This came up as a plot bunny originally. So I thought... why not try? It might help you guys wait for my other stories too. So, here is the deal with this. I am interested in One shots recently... and sorry to say that this is as best as i could do it. I know it's kind of rushed so please, forgive me if it is really bad. I'm a sucker to romance, never dated any girl and probably never will.

Not like I'm interested in knowing someone in the first place...

Anyway... let us just resume, no?

"Where am I?"

Three words explain all. It explains what he is seeing, what he is feeling, and what is he doing. To be honest, he is not doing much, physically. But his mind… his mind is comprehending things that he hasn't before. A pair of blue azure eyes blinked repeatedly, staring into a wide field of… sand? Maybe. Anyway, he is staring into what seems to be a really long zen garden, his brain still thinking on what reaction he should pull. He raised his hand slowly, and he pulled it back down. He wants to scream idiot, but his mouth is not responding.

He stared around some more, seeing nothing but sand and- oh look, a house. And oh look, a tea set. And oh look- a sword is about to slice his head off.

Wait.

"WOOOAAAAH!" He evade the horizontal slice via matrix, seeing the long gleaming steel went past him. he jumped towards safety, drawing distance from his attacker. He gasped for breath, that attack was too sudden for his comfort. After a few more breathing, his eyes settled for a short and petite figure. He blinked, his breathing steadier. In front of him is a girl with a sword on her hand and another in a sheath that is strapped on her back. He blinked, his eyes landed on the girl's appeareance. She is young, maybe younger than him, and notably short. She has a short silver white hair, and a pair of cerulean blue eyes. She is dressed in a clothing of green and a white, the green being her vest and the white being the shirt underneath that vest.

He did not get the chance to speak, seeing that another strike was delivered. His hardened instincts allow him to dodge the strike with little difficulty. He continues to dodge swipes and strikes from the girl, doing so while analyzing her movements. The thought of the girl being a samurai crossed his mind. After all, who fights with a katana? Hell that Uchiha bastard fights with a freaking chokuto for God's sake. The male dodged a vertical slice that will separate him in half if connected. If. He counters by sweeping the girl in the leg, making her stumble.

He continues by grabbing her by the neck, and applying pressure that caused the girl to drop her sword. The girl struggled under the hold, he overpowers her in a matter of strength. There is nothing she could do. Eventually, after a few more struggling, the girl managed to break free by stepping on the man's foot. He yelped in pain, but that pain turned to adrenaline when a sword came for him from his right. He ducked under the attack, seeing that the girl is vulnerable, he lands a solid punch to the girl's stomach.

"Ack!" the girl stumbles backward, feeling the sudden strike connects. She ignores the pain and charges forward, her sword ready to cut the man. But to her surprise, her body was suddenly stopped by a pair of arms that wrapped around her stomach. She did not have the time to react as the pair of arms that are wrapping around her stomach lifts her to the air and roughly slams her down to the ground. She struggles to her feet, her eyes open groggily, seeing two identical faces. Her eyes blinked thrice, clones?

No matter, they are no match for her. she lifts her body from the ground, and her hand reached for the shorter sword on her back. She discards the sheath to the sidelines, now ready to face the man with both swords in hands. The first one to react was her, of course, the man and his clone did a good job on dodging. Both the man and his copy has no weapon to defend himself with or whatsoever, but he is trespassing, so that is not a reason. The white haired girl continues to strike at both male, but both are too good to dodge her attacks.

This is getting irritating for the girl, with a growl, the girl moves faster, slicing horizontally. To her happiness, one of the man was hit, but only to explode in a cloud of white smoke, obscuring her vision. That was a clone it seems… she lowers her sword, ready for anything that comes from outside. Her eyes darted from each possible entry point, she expects the man to come in barging and aiming at her with whatever attack he has at his disposal, but the silence is getting too tense to bear.

The smoke is so thick, that it is taking a long time to dissipate. She is still ready and her defense are held high, she can't afford to be hit by whatever surprise attack that the man will offer. But of course, that is impossible. She did not have the time to react much less jump, something, no doubt a hand, grabbed her ankle from under the ground. Her eyes widens in an instant, a shriek escaped her mouth, she unconsciously throws both swords away, and her body is being pulled underground. Eventually, she cannot feel the hand that is holding her leg, but she is now buried, her body at least. Her head is the only thing that is left, her body is unable to move or act. She struggles but eventually gives.

The smoke clears, showing the man that she was fighting with rising from the ground as if he is an undead. He dusts his clothes, freeing the fabric from dirt. After a while, his eyes landed on her head that seems to pops out from the ground. He crossed his arm, and approached her slowly.

She tries desperately to escape, but 'try' being the keyword. No matter how hard she moves, her body is stuck and won't move. She is feeling fear slowly invading her brain. She closed her eyes, preparing for something to happen, but to her confusion, nothing happened. She opened her eyes only to meet a grinning face of the man that she was fighting with before, he has a rather bright smile, and is feeling strangely cheerful.

"Heya there! Mind telling me what's your name?" he asked cheerfully, squatting down.

"Y-Youmu Konpaku." She uttered.

"Hm, good! Then, Youmu-chan, could you please tell me where am I at right now?"

"Huh?"

Wait, and 'chan'?

"I see… so it's like that."

"Hm, maybe…"

Seated in the living room of the mansion in the netherworld, Youmu Konpaku is in the room with a man known as Naruto Uzumaki. He stood at a height that made hers look short, he is young, and human. He is dressed in a clothing that she would consider… eye catching, the bright contrast of orange really gives off the feeling of someone who charges forward without any sort of thinking in battle. He has a wild spiky blonde hair that went down to his neck, his bangs are long enough for him to tie it with ribbons. His eyes are blue, a darker and brighter color than hers. And currently on his face, he is sporting a thinking pose and look.

She never thought that an outsider would appear anywhere near Hakugyokurou. Usually, from what she heard from a certain black white witch, outsiders would be magically spirited away into Gensokyo. But the place where they would end up in would usually be the many forests out there in Gensokyo. Regardless, she did commit a mistake of attacking him without any further thoughts on the matter. She did not even ask him of what his business is. She felt embarrass, if her mistress were to hear of this…

"I still can't believe it though…" she heard him started. She saw him scratching his chin, a seriously confused expression is on his face. "You said that this place is where the dead would reside… ironically, the last thing I remembered was me dying." He finished.

Youmu blinked. "Clearly, that is not possible. You are still human, spirits are like the ones that you saw back in the garden." A white puffy and wispy round thing floats near Youmu. "And this is my ghost half, as I've mentioned." Youmu eyes the man carefully. "Are you sure you are human?"

Naruto nodded. "I am, hell I'd freak out if I wasn't. But really... how did I end up here? You said that people were transported here magically, but for me to be transported here just when I was about to die… isn't that strange, or weird for that matter?" asked the blonde man to the white haired gardener.

Youmu did not what to answer. All she could do is shrugged her shoulders. "I am afraid I cannot give you a reason or any answer to your problem. Though I am sure that my master knows what is going on." She explained to Naruto.

Naruto perks up. "Then… where is your master?"

"She is away for the day. She will return tomorrow. I suppose that she would not mind a guest staying here without her knowing." She stood from her seated position. "Please follow me, I will show you your bedchamber. It is already late, and I am sure that you are tired." Said the gardener.

Youmu is right on one thing. He is tired. He doesn't know why. But he knows one thing, it is not because of the fight that he had with Youmu. This feeling of fatigue… it's greater than just his regular ones. Whatever that is, he's going to be better by waking up tomorrow morning. He stood from his seat, nodding. "Sure and thanks, I will properly say my thanks to your master tomorrow, believe it." He promised, a grin was offered to Youmu from him.

Youmu nodded. Her stoic demeanor still masking her face. "That you will." She lead the male towards the hallway, closing the door to the living room while at that. The two walked the hallway in silent, with Youmu leading the male. She is still curious as to why an outsider like him is here… usually, Reimu is the one who deals with these kinds of things, she's sure that she knows what to do. But regardless, Naruto is a guest of this place, and as a gardener and servant to her master, she will do her duties.

The walk comes to an end when they reached a certain door. Youmu slides open the door, opening the door, a rather spacious room is shown. There is a table and a closet, also a window to view what's outside. Overall, it looks like an inn, a high class inn. Naruto enters the room, knowing that it is common courtesy to do so. Youmu kneels outside of the room, still in the hallway. Naruto does the same, but he prefers sitting down.

"Then, if you need anything, I will be in the room next two room to this one." She bowed, Naruto doing a curt one. She closed the sliding door, leaving the man to himself to retire for the night.

