I do not own Naruto
Thank you so much for your reviews shae, jayanx, twiggy-shino, Goatis, Logophobia, Fairy of Anime, Soubi Shoukyaku, devoid69. Don't worry twiggy-shino, the revenge bit will be revealed much later. Oh and Goatis, the hickey thing... nah, nothing special really. Just something I've noticed with guys in general. For some reason, they like to mark their territory.
I've been trying to avoid Katsuyo's Kikaichu guard dogs idea from "Amongst The Daisies", but it was inevitable in this chap. So I wanted to give credit where credit's due.
This chap is mostly for moving the plot line and no real lemon.
I hope you enjoy!
Chapter Nine
When Shino emerged from the bedroom, he found his father and the two kunoichi sitting down at the table with a city map stretched out on, quickly laying out plans for the day.
"Hey, Shino-kun," whispered Sakura as she smiled up at him and motioned for the young Bug Master to sit in the chair next to her. Giving her a kiss on the cheek, he sat down and listened in on the conversation.
"Okay, just to double check. Sakura and I will check out the kyabakura and these two addresses," confirmed Kurenai as she pointed to the map, "While you and Shino head out to the other offices."
Shibi nodded, "Right. Then we'll meet back at the hotel. The maid said that her brother saw the Kamizuru always transporting a box or two between offices so we need to see what's in there. If you find anything like that, go ahead and grab the scroll, but keep a low profile. We need to stay undercover in case they still haven't found it."
The brunette looked up to see her student and nodded a greeting, "Here's some rice and eggs, Shino," And handed him an already made up plate to the young man.
When their hands touched for a second, Shino's Kikaichu immediately picked up a distinct abnormality in his sensei's chakra and his eyebrows rose high above his shades. Setting his plate down on the table, he turned and looked over at his father, but found the man too engrossed in city map to notice the kid's sly grin.
'Looks like last night's activities came up with a result, Dad!'
The brunette noticed Shino ignoring his breakfast and wondered about the boy's startled expression at her followed by soft chuckling as if he just got in on an inside joke.
"Is something wrong, Shino-kun," asked Kurenai as she narrowed her crimson eyes at the young man.
Shino pondered whether or not he should tell her, but figured that it better be the job of his father, who should be very aware of his mate's condition. And after getting to know his sensei all these years, the boy certainly didn't want to be around if the kunoichi was in the mood to shoot the messenger. If anyone had the capability to survive the genjutsu specialist's fury, it would be Aburame Shibi.
The young man smiled politely and shook his head, "Nothing's wrong, Kurenai-Sensei. Just be sure to eat well today."
Kurenai paused in thought, but shrugged off Shino's cryptic comment and turned to the young medic-nin, "You and I should head out now, Sakura. We need to find civilian clothes before checking out our assigned addresses."
Nodding in agreement, Sakura stood up and gave the young Bug Master a quick kiss while Kurenai was more than happy to kiss Shibi into a blissful state.
Grinning to themselves, both women took off to do a little shopping.
The older Aburame smiled stupidly at the hotel door until he noticed his son smirking at him from across the table, "What?"
Shino cleared his throat and returned to his breakfast, "Oh nothing."
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Beside the "Closed for Lunch" sign of the hostess club window was a "Help Wanted" poster clearly seen from outside on the sidewalk and both kunoichi had to bend down so they could get a better look at the fine print.
"It looks like they're just looking for janitors, bartenders, and...," Sakura scratched at her hastily bought sun-dress as she re-read the sign, "Bathroom attendants? That's weird. It's as if they're only looking for guys to hire."
Wearing a purple wrap dress, Kurenai tried to peer into the tinted windows, but it was too dark for her to get a proper view, "Shibi said that the hostess clubs are always looking for new girls. The industry should practically be a revolving door, but whether they're looking for hostesses or shoe-shine boys, we need to go inside to check if the Kamizuru stashed their stuff here."
Inner Sakura yawned as she lounged in Sakura's head, 'Hey, we came. We saw. We found crap! I say we're good for the day!'
The Chuunin groaned and turned to Kurenai, "Why do we have to go in, Sensei? We already searched the other two offices. That should be good enough. I wish Aburame-sama didn't ask us to check this crappy place."
Kurenai shrugged as she tried to make sense of it herself, "I tried asking him, but that was when he kissed me into a blubbery mess and then started pointing out our assignments."
Narrowing her green eyes, Sakura crossed her arms and backed away from the "Help Wanted" sign, "How much do you wanna bet Aburame-sama is just as popular here as Tanzaku Gai?"
"Tch," the brunette sneered as she remembered the Lucky Star, "Figures. Maybe we should go have a little talk with Mr. Popular!"
Before the two kunoichi got one step away from the hostess club, the door burst open and a blond woman with a bright smile came bounding around them to plant herself right in front of the the surprised women.
"Hello, hello, hello, welcome to the Midnight Interlude," beamed the strange lady, "I saw you two looking at the sign and I think you would be absolutely PERFECT! Please, come in!" She spun the kunoichi around and pushed them through the open door.
Sakura took in the empty club with it's barely lit sitting booths and open dance floor. All the chairs for more tiny tables were stacked in a far corner while the booths were being dusted down by an elderly gentleman, who the kunoichi surmised as the janitor. The bartender was wiping down the table tops and a kid came out of the bathroom sliding a wet mop across the floor.
