Soi-Fon just walked slowly to work as she tried to process the information that she had received from Toshiro a few days before. She never expected that emotionless Nemu and quiet Isane were getting married. It made no sense to her. Why would they throw away their lives and choose to live in this place. They had responsibilities to the Soul Society, yet they were giving them up.
She entered the stand, put on her apron and tied up her hair with a bandana. "What made them want to give up their lives," she said to herself as she finished getting ready. "What was so special about Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze?"
She was pulled out of her thoughts when Ayame entered the stand with a smile on her face. "Good morning Soi," she said with a smile. "How are you doing today?"
Soi-Fon smiled back. "I am doing ok," she said, a bit strained.
Ayame nodded. "That's good," she replied and headed toward the front of the stand.
Soi-Fon followed behind, when a question came to mind. She knew that Ayame and her father knew a lot about Naruto, and she decide to see if she could get any information out of the pair. She had seen him at the stand several times, and saw that Ayame would always talk with him.
She walked over to Ayame and started to wipe down the counter. "Ayame," she began as she prepared her question.
"Yes, Soi,"Ayame replied with her usual smile.
"Can you tell me about Naruto Uzumaki?" she asked and watched the surprise appear on Ayame's face.
"Why do you want to know?" Ayame asked with a hint of caution in her voice.
"Well, he's a big hero from my home back in the wave, "Soi-Fon stated with a smile. "I just wanted to know what he was really like, not the stories they told at home."
Ayame seemed to relax at this answer. She had heard Naruto's story of what happened in the wave. "I would be happy to tell you." She replied with a hint of relief in her voice. Soi-Fon smiled at Ayame, happy to receive information that she hoped would prove useful in the future.
-SB-
Orihime slowly got off her bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. It had been a few days since she confessed her feelings about Naruto to Yoruichi. She still couldn't figure out the way she feeling this way and just wanted to be left alone.
"What is wrong with me?" she said to herself as she looked at herself in the mirror.
Orihime suddenly heard a knock on her door; She quickly turned and saw Naruto stick his head inside her room. "Hey, Orihime," he said in a calm tone. "Can I come in?"
"Sure," Orihime stated in a surprised tone, as Naruto walked in with a smile on his face.
"How have you been?" he asked in a caring voice as he stood next to her bed.
Orihime was silent for a few moments. "I have been doing well," she managed to say in her usual bubbly tone. Naruto noticed that something was wrong as he saw her smile. It was a large smile, a smile too big to not be hiding something.
He decided he was going to find out what she was hiding. It seemed to be a heavy weight on her shoulders. "Do you want to go out somewhere?" he asked with a sincere tone.
Orihime let a look of worry grace her face for a moment but it quickly went away. She couldn't help but be a little scared to be alone with Naruto. She knew that her feelings for him were stronger, stronger then her feelings for Ichigo.
"I'm fine," Orihime stated quickly not wanting to let her mask fall. "I'd rather relax here."
"Sorry, but I am not taking no for an answer," he stated and grabbed Orihime by the hand.
"Wa.." Orihime tried to protest but the pair disappeared from her room in a flash. She soon found that she was standing in a park with Naruto at her side.
Naruto smiled at Orihime and lead her through the park by the hand. "Enjoy yourself," he said, "just relax."
Orihime just looked at Naruto and slowly nodded. She walked beside him quietly and couldn't help but watch him out the corner of her eye. She saw the large smile on his face and couldn't help but smile herself.
"So, anywhere you want to go, Orihime," he asked as they walked.
Orihime was silent for a moment. "Umm….What do you want to do?" she asked, not knowing what to say.
Naruto was silent for a moment before a small smile appeared on his face. "I have a great idea," he said and squeezed Orihime's hand, making her blush. "Let's go."
Naruto quickly lead Orihime through the park to a clearing with a large lake in the middle. He lead her to the water's edge and watched her expression. Orihime was amazed at the sight of the lake, the sunlight reflecting off the water and dancing in the trees.
"This is amazing," she stated in a happy voice.
