The Kitsune and the Neko

by Junior the Wolf

An outcast and a princess. Both living different lives, yet they both have something in common. What will happen when they find each other?

14. Arc 2 Chapter 7

The Kitsune and the Neko

"Talking"
'Thoughts'
Inner/Demon/Deity/Dire Beast
Flashback/Mind Link

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Arc 2: Ninja Life
Chapter 7: Nightmare on the Bridge

It's been two days since Haku visited Naruto. Pakkun arrived early the next morning and presented Naruto with a scroll before returning to his home. After he and Kakashi read it, they shared a smile. Naruto told the one-eyed jounin about Zabuza and Haku wanting to join the Leaf Village. While he wasn't for it initially, Kakashi did agree to have a chat with the man before making any decisions. The two shinobi knew that it wasn't personal that Zabuza attacked them. He was just doing his job. While they respected that, they didn't like how they had to deal with it. Also, Kakashi wants to know why he attempted a coup d'état against the Mizukage. Neither Naruto nor Haku knows the answer to that, since the man never told them and they never did ask.

Now that Kakashi can move, they've decided to split the training and guarding during the afternoon. Naruto, Hinata and the vixens would create ten shadow clones and have them guard the house while the ninjas are training not too far away.

We now find Kurenai with Naruto as she helps him in his weakest element and what she specializes in.

"Naruto, from what Kushina and Yuki told me, you can't learn most genjutsu due to your dense chakra." the kunoichi jounin began. "What chakra control exercises do you know?"

"Well, I've mastered Leaf Balancing, Tree Climbing on my hands and feet, and Water Walking on my feet only. I'm also adept in basic Point Balancing and the basic stages of Fire, Wind, Water, Steam and Ice Manipulation." Naruto replied after a bit of thought.

Kurenai whistled. 'Impressive for a twelve-year-old rookie gennin. I'm surprised he only knows five genjutsu, though I don't know what the fifth one is.' she mused. "Okay. I'm going to test a theory, Naruto. First, I need you to use the jutsu Yuki told me about. The one you and Hinata created."

Naruto nodded before flashing through two hand signs. "Kitsune Form Jutsu!" he called out before he reappeared from the smoke with fox ears and three tails.

Kurenai raised an eyebrow before she walked over and touched one of his ears. 'They're soft.' she thought as she proceeded to play with his ears until she felt one of his tails coil around her waist and his eyes slightly glazed over. 'She was right; they are real.' She then noticed his slight blush. 'I guess he never had someone play with his ears before.' "Naruto, is this the first time someone played with your ears?" she asked him, hiding her amusement.

Naruto nodded meekly, feeling a little embarrassed at the older kunoichi playing with his ears. Sure, he played with Ginko's ears and tails, but she never returned the favor before. And while he knows that his kunoichi friends were quite tempted, they didn't either.

Kurenai suppressed a giggle before shaking her amusement away and stepping back a bit. "Well, here's my theory. You might be able to learn and use more than those five genjutsu in this form, but only if this jutsu affects your body as well." she explained.

She would have continued had Naruto not summoned a cyan fireball in his right hand. "You mean to say that I might only be able to learn some jutsu in my fox form?" Naruto surmised. "Kyuubi did mention something along those lines to me, which is why I can create foxfire. I'm only able to because he altered the jutsu as a gift for being Ginko's chosen mate, though we haven't marked each other yet." He whispered that last part out so Kurenai wouldn't hear it.

Kurenai nodded in understanding. She is well aware of Ginko being Kyuubi's daughter, thanks to Kushina. "I see. So, do you want to see if genjutsu might fall on that list?" she asked him.

Naruto dispelled the fireball before nodding. "Sure. Every little bit helps, right?"

"Right. Now, we'll start with a basic, yet useful, one called the False Surroundings Jutsu. This D-rank demon illusion covers an object or an area in an illusion that changes its appearance." Kurenai explained. "Most ninjas start out with this one because it is the easiest to learn. Watch me do it first before you attempt it yourself." Naruto nodded and watched as she changed a nearby log into a bench, a tree into a light pole and then the area they are in into a lush garden. "Now, it's your turn. Start with something small, like this rock." She belt down and picked up a rock about the size of her fist. "To cast the illusion, form these hand signs and channel some of your chakra into the rock while imagining what you want it to look like." Kurenai sat the rock on the log before showing Naruto the five hand signs needed for the jutsu.

Naruto spent five minutes flashing through the hand signs over and over again before he nodded to himself and attempted the jutsu. His first attempt wasn't a good start. The rock didn't change at all, meaning the jutsu didn't work. He tried again, using less chakra and still nothing. He kept trying and after half an hour, it finally changed. The rock turned into a clay bowl, but it was severely deformed.

Kurenai inspected the illusion before frowning slightly. "Well, at least we're making progress, Naruto."

xxxxx

Elsewhere, Kakashi is helping Sakura increase her combat skills.

"Okay, Sakura. Naruto told me that you're learning archery. While I don't know it myself, I can help provide you with targets, both moving and stationary." Kakashi began. "We'll start with an accuracy test. Can you see the targets alright" He then pointed at three targets he made. Sakura nodded, able to see them just fine, though the last one seemed pretty far away. "Good. The first target is five meters from this line." He pointed at a pair of kunai in the ground. "The second target is ten meters while the third target is twenty meters. You'll start by firing ten arrows at the first target. Then, you'll fire at the second target and finally, the third. Between firings, my shadow clone will inspect each target and grade your accuracy on a ten-point scale. You lose one point for every inch the arrow is away from the center, since the targets are twenty inches in diameter. This way, we'll have a rough estimate of just how accurate you are at different ranges." Sakura nodded in understanding before unsealing her bow and quiver. "Are you ready?" She nodded again after readying an arrow. "Then begin at your leisure. I won't time you on this one, but the others will be timed to see how fast you are."

Sakura breathed before aiming her bow and releasing the arrow. The arrow soared through the air before it hit the first target. She fired nine more at a slow and relaxed pace before taking a small break while Kakashi's clone inspected the target. After it gave the ok, she continued.

A few minutes later, Kakashi's clone walked up to them with thirty arrows in one hand and a clipboard in another. He handed Sakura her arrows before giving the real Kakashi the clipboard. "Let's see... Sakura, your accuracy on the first target is seventy-two percent. Not bad for a few days' practice." Sakura smiled at that. "Your accuracy on the second target is fifty-nine percent and your accuracy on the third target is thirty-four percent. Still not that bad. Not good by professional standards, but not bad for your fourth day." He then gave his clone the clipboard and continued. "This time, you'll fire fifty arrows at the first target only. Once we get your accuracy to at least ninety percent, we'll move on to the second target. We'll keep this up until I stay stop, though you'll be taking breaks during firings. Understood?" Sakura nodded while the shadow clone walked back over to the first target. "Good. Now begin, and avoid hitting my clone while you're at it."