"What's all this," asked Kurenai, "I thought you were looking for janitors, bartenders, and bathroom attendants?"
"Yeah, what's the big idea," Sakura pointed to the fellows who looked up at the kunoichi then snickered as they continued their tasks.
The blond lady waved her hands in apology, "Oh THAT! I just put up the sign whenever business starts getting slow. You know, to catch the really horny fellas who are looking for a freebie then I get 'em hooked! But excuse the rudeness, let me introduce myself. I am Koyuki, the owner and mama-san of this establishment. Don't pay any attention to the sign, we are always looking for more girls... especially such rare beauties in fine physical condition! So what might your names be?"
Kurenai took a quick second to think and prayed that her friend's reputation didn't reach all the way out to Bird, "Mitarashi Anko"
The blond woman nodded blithely, "And you?"
Inner Sakura laughed at the very idea and loved it, 'Oh you know you wanna do it!'
Sakura smirked slyly at Kurenai and said, "Yamanaka Ino."
Koyuki smiled in complete ignorance, "Well, Anko and Ino...why don't we go sit down and talk about getting you two hostess jobs, huh?"
Sakura and Kurenai followed the mama-san to sit on one side of a booth while Koyuki took the other. The mama-san immediately looked to the young Chuunin with a critical eye.
"Now before we start. Please do not be offended, dear," the blond reached across the table to pat the young girl on the hand, "I must ask if you are at least eighteen. That is the law around here."
Kurenai waved a hand to distract Koyuki, "She will be eighteen in a few days. Is that a problem?"
The mama-san nodded as she recognized that the brunette was willing to take legal responsibility, "Ah I see, well."
She gave Sakura a wink, "IF you wish to spend your eighteenth birthday here a few days in a row, then far be it from me to stop you." She grinned and winked a couple more times. Sakura gave a weak laugh then gave Kurenai a horrified look when Koyuki's back was turned to pick up a pen and paper.
"So Koyuki-san, how much should we expect to make in one night?" As the brunette kept the mama-san's attention on her, Kurenai gave a secret signal behind her back at Sakura, saying that it was time to use her genjutsu.
Running through her hand signs, Sakura glanced around at the busy employees and each one slowed down until they gently slumped over into individual illusions. Looking back at Kurenai, the Chuunin nodded that her job was done.
Kurenai continued to smile at Koyuki while her hands moved swiftly under the table. The brunette made sure that the blond woman kept eye contact before activating a more complex genjutsu that had the mama-san carrying on a one-sided conversation.
The kunoichi slipped out of the booth as they watched Koyuki nod and smile at empty air then continue with her questions.
"At least that's done," sighed Sakura and smoothed out her dress, "Where do you want to start looking?"
Kurenai put her hands on her hips as she slowly spun around, "Well, if I was an idiot shinobi running an illegal excursion where would I hang out?"
With soft chuckles, both women faced each other, "The changing rooms!" They carefully made their way behind the stage and peeked through the dark curtains separating the club from the back. There was a large room behind the stage and a stairway that led to the upper levels.
The kunoichi had to duck behind a giant paper valentine when they heard a pair of girls came down the stairs.
"Kami," said one girl with a yawn, "When is that Kurubachi guy gonna leave us alone?"
The other merely shrugged as they walked out the back door and into the back alley, "As long you know who keeps encouraging him, he's not going anywhere!"
Kurenai sighed in relief to see the employees head out the back instead of the club. It would have meant knocking them out with more genjutsu. The brunette slipped to the bottom of the stairs and checked to see if anyone else was coming. She looked over at Sakura, who was still waiting behind the valentine, and waved her to follow.
They made their way up the stairs to find the changing rooms and a small lobby area where the girls gathered. One the other side of the stairs, there were a few doors revealing much smaller rooms with barely enough room for the twin beds inside.
'Oh yeah,' Inner Sakura sneered and shook her head, 'They're totally legal!'
At the far end of the hall was a closed door with a plaque saying "Main Office" and a small tag hanging off the doorknob.
"Do not disturb," read both women.
Kurenai raised an eyebrow, "I wonder why?" She reached for the office doorknob carefully tested it.
"Locked."
Sakura's hand fumbled with a bra strap and pulled out a short lock pick. She put one end into the keyhole and slowly slipped the pick through one metal layer after another until they heard an audible click.
"Did you hear something, Kamizuru-sama," came a woman's voice from the office.
Both kunoichi scowled at themselves for not checking for noises and sprinted down the hall then turned the corner into the changing rooms. The office door was slightly opened and a redhead hostess checked the area. Seeing the empty hallway, she shrugged and closed the door once more.
Kurenai dug in her purse and opened up a powder compact to angle a view from around the corner, "Clear."
Sakura stepped out first and whispered, "It looks like one of them is here, but which one?"
The smiling brunette flourished a hand towards the main office, "Be my guest."
Wincing with disgust, the Chuunin quietly slipped up to the door with Kurenai following close and they slowly cracked the door open. As the office lights shone through the crack, the kunoichi could hear heavy panting and the creaking of a cheap wooden desk being put under an abnormal amount of stress.