Naruto stands on the spot, he stretched his limbs. "Yaawn~ I'm sleepy as heck, well, better get to sleep. I'm sure that tomorrow will be a better start to another day…" he's saying that because he has no idea on how the day today even started. All that he remembered was that he was about to die, then bam, he's suddenly outside in the garden, then he's fighting Youmu… it's weird, no matter how he would look at it. But after he heard Youmu's explanation, he began to calm down a little bit.

This place is Hakugyokurou, and the place out there is Gensokyo. He's honestly interested in what he could do out there, but he still has to meet Youmu's master tomorrow. Maybe… maybe he'll find out why he is here. Or maybe things will be a lot more complicated that he thought it might be. Who knows? After all, the world works in ways that is absolute mind breaking…

He yawns one last time. He walked over to the closet and pulls out the folded bed sheets. It's clean and good smelling, he spread the bed sheets on the floor neatly. The blonde rests his body on top of the bed sheets, sleep overtakes his entirety.

"Don't go… please, Naruto-kun…"

His eyes snapped open. Naruto felt a cold chill running up his spine. He slowly stood in a seated position. His eyes wanders the room, where the morning light has pierced its way inside his room. He took in a deep breath of air, before releasing it. Sleep was strangely short… maybe it's just him. But he has to wonder… who is the owner of the voice that spoke inside his head? He would call it a dream, but there wasn't even anything to see.

"Ugh…" he clutched his head, trying to clear things up. If this goes on, he might seriously get sick. And he doesn't want to trouble Youmu or her master at that…

Speaking of which…

"Oh yeah… I need to meet with Youmu's master today." He remembered that Youmu's master will return today. He shifts his legs, getting them ready to lift his weight out from bed. But… something is preventing him to do so.

"Hmm~" Naruto blinked. That was not his voice. His head slowly turns to face the source of the voice, and his blood runs cold at what he's seeing. It might be rude or impolite to say that what he's seeing is scary, in fact, it is not scary at all. He was really sure that he slept here last night, alone. Then… how on earth did a woman ended up inside the room. Naruto could not move. He is too busy on trying to figure out the safest way on how to get out of this situation.

First, there is a woman in his bed with him. from the looks of it, she is fast asleep even though it's morning.

Second, he doesn't know how in the nine hells did she get here.

And third… she's beautiful.

His blue eyes stared at the woman's visage. She is beautiful indeed. Her sleeping face, however, seems childlike. Her hair is the same color as the cherry blossom petals, remembering him of a certain someone that he knew, she appears young, maybe only a few years older than him. and even if she is lying down, he could easily tell that she is a few feet shorter than him. His eyes landed on the floor next to her, where he found a rather unique looking hat with a triangular paper with a swirl mark printed on it, is there. No doubt that the hat belongs to the woman.

As to the other reason why he is unable to move… it is because said woman is holding his right arm as if it was a pillow. He could feel the softness of her cheeks as she caressed it, rubbing her cheeks on his forehand. He could also feel her warm breathing coming out from her mouth, she is snoring softly. Naruto gulped down hard. He is in a situation that he has never been before in his entire life. But no matter how unique or critical or vital a situation can be, he is a ninja, it is in his nature to find a way to get rid or solve said situation.

But it seems that he won't be able to get rid of this kind of situation…

Though that is true, he still can use his skills. He looked around the room, scanning the room for an object that he could replace himself with. his eyes landed on a pillow near him. perfect. He performed the substitution technique, and he is glad that it is successful. His hand was replaced by the pillow, which is more than happy to replace his position. He carefully and slowly moves backwards, towards the door. Again, it is a suvvess, he managed to do it without waking the woman up. He opens the sliding door, still careful on not waking the woman up. After he is on the other side of the door, he slowly close the door, sighing in relief.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Eeeek!" he turned back in an instant, kunai raised. Naruto blinked. He is staring face to face to Youmu, who is having a confused expression her face. He blinked a few more times before releasing a sigh in relief. He pockets his kunai again, tapping his chest who was just about to burst from the shock he experienced. "Haah… I was so surprising…" he shook his head. "Anyway, I want to ask you something."

Youmu's turn to blink. "What is it?"

Naruto pointed a finger towards the room where he was sleeping at. "Is it normal for… a woman to join you in bed whenever you're asleep?" he asked. Naruto was about to slam his palm to his face, he needs to work on how to explain things better. Youmu must've got the wrong idea. "U-Um I mean…"

"Haaah…." Naruto stopped what he was going to say. Youmu is sighing…? "Is this woman currently sleeping inside has pink hair, and a hat?" asked the gardener to the male.

All Naruto could do was nod.

Without any other word, Youmu opens the door. She walked towards where the woman is sleeping. She knelt down next to sleeping woman and proceeds to tap her shoulders. Naruto could only watch as the scene is happening before his eyes. Youmu's method of waking the woman up did not work. Instead, the woman twists and turn from her sleep, getting deeper into sleep than before. Youmu sighed.

She taps the woman's shoulder again, but to no avail. He saw Youmu lean towards the woman, where her ears are at to be more exact. She is seemingly to whisper words to the woman's ears, words that Naruto could not pick up. But whatever words that Youmu said to the woman, it sent her awake and rushing towards him.

"BREAKFAST~!"

Or the kitchen. Still, he is in her way, so…

"GAH!"

And the woman did not even fall from the crash. There he was, on the ground, blinking while trying to figure out what on earth is happening. He saw a hand outstretched to him, a hand that belongs to Youmu. He accepted the gesture, lifting himself up with Youmu's help. He looked at the half human half ghost, his face seems to get what's happening.

"Let me guess… that was your master."

"Yes indeed."

Well, he's glad that he will get to know things sooner…

"Ufufu… I'm sorry about the thing earlier Whisker-kun."

"It's Naruto."

The woman, who is sitting across from him, is none other than the mistress to this house. She is also a ghost. A ghost. He for once has a fear of ghost, but it looks like that his phobia is going to grow dormant starting now. He stares at the woman, or what she is doing to be exact. He's a rather heavy eater, but this woman… she's eating breakfast, no scratch that, she is eating a buffet that could feed ten people at once. Hell maybe Chouji and her could do a one on one, which would be amusing to watch.

Her name is Yuyuko Saigyouji, the princess of the netherworld. She's dressed properly now, even if she did just went straight for the kitchen. Her choice of clothing is normal, it suits her looks in fact. He'd seen beautiful women, and he's not wrong to categorize Yuyuko on that level. Maybe she's higher than most of the models that he saw on Sai's drawing. Still, what do he know.

"I know~ so, Naruto-kun… I'm sure that you have a lot of question, right?~" she asked sing-songly, still eating after she's finished speaking.

Naruto nodded his head, getting right on the matter. "Well… for once, I would like to know why I am here. Youmu told me that the dead went here when they die, but… she said that I am not dead." He explained. "But ironically, the last thing I remember was about me dying." He revealed.

The pink haired ghost paused, she placed her rice bowl on the table. She placed a finger on the edge of her lips, making a seemingly cute thinking pose. "Hmm~ well, if it isn't much to ask, what caused your death?"

That question caused him off guard. Naruto stared blinkingly at Yuyuko. "Sorry?"

"I said, what caused your death? People died in many ways, but I'm curious. What caused your death?" the ghost princess clarifies. Or not. It seems that she is simply curious.

Naruto shifts uncomfortably. What he remembered wasn't exactly memorable. All that he remembers was about how he died and all the things that he did. He wasn't even sure who or what killed him. all that he know is that he died after something came up to him.

Naruto's silence was finally over. "Um… well, I can't exactly say if I died or what. But I remember someone… a voice that I'm familiar with, a voice that I recognize speaking to me. As in… well, you know…" he really got to learn how to explain things better. He looked at Yuyuko hopingly that she would understand him.

Thankfully, she did. "Hmm. I see…" Yuyuko hummed. "Well, let's just forget about that and stay here, okay~?"

What. The. Heck.

"What do you mean?! I really need to know why I'm here, I've been through near death situation, but this is the first time something like this happened to me!" he nearly shouted in outrage. He calmed down slowly, trying to talk things out. "Listen, Youmu told me that people gets magically spirited away into Gensokyo… but don't you think that it's kind of weird for me to be transported here when I'm about to die?"

Yuyuko gulped down a spoonful of rice. She shrugged. "I don't know…" she made a thinking pose. "Maybe you're just lucky? But enough of that." She placed her chopsticks on the table. Her face for once showing seriousness. "I do not know the reason as to why you are here… but I am willing to let you stay here until you figured out the reason for your spirited away, or your to be death for that matter." She nodded. "I'm sure that you will enjoy Gensokyo, after all, it is a fun place." She smiles.

Naruto sighed deeply. He really has no choice. Whether or not he died or is still alive is not a problem. Well, it is a problem. But it looks like being dead or alive in Gensokyo isn't as weird as he thought it might be. Still, he needs to find the reason for his transportation here in Gensokyo, or Hakugyokurou to be exact. He hopes that things will be better and right when he finally figures things out once and for all.