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Kouen and Ginko are busy learning new jutsu.

"So, what did you get?" Ginko asked her sister while holding a scroll.

"I got the Thunder Cage Jutsu. You?" Kouen replied, also holding a scroll.

"I got the Mud Clone Jutsu." Ginko then grinned and asked, "Shall we practice them on each other?"

"What do you mean?" Kouen wondered.

"I mean, you trap my clones in your cage." Ginko explained.

Kouen mulled it over for a moment before nodding. Smiling at each other, the two vixens read their scrolls before getting to work.

'Okay, the Thunder Cage Jutsu requires the ability to manipulate lightning chakra, or youki in my case, to create an actual cage of lightning, hence the name.' Kouen said to herself. 'To do this, I need to imagine that energy forming into a cage big enough to trap my opponent in.' She looked around and found a small boulder she thought was perfect for her first target. 'Might as well until Ginko can create those clones.' she thought before doing some more reading to determine the hand signs and how much chakra it takes. She then rolled up the scroll and put it away before forming the hand signs. 'Here we go. Thunder Cage Jutsu.' She channeled her chakra into the ground, as per the instructions, and watched as an electrical field surrounded the boulder, but did not form into a cage. 'I don't think it supposed to do that.'

Nearby, Ginko is studying her scroll as well. 'Let's see... The Mud Clone Jutsu utilizes the earth beneath the user to form an exact replica out of them. The earth is exposed to a little moisture so it can be turned into mud. This does not require the ability to manipulate water chakra, but it does require the user to know how to manipulate earth chakra, even without the elemental affinity. Kinda knew that already.' She added the last part as an afterthought. 'To perform this technique, the user must channel their chakra into the ground and focus on turning the earth into mud and using it to create a replica of themselves. These clones are as physically strong as the user and are quite durable, but are limited in speed. They can travel up to five meters from the user before they fall apart and one strong blow will dispel them.' she continued. 'Well, that's good to know.' She then rolled up the scroll after reading a little more and put it away. She then formed four hand signs while channeling her earth youki into the ground. 'Here goes something. Mud Clone Jutsu.' Out from the ground came a small tower of mud that quickly solidified into another Ginko, but it wasn't an exact replica. It barely even looked like her. She sighed. 'Here we go again.'

xxxxx

While the others are training, Haku and Tsuki are busy catching up.

Tsuki moaned as she sat on Haku's lap with her tails around his waist while he played with her ears. "I've missed you, Haku." she purred.

"I know. I've missed you too, Tsuki." Haku whispered to her gently.

"I was worried that I might not see you again." the vixen whimpered a little.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to disappear. I wouldn't allow myself to die without seeing you again." he said to her.

Tsuki sat up and looked him in the eye. "You mean... you'll come home with me?" she asked, looking more like she did when she first met Naruto, innocence and all.

Haku smiled at her while passing his hands through her hair. "Of course I'll come home with you. That is, if you want me to."

Tsuki smiled happily before she pounced onto him, raining kisses all over his face while her tails wagged happily. Haku laughed at her behavior before she silenced him by kissing him on the lips. Haku's eyes widened before they closed. He has never been kissed before... not in this way, at least. He never knew it would be this wonderful.

Tsuki felt like she died and went to heaven. She never felt so happy in her life. And when she finally kissed Haku, she felt even happier. Even her kiss with Naruto wasn't this good. 'I knew it! He is the one!' she thought as tears of happiness welled up in her eyes.

Once they pulled away, Haku saw the tears and pulled the vixen close. "Don't worry, Tsuki. As long as you want me to, I'll never leave you." he vowed.

"Haku..." she spoke before simply relaxing in his arms.

xxxxx

Later, Naruto came back to Tazuna's with a sleeping Tsuki in his arms.

"Is she alright?" Tsunami wondered.

"She's fine. She's probably just tired." Naruto replied.

"I'll take her upstairs, Naruto." Sakura suggested.

"It's okay, Sakura. I got her." Naruto said to her.

"No, I insist." Naruto shrugged as he handed the sleeping vixen over to his teammate before she took her to their room.

Sakura laid Tsuki on the bed and was about to shut the door behind her when she heard, "Wait, Sakura."

Sakura looked inside and saw Tsuki wake up with tears in her eyes. She slipped back in and shut the door before sitting beside the young kitsune. "What's wrong, Tsuki?"

Tsuki turned to Sakura and smiled. "I think I'm in love." she said.

Sakura blinked in surprise and confusion before she remembered that she's dating Haku. "With Haku?" Tsuki nodded, causing a huge smile to spread across the kunoichi's face. "Congratulations! Have you told him?"

"Not yet, but I'm worried about Gato hurting him before I can tell him." Tsuki sighed before laying back down, resting her head on her paws.

"Cheer up, Tsuki. Haku's strong, isn't he? He won't let some crooked businessman like Gato hurt him." Sakura said to comfort the little blue fox.

'That's not what I'm worried about, Sakura.' Tsuki thought to herself, not wanting to voice her concern.

xxxxx

About a half hour later, Hinata entered the house to notice that both Naruto and Inari are missing and that the atmosphere is tense. "Um, what's going on?" she wondered aloud.

"Inari blew a gasket and called Naruto a spoiled brat for not understanding the pain and suffering that Gato put this village through." Kouen explained with a frown on her face. "Naruto nearly snapped and told the kid off... rather colorfully I might add."

"That's a mild way of putting it." Tsuki muttered.

"Where are they?" Hinata asked with wide eyes.

"Inari's in his room, but Naruto disappeared." Tsunami replied.

Hinata created a shadow clone and sent it to Inari's room while she activated the Byakugan. After a moment, she found her boyfriend and vanished in a plume of smoke.

xxxxx

In Inari's room, Hinata's shadow clone snuck up on him and once she was behind him, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You shouldn't be so hard on him." she said.

Inari tried to hit her hand, but only hit air. "What do you know?" he sneered at her.

Hinata gave the boy a stern look before she spoke. "You know, for a boy who says we don't know what's going on here, you're the one who's in the dark."

Inari stared at her, confused as well as shocked from what Naruto told him earlier.