Inner Sakura held both hands over her ears, 'Sound like someone's getting' it on!'
A low groan erupted from a man, who had his back to them as his hips thrust into the redhead sitting on the desk edge with her legs wrapped around his waist. Being jostled back and forth, the woman lifted up a wrist to look at her watch, all the while letting out fake moans.
"Ugh, that is so gross," whispered Sakura as she fought to keep her breakfast down, "That's probably that Jibachi creep."
Then to the women's surprise, the bored hostess rolled her eyes and droned in a flat tone, "Kurubachi... Oh, Ji- Um, Kuru-kun."
"He must be pretty desperate to put up with that kind of a mood killer," murmured Kurenai, "We've made a confirmation. Let's get out of here." The brunette gagged as she heard more groans from the man.
Before the kunoichi backed away, they heard the man growl into the redhead's neck, "Stop looking at that damn watch and kiss me, bitch!"
The redhead put down her arm and gave an annoyed sighed, "You know, I never agreed to that." She suddenly let out a fearful gasp when the man gripped her hips threateningly.
"If you want to get paid Nami, you do it!"
The hostess nodded and complied, giving the man a last needed push over the edge. Kurubachi let out a long moan as he emptied himself into the redhead and leaned on the desk for support. Nami sneered as she pushed the man away and held a hand out.
Still panting for air, Kurubachi reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a diamond bracelet for the hostess. The woman scrutinized the jewelry before snatching it and quickly tucking the bracelet into her cleavage.
She hopped off the desk and straightened up her dress, "You don't think I can't recognize shoddy workmanship? Hah! To make up for this piece of shit, I want to see you and your cousin down in the club tonight." Nami threw open the office door and turned around to scowl at the tired Kurubachi.
"And you better reserve at least four hours or you'll never get nookie from me or any of the other girls in Midnight Interlude." The smirking redhead swung her hips as she stalked through the hallway and down the stairs into the back alley.
After hearing the hostess' clicking heels fade away, Kurenai and Sakura peeked out of the changing room to see Kurubachi curse while getting dressed. Then they felt him feel out for any chakra signatures and the kunoichi carefully masked their chakra from his probing.
Satisfied to feel only normal people, he walked to one corner of the office, "Kai!"
A locking seal glowed momentarily before disappearing, letting the man rip open a large box with a hammer. They saw him check inside and do a mental count then hammer the top back down.
Kurenai tried to catch his hand signs as he re-sealed the box, but from that distance she didn't catch everything.
Sakura and Kurenai ducked back into the changing rooms then watched Kurubachi leave the same way the hostesses did. The kunoichi hurried to the office and locked the door behind them.
The Jounin studied the locking seal and sighed, "I'm gonna have to wing it. Keep alert," she gave the Chuunin a nod to stand back.
Sakura's hand glowed with chakra as she moved over to the other side of the office, ready for anything.
Kurenai took a deep breath before running through a series of seals, "Kai!" The top of the box glowed with the Stone-nin's jutsu, but the seal remained visible and returned to its previous state.
"Damn," She tried again this time switching the horse seal with pig, "Kai!"
The seal glowed longer than the first attempt and finally disappeared. Sakura came up from behind and summoned her strength to rip the top off the box. They perused through the fragile artifacts that had been dug up, probably saved to sell off to the highest bidder.
"Do you see anything that resembles a scroll, Sensei?"
Kurenai shook her head, "No and since it doesn't look like Kurubachi wants to lose his personal harem, the Kamizurus aren't going anywhere until they've found their ancestor's scroll. Come on, we better get downstairs. It's been too long anyways."
Also feeling her genjutsu slowly losing power, Sakura replaced the top and slammed the nails back into the box.
By the time the kunoichi made it to the booth, the mama-san was congratulating them on a wonderful job interview, "You two are absolutely marvelous! Welcome to the Midnight Interlude family!"
After Sakura slid into her seat beside Kurenai, she raised her hands and lowered her head, "Kai!" The janitor, bartender, and bathroom attendant woke up from their illusions then continued happily into their jobs.
Kurenai looked into Koyuki's eyes and secretly released the woman from the genjutsu.
The mama-san turned to both women as if they had been there all along, "So I'll give you some papers to sign and while you're doing that, I'll get your uniforms." Koyuki ran to the bar and came back to hand them some employee forms to fill out.
"Here you go. I know just the themes for the both of you. I'll be right back," The blond grinned brightly and quickly ran to the back of the club.
Inner Sakura scratched her pink hair, 'What did she mean by 'Uniforms' and 'Themes'?'
As Sakura struggled to come up with false information for the forms, she turned to her superior, "Do we have to do this, Kurenai-sensei? I don't know how I'll live this down back at Konoha, especially if Ino finds out."
The older woman shrugged nonchalantly, "Trust me. Kunoichi have been asked to do the same and worse for a mission, even your beloved Shishou. Consider yourself fortunate, Sakura-chan. All we have to do is get back to the hotel and we'll never see this place again."
Both kunoichi looked up from their writing when Koyuki came up carrying several boxes in her arms, "Tonight is going to be fun with you girls freshening the line-up. I'll be able to charge twice as much on the drinks while everyone's drooling over you two."
