Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto or Final Fantasy VII
Co-author and Beta: Etheral-23
A date with the Don
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
The atmosphere was somber this morning upon getting the word down from the president. "Well, can say this bit of a cluster-fuck," Jenna groaned out while she sat on the couch beside Christoph and Noir.
While her words were vulgar, it summed up exactly the current state of the Turks. With now another failure AGAIN, this time with a new unknown individual adept in cryokenetics had made a mockery of the Turks where the president for once lost his composure. Neither Tseng nor Cissnei ever thought they'd ever seen the man raise his voice with such rage like he did with both of them.
The words 'fools', 'incompetent', and one or other variation of the two had been thrown. A lot. It was clear this was the straw that broke the camel's back, and the president's patience with his special agents had run dry at last.
Amongst the string of insults were the threats to have their whole division shut down, a waste of money and resources he was calling them. Not even with their current top SOLDIER had they made any progress, if anything the collateral from their enormous had costed even more money.
Tseng just wished Runa didn't look so smug at that.
"Well, this is bad" As always, Christoph managed to sum up the situation with a few words.
"He's gonna fire us isn't it" Maur grunted out.
"Well, not all us surely" Judet light up a cigarette, gods knew she needed one right now. "SOLDIER girl there gets a pass" She nodded to Runa's direction that was silently leaning against a wall.
"Oh gods" Freyra frightfully muttered. "I-I can't lose this job. What am I gonna do?"
Noir clicked his tongue. "The hell are you worrying about? You're RICH. Some of us can't fall back into the arms of our wealthy parents!"
Upon hearing that Freyra glared right over to Noir; "Unlike most spoiled rich brats I believe in an ethic of earning what you get. Plus my parents while they support Shinra did not support my enlistment to the Turks. I refuse to be some pampered little girl!"
Well add another notch of respect earned as Runa watched on as the group bickered loudly. Cissnei only rubbed her eyes; "So what happens now?"
"Since AVALANCHE escaped from the trap yesterday, the president has a new plan being set up. However," Tseng drew out the last words as he sat back on his chair; "I was not told of the plan, while the Turks are to act merely as support for the operation, Runa is the only one to step in in case our friend from Wutai decides to show up."
"The proverbial last olive branch correct?" Balto made his voice known as he sat near a table beside Rude and Reno. "Screw this up and we're gone..."
Elena whimpered as she leaned her head on her older sister's arm; "But I just got here..."
"Then better get starting on that resume, kid" Alvis muttered pessimistically. "Because you're going to need it"
Elena let out a long suffering sigh as Emma glared at the auburn haired man.
Ruluf scoffed; "Nice going pal"
"Oh come on" Alvis rolled his eyes as he paced around. "You're not gonna tell me you actually believe this plan will succeed. You wanna know what will happen. What always happens when this ninja guy is involved" He spread his arms wide. "He is chased around, makes a fool out of anyone who peruses him, and then runs off laughing. Each and every single time" He put emphasis into each word. "With the girl away from our grasp. You can't honestly tell you think this will turn out differently..."
His companions remained silent for a moment, taking in his words. Alvis just couldn't stand this farce anymore, his pride would not allow the ninja to humiliate them like this... but he had, on multiple occasions. They just... They just weren't strong enough, and the only one in the group who could possibly challenge him had to find him first. And look how that turned out last time...
This was it for them, of that Alvis was sure, one more failure and the Turks were history. All those years of service, everything they went through... it would all have been for nothing.
Rude let out a long breath. "You're honestly just giving up?" The eyes behind his shades stared at him intently. "We joined the Turks for a purpose, to serve the best interest of the corporation and the world at large by extension. I can't believe you of all people has thrown in the towel now, Alvis"
Everyone just looked at Rude, that was the most he's ever said in EVER. Shaking his head, Alvis sighed; "I haven't given up. I just know when it comes to that ninja; we're not going to beat this guy. Hell Runa even said he's been toying with us when he fought her showing some of whatever that power he has."
"And I'll keep saying he was holding back," the female SOLDIER stated as she closed her eyes.
Cissnei shifted her eyes to Tseng who sighed; "Regardless, whatever plan the president has is already sent in motion. We will merely stand in the sidelines as support. Understood?"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Naruto and Aerith both ran through a long massive pipe and were greeted by a multitude of street vendors selling all manner of wares. Makeshift buildings, some well-crafted with various lit signs from a motel, a pharmacy, food, weapons, clothing, hotel, materia. The area was called Wall-Market for a reason.
