Enjoy the read!
Chapter One
The clopping of hooves resounded loudly off the dirt road. Large, wide trees flanking the road provided shade from the summer day's sun. Besides a lone wagon drawn by a bay Clydesdale with a brown mane the road was deserted. From a far no one would think much of the wagon. Its body and wheels were constructed from worn, battered wood. Bolts holding the wheels in place had rusted. Yet it moved without problem.
When one took a closer look, however, they would notice something strange. There was no opening into the wagon. It was as if someone had taken a large, rectangular box and placed it on wheels.
Stranger still were the two people riding on the wagon. Holding the reins, a lean, average sized man in his early twenties hummed a cheerful tune. His skin was a pasty white. Bright silver eyes filled with mirth surveyed the land. The right one viewed it through a silver rimmed monocle. A stained red top hat sat on top of neatly combed dirty white hair. Despite the heat he wore a red tailed jacket on top of a white shirt accompanied by red trousers. Upon his back was a black cane with one of its tips colored solid white.
Beside him sat a caramel skinned girl of about six years. Orange eyes stared blankly out into space, her chin resting on a fist. Mint green hair framed her face, stopping at the shoulder. A loose white shirt covered her chest while exposing her belly. White shorts and a bit of mesh pants covered her legs while a pair of sandals protected her feet.
Huffing in annoyance, the vertette took a lock of her hair and twisted it around two fingers. "How much further is the village?" she asked of nobody.
A kind smile came easily to the man's face. "You were told not more than ten minutes ago," the man said in an accent that could not be pinpointed, "and your question was answered then. Figure it out for yourself." Puffing her cheeks, the vertette muttered to herself. "Well," said the man as he looked to his younger companion, "what is it?"
Before the vertette replied her eyes focused on something in the distance. Breaking the tree line was a large stone wall. "In about five minutes if we can get Rubric's lazy ass moving," exclaimed the vertette. A resounding smack echoed. Holding the back of her head, she squinted her eyes in pain.
Placing the cane back in place, Silver said, "Those words are not to be tossed about lightly."
The vertette glared as she said, "Come on Rubric, let's get moving." The Clydesdale snorted. The vertette frowned. Then a smug smile formed. "If you get moving," she said in an innocent voice, "I'll get Silver to buy you oranges."
Lifting his head, the Clydesdale stared intently at the wall's gate. "Who said…" was all Silver got out when Rubric bolted into a full out gallop. He had to grab his hat to keep it from flying off.
The large green gates to the village were wide open. The leaf insignia and two kanji declared the village name as Konohagakure. Just within the gate was a guardhouse. Behind a large windowless gap two shinobi wearing the uniforms of the leaf- flak jacket above a black shirt with black jeans and sandals- sat. One wearing a bandana headband was reading an orange book while the other, who had a bandage crossing his face, stared blankly into space.
The thundering of hooves drew their attention. Putting his book down, the bandana shinobi stuck his head out the window. Just as his company leaned out to look a large object darted by them. "Slow!" shouted the blur. "Slow down!"
Dust engulfed the shinobi. The two coughed as the dust settled. "What was that?" said the bandaged shinobi.
"Don't know but it's heading for the village," said his company.
Jumping through the window, the shinobi pumped charka to their legs and darted after the blur.
"Slow down Rubric," Silver shouted as he yanked on the reins. "We're in the village." Standing up, the vertette balanced herself on one leg as the wagon hit bumps in the road. It took a minute and some shaken-up bystanders diving for cover, but the Clydesdale finally slowed to a stop. Silver sighed as one hand rubbed his temple. "Honestly," said the man, "you should know better than that." Rubric looked to Silver with an expecting look. Sighing, he said, "First the guards and then the oranges."
At that moment the two shinobi landed on top of the wagon. Coming out of a crouch, one said, "Excuse me sir, but you must be checked before entering the village."
"I know," said Silver as he turned around on his butt, a welcoming smile on his face. Jabbing a finger at his company, Silver said, "Blame the little miss right here." The vertette stuck out her tongue while crossing her arms.