"I've known Naruto since we were five years old. While you have known and grew up with your mother and grandfather, he never knew his parents. He was forced to grow up alone until he was five where he was taken in." Hinata explained. "Before then, he was, for lack of a better word, tortured by the bulk of our home's population practically every day. Even after someone took him in, he was still tortured. What's worse is that children our age followed in their parents' footsteps, picking on him while he's either trying to play or make a friend. He's known sadness his whole life, but happiness for more than half of it." She then glanced at a picture and noticed that it was the missing piece of the family portrait they saw in the dining room. "Is he your father?"

Inari scowled at her, but her stern look quieted him.

"Your grandfather told us about Kaiza days ago. He reminds me of my mother." Hinata smiled as she remembered her late mother. "Naruto and I loved her very much, but she died a few years ago from a terminal illness. She said to me that no matter what, I must protect my sister and follow my heart. Since then, I followed her wish and look how I turned out." She smiled at him before asking, "So what was Kaiza's last wish? What did he want you to do with your life."

Inari frowned before he started crying from remembering Kaiza. "H-He told me t-to protect what I l-love with b-both my arms." he sobbed.

"And how exactly can you do that? By whimpering and crying all day or claiming that Gato's unbeatable?" Hinata rhetorically asked him. "All you're doing is disgracing his memory. By saying that we're simply butting in and that we'll only die if we fight Gato, you are disrespecting Kaiza's beliefs. I would never do something like that to my mother, so why would you do that to him? And even with all the whining you're doing, I see no reason for it. I mean, you still have your mother and grandfather. Just think of what they might be feeling. If I remember right, your mother loved Kaiza. You're not the only one who lost someone when he died, Inari. I think you should stay here and think about what kind of pain you've been causing them from your attitude." She then left the room before dispelling herself, leaving Inari to his thoughts.

xxxxx

Elsewhere, the real Hinata is currently watching her boyfriend freeze the river with his breath. She and Neko can practically feel his anger as he punched the ice, causing pillars of ice to rise up.

"If only we could do something." she said to her inner demon.

"I can't, but you can." Neko said to her. Hinata once asked Naruto if he could teach her the Spirit Division technique, but Kyuubi informed them that it couldn't be used to summon Neko, just like it can't be used to summon the great fox.

Hinata sighed before she gently blew a light, chilling breeze at him. Once it passed through him, he shivered a bit before looking in the direction it came from, only to see his lavender-eyed kitten. He motioned for her to come over and she joined him as he sat under a tree.

"I knew you would come sooner or later." he said to her. "Did you hear what happened?"

"Yeah. I showed up moments after you left." Hinata then leaned into him and snuggled up to him. "Naruto, what's the matter? What did he say that got to you?"

Naruto sighed as he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend. "He called me a pampered brat who never knew pain in his life and was raised to be ignorant." Hinata shook her head at the kid's foolishness. "You know how much I hate ignorance, right?"

"I know, my love. I hate it too, but you can't blame the boy. He's just blinded by grief." Hinata explained.

He sighed again and looked up into the sky, but then felt another pair of arms wrap around him along with four furry tails. Looking to his right, he saw Ginko's cerulean eyes.

His two girlfriends smiled before kissing his cheeks. "Naruto, don't let him get to you. Remember, we're on a mission and we need you for this." Ginko said to him.

"She's right." a familiar voice added as Sakura appeared on his lap, her pink foxtail slowly wagging behind her. "We all need you, Naruto. You wouldn't let this country down, would you?"

Naruto sighed once more, but then smiled and flashed though two hand signs, transforming into his fox form. His three tails wrapped around their waists as his arms and wings pulled his two girlfriends closer. "You're right. I won't let this country down." he said. "And I definitely won't let you three down either."

Sakura smiled before she shifted her position on his lap, straddling him. Her tail curled around his as she leaned forward, their faces mere inches apart. "Naruto, remember when you said that you were surprised I haven't asked you out yet?" Naruto nodded while blushing from their proximity. "Well, I was tempted for months before that party last year, but I knew that you already had a girlfriend, two at that. I didn't think you would want another one."

"Sakura, do you know why I said that?" Naruto asked her. When she shook her head, he replied, "Because I knew that you liked me. The look I saw in your eyes when we first met was the same look I saw in Hinata and Ginko's eyes when I first met them. The thing is, while I knew you liked me, I didn't know how you liked me. Kouen and Tsuki see me as their brother, Tenten and Ino see me as their friend and Hinata and Ginko see me as their lover." He then freed his arms so he can cup Sakura's face. "So can you tell me how you see me... please?"

Instead of using words, Sakura decided to give him a more physical answer. She closed the gap between them and pressed her lips to his. They promptly closed their eyes and pulled each other close as they kissed. Hinata and Ginko smiled as they watched. Sakura has made her first step in telling him how she feels.

As soon as Sakura pulled away, she nuzzled his left cheek and whispered into his ear, "How about I show you after we return home... perhaps over dinner?"

Glancing at Ginko, he saw her nod and mouth, "Say yes. Hinata and I approve." With a raised eyebrow, he smiled and nodded. "Sure, Sakura. In fact, I know exactly where to take you."

Sakura leaned back and stared into his eyes with a big smile before resting her head on his chest while Hinata and Ginko rested their heads on his shoulders. Naruto sighed, knowing that they're going to get it in the morning, but decided not to care. Still, he sent a clone to inform the jounin before closing his eyes and falling asleep, his wings covering them to keep them warm.

xxxxx

Naruto's eyes fluttered open as he heard soft purring behind him. Looking around, he found himself just outside of Neko's cage with said nekomata sitting behind him.

Neko rubbed one of her tails under his chin and watched him blush. "Good to see you again, Naruto." she purred. "I see you've found another mate in that Sakura girl."

"She's not my mate, Lady Neko. She's not even my girlfriend yet." Naruto denied.

"But do you deny not wanting her as such?" Neko prodded.

Naruto was about to open his mouth to answer, but found himself wondering if he really did. 'I have three girlfriends already. Am I really supposed to have this many in the first place?' He's well aware of how his female friends feel about him. Ginko and Hinata love him and can't wait to be married to him. Ino likes to tease and flirt with him and has a slight habit of seducing him. Kouen and Tenten are like older sisters to him and loves sparring with him; though Tenten has an odd need for close physical contact every now and then. Probably because she doesn't have a boyfriend yet. Tsuki loves dancing with him and has this cuteness to her that makes it hard for him to say no to her. Sakura, while similar to Ino, seems to want to be close to him more than anything. He can't seem to understand what he's doing to attract these girls to him.

