Alright folks, I welcome you or welcome you back depending on if you're new to the story or not.
I apologize for the long pause in my publishing it has been a crazy busy few months. But I'm past the exciting bits for now and that has let me get this little piece out.
Not really an action-fueled chapter unfortunately, little word building and establishing steps for new events. Still, I hope it satisfies.
Warning, there is a mature scene in this chapter. It will be marked, those not of an age to view such things consider yourself warned.
On that note, I won't be keeping you longer so enjoy the next chapter of the Haiburiddo Shinobi. On with the chapter!
XXXXX
Footsteps echoed in the water-logged hallway, resounding off the cavernous walls of the room just beyond his cell. Eyes larger than most humans could reach in height opened, the fire within illuminating the darkness that normally shrouded his form. "So you came," his voice was as deep and rumbling as the first time Naruto had heard it. The changed blonde was indeed standing before the great beast, flanked by two others. "I admit to having my doubts about whether you would heed my instructions."
Naruto said nothing, merely looking to the men who had accompanied him on his visit. The first was the man who he aspired to one day take the position of. Hiruzen Sarutobi, still dressed in the robes of his office he had been wearing when Naruto woke from what he now knew was a forced slumber, stared at the massive creature kept at bay via the great cage doors with stern expression. Though resolute he may have appeared, Kurama could hear the rapid tapping of his heart, carried over by the body's reaction to the stress the mind was under gazing upon him. A brave front, but the fox did find itself having at least a modicum of respect for the human. It took a lot to be in front of any of the tailed beasts and not have a visible reaction, even if he was diminished by the actions of that blonde bastard.
Speaking of blondes the third member of this party, the man capable of allowing such a meeting to happen, was most definitely indicating his discomfort in being here. A tall man with ash blonde hair, several shades darker than the captured sunlight of the beast's host, broad shoulders and a pronounced jawline. For all his supposed ability, the man's sea-green eyes showed fear and his brow was dotted in sweat.
"I didn't want to believe at first," Hiruzen replied to the greeting, hands clasped behind his back as he observed the Kyubi intensely. "After all for as long as I could remember I have only ever heard of the biju as great demons with only a mind for the slaughter of those they consider beneath them. Even historical texts never mention you or your fellows having made an offer to talk with a human."
"Humans have only ever sought our destruction or enslavement," was the fox's rebuttal. "I see no reason not to return like with like. Though I have never seen any need to enslave you mortals as I am perfectly capable of seeing to my own needs."
"A fair point, I suppose. Still, as fascinating as I might find talking with a being who has lived as long as yourself, I believe you would rather get to the matter you had Naruto arrange for this meeting." He paused, remembering how that conversation had gone. He was grateful he had ordered his bodyguards to erect the privacy barrier before starting it, the pained yells of the one he had come to see as a surrogate grandson had not been easy to endure. He had placated him somewhat by explaining that his intention was to tell him on the day he graduated from the academy but given how the boy had seemed to withdraw into himself after that conversation he knew it was not a perfect fix either. He would do what he could for the boy and their bond later, however, for there was something a little more pressing he needed to see to at the moment. "May I ask why it is you wanted to speak to us like this?"
"To avoid needless complications in the future," was the simple reply. "I know the kage are aware of the existence of the supernatural creatures such as the few werewolf packs and fey courts thanks to my time housed within the wives of two of them. Naturally, this means you would somewhat recognize what has happened to my prison and would demand answers either of him or what packs you are in contact with. This will bring their attention onto my host and believe me when I say that humans are not the only ones with a habit of xenophobia. A new breed of monster, with the abilities of multiple races, will be seen as either an abomination, a next step in evolution, or a tool. I have no intention of allowing anyone who holds me in their body to be seen as anything but terrifying or awe inspiring, for any other such shall reflect back upon me if somewhat marginally."
The fox and elder humans turned to look at the hybrid in question who seemed a bit lost trying to follow the conversation. Not too surprising given the fact he was twelve, lacked a steady educational background and the large words being tossed around at the moment. Hiruzen placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder, once again feeling a spark of amusement at the fact the boy now stood almost a full foot and a half taller than he remembered. Thoughts for later he had to remind himself, shaking his head and returning to the here and now.
"Very well, though may I ask how you would like to be addressed?" The fox blinked, somewhat surprised by this sudden question. Seeming to notice and recognize his confusion the old veteran smiled. "A being as old as you must have decided on a name for yourself or were given one at some point. I know your title given by humans is Kyubi, an unimaginative title at that but accurate all the same."