And even this early in the morning people were already up and going about their business. While not overly crowded, neither Naruto nor Aerith could spot Cloud through the wandering masses. 'How the hell do ya lose sight of guy with a giant-ass sword?' Kurama snorted at Naruto's mental comment.
"Where could he be?" the brunette muttered as her eyes scanned through the people.
The former Anbu sighed; "I'm just wondering why Tifa came here. Well let's get going." And so the duo began their search. Idly Aerith's emerald eyes glanced around the stores and vendors. Her and her mother had come here for clothes and groceries mostly. But never stayed for long given the area's reputation. Naruto was no fan of Wall-Market given nearly all the shops were either crooked or on Shinra's payroll.
Asking around, they found the carriage had been heading towards the worse possible location; Don Corneo's mansion. Ugh the thought of what must be going down behind those walls made Naruto squirm in disgust. The man was infamous for his lecherous ways, hiring all kinds of beautiful young women to fulfill his fantasies and play his kind of 'games'.
On paper he was a wealthy business man who had a hand investments on Wall-Market's various enterprises, a good number of them dedicated to prostitution and various other junctures for 'adult entertainment', including a number of casinos.
But from the whispers Naruto heard on the street, the man would receive payment from Shinra. For what reasons he did not know, perhaps to serve as an information broker or something, it'd make sense for a man of his wealth and connections.
They walked further down the street, passing a large dinner and massive open tent, and small weapons shops until they neared Corneo's mansion, where they saw Cloud standing some feet away from the well-guarded entrance. The former SOLDIER turned to face them, seemingly picking up the sounds of their footsteps.
"Tifa's in there" The swordsman said.
"Well, shit" The shinobi muttered.
Aerith looked at the Don's mansion. The place was a vast contrast compared to any place within the slums. Looking much like a house from Wutai and coated a vibrant red and gold. She blushed as a loud feminine pleasure-filled moan came within from the mansion. "I-it's not even night time and they are doing... that," she stammered as the moaning continued.
"Morals are about the last things you'd expect around this place or the Honey Bee Inn." Naruto grunted as he slowly pushed the others and himself into the shadows as the guards turned to their direction. Both Cloud and Naruto noticed the guard's weaponry that rested on the man's belt. This was anything but something some common thugs would have. 'He really is a Shinra stooge.' Naruto mentally took in every guard before stealthily getting everyone out of there.
A good distance away the older blond sighed; "Well the Don does work for our friends up top."
"That was a top of line military grade SMG. Compact and easy to use," Cloud seen quite few from the regular troops.
"SMG?" Aerith looked between both men.
"Sub-machine gun," both responded making the brunette look aback in shock.
"Why would Tifa come here?" Cloud crossed his arms.
Naruto tapped his foot before sighing; "I know one guy here who's not on Shinra's payroll. He'd know something." He wave to others to follow; "That also depends if the lazy bastard felt like waking up this morning." At that he received odd looks.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
The trio went back to main district of the Market following Naruto who soon turned left passing a few vendors. He stopped just at the door of a modest size shop with the sign materia nailed above the door. With a long very drawn out breath he slid the door open and walked in with Aerith and Cloud following.
Almost immediately both the brunette and young blond thought this place was more a fortune tellers house seeing every assortment of oddities littered all over the place. From Wutai style vases, weird talismans absently hanging from the wall, even very rare art from the Miqo'te and even rarer from the Moogles, the whole place screamed mysticism.
Their eyes soon set on Naruto who crossed his arms and dryly glared down at a sleeping Wutai ethnic looking man who wore a strange blue hat, orange vest over a white shirt with black pants. Sandals lied beside a massive blue pillow the man seem to be snoozing on with his hands behind his head.
Naruto did not say a word as he tapped his bicep with a finger. "You going to keep staring at me or buy something," the shopkeeper grumbled in a dry unenthusiastic tone. He opened one eye; "Oh just you... And you brought friends hurray," his false dry cheer even made Aerith's eye twitch.
'This guy I swear is Shikamaru's long lost brother,' the blond sage mentally groaned. "Need some information Hisun."
"And I want a king size bed where I can lay in all day without being bothered by pesky people. We can't always get what we want" Hisun drawled out as he moved his hat down to cover his eyes as he leaned back on the giant pillow. "So unless you can make it worth my while, let me get back to sleep"
What kind of person sleeps during his work hours? Was the thought shared by the swordsman and the flower girl.
Suddenly a pouch filled with Gil was thrown at his face, hitting him square on the nose. Hisun yelped as he rubbed his hurt nose while glaring at the now smirking blonde, he grabbed the bag and checked the amount of Gil inside. He finally let out a sigh as he put the money away.
