And here's Chapter 14. To all those who wrote off last chapter as just another 'Kyuubi ears' story as a way to get readers attracted, well, do I have a plot twist for you. How many times do I have to say that I don't do anything without reason? There is always a mystery behind what I do. It's a ninja story folks. Read underneath the underneath. For those of you who've stuck around, thank you. You guys are awesome. For those of you who haven't, well, good riddance. Readers, Reviewers, thank you...Everyone.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Naruto sat across from Sakura in the lotus position once again. She was not happy with his decision regarding his new ears. Quite frankly, she preferred them over his human ears, but in the end, she couldn't sway him. He wanted them gone and here he stood alongside his swords in front of the fox's cage again.
"Fox, I've come to barter another trade."
And that would be, what, exactly?
"I want these ears gone. Give me back my human ears."
Those ears are more useful than your human ears boy. I know that you know you can hear better now. And don't they bring you more pleasure?
"That's not the point fur ball, and you know it. I've tried my whole life to look human and I won't have that taken away from me now. I was accepting of it yesterday, but today I'm not leaving until we have a compromise, one where both of us are happy."
I'm perfectly happy right now. You're miserable and I love misery. Your intended mate likes the ears, so what's the problem?
"I don't want them. Take them back. I know you can undo this."
Of course I can. But I don't want to. Your female thinks you look 'cute'.
"I don't care what my female thinks, I want them gone."
The two swords both looked at him with awed looks. The fox just grinned wide.
So, she is your female now, is she?
Naruto began to sputter, totally thrown off course. He looked angrily up at the fox.
"Shut up! She's not my female! Now get rid of these damn ears."
The fox merely ignored the blonde's demand and its grin grew wider.
A Freudian slip eh? I see. So you do still harbor deep feelings for that bitch and see her as 'yours'.
"She's not a bitch. Watch yourself fox."
Ah but you do not disagree that you think of her as yours? Hmm…perhaps you are more like me than you think.
"I'm nothing like you."
You are possessive of things that you can't truly have possession of. Konoha and the Land of Fire are mine. They are my territory and yet, if someone stronger than me comes along, then I lose said territory. The same applies to your female.
"Fox…"
That Uchiha boy had her in his grasp all along and you did nothing to ensure she was yours. You thought up half cocked plans and hare brained schemes. You did nothing to ensure that she would be yours.
"I'm warning you…"
And then, when she finally admits to you that she wants to be yours, you rejected her. Said she had to earn your love when she's had it all along. How foolish you humans are.
Kyuubi, I think that's enough.
No Samehada, it is not. This boy needs to hear this. The two of you are too kind to him. Your mate has been waiting for you, you worthless flesh bag and you continue to make her wait.
"She's not my mate…"
And yet, she considers herself yours. What else do you call it?
Kyuubi…
NO! I will say my piece. You, little insect, are stupid and selfish. You bring down everyone around you with your selfishness.
Naruto grit his teeth in anger and the swords took a step back as his chakra began to flare. On the outside, Sakura watched as his blue chakra danced around him.
"Selfish? SELFISH? When have I ever been selfish? Just because I want someone to actually work for my love for once, I'm selfish?"
Yes, you are. Because she's already given her love to you and you will not accept it.
"What's wrong with wanting someone to suffer a little before you accept them? Haven't I suffered enough to want someone else to feel pain once in a while?"
The Kyuubi grinned and sat down on its haunches, pleased with itself.
I will give you back your human ears. In essence, they never really left. I just hid them from sight with a bit of illusion. You have satisfied my need brat.
Naruto stood there dumbfounded. What had he done?
I see by your face you do not know of what I speak. You are like me, Namikaze Naruto. You want others to suffer for their misdeeds against you. Secretly, you want them to suffer as much as you have. I don't need to have the world see you as an effigy of me…you do that well enough on your own.
"I'll never be like you…ever."
The fox grinned again and waved its paw dismissively at the boy.
You already are, in more ways than one. Now be gone. I wish to speak with your blades in private. I will uphold my end of the bargain.
As Naruto faded out and his link to the mindscape disappeared, the swords turned to the Kyuubi's cage.
Pleased with yourself?
More than you'll ever know. I can't believe he thought I could actually take back his height. Such foolishness.
Yes, well, Master can be a little naïve. We hope this little bit of fun satisfies your craving for cruel jokes.
If screwing with that boy is all I can do, then so be it. The ears were never anything more than a very suggestive genjutsu illusion after all. I sent some of my chakra to enhance his natural ears. I was expecting a more…volatile reaction from the pink haired bitch though.