To make it worse, Kushina told him of what the council might do to him if they were to discover his bloodlines. While he is secretly dating the Hyuuga heiress, a kitsune princess and a demonic empress, he doesn't know if what he's doing is right or even fair. Kyuubi and Neko told him that, as an alpha male, he can take multiple mates. Kushina, while against the idea, agreed with them on the promise that he doesn't become a pervert. Naruto sighed before finally voicing his answer. "I-I don't know. I mean, is this even right?"

"It depends on how you look at it." Hinata spoke up as she opened her eyes.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked her.

"Naruto, Ginko and I spoke to Sakura several days ago. She admitted to liking you as more than a friend. I'm sure that kiss gave that away." Naruto nodded. "We've decided to allow her to tell you and if you agree, she can join us as your girlfriend. She also knows about Lady Neko."

"I never got to meet her when we were inside your dreams a few nights ago, so I brought us here so I can." Neko added. "Besides, we hardly get to spend any time together unless you and the kitten meditate so I can see you. I want to have some fun while we're here."

Naruto sighed before rousing Sakura and Ginko from their sleep. Once they were up, Neko introduced herself to the cherry blossom.

"Now that we're all acquainted, let's have some fun!" Neko said, now in her human form, before looking at her boyfriend with a huge grin. "Use the Spirit Division so there's enough of you for all of us."

Naruto nodded before he and Sakura used the jutsu, creating four more Narutos while summoning Haruko.

"Dance with me!" Haruko exclaimed as she grabbed one of the Narutos and started dancing with him.

Hinata giggled before she grabbed one of the Narutos and pulled him into a deep kiss.

Ginko's tails wrapped around one of the Narutos' waists and pulled him into a deep kiss as well.

Sakura looked at the remaining two Narutos before approaching one and pulling him off to the side. She then looked at Neko and asked, "Um, some music please."

Neko smiled and winked, causing a song to play. Sakura and the Naruto next to her started singing while Haruko and the Naruto with her danced to the beat.

The remaining Naruto chuckled. "Well, this should keep them happy until we get home." he said.

Neko nodded. "I agree, but there's something you can do to keep me happy."

Naruto could only look at her before she pounced on him and started making out with him.

xxxxx

The next morning, Haku, disguised as a civilian girl, was busy gathering herbs to treat Zabuza's wounds when he noticed Naruto with snow-white wings and Sakura, Hinata and Ginko in his embrace. His eyes widened when he saw this. 'I never knew he had wings.' he thought to himself before going over to him. "Hey, wake up." he said gently, shaking Naruto's shoulder. "You'll all catch a cold if you sleep here."

Naruto groaned before he slowly opened his eyes. "No we won't. My wings are quite warm." he murmured.

Haku shook his head. "What are you doing out here?"

"I was blowing off some steam, but these three had ice with them." Naruto replied.

Understanding what he meant, Haku nodded. "So what's the answer?" he asked. "After all, no one's around to hear us and the girls are still asleep... aren't they?"

Naruto looked at each of the girls and noticed their rhythmic breathing. "I believe so." he said. "The answer is yes; though Zabuza must prove his loyalty to the village as well as serve some time before he is allowed to be a leaf ninja. You, on the other hand, may be put in the same situation I'll eventually be put in."

"Is that the reason why you are sleeping with three girls?" Haku smirked when Naruto blushed.

"Yes and no. Hinata and Ginko are my girlfriends. Sakura isn't... yet." Naruto replied. "You might be forced into multiple marriages because of your Hyouton bloodline."

"You did say that the Leaf Village didn't hate bloodlines like the Mist Village does." Haku pointed out.

"Yes I did. I just want you to be careful, as some may try to use you to gain power in the village." Naruto warned him.

Haku raised an eyebrow before his eyes narrowed once he understood. "They would force their daughters to marry me so they can obtain whatever power I possess, be it my bloodline or my political status, if I even have one." Naruto nodded, which put a scowl on both their faces.

"Don't worry, you two." Hinata muttered as her eyes fluttered open.

"We won't let that happen." Ginko continued as her eyes opened.

"For they'll have to get past us." Sakura finished as she sat up and stretched.

Haku covered his mouth as he saw Naruto blushed from the girls' actions. "You three must be enjoying yourselves." he said. He couldn't help it. It was too amusing.

The four of them blushed, which caused Haku to break out in laughter. Naruto, Ginko and Sakura glared at the ice user while Hinata frowned.

"That wasn't very nice, Haku." Hinata chided.

"I-I'm sorry." Haku chuckled, trying to reign in his amusement. "I couldn't help myself."

Naruto, Ginko and the two kunoichis shook their heads.

xxxxx

Ten minutes later, as the four twelve-year-olds entered the seaside home, they were immediately confronted by Kakashi and Kurenai.

"Where have you four been? You know you shouldn't have snuck out last night." Kurenai asked them in a stern manner.

"We went to find Naruto. He needed us to set him on the right path." Ginko replied, not fearing the two jounin as they bored into them.

"Leave them alone. This isn't the first time Ginko had to chase after Naruto when he was pissed." Kouen spoke as she and Tsuki entered the room.

"Besides, it's better for him to leave and cool off than to do it here." Tsuki added. "Trust me, he's not very friendly when he's mad. I've seen him beat a drunk chūnin into submission for some snide comment he made towards me."

"I remember that incident." Ginko said with a frown. That incident occurred about a month ago. A drunken chūnin found her, Naruto and Tsuki walking home when he decided to badmouth their friend while hitting on Tsuki. Naruto was so pissed at his words, it took both sisters to calm him down. Tsuki even had to tie up his hands with vines before they left the area.

The two jounin shook their heads. "Anyway, you need to be more careful. Gato's thugs could be patrolling the village and even the forests. If they were to find you, they could've captured you."

Naruto stopped Kakashi's warning before he could continue any further. "They would have to find us first. Remember, I can hide from even the ANBU. Thugs, mercs and unfamiliar rogues can't catch me or the vixens." 'That and I would make sure that they burned for touching my friends.' he mentally added.

Kurenai sighed. "Anyway, it's time for us to go. We have a bridge builder to guard."

xxxxx

Later that day, Hinata and Ginko are sitting in their room, relaxing and chatting. Even though they are trained to kill, which is something neither of them liked, they still take time to relax and be normal adolescent girls for a change. No more worrying about their differences. No more worrying about what their families think of them. And most importantly, they can share secrets that they don't want their boyfriend to know.

"So how was your last date with him?" Ginko asked Hinata.

"It was magical, Ginko." Hinata replied with a dreamy look in her eyes. "We had a picnic lunch at his mother's garden. Afterwards, we danced on the pond. I used the False Surroundings Jutsu to play some music to set the mood and he used the White Lotus Dance to have us surrounded by white lotus pedals. Oh, it was so romantic!" Every now and then, Hinata and Ginko would swap stories on how their dates with Naruto have gone. They've been doing this for about eighteen months now.