"Shiva's blue tits, fine..." The Wutai man said in exasperation. "Whaddaya want?"
"Don Corneo's mansion, how do we get in?"
"You can't" Hisun said before pointing at Aerith who blinked back in confusion. "She can. Only women allowed as that pig's 'guests'"
Now that understandably made Aerith uncomfortable at the idea.
"No way. Out of the question" Naruto said with finality. "There's gotta be a way. Ventilation shafts maybe, I'll even take a sewage if it's the only way to get it"
"There is no other way to get in" The lazy shopkeeper said slowly as though he was talking to a child. "His place is locked up tighter than a nun's chastity belt. Only one way in and out, the front gate"
Naruto only growled before scratching his head; "Lately I've heard the pig has been looking for a 'wife'." Hisun making air quotes; "And there are more than a few naive girls who actually thinks he's being for genuine so they share that wealth of his."
"W-What do you mean?" Aerith asked dreading the answer.
"A line of girls are brought to him and he picks his favorite. His goons get to have the rest while he has his honeymoon for the night." Hisun paused giving the girl a long look; "Shall I go into detail what happens the following day to all those girls including his 'wife'?"
Both Naruto and Cloud felt bile reach their throats while horror etched itself on Aerith's face covering her mouth.
Prostitution wasn't exactly forbidden in the slums, so people like Corneo profited quite well using women for his brothels or working around the Market. Even if that meant those said girls weren't willing employees.
"There is no way in hell Tifa would do something that demeaning," That was the first time Naruto and Aerith heard something keen to rage from the blond swordsman as they looked back at the man.
"Believe me I agree, Tifa must be here for a reason," Naruto said with conviction. "But we got to figure how to get in there."
Hisun just rolled his eyes; "Unless you're a woman you're not getting in. Now if we're done I'm going back to sleep"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Walking out of the shop the trio paused as they were all deep in thought. "So what do we do?" Cloud looked between Aerith and Naruto who looked at one another. "This could get dangerous, more so than with bandits or monsters," the older blond almost kept talking before a demure hand covered his mouth.
"I'm staying and helping you guys," Aerith spoke with a steely finality.
Naruto lowered her hand with an equal stern expression; "And Corneo's men aren't run of the mill thugs who don't even know how to throw a punch. These guys are killers."
Placing her hands on her hips Aerith leaned a bit forward as her Emerald orbs shone with resolution; "And the safest place I could ever be if be your side. Tifa is important to you guys, and I don't turn my back on my friends who need help."
Ugh, this woman had a stubborn streak worse than Sakura! A low grumble came from the Uzumaki; "Fine, but you stay close." At that the brunette only beamed in victory.
"If I might offer an opinion brat," Kurama spoke up gaining his host's attention; "If you can't go into that pig's den as Naruto. Then go in as Naruko."
Slowly the blond's eyes shot open as realization hit him; "Why didn't I think of that..." He soon smirked widely while he friends gave a confused look; "I have a way for me to get in. But you," his voice became a long draw as he turned to Cloud. "This might piss you off."
The ex-SOLDIER blinked before raising a brow.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Currently Cloud really, REALLY felt like punching Naruto dead in the face as they all now stood inside clothing shop run by an elderly father and his young daughter.
"This is beyond moronic..." The swordsman growled out.
"Trust me, it'll work"
"You can't just put a dress on someone and suddenly they're a woman"
"Well ninjas are master of disguise, trust me, a bit of work and nobody will be able to tell you apart"
Aerith called out from the other side of the store. "Oh this dress is pretty!" She said as she held a purple dress.
Cloud deadpanned at her; "You are far too cheerful at the prospect of this"
"I don't have too many girl friends to shop with..."
"Do you need help with something?" The woman on the counter spoke as her father went over the inventory.
"Yeah, we need a dress for our friend here" The ninja pointed at Cloud who glared at him.
Both father and daughter shared a momentarily silent look. "Well, we do not judge here. Now let's take some measurements"
After a long and very humiliating process, what awaited Cloud was even more humiliation as he stared himself in a mirror wearing a dress similar to the one Aerith had picked up before. Complete with a bra full of stuffing on his chest...
"This memory of this will haunt me for the rest of my days..." He could do nothing more than to mourn his current predicament.
"Oh I think you look beautiful!" Aerith clasped her hands together cheerfully.
"Hmm" Naruto hummed in thought. "Will need a wig, but this store doesn't have any..."
A long murderous glare gleamed from Cloud's glowing blues as he shifted his gaze from the mirror; "You're joking."