His head isn't doing a good job on thinking, he can't remember what he was doing before he got here, other than the fact that he was dying. It's strangely… scary. In a sense. Maybe he will be staying here for a very long time, or maybe he'll return home and find out why or what caused him to be here. Or maybe… he will find whoever did all of this in Gensokyo… he just hope that it isn't that man. Naruto shudders.

"Umm… thank you for your offer Yuyuko-san… I will accept it." He said while bowing slightly.

Yuyuko giggled, taking up her chopsticks once more. "Ufufufu… it's fine. I will have Youmu show you around Gensokyo later, I'm sure she'll be happy to show a boy around." She leaned in closer. "Though you need to know that it's Youmu's first time, I expect you to be gentle." She winked, much to his confusion.

"Yes…?" Naruto could only nod slowly. This woman is weird…

Yuyuko giggled further. "Youmu~! Youmu~!" she began calling out for her gardener. Shortly later, the door to the dining room was opened, and it shows a stoic face Youmu. Yuyuko motions for the gardener to enter the room, to which she did. "Listen Youmu, after this, could you please show Naruto-kun around Gensokyo, I'm sure that he's going to be happy if you're the one showing him around.

"Why…?" was the thought that went along Naruto's head. Naruto swear that he saw Youmu's face glowing red for a little bit, maybe it was his eyes.

"I-I… yes, of course, Yuyuko-sama…" her voice came out strangely soft.

Yuyuko smiled, nodding. "Good~ then, Naruto-kun, you can leave anytime. Just be sure to be home before dinner. Or else I'll get angry and hungry!" she fake glare at the man.

Naruto did not know whether he should react to Yuyuko's statement or that he should just roll his eyes at her childish behavior. He chose none. Naruto smile as he stood up, he nods. "Okay, then…" his focus switched to Youmu. "Let's go right now!"

"Whoa… beautiful…"

He exited the gates that lead to Hakugyokurou, upon exiting, he marvel at the sight that was before him. He is standing on a dirt pathway, the gate behind him has disappeared, showing a long road that leads to somewhere in this place. Everything around him is nature. The trees, the wind, the grass and the clouds. As a sage, he could feel the nature energy that this place is giving off, and it's purer than the energy that he used back in Konoha. It's like comparing it to a still water and rain water.

The sun is above, giving its ever kind light to both the people and creature that roams this land. Azure eyes marveled as they bare the view into their owner's memories. Never in his life has he seen a place truly beautiful. To see this scenery is what he's hoping to make Konoha into someday. He promised to be Hokage, that is why, as soon as he returned, he will try his best to make Konoha and the entire elemental nation into a land that is as peaceful as this.

"Whoa…" the young teenager unconsciously repeated, gaining the attention of the white haired gardener.

Youmu stares at the male. Has he never seen trees before? Or is the place where he came from is so… different than Gensokyo? She would be lying if she said that she is not interested in knowing more about the man. Not only because of the fact that she lost to him, but she is curious for the fact that he fought with such joy in his face. Yesterday, when the two of them fought, she saw him having a happy expression on his face, an expression that someone would wear when they are enjoying what they're doing.

How can one fought like that? She was seriously going to kill him yesterday. Yet he is facing her as if she is his… sparring partner in a sense. It's almost as if he is used to face fights that could potentially injure or even kill him. Naruto Uzumaki is strange man… she hopes to know more from what she could know about this man.

"Youmu-chan, hello?~ Youmu~"

The blonde boy's call snapped Youmu out of her thoughts, she blinked and straightened her posture at being called by the male. "What is it?" she asked Naruto.

Naruto grinned, his azure orbs sparkling underneath the sun's radiance. "C'mon! I bet this place has a lot of things to offer, so where should we go?" he's really interested in exploring this area. If he is going to stay in this place… then it's better if he knows where he's living. And, not to mention, he's the kind of guy that could not stay still and sit. So he'll go exploring in the end.

Youmu managed a thinking pose, drifting off to silence. She could show him around Gensokyo, but he is still a guest to her master's house, so any harm must not befall him. Then that leaves off most of the place in Gensokyo. She could start with the Human Village, and she's sure that the teacher there could help him more than she could. But from there, where should they go next? Reimu's shrine is a good place to continue, and maybe she will show him the Misty Lake. Though she needs to be careful on the later place, fairies are annoying after all.

But that brought up another problem… something tells her that Naruto can't fly. All of the places that she thought are still approachable with walking, but it will take a long time. And Naruto's heavier than her, she could not last long enough to carry him all the way through the entire trip. After the long moment of thinking, Youmu finally answers. "I know the first place that we could visit. The Human Village. Though it's quite far from where we are right now, are you sure that you could keep up?" she asks, not meaning the slightest bit of offense.

Naruto jabbed his chest with his thumb, the grin has seemingly grew wider and brighter. "Don't worry, of course I can. Believe it!"

Youmu simply nodded. She turned to set off, turning her head to look at the Shinobi. "Then, shall we go?"

"Um!"

The two kicked the dirt, running through the path.

"Wow! This place is full of people!" exclaimed the blonde haired boy as he awed at the busy sight that is the human village. He knew that Konoha is busy, but this place… this is Iwa and Konoha combined when they both have discount on every single thing at the market! There are various shops, from food to trinkets, there are also food stands and other sorts of stands that sell items like toys, clothes, trinkets, pots and other stuffs. It has been so long since he'd seen this kind of scenery.

The people. The kids, the adults, the elderly… this place is a huge community. And Youmu was not lying when she said that this place is far from where they were before. It took them, roughly, almost an hour to reach this place. He wanders the street, walking past stalls that sell foods and items. His eyes shifts from shops to shops, from stalls to stalls… it's like festival!

"Naruto-san!" he turned towards the direction where he heard his name was called. He saw Youmu running straight to him, she seems to be gasping. Oh yeah, he kind of left her when they were at the village's gate. The white haired gardener panted, she eases out her breathing, before resuming talking. "Don't leave me like that… what would have happened if you got lost?"

Naruto rubbed his head and grinned sheepishly. He feels embarrassed for obvious reasons. "Hehehe… sorry for running off like that, I'm excited you know?" he said honestly to Youmu. He then chuckled nostalgically. "It's funny. I used to do escort missions when I was still at my home… but it seems that I'm the one being escorted right now." He laughed lightly at the end.

Youmu, however, is interested. "Missions?" the girl wondered aloud for him to hear. "What exactly are you back at your home place, if I may ask?"

Naruto smiled. She noticed that his smile is softer, not cheerful or energetic like the ones that he showed before. "I am a ninja." He flicked the metallic headband that has a strange symbol that he tied on his forehead. "We are soldiers, mercenaries, assassins, bodyguards and even weed exterminators." He chuckled at the last part. "We do jobs in order to progress in our ranks, but it's not only about that." He stretched his arms. "It's a lot more complicated, nothing to worry about."

"I see…" a ninja. She could not believe it. A ninja is standing in front of her and is having a casual conversation with her. Now it all made sense, the reason why she lost to her fight with him. He is skilled, more than her, in evading and reading movements or attacks. No wonder that his movements are so swift. And it explains why he did not show any offense that much, instead he counters at the right time for every attack that she delivered to him. And the clone thing… she heard of ninjas from her grandfather, she heard of them being deceptive and dangerous in their arts. He even reminded her not to underestimate a ninja no matter what he or she looks like. Where a samurai chose to fight openly, a ninja does not. They backstab and will use anything necessary to stop their foes.

That is what her grandfather told her. Still, Youmu cannot believe that Naruto is a ninja. Aside from skills, his appearance is too… how should she say it… too iconic and eye catching to be called a ninja. He wears bright clothing that does not suit the ninja category one bit. His attitude too. So bright and headstrong, from what she could observe. She may have never faced a ninja before, aside from Naruto, but she knows that ninjas are silent. But maybe… that is what Naruto is about. Maybe he is one of a kind in some ways…

Needless to say, she has grown more interested in the man that is Naruto Uzumaki.

"Uwaa… I can't believe that it's already late already. It went by so fast, didn't it, Youmu?" true to his words. For Naruto, the day was so fast. Faster than that day when he got no assignments at all from granny. Throughout the whole day, Youmu showed him to three places in Gensokyo, all of them beautiful.

First place was the human village, a place where he enjoyed most of his days at. He remembers the scenery and atmosphere earlier today, it was so crowded that place… he and Youmu had lunch there, they ate a tea shop since Youmu is the one paying. He ate a few plates of dangos, considering that he hadn't eaten anything due to a certain pink haired ghost back at a certain huge as house… dango was not bad, maybe that crazy snake lady was right. Still, he had a good time at the human village, though he did not get to see most of it, he's sure that the place is beautiful and calm as it is crowded.