"So what about you, Ginko." Now it's Hinata's turn to ask.

"The same thing, except we went dancing in the garden. After that, we took a dip in the pond." The silver vixen giggled as her three tails wagged happily behind her. "He was a little embarrassed about me being close to him while I'm clad in only my bathing suit, but I guess the Christmas party helped him overcome it a little. That and the fact that we ended up making out like that helped him calm down a little."

Hinata giggled. She, too, has made out with Naruto once while they were taking a swim in Kushina's pond. "Maybe we both can make out with him in her pond." she suggested.

"Sure, why not. If we wait a little while, we can get Sakura and Haruko to join us." The two girls blushed a little at the thought of the four of them teasing Naruto.

After their blushes vanished, Hinata looked at the fox-girl and asked, "Ginko, what do you think of Tsuki and Haku?"

"As in them as a couple?" Ginko wondered. When Hinata nodded, the vixen smiled. "Well, I know that Tsuki cares about him very much. She's been a little lonely ever since we left here two years ago. I think she's in love with him, if what Daddy said is true."

"He did say that you and your sisters all have potential mates in mind." Hinata pointed out. "Do you know anything about him... besides the obvious, of course?"

"Nope. Out of the three of us, I've spent the least amount of time with him." Ginko replied. "All I know is that as long as he treats my sister right and not break her heart, I have no problems with him dating her."

"Kitten, this Haku boy intrigues me." Neko spoke up. "Ask the vixen for his surname."

"Ginko, do you know Haku's family name? Lady Neko is curious about him." Hinata asked.

"Come to think of it, I don't know his last name. He told us that he is an orphan, so he might not know what it is." Ginko replied.

Hinata sighed before deciding to ask the boy herself once she saw him again.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Naruto and Sakura are busy training on the river.

"Ready, Sakura?" Naruto asked her as they stood on the river. He was clad in a pair of red-orange swim trunks while she's clad in a pink two piece bathing suit.

Sakura nodded as their hair and foxtails swayed in the slight wind. She raised her right hand a little and concentrated. Twenty seconds later, a small cyan fireball flickered to life in her palm. It was smaller than her fist, but size didn't matter. "I did it!" she cheered before the flame flickered out.

"No, but you're getting close." Naruto told her before stepping closer. "You have to focus on the flame, Sakura. Don't break that focus or it'll go out."

Sakura nodded as a blush crept onto her face as the distance between them steadily grew shorter.

Suddenly, someone cleared their throat, which brought them back to reality. "Business before pleasure, Naruto." Kurenai said as she stood off to the side.

Naruto blinked until he realized how close he was to Sakura. He took a few steps back and blushed. "Sorry." he said. "Anyway, try it again. But this time, keep your eyes on me."

Both kunoichis raised an eyebrow, but Sakura did so nonetheless. She kept her eyes on Naruto as she focused on creating the cyan flame again. This time, it took thirty seconds for it to flicker to life, but it was slightly bigger this time. A sliver of a smirk slipped on Naruto face as he quickly closed the gap and locked lips with the pink-haired kunoichi. Sakura was wide-eyed, but eventually gave in and kissed back.

Kurenai shook her head, but then gasped when she saw the flame triple in size as the two gennin kissed. Once they pulled away, Kurenai asked Naruto, "What did you do?"

Naruto faced Kurenai with a full blown smirk on his face. "I wanted to test her concentration and it turns out that me kissing her doesn't break it at all. In fact, I think it strengthens it, judging from the size of the flame she's holding."

Sakura looked at the flame with glazed eyes and saw how big it is. "I did this?" she asked no one in particular.

"Only one way to find out." Naruto replied.

Sakura nodded before willing to flame to vanish. Once it did, she tried to make another one. She decided to use the feeling she felt while Naruto kissed her as a catalyst. Sure enough, ten seconds later, the flame returned, but it was the size of a baseball.

"Very good, Sakura. Keep it up and you'll be able to summon foxfire with a mere thought." Naruto praised. Sakura smiled as she sat down and continued to practice summoning the mystical flames.

"As for me..." Naruto trailed off as he picked up a small rock and tried to turn it into a clay bowl using the False Surroundings Jutsu.

While they did this, Kurenai smiled at the two gennin. 'They're progressing quickly for their age.' she thought.

xxxxx

The next morning, Naruto and Sakura were still asleep when the others woke up.

"They've been working hard yesterday, so let's let them sleep in for a bit." Kurenai suggested. The others nodded in agreement.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Tsunami wondered. "Maybe someone should stay with them."

Hinata and the vixens shared a look before forming a huddle. "I'll stay." Tsuki volunteered before shifting into her true form and padding up to her sleeping friends.

"Well, let's get moving then." Kakashi said as Kouen and Ginko shifted forms and hopped on Hinata's shoulders.

xxxxx

Minutes later, the group of six stepped onto the bridge, but saw none of the workers in sight.

"What? Where are they?" Tazuna wondered, trying to find his workers.

"They're gone, obviously." a familiar voice spoke.

Everyone looked around until a mist rolled in. It quickly vanished, revealing a fully healed Zabuza and Haku disguised as a tracker ninja.

Zabuza gazed at the group before raising an eyebrow. "Where's Naruto?"

"He's taking a little nap." was Kakashi's light reply.

Zabuza shook his head. "Sleeping on the job, is he? I thought he didn't do that." he muttered, but then spoke louder. "Don't tell me he's gotten lazy."

"He hasn't gotten lazy." Kakashi replied, not wanting to reveal what Kurenai told him his two students did during training.

"Hmph. Well, it does seem like he has." Zabuza chuckled before asking, "What did your Hokage say? Haku told me that he'll allow us to become leaf shinobi, but I'll have to prove my loyalty first."

"Haku is correct. However, I have a few questions to ask, but we can get to that another time." Kakashi would have continued, but a gruff, ominous voice interrupted him.

"Well, well, well. Look what I've found. A few humans associating with a demon, a cat and a pair of foxes." The mist returned with a vengeance, causing everyone to surround Tazuna.

"It's been a long time, Zabuza." the gruff voice spoke as the mist thickened.

"Yes it has... Kisame." Zabuza replied, causing the jounins' eyes to widen.