"Yes, and I am far from trusting any human with such a thing," the fox growled. "The name your kind has given me shall suffice."
"Very well Kyubi-san," Hiruzen once again folded his arms behind his back and his expression returned to the stern commander he had been in combat. "Would you please explain what all you have changed in Naruto-kun?"
The Kyubi nodded, moving to lay down upon the wet tiled floor. He kept his head raised, as this was a formal conversation to some extent and was not as mentally strained as his first conversation with Naruto. "Thanks to viewing the few memories that were available to me from my imprisonment in previous hosts I had some knowledge in the medical field. With my limited abilities to influence the body of my hos to extract a piece of DNA which I then began to change."
The conversation continued for a time, explaining a part of the process through which Naruto had gone from human to…more. When he finished the description his audience stared at him with mixed expressions that seemed to be composed of horror, awe, and plain disbelief.
"So, you combined a vampire, a werewolf…and an incubus?"
"Yes."
The mind walker, who had yet to introduce himself or even really speak, was holding one hand to his face, trying and seemingly failing to process what had just been told to him. He waved off the worried Naruto who had moved in an attempt to help him in some way and walked to the wall in an attempt to distance himself from the issue.
The Kyubi did not seem to care about that one's plight, instead continuing his explanation. "Keep in mind, things were not exactly matched to the creatures I replicated. After all, I did recreate the genetic codes from scratch. For one I suspect his changed form will be sleeker than your typical werewolf, after all the more flexible leaning of genetics for the vampire will carry over to a degree." He paused, black-lined lips curling into a smirk. "Just means speed, more than strength, should be your focus. The basic abilities, however, overlap for the most part. In his human state he will be abnormally strong, even for your chakra-trained humans, and his senses will rival any human using enhanced chakra methods. He will have a gift with illusions from both the vampire and incubus genes. In the wolf state his stamina, already impressive thanks to his lineage and my presence, will be incredible, his senses multiplied even further, and other such things though he shall be the one needing to do the work to discover them. I've already done a lot of the work after all."
Naruto met the fox's gaze, his expression slowly changing from stunned to determined. He nodded. "Yeah, thanks for what you did. I…there is a lot I need to work through. I mean, I just found out about you being in me! Now I'm some…mixed blood monster thing!"
"But you are not alone Naruto," he turned to Hiruzen, who had just spoken. "Don't you remember? There is an entire village of shinobi with skills that defy logic in so many ways." He shrugged. "I am the Hokage, it should be simple enough to find those who will be capable of helping you learn to use these new abilities."
Naruto starred at his surrogate grandfather for several moments, the heavy tension hanging between them a testament to how much the morning's conversation had affected him…before nodding. "Thanks…jiji."
The gentle smile Hiruzen spared the child for a moment held so much warmth and relief you'd think someone had just told him he could finally retire for good, or that they'd finally found a way to destroy paperwork forever. It was honestly a bit of a tossup in that regard. Still, Hiruzen felt there was still one other matter to see to. With that in mind he turned back to the fox.
"What of the weaknesses those monster races are known to have?"
"I don't believe the sun will be an issue, given that I directed his animal mind to the forest to hunt and it was most likely well into the morning before he was found. If the sun was capable of killing him as a typical vampire would expect then we would both already be dead. Unfortunately, the thirst is still a factor."
"Thirst?" Naruto's head cocked to the side, expression one of confusion.
"Blood," the boy glanced over to the mind walker who had finally managed to get his thoughts calmed and rejoined the group. "Vampires feed on blood, and so will you apparently."
"Accurate to a degree," the Kyubi agreed. "Though from what I remember from the very few of those creatures I have encountered in my time it is more the life energy in the blood that will be required." Now even Hiruzen seemed confused, something proven when he almost immediately asked him to elaborate. "Vampires are unable to produce the Yang half of the power in their body. The essence of physical life itself. They must feed from those who are not so limited, drawing it out of the blood they consume. Werewolves, in contrast, have both sides in plenty, but possess an overabundance of Yang which is what their transformation consumes as fuel for the changes. That was one of the greatest issues I had in mixing the two genes, the vampiric strain kept trying to devour the essence generated by its counterpart. I was able to prevent it from draining the power too quickly, and my own chakra can help balance things out, but you will need to provide that last piece to this complex puzzle by feeding."
Having read the book on monsters over again the night this new stage in his life had occurred, it didn't take long to realize what was being said here. Eyes wide, face turning a lovely shade of green, he voiced the question in his mind. "You mean I have to drink someone's blood?"