Rubbing her hands together evilly, the mama-san gave a great big grin to the sweating kunoichi, "So what song should I put you down for?"
Kurenai and Sakura blinked, "Song?"
The mama-san frowned as she looked back and forth between her new employees, "Yes, you did say that you would be happy to perform a duet for karaoke tonight. We have very few girls willing to do that you see and we can charge more money for it."
"Oh, oh I see...uh," Sakura looked over at Kurenai for help.
'SING,' Inner Sakura cringed, 'Hell no! We just got our boyfriend. If baby-talk doesn't scare him away, our pathetic shrieking will!'
The brunette put on her sweetest smile, "We're not exactly professional singers, ma'am."
"I'm not expecting you to be pop-stars," Koyuki laughed then paused to rethink about your average pop singer and shrugged, "Look if ya' can carry a tune and wiggle your ass at the same time, you're already ahead of the game!" The blond woman pulled apart the small stack of boxes and handed two to each girl.
Kurenai looked down to see the larger box marked, "Devil Lady?"
"How come mine says, 'Angel Baby'," asked Sakura as she tried to peek inside.
Inner huffed at the box label, 'What? Does she actually think we're that innocent,' Her inner self raised a happy fist, ''Not a virgin thank you very much!'
The mama-san smiled and gave the packages loving pats, "These are your starter persona for tonight. It'll help you get into character until you find your own themes. Oh and for each of you there'll be a rental charge of ten thousand yen for each week's usage along with an up front dry-cleaning fee of five thousand yen... now." Koyuki held out a hand and waited for the cash.
'WHY am I not surprised! If I have to pay the woman to get the hell out of here, so be it!' Kurenai frowned as she and Sakura searched themselves for their wallets.
After the mama-san was given her money, she immediately spouted out the rules and tips for the kyabakura, "Just lay it on thick! Let them think they are the wittiest, most handsome men in the world and that life would have no meaning if they didn't visit you every single night! Then pump them so full of the most expensive alcohol that they'll need a medic in the morning."
Sakura and Kurenai glanced at each other and shrugged.
"But whatever you do," Koyuki gave them a deep frown, "Don't ever accept invitations to the back rooms," She gave them a quick wink.
"And don't let the customers see or feel any of your goodies."
The Jounin inwardly groaned to see the blond woman give two more exaggerated winks.
Inner Sakura rolled her eyes, 'This woman is just begging to be shut down!'
Sweet Sakura peered strangely at the mama-san. "Uh, are you okay ma'am? You seem to have a nasty tick there. Maybe you should see a doctor about that."
Koyuki's smile remained frozen, but the irritation showed in her voice, "There's nothing wrong with my eye."
"Oh, I guess it was some dirt or dust," the Chuunin laughed nervously.
The mama-san chuckled in disbelief and gave Sakura a pat on the shoulder, "Oi, the innocent angel baby is perfect for this one. Jibachi-kun is gonna love you!"
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The hotel elevator opened up on the fourth floor and both Aburame men trudged out from a disappointing afternoon. None of the offices had been disturbed in for weeks and the neighbors were damn useless when asked about strange activities. Now tired and frustrated, the Aburames were hoping the kunoichi had better luck. If it turns out that even those addresses didn't pan out, there would be one less maid in this hotel.
Shino rubbed at the annoying crick in his neck. Even though he slept on a bed, the pull out just did not cut it. He was looking forward to sleeping in a proper bed and smirked at the thought of other fun activities he planned on doing in a real bed with a certain pink-haired Chuunin.
From behind his sunglasses, Shibi noticed his son patting down the pocket where the boy kept his new room key and smiled, 'You're not the only one looking forward to tonight.'
As the men made their way down the hall, their steps slowed when they heard laughing and cackling coming from suite number forty-two.
"Oh my god," came Sakura's voice through the door, "Un-fucking-believable! I can't believe that leech expected us to prance around in these get ups! I am so glad we don't have to back there!"
"Consider it an early honeymoon gift, Sakura-chan. I mean, look at what she gave me! Kami, I don't think I've ever seen so much leather in one box! All that's missing is the whip," Kurenai's laugh grew harder and roused the Aburame Clan Leader's curiosity.
"Weren't they supposed to go shopping for civilian wear," whispered Shino as he scratched his bushy hair under his hood.
Shibi stared anxiously at the closed door and shrugged helplessly, "I guess it depends on the civilian."
Wisely deciding they should wait for the kunoichi to "Surprise" them, this time the Aburames politely knocked on the door then calmly listened to the panicked squealing and hustling of feet from the other side. After a few minutes, the door was opened by a blushing Kurenai with Sakura clasping her hands behind her back, nervously rocking back and forth on her heels.
The Aburames slowly stepped into the room all the while searching the area from underneath their dark shades. Nothing seemed out of place and certainly no odd boxes peeking out of anywhere. Needless to say though, a couple of curious Kikai were covertly sent out to peruse the room.
Kurenai coughed into her hand and smiled, "So did you guys find anything useful on your end?"
The men noticed how the kunoichi looked up at them with hopeful eyes and both sets of Kikaichu picked up intense fear mixed with eagerness for good news.