"Nope," Naruto said with completely straight face. Aerith on the other hand was struggling not to giggle as she covered her mouth. "You need more than a dress and boobs to look the part. Now you need the hair."
"And why pray tell aren't you 'dressing up,'" the young swordsman voice nearly a feral growl.
"Because I can do this," Naruto put his hands together forming a seal she shouting; "Henge!" a poof of smoke covered the older blond startling Cloud and the shopkeepers. Aerith was well adjusted to Naruto's jutsu, though she was curious what form her taking having seen a few he done for his pranks on the Turks.
However the form he took, got her and the rest of the people in the blushing at the sight of a female absolutely gorgeous version of Naruto, with her hands on her hips in a black strapless dress. From her goddess-like figure to her ample bust, which made even Aerith Envious, you'd think she was crafted by the gods! Unlike having the normal double ponytail, Naruko's hair went down near the knees; "Say hello to Naruko." Even her voice was sultry and melodious which made Cloud and the father turn their heads holding their noses.
"You mean to tell me..." Cloud looked just about ready to murder Naruto, or 'Naruko' as it were. "That you could have done your 'ninja trick' on me from the start?"
"Ehhhh" The now female ninja awkwardly scratched the back of her head. "Not... really. I can only transform myself, my skill with illusions suck. Can't apply them to other people"
Aerith looked at the ninja, or rather the ninja's bust. "...That is so unfair" The daughter of the store owner could only nod in agreement.
"Hey, don't hate" With a poof of smoke, Naruko was back to being Naruto. "Anyway, I think I know where to get a convincing wig"
After that he remained silent, much to Cloud's impatience and Aerith's confusion. "Aren't you going to tell us where?" The flower girl asked.
"I would... but I'm trying to think of an excuse not to go there"
Upon hearing that the father daughter both groaned knowing what the taller blond meant.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Allowing to let Cloud keep some of his dignity and remain at the shop, Naruto and Aerith stride over towards the gigantic open tent with the image of large muscular man flexing his muscles beside the door. A wooden sign was beside the door. 'MEN'S HALL' was said in big bold print.
Naruto only looked at the large tent with open trepidation; "You don't like this place do you?" Aerith comments having never seen her friend look so pale.
"It's the owner who freaks me out," Naruto drawls before slumping his head; "come on."
Heading inside was the sight of least a dozen or so shirtless men training furiously with either weights, punching bags, bikes, treadmills, and large boxing ring where some were sparing fiercely while others cheered. The blond took notice of the intense blush from Aerith's cheeks, and was that a small smile? The blond just grunted as neared the boxing ring. "Mukki!"
A towering man, with what Aerith could describe with having muscles upon muscle turned hearing his name. Mukki wore no shirt donning only shorts which gave the brunette full view the man's ripped upper body, a flattop hairstyle with a thick mustache. Upon seeing Naruto the man grinned; "Welcome back sexy!" He spoke in a deep baritone.
Upon blinking Aerith slowly turned to Naruto; "Huh?"
"Mukki's prefers guys." Naruto muttered. The brunette gawked while her friend waved; "Sup! Where's Beautiful Bro?!" Kurama shivered remembering that encounter.
'Beautiful bro?' Aerith tilted her head in confusion.
Moving away from a punching back came what had to be the biggest man in the room, a figure of imposing height and muscle that Aerith had ever seen before. With a much sterner and hard face than some of the toughest thugs in the lower Sectors, if that was even possible.
He was also wearing a dress, though this one looked similar to what a school girl would wear. Along with a blonde braided wig.
Alright, this place was full of weirdos. Must have something to do with all the toxic waste that came down from the upper plates.
"Well, well, if it isn't little Whiskers" The man said in a very deep voice. "To what do we own the pleasure?"
"I'll cut to the chase, I need that wig you have"
There was a round of gasps around the gym.
"How dare you?!" Mukki demanded scandalized.
Beautiful Bro scowled with anger, "You have a lot of nerve to demand one of my most precious possessions from me" A round of agreements followed, echoed by the men in the gym.
At that, Naruto sighed throwing his head back. "Look, we're a bit pressed for time and your wig is the most convincing one I know of. Just tell me how can I get it"
Beautiful Bro rubbed his chin, Aerith could swear it sounded like sandpaper grinding. "I can think of one way," he grinned rather lecherously.
"No deal," Naruto said quickly and flatly.
The towering man snorted; "You're no fun. How about some squats with Mean Bro? Want my treasure, you earn it."
Soon another towering muscular ebony skinned man marched over. Why did the ground feel like it was shaking Aerith wondered.