'Kisame Hoshigaki, here?' Kakashi thought. 'This is very bad.'

xxxxx

Minutes earlier, Naruto woke up to Sakura sleeping in his arms and Tsuki licking his cheek. The two gennin worked on the False Surroundings Jutsu and Foxfire respectively until they got it. Sakura can now summon it in under five seconds while Naruto can now change an object with only a few visible flaws. Last night, the duo fell asleep together, only to spend their sleeping time inside Naruto's dreams. With Kushina, Hikari and Mikoto watching, Naruto and Sakura spent the entire time relaxing and having a great time. She saw it as a prelude to her future date with her potential boyfriend.

Looking at the dark blue vixen, Naruto scratched behind her ears and smiled as she purred affectionately. "Morning, Tsuki." he greeted.

"Morning, Naruto." she purred. "You two need to get up. The others have left for the bridge a few moments ago."

Naruto's eyes widened before he motioned for Tsuki to hop off. Once she was on the floor, Naruto turned and gently shook the pinkette.

Sakura moaned as she woke up. "Morning, Naruto." she said sleepily.

Naruto smiled. Sakura can be so cute in the morning. "Morning, Sakura." he said. "We have to get going. The others have left ahead of us."

Instantly, Sakura was up and the two of them quickly got ready. As soon as they were geared up, they heard the sound of someone screaming. 'Tsunami!' the trio thought before they darted out a window.

xxxxx

Outside, a gagged Tsunami was being hauled away by Gato's bodyguards. As they walked, they suddenly tripped, causing them to drop the tied-up woman.

A fierce growling alerted them to the sight of a three-tailed dark blue fox the size of a small horse with an equally growling blond-haired boy and pink-haired girl on its back. Both are sporting fox ears and foxtails, but the girl has one while the boy has three.

"Put her down... NOW!" the girl demanded as her slitted emerald eyes burned with anger.

The two thugs stood up and one of them picked up Tsunami. "Make me." the one holding the woman said with a smirk as he reached up to grope her.

The boy smirked as well before he held out his right arm. As soon as he snapped his fingers, Tsunami appeared in a puff of smoke. She was both untied and holding Inari in her arms.

The thugs looked between the two women in confusion before the tied-up Tsunami suddenly exploded, knocking the two thugs out.

Inari and the real Tsunami stared at the smoke with wide eyes. "What just happened?" she wondered.

"Two words... Exploding Clone." Naruto spoke. "I secretly switched you with a clone I made to look like you. Once I gave the order, the clone would explode, taking out Dumb and Dumber over there." He then got off Tsuki, stripped them of their weapons, money and anything else that was useful before tying them both up in a way that they couldn't untie themselves. "There. They won't be bothering us for awhile." he said. "Tsuki, tie them to a tree in the forest where no one will find them. We'll deal with them later." Tsuki nodded as Sakura got off her back. She hoisted the two men up with her tails and padded off. "Sakura, seal up their gear while my clone escorts these two elsewhere." Sakura nodded before she got to work.

Naruto walked over to the mother and child and created a single shadow clone. "You two need to go to a friend's house and stay there. Until Gato is defeated, it's no longer safe." He then handed Tsunami a pair of sacks he pilfered from the thugs. "Take these with you and keep them hidden. Don't open them until you're alone. Okay?" Tsunami nodded before she, Inari and the clone left.

Tsuki came back after they left and sat down. "Let's go. Our team is in danger." she said.

Naruto and Sakura nodded as they got on Tsuki's back. The vixen then stood up and dashed off into the forest.

xxxxx

Back on the bridge, the mist cleared up and everyone got to see the man that is Kisame. He is taller than Zabuza with light blue skin and strange gill-like markings on his neck. His beady black eyes stared at the group like a predator would its prey. He's garbed in a black cloak with red clouds printed on it and a ceremonial straw hat. A strap is all that kept the large bandaged object on his back.

"Kisame, what are you doing here? I never thought we would cross paths again." Zabuza asked.

"Oh, I was in the neighborhood looking for something when I saw you and, I assume he is, your apprentice." Kisame replied, jabbing a thumb at Haku at the end. "But where are my manners? Your young friend seems to not know who I am. What a pity." He sighed before he took off the hat, revealing gravity-defying blue hair. "The name's Kisame Hoshigaki... at your service." He grinned, showing his shark-like teeth.

"I remember you. Like Zabuza, you hail from the Village Hidden in the Mist and you're one of the Seven Swordsmen." Kurenai described. "You're quite the wanted man, Scourge of the Hidden Mist."

"Ah, good times, eh, Zabuza?" Kisame chuckled, obviously amused.

"Yeah, good times." The two swordsmen chuckled as they reminisced. "But still, why are you here?"

"I told you; I'm looking for something. A pair of somethings, actually." Kisame replied. "One of them is on this bridge right now, but where is the other one?"

'The only things on this bridge are us. So what is he looking for?' Kakashi wondered. "What exactly are you looking for?"

"What, you might ask?" Kisame's grin grew a little. "Why, a fox and a cat, of course."

The leaf ninjas' eyes widened, along with the two vixens. 'Naruto...'

'...and me/Hinata.' Hinata and the vixens surmised.

'We have to warn him.' Ginko thought before using a jutsu she was taught months ago. 'Mind Link Jutsu.'

xxxxx

As Naruto, Sakura and Tsuki traveled through the forest to the bridge, Naruto heard a familiar voice inside his head. "Naruto!"

"Ginko, what's wrong?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, princess. What's the matter?" Kyuubi wondered.

"Daddy, Naruto, we have a problem! Someone named Kisame Hoshigaki is on the bridge right now! He's after you and Hinata!" Ginko answered in a panicked voice.

"Did you say Kisame Hoshigaki?" Tsunade joined in. 'This is bad... and neither I nor Jiraiya are near the Land of Waves either!' "Kyuubi, how soon can your wife get there?"

"About a minute or so if I flare my youki." Kyuubi replied, knowing where she's going with this. "She'll be here soon, Ginko. For now, stall for time, but do not engage him."

"I second that." Tsunade added. "Kisame is an S-class rogue ninja suspected of espionage and wanted for the assassination of a Feudal Lord. If Jiraiya or I was there, he'd be dead within minutes."

"But you two aren't here, which is why my girlfriend is worried." Naruto pointed out. "Kyuubi, get Ms. Yuki here as soon as you can. If I have too, I'll flare your youki myself."

"Make sure none of the humans are nearby when you do it, kit." Kyuubi told him.

Naruto nodded before cutting the mental link. "Tsuki, stop right here."

Tsuki applied the brakes as she landed on the forest floor. "Why, Naruto? We need to get going." Tsuki reminded him.

"I know, but I have to do something first." Naruto then got off her back and took several steps away from her and Sakura. The two vixens looked at him in confusion before they saw his body glow crimson.

xxxxx

On the bridge, the ninjas and vixens all felt a powerful energy coming from the forest.