Indeed. Need I remind you never to tell our Master of this little soiree? It would be bad for all of us if he ever found out we purposely let a little of your power bleed through, even for something as miniscule as this.
Just let me prank the brat every once in a while and we'll call it even. Perhaps his mindscape will change for the better after a while. If he ever confesses his feelings to the bitch…
Watch your mouth concerning Lady Sakura, Kyuubi. We might not be bound to her, but she is our Master's love. We won't tolerate you bad mouthing her.
Not even for the sake of your Master's love?
Back to your cage beast. We will call you when we have need of you.
Spoil sports.
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Sakura watched as the long ears on top of Naruto's head receded and his human ears came back into view. He opened his eyes and patted the top of his head before slapping his human ears and smiling.
"There we go, much better."
Sakura huffed and crossed her arms in a pout.
"Says you. I liked the bunny ears better."
"Well too bad. I wasn't going to walk around like something out of a damn science fiction novel."
"I'll bet that Tsunami thinks like I do too."
"I don't think she really noticed the ears after grabbing my junk. Those were secondary to what's in my pants."
Sakura's face reddened just a tad and she turned her face away.
"Hey Naruto?"
"Yeah?"
"Is it true about…you know?"
He grinned and knocked the dirt off his pants.
"There's only one way for you to find out. Now gather your things, we'll be leaving soon."
He picked up his swords and walked back to the house, leaving a flustered Sakura.
'He couldn't mean…nah, he wouldn't…'
'Oh hell yeah! That's what I'm talking about.'
'Oh no, not you. I thought you were gone.'
'You wish. Now get in there and get you some of that.'
'Hell no! He'd kill me if I just tried to grab it.'
'Or maybe, he'd just let you have your way with him.'
'I'm not doing that.'
'Fine, maybe I'll take over and do it then.'
'All in due time you pervert. Let's try to get to his heart before we get in his pants.'
'Come on, just one little feel. Pleeeeassseee?'
'No.'
'Spoil sport.'
Sakura shook her head and walked inside to get her things. She didn't know where they'd be heading next, but this trip certainly wouldn't be boring. If the fox was going to mess with him the whole trip, she'd need to be there for him to run damage control. What a time for the Kyuubi to decide to act up.
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Tazuna and his family were sad to see them go, but after sitting Sakura down and introducing the old man as their informant in Wave, they were ready to depart. As they turned to leave the yard, two figures dropped in front of them. Naruto's hand immediately swung to Kubikiri.
"Who the hell are you?"
The two figures didn't say a word, just stood there. Sakura took it upon herself to ask the next question.
"What village do you hail from?"
The figures lifted their gaze and Naruto growled when he saw the headbands. Oto. He'd enjoy this. He slipped the swords from his back and held his swords pointed backwards, arms crossed over his chest.
"You know you're not leaving here alive right?"
The two Oto nin cocked their heads and rushed forward. The maniacal grin that came across Naruto's face slightly frightened Sakura. It reminded her of the one that Gaara used to have before he killed someone.
Naruto dashed forward and swept Kubikiri out toward one of the Oto nins. It ducked to the side at an unnatural angle and kept going past him. He turned to see the other leapfrog over him as they both sped toward Sakura. He growled and swung Samehada onto his back. He couldn't afford to accidentally slice her if it came to close combat. With both hands on Kubikiri's hilt, he charged towards the enemy nin.
Sakura hadn't expected them to disregard him for her. He was the bigger target, the bigger threat. Why in the hell were they targeting her? And then it hit her. She was the medic. But surely everyone in Oto knew of Naruto's famous healing ability. It didn't matter if he had a medic or not. Perhaps it was because she was the protégé of Tsunade. She didn't have long to consider when the first nin came at her quickly.
She dodged the swing at her face but was caught in the back by the other nin's foot. It sent her sprawling forward where a punch to the gut evacuated the air from her lungs. Angry now, at the prospect of being caught flatfooted, by Oto nin nonetheless, she channeled chakra to her hand and swung at the smaller one's face. It backflipped away and stood ready for another charge, but had to vacate the area when Kubikiri came down into it's personal space. Naruto growled and nodded to Sakura, who continued to attack the taller nin. Naruto swung Kubikiri to his shoulder and glared at the diminutive ninja.
"Why did you attack us?"
It's response was to cock its head and attack again. Naruto sighed and swung Kubikiri like a baseball bat, catching the nin in the temple. He raised an eyebrow when it disappeared. He turned to Sakura and hollered out.