Getting to his feet, Silver reached into his pockets. The shinobi tensed but quickly relaxed upon seeing a thin leather case. Handing it to the bandaged shinobi, Silver said, "I'm a traveling merchant passing by. Heard that Konohagakure had plenty to offer. For a village hidden in leafs it was easy to get here."
The bandaged shinobi stared at the passport. Everything was in order, but he had never heard of the nation that issued it nor had he seen the strange creature used as a background. "Sir," he begin.
"I know," said Silver with a sigh, "the Confederacy is a real nation it's just far away. And the creature in the background is a chimera. It's a symbol of my people."
After a brief moment the shinobi nodded. Handing the passport back, the shinobi said, "Welcome to Konohagakure. Follow the laws and you'll be just fine." With that said the two shinobi bolted back to their post.
Walking around the wagon, the vertette searched the ground. "Hey," said the girl, "where did Hoshi go?"
Before Silver could answer something yipped at him. Down by the merchant's feet was a black fox with splashes of white across its coat. Her ruffled fur was dirty and her dark brown eye scolded him. "Fall off the wagon?" said Silver with a sheepish grin. The fox nodded. Jabbing a finger at the vertette, he said, "Blame her, not me."
Hoshi walked past Silver and, using the back wheel as step stool, Silver leaped back on the wagon. "Time to begin the show."
As the man took his seat the girl plopped down beside him. "Do we have to?" she asked.
"Yes Fu," said the man with an encouraging smile. "How else can we get people's attention?" Fu opened her mouth to retort, but closed it. It was fruitless to do so. Taking in a deep breath, Silver sang out at the top of his lungs, "Pretty girl of the sea tell who I must be." The sudden outburst gained him plenty of curious and odd looks alike. As he sang Silver got the Clydesdale moving forward. Hoshi strolled along beside the wagon at a brisk pace.
Dirt streets lead through a city of modern and traditional buildings. Civilians and off-duty shinobi glanced toward the wagon as they passed. "Must I become a grand sailor," sang Silver, "or a prince of a mighty castle? How about a scholar with all knowledge of the world?"
Reluctantly, Fu joined in. "Oh silly man," she sung, her voice neither terrible nor great, "that's not how a maiden's heart works…" With voices combined the duet had an interesting tune to it. It certainly drew the attention the man wanted. The two wandered the streets for a little while, drawing in a sizable crowd of curious children and attentive adults. Suddenly, the wagon wondered into a dense crowd of people. Silver's singing settled to a dull hum. With a nod of his head he brought the wagon to a stop.
"Finally," said Fu. Along with the man the vertette jumped off the wagon. The man grabbed his cane while walking over to a rear wagon wheel. He whacked the cane against the wheel. The first time silenced the crowd. The second drew people's attention. The third and final time brought on a strange sight.
A warm blue glow emitted from the wagon. Wood groaned as it stretched outward and upward. Wheels shrink to allow the bottom edge of the newly formed window that took up a wall to be at arm level. A door formed on the southern wall with two overlapping coins carved into it.
Leaping into the air, Silver landed on top of the wagon. He slammed the cane's end onto the roof and placed all his weight on it. "Good afternoon people of Konohagakure," Silver exclaimed with a wide, toothy smile plastered on his face. "Take a look within my store."
The most curious clamored around the window. Beyond it were things that none of them had seen before. Placed upon shelves and hanging from hooks with no real order were exotic items. On one shelf sat a grinning skull painted in variant colors. A single, large wooden eye stared back at them. Another shelf held a necklace of a golden cross with a loop decorated with rubies and sapphire. Beside it sat a couple of old looking scrolls and books. Silk clothing, hats, pottery, weapons, herbs, and much more resided on those shelves.
Leaning dangerously over the wagon's edge, the man said, "Do any of you see something of interest? Something that you would buy?" A collect yes went through the crowd. "Then gain way," shouted Silver. It was the only warning he gave as he hopped off the roof. His foot nearly kicked a startled shinobi's head. As soon as he landed the Silver sprang through the window.