"It was a bust," said Shibi plainly, "The addresses hadn't been touched in weeks and no one around had any idea who we were talking about. I've got a sneaking suspicion that the maid's brother might end up the same way. If you kunoichi happened to find anything, it may be all we've got."
The faces on both women said the exact same thing, 'Oh crap!'
Groaning into her hands, Kurenai skulked over to the couch and plopped herself down in self-pity. A blue Sakura wasn't far behind and sat next to the older woman to wallow in the humiliation. The women looked up when Shibi and Shino walked up to them to wait patiently for their report.
"Well, Sarutobi-san," Shibi watched Kurenai wince at his formal tone.
"We found something at the Midnight Interlude," sighed the brunette, "Kurubachi is keeping a box in their main office on the second floor, but there's no scroll inside. Just archaeological artifacts they came across during excavation."
Shino quirked his head, "You found pretty close to what we were looking for and yet both of you act like you've been given death sentences."
Sakura frowned as she stared at her clasped hands and mumbled so low the shinobi barely heard, "It might as well be..."
Inner Sakura was already freaking out and running around in a panic, "KARAOKE! KARAOKE!"
Already putting together the pieces, the older Aburame looked down at the brunette, "All we need now is a way to keep an eye on the Kamizuru's and their box. Do you have any ideas, Sarutobi-san?"
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It was well past sunset when the anxious kunoichi found themselves standing inside the changing room of the kyabakura, surrounded by other beautiful women, who were too busy with their make up and dresses to care about the newcomers.
Kurenai and Sakura took a good look around and noticed a poster board with pictures of all the girls arranged according to popularity, going all the way up to the biggest moneymaker of the Midnight Interlude, Kurubachi's redhead.
'Figures Red would be top dog around here,' growled Inner Sakura.
A girl started to walk past the kunoichi and did a double-take, "Hey, you two need to get dressed right now. Mama-san doesn't like to keep the customers waiting, especially when there's newbies to introduce!"
The two kunoichi sighed and went to find a quiet corner to change. Kurenai opened up the small box and pulled out a sleeveless blood red leather bodice that zipped up the front. Throwing the top over her bra, the brunette carefully zipped it up and winced when she found that it a tad too tight, effectively making her bosom bulge over the low neckline.
Sakura frowned as she noticed Kurenai's problem, "Maybe if you didn't wear the bra?"
The older woman glared and pointed to the Chuunin, "Not going to happen! Why aren't you changing?"
The girl fearfully opened up her box and laid out the white cami-dress. Sakura was glad to see the dress had a shelf bra. She didn't think that she would get away with a bra peeking out from the spaghetti straps. Slipping the dress over her head, Sakura was shocked to see the bottom barely reaching a few inches beyond her bottom.
"Oh no," whined the Chuunin.
Kurenai hissed when she saw Sakura, "Maybe the overlay will cover you better."
Sakura scrambled to pull the long-sleeve sheer dress on top of the cami and was disappointed to find that the edge was about the same length.
"You've got another problem, Sakura-chan," said Kurenai as she struggled to pull on her matching leather hot pants, "Your pink underwear is showing through the dress. You already knew what color you outfit was. Why didn't you wear your white panties?"
The anxious girl started to bite her nails, "All the panties I brought with me are pink, black, or green. I chose the lightest I had."
Kurenai slapped the girl's hands away from her mouth and pushed Sakura to the make up counter, "Don't tell me you don't have any regular white underwear. I mean that's supposed to be a girl staple!"
The girls opened up their cosmetic bags and began to add heavy foundation, "They're all at home! I packed in a hurry and grabbed what was clean. It's not my fault."
The brunette pinched the bridge of her nose before sliding bright red gloss over her lips, "Well, let's hope the mama-san doesn't notice and the downstairs doesn't look to be bright enough to expose anything."
"Except when we're gonna be doing the karaoke," said Sakura with a scowl and swept black mascara over her pink lashes, "The spotlight's gonna be killer bright!"
After pulling her hair into a high ponytail, Kurenai closed her eyes and pulled out the hairspray to lacquer everything into place, "We're just going to have to avoid the karaoke."
"I sure hope so," mumbled Sakura and tested the heating curling iron before twisting her pink locks into fat curls, "Ino-pig keeps telling me I can't sing worth crap!"
"Why do you continue to believe her," asked the brunette as she put a hand on her hip, "She's just as tone deaf as the rest of her family. Here let me help with that." Kurenai grabbed the curling iron and alternated curling then spraying the hair into submission. Then the brunette swiped another woman's gold ribbon barrettes when she wasn't looking and pinned them on either side of Sakura's head.
"There ya' go," Kurenai gave a light pat on Sakura's hair and found her palms gummy from the excess hairspray, "Ew."
Sakura frowned as she looked at the strange creature staring back at her from the mirror, "I'm gonna need a lot of soap and shampoo after tonight."
"A whole lot," said Kurenai as she finished brushing on darker purple eyeshadow. Then she shook her head at the pseudo-dominatrix scowling right back at her.
They returned to their boxes and started pulling on the torture devices men like to call shoes.
Kurenai thoughtfully studied the thigh high leather boots with heels that slimmed down to a tiny point, "I wonder how many ways I can kill a man with these?"
Sakura blinked at the strange gold ribbons that were attached to her three inch wedge, "Why are these so long?"