Mean Bro leaned down right to Naruto's face; "Think you can match me chump?!"
"Can we get this over with?"
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Aerith's walk was almost robotic as she and Naruto left Men's Hall with Beautiful bro's wig. Ignoring the massive human shaped hole where Mean Bro was punched by Beautiful for crying that he lost. "NO PUSSIES IN MY HALL!" Beautiful had roared before sending Mean Bro half across Wall-Market.
"Don't think I will ever unsee that," the flower girl muttered in almost a trance. Naruto just patted her back in full understanding.
The duo returns to the Clothing shop where a scowling Cloud looks at the two; "You took your time..."
Naruto waved it off as he tossed the wig to a very disgruntled swordsman. Placing the wig on his head the sage gave a appraising nod; "Now you look like Lady Ms. Strife."
"Call me that again and I will break your jaw."
Aerith only giggled while watching Cloud glare at himself in the mirror; "You look so cute! Now my turn." the brunette glance at the dresses before smiling and went towards the dressing room. She stopped before looking to Cloud and Naruto; "No peeking, double for you Naruto!" As she went in and closed the door.
'How the hell was I supposed to know she just got out of the shower,' Naruto grumbled about the little incident last year where the blond walked in on a very naked Aerith in the bathroom. If the blond had one thing to say her dresses hid that rather impressive 36d bust very well.
It wasn't long before Aerith was ready. And when she did Naruto had to stop his jaw from hitting the floor.
She looked astounding, with a red gala dress that left her shoulders and arms bear, hugging her figure to perfecting and accentuating the curvature of her hips along the shape of her bosom. She held down her hands together as she would often do, a soft blush adorning her cheeks as she shyly stared down at the floor, almost afraid to meet his guess.
"S-So, how do I look?" She stammered.
"Bluah?" Naruto replied intelligently. He just couldn't stop looking at her; one simple outfit was all she needed to look even more beautiful than she always did.
Aerith just flushed all the more before his stupefied stare.
"You look fine" Cloud said quickly seeing as Naruto wasn't going to come to his senses any time soon. "Now let's get going"
Naruto cleared his throat regaining his sense; "B-before that I need your sword."
"Why?" Cloud asked slowly looking at his weapon leaning against the wall.
"Because we can't undercover with weapons," the older blond deadpanned, taking out a scroll.
The ex-SOLDIER gazed to Aerith holding her staff; "What about yours?"
The beautiful brunette smiled as she gave her weapon to Naruto, conceding but warily Cloud took his sword. Almost holding it like a precious gem while Naruto unfurled the scroll. The old blond extended his hand as with a sigh the young blond gave him the Buster Sword.
The blade was mind boggling heavy! You'd get a workout just trying to lift it! With a grunt he placed both the sword and staff on the scroll.
"Is that Wutai sealing scroll?" The elderly man spoke up gain the trio's attention.
Naruto lifted a brow filing that little information for later; "You could say that." Going to a familiar handseals Cloud and the shop owner's gawk as the weapons vanish in a puff of smoke. The older blond re-furls the scroll. "Now we're good as he placed it in his pocket and henging back to Naruko; "Well shall we go ladies?"
"I will need all the beer in the world after tonight..." The swordsman grumbled.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Afterwards, it was a short walk to get to Corneo's mansion. Out of the three, Aerith was the only one that felt truly nervous. The former SOLDIER and the shinobi due to their experience on the field only felt a small tension rather than full worry, they were used to situations in which they would go in deep into hostile territory. It came naturally to them to steel their nerves and prepare for the worse, ready to fight if it came to that.
"Just follow our lead and stay quiet" Naruto (Naruko, Aerith had to remind herself) advised. "It's gonna okay"
She nodded, though the worry did not vanish completely, Naruto could make her feel more courageous with a few simple words.
They reached the main gate where a few guards were stationed, all of them holding guns.
"Hold up" One of them stopped them with a raised hand; he looked them over behind his shades. "What are you fine ladies doing here?"
"Why" Naruko said in the most cheerful tone possible, "We're here to have fun with Don Corneo, of course~!"
"Hmph" He nodded to another guard who held up a sort of devise, moving it up and down in front of them as it made a sort of scanning noise.
A soft chime indicated it was done. "They're clean, no weapons, nothing"
"Alright" The boss said, "Go in and wait by the lobby, Don Corneo will be with you shortly" He smiled, it was not a kind gesture. "You ladies have fun"
It was the way he said 'fun' made their skin crawl as they entered. Aerith held back a gasp having never seen a house look so refined with all manners of statues, paintings, and a chandelier. The inside of place was enormous, painted red with gold to accent it. Much like the outside, the inside resembled a Wutai homestead.