The second place was a bit weird. He was expecting for Youmu to take him into another place that is far from the human village. But instead, she took him to an old run down shrine that is only a few minutes run from the human village. The place, as he remembered it correctly, was… run down. That's the best choice of words that he could come up with. That is until he met the owner, or the shrine maiden of the shrine. Boy was she pissed when he revealed that he thought of her shrine being some random out of commission shrine. He nearly got into trouble but he and Youmu escaped before the miko could do anything.

It's a miracle that they escaped.

The last place was the Misty Lake, currently the most beautiful place that he visited in Gensokyo. The view was so beautiful that he regret that that asshole Sai was not here to paint the whole thing. He might even place the painting that the asshole will paint in his apartment, might. But whatever, the scenery and sight was engraved into the deepest part of his memories, the beautiful lake was cold though, probably why it's called the misty lake. And there's a lot of mist, but he's sure that he saw something huge, tall and red from across the distance. Not sure what though.

Now, they are walking back towards Hakugyokurou, with Youmu leading of course. But, the gardener has lost most of her energy due to the visiting of places. She could stay up and travel longer, normally. But for some reason, today, she's tired already. Maybe she lacks sleep? Impossible… she kept a healthy and routine rest, so that could not be the main reason. Whatever it is, it's hindering her from her escort. She can't afford to look sleepy in front of Naruto, it's embarrassing. The gates to Hakugyokurou is not far from where they are right now, she needs to hold it up for a little longer.

But unfortunately for her, the blonde notices this. He'd been eyeing the obviously sleepy girl for some time now. Come on, she is wobbling as she walks, and her head is nodding to prevent herself from sleeping. He chuckled silently, not planning on disturbing her. Naruto sighed and increases his pace, now he's walking ahead of Youmu. He slowed his pace down, his back nearly touching Youmu as she walks. As expected, the gardener falls asleep as she is walking. He was there to break her fall, he kneels down slightly, bending, he lets Youmu rests on his back. After chuckling in amusement, he lifts his weight along with Youmu and was not surprise to find her light, maybe lighter than what he imagined her to be.

He began walking, towards where they were walking before. He remembered where the gate was, his sense of direction is just too strong for it to not work properly. It's best if he lets Youmu rest, he owes her for accompanying him all day after all. As he walks with the gardener asleep on his back, he stares at the star filled sky of Gensokyo. He never thought that he would end up in a place as strange as Gensokyo. A crowded village, a mad priestess, and a downright and curb stomping beautiful scenery. He's glad that he'll be staying in a place as beautiful as this for a while, maybe Yuyuko was right… maybe Gensokyo is bound to be fun. In its own way…

He just hopes that he won't be causing anyone trouble or problem any sooner. He laughed humorously. He knew that it's near impossible for the great Naruto Uzumaki to not be in trouble. In fact, trouble finds him and he's like a magnet that attracts it! Well, no matter, he'll just solve whatever trouble and problem that he'll face here in Gensokyo and he will return to Konoha. He promised to his friends, to Sakura, Hinata, Kakahsi-sensei, to Yamato-taicho, to Sai, to Shikamaru… and even to that man Sasuke… he promised to his deceased mentor and master, Jiraiya and his fellow student under the same master Nagato that he would find the ideology that is peace.

Even his father entrusted him with that. All because of one thing. Because of faith. Having to trust other is a very, very difficult thing to do. It's like positioning oneself near an enemy territory. But so many things could come up from trust, be it good or bad. Naruto is sure that whether the results are bad or good he will find his way to solve and deal with his problems and troubles, along with his precious people, he will never give up.

That is his Nindo.

Step…

Step…

Step…

"Hey… Youmu? Thank you, for showing me around today."

…

…

"Heh, she's asleep…" he glanced back, at Youmu's sleeping face. Shaking his head, he faced forward again. Taking light steps, he walk carefully, trying not to disturb the sleeping girl that he is carrying on his back.

"When I just can't find my way… you are always there for me…"

His voice started, following into a tune. His eyes are focused on the road, though it seems that his mind is not.

"When I am out of my way… you are always there for me…"

The girl on his back shifts lightly, unknown to the man. Naruto kept on walking, the light that the moon reflected upon his path provides the necessary amount of light for him to see.

"Like a bird… in the sky… you set me free you gave me one heart."

He continues to sing, his voice drifting along the wind, where he continues to resume his broken melody. He is not much of singer… but at times like this, singing this song will always ease his heart.

"Like a star… in my night… you'll always be a part of me."

Youmu's eyelids shake slightly, showing signs that she is waking up. She heard something… something not too long ago. Or was it someone? It felt so… peaceful. She felt at ease for a moment. Her eyes slowly opens, showing the road. She's moving, but she's not moving her legs? Who is-

"Oh, you awake there?" Naruto's voice startles her. She flinched, her arms wrapping tighter into something. Youmu blinked, clearing her head. It took her seconds to realize that she was being carried by the taller man. She is wrapping her arms on his neck, to prevent her from falling. He is using his hands as a resting place for her legs, and it seems that she was asleep for quite a while.

"E-Eh! U-Uh sorry, I'll-" she was struggling uncomfortably, obviously why. Her usual stoic demeanor of a face is gone, replaced by a strangely defenseless and bright red expression that any girl would show when they are in certain situations. Youmu tried to move her legs, obviously to let herself on the ground. But Naruto's hands prevent her from doing so.

"Nu-uh." The blonde chuckled playfully. "You showed me around today… you must be tired, right? Just think as this as a way for me to say thanks for today." His grin returned, eyes closed as he turned his head slightly so that he could see Youmu's face even if it's just a little bit. "I don't mind carrying you. If we happened to walk out again someday, don't hesitate to tell me if you're tired. I'll send you home safe and sound." He said jokingly, obviously.

But not so obvious for the gardener. Her face heats up in a rapid manner, forcing Youmu to bury her entire face to his back, which caused her to grow redder and more flushed by the second. She's so embarrassed! Never in her life has she felt something like this before. It's embarrassing, yet… it's nice, in a sense. It's embarrassing though not so much, because it's only the two of them. She feels warm, and it's a different feeling from before. Just by burying her face on Naruto's back, she could already feel the entire chilling sensation, the entire coldness that she felt before disappears instantly. It feels as if she could survive winter alone with only Naruto beside her.

Kyuuun~

So embarrassing! So embarrassing!

Naruto blinked, he could feel Youmu rubbing her head on his back. Maybe she's really sleepy that she's doing that? Well, he better get home sooner or else Youmu might get cold.

…

Dense bastard.

"Oryaaa!"

"Ha!"

"It's not enough Youmu-chan, harder!"

"Hiiiiyaaah!"

"Woah! That was good, again!"

"Raaaah!"

From the veranda to the garden of Hakugyokurou, the mistress of Hakugyokurou herself is watching the scene before her eyes while enjoying a cup of warm morning tea. It's day two for her newest guest's stay in Gensokyo, and she's quite surprise that he has already gone so far with Youmu to be training with her this soon. She honestly expects him to be in a rather awkward contact with her gardener, but no… she's wrong. But it does not sadden her. In fact, it interests her.

Yuyuko's eyes are focused on the two who are sparring against each other. It was mostly a one sided spar, with Youmu doing all the attacking with Naruto doing all the dodging. So efficiently if she might add. She has never seen someone to dodge Youmu's strike with such ease and flexibility too. It seems that every strike that Youmu delivered has a single flaw in it, and Naruto would always slip through that flaw and avoid her strike.

My, to think that her guest would be so good in fighting. It will definitely be interesting here in Gensokyo, she's sure that Yukari would think the same too. Yuyuko sips from her glass, drinking the warm tea that was prepared to her by Youmu. Her attention is still on the two youngsters training, but she still snatch some rice crackers from her plate, eating them as she watched the two train.

Youmu runs forward, her sword ready to swing. Naruto analyze her movements, and he immediately knew what to do. When he reached a certain distance, away from Youmu's reach, he flicked his wrist where a kunai appeared in his hand. He clashed the shorter blade with Youmu's katana, and it was a rather strong hit. He never knew Youmu was able to hit this hard, he felt his whole body vibrating. Naruto then made a motion to sweep Youmu's legs, but the gardener predicted this and jump, avoiding his counter. She landed after a perfect backflip, her sword raised, she stares eye to eye against the male.

This time, it is Naruto's turn to make the advance. He throw barrages of kunai, but Youmu was too skillful for that move. She slices the incoming kunais with her sword, like a hot knife through butter. That shaken the blonde a bit, wow… scary. Naruto lets all doubt disappear from his head, he channel chakra through his kunai. The kunai began to glow blue, where the fire like aura that is chakra that envelopes the kunai began to expand, creating an extension to the blade. He learned this trick from Asuma-sensei, and the way to use it is also similar to the way the deceased Jounin used it.