He misjudged the jump and slammed into the back wall. Leaning against the wagon, Fu gave a shake of her head. At her feet sat the fox, her attention focused on the crowd. Crumpling to the floor, the man shouted, "I'm okay. Just gave me a moment to change." From his hidden position one hand grabbed an apron and a flat brimmed straw hat. The other hand placed his jacket and top hat on the hook.
After a few seconds Silver reappeared with his new wares on. With a wide smile he said, "Now who will be my…"
"Hold on," shouted a feminine voice. Pushing to the front of the crowd was a young woman in questionable clothing. Below an open trench coat was full body mesh shirt, leaving nothing about her bosom to the imagination. A mini-skirt covered her upper legs while shin guards protect her shins.
From the spiky violet hair pulled back into a ponytail to her sandals Silver looked the woman over. He took note of the leaf headband hidden under her bangs. "Good evening miss," said the man. "How can I help you?"
"By moving your ass out of the road and to the Hokage's office," said the woman bluntly. "Any merchant who wants to sell items must register first with them. You're also congesting the road."
Leaning out of the window, the merchant looked to his right and then his left. "Hey Fu," said the man, "is the road becoming blocked up."
"Nope," said Fu.
"Then there is nothing to worry about," said the merchant as he turned his back on the kunoichi.
A tick mark formed on the kunoichi's forehead. "Hey," she exclaimed while placing a hand on her hip. "I just told you to pack up."
"Leaf kunoichi," said the merchant as he searched the shelves. "Veteran based on how she holds herself." This statement confused the kunoichi. "Hard exterior and unpolished in way of speech."
Did he just insult me? Thought the kunoichi.
"Do you like knives Miss…" started the merchant.
"Anko," said the kunoichi, "and of course I like knives. Now stop…" Before she could finish the merchant spun around and flung a rolled up piece of cloth across the counter. As it unrolled it revealed a variety of small blades.
"These Miss Anko," said the merchant as his hand swiped over them, "are some of the finest specimens of their kind." His hands jabbed at each knife as he spoke. "Here we've got your typical kunai with wind symbols drawn upon it. Over here we've got a nice example of a balisong…"
Anko tried to interrupt, but found herself looking over the knives. One in particular caught her attention. "That's neat," she said as he pointed to a knife. The handle was carved from oak. The serrated blade of polished bone was decorated by black triangles. Two small black feathers hung from the handle by leather strings decorated with colorful beads.
Snatching up the knife, the merchant said, "This is a bone knife is from a tribe that lives in a faraway place. Due to religious reasons they renounced the use of metal for bone. But don't be fooled." Flicking his waist downward, a thick, square block of wood slid out of his sleeve. He pinned it down and with one swipe of the knife cut it in two. "With m… I mean charka this tribe hardens bone to the point of being like steel."
The merchant let go of the severed wood. Staring intently at the knife, Anko pressed her lips together. Her light brown eyes stared straight into Silver's. "How much for it?" she asked.
"4704 yen," said the merchant.
"4100," replied Anko.
Back and forth the numbers flew. Finally, the merchant slammed the point of the bone knife into the wood block's corner. Based on the numerous small holes it wasn't the first time. "4490 and that's my final offer. Take it or go half way around the world to find another."
Anko's hand went into her pocket and she pulled out a wad of cash. As they exchanged products, the kunoichi said, "You still have to go get registered."
"Tomorrow I will," said the merchant with a smile.
Pocketing the knife, Anko said, "Nice doing business with you…"
"Did I forget to mention my name?" said the merchant with a shake of his head. "How rude of me." Taking off his hat, he brought his arm to his stomach and bowed as deeply as his space would allow. "Silver Dollar the Third," he exclaimed, "ready to serve the pretty lady."
A small frown formed on Anko's face. "Silver," said the kunoichi, "odd name." With that said she walked off.
Shaking his head, Silver straightened as he put his hat back on his head. "Next customer please," said the merchant, "and Fu are you still there?"