In Naruto's opinion it reminded him of the nobles back home. But not the nice ones like Koyuki, this place was just gaudy and obnoxious in show how absurdly rich the Don was compared to rest of people in the slums. His thoughts were interrupted by a man standing behind a large counter. "New ladies in hoping to meet the Don eh?"
"Yup," Naruko winked at the man.
"Benny will take you with the waiting room with the rest of the girls" The man gestured towards the stairs as a large muscular built man in a tuxedo motioned for them to follow.
Aerith stuck close to the buxom blond while Cloud took in every detail of the place as they walked up the stairs to the second floor and proceeded down a hall. Benny stopped at a large door which he opened. He said nothing but pointed. Entering the room they found themselves in outlandishly lavish room with everything a person could want to be comfortable. From handcrafted chairs, couches, beautiful statues on each corner.
And sitting around were least a seven young ladies chatting amongst themselves. Naruko took notice of the eighth standing apart from the bunch and smirked.
Leaning against the wall Tifa sighed as she folded her arms under her bust. Maybe it really was a mistake coming here? She shook her head before noticing a tall very beautiful blond in a black dress stood in front of her. Her figure was perfect! And her bust even made Tifa a slight envious as the woman smiled brightly. She also saw two other girls standing behind her.
"Tifa! It's been ages girl!" The buxom barkeep blinked confusion as the woman's familiarity towards her.
"Do I know you?"
At that the woman pouts; "Oh sweetie my face doesn't give it away?"
Again Tifa felt more confused before fully taking in the woman's face... Glowing cerulean eyes and whisker-marks on each cheek...WHISKERS! "NAR-" Naruko placed a finger on her lips before she could shout.
"Shhhhhh" She shushed the brawler as she slowly removed her finger.
The red eyed girl could only stare in shock; "How are you...?!" She waved her hands in front of the now female Naruto, indicating the feminine figure.
"Ninja magic. Call me Naruko, nice to meet you" She grinned from ear to ear, showing all her teeth.
Tifa stared for a few seconds in silence before burying her face on her palms and letting out a long weary sigh. "Fucking ninja bullshit..." Shaking her head she regained her composure as she rested a hand on her hip, giving the blonde a look over. "Okay, I'll bite. Why are you here?"
"Uhh, I feel I should be asking that" The ninja waved her arms around. "This place is disgusting, seriously I feel I might catch something just by breathing the air here..." She let out a shudder.
"It's... a long story" Tifa sighed. "To make it short; the guy in charge here, he works for Shinra. We caught word he might have info on the company's next move"
At that Aerith tilted her head; "Why would you be wondering what Shinra is doing?" Tifa lifted her brow; "Aerith Gainsborough."
"Tifa Lockhart." Biting her lip the brunette looked at Naruko who gave an expecting look; "I'm..." Her voice now a hushed whisper; "part of AVALANCHE."
A knot formed in Naruko's stomach as both her and Aerith bore shocked expressions. Shock soon turned into cold steely gaze who made the buxom brunette taken aback by such a look; "We're having a long talk after this. Explain why your here."
"O-One of Corneo's people was acting shifty in Sector 7 and my group's leader Barret grabbed him and squeezed him for information. All he got was 'the Don knows' and ran off."
Marlene's father was AVALANCHE's leader!? Naruko bit back a snarl but calmed down; "So you wanted to see what was going on."
"Barret said to leave the guy alone. But something told me I needed to look so came. And now I'm stuck being one of Corneo's possible selection for a wife..." She sighed seeing the disapproving deep frown from the buxom blond.
Naruko shook her head; "You know the whole wife thing is bull right?" Tifa nodded; "Will figure out what Corneo knows and get out of here. I think Cloud would probably second that."
"Cloud?"
"Tifa" The swordsman in question greeted her as he approached, already dreading her reaction at his current attire.
Her eyes widened with shock and relief as gasp escape her lips, a joyous smile forming. "Cloud! You're okay! You-" Once the relief passed, she began to notice there was something a 'touch' different about her childhood friend.
A snort escaped her lips, she barely managed to restrain her laughter in time as she closed her mouth shut. Her smile turning very crooked as she struggled to reign in the waves of laughter that threatened to spill out. She covered her mouth with a hand while the other held her stomach, her shoulders shaking.
