask, his face broke into a smile and he said, "Nope; not serious at all. I love the idea."

Instantly, Tsubame's smile returned, and Rakugo said with a smile, "Well, that settles it then. Looks like we're headed for the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

Tsubame then quickly interjected, requesting, "Actually, we're still a little banged up from yesterday, so … before we travel, do you think … we could get some time-off."

Rakugo paused for a moment; now that he thought he was still little tired himself. He figured the three could use a little bit more relaxation before making the long journey back.

"Okay, but we'll have to leave first thing in the morning. I'll be here, so you two … enjoy yourselves," Rakugo finally said, giving his blessing.

Very excited, Tsubame quickly jumped to her feet, and exclaimed, "Great! I have to get ready. Oh, I can't wait."

Zenji knew what that was about; he could practically see the ideas running through her head. She was already planning the rendezvous the two of them would have that night. Already prepared for this, Zenji conceded to her.

"I guess I'll see you later then," Zenji said in anticipation.

Tsubame, as she had the tendency to do when it came for one of these 'outings', changed her tone to one decidedly more romantic and enticing as she said, "Oh yeah, you'll definitely see me later. Come find me at twilight; don't be late, baby."

Then, with a smile and kiss on the cheek, Tsubame ran off into the forest. After she was out of view, Zenji let out a strange sigh, one that caught Rakugo's attention.

"What's wrong, man," he asked as he took a seat next to his masked friend.

Zenji replied, "Nothing, but you know she can get pretty carried away sometimes especially when it comes to our dates."

Rakugo, understanding both sides, reassured him, "Yeah, but that's just Tsubame. That's just how she expresses herself, how she shows affection. You know that."

Zenji, thinking about it more, then replied, "Right. Well, at least I'm with someone who loves me enough to go through all that trouble; I'm thankful for that."

Rakugo then grew a wide almost goofy grin as his mind focused on his own girlfriend back in Konohagakure, and agreed. "Yeah; you and me both."

"One thing's for sure," Zenji said as another smile formed behind his mask, "on top of everything else, she always shows me a great time."

--

Twilight was upon the forest, and Zenji was set out for his spouse. In order to look the part, he changed into better, cleaner, more formal clothes including his spare trench coat, and even straighten his hair using some of Rakugo's cream, something Zenji couldn't stand doing. But, when it came to her, he would do what he had to do to be his best. Suddenly, as he was traveling down one path, he noticed a dull, glowing arrow on a nearby tree. It was all too clear; that was a sign from Tsubame. He then removed his mask, knowing what was coming, and began walking in the arrow's pointed direction.

Following the trail of arrows, Zenji eventually found himself coming to a very large clearing, and there, standing next to a small fire with a pot cooking over it, was Tsubame, her hair styled excellently as it flowed freely from her head and adorned in an elegant, black, geisha-like robe. Zenji had to stop for a moment; it had been a while since their last tryst, and he'd forgotten how even more stunning she could look in addition to how she usually did.

"My, my, my," Zenji smoothly said, "And I thought you looked outstanding before."

Greatly enjoying Zenji's reaction and herself enjoying how Zenji looked, Tsubame, her tone still tempting, said back, "Thank you, and, may I say, you are looking quite desirable yourself."

Zenji, just as smoothly as before, replied, "Thank you, but you definitely put me to shame. I hope you don't mind me as I'm blessed by your presence."

"Trust me when I say," Tsubame said in the same voice as before, "… the pleasure is all mine."

With the 'introductions' out of the way, Zenji and Tsubame sat across from each other by the fire, and Tsubame promptly filled two bowls with some contents of the now boiling pot: a tangled mass of broth, sliced pork, and ramen noodles. She then handed one bowl and a pair of chopsticks to Zenji, gaining a bow in response as he received them, and both bowed their heads in a moment of silence before eating. By their standards, they ate their ramen rather slow, but, to someone moving at human speed, it only took a few seconds for them to finish. Nevertheless, fast or slow, both agreed on one thing: the ramen was insanely good.

"Wow; that was amazing," Zenji raved, "Where did you get that from?"

Tsubame then agreed, "That was really good. Rakugo brought it from the Hidden Leaf Village; I think he said it was from Ichiraku Ramen. Apparently, they were trying out a pre-prepared, on-the-go form of its ramen."

With the both of them done, Tsubame started to put everything away, but Zenji interjected.

"Wait a moment. Allow me to get the dishes," Zenji smoothly offered.

Accepting, Tsubame simply sat back down as Zenji disposed of the cookware in matter of flashes, leaving only the now-dull fire behind. With that task now finished, Tsubame moved next to Zenji as he took his seat once again, placing herself close to him, and Zenji, out of instinct and reaction, affectionately wrapped his arm around her shoulders, bringing them even closer. Quickly, the couple began to talk, laughing, joking, and enjoying each other's company, but thusly failed to notice the increased activity in the foliage around the clearing. Still, they continued to converse when, over time, the conversation began to slowly trickle into their most recent encounter.

Breaking his normally cool demeanor, Zenji said with sincere emotion in his voice, "You know, you really scared me back on that last assignment. That girl might have killed you if she hadn't passed out."