"Bunshin!"
She lashed out with a kick and caught it in its side, dispelling the clone. She immediately ran to Naruto and put her back against his. Surprisingly, Samehada did not pierce her skin.
"Where did they come from? Can you sense where they're hiding?"
"No, I can't. You?"
"No."
Naruto said nothing but jammed Kubikiri into the ground and swung Samehada from his back.
"Don't leave this spot, I'll be back in a second."
He disappeared into the trees and Sakura soon heard the sound of him blowing up the surrounding area. Suddenly she heard the sound of something whistling through the air, but was too slow to dodge and two senbon needles found their way into her neck. She fell against Kubikiri and began to lose her vision. The last thing she saw was a figure running for the tree line only to be chopped in half by a vengeful Naruto. She heard him scream her name but couldn't answer.
Sakura.
She'd heard that voice before. It was kind and…where had she heard that before?
Sakura. Don't worry, you're not dying. You've just been poisoned with a sedative.
'How do you know this?'
Come to the sound of my voice. Let your mind wander. You'll find me.
She didn't know that she had a death grip on Kubikiri's hilt and that Naruto couldn't pry her fingers loose. He just picked her up and carried her back inside, blaming himself for her condition. He didn't leave her side or let go of her hand all night.
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Sakura had done as the voice said and let her mind wander. Soon, she found herself in a field of orange flowers. It was comforting to her. She'd been here before…
Sakura.
She spun around to see the image of Momochi Zabuza. Letting out a sigh of relief, she offered him a smile.
"Kubikiri Houcho. To what do I owe the honor?"
You owe nothing except to lend me your ear. Right now, my Master is worried sick about you. That was very foolish, letting your guard down.
"I didn't mean to. It was like they knew my blind spot."
More like you were worried about my Master. He can take care of himself. Never fear for his safety. He's more worried about you anyways.
"Naruto's worried about me?"
Indeed. He is currently sitting beside your bed, holding your hand. He's asleep. Worried sick about you I'd say.
"So he does care about me?"
Kubikiri snorted.
Of course he does, you stupid girl. But he's not going to let you in just because he's worried about you. You still need to prove one thing to him.
"And that is?"
That you can stand by his side and not behind him. Don't follow him, tread along with him as an equal. Never leave him.
Sakura thought for a while and a grin crossed her face.
"If I stay with him, will he bring the bunny ears back out every now and then?"
Kubikiri cocked a nonexistent eyebrow and smirked.
That…is between you and Master. I have nothing to do with that. I believe you should wake now. Reassure him that you are all right.
"Thank you Kubikiri."
It was no problem. And when you wake up, please let go of my hilt. You're leaving finger impressions.
Sakura smiled demurely. Even knocked out her strength knew no bounds.
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Naruto had been brutal in his fight. When he left Sakura's side, he had gone in swinging, using Samehada to decimate a good bit of the floral capacity of Tazuna's surrounding woods. The nin he was chasing had the good sense to run like a scared rabbit and had finally eluded him somehow, but not before he smashed whatever was on its back. He couldn't identify what it was, but it had been made out of wood and paper. He proceeded to destroy the area around him until he heard Sakura's cry of pain and bolted to her side. He was just in time to see something disappear into the bushes like a ghost. The bunshin that was left behind was cleaved in two.
He'd immediately pulled the senbon out and carried her inside. She had a death grip on Kubikiri and he couldn't get her to let go. He hung his head and thought back to his brief fight. He'd done everything he could think of to catch that nin. He knew it was the real one, because a bunshin would not have run for its life. It had been female if the little squeals of surprise had been any indication. He hadn't had to use just one sword for quite a while and he was a little rusty but he'd made the best of it. The nin just wouldn't fight him back though.
He couldn't remember being so frustrated in his life. He absolutely hated Otogakure and their ninjas. And now they'd hurt Sakura. If she didn't wake up, he swore he would…they'd pay. Oh they'd pay. He let out a sigh of relief when he heard her groan and turn her head to look at him sleepily.
"Hey."
"Hey. You know, I didn't think you'd let them get the drop on you. How do you feel?"
"To tell the truth? My arms feel like lead and I'm cold. It's all part of the sedative they shot me with. Kubikiri says I should be up by tomorrow."
"That's good. I'll let Tazuna know we'll be leaving tomorrow instead. We don't need to stay here if they think we're weak. They'll just strike again."
"Naruto, can I ask a favor?"