Naruto nodded. "It is," he stated with a smile. "This is a place I like to come and relax and enjoy a good swim."
"I wish we could swim," she stated in a disappointed voice. She failed to noticed Naruto's sly grin.
"Who says we can't?" he replied.
Orihime looked at him. "We can't, we don't have swimming suits," she stated.
"We can fix that easily," he began, grabbed her hand and flashed to the shopping district of town. Orihime was a bit dizzy from the sudden flash. Naruto just chuckled at her predicament. He gave her a few moments to get over her wooziness.
"You ok?" he asked.
Orihime slowly nodded. "Yeah," she replied as she tried to give him a stern look. "Warn a girl when you're going to do that."
Naruto just nodded and chuckled a bit. "As you wish, Hime," he stated as Orihime blushed. Naruto took her hand and led her into one of the stores. "Take a look around and find a swimsuit you like."
Orihime just looked at the row of swimsuits with awe. She looked at Naruto who just smiled at her. "Ok," she said quickly not wanting to blush again. She walked through the aisle and quickly saw a light blue, bikini that caught her eye. She eagerly and successfully found her size.
She walked back to Naruto. "Found it," she stated in a bubbly tone.
Naruto looked at her with a bit of awe. "That was fast," he stated in a surprised voice. Orihime just smiled and walked toward the counter with Naruto following behind. He quickly paid for the swim suit and grabbed Orihime's hand. "Ready to go?"
"Let me change first," she stated and ran toward the fitting room. She quickly changed and came out to Naruto. Naruto just looked over Orihime in awe; he couldn't stop staring at her. The way the swimsuit hugged her figure and the sweet smile upon her lips.
"How do I look?" she asked with a slight blush on her face.
"Amazing," Naruto stated, in an awed voice.
"Th..thank you," she stammered and tried to hide her reddened face. Suddenly the pair heard a giggle and they turned to see one of the shop clerks standing there.
"You two are such a cute couple," the clerk stated in a happy tone. The pair blushed and Orihime couldn't believe what the clerk had said.
"Let's go," Naruto said, a slight blush on his face and Orihime nodded. He held out his hand for Orihime and they disappeared in a flash.
They appeared at the lake and quickly separated. "What wrong with me?" Naruto thought as he looked at Orihime. "I getting married soon? Why am I getting flustered by another girl?"
"You are falling for her, kit," Kurama stated in a knowing tone.
"I am not," Naruto denied as tried not looking at Orihime.
Kurama just laughed at Naruto's denial. "Your denial is all the evidence I need," he stated in an evil tone. "Just picture it. She slowly comes out of the water, the light dancing across her body. She slowly walks over to you and leans into your chest, her luscious red lips heading toward yours."
Naruto began to picture it but he suddenly shook his head. "Shut it, you dumb fuzz ball," Naruto shouted at Kurama.
Kurama just kept laughing. "You can't deny it forever kit," he said with a sly smile. "Make her yours."
Naruto quickly ignored Kurama and looked over to Orihime. She was still a bit flustered but it made her seem even more beautiful in Naruto's eyes. Naruto quickly walked over. "Ready to swim?" he asked, hoping to get his feelings under control. She nodded and Naruto quickly changed into his swimming trunks.
"Let's going," he stated and jumped into the water. Orihime nodded and jumped in after him. The pair just began to swim and enjoy themselves, forgetting about their nervousness with each other.
Orihime looked around and saw that Naruto had suddenly disappeared. "Where did he go?" she thought when suddenly she felt someone grab her from behind and pick her up out of the water. She screamed and turned to see that it was Naruto holding her. "Put me down!" she pleaded.
Naruto just laughed and let go of Orihime, causing her to splash back into the water. She quickly came to the surface and splashed Naruto. "That wasn't funny," she stated in an annoyed tone.
Naruto just smiled. Yes it was," he stated as he laughed, while Orihime pouted. She glared at Naruto and he soon cracked under the pressure. He gave her a sheepish smile, "Sorry."