"Humans are the richest source for the energy," the titanic fox confirmed. "But fret not, if you find that so displeasing to your delicate moral fiber it should be possible to sustain yourself with animal blood, though you will need to gorge yourself if that is the method you choose." It paused then, one giant claw tapping against the tiles beneath them as it considered something. "You will have to test this yourself…but it is also possible the abilities from the Incubus gene would allow you to feed in their manner as well. Taking excess energy through sexual exertion." The embarrassed spluttering from the boy set the Kyubi to laughing hard enough to make one think an earthquake had struck the mindscape with how the waves of sound shook it. "I think you might find that preferable to drinking blood no?" he managed to gasp out between fits of laughter, barely noticing that the elder humans were both getting a chuckle out of what was transpiring. While it has been paying attention at times, the fox had only done more so recently and had not experienced most of Naruto's memories, something it planned to rectify soon, so couldn't even begin to realize that its host was a notorious prankster. If it had, it might have been able to deduce part of their own amusement was at someone embarrassing him for once.
When they managed to calm themselves, the fox turned away from the group, curling up as if preparing to go back to sleep. "I have given the information I intended, leave me in peace now." His sensitive ears tracked the movements of the elder two as they headed toward the place where the large chamber connected to the hallway, but the boy did not move much beyond standing from where he had sat during the discussion. Then, splashes heralded the stepping of feet through the water…and they were coming closer. One large cracked open to find that Naruto was standing just outside the gates to his prison, staring up into the crimson orb with an expression the fox couldn't read.
"I know you didn't really go into why you did all this," the pre-teen said after their little staring contest had gone on for a while. "But it's helping me too. So, thank you." The blonde offered a slight bow at the waist, hands at his sides and eyes closing. He was so close, so close the fox could catch him with his claws. The opening was so perfect…and yet it did not take it. Without a word the eye closed and he listened to the boy rejoining his escorts and soon after felt them all vanish from the mental plane.
X—X
Naruto woke once more in the outside world just as Inoichi was pulling away the hand he had placed on his forehead to begin the journey into his mind. Said mindwalker turned to his commander with a bow. "Is there anything else you have need of me for Hokage-sama?"
"Other than I need you to follow the usual secrecy protocols for the information you have become privy to Inoichi," Hiruzen replied. The patron of the Yamanaka clan nodded, already planning to seal the information away using the techniques that had numbered his clan among the greatest infiltrators of their time. Thus he moved to the door, knocking to let the operatives outside know they were finished, and it was safe to drop the privacy barrier. An answering knock let him know it was done and with a kind smile to Naruto he left to go
about the rest of his day.
A heavy silence hung between the two for a moment. Hiruzen knew things between himself and Naruto would be strained, and he couldn't think of any immediate cure, no this would take time. The best thing he could do now, he figured, was to arrange for Naruto to be trained in his new abilities. 'Kakashi would most likely be glad to teach the son of the man who acted as a surrogate father to him but given his resemblance to Minato—' he shot a glance at the boy, eyes once again noting the changes the transformation had wrought '—now more than ever, there is a chance the more intelligent leaders will recognize him. Especially since it is a well-known fact that Kakashi was trained by the Yondaime. I'll have to have Tsume assign a clansman she trusts to the issue. Given that clan's history and specialty it will be doable. As for his abilities as an incubus…it seems I'll be calling in an old favor for that one.'
"Naruto," the boy looked up to meet Hiruzen's gaze. "I need to make some arrangements, so you can get some training in your new abilities. I'll have a jonin ready to take you home by the time the doctor releases you, but they'll also be helping you pack."
"Pack? What do I need to pack for?"
"One of the things I'm going to be arranging is for a better place for you to live. After all, with your new wild side I think you'll be needing more space than a one-bedroom apartment can provide." Naruto chuckled a little at that. "Behave for your doctor Naruto, I have to get some work done." He gave a little wave, not wanting to push things by offering a hug just yet, and was placing a hand on the door's handle when the boy gave voice to another question.
"Jiji, I…the girl." Hiruzen looked over his shoulder and saw Naruto's face scrunched up, as if he was trying to force a thought into clarity. "I still don't remember much but, there was a girl."
"You saved a foreign visitor that was separated from her group while you were transformed," he said. "It was actually from where it happened my tracker got your sent and found you in the woods."
"Is she okay?"
"She is in the next room actually." Naruto's eyes widened and the elder realized why so nipped that in the bud. "She wasn't injured Naruto, but she was found at a crime scene and needed to be checked over. She's woken up and was talking to her superior when last I checked."
"Can…can I see her?"