The brunette looked up from zipping on the red boots, "You're supposed to wind them around your ankles and up your legs. Looks like they'll tie right beneath your knees."
After Kurenai helped Sakura tie bows behind her knees, they walked back and forth in the now empty changing room to get a feel for the new shoes. It took a few spills and a near twisted ankle, but they quickly got their balance.
The Angel Baby looked over at the Devil Lady and consciously pulled down on the hem of her dress, "I am so glad that the guys are staying outside the club."
With a twitching crimson eye, the brunette wiggled her hips as she pinched at a wedgie made by the uncomfortable hot pants, "Yup!"
"Oi," shouted a familiar voice, "Anko and Ino, get your asses down here!"
The kunoichi rushed out of the changing room and hurried down the stairs to see Koyuki with a frown on her face, arms crossed and foot tapping.
"Good evening, Mama-san," said both women, "Sorry we're late."
"Humph," Koyuki walked up to them and gave them a look over, "Tch, your top isn't tight enough, Anko."
Kurenai's eyes grew wide and gasped for air as the blond attempted to tighten the leather bodice, 'So this is a breathing optional job!'
Then the mama-san circled around a blushing Sakura, "And your dress is too long! I thought you would have a more shapely ass than that. It's a good thing you have great legs and interesting hair. A flat-chested, flat-bottomed girl won't last long in this industry."
Inner Sakura was grinding her teeth and hopping up and down, 'Let me at her! Let me at her!'
Koyuki frowned and studied Sakura's dress further, "I can see your underwear, girl! That won't do. Change it!"
Sakura bit down on her lip, "I can't, Mama-san."
The woman shrugged, "Then take it off!"
"WHAT," shouted both kunoichi.
"Almost all the girls here do that," said Koyuki as if she was shocked to find someone who bothered with lingerie, "Especially, our top Hostess, Nami. It saves time!"
'For what,' screamed Inner Sakura.
"Hey, Mama-san," came another voice from the front of the club and a hand pushed aside the curtain to reveal Nami the redhead, "We don't have nearly enough customers for all the girls and they're trying to steal mine!"
The kunoichi perked up to hear the hostess' news. So the Kamizuru men are here already!
Koyuki rolled her eyes and shrugged, "It's still early, Nami. Relax. I'll just send out the new girls to look for guys." She walked over to a desk and pulled out a small stack of cards before returning to her new employees.
Sakura and Kurenai paled when Koyuki smiled sweetly at them then handed each half of the stack, "Just walk around the block a few times and pass out these calling cards to anyone who's interested in visiting the club."
"Outside," whispered the Jounin, "Where everyone can see us?"
"Yes, baka! And be sure to tell them that they'll find much better inside," sneered Nami then disappeared into the humming club.
Koyuki turned back around to see the two women frozen to the floor, "What are you waiting for? Go on. Shoo! Shoo!"
A freaked out Sakura wanted to summon her strength and permanently dig her hands into the cement floor, but Kurenai's stern gaze held the girl in check and they let the mama-san push them out the back door.
Standing in the middle of the well-lit alley, the brunette winced to see her junior biting her nails down to the quick, "Cheer up! At least, she forgot all about getting you out of your panties."
"YEAH," shouted Sakura, "That makes me feel a whole lot better!"
Kurenai shushed the panicking Chuunin, "Calm down, Sakura! We don't want to let the guys know where we are."
"And why is that Sarutobi-san," said a familiar voice from high above them.
The gasping kunoichi spun around to see two shadows land below from the top of the opposite building then walk into the light.
The Aburame Bug Masters had been waiting across the street from the Midnight Interlude until the Kikaichu picked up the scent of their distressed women and they decided to check up on them. Now that they were close enough to get a good look, both men reached up and slowly removed the shades from their wide eyes.
Kurenai tried to keep her cool as Shibi circled around her like a predator, "We've confirmed that Jibachi and Kurubachi are inside the club at the moment."
Sakura was too petrified to say anything as the young man walked up with his eyes sweeping over her long legs, around the white dress that glittered in all the right places, and barely covered her creamy thighs.
"We're sure they haven't returned to the main office," persevered the brunette as she tried to ignore Shibi's steady gazing at her tight hot pants, "But that might change as the night goes on. Right now, the mama-san sent us out on an errand. So we need to get going. Come along, Sakura-chan."
The older woman grabbed Sakura's hand and started leading her down the alley towards the open streets.
Two large blurs appeared in front of the kunoichi and rematerialized as the Aburame Bug Masters.
"And where do you think you're going," said Shibi in a deep voice that reminded Kurenai of the last time she heard that phrase and she involuntarily shuddered.
The brunette felt herself become tongue tied as she tried to explain, "M-mama-san... Cards... Need customers."
The Aburame men held out their hands.
"Just give them to us then say you're all done," said Shino calmly while giving Sakura another hungry stare.
"C-can't," Sakura felt her inner self take over and was ever so grateful, "They're expecting to see more customers. They'll just send us right back out for more."
Dropping their hands, the shinobi found themselves in quite a conundrum. They can either send the kunoichi back into the club with only a few rules to keep the men in line or let them roam the block for a bit where there were no rules.