Sighing, the vertette said, "Your watch dog is doing her job." At the word dog the fox gave the girl a mean glare.
"Good. Rubric needs to be fed and watered. After that we need to find a hotel and Rubric needs his orange. Come get some money and get to work." Without argument Fu did as told.
Throughout the day the flow of customers was steady. Many purchased items while others traded or sold interesting items to the merchant. After doing her chores Fu strolled through the streets. At the top of her young lungs she announced the merchant's presence to the world. By the setting of the sun she had yelled herself hoarse. Lying upon the counter the fox watched the coming and going of people, her tail swaying and her ears twitching. Except for an odd incident where a villager tried to kill the Hoshi- he yelled something about a demon before being clubbed by Silver's cane- the day was uneventful.
When the roof was bathed in orange light the merchant proclaimed, "Alright folks. The sun is setting so it's time to close down." Those who remained left with mutters.
With her head just barely over the counter Fu waved at the retreating people. "Bye," she shouted, "and thank you for your business."
"That went well," said Silver as he bent down. Below the counter were several crates. The middle lid was wide open to reveal a safe filled with cash. Tucking the paper money into it, Silver closed the lid as he withdraw his hand. "You did well today Fu."
Smiling while rolling her eyes, Fu said, "Thanks Father."
"Remember where the hotel is?"
"Of course." Through the door the two left the wagon.
"You're going want to move Hoshi," said Silver as he took out his cane. Hoshi jumped off the counter as Silver whacked the wheel. The blue glow returned and the wagon shrank back to its original size. "So there's a stable near the hotel?"
"Yes Father," said Fu as she climbed onto the wagon.
Slipping off his shoes, Silver surveyed their room. It was small with a couple of beds and a table accompanied by a chair. Hoshi sat on the table to stare out a window. Rushing out of the bathroom, Fu jumped onto the bed and started hopping on it. "A real bed!" she exclaimed.
Chuckling, Silver said, "Be careful not to break it. Would you feel alright if I leave you alone this evening?"
Fu suddenly stopped, a wry expression on her face. Putting on a kind smile, Silver said, "We're safe within this village my dear. And you won't be alone. Hoshi will keep you company." At the mention of her name the fox turned around. She gazed at Fu warmly.
Sitting down, Fu said, "Where you going?"
"I'm going to check out the town," said Silver, "and maybe go kick up a party or two."
"What about my lessons?" asked Fu.
"A day off won't do any harm," said Silver with a shrug. "Tomorrow morning we'll ask someone about training grounds. There's got to be secluded place somewhere."
Turning to leave, Silver said, "Stay within the room. Hoshi, if you want to do more this evening just make sure the windows and doors are covered and locked."
Despite being called a village Konohagakure was a good size city. One would expect it to have people out and about during the night hours. To some extent that was true. Most of those people, however, looked to be wandering from one bar to another. Not that the merchant didn't like a good drink, but these people smelled strongly of alcohol. Beyond that Silver could hardly find anything of interest. And for a city with electricity there was a surprising lack of street lights.
Thankfully a full moon and lights from indoors provided enough to see. Under his breath the merchant grumbled, "Where are the gambling halls? There's a movie theater, but closed at the moment. A few restaurants I might take Fu to, but I'm not hungry."
Looking up, he spotted the four faces curved into a mountain just beyond the edge of the village. A bit hard not too notice when they appeared to be staring down upon him. "That looks interesting. Maybe Fu would like…"
Something hit him in the side. With an uff the merchant fell to the ground. His hat and monocle fell from their places. Due to a string that led to a pocket in his jacket the monocle hung over his stomach. Looking down at his stomach, Silver spotted a full head of blonde spikey hair with two similar colored dog-like ears sticking out. Though half of it was a blur. The owner of the ears looked up. Slit pupils surrounded by a bright sky blue stared at the merchant. Two sets of three whisker marks scared the cheeks of the boy who was no more than seven.