The former SOLDIER sagged his shoulders. "This... was not my idea. I just want to make that clear"
Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes as Tifa slowly composed herself. She took a deep breath and smiled at them; "So" Her voice nearly broke with traces of laughter that wanted so desperately to escape. "All we gotta do is stand around and look pretty, I don't think we'll have trouble getting his attention" She snorted. "Think you can do that Cloud?"
The swordsman's narrowed glare showed he had a few less than polite choice of words for the brawler.
The door of the waiting room opened as Benny appeared with another man. Tall but slender with short hair and large mustache wearing suit as well. "Ladies follow me and we shall meet the Don of Wall-Market."
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Though keeping his persona as Naruko, inside Naruto wasn't sure what he was feeling. Kurama only grunted; "Figure it out after leaving this eyesore." his partner was right so he slapped on a fake smile while Aerith watched him while glancing to Tifa who was beside Cloud.
The girls followed Benny and the other guy till reach a pair of large double doors. "And we're here."
Benny opened the doors as the girls entered a large office covered in red and gold with ornate dragon statues and paintings. Naruko's eyes soon landed on the man who owned Wall-Market. Sitting at a gold desk was a short, portly man dressed in a red three-quarter length coat with fur trim on the collar and cuffs over a white shirt, opened partway to reveal a hairy chest, blue jeans with gold belt buckle. Thin mustache and blond hair shaved at the sides with heart tattoo with the words love on top and an arrow going through the heart.
A large cigar was idle in his hand as Don Corneo smiled at all the ladies; "Oh we have some fine bevy of beauties today!"
Ugh, the sheer joy in his voice felt sickening. Everything about this man was disgusting.
He paraded in front of the line of girls like one would inspect some freshly acquired merchandise. Making comments about whatever trait that caught his attention, whether positive or not in his opinion. "Too skinny. Ugh, terrible make up. Oh that dress is terrible"
Naruto really, really wanted to bury his fist so fast into the fatass' mouth it'd break all his teeth, and he was sure Tifa felt the same way. If it wasn't the pig's horrible attitude then it was his lackey's open stares of lust that rubbed them the wrong way. But they soldiered on and carried on with the act.
"Ohhh you two work out I see" The Don said, appreciating the musculature on Tifa and Cloud. Well the disguise had worked at least. "Hmm, very sweet looking"
Naruto was both pissed off once Aerith's turn came, and relieved he did not shown that much interest in her to begin with. Finally Corneo stood in front of him, and he winked at the Don with the coyest smile he could muster.
The Don looked at her up and down, give out a shrug; "Hmm, okay I guess"
'...The hell?!' This was his sexiest henge and the pig didn't even fall for it?!
"Are you honestly angry that he brushed you off?" Kurama asked incredulously.
'It's the principle of it, damn it!'
Corneo let out a puff of smoke as he stopped between Tifa and Cloud. The buxom brunette felt her skin crawl as he swore the man was imagining her without her dress. Cloud only hid his eyes but felt only extreme murderous intent boiling in his blood seeing this pervert leering at his friend.
His eyes shifted away as Corneo turned to Tifa and then back to him. Corneo soon clapped; "I know who will be my bride!" the choice left Naruto's, Aerith's, and Tifa's jaw hit the floor. "This muscular blond beauty!" Cloud felt his like his eyes popped out as the Don smiled at him lecherously.
The ex-SOLDIER literally could not speak as the Don waved dismissively to the other girls. "You can have the rest boys!"
'I feel so pissed I can't think straight,' Kurama shook his head hearing Naruto's thoughts
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The rest of the girls were taken to another large room where at least a dozen men lounge about lazily before whistling and making catcalls of the new merchandise being brought to them. Benny closed the doors behind them as the man with the mustache smirked; "Well boys we have some new ladies for today's pleasure all thanks to our boss."
Aerith gulped as she Noticed Benny eyeing her intensely.
"Now let's show these girls our hospitality," the grinned looking right at Tifa.
The brawler let out a long sigh; "Yeah, screw this. Ain't putting up with these creeps. You are joining me right?"
"Oh absolutely" Naruto eagerly nodded as he dispelled his henge. Making both the women and Corneo's men reel back in shock.
"What in the-?!" One of the men was silenced as a fist buried itself on his cheek and sent him flying away into a wall.
The thugs gawked at the sight of their downed companion, and shakily turned their frightful gazes to the woman responsible. Tifa stood with a satisfied smirk and an arm outstretched, that felt good...
"So" Naruto popped his knuckles. "I don't know about you guys, but we're gonna enjoy this"
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Cloud was not enjoying this.
That pig of a man was laying on a large king sized bed in a position he clearly thought was titillating. The results were the opposite of what Corneo intended, as his 'bride' could only scowl in disgust.