Orihime tried to keep glaring at Naruto but she couldn't. "I forgive you," she said with a sigh. Naruto just smiled and pulled her into a hug. Orihime blushed as she felt his body against hers. She slowly turned 'til she was facing Naruto and looked him in the eyes
She couldn't help but get lost in them. It was such a new feeling. She couldn't help herself and she leaned in close and pressed her lips against his. Soon she felt Naruto kissing her back and pull her closer to him.
The pair pulled apart and Orihime slowly opened her eyes. She suddenly realized what she had done and broke put of Naruto grasp. "I'm sorry," she said in a panicked voice and swam away from Naruto as quickly as possible. "What was I thinking?"
"Wait!" Naruto called after Orihime but she didn't stop. She desperately wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible. She didn't mean to kiss him, but the moment felt so right. She never felt that with Ichigo, but with Naruto it was a clear as day. She couldn't face him, she couldn't. She ran through the trees and into the village with Naruto not far behind.
Naruto was surprised by the kiss, but it felt so right to him as well. He knew that he had feelings for Orihime and she had feelings for him. He was about to try and talk with her when she ran off. He knew that the kiss was very out of character for her, and he wanted find her as soon as possible. He ran after her, but even with his shinobi skills, she seemed to always stay a few feet away from him.
"Why can't I catch her?" he thought as he followed Orihime into the market area. Suddenly an ANBU landed beside him.
"Namikaze-sama." The ANBU stated as he ran next to Naruto. "The Hokage wishes to see you in her office right now."
Naruto frowned, "Why now?" he thought as he started to slow down. He didn't want to leave Orihime alone, but Kaa-chan wanted him that instant it must be important. "Lead the way."
-SB-
Orihime just kept running and running until she found herself lost in the village. She was still crying as she slowly wiped away the tears. She tried to gain control of her feelings but it seemed an impossible task. She had never been so bold in her entire life.
"Why did I kiss him?" she asked herself as she tried to calm down. "What have I done?"
"Orihime?' said a voice from behind Orihime. She turned to see Nemu and Isane standing there, with several bags in their arms. Orihime looked at the pair and ran into Isane's arms, crying her eyes out. Isane looked down at the emotional mess in front of her, and started to sooth her the best she could.
"Let's get her home," she stated to Nemu who nodded in agreement. The two quickly lead the crying Orihime to their house. Isane and Orihime sat on the coach as Orihime sniffled, all out of tears.
"Orihime," Isane said in a worried tone. "What's wrong?" Orihime didn't answer and kept crying, she didn't want to tell them.
"I kissed him," she whispered through her tears. Isane tilted her head in confusion.
"Who did you kiss?" Isane asked already fairly certain of the answer. Orihime just shook her head. Isane just held the crying girl. "It's ok. It will be alright."
Orihime just kept crying. "I ki….kissed Naruto," she finally choked out. She felt so ashamed. Isane didn't say anything and held Orihime close, she understood how Orihime felt. She was so conflicted, but Nemu gave her the right push and Naruto had accepted her. Now, Orihime was in the same situation and all she could do was comfort her and give her a push in the right direction.
Orihime slowly pulled away from Isane and tried to wipe away her tears. Isane saw this and smiled. Orihime looked at Isane. "Please, can I have some time to myself?"
Isane frowned but knew that Orihime need that time to sort out her feelings before confronting Naruto again. "That's fine," she replied. "I'll be back soon."
Orihime nodded and watched as Isane left. She kept trying not to cry, but she couldn't stop. Suddenly she felt the warmth of a familiar person surround her. She turned around and kept crying into the naked form of Yoruichi, not knowing what to do.
-SB-
Naruto appeared in front of Tsunade, with a hint of annoyance on his face. His encounter with Orihime left him flustered. Unfortunately, Tsunade had called him for something that he'd rather not deal with.
"Hokage-sama," Naruto said in a cold tone.
Tsunade frowned at this. He always called her Kaa-san unless he was mad at her or annoyed, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. "Naruto, I have called you here for an important mission," she stated in a commanding tone. "Kumo has requested your help with an incident that has just happened."