Upon looking at the boy's body Silver knew something was wrong with him. A tattered white shirt hung off of an unhealthy scrawny frame. A belt kept his weathered pants from falling off. His feet were bare and like his hands they had claws instead of nails.
Silver opened his mouth, but the blond shouted, "I'm sorry!" He scrambled to his feet and ran off.
"Wait," said Silver as he stood, his hand automatically placing the monocle back in place. The blond had disappeared however.
Not long after, Silver heard the sound of feet rushing his way. Looking in that direction he saw a mob of people charging forward. A few of them were shinobi, but most were civilians armed with large gardening tools or clubs. Angry muttering ran through the crowd. A person Silver assumed to be the leader of the mob stepped forward. "Where did he go?" said the shinobi. His voice was charged with wrath.
The merchant stared for a moment. "Who?" he said as dumbly as possible.
"The… the boy," the shinobi choked out.
Putting on a thoughtful expression, Silver said, "Did he had blond hair?"
"Yes," replied the shinobi, his irk all too clear.
Bringing his hand down, Silver said, "About this high and wearing tattered clothing."
"Yes."
With an indifferent shrug, Silver said, "Never seen him."
The contempt coming off the mob would have drowned an elephant. "Hey guys," shouted a shinobi, "the boy went this way."
Silver was pushed roughly to the side and the mob stampeded by him. Keeping his balance, the merchant watched them run off. Once they were out of sight the merchant walked over to his hat. Thankfully it was still intact. Picking it up, he dusted it off. A giddy, almost insane, smile took over his face. As he placed his hat onto his head a strange gleam flashed in his eyes, as if two silver coins were being flipped.
"Well," said the merchant, "this could be fun." With that said he flickered out of existence.
Heavy breaths fall from the blonde's child lips. His heart banged against his chest, echoing in his ears. It was nearly loud enough to block out the noise of the mob. He wasn't sure how he had got into this situation. He was heading home for the night from a day of training. Some drunk man came out of a bar and he accidentally knocked into him. The drunk shouted something about a demon trying to kill him. This wasn't surprising for a lot of people called him a demon for some reason. Yet the formation of the small army of villagers and shinobi forming out of nowhere caught him off guard.
Calm down, said a soothing, feminine voice, if you lose focus you might get yourself in a corner.
"I know that," said the blond. He wasn't yelling but he was loud. He moved to the right.
That way led to a dead end.
The boy quickly corrected himself and ran to his left. His right ear swirled around. With a yelp he dived to the ground. A kunai knife soared over his head. As soon as he hit the ground the blond got to his feet. He gasped as a leg smashed into his gut. "Too slow," said the shinobi, a terrifying grin on his face.
Naruto! Exclaimed the voice. The blond slammed into a wall, his single tail squashed slightly. Just as he fell to the ground a hand grabbed him roughly by the tail. Naruto shrieked as he was tossed to the side. He skidded across the ground, stopping after a few yards. Sitting up, Naruto wrapped his tail around him. The blonde fur was crushed, but nothing felt wrong. Yet he wished the white tip didn't look like a mashed brush.
We're surrounded! Exclaimed the voice.
Sitting in the middle of an intersection, Naruto saw that three directions were blocked off by villagers. The fourth was blockaded by a small group of shinobi. "We've got you now demon," shouted a person from the crowd. Naruto ducked as a good sized rock was thrown at his head.
Hands over his head, the blond whispered, "Please, just leave me alone." His plea fell on deaf ears.
"What are we waiting for?" asked an impatient shinobi.
"Are you stupid," snapped another. "That boy is the Fox. If we're not careful he might kill us all."
"Then let's incapacitate him," said the leader.
Bringing his hands up, the lead shinobi focused on Naruto. His hands rapidly formed hand signs, almost appearing as a blur. He drew back as he took a deep breath of air. Naruto, said the voice, that shinobi is doing a jutsu.
Fire Style, the lead shinobi proclaimed in his head, fire ball jutsu. He blew out of his mouth and a stream of fire hurled toward Naruto. Naruto scrambled to his feet, but he knew he had no time to get away.