"What do you think of my palace?"
The swordsman bit back a growl.
"Ohohoh, silent type huh? I love it when they play hard to get"
No killing the man Cloud, he reminded himself, not until he spilled everything he knew about Shinra.
As the don crawled over and went to reach for his 'bride' Cloud's Buster Sword flew into the room like spear in between the two. Corneo squealed in terror as he recoiled back on his bed.
"That is the heaviest fucking sword I ever picked up!" Naruto exclaimed as he, Tifa now in her old clothes thanks to Naruto caring a spare set for her in a scroll. Aerith also in her original clothes holding her staff walked inside the bedroom.
"WHAT?! Who are-" The don shrieked as Cloud ripped off his female attire, revealing his SOLDIER uniform. Tearing off the bra and wig he easily took his Buster Sword from the wall.
Aerith pouted; "And that was a cute dress."
"We are never bringing this up ever again." Cloud said finality before pointing his blade at a terrified and visibly sick Corneo. "What is Shinra planning?"
"I was going to sleep with a man!?" Obviously the fat pervert was too preoccupied with that particular tidbit of information to see four people glaring at him threatening.
A slow almost feral growl came from Naruto surprising the girls as he leaned over and grabbed the Don by the lower jaw turning his head so he was face to face with a scowling Uzumaki; "I am in no mood you tubby bastard. What is Shinra up to before I cut your nuts off and shove them down your throat."
Killer intent literally radiated off from the former Anbu as his query shook in pure fear, paling till he was white as a ghost. "H-Heidegger is going to blow Sector 7 pillar..."
"WHAT?!"
That... that could not be right.
The implications alone...
"Shinra's gonna crash a sector... with another sector?!" Tifa exclaimed horrified.
Aerith's hands went to her mouth in horror. So many people would just... die in an instant.
Naruto slammed the man against a wall; "Why?! What reason could they have to do this?!"
The man trembled under his grasp. "T-T-T-To take out AVALANCHE once and for all!"
"Absurd" Cloud replied, believing the man to be lying. "Shinra's ruthless, but what you're saying lacks any sort of logic or sense"
The sheer ramifications of actually doing such a thing, the economic backlash alone, the damage to Midgar's infrastructure. Shinra didn't care about human lives but at least they were smart enough to realize such an act was downright INSANE. If nothing else at least someone with money on their mind would call out on the consequences such a desperate and extreme measure would bring.
"I-I-I swear it's the truth! I have no reason to lie to you!"
"I'm actually agreeing with my friend here" Naruto said, gaze narrowed as he still held the man. "Even Shinra isn't crazy enough to do that. It'd save them a lot more money and problems to just send their soldiers down and declare martial law, with their resources they could find AVALANCHE quickly if they actually put in the effort" It just didn't make any sense to the ninja, Shinra would be losing much more if they actually brought down a whole upper plate down on the lower sector. "So give me a reason to why we should believe you"
"You honestly think President Shinra is a prudent man?" The Don shook his head. "He's ruthless, cruel, and reacts with all the subtlety of a volcano once his authority is brought into question. He'd gladly murder all those people just so the message gets carried across..."
"That Shinra owns them..." Tifa finished solemnly. "That the company owns the city, the world itself, that people's own lives are theirs to do as they please. If they will it then they will die and that'll be the end of it" A reminder of the consequences that followed by even daring to entertain the thought of going against Shinra.
Naruto seriously doubted the president would go THAT far just to get a point across. Tyrants and murderous lunatics sure, but surely the man had more clout than that. But they couldn't take any chances.
"We need to get to Sector 7" Naruto stated. Letting go of Corneo who caught his breath.
As the group neared the door the Don spoke up; "WAIT!"
"You have more info or more reason for me to send you to hell?" Naruto growled as the four stood at the bedroom door.
"Now, now" Corneo waved his hands trying to calm the tall blond; "I have a question. Why would a two-bit scumbag like myself willing give that kind of information?"
"Because you didn't want to die?" Tifa drawls.
"NOPE!" Before they could react the man pressed a button on his wall, triggering a trap door sending all four into a free fall; "Because APS will make sure you never get out of the sewers! Bye-bye!"
The four could only scream in sudden shock as they plummeted further down in to darkness.
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For those who wish to be in the know!
Next is: Naruto: Shoton of Konoha 'Two Chapters'
Followed by: Dragon Age Origins: Dovahkiin 'Two Chapter's
And back to: Anbu Sennin: A Final Fantasy VII Story 'Two chapters'