Naruto frowned at this. "What happened?" he asked, hoping nothing happened to Bee.
"It seems someone has stolen Samehada," Tsuande stated as she handed Naruto a file on the incident. "Killer Bee had left it in his home and came back to find a large hole in the wall and that the sword was missing."
"That should have been impossible," Naruto replied as he looked over the crime scene photos that were provided. "Samehada won't let anyone touch it except it owner."
"Or someone with Chakra it really likes," Tsunade interjected. "Samehada is a living sword and seems to like very tasty chakra. We believe that the person who had taken it, had Chakra it enjoys. We want you to track this person down and bring Samehada back to Kumo."
"Will I be receiving any back up?" he asked.
"Kumo was going to send Bee after the Thief, but the Raikage's ANBU have stated that the Thief is now out of Lighting Country and headed into fire. You are to intercept them as soon as possible." Tsunade stated. "We will provide an ANBU capture team to help secure them."
Naruto nodded. "I understand," he said and turned to leave. "I will be back soon." Tsunade just nodded and watched as he exited her office. She hoped he would be ok. Samehada was a very tricky sword, and anyone who could wield it must be a force that holds great power.
"Be safe," she said quietly to herself as she watched her son head out to face great danger once again.
-SB-
Naruto appeared at his home with a worried look on his face. First Orihime, and now this mission. His day had quickly changed. He walked inside and looked around; Nemu was sitting on the couch reading a book, while Nanao was in a chair on the back porch. Isane and Orihime nowhere in sight.
Naruto walked over to Nemu. He leaned down and kissed her lightly. "Hey Babe," he said with a small smile.
Nemu just looked at her love. "Hello," she replied in her usual monotone voice, a small blush on her cheeks. "Where have you been?"
Naruto took a seat next to Nemu. "Was out with Orihime," he said in a tired voice. "We were having a great time but then…."
"She kissed you," Nemu finished for him, much to his surprise.
"How did you know?" he asked, the shock evident on his face.
"Isane told me," she replied. "Orihime came home crying and she comforted her. You should go see her."
Naruto nodded. "I know," he replied, "But Tsunade has given me a mission for which I have to leave right away."
Nemu frowned slightly at this revelation. "That is unfortunate," she stated. "You need to clear things with Orihime or it will get worse."
"I will, once I get back," he replied as he stood up. "I have to get going. I'll be back soon, love."
Nemu nodded, stood up, and walked toward Orihime's room. She was going to get this situation straightened out as quickly as possible. It would be easier to add another bride to the wedding than leaving the situation as is.
She approached Orihime's room and was about to knock when she heard the sound of talking coming from inside. She could make out Orihime's voice clearly, but the second voice was of a person she didn't know. It was a female's voice, that much she could tell.
This development made Nemu suspicious and she quickly opened the door. She saw the crying face of Orihime and Yoruichi sitting on the bed. "Yoruichi Shihoin," she said in her cold tone. "It is surprising to see you here.
Yoruichi just smiled. "That's a long story," she replied but Nemu didn't seem to be paying attention to her.
"Orihime," Nemu stated as she walked over to the puffy-faced girl. "You must speak with Naruto at once."
Orihime, upon hearing Naruto's name, sent more tears streaming down her face. "I can't," she stammered as she clung to Yoruichi.
Nemu frowned. "You must," she replied as she looked over the crying girl. "He is about to leave and you do not have the time to think. You must decide if your feelings are true or not. Naruto will receive them or return them."
Orihime didn't say anything. Nemu turned to leave, but stopped to look at Yoruichi. "If you try to do anything that will cause Isane or me to go back to the Soul Society, I will have no choice but to end you," she stated as she left the room, leaving a crying Orihime behind.
-SB-
Nanao walked through the house and saw that the door to Naruto's room was open. She looked inside and saw him standing near one of the walls. It was lined with different weapons and he was currently taking some off the wall and putting them on his person. He seemed to be preparing for war.
He turned and saw Nanao standing there. "Oh it's you," he stated as he pressed his hand over a seal next to the wall closing the weapon closet.