"Hmmmm…I will have to check with her leader and the girl herself. Wait just a moment."
He stepped out into the hallway and as soon as he was able to confirm no one was with him closed the door and gave a small wave. The wall in front of him seemed to shimmer, the air shifting and molding as a man stepped out from the concealing technique he had been using. The man was a little taller than his commander and dressed in the blue clothes and flak jacket of a Konoha jonin. At one time his features might have seemed rather ordinary to the point that if he donned civilian garb, he would have been just another face in the crowd. However, his features were marked with a scar, raised flesh bridging his nose and stretching out to his left cheek in a manner that would surely grab attention. "Hokage-sama?"
"I want you to guard Naruto for now Raido," he ordered. "When the doctor releases him you are to accompany him to his apartment and assist in any packing he needs to do so you can move him to the place I will be preparing." The man bowed and took up a visible position by the door, hands behind his back in the typical parade rest. This would serve as a visible deterrent to most civilians who might have learned of their favorite hated blonde's whereabouts and should things escalate Hiruzen was more than confidant in the abilities of his bodyguard to…handle things.
With that taken care of he knocked on the door to the room where the Kumo genin was staying. It was promptly opened by a man Hiruzen had yet to meet but would never forget seeing now. For starters the man's skin was blue, a pale blue with darker markings at his neck, and his body seemed almost too large to have fit through the doorway he was standing beyond, both in muscle mass and slight girth around the middle. Two large teeth poked out from his bottom lip almost resembling tusks, and that stern face in which those tusks were part of was framed by a pair of sideburns colored a pale yellow and curled in such way to resemble some artistic paintings of sea water the kage had seen. His eyebrows also were stylized in such a way though the rest of his hair was a dark black.
The man's stern expression relaxed somewhat, and he stepped back to give a slight bow. "Hokage-sama, are you here to check on Musubi again?"
"Partially, I take it I am finally meeting her captain?"
"Jinbei Hoshikage, and not captain sir." At the man's surprised look he decided to elaborate. "I am simply her teacher, assigned by the Raikage himself to assist in her taijutsu training until she graduates from the academy."
"Graduate? I thought she was a kunoichi?"
"No sir, I am a member of the forces and she was given leave to accompany us to gain experience in diplomacy. Our academy had just initiated a break for the students, so she had the time to make the journey."
"Interesting, then it is nice to meet you Jinbei, although it could have been under better circumstances. I would love to discuss this further, but I am here for an important matter. Is A in there by any chance?"
"I'm here you old badger," both men turned to the man in question who was just stepping up to Jinbei's side. "What do you want?"
"I was hoping we could talk out here for a moment, I have some things to discuss regarding young Mabui's savior."
The larger man's eyes narrowed, and he nodded. The two men shared a glance before Jinbei stepped back, turning to move further into the room while A joined their host in the hallway. He spoke once the door was closed. "So, did you find the stray?"
"It seems one of my academy's students was bitten and the disease took hold without him realizing what was going on. So rather than a plain stray we have a child who is going to need to learn fast how to keep secrets." He watched as A's eyes flicked to Raido who had yet to move or even look in their direction and nodded when they locked back with his own. "He's there, recuperating. I have a doctor I trust coming to inspect him and then we'll be moving him to a space where he can train and grow accustomed to his new way of life."
A was quiet for a long moment, his mind visibly going over what all he knew and had just been told. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because like is expected the night of a first shift he doesn't remember much, but he does remember helping the girl. He asked after her and…he wanted to know if he could see her."
"…Can you guarantee he won't try to attack anyone here?" Hiruzen nodded. "Alright then, I'll let them know. Give me a few minutes to get her ready to receive more visitors."
Naruto was in the hallway minutes later as requested, dressed in a pair of scrubs and shirt Hiruzen had requested. Hiruzen stood behind him, smiling at the way the boy was hesitating. He watched as the boy shifted from foot to foot before pulling in a deep, steadying breath and letting it out. Finally, moving quickly as if to avoid losing his meager courage, his hand shot out to wrap its knuckles against the wooden door. It opened almost immediately, and the old veteran had the pleasure of seeing the astounded look on the young man's face after seeing Jinbei in person.
The large man seemed used to such reactions as he simply chuckled at the childlike awe. "You must be the savior of our little Mabui," he said, offering a hand which Naruto shook out of reflex while nodding dumbly. Contrary to most people when seeing him, t wasn't just the man's appearance that had the blonde staring at the shark man. No, some base instinct he had never depended on before was screaming at the back of his mind to be wary of this man, some aura he gave off made it clear that he was not to be trifled with. Sort of like how the old man had seemed on the occasions he'd taken his pranks beyond the line but not quite, he couldn't really describe it and since the large man was stepping aside figured now was not the best time to go into it either.