'Daddy!' Kouen and Ginko thought, easily recognizing their father's power.

'The seal... is it breaking?' Kakashi and Kurenai wondered and hoped that it is not the case. They were both present when the fox attacked and would recognize his power anywhere.

'Is this the Nine-Tailed Fox's power?' Hinata thought to herself, as she never actually felt his power before.

'Kyuubi, my friend... be careful.' Neko thought as her feelings for the fox lord burned as brightly as they did when they were together.

'This power... where is it coming from?' Zabuza and Haku wondered as they felt a shiver run up their spines. They both knew one thing.

Hell is about to break loose on this bridge.

'And there is the other one.' Kisame thought as his grin grew.

xxxxx

Back in the Leaf Village, Yuki looked up from the book she was reading when she felt her mate's demonic power. 'My dearest...'

"Yuki, can you hear me?" Kyuubi's voice rang in her head.

"Kyuubi, my love. What's going on?"

"The kits are in danger. An S-class ninja is after the kit and the kitten. Why, I am not sure. But we'll need your help."

"That explains why you're flaring your power." Yuki closed her eyes and used Kyuubi's youki as a beacon to find him. "Okay, I know where you are. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Good. There should be a bridge nearby. That's where the action is."

'Looks like I get to see my family sooner than I thought.' Yuki thought to herself before quickly gearing up and packing some supplies. Once she was ready, she stood in her room, after locking up the house, bit her thumb and formed a series of hand signs. "Mommy's coming, my kits. Reverse Summoning Jutsu!" she said as she slammed her hand onto the floor. A series of runes appeared on the floor around her before she vanished in a flash of foxfire.

xxxxx

Kisame's grin threatened to split his face as he grabbed the bandaged object on his back. Said object has a yellow sword hilt with a skull pommel. "Well, looks like my wait is over. Now, either hand them over or I'll slaughter you all before taking my prize." he demanded in a calm, gruff voice.

"Kisame, what do you want with a fox?" Zabuza wondered.

"And there aren't any cats on this bridge." Haku added.

"Oh, those foxes aren't what I want." Kisame replied. "You see, there's a very special fox that can masquerade as a human boy. His mate seems to be able to do the same, but she is a cat. So yes, there is a cat on this bridge."

'What is he talking about? Ginko is a fox and Hinata is human.' Kakashi pondered.

'Could he be referring to Hinata?' Kurenai thought as she glanced at her student, who looked both tense and worried.

"Why does he want us, Lady Neko?" Hinata asked her inner demon.

"I don't know, kitten. But whatever he may want, we're not going to find out." Neko replied. "Something about him seems familiar, though. Whatever it is, I don't like it."

"So what's your decision?" Kisame asked the group. "Either hand them to me or I'll take them by force after I kill you all. I don't care which, but I do prefer the latter."

"How about neither!" said a trio of voices as a trio of large orbs of water was launched at Kisame.

Kisame hefted the large object with one hand and swung it at the orbs, easily destroying them. "So, the last guest finally arrives."

"Yes, and I'm not pleased with what you're demanding, shark." one of the three voices spoke. The voice sounded like a young male.

"You won't harm our friends." another of the voices spoke. This voice sounded like a young female.

"Not while we're around." the final voice spoke. This voice also sounded feminine, but also had a demonic tinge to it.

"Now face our wrath!" the trio spoke as one. "Water Barrage Jutsu!" More water orbs flew at Kisame, but from every possible direction.

"Not bad." In a display of sheer skill, Kisame swung the object in his hand and batted all the orbs away without getting even a drop of water on him. "But such a weak jutsu won't hurt me."

"Let's test that theory, then." the female voice stated before exclaiming, "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" A large fireball can be seen flying towards Kisame from the forest.

"We're not done yet, shark bait." the male voice said before shouting, "Wind Style: Whirlwind Fist!" A blast of wind was seen passing through the fireball, doubling its destructive power.

Zabuza, Haku, Tazuna, the leaf ninjas and the vixens moved out of the way of the raging inferno as it headed for Kisame. Kisame, on the other hand, merely scoffed as he hurled the object into the air before flashing through hand signs. "Water Style: Water Shark Bomb Jutsu!" he called out before a shark made of water rose up and crashed into the flames, instantly putting them out.

As he caught the object, he sat it on his shoulder as he stared at the forest with a bored look. "Impressive, but not enough power behind it."

"Maybe this should help." a soft voice spoke behind Kisame before he was struck from behind, causing him to stumble forward. He turned around and swung the object at the person, but nothing was there but a pile of snow.

"Over here." the voice spoke again before Kisame turned around, only to see a woman garbed in a sea-blue kimono with silver trim and a silver obi.

"Yuki?" the leaf jounins spoke, wondering how the woman got here so fast.

"Hello, Kakashi, Kurenai." Yuki waved at them. "I've heard that someone's after my charge and his friend. I cannot nor will not allow someone to take them from where they're needed." She then grabbed her kimono and quickly took it off, causing it and the obi to vanish, revealing a sea-blue battle kimono top and skirt with silver trim, tight black shorts, black fingerless gloves, sea-blue cloth boots with silver trim and a silver sash wrapped around waist. On the back of her kimono top is the kanji for 'Snow Fox'. "Kurenai, watch over the client. Everyone else, let's go." Kurenai nodded as she and Tazuna moved away from the area while still being within viewing range.

Kakashi promptly unsealed Shiroi Kiba while Hinata unsealed Suibi. Naruto and Sakura appeared beside the young kunoichi, Naruto holding Fuukiri and Sakura wielding Kubara and Byakubara. The three vixens appeared in front of them in their larger forms, revealing their multiple tails. Zabuza stood beside Kakashi with the Executioner's Blade in hand while Haku stood beside him with a ninjatō. While it looked normal, the blade is ice blue.

Kisame laughed as he stared them down. "Such a large force for just little old me. I guess my reputation as Scourge of the Hidden Mist has earned me such a great show of force." He laughed again before he suddenly grinned maniacally. "Don't die too quickly!" He then charged and swung the massive object at Yuki, only to find Naruto and Hinata blocking the attack with their katanas.

Hinata may not be as strong as her boyfriend, but she does have some strength behind her. Even with it, she found herself struggling to hold back Kisame's attack. 'Such strength... It's unreal!'

Even Naruto was having a hard time. 'No wonder Tsunade said not to engage him. He damn near broke Fuukiri!' With hardened eyes, he channeled some fire chakra into the blade, but didn't see it ignite. 'What the hell? What's going on?'