The chakra that he channels will increase the durability of the kunai, it will also make it sharper about at least ten times than normal. And not to mention, the blade is now lighter and swifter, definitely to his play style. The white haired girl notices the change to her opponent's weapon, and she was not given the chance to think further when Naruto swings his chakra enhanced kunai horizontally at her direction. Youmu was at ease, the distance between him and her is far, there is no way that his knife could reach her.

But imagine her surprise when she felt a tingling pain on her cheeks. It shocked her greatly that she did not notice that the man was not in front of her anymore. Naruto reappeared, courtesy of substitution technique, behind Youmu. He has the kunai de-enhanced at Youmu's neck, pointing the tip of the blade at her vital spot.

"Yield." The voice that came out from his mouth surprises Youmu. Why? It is because it was very different from his cheerful and kind voice. It is the voice of someone who has faced many battles and won in his lifetime. She could feel the coldness of the blade as it is pressed to her neck, she gulped down hard unconsciously.

"I… I yield." The words came out quiet. The knife that was pointed to her neck was retracted back, causing her to release a sigh of relief. Youmu looked back, towards the blonde who now has a smile on his face.

"That was a good spar, let's do it again sometime." Naruto said. He noticed the cut on Youmu's cheek, he blinked. "Sorry… did I cut you before?"

Youmu reached her hand for the cut on her cheek, she winced slightly as she touched the spot. "It's nothing. I will deal with it later…" but Naruto did not listen. He reached for her cheeks, holding them lightly. Youmu panicked, but cannot move. The contact was too sudden, she did not have the time to retract herself from this position. Her face flushed beet red, eyes showing panic.

But suddenly, she began to feel… warm. Her cheek area, where he is touching to be exact. Youmu noticed that Naruto's arm, the one that he is using to touch her, is glowing green, almost like in a flame like aura. She began to feel at ease at the feeling, her body relaxed. Before she knew it, the feeling disappeared, and so does his hand. Youmu was slightly disappointed at the loss of contact, but did not show it anyway or whatsoever.

Naruto, with the same smile on his face, raised his hand in a magnificent gesture. "Ta-dah~ all better." He used the flat side of his kunai as a mirror to show Youmu. The half ghost and half human was surprised to see that the supposed to be cut was no longer there. "Neat huh? I learned that from my friend, Sakura-chan."

Youmu did not even bother asking who on earth Sakura is. She instead leaned in towards Naruto, closing the distance. She stares intently into the blonde's blue orbs, an unknown expression, to herself even, formed on her face. "A-A-Ano… can you please… can you please train with me from now on!?" she did a formal bow, a deep one too. It's a good thing that Naruto managed to step back to avoid collision.

Naruto nodded, the smile still on his face. "Sure!"

Absolute happiness course through her entire body. She has never felt so happy for a very long time, the last time was when she was younger, when her mistress took her to the festival to view the fireworks. But this time… she's happier, in some ways. She does not know why or how, but she's happy to hear such reply from the blonde. Her face brightens up in an instant, her forehead unknowingly has pressed itself to Naruto's forehead.

"Really?" Youmu asked.

"Yup!"

Her feeling of joy increases, she also realized that she is in a rather embarrassing position right now. She stumbles backward, almost falling. Keyword being 'almost'. There are a pair of strong arms embraced her from the front, breaking her fall. Youmu flinched not from fear, but from contact. Her aqua eyes are so close to Naruto's azure sea orbs.

"You okay?" The way his breath touched her lips… if her face was red before, now it could already rival a certain mansion in color. Youmu could not react, her lips quavering and shoulders shaking. Not a good reaction one might add. Naruto grew worried, still embracing the girl who was supposed to fall in his arms. "You want to rest or sit down?"

"I-I-I… I'll go to my room!" she was as fast as Gai-sensei and Lee combined. The girl ran for her room, leaving a still confused and worried Naruto in an awkward position. The boy's eyes blinked, then it changed into a look of confusion.

With his eyes squinted, Naruto scratched his chin, wondering what on earth is going on with Youmu. "Weird girl… maybe I'm at fault here… meh, who knows?" he shrugged it off carelessly. He's going to go to the kitchen and fix himself some tea. Yup, that would be good.

…

…

"Ufufufufu… Yukarin will be interested alright…~"

"Youmu!~ is dinner ready yet?~"

The mistress of the netherworld floats over to her gardener who is currently busy with preparing said dinner. It is always like this every time if they're going to have dinner. The half ghost gardener sighed at her mistress's question and attitude. "Yuyuko-sama. Please wait while I prepare dinner, I'm sure that you'll enjoy the treats that are provided on the table." She said to her mistress. The same line that she always say every time she's preparing dinner.

"Uuuh… Youmu's upset at me…" the ghost princess then pouts childishly, she crossed her arms and refused to see Youmu. "Hmph! Then fine, I'll go and play with Whisker-kun, Youmu mweeh!" she blow raspberry at the cooking gardener before storming out of the kitchen like a child who just got rejected from her parents.

Again, the white haired gardener sighed. "It's not Whisker-kun, Yuyuko-sama. His name is Naruto-kun."

Suddenly, Yuyuko's head pops back into the room from the door. Instead of the upset expression that she has before, there is now a teasing smile for a face. "Hohoho~? Since when was Whisker-kun, Naruto-kun… Youmu?" the pink haired ghost princess floats closer to her gardener. "Hey, Youmu~ tell me, since when was he Naruto-kun? Hm? Tell me, tell me~"

Even before Yuyuko starts to pester her, her face was already as red as a tomato and as hot as the soup that she's boiling. "W-What do you mean Yuyuko-sama!? I-I didn't call Naruto-ku- I mean Naruto-san such things!" the girl tried to deny it, her face red and heating up. "Dinner will be ready later, sopleasewaitoutside!" she pushed her mistress out of the kitchen, closing the sliding door loudly.

The ghost princess giggled. "Ufufufu~ Youmu is so cute, Naruto-kun is so lucky…"

"What lucky?"

Lo and behold, it's the clueless bastard himself- uh… the blonde himself. He stared at the ghost princess who is standing in front of the kitchen door for some reason. He blinked. Maybe this is a common sight, well… this is a woman who can eat a whole buffet in a matter of seconds after all. "What lucky?" he looks different. Maybe it's because he'd just finished taking a shower. His clothes are dirty, so he used his spare clothes that he always kept inside of his ninja pocket. How did it fit? He's good at folding clothes for some reason…

He's wearing his fishnet clothes that he always wear underneath his jacket, but since he's not wearing any jacket… he's wearing a black t-shirt underneath the fishnet shirt. The fishnet shirt that he has is so loose that he could fit five more shirts. And it's comfortable to wear, so why not? As for pants, his previous pants are not too dirty, so he'll just stick with them for the time being. He kept his forehead protector in his room, there's no reason walking around the house with it, right? For him, he looks absolutely normal.

For Yuyuko, however… she's seeing a different kind of specimen, as if a specimen that she has never seen before. That explains her staring. The way the blonde's hair is wet from the bath that he took earlier is certainly charming. And he has a figure of a runner, something that really fits him well. And his eyes… are they always that bright? Maybe it's Youmu's the one who's lucky, instead of Naruto?

"Hello, Yuyuko-san?" Naruto waved his hand, getting the woman's attention.

Yuyuko was snapped out of her daze, she then gave him a smile. "Sorry about that Whisker-kun, what was it?"

Naruto decided to leave the question be. Maybe it was nothing anyway. "Nothing. So… is Youmu ready with dinner yet?"

Needless to say, Youmu can't eat properly that night.

Three days have passed ever since his spirited away into Gensokyo. He can't believe it that it's been quite a long time. So that means that it's his… fifth day in Gensokyo, nearly a week. Wow. But those days are spent away in a rather normal manner. He got to spar daily with Youmu, who is improving in her skills. Though he's not much of a kenjutsu user, he can say that Youmu is really good with her sword. He also got to talk to the gardener about certain things, he shared to her about his home town, what was Konoha like.

He told her about Pein, his friends, and even that old pervert Jiraiya… it's nothing much, but enough to make her have a good story time. Today, he's rather excited about today. Why? Because yesterday night, when they were having dinner, Yuyuko told them that there will be a festival at the run down shrine that he visited on his second day here. He was surprised of course, having thought of it being run down and the miko who works there is mad. The festival will be held tomorrow night, meaning his soon to be sixth day in Gensokyo.

