A/N: Wow, I wrote that new chapter fast. It's probably because I felt encouraged by the reviews, so thanks to all who reviewed. Probably won't be able to update in a while after this, 'cause this week I have my exams which I desperately need to study for. But hopefully you'll like this chapter!
Warnings: There'll be future Sasunaru, so if you were hoping for a Narusaku, I apologize.
Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto. But since I wished for Naruto on my birthday, it should be happening anyday now...
"Shit shit shit shit shit," was my own little personal mantra that I was continuously chanting inside my head as I swam frantically towards my home in the waters below me. I had to hurry! The water was turning dark already with the disappearance of the sun, and if I didn't at least reach the reef by sundown, I'd never find my way through the water.
Just in the knick of time, I had reached the reef before the sun had set. Thank god for small miracles! All around me the normally dull-looking glow fish lit up the reef, showing off little nests of seaweed here and there where all the other mermaids and merman slept.
Unfortunately for me, they weren't sleeping at the moment. So they just had to notice me swimming on in late, and give me grief about it. Shouts as teasing as "Wow Naruto, you barely even made it this time!" to threatening ones such as "Naruto, one of these days you're not going to make it back here in time. And then you'll get eaten by a squid!" And for the rest I'd just get nods of disapproval.
As I usually did, I just kind of rubbed the back of my head saying a sheepish "Sorry," before passing on through the area. I continued through the reef, a row of glow fish leading my way to my final stop: the palace.
Made of marble and stone, it was quite the magnificent structure. Pearls adorned the front door, with sea shells and other trinkets arranged in decorative patterns on the walls. Entering, I began to move as slow as possible, hoping to god that King Jiraiya and Ruler Tsunade were asleep. But they probably were…
"Naruto, where have you been?" An authoritive voice from behind me said. My hand was at the time currently frozen on the door handle to my room, and the noise I made could only be described as an "Eek!"
Quickly, I swiveled around, coming face to face with Ruler Tsunade and King Jiraiya. Oh boy, they did not look happy what-so-ever. I could feel the personal mantra coming back. "Shit shit shit shit shit…"
"Naruto, I command to speak to you in the throne room at once!" Ruler Tsunade said to me. King Jiraiya looked at me sternly, but as Ruler Tsunade turned around and started walking towards the room with the thrones, Jiraiya sent me a smile and a wink. I could tell he was trying to tell me that he had my back, but like that was a relief. Every mermaid and merman from a young age knew that his wife had all the power in that relationship.
Entering the room, Tsunade and Jiraiya both approached their thrones and sat on them, pointing to the space before them. Instantly knowing what they wanted, I came before the throne and bowed down as far as I possibly could before them, showing my respect towards them. Righting myself up again, I backed up a few steps, waiting for them (cough cough Tsunade cough cough) to speak to me.
"Naruto, you know I care about you," started out Tsunade, voice laced with concern for me, "And you know I care about you like a son. For god's sake, you practically are my son! You are going to inherit the throne after the passing of me and Jiraiya, after all. This is why I'm hurt that my own son can't even tell me where he's been and what he's been doing." Here she looked sad, head looking forlornly to the ground.
It was probably just a ruse to get me to spill, but it still made me fill like a big old nasty pile of rotting fish guts. "Ruler Tsunade, I know you think of me as your son. But you should know that I already consider you to be my mom." Here a came up close to her, grabbing her hand in mine. "Really, learn to trust me. I was not doing anything dangerous. I was barely exploring the seas, and lost track of time. And for that, I apologize, mother."
I felt the guilt tear into me even more as she looked up at me, smiling, believing the words I said. But I must admit, I felt a little better when she took her hand back from mine and walloped me in the head. "You brat! Don't worry me so much next time!"
"Owieeeeee!" I cried out, feigning more pain then there actually was. "You could've knocked me out!"
Here she smirked. "Well, at least then I wouldn't have to worry about you not coming back home."
I pouted. "Mwuh, you so mean to me! I'm going to bed." With several goodbyes and goodbye hugs, I left the throne room towards my bedroom. Getting in there, I allowed myself to sprawl out on the various seaweed and algae, shutting my eyes. You see, I was confident that I wasn't suspected of breaking the number one rule: going to the surface. With those feelings, I drifted off to sleep.
Unfortunately for Naruto, him assuming that Jiraiya and Tsunade weren't suspicious of him was a lie. The instant Naruto left the room, Tsunade called out, "Sai. Come out of hiding."
From the shadows, where the light from the glow fish didn't reach, there emerged a man. With a resemblance to Captain Sasuke, he had deep black hair and lifeless eyes, resembling the water when the sun was down. The only difference was instead of short hair, he had long, flowing hair which was about waist length.
He kneeled down before Ruler Tsunade and King Jiraiya, asking politely "What is it you wish of me?"
Ruler Tsunade, looking at the doorway in which Naruto had exited instead of at Sai, said "I don't trust Naruto, no matter how much I want to. I know for a fact that Naruto had stopped exploring the sea by himself ages ago, so he must have had a purpose for coming late." Then she got quiet, deeply in thought. Suddenly, she announced, "Sai, tomorrow I want you to watch Naruto."
A silence followed that statement. "You want me to…watch Naruto?" asked Sai, looking puzzled. "You mean stalk?"
"That's exactly what I mean," She said, face set with determination. "I do not want him to leave your sight for even a few seconds. Got it?"
"But...but…Tsunade, my love, don't you think this is a bit extreme?" Jiraiya questioned, coming out of no where by suddenly speaking up.
Jiraiya shouldn't have even asking speaking. "Of course this isn't too extreme, Jiraiya! Aren't you worried about Naruto?" But before he could even answer, she continued. "Of course you are! This is why we must have him followed for his own safety. It's what any loving parents would do!" Now she turned to Sai. "So, will you do this favor for me? If you do, you will be rewarded, of course."
"Of course, Ruler Tsunade. Anything for Prince Naruto."
Tsunade nodded in approval. "Good, very good. You may leave now, Sai."
As he exited the room, with Tsunade cackling happily at the thought of the "safety" Naruto would now have, Jiraiya got the strangest feeling that the shit was going to hit the fan any day now. But that thought disappeared when Tsunade pulled out the hidden bottle of vodka from behind the thrones.
Ah…it was good to be king.
A/N: Well, I hope it didn't suck too bad. I'm hoping that if I just keep on writing, my writing skills will increase as I go. Anyways, remember this: I'm more encouraged to actually update if I get reviews, so don't be lazy! Click the friendly little review button please!!