Shaking such thoughts off, he instead turned his attention back to what he was here to do. The moment his newly golden eyes met the emerald gaze of the girl standing at the foot of the bed she must have recently been occupying a sense of relief washed over him. "So you really were real, are you alri—GAHHK!" The girl's body slamming into his own sent him stumbling back, arms instinctively going around her waist while his feet scrambled to keep them both upright.
"Thank you," he heard whispered just next to his ear. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Naruto, who received very few hugs in his life up to this point, was dumbstruck. The snickering from the grownups around him didn't help matters, hell he was starting thing his jiji was getting far too much amusement out of him today. He's going to need to start thinking of pranks to even the score.
A sudden chill bolted up the spine of the legendary shinobi, as if someone had just danced on his grave, but he put it out of his mind as he saw an opportunity to tease his surrogate grandson a little. "My, my Naruto only just hit your growth spurt and already the girls are throwing themselves at you." He looked up to A with a suggestive smile. "I don't know about you Raikage-dono but I'm starting to consider a possible marriage treaty with how…affectionate this young lady is acting."
The towering muscle-head forced himself to keep a straight face, cupping his chin as if in serious consideration of the proposal. "Hmmm…you do have a point Hokage-dono. After all, we did schedule our meeting to improve relations between our villages. Your young man here has already saved little Mabui's life and they seem to be rather close."
Faces turning shades of red the ripest of tomatoes would envy, the children separated as fast as they could, hiding behind their respective leaders in an attempt to avoid making eye contact with each other. The men in the room kept the lighthearted conversation for a while longer, good naturedly ribbing the two until business once again asserted itself.
"Mabui," Hiruzen's expression become more serious. "The attempt on your life and the nature of Naruto's intervention has involved you both in a level of our world most remain completely ignorant of. Unfortunately it is not a topic we can discuss openly even in the relative privacy of a hospital room. Thus I am extending an invitation to you all to come to my office in the morning where we can better explain the situation."
"I think that would be a good idea," A replied, his own expression showing the stress he had been under despite his attempts to distract himself with their mutual favored reading material and the jests from earlier. "We will return to the hotel provided us as soon as Mabui is released."
"Very well, I need to make a few arrangements so Naruto and I shall be going." He rose from the seat he had taken, giving a nod to the young lady while patting his surrogate grandson on the head. "Time to go, say goodbye to your girlfriend Naruto."
"JIJI!" while having grown taller, the whine that escaped the young hybrid's mouth left none confused about his age in that moment. Still, the red-faced students each gave a shy wave before he followed the Hokage out of the room. He immediately shot his village's leader a glare before moving to join the still waiting Raido, the two leaving for Naruto's apartment.
Instead of moving to the lower floors, once in the stairwell Hiruzen went to the ceiling. From there he took the rooftop road of the shinobi, making for the tower that was both office and home away from home on the long days. He, and his hidden guards, reached their destination in seconds, the clack of his sandals on the wooden roof the only sound of their arrival.
Once he reached his office, instructing his secretary to fetch a pair of messengers as he passed, he moved behind his desk. Letting himself relax back into the soft leather chair that awaited him he glanced to his right, at the far wall of his office. Four pictures were hanging there, portraits of his predecessors and lone successor. He remembered well the day he and his teammates had been briefed on the existence of the demihuman and supernatural cultures in the world. His original skepticism followed by slight horror at his own ignorance. The temptation to tell as many as possible to better avoid a possible threat to the village.
But Hashirama had been adamant in preserving the good relations he had established with the hidden tribes, something his younger brother Tobirama had whole-heartedly supported. They managed to calm the young shinobi down, explaining the history of the village and the light alliance between them. Upon his succeeding the position of Hokage from Tobirama he had approached the tribes in Hi no Kuni to formally reestablish the contract of privacy and protection as had been the agreed tradition.
Decades later he was grateful for such relations, but also knew exposing the existence of a hybrid species could be disastrous as things were now. Even in the world unknown to the majority of humans on the planet, blood purists existed on both sides. Meaning someone like Naruto will have even more enemies simply because he existed.
The old veteran tapped his finger against the blank paper he had pulled from his stationary kit. He needed to make sure Naruto survived, it was his responsibility as the boy was not only the child of his successor but a member of his village. To do that, he needed training. And if no existing clan or pack would be willing to let him live, he was going to have to enlist the aid of a pack long lost to records and overturn the secrets of someone wishing only to live as she chose.