A festival… he'd been to festival before, but nothing too good. Just eating at old man Teuchi's ramen bar, chatting with Shikamaru and the gangs… that's all. God, he missed them. Maybe he'll have a good time there, he's sure of it. Gensokyo has proved to be peaceful place for him. He really wanted to see what this place has to offer for him. He doesn't care if it's bad or good things… all he care about is that he will return home in the end.

As of now… he's helping Youmu in a small errand. He was given money and a piece of paper and was tasked to buy a few things from the human village. He's walking the street down into a row of shops. He'd just arrived here to the village, and is currently beginning his task. It's like doing D-ranked mission all over again… the nostalgia.

"Let's see… Sake… and sweets… hmm… oh well, it's clear enough." The ninja pocketed the paper back into his pockets. The paper only said what to buy, but not where he should be getting them from. Maybe he'll just ask from the locals around here. He could start with… ooh Ramen!

"No… you must suppress it Naruto… you must suppress it…"

Where was he…? Oh yeah, he's supposed to buy the things that are written… so, where should he start…?

"Now… if I am a Sake then where should I start…?" he began to switch his view from store to store, looking with his eyes squinted. He seriously don't know where to start. It's his own foolishness from not asking Youmu where he should have begun his search. It's not that it's the gardener fault… but maybe it is, maybe it isn't. He sighed shortly later. "Haah… it's useless, I don't know where to start."

"Excuse me… may I help you?"

It seems that God has sent help for him in the form of a stranger. The blonde turned his head towards his right, where the voice came from. Now, he's being approached by a woman who is as tall as him… if she's not wearing… wearing… okay, what the heck is that on her head? Never mind that. She's young, he could easily tell, maybe as young looking as Yuyuko? She is wearing a blue dress with designs that are a bother for him to describe, her hair's a beautiful silver color with a few streaks of blue and white. She finally reached him, stopping at an appropriate distance.

Naruto's troubled feeling instantly vanished. "Hi there! Eh… My name's Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm on an errand right now." He pulled out the piece of paper from his pocket, showing it to her. "As you can see… I'm supposed to get these things written here. But I don't know where to get them, could you help me?" he asked the woman.

The woman nodded. "My name is Keine Kamishirasawa, I'm a teacher in this village." she introduced herself. Keine reached for the paper that he is holding, reading it. Her eyes blinked in confusion. "Sake… and sweets? Must be for the festival tomorrow, right?"

Naruto rubbed his head sheepishly. "Hehehe… I don't know. Youmu-chan just asked me to help her get these things, I don't know if it's for the party or not." He said honestly.

"Youmu-chan…? Say, that is the name of the gardener that works in Hakugyokurou, right?" Keine asked the boy, interested at the mentioning of a familiar name.

Naruto's turn to be surprised. He then nodded. "Um. It's Youmu-chan." He clarifies.

"I see… then what about you, I haven't seen you around here before?"

"I'm here due to a very… eh… complicated situation. I end up in the Netherworld, and long story short, I'll be staying there for a while." He explained simply to Keine.

"For a while? Does that mean that you will be leaving?" Keine asked.

"I… think so…? I really need to know what sent me here… and after some thinking, I don't think I got magically transported here just like what Youmu-chan told me." He is still thinking about that matter actually.

"Hm… then, I wish for the best for you." Keine said. "Now, you said that you need to find what you need, right? There is a shop in this area, just follow this road and look for a shop that sells Sake, trust me. You'll know it when you see it." Keine said, smiling a little bit.

Naruto looked thankful. "Thank you Keine-san, see you!" he ran off towards where he was told to.

The teacher waved her hand at the running boy. It's normal for people to get lost for their first time in the human village… but for someone who was in the Netherworld before the village is something new. Maybe she needs to do some research on the matter… no. it's best for things to be as it is.

"Woah… Keine-san was right…" she is right about him being not able to miss it. This place would be like the heaven for granny… look at how many Sake barrels that this place has! There're some weird Sake here… and the smell is evident even if he's just standing outside of the shop. Naruto walked inside the shop. "Excuse me!"

Someone came from the back, it's a man who is in his middle ages. He's taller than Naruto, and his body physique is rather rugged too. "Hello there boy… what can I help you with?" asked the man to his customer.

"I need Sake… about…" he read the note that he has closer. He just noticed that it's written 'three barrels' beside the writing 'Sake'. "Uh… I need three barrels of your finest Sake. And some sweets too if you have." He said.

The man nodded. "Sure thing. As for the sweets, what would you like and how much?"

Now that question is hard to answer. Generally, he likes all sweets. Especially the ones that Youmu made. But he didn't know what should he get, and there's no instruction or whatsoever about getting sweets written here in the note. "Eh… how about one of each?"

The man nodded again, doing his job. "Sure thing."

Shortly later, the man returned carrying three barrels of Sake on his own. Naruto has the decency to look surprised, those must be heavy. The shopkeeper also has his sweets inside a small bag, he set them down at the counter. "Okay, that's all. Anything else?" he asked the ninja.

"No." Naruto then reached for his other pocket, where he kept the money. He paid the shopkeeper and leaves… while carrying three barrels of Sake with him. When he reached the front entrance, he is already panting. "Ugh… these are heavy alright." Well, it is nothing compared to all the things that he had to carry when he's shopping with that old pervert. Still… the trip back to the Netherworld will be a little bit difficult.

He made it anyway.

"I'm back!" he shouted, announcing his arrival back to the house. He set the Sake barrels down on the floor near the wall, and a sigh escaped his lips. Boy was that a long walk… he did cut through the forest. And it's mistake to do that. It did get him home… but there're some creepy things in the forest, even if it's morning. He won't go into the forest alone ever again…

"Ah…" Youmu peered back from the corner of a wall. "You've arrived. And with the Sake too, well… there're snacks in the table if you want." She said, walking towards the blonde. "Please rest if you want too… I'm sure that you're tired after all of this…" Youmu said softly at the end, her head looking down on the floor.

"Nah it's nothing." The blonde ninja stretched his arms, making popping sounds. "I'm glad that I could help. It's the only thing I could do, you know?"

Well that's acceptable. "I see… then please, I'll go and-" she was about to turn and leave, but she was stopped by Naruto's hand which grabbed hers to prevent her from going anywhere. Youmu stiffen up upon contact, her face getting noticeably red and flushed. "W-What is it…?" she turned her head slowly towards the blonde.

"Hey, let me help. If you got any other chores that you need to do, let me help. Okay?" he smiled, flashing her his ever so kind smile.

That's… that's unfair!

Later that night…

It's bedtime…

But she could not bring herself to sleep. Throughout the entire day, she's left with a feeling that she's never felt before… a feeling that makes her chest goes jumpy whenever she sees the blonde haired ninja. Even today, when she is preparing lunch, she somehow ended up with giving more rice to Naruto's bowl instead of her mistress. It took a lot of pleading to get her mistress back, but it worked.

Then the same thing happened again, that time… she was cleaning the hallway's floor. She remembered his words on him wanting to help her if there's any chores around the house. At first, she rejected him. But he managed to convince her in the way. She cannot concentrate with him being so close to her, cleaning the same floor and all that. And what's even more serious is that she has no idea why she's feeling like this.

But her mind… her mind is filled with nothing but him, him, him and him! She did get to know him over the past few days, and she's glad that she did. She cannot imagine not knowing him so well, now that he's staying here of course. But… something that saddens her greatly, he will leave some time in the near future. The mere thought of that happening makes her chest hurts. She doesn't know why… but it hurts whenever she thought of him leaving.

Her mind's in pieces, cannot stand the thought of Naruto leaving. She could feel emptiness in her heart if she's thinking about it for too long. But… why? Why is she feeling this way? Is she… she in love with him?

She heard the term from Marisa when she was at Reimu's shrine… but what she's feeling is different from the things that she heard from the witch. The witch said that love is feeling that makes all girl swoon and sigh over someone that they've fallen in love with. The witch also said that love is something that's complicated. Well, the last part was true but she doesn't know about the first though… is this love? Is this… love that she's feeling for Naruto Uzumaki?

And even if it is…

Will he return it?

The half ghost gardener buries her pillow into her face, hiding the fact that she's blushing like mad. She has the strange and uncontrollable urge to squeal for some reason. That terrifies her, in a sense. She can feel her heart beating like crazy, it's pumping so fast that she is starting to feel anxious. She could not sleep.

She did not sleep.

Last night was… horrible, but not because of the cause of her lack of sleep. It's because she did not get to sleep at all. Her eyes are tired, and there are bags underneath her eyes. She's supposed to do her morning duties, but her body is too tired to do anything aside from standing. To think that she's this tired from not sleeping for just one night…

Her ghost half floats down next to her, floating like the curious little bubble it is. Youmu stifled a yawn, doing so by closing her eyes. It's a long day tonight… and there is the festival Reimu's shrine tonight… she needs to be ready for it and prepare everything that needs to be prepared. But first… she needs to do her morning duties.