Closing his eyes, he waited for the pain. It came, but not in the form he expected. His shirt collar jerked backward and upward. Naruto squeaked as his eyes flew open. They grew as wide as platters as the fireball justu trailed behind him. Yet it never caught up. High into the air he went while being choked. A roof appeared underneath and he landed hard on his tailbone. "Hmm," grunted the blond.
"Sorry about that. Didn't mean no harm."
Naruto looked up at his savior. "Hey," he said, "you're the funny dressed man I crashed into earlier.
Silver smiled at the boy. I'm not dressed funny, the merchant thought in annoyance. In a kinder voice, the merchant said, "You still need to apologize for that."
"Hey you," shouted a person from the mob which was congealing around the two story building. "Give back that kid."
Silver's smile shrunk a little as he looked down. Putting his hands in his pockets, the merchant said, "Pardon me for interrupting. I know little of the village laws and customs. Yet nearly everywhere I go the assaulting of children is consider horrendous."
"You're doing yourself a disservice outsider," shouted a shinobi. "That boy must be dealt with. We must finish what the Fourth started." A cheer ran through the crowd.
Silver rose an eyebrow. "Whoever this Fourth is," said the merchant in a strangely cheery tone, "if he supports this activity may his soul rot in hell."
While he spoke Naruto stared down at the crowd. From behind he heard the faintest of steps. "Behind you," the boy shouted as he twirled around.
A kunai dug into the merchant's shoulder. "How dare you insult the Fourth Hokage," said the shinobi through gritted teeth. Silver's smile never faded as he looked to the man. Not a hint of pain showed on his body. Before the shinobi could puzzle this out a fist slammed into his cheek.
The shinobi flew through the air and slammed into an exhaust pipe. Sliding down it, upon hitting the ground he looked up to see the merchant standing over him, smiling as if nothing had happened. As far the shinobi could tell his attack had done little harm. "How rude," said Silver, "I know you're a ninja, but to attack a man who meant no harm?"
Footsteps landed lightly on the roof. Scrambling to his feet, Naruto ran behind the merchant and grabbed him by the jacket. Silver looked around him to see that three other shinobi had joined in. The one he had punched staggered to his feet.
"Hand us the boy," said the shinobi, "and you can go in peace."
"Hmm," said Silver as a hand cupped his chin. Looking up to the stary sky, he hummed a joyful tune. With a shrug of his shoulder the merchant said, "How about this? You four leave before a trashing takes place."
The shinobi smiled as they looked to each other. "That I would like to see," said one of them.
Sighing, the merchant grabbed his hat. "Hey kiddie," said the merchant. Naruto poked his head around the merchant. "What's your name?"
"Naruto," said the boy in a hushed voice.
"Naruto," said the merchant, "you're going to need to let go of me. Stay in place, but make sure these idiots don't get you." Nodding, the child did as he was told. The smile became giddy as the merchant lifted his hat. "Now than," he said, "let's get started."
One step. To the shinobi it looked as if Silver took one step forward. Their eyes widened when Silver appeared in front of a shinobi. Before the shinobi could react the merchant slammed his forehead into the shinobi's. The shinobi stumbled back and before he could recover a fist buried into his stomach.
As he crumpled to the ground the shinobi's allies jumped toward the boy. Just as they got on top of him two of them felt a strong grip on their collars. What the… was the thought that went through their head. With one good heave Silver pulled the shinobi in front of him. Naruto ducked as Silver collided his captives into each other. The merchant let go and the three crashed to the ground. They struggled to get up, but found themselves tangled together.
Suddenly, a foot slammed down on one's back, pinning them all to the ground. "That was too easy," said the merchant in a bored tone, his smile never waning.
How, thought a pinned shinobi, did he move so fast? Teleportation wouldn't allow him such precision and nobody can move at such speed.
From his sleeve Silver flicked out a curved knife and twirled around. It collided with a kunai. Silver held it in place while staring down a shinobi with blood streaking his forehead. Silver's smile matched a snarl. In one swift motion Silver brought his fist into the shinobi's stomach. With a grunt the shinobi fell to her knees before collapsing to the ground.