Given a few minutes from Shibi's intimidating eyes, Kurenai regained her senses and pulled Sakura with her, "Look! The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can get back to our mission which is getting to Kurubachi and Jibachi!
The distraught Aburame men helplessly watched the women turn the corner and disappear into the streets. The shinobi desperately tried to think of a way to keep their women from the unscrupulous men wandering around, but logic kept getting in the way. Then they heard distinct staccato pinging coming from Shibi's gourd.
Shino leaned backwards to look at the gourd then said to his father, "Are you thinking, what I'm thinking?"
"Yup."
As the gussied up kunoichi made their way down the street, they left behind them a wake of leers, loud wolf whistles, and pathetic come on's, while the jealous Aburames jumped from rooftop to rooftop to keep an eye on their women.
One fellow looked down at the card Kurenai gave him and sneered, "So are all of ya' girls just as hot or are the two of you just hype?"
Sakura restrained herself from punching the sleaze-ball to the other city block, "You'll just have to find out for yourself," she worked hard to spit out the last bit, "Baby."
Kurenai put on her best plastic smile and deftly blocked the same man's hands from trying cop a feel, "Now, now! Save that for the club."
The women quickly hurried away and missed seeing the man spin rapidly to swat at a couple of mysterious insects.
"Hey pretty baby," said a man who looked to be twice Kurenai's age and turn on his heels to follow the young pink-haired girl, "Can you lead me to heaven? OW, what the fuck?"
High above the street, Shibi gave his son a low five, "Sicko deserved that."
After handing the sicko a card, the disgusted women left him behind, but it was two seconds later when a long whistle rang out from another tomcat on the prowl.
"Love me some hot mama in leather! ARGH! What the hell took a bite outta me?!"
Kurenai smiled as she recognized an irate beetle flying out of the man's clothes. She handed the latest lecher a card, but secretly blew a kiss in a shadow's direction.
One bored lady, who was patiently waiting for her date to finish paying a vendor for a stuffed panda, looked over her shoulder to see the two kunoichi across the way and her jaw dropped, "Kami, could those girls get any more trampy? OW, OW, OW!"
Her date turned around and curiously lifted the toy for the flustered woman slapping around her body at two furious insects, "You okay, hon'?"
The lady turned bright red and hid behind the large toy as she dragged the clueless man far away from the disappearing kunoichi.
Shino turned a questioning gaze to his father, who shook his head, "You don't wanna know."
After their second time around the block, the kunoichi got rid of all their cards and walked back to the alley where the Aburames were quietly standing as if that was where they had been all along. With light kisses on the men's cheeks so as not to mess the make-up, Kurenai and Sakura opened up the back door and walked inside the club.
Shino's head was spinning from all the hormones and he wanted to follow the pink-haired angel that was only one barrier away, 'Actually, I've never been inside any kyabakura. They would have no idea who I am,' reasoned the desperate Chuunin, 'I can go in without compromising our cover.' He took a step towards the door then felt a strong hand slap on his shoulder.
Shibi grit his teeth and gripped harder on the boy's shoulder when Shino still tried to get to the door.
Lifting Shino by the collar, the Aburame pulled his son down the alley and into the shadows, "Trust me, son. Not a good idea."
--------------------------------------------
Inside the kyabakura, Kurenai and Sakura saw the mama-san busy writing down on a clipboard while peeking from behind the black curtain. She cleared her throat and gave her employer a short bow.
"We finished passing out the cards, Koyuki-san," smiled the brunette.
The blond woman grinned brightly and opened up the curtain, "Oh I know! The place is jumping with new guys. Even Nami had to leave her regulars to help take care of all the new customers. So we won't need the karaoke tonight. But poor Jibachi-kun and Kurubachi-kun have been all alone at their table for about ten minutes. Why don't I introduce you to them!"
Kurenai and Sakura sighed in relief. Finally, they were getting somewhere! The kunoichi followed Koyuki into the club, snaked around dancing couples, and passed several small tables filled with customers happily drinking the night away with all the pretty girls.
The Kamizuru men looked up from their drinks when they noticed the smiling mama-san bringing two new ladies just for them. A sly grin grew on Jibachi's face as he took in Sakura's gorgeous legs and sweet cutie-pie curls while Kurubachi licked his lips to see so much tight leather on one hot babe.
"Kurubachi-san, Jibachi-san," Koyuki bowed then straightened up to flourish a hand in the kunoichi's direction, "I would like you to meet Anko-chan and Ino-chan. Have fun you, two." The blond winked one more time at Sakura before taking off to supervise the rest of her employees.
Jibachi stood up to lift one of Sakura's hands to his lips before sitting her beside him, "Ino-chan, is it? What a lovely name! I'll be sure to remember it next time I visit."
Inner Sakura sneered, 'Be sure you do, mullet man!'
Kurubachi didn't bother with manners and leered at Kurenai as she sat down then wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Kurubachi-san," giggled Kurenai while placing a hand on his shoulder to press him away, "We were only just introduced. Shouldn't we get to know each other first. I know, how about you tell me all about yourself."
The bearded man grinned as he continued to leaned closer and breathe heavily on her neck, "I'm rich. I'm drunk and I'm paying your salary. You don't need to know anything else."