There're a few of them. Tending to garden, doing her morning exercise, preparing breakfast and of course… getting ready for tonight's festival. She's excited for the festival… before. But now… not so much. She's tired from thinking too much about last night. She needs to clear her head first…

She went into the kitchen, grabbing a glass full of water. Youmu drinks the water, emptying the cup. She placed the cup into the sink, cleaning it later. That does not help… Youmu exited the kitchen, sliding the door open. The half ghost gardener nearly jumped in surprise when Naruto was there standing so close to her. it seems that he's going to enter the kitchen.

"Oh, good morning Youmu." Greeted the blonde haired ninja to the gardener. He has his usual smile on his face, and is dressed in his orange and black jacket.

"G-Good morning…" Youmu managed to said out shyly. She refuses to look at his face, she doesn't know if she'll be able to do that in the first place.

Naruto notices something about the girl… she's tired, maybe she can't sleep last night? But he decided not to pry. "Well, I was about to grab myself a cup of water. What about you?"

"I… Uh… I'm about to do my duties." The gardener said.

"Eh…? So early? Need help?" asked the blonde ninja.

"No!" Youmu shook her head as fast as she can. "I mean… it's my duties so… you can't help too much." She mentally cursed herself for not being able to lie better.

Instead of what she's expecting, the blonde ninja shrugged his shoulders. "Meh, whatever you say then. But if you need help, just ask me and I'll help you, alright?"

"Hai…"

The blonde smiled one last time before going inside the kitchen to grab himself a drink to start his morning with. Youmu immediately left for the hallways, choosing to avoid him for the time being. She placed a hand on her chest, where she could feel the beating of her heart slowly decreasing now that she's away from him. The gardener sighed, feeling at ease.

"It happened again… why, I wonder…?" she said to herself, walking the long hallways of the house while releasing a long yawn. She better start her duties now, she needs to prepare the things for the festival tonight.

With Naruto…

"Man, that was refreshing." Dumping his head with cold water in the morning is as refreshing as he thought it would be. He grabbed a nearby towel and uses it to dry his hair. After finishing, he throw the towel into an empty basin, before heading outside to start his day. The moment he's been here, he hasn't been doing much. He did train with Youmu by having a spar with her daily, but it looks like that she's too tired for it today.

Arriving at the veranda that gives him a nice view of the long garden of Hakugyokurou, Naruto took in a deep breathe, releasing it with a satisfied look. "Ah…" the scenery is still beautiful, no matter how many times he'd seen it. Maybe it's because he likes it…? Or maybe he didn't really get to enjoy this kind of view back home?

Speaking of home… he's finally got a chance to go home. It was all thanks to Yuyuko for telling this to him. Yuyuko has a friend that could send him home, and good news, she'll be in the shrine festival tonight. That's good news… but at the same time, it's bad news. He has to admit, he's getting kind of attached to this place. And he won't be able to train with Youmu again when he leaves… but he's sure that she'll understand.

But he still has a long time before the festival started tonight, so he'll be using that time wisely. He entered the garden, where he began his daily training exercise. Usual stuffs. Taijutsu practice, chakra control exercise and a little bit of meditation to ease his mind off from things… he's doing well, and he can't afford to get rusty after all. After he is finished with his training, he noticed that it took him nearly two hours to train. But he still has a lot of sunlight to enjoy, so he'll do fine.

Next, he's taking a short break on the living room, just sitting and polishing his kunais. He took off his jacket, because it's a little hot today inside. He's sitting near the wall, leaning unto it while wearing only his fishnet shirt on him. he grabbed his kunai carefully, polishing it the way he was taught to do it. He is absorbed in the activity already, concentrating on nothing but at what he's doing. After he is done, he put on his jacket back, placed his kunais and other weapons into his inventory and walked to his room.

On the way, he encountered Youmu, who is holding a broom on her hand. He could immediately see the girl's face getting red instantly, and he could feel her getting uncomfortable. The ninja frowned mentally. Is he doing this to her? still, he managed to give the girl a smile. "Hey Youmu, need he-"

But the girl ran away, not saying anything. Naruto stared at where she's standing dejectedly, all he wanted to do was help. Maybe she's tired… yeah, and he's tired too. Maybe a small power nap will make his day better. He entered his room, sliding the door open. He lies on the floor, looking and staring at the ceiling doing nothing at all.

He has his hands acting as pillows. His eyes stared into the ceiling, deep in thought. What should he say to Youmu… perhaps it's better to not say anything to her and let her wait for later tonight. He's sure that Yuyuko could convince her friend to send him home… but will it be okay? He shook his head. Of course it will. But when the thought of going occurred, he can't help but feel so distance to this place already.

Well whatever… he'll just enjoy his time in the festival tonight.

"Thank you for the food."

The different voices chorused at the same time. Each of them belongs to the different people that occupies Hakugyokurou. Youmu was the first to stand, she carries her bowls and other eating utensils with her. "I'll be on the veranda and please do tell me when we are ready to leave." She bowed politely to her mistress, but not making an effort to greet the male. Naruto placed his chopsticks down on the table, he looked at the leaving girl.

He's not sure on what's going on… but… did he do something to upset her?

He hopes not.

The festival is… crowded. He's not sure if he'll be comfortable staying at a place like this for too long. The run down shrine that this festival was held on is not so run down anymore. He's seeing shops and stalls everywhere, from stalls that sells masks and even stalls that provides game like entertainment. The group from Hakugyokurou entered the Torii gates of the shrine, greeted by the view of so many people. Of course, the one who's excited the most is Yuyuko. She looks as if she's going to empty available food stalls that are here. He just hope that she won't do that.

"Uwaaah!~ so many things to try." Well, he's wrong. "Youmu, I'll go and look at some of the stalls, why don't you and Whisker-kun go somewhere?" the two tensed at the mentioning of them having to stay and go together. "Here are some money, and have fun!~" there she goes, drifting off the to the food area.

Naruto sweat drops, she's really a weird woman… but now, back to the matter at hand. He glanced at the gardener, an awkward smile on his face. "So… let's go and have fun?"

Youmu could only nod meekly.

So have fun, they did. They went through various stalls, from games to foods. He and Youmu played games and even tried their luck on scooping a goldfish. He succeeded on getting one, cheating of course. Hey, this place does not say that he can't use chakra to play, right? Anyway, the festival has proved to be fun. As he lead the girl through the festival, he could feel their awkward atmosphere starting to collapse. She's smiling now, even if it's a small one. They also played on a ring tossing game, he won the biggest prize, which is a large panda doll. Of course, seeing that he has no use for the doll, he gave it to the gardener. She rejected at first, but now she decided to keep it.

Time goes on, and it is nearly the finale of the festival. The fireworks. Naruto got the best spot on the shrine, on top of the shrine roof. He's sure that the mad miko won't mind them sitting and enjoying the firework from up here. He is equipped with all the spoils that he got from doing games and other sorts of activities from the festival. He is wearing a fox mask that he placed sideways on his head, allowing his face to be seen by others. And on his right hand, he's holding a plastic bag filled with takoyaki. Weird… are there seas in Gensokyo?

Beside him is Youmu, hugging the large panda doll with both of her arms as she sat right next to the boy, looking up at the sky, waiting for the firework to appear. She also has a mask of her own, but hers is a cat instead of fox like the one that Naruto has. She did not buy anything much, just the mask and few foods that she ate before. Her eyes glanced at Naruto's direction.

She needs to say it. She really do. The silent atmosphere that the both of them are sharing is starting to get a little bit unbearable.

"You know…"

"Naruto…"

They spoke at the same time. Naruto laughed while Youmu blushed at the weird timing. "You speak first." Naruto said.

"No, you first…" insisted the girl.

"Hm… okay then." Naruto accepts it. He took in a deep breath. "I enjoy being here Youmu. The past few days that I spent are the best, even though I did not get to do much. But I enjoyed every last bit of it. Visiting the places in Gensokyo… training with you… it's all nice. And I do enjoy your cooking, they're delicious." He said. "But… I'm afraid that this is it Youmu."

Eh?

Naruto looked straight at Youmu's eyes. "Youmu… I'm leaving."

Silence. Not even the nosy atmosphere of the crowd down below is enough to pierce through the thick and dense silence that surrounds the two. Youmu's eyes are wide, shock. Her face pale. She did not say anything for a few minutes. But she managed to speak in the end.

"When…?"

"Tonight."

"Tonight? As in right now?"

"Yes."

Youmu's face is flooded with shock, sadness, and pain. She discarded the panda plushy. Youmu grabbed Naruto's collar, her eyes deep into his blue orbs. "Y-You're joking right? Hey, you're joking right?" she refused to belief it.