He looked down at her kindly and offered her a smile.
"Anything."
"Stay with me tonight. I'm cold and the blankets aren't helping. Just…stay with me tonight? Please?"
He stood and made his way to the door. Before he left out, he grinned at her.
"Of course Sakura. I'll stay with you. Just keep those hands above the waist."
She lay back down and stared at the ceiling. This was a good sign.
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Temari and Kankurou finally felt they could relax as they sat in their hotel in a room several miles inland. They'd run for what seemed like forever. Temari was still shaking from her confrontation with Naruto.
"I'm serious Kankurou, he could've killed me. Sending in bunshins disguised as Oto ninja was not a good idea. We shouldn't do that again. He destroyed my fan. I'll have to get a new one made. He's scary. If you hadn't poisoned Sakura when you did…he would have caught me."
"I told you we shouldn't have gotten so close, but no…you just had to try to see those ears again. And then, you find out he doesn't have them anymore. What the hell sis? Are you hallucinating?"
"No! He really had them. I don't know what was up. I released the henge just like last time but they weren't there. I think we should lay off for a while. They'll be on guard now. Besides, we have to deliver Tazuna's bet to Tsunade."
"Oh yeah? What'd he bet?"
"Several thousand on them getting together before the Chuunin exams and another two thousand on them doing the hanky panky in two months."
"That's a hell of a bet. He must have some contingency plan or something."
"Nah, I think he just knows how those two work. They have been getting pretty chummy."
"Perhaps. So should we go to Konoha first or Suna."
"Suna. I have to get a new fan made. And we need to relay to Gaara how much he's missed."
Kankurou sighed as they both lay down to rest.
'Namikaze, you are such a pain in the ass.'
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Tsunami had walked into the bedroom to wake the two teens for their departure and let out an 'awww' at the sight before her. Sakura was snuggled up to Naruto's chest with a big smile on her face and Naruto had his arms wrapped protectively around her, his chin nestled into her hair. Tsunami produced a camera from nowhere and snapped off a few shots.
'Tsunade will pay big for these.'
Naruto had heard the click of the camera shutter and had cracked an eye to look at Tsunami discreetly. He'd have to remember to crush that camera and find the negatives before he left but at the moment, he was too damn comfortable to argue the point. He nestled his nose back down into his sweet smelling pillow…wait, since when did he have a sweet smelling pillow. He pulled back to look and saw Sakura lying against him with a huge smile on her face. She looked so peaceful, he couldn't bear to wake her.
He sighed when she turned over in her sleep and backed into him. He smiled as she pulled his arm back around her like a child until he felt a pleasant rubbing sensation against his crotch. His eyes snapped open fully and he looked down to see her grinding her ass against his cock. He tried to pull away but she had his arm in a tight grip. Damn it, it felt good.
Sakura had been awake since Tsunami came in, but wasn't about to let Naruto know that. She had felt him against her stomach when she woke up and had decided to take advantage of his early morning weakness. She was getting turned on herself as she rubbed against him and had to bite her lip to suppress a moan. Unfortunately, one squeezed out.
Naruto nearly freaked when he heard her moan. He could feel her soaking through her shorts and he knew if he didn't escape soon, he was gonna blow. While the thought wasn't an unpleasant one, he didn't know if he wanted that with her yet. But it felt so damn good. He whimpered and yanked away as hard as he could.
Sakura bit her lip to suppress a grin when she heard him whimper. She was just about there when he suddenly yanked away and she lost her grip on his arm. Fuming inside, she pretended to wake up like she was surprised. But that didn't last long when she saw how big his erection was.
"Holy shit! Tsunami was right, you are huge."
"You're not helping here. And what the hell was with grinding your ass on my cock?"
Sakura looked at him like he'd lost his mind.
"Um hello? It felt good? And besides you obviously liked it."
"That's besides the point. You shouldn't do that."
Sakura puffed angrily and sat up, her arousal still strong, but forgotten for the moment.
"And why not? It's obvious you have feelings for me, why not come out and admit it?"
"Because you haven't earned it yet."
"Why not? God, Naruto, what do I have to do to prove it to you?"
"I don't know! I'll know when you do ok?"
Sakura growled and got off the bed, wobbling a little from the pleasurable feeling still between her legs. She marched right up to her gargantuan companion and grabbed his hair, yanking him down to her height before jamming her tongue into his mouth. Naruto fought for a bit before melting into it, forgetting for the moment that she was supposed to work for him.