"They will understand why I could not let the alternative happen," he reasoned as he prepared the ink. A brush was dipped into the pool and with practiced, brisk strokes outlined the messages he needed delivered. He was just setting the brush down when a knock rang against his door.
At his command to enter a man stepped in and knelt before the desk. This man's features were hidden by a wooden mask which, unlike the Anbu, was unmarked save for the holes through which he could see, and the mouth remained uncovered. He was dressed in a red short robe over the regular navy-blue turtleneck and pants. On his back was a dark green backpack presumably filled with rations those of his profession always kept ready should they be required to deliver messages far from the village.
"You summoned Hokage-sama?"
"I have," he did not look up from the desk as he sealed each folded paper. "You are to deliver these messages to the names marked upon them with all haste. Discretion is key." The messenger took the envelopes without reading the names, instead giving a nod and salute to his commander before vanishing in a burst of chakra, the nearly silent movement a testament to his training to master the speed-enhancing qualities of the Shunshin.
He reappeared upon the tower's roof, only then did he actually examine his charge. Once he had the names, the messenger immediately looked out over the village in his mind, discerning the best route to complete his task with the greatest efficiency. He did not stop to wonder why the matriarch of the Inuzuka or a rising name among the chunin were being addressed for it was not his place. The professionalism drilled into him since the day of his training left him blissfully ignorant of the changes that shall be wrought by the messages in his satchel. A fact he seemed perfectly at ease with as he disappeared into yet another blur of motion, making his way to the residential area to deliver the first message.
X—Mature Content Begins—X
She could barely move. For all the strength a lifetime of training provided, the straps of cloth may as well have been shackles of steel for she dared not break them. The softness beneath her bare skin was warm from contact, while a cool breeze wafted over, caressing that skin with its contrast to the heat of her own body.
Besides the strips holding her wrists and ankles she wore naught but a blindfold. Ears trained to pick up the slightest sound could hear the creak of floorboards as her lover moved about, she felt the subtle tug of the sheets beneath her as fingers drifted across, close enough to notice but never truly touching. The suspense made her heart pound, hammering a war beat against her ribs and thundering in her ears.
How she longed for the touch of those fingers, to feel them play against her flesh to drive a symphony of moans from her like the worlds most sensual instrument. Movement stopped, the fingers near her head, so close…if she turned her head but could not lean far enough lest the bonds break and their play be ended prematurely. She felt the bed shift, weight on the hand compressing the springs below as her tormentor leaned closer.
Hot breath on her face, but no contact. The breath moved away, the weight shifting as their body turned up and finally there was contact. Lips against her bicep, a gentle kiss followed by the light pinch of teeth. Pleasure and just the lightest hint pain, a delightful cocktail just perfect for her in this moment.
The bed sunk lower, a knee had been placed on the bed. It took the weight, allowing the hand to rise, tracing down her side, gently caressing the flesh, the calluses there providing a wonderful sensation as the brushed against the lower side of her breasts. She arched her back, silently pleading for a more…direct…feeling, but the paused, drawing out that moment of mild torture. Then they drew closer, she felt just the slightest of pressure against the peak…and a knock sounded at the front door.
It was like a cold burst of water, dousing the arousal in both of them, their voices sounding curses at the same time. With deft practice she felt hands untie her right hand which immediately lifted to pull away the blindfold, eyes the color of honey glared at the door as a second knock demanded attention. "Damnit hold on!" she growled, pulling the sheets around herself.
Movement to the side brought her attention to her partner. The woman's skin was soft white, a contrast to the ebony of her hair. Eyes of red burned with an inner light, displaying her irritation at their interruption as she pulled robe over the undergarments she had been wearing. Full lips were drawn in an angered frown. With angered steps she closed with the door, throwing it open to glare angrily at the messenger on the other side. "What is it!?" she hissed, the raw anger she managed to pack into these words made even the professional man step back in concern for his life.
Still, he steeled himself for his duty and lifted the slip of paper meant for her. "Kurenai Yuhi, I have been instructed to deliver this message to you by the Hokage." She snatched the paper away, still watching as he bowed, his only sign of apology, and turned to leave as the door slammed shut. Turning away from the outside, Kurenai broke the seal, unfolding the paper to read the vertical lines of script kept within.