Tsubame then confidently replied, "I know, Zenji, but no one messes with my bishonen and gets away with it."

Zenji, although appreciating the sentiment, grew even more sincere, and confessed from his heart, "That's nice, but … it would have hurt me a lot more … if I lost you."

Tsubame stopped for a moment with this comment. She sensed the emotion in his calm voice; she could easily detect it after her time with him. This comment and the corresponding look in his eyes made Tsubame stop and think about what she'd done. She quickly realized she would have done more harm than good had the sapphire girl not quit her attack when she did. Eventually, however, her reflective gaze turned back into a smile; she also realized that as calm and even keel as Zenji was, he would really show emotion towards her. If there were any doubts in her mind, she knew he cared about her.

"I'm sorry, Zenji,' Tsubame conceded, "I'll be more careful next time."

Reassuring her and slipping back into his calm manner, Zenji coolly replied, "You don't need to apologize."

"I know one thing for sure, though," Tsubame continued, "You would do the same for me."

Zenji quickly added with a cool smile, "You know it; always, every time."

Seeing his smile had the same effect on Tsubame as it almost always had. Her heart began to race, she seemed to get lightheaded, and she felt her body go almost limp. Even the strength of her feelings was as strong as the first time she saw it, which actually surprised her especially after so much time together. But, one thing was definitely better than their first meeting; now she could actually act upon her feelings rather than suppress them. Doing just that, Tsubame moved her face closer to his until her lips were almost right next to his ear. As she spoke, the tone of her voice changed even further; her pitch got deeper and her delivery got smoother to the point that her words seemed to flow like chocolate, her voice becoming more seductive and enticing.

"You know after all this time, you still make me weak," Tsubame said with an alluring smile.

Zenji, of course, knew what that tone of voice meant. Even after all the time they had spent together, the hair on the back of Zenji's neck still stood up, he still felt as if he were standing under a floodlight in an instant, and his heart began racing. With this added with her behavior, Zenji knew where they two of them were going next, and what was coming.

Complementing on Tsubame's comment, Zenji replied, "And, after all this time, you still make my heart go crazy."

Tsubame again lit up with that comment; she didn't need to hear anymore. She then reached into one of her inside pockets, pulled out a small, brown candy, a little chocolate nugget small enough to be eaten in an instant, and quickly ate it. Zenji appreciated that small action; they both liked that taste, and it was another sign of where they were going next. They were done talking now.

Following that, Tsubame moved a leg over Zenji's, situating herself right in front of him; Zenji placed his hands on her waist, holding her gently; Tsubame's hands found their way behind Zenji's head. They came closer, their lips locked, and their mouths began dancing a dance they had danced many times before but were always ready and willing to. Fully engaged in what they were doing, Zenji and Tsubame slowly progressed; Zenji slowly lowered himself until he laid flat on the ground, and Tsubame closely followed, their lips never parting, their kiss never breaking. Then, before they could go further…

They both felt something close by, something they couldn't ignore. Reluctantly, they separated, but, trying to give the appearance they were still ignorant to the presence, stayed close enough to look occupied.

"You felt that too," Tsubame asked in a whisper.

Whispering back, Zenji confirmed, "Yeah. It looks like we have company."

Angered by the infringement, Tsubame growled quietly, "I hate it when people interrupt."

Zenji, trying to calm her, replied, "Relax; we'll take care of them."

Quickly and subtly, the pair made preparations to fight. Tsubame pulled out a pair of black leather gloves with small weights on the knuckles, her fighting gloves, and deftly slipped them both on; Zenji extracted his new mask, and neatly affixed it to his face. Pulling a string inside her robe, Tsubame activated her defense measure, and the originally loose robe instantly clung to and tightly wrapped onto her body, now resembling a ninja dogi for combat use.

"How many of them are they," Tsubame asked, ready to battle.

"I can sense two," Zenji replied, relaying the information and forming a plan, "and, based on their hiding, they're ninja, and I don't think they want to just say hi."

Tsubame fiercely but quietly replied, "Well, they picked the wrong ninja to mess with, especially this night. Where are they?"

At that moment, a vast torrent of kunai and shuriken rained down upon the two, almost blocking out the night sky above them. Quickly, Zenji threw up his hands toward the sky, and, using his chakra, created a massive gale of wind, dispersing the metal rain coming for them, but he missed one. Sticking in the ground next to them, a kunai with a lit paper bomb landed, and ignited, releasing a large outburst of energy. Fortunately, both Tsubame and Zenji managed to dodge the blast just in time.

Just as they landed, two chains lined with razor-sharp barbs flew from out of the forest, and wrapped around Tsubame's waist and arms, drawing blood as they dug into her body. Zenji, not far away but too far to help, could only look on in horror as his and her eyes met one more time before … The next moment, after two violent tugs of the chains, and the resulting separation of one form into several and gruesome torrential flood of red liquid, Tsubame was gone.

To Be Continued…

A/N: That was just the beginning and the second part is coming quickly. I hope you enjoyed it, I hope this was a good first fore' into the Naruto section, and I hope you come back. Please R&R, and, as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.