Nanao just nodded. "What is going on?" she asked.
"Just some work," he replied as he exited the room.
Nanao's ears perked at this. "What kind of work," she asked as she started to walk with Naruto toward the front of the house.
"That is something you don't need to know," he replied as he did a quick weapons check. "Now, be a good girl and I bring you back a present."
Nanao frowned at this. "Flattery will get you nothing," she replied as she turned away.
Naruto just shook his head and exited the house. Nanao watched him and smiled. This might be the chance they had been waiting for. She had to get in contact with Captain Hitsugaya.
-SB-
Naruto appeared at the front gate of the village and started on his journey to find the Thief. He was soon joined by a squad of ANBU. He nodded to them as they hopped from tree to tree.
"What was the last known position of the Thief?" he asked as they traveled.
One of the ANBU with a Bird shaped mask answered. "The Thief was last seen thirty miles from our current position, moving at extreme speeds."
Naruto nodded. "Ok, I want you and Spider to keep track of the enemy's position," Naruto stated as he thought of a plan. "If possible, steer them toward my position. I will try to get in front of them and set up an ambush. Rabbit will provide communication for us."
All the ANBU nodded. "Roger," they all replied and headed off in different directions. Naruto smiled as he increased his speed. He sent a clone to start gathering Nature Chakra and soon his eyes were outlined with a familiar orange tint.
"Time to catch a Thief," he said as he increased his speed even further.
"And tap some ass when done!" Kurama shouted in a happy voice. That comment made Naruto nearly miss his next branch.
"Kurama, no perverted talk on missions!" Naruto shouted at the fox, who only laughed inside Naruto's mind.
-SB-
It had been three day since Naruto and the ANBU had gone after the Thief. The Thief was very good at staying ahead of Naruto's team, but they had finally caught up with them. Spider and Bird were forcing the Thief toward one of the more open parts of the forest. Naruto had set up his ambush there and was currently waiting for the Thief to appear. He heard the sound of someone running toward his position and he got ready.
He lifted a few Kunai from his weapon pouch and waited. Suddenly a white blur burst from the trees and Naruto launched his kunai at it. The blur blocked the attack but had lost some momentum and landed in the clearing.
Naruto charged forward with two kunai and tried to stab the Thief. The Thief lifted Samehada, blocked Naruto's attack and pushed him back. Naruto skidded back a bit, but was forced to jump back as a different sword descended toward him.
Naruto spun away from the attack and threw a kunai at the Thief. The Thief just lifted Samehada and blocked the attack. "Why are you attacking me?" the Thief demanded in a distinctively female voice.
"You have taken something that doesn't belong to you," Naruto stated in a guarded tone. "We are just here to take it back."
The Thief seemed to frown. "I have taken nothing," she replied. "Now, leave me in peace or be killed."
Naruto just smirked. "You're lying," he replied as he prepared to attack. "That bandaged sword in your hand doesn't belong to you."
The Thief was about to answer when Samehada seemed to talk with her. "The Samehada says it wants to be with me," she replied. "He is my guide to this world."
Naruto frowned at this. "So, it chose you as its user," he stated in a worried tone. "I still can't let you leave though."
The Thief looked at Naruto and lowered her hood revealing a woman with dark brown skin, short blonde hair, and striking green eyes. She tore the cloak from her form and revealed her form. She wore a very revealing top that left little to the imagination.
Naruto and Kurama stared at her in awe. "Damn," they both thought. "She's hot!"
"My name is Tier Harribel," she stated as she lifted Samehada and another sword in her hands, "The Third Espada, and your death!"
That is chapter 14 of Lieutenants Meets Ninja, I would like to apologize for such a long wait on this chapter. I just couldn't get the right idea going and really had a hard time getting it done. I really hope everyone enjoys this chapter and continues to support me with reviews and everything else. As for my other stories they are not abandon or on hiatus at all. Many of them are under the same boat as this need the right idea to get it going again. Again I want to apologize for such a long wait on this chapter and hope everyone enjoys it. Please read and review!