Her annoyed frown slowly transitioned as she read. First turning thoughtful, a single eyebrow rising, before her brow furrowed. When she finished she was moving quickly, throwing her closet open and dressing herself. "I've been summoned," she answered the silent question she knew was being asked from her partner. An armored mesh shirt, a sleeve of red cloth slightly longer than her right arm attached at the shoulder, was put on over her bra followed by a pair of black shorts to cover the laced underwear. Next came the long strips of cloth she weaved around herself, the pattern embroidered into it making it appear as if she were wrapped in thorns of a rose. "There wasn't much detail in the message which is understandable," continued while sitting on the bed to slip on her reinforced sandals. "But apparently it has to do with my…singular talents."
She heard the rustling of the paper as it was picked up, looking over her shoulder to see the purple-haired woman who had been her friend, confidant, and lover for several years now. "I'm sorry about this Anko."
The infamous Snake Mistress of Konoha waved it off, not hearing a word of it. "You and I both know we can get called away at the drop of a hat. It's just our luck that old man put on his hat right when we were wanting to try something new." Finishing her own reading of the message she let it drop, bending over to press her lips against Kurenai's in a brief kiss. "Go see what he needs, we'll have time again to give this another go."
Kurenai felt something pressed into her hand and looked down to see the headband bearing their shared village's mark on its metal plate. With a smile she tied it in place across her forehead, caressed her fellow kunoichi's cheek and rose to make for the door. She had just stepped through and was preparing to close it when she heard Anko call her name. She glanced back to see the woman had returned to the bed, sheet hanging off one shoulder, covering the joint between her legs and sultry grin on her face. "Hurry back," she called, and the door was noticeably slower than normal in closing, allowing Kurenai to drink in the sight before leaving.
X—Mature Content End—X
The messenger landed before the main gates, slabs of wood taller than he and stained to hold a dark color. The darkness of said stain contrasting well with the bright red fang carved and painted into each door. The mark of the Inuzuka, the fangs they sue to hunt the enemies of their home. A moment to pound on the door and a slot previously hidden in the bulk of the wood slid open.
"State your business," a woman's voice growled from the other side.
"I am a messenger sent by the Hokage," he replied. "I bear a message for the eyes of Tsume-sama only."
"Proof?"
In reply he lifted a disc from his belt. It was hammered iron, its face flat and carved into it was the symbol of a scroll sealed with a symbol of Konohagakure. The official badge of the messenger unit. He handed this disc through to the guard who checked it over, making note of the kanji carved along its edge. He watched as she looked off to the side and the sound of a dog sniffing just barely reached his ears. There was a bark, which must have been an agreement to his claim because the woman nodded and handed it back through the slot. "Step back, we'll open the gate."
"My thanks."
This messenger had visited the home of the Inuzuka before, and each time he couldn't help but notice the differences between it and most other clans in the village. For one, most of the property remained overgrown with thick forest that had been the land's staple before the village's founding. The path he walked on now had been hewn from the feet of the broad gates and lead straight into the property for a few hundred feet before widening as it met several houses built along its length.
He knew these houses to be places for guards to sleep after their shifts, as well as guests of the family. A courtesy given the loud and wild nature of the clan meant a little separation at night for those unused to their mannerisms allowed for peaceful sleep at night. Usually at least.
Beyond these houses the path widened, forming a large courtyard surrounded by buildings. A large veterinary area for the clan's ninken partners. A couple different specialized food establishments, and two different stalls to sell the hunted goods from their vast lands to clan members. He knew multiple restaurants payed good money for meats outside the norm of beef and pork the clan could procure.
This wide space served not only as a meeting place for the small inner-clan businesses, but also a place of training. He saw quite a few spars happening between Inuzuka pairs, shinobi and ninken honing their teamwork or individual techniques depending on their needs at the time. Some of the less active members at the time spared a nod or wave in his direction which he politely returned before making his way onward toward his destination.
At the far end of this massive, manmade clearing in the forest stood the building he aimed for. The home of the clan's leader, or Alpha was the term used by most who knew their ways.
A single-story house built of logs, long and strong against the elements, it rested on a slight rise in the ground. The steps to its front door carved of stone and wide enough for five adults to walk up shoulder to shoulder. Said doors were framed by a pair of stone carvings, two wolves as tall as men at their shoulders stood eternally locked in a position ready to pounce. The wood of the doors was as thick as the walls, expertly carved to show a wolf lying on the ground, curled around her cubs as they slept.
The messenger pounded his fist hard against the wood, waiting only moments before he heard the scrapping against stone floor, both doors being pulled back. The men revealed to be on the other side were taller than he, both dressed in flack jackets modified to have a fur collar, bare arms rippling with muscle as they stepped away from the doors. Hair dark the dark brown of earth was left to grow wild, framing faces marked with strong jaws, lightly narrowed irises, and cheeks marked with the twin red fangs known to all.