"Twisted morals and weak in general," said Silver as he tucked the knife back up his sleeve. "How are you people shinobi?" With a shake of his head, Silver shouted, "You alright Naruto."
Nodding his head, the boy stood up from his crouch. "Those guys were chuunin," said Naruto with a bit of awe. He exclaimed while thrusting a fist into the air, "That was awesome!"
Silver's smile grew bigger at the comment. "Hey Naruto," said the merchant, "Sit on these idiots for a few seconds." As Silver lifted his leg Naruto planted himself on the shinobi pile. After dragging all of the shinobi together Silver took off his hat. He reached inside and pulled out a coil of rope.
"Where did that came from?" asked Naruto.
"My wagon," said Silver. "Get off the idiots and help me tie them up." It took some maneuvering, but they managed to get the shinobi into a tight circle. Silver used the rope to bind them together. Once done he looked the roof over. Spotting a loose board, a grin formed on Silver's face. "How Naruto, how would you like to do some face painting?"
Down on the ground the civilians waited for their shinobi to return. "What's taking them so long?" muttered a woman. Suddenly something was thrown off the building and fell halfway before jerking to a stop. Dangling by the rope the four shinobi looked as if a paint bomb had exploded in their faces. All of them had facial hair drawn on them. Attached to the rope was a sign that proclaimed the four shinobi to be child molesters in need of a spanking.
Silver chuckled while Naruto gave a hearty laugh. "Not bad Mr. Silver," said Naruto as he calmed down.
"Thanks," said Silver, "now why don't we return to my home for the moment."
"But I need to get home," said Naruto.
"Not like that you're not," proclaimed the merchant. Getting to his knees, he said, "Climb onto my back. I'll get us there in no time." Seeing no reason to protest Naruto did as told. Once the blond was secured Silver darted off.
"For the last time," exclaimed the owner of the hotel, "that demon isn't allow in my inn." A stern smile occupied the merchant's face. Naruto stood to the side, looking at the floor with keen interest.
"And I said already," stated the merchant, "I am more than willing to pay for his stay." Before the inn keeper protested again Silver dug several gold coins out of his pocket. He shoved them into the innkeeper's hand. The innkeeper looked to the coins and the sharp words died on his tongue. A conflicted look came over his face. With a huff he shoved the coins into his pocket.
"He's your responsibility," the innkeeper said before walking off.
Shaking his head, Silver headed off to his room with Naruto close behind. At his door the merchant stopped and knocked. "Fu, Hoshi," he said with a small smile, "you'd better be decent, because we've got a guest." Upon entering the room Silver found Fu and Hoshi sitting on the bed. Cards were spread before them while the rest of the deck sat in the middle.
Eyes gleaming with interest Fu leaned to the right in an attempt to see the guest. She didn't have to wait long for the merchant stepped into the room. Hesitatingly, Naruto followed. "It's a fox boy!" exclaimed Fu. Jumping off the bed, she rushed over to the blond.
A bright smile spread across the blonde's face. He opened his mouth, but a hand grabbed him by the wrist. "Come now Naruto," said Silver as he dragged him into the bathroom. "First a bath and then we'll get you clothing."
Naruto tried to protest, but Silver was already tugging the boy's shirt off. The merchant nearly dropped it upon seeing Naruto's chest. Skin stuck to the rib cage, clearly outlining the bone. "Cool," said Fu as she poked one of the bones. Naruto pulled back from the touch with a yelp. With a shake of his head Silver yanked the shirt off.
"When's the last time you ate?" asked the merchant.
"A couple of days ago," said Naruto.
Shaking his head, the merchant said, "Undress and jump into the bathtub. Turn off the water when it's filled. Fu, make sure he takes a bath." Silver darted out of the room.
"You heard Father," said Fu crossing her arms, "take off the pants." Sighing, Naruto did as he was told. He tossed his clothes into a pile before climbing into the bath. Taking a seat on the toilet, Fu observed the blond as he bathed, Hoshi laying upon the floor nearby. "So fox boy," said Fu. Naruto cringed slightly at the words yet they content no hatred. "You're a local around here?"