Sakura enjoyed the feeling as much as she could before pulling back, leaving his tongue hanging in mid air. She smirked and grabbed ahold of his dick through his pants, making him cry out in surprise before cooing to him in a sultry voice.
"I don't care what you say. I know that I've earned my place in your heart. You just won't admit it. This…is mine. Mine alone. And when you finally let me in to your heart, I'll show you just what I can do to make both of us happy. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish what I started."
"What do you mean?"
Sakura began to lower her shorts and hopped back onto the bed.
"What do you think I mean? I'm hot, I'm bothered, and I'm going to finish myself off…unless, of course, you want to watch…or join in?"
"N..no. I'll just…leave you alone now."
He slipped out the door and Sakura cursed under her breath as she began to play with herself. She pinched her nipples, rubbed her clit, and slipped her fingers in and out but it just wasn't doing anything for her. That's when she remembered the kunai in her pack. She took it ring first into herself and began to pant as the pressure built up. After several minutes, she finally came with a huge sigh, soaking the sheets. The smell of her sex permeated the air and she cleaned herself up before taking a shower.
'Just a little more prodding and I'll have him. I'll get you soon Naruto. Just you wait. I love you and I want only you.'
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Naruto sat outside the door, listening to Sakura's little squeals and grunts until he heard her sigh and the shower start. If he would have stayed just a few seconds longer, she would have been able to do anything she wanted to him. He couldn't have that, not just yet. Her smell wafted under the door and assaulted his senses. If he didn't vacate the premises, he was going to take her then and there. He stood and walked outside to catch his breath.
He suddenly remembered that he had left Samehada on the ground. He retrieved it and had to sheepishly bear the wrath of a neglected sword.
I swear Master, you are the most forgetful person I've ever met. You don't leave your weapons outside in the weather. That's how blades rust and become dull.
"But you guys can't rust…"
That's not the point. Anyway, how is Lady Sakura? Is she all right?
"Um, yeah, she's fine."
Good. We should get going soon.
'Yes.'
Naruto finally was able to round up a satisfied (mostly) Sakura and they departed for the second time, hopefully for good. As they walked Sakura kept throwing him glances.
"What?"
"Nothing. I was just wondering when you're going to forego all this foolishness and let me in."
"Not for a while. Now, I think we should go to Kumo next. They've been quiet recently and that's usually not a good thing."
"Whatever you say big boy."
"Would you not call me that please?"
"Sure thing Chief Hung Like A Horse."
"Sakura…stop that."
Childishly she stuck her tongue out at him and smiled coyly.
"Make me…or are you afraid it might be…fun?"
He growled and shut his mouth before smirking.
"I'm getting separate rooms again."
Sakura was horrified.
"What? Why?"
"Because you keep trying to get in my pants."
"I wouldn't have to try if you'd just let me."
"Hell no!"
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Jiraiya sat on the edge of the cloud, beating his head with his hands.
"Argh! Damn brat, does he just not know what to do or what? Kushina! Your boy's an idiot!"
"What the hell did you say you old goat?"
"He had Sakura in bed, practically ready to give herself to him, and he wouldn't do it. He wouldn't seal the deal. What the hell kind of boy did you have?"
"I don't know. Maybe it's because of the people he hung around in life. Every third person was a damn pervert. Maybe he just respects women more than a certain white haired asshole."
"What did you call me squirt?"
"I'm not a squirt! You pervert!"
"Come again? I couldn't hear what you said because you're so far away from my ear?"
"Yeah? Well hear this!"
Kushina reared back and kicked Jiraiya over the edge of the cloud, right between his legs. He fell for what seemed like ever before he hit the ground right in front of his former student who was arguing with his pink haired soon-to-be girlfriend. Jiraiya, forgetting his pain for the moment, hobbled over and began to berate the poor boy, who couldn't see or hear him. After a while, the old man became frustrated and decided to see if he could do anything to amuse himself before he went back up. He reached out and gave Sakura an experimental squeeze of her boob. She shrieked and jumped into Naruto's arms.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Something grabbed my titty."
"There's nothing there Sakura. Now get down."
Jiraiya smirked and as soon as she got down, slapped her on the ass and began giggling like a school girl when she leapt onto the boy's shoulders.
"Damn it woman get down. There's nothing there."
Jiraiya was about to do more when he felt a presence behind him and turned to see Kushina tapping her foot into the dirt.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Nothing. I swear."
The red head cracked her knuckles and listened with glee as the old man whimpered.
"Well, I'll just do nothing to you either."
Oh, the lies women tell…