"I come with a message to Tsume-sama," he informed them, presenting the badge once again for approval. "It is from Hokage-sama and I am instructed to deliver it with all haste."
The guards shared a glance, before looking over their shoulders. This movement let him see the room within, where a roaring fire sat in a pit in the room's center. Cushions and furs lined the room, some occupied by men, women, and the hounds which were the staple partners of the clan's warriors. A raised platform sat at the room's far wall. Upon this platform was a wide seat, more couch than throne, and it was on this couch the woman he sought was resting.
Leaning against one arm, the woman was classic Inuzuka. Wild hair cut to shoulder length, allowed to fall where it may, mouth in what seemed to be a permanent grin which left her sharp incisors on display. She was dressed in a similar jacket as her guards, but where theirs was black hers was silver, perhaps a mark of station?
Lying against her was the partner she had known since her early years, the one-eyed hound Kuromaru. The two had fought many battles together, and he was one of the few among the Inuzuka ninken to learn the art of speech. "Let him through," the matriarch's voice carried over the wide area with ease, accompanied by a lazy wave which the two immediately followed. They stepped aside, letting him approach to hand over the envelope. She opened it while the messenger waited, after all, one does not just walk away from a clan head. She finished quickly and with a light pat against her partner's head rose to her feet. "I've received the message and will leave immediately," she informed the man while tossing the slip of paper into the fire. "You may return to your other duties.
He bowed and left as bade. Tsume and Kuromaru not far behind, both curious to know what had the Hokage calling them now, and why he had mentioned their clans ancient legacy as well.
Meanwhile, back in his office, Hiruzen had begun making new plans for the academy. After all, if Naruto was to be getting new training, he decided it best to beef up the learning curve of his other potential forces as well. A butterfly flaps its wings, a hurricane gathers soon after across the globe. The act of a teacher striving to aid a problem child provided the inspiration of an ancient being to perform an act of self-preservation. Who knows what next is in store, and how far the winds of change shall spread? Hiruzen wasn't sure what the answer to his little musings was, but he was certain of one thing…if Naruto was involved, it was sure to be something those involved could never forget.
XXXXX—And Cut—XXXXX
Something to address first
Jinbei – this was actually Kamen Rider Arashi's idea though we fleshed out the backstory together. He left Kiri and offered his services to Kumo. The why of which is already planned out but will not be spoiled here.
I'll be thinking of other monster races to add in eventually, got some bad and some good. If you've got any ideas on them, characters on either spectrum I ask you provide them in the following format:
Name
Race
Physical Description
Personality
Backstory
I make no promises on using them, but should a character be used I promise to include credit in the character's debut chapter for the creator or suggesting person if you want to suggest someone from another series to use.
Next chapter we have the meeting of Hiruzen with potential teachers for Naruto, some training…of what sort I'll leave to your imaginations until I actually write and publish the chapter. Hopefully won't be as a big a gap between updates this time. (fingers crossed on that one)
Next order of business, as I stated on my Ben10 story's last chap I have decided to open an account on Pat r On. My intent is not really to profit, but I do ask for donations so I can actually afford to devote more than free time to these works. I will have a unique story available on the account, one of two depending on reactions I get. I am cautious about opening this as a poll on the account, so I leave this open to suggestion via PM and Review.
Here are the options for what would appear on the new account:
Sekirei Crossover with Jojo's Bizarre Adventure – Under circumstances to be revealed in story, some characters in the Sekirei world will have the power to create a Stand. Sekirei will not have them, this is a purely Ashikabi ability and not all will have them. Minato in this will have an actual spine, Kamen Rider Arashi and I are planning to try a mix of Jotaro and Josuke.
Different Devil Fruit Luffy – Luffy sets out with a different fruit that is going to have a rather interesting effect on the world at large. Smarter Luffy but still craves a good fight and a good meal. No it is not a Logia, in my opinion it will be a lot cooler, especially when I get to have him fighting Enel (hate that guy, hate him with more intensity than the lightning he uses!).
Those are the options, either those two or I will take one of my stories on this account and move it to the Paty account depending on what the fans say. I am leaving the one-month period so I can gauge reactions and see which one seems the most popular. Granted I'll probably put the other out as soon as I finish an existing one.
That's all I have for today folks, if you've made it this far I thank you for your time and wish you well on the rest of your day. Till next time, this'll be Yurei King signing out!