Naruto shook his head. "No… Yuyuko-san is talking with her friend right now… I think. She promised me that she'll talk to her about sending me back to Konoha." He revealed. Well, so much for having her to find out about it on her own. He thought that it's better this way…

Youmu shook her head furiously, still grabbing on his collar. "No… no no no no no!" she's shouting now. "You're lying… you're joking right?"

"No… Youmu, I am not joking."

His words are like arrows to her heart. It pierced her so deep that it hurts. Slowly, her hands began to let go of his collar. Her head bowed, covering and shadowing her expression from the man. Naruto wondered. Is she really upset in him leaving… if so, why…? He's sure that she'll take it well, but looks like he's wrong.

Naruto did not have the chance to resume his thoughts. He felt something… something hot and painful on his cheeks. He was so shocked that he did not expected this. Youmu slapped him… she slapped him. The girl got up. "Why…? Why didn't you tell me?" her voice came out pleading.

Naruto touched the spot where he was slapped at. He shook off the surprise from his thoughts, answering her. "I thought that you'll better off not knowing. I don't want to surprise you- OW!" Another slap, this time on his other cheeks. Naruto stared, shocked. "Youmu…?"

The gardener raised her head. Naruto's heart instantly shakes. She's… crying. He made her cry. Oh God… what had he done? Youmu did not say anything else. She jumped down and began to take off aimlessly, back at the crowd.

Naruto jumped down, taking off after the girl. She went back to the stalls area, he'll lost her if he don't get to her quick. "Youmu! Wait, I can explain!" but it's useless, she's not stopping. Their chase went on for some more while, it came to the point where they're at the forest, standing on a clearing. Naruto entered the clearing, panting, that was too sudden for him to be running. He saw Youmu with her back faced towards him. he panted some more.

"Youmu… please, listen to me." He begged for the girl. "I know that it's my fault but please, tell me… why are you upset about this?" he asked, seriously confused. He wants to know why the gardener is acting like this.

Youmu did not answer him.

"Please… Youmu?"

Again, silence.

Silence for what seems to be eternity has passed, broken.

"It's because… I love you."

SWOOOOSH

BANG

What…?

"I love you… I really do." Youmu smiled. Even after all of this, she still managed to smile. Though her smile… it's sad. She's crying. "I love you very much…" he saw her clutching her chest. "I love you so much that it hurts… it hurts here, Naruto… I don't know what to do, I can't do anything…"

His legs started to shake.

"I enjoyed the time that we've spent… but I was hoping for more." She wiped her tears even if it is useless. "I'm sorry for being such a selfish girl… hehehe…"

She laughed… she finally laughed. His heart can't take this anymore.

Youmu walked over towards him, when she reached him, she hugged him tight. She buries her ears to his chest, hearing the rhythm of his heart. The smile that was on her face turns more serene. She let out a small chorus of giggles. "Hehehe… I'm sorry that I feel this way about you… it must be uncomfortable, right? I don't even know it myself…"

He cannot do anything aside from hearing what she has got to say.

The girl lifts her head from his chest, her eyes then met with his.

"Naruto… can you give me one last thing?"

"Yeah…" out of all the words that he could say, he only managed to utter that.

"I want something… something that I will remember with me when you're gone. Something… anything."

His hands reached for her cheeks, unconsciously. He is not in control of his body right now. His fingers stroke her tear stained cheeks, still feeling its softness despite being damp from her tears. He does this for a small while, emitting giggles from the girl. "That tickles…" he did not even respond to that.

He stares back into Youmu's eyes, regret flashing on his eyes. He can't believe that he had done something so stupid in his life. How could he do something as cruel as this to this girl?... he slowly leaned his head towards her face. Youmu's eyes closing as he did so.

…

It's soft. Her lips. They're soft.

Later…

"Yoho~ you must be Naruto-kun, right?" a woman, dressed in a clothing that is all purple waved at him with a fan hiding her mouth. She is Yuyuko's friend. Her name's Yukari Yakumo. She is a woman that stood a little bit taller than him, has a long beautiful blonde hair and a pair of purple eyes. But her appearance is nothing compared to the girl he's holding his hands with. Yukari noticed something, her eyes travelled down towards where both of their hands are connected. "Oh my!~ are you sure you want to leave?"

Naruto smiled. He smiled at the white haired girl who returned his bright smile with a soft one. He then turned his head towards Yukari again. "Well… things got a little messy but we managed to settle it." He said while smiling.

Yukari giggled. "Oh Yuyu, he's really a good choice for Youmu-chan isn't he?" she asked her friend who is standing behind the two with a smile that is different from her usual smile.

The ghost princess of the Netherworld smiles. "Of course~ after all, they're a cute couple isn't it right, Yukarin?"

The other woman nodded. "Ufufufu~ so true. Now…" she looked at the boy again. "Are you really sure that you want to leave? Once you leave there will be no returning here." She warned the boy.

Naruto tightens his grip on Youmu's hand, still smiling. "Yes, I want to."

"I see… then please…" she snapped her fingers, a portal like thing opened, showing eyes filled holes. "Step inside the gap if you're ready…"

Silence. But Naruto broke it. He clasped his hands on Youmu's shoulders, he bent slightly so that he could face her clearly. "Remember when I told you that I always try to fulfill every promises that I made?"

"Yes…" Youmu nodded.

Naruto smiled. "Then I will promise that I will return, and stay here when I am done saving the world like I told you that I would. And when I return… I will make you the happiest girl- no… woman on earth." He said, his voice full of promise. "Here… I want you to take this." He untied the headband from his head, handing it to Youmu.

Youmu wiped a few tears that escaped her eyes. "Heheh… I'm sure you will. And… what's this for?"

"I want you to return it to me… and make sure that it's in good condition, alright? It's the last model out there." He said jokingly.

Naruto leaned in to plant a soft and chaste kiss that lasts for quite a while on Youmu's lips. He smiled one last time for the girl, he hugged her and Youmu returned the hug. To let go of her thin body frame is painful. But… if you love her, then it's best to let her go, they said. He gave Youmu one final look, his back facing the gap that Yukari had opened up. To hell with the tears that are dripping down from his face. He has a promise… and he will do his freaking best to keep it.

With a final wave, he said his goodbyes to Youmu and both women who are returning the gesture. He stepped into the gap, still waving. Then… the gap closes fully and he sees black.

"Whoa… I'm back?" he opened his eyes to find himself standing on top of a familiar tower. He looked around, and a smile crept up his face when he saw the five heads that are sculpted unto a mountain. He cheered, raising his hands in happiness and joy.

"Hell yeah! I miss you Konoha!"… more importantly, he missed her already. Naruto wiped his eyes, feeling them a little wet.

"Now… to work my ass off until I can meet Youmu-chan again!"

Of course, after a few bowls of Ichirakus.

Epilogue…

"Yuyuko-sama, breakfast is ready." The half ghost gardener slides open the door that is her mistress's bedroom. To her surprise, no one is in there. "Huh… weird, where is Yuyuko-sama?" Youmu wondered out.

She's… different from her old self. Her hair has grown longer, reaching her mid back. And she's grown taller, as close to a certain blonde. Her clothes are still in the same style as her old ones, and she still has her twin swords strapped to her back. On her neck, is a headband. A headband that has a metallic plate with a strange symbol engraved into it.

She's still doing her duties, but her master isn't here when she's going to wake her up for breakfast. She searched for the garden and veranda, but she's not there. Where could she have gone to? It's not normal for her mistress to not be present for breakfast. She would usually beat her to the table… but today, what's going on.

Five years has passed ever since the departure of a certain man… she's sure that he is venturing out there, becoming the hero that he wanted to be. She missed him so much. So much that she would sometimes sleep with the item that he left her with. Youmu walked towards the living room. She then stopped, hearing sounds coming from the room.

"Oh really~ Ufufufu.. It must be interesting then…"

That's her mistress voice. Why didn't she thought of searching there in the first place? She walked over to the room, sliding the door open. "Yuyuko-sama, food is ready in the dining room-!" she cannot finished speaking. Her eyes are focused on a face that she knew. The same face that… the same face that…

The owner of the face smiled.

"Hi, could I join you for breakfast?"

Youmu leapt from her place, tears pouring out, she buries her face into a familiar clothing.

"I'm back… Youmu-chan."

"Tadaima… Anata…"

She's the happiest woman in the earth right now.

Well... what do you think? I'm not good in writing these kinds of things, I'm sorry for that. I'll try and improve better for both you readers' sake and mine. Again, I'm sorry if it is rushed. Three days of lack of sleep isn't healthy... I know I'm apologizing too much so I'm sorry... anyway, again, hope you enjoyed that, and hope to see more of these as you wait for the other updates.