"Yeap," said Naruto as he poured water over his head, "born and raised."
"So you know all the cool places to hang out?"
A grin crossed the blond face. "Sure do." Lifting a hand, Naruto counted off the places as he said, "There's Ichiraku Ramen, the top of the Hokage Monument, the park…"
"Would you like to play some time?" That stopped Naruto in mid-sentence. He stared at Fu intently. Frowning, Fu looked to herself. "Stop staring at me fox boy."
"It's Naruto," the boy yelled.
Snorting, the vertette said, "I heard Father say that Whiskers."
Naruto's eyebrow twitched. "What did you call me?" he said.
Smiling, Fu said, "Whiskers." She yelped as a spray of warm water hit her.
"Don't call me that!" shouted Naruto.
"Whiskers, Whiskers, Whiskers!" Fu sang out. More water was splashed at her. Jumping off the toilet, Fu dashed over to the bath and leapt at Naruto. She tackled the blond and they went down with a splash. The two tossed and turned in the bath, sending sprays of water everywhere. Hoshi took cover under the counter to avoid the onslaught.
When Silver entered the room it was thoroughly drenched, the children wrestling in a bath tub that was nearly empty. After placing the clothes in hand on a dry spot, the merchant walked over the tub. Reaching down he grabbed Fu by the back of her shirt and lifted her up. "Hey," she shouted as she waved her hands. Upon seeing who it was the fight left her.
The merchant looked at her and then at Naruto who laid on the bath tub floor. A chuckle escaped him before he set the soaked girl down. "Grab a towel both of you," ordered the merchant. Fu and Naruto looked dejected, but the moment Silver turned his back the two glared at one another.
Once the children wrapped themselves in the towels that had miraculously stayed dry they joined Silver in the main room. "He/She started it!" proclaimed the children as they each pointed an accusing finger at the other.
"I don't care who did what," said Silver, "as far as I can tell you were both going at it in the tub. Why is the question?"
"He splashed water on me," declared Fu.
"You called me Whiskers," said Naruto.
"So both parties are at fault," said Silver with a shrug. The glares he received could have baked an egg. "Both of you will apologize."
Almost grudgingly, Fu said to the floor, "Sorry Naruto."
Silence reigned for a second. Fu lifted her head and stared at the blond. An expression of disbelief sat on his face. "I'm sorry as well," he finally said.
"Now that's settled," said Silver with a clap of his hands. "I've got something for you Naruto." Picking up the clothing beside him, the merchant held it out to the blond. The blond stared at the clothing in confusion. The clothes were nothing special. Just a plain orange shirt accompanied by brown shorts, underwear, socks, and pair of black shoes. "Plan on catching a cold?" asked Silver. Naruto shook his head. "Then take it."
A grin crossed the blonde's face as he shouted, "Thank you, Mr. Silver."
Yanking the clothes out of the merchant's hand, Naruto darted to the other side of the room. Facing away from his companions, Naruto dropped his towel. As he dressed Fu watched the blond tail sway back and forth. For some strange reason she felt a strong need to pull on it.
Once dressed Naruto stared down at himself. "Thank you," he repeated, but much quieter this time.
"Don't thank me yet," said Silver, "we still need to discuss pay." Naruto tilt his head to the side as a questioning look come over his face. Smiling, Silver said, "If we happen to meet again I expect you to take me and my girl here on a tour of this village."
The smile returned to the blonde's face with full force. "Can do," said the blonde.
"So would you be staying with us tonight?" asked the merchant.
Shaking his head, Naruto said, "I've got an apartment to return to. And don't worry. I can get there without trouble." From the bathroom Naruto retrieve his old clothing, but the merchant insist that he left them behind. No one should be wearing them. "See you guys later," the boy exclaimed as he exited through the door.
Those two were nice, said the voice. I hope we see more of them.
Naruto nodded in agreement.
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