"Oh ha ha ha," Kurenai struggled to keep a smile on her face while pushing the man back from her bosom, "Oh you... You! How about I refresh your drink!"
"I'll help," squeaked Sakura as she jumped up from Jibachi's wandering hands.
As the two kunoichi regrouped while waiting for the bartender to give them drinks, Sakura looked around the club, "What are we gonna do? Can't we just put a genjutsu on those creeps and let them think we had a good time with them."
Kurenai shook her head, "Not with these many people watching us. See Koyuki... She watching everyone like a hawk. She'll notice if the Kamizuru's are out of it. Unless you plan on putting on genjutsu on everyone here, it won't work. Besides we still need to pump them for information."
The women became quiet when the bartender walked to their end and handed the drinks.
The brunette whispered to Sakura as they slowly made their way back, "Kurubachi's still pretty clear minded for being drunk. Work on Jibachi. He looks to be the weak link."
Sakura put on her best smile and cuddled up to the blond man while Kurenai eagerly handed Kurubachi his drink.
Two hours went by at a snail's pace and it was driving the kunoichi insane. Sakura found herself glancing at her watch just like Nami did earlier that day. Kurubachi and Jibachi were thoroughly drunk now and the women had to work harder to keep the men at bay.
Kurenai watched Kurubachi snort into his cup and finish off the last of his liquor. She immediately took the cup from him and gave him a sly wink.
"So Kurubachi," she leaned into the man and tickled his chin, "This evening has been so much... Fun. It would be a shame if I don't see you here tomorrow night. Will you keep me from getting bored tomorrow?"
Kurubachi grinned as his vision began to swim, "You bet, baby! I plan on being here for a few more days, but no guarantee for next week. My mission is almost done."
"Mission," the brunette became wide eyed, "Are you shinobi? Oh WOW! Ninja are sooo sexy!"
The wobbling man raised his eyebrows and looked over the beautiful woman, "You think so, huh? I can show you some really cool stuff that'll make your hair curl."
This time it was Kurenai's turn to grin, "Really? Do you think you can show me tomorrow," She trailed a finger around his ear, "Before working hours maybe?"
Kurubachi nodded profusely, "It's a date! And uh... Don't wear anything too complicated." And winked at the shuddering brunette.
Kurenai looked over at Sakura, who was letting Jibachi nuzzle into her neck, "I got something" she mouthed.
"So did I," responded the Chuunin, "Can we get out of here now!"
The Jounin nodded and watched Sakura pool a bit of chakra into her hand then knock Jibachi out with one tiny tap behind his neck.
Kurenai pulled a surprised Kurubachi to her bosom and Sakura reached over to hit the man's pressure point.
Sighing in relief, the women waved Koyuki over, who passed off the men to the bouncers.
"Good job, girls," said the mama-san as she tallied up the Kamizuru tab, "Even Nami had trouble getting Kurubachi-kun to consume that much alcohol! Your shift is over now and tomorrow I expect to see the both of you on time!"
"Hai, Mama-san," said both kunoichi and they rushed upstairs to the empty changing rooms.
The young Chuunin grabbed at the wet wipes and scrubbed at her face, "Yuck! If all this make-up doesn't give me pimples, those greasy snacks Jibachi ordered will!"
Kurenai winced as she pulled the tie from her head and shook out her long black hair, "I found out they expect to be around for another week, but not past that. What did you find out, Sakura?"
"The same, but Jibachi said that his cousin Suzumibachi is keeping a closer eye on the digging and that she doesn't like to share responsibility. He also mentioned that she's hiring more people, but not for digging, but to simply stand guard. He asked if I had family or friends who wanted to make quick money for easy work."
"That's good to know," said a deep voice from behind the kunoichi, making them spin around to throw shuriken at the source.
Shibi easily caught both with one hand and Shino chuckled as he stepped out from behind a locker.
The young man walked up to the girl and whispered, "Where the heck did you hide that Sakura-chan?"
She blushed and secretly lifted her skirt to reveal a tiny pocket attached to the hip of her underwear.
Kurenai walked up to Shibi to reclaim her shuriken and slipped it back into the top of her boots, "What are you guys doing here in the changing rooms?"
"We got bored," said the Aburame as he admired her backside, "So we decided to check on that box you saw earlier."
"You could've gotten caught!" The brunette turned and walked over to the corner where she left her street clothes.
Shibi narrowed his eyes as he watched her hips swing enticingly with every step she made, "Kurenai..."
The woman stopped when she heard him call out her name and looked back around, "Hai?" Kurenai gasped as she felt herself lifted up and thrown over Shibi's shoulder, just barely missing his gourd.
He grabbed her extra clothes then turned to an amused Shino and shocked Sakura, "I'll drop off Sakura-chan's pack in the morning. Have a good night." And he flickered away with the brunette's voice fading into the night.
"Shibi, what the hell do you..."
Shino sneered as he quickly picked up the girl's clothes while a confused Sakura fiddled with her curls.
The Chuunin was too busy trying to decipher what the Aburame Clan Leader said to realize that the young Bug Master was adjusting his backpack, "Shino-kun, what did he mean by dropping off my pack in the morning?"
"Let me show you, Sakura-chan," and he threw the squealing girl over his shoulder and flickered away.