"Curious?" Kisame spoke, seeing Naruto's dumbfounded look. "My massive blade, Sharkskin, cuts and devours chakra. Your puny sword can't stand up to it."

'Puny sword?' Naruto and Kyuubi thought as one. Naruto was irked that someone would downtalk his sword. "Kyuubi, let's make him pay."

Kyuubi grinned. He's going to get some fun today. "Hell yeah!"

Next to him, Hinata was also irked, but it was nowhere near as bad as Naruto. Internally, she was worried. Her mother told her something about Kushina, or all Uzumakis to be more precise.

"Hinata, I need to tell you someting very important." Hikari said to her eldest. "Whatever you do, never insult an Uzumaki's sword."

"How come?" Hinata asked.

"From what Kushina told me, the Uzumaki clan treated their swords as if they were their children. If someone were to insult them, it would severely anger them. Think of what happens when you call an Akimichi fat." Hinata paled, remembering when Chouji sat on someone who did just that. The poor boy was gasping for air after Naruto and Ino calmed their friend down. "Well, the Uzumakis react in a similar way, if not worse. I've seen Kushina cut someone up so bad, he had to be hauled away in a box."

"Why are you telling me this?" Hinata wondered, terrified at what the violet-eyed redhead's fury can do.

"So you can keep your boyfriend under control if this happens." Hikari replied. "Kushina's husband was the only one who could reach her when she gets like that. As Naruto's girlfriend, he'll listen to you if his temper sends him over the edge. But always remember: as long as he loves you, he will never hurt you, no matter how angry he is."

'Naruto...' Hinata thought as she remembered her mother's warning.

Suddenly, Yuki and the two gennin ducked as Zabuza and Kakashi swung their swords and cut straight through Kisame, but he was discovered to be a water clone.

'That was a water clone and it was that strong?' Naruto thought, astonished that a clone with only one-tenth the creator's abilities could be so strong.

"No, he merely switched with a water clone. That was all him." Kyuubi corrected.

"You missed." Kisame spoke as he batted the five of them, but they each turned into water, steam or smoke.

Naruto, Hinata and Yuki appeared by the growling vixens while Zabuza and Kakashi appeared beside Haku. "Well, that was useless. Perhaps what Naruto and Sakura did could work." Kakashi suggested.

The others looked confused until Naruto and Sakura's eyes lit up. Naruto whispered something to both kunoichis before they whispered something to the vixens. The four foxes nodded before Yuki motioned for Haku to come over to her.

Haku obeyed, but was curious until he saw the vixens take their human forms. Like their mother, they each are wearing a kimono with silver trim. Kouen's kimono is midnight blue with a blue obi, Ginko's is sky-blue with a silver obi and Tsuki's is dark blue with a silver obi. They then took their kimono's off, which vanished aling with their obis, revealing their battle garb.

Sakura's jaw dropped as Kouen sported a silver-trimmed midnight blue top that's cut at the midriff with a matching skirt. She's also wearing tight black shorts, black fingerless gloves, midnight blue cloth boots with silver trim and a headband around her neck. The kanji on the headband says 'Flame'.

Hinata blushed as she stared at Ginko. The silver vixen is now wearing a silver-trimmed sky-blue top that's also cut at the midriff with a matching skirt. She's also wearing tight black shorts, black fingerless gloves, sky-blue cloth boots with silver trim and a headband around her neck. Her headband's kanji says 'Silver Fox'.

Haku also blushed as he stared at his girlfriend. Tsuki's now in a silver-trimmed dark blue top that's also cut at the midriff with a matching skirt. She's also wearing tight black shorts, black fingerless gloves, sea-blue cloth boots with silver trim and a headband around her neck. Her headband's kanji says 'Moon'.

Naruto and Yuki shared a look and winked. He was the one who picked out their new outfits several months ago. They wanted something both practical and fashionable. The fashionable part was to catch their enemies off guard with their looks. The kimonos are simply to hide their garb so they can pass as civilians.

As one, the seven-tailed vixen and her three-tailed charge flickered behind Kisame and aimed a kick at his shoulders. Kisame raised his Sharkskin to stop Yuki while he caught Naruto's leg with his free hand. He then threw Naruto aside while swinging the massive weapon at the fox-woman, only for her to turn into water. Naruto, on the other hand, righted himself in midair and skidded to a stop before using the Sword Wave. Kisame blocked the attack with Sharkskin and Naruto scowled as the sword absorbed the attack.

"This is bad, kit." Kyuubi stated the obvious.

"No shit."

"I meant the sword. I recognize that aura."

"What do you mean?"

"That sword, Sharkskin, has the same aura as Isonade, the former King of the Sea."

"Who's that?"

"I'll explain another time. But right now, we'll need something the blade can't handle."

"Which is...?"

"My youki. Only you, my mate and my kits can safely handle it, but only Yuki can withstand it in large amounts."

"That's good to know."

"I'll send you enough to counter Sharkskin's ability to eat chakra, but not enough where my youki would actually be harmful to you or others. Even Neko would have trouble dealing with it."

"Thanks for the warning." Naruto closed his eyes as he felt Kyuubi's power rushing through him. However, he needed to get it under control before he can safely use it. That's what the great demon told him when he was teaching him how to use his power.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Kakashi, Zabuza and Yuki were busy dealing with Kisame while Haku, the kunoichis and the vixens fought his water clones. The two massive blades clashed as Kisame avoided Kakashi's ninjatō and Yuki's kicks, tails and occasional punches.

Zabuza blocked an incoming water shark with the flat of his blade before punching it right in its snout, dispersing it. He then sliced through another one and Kisame, who was revealed to be a water clone. Zabuza growled before forming ten water clones to aid them in taking down his former comrade.

Kakashi and three of his water clones were busy with two of Kisame's water clones, though they don't know if they really are water clones or not, and were losing. Every time he clashed with Kisame, he felt some of his chakra being drained, meaning that Kisame was switching with his clones and is trying to drain them dry of chakra. 'This is bad...' he thought, already feeling the effects due to using his Sharingan to help him dodge the massive weapons.

Yuki, on the other hand, was getting a bit frustrated. She could simply freeze the area, but that would damage the bridge as well as nearly kill the humans. 'I have to get him off this bridge.' she thought before backhanding another water clone. As her name states, she has a fondness for snow and ice. She absolutely loves the cold. As such, she has learned to cool the air around her and even how to freeze water with a mere glance. More than once did her husband call her his beautiful snow maiden before she became pregnant with the triplets.

Thinking of her mate, Yuki failed to notice twenty water clones surrounding her. None of them could actually harm her, so she assumed that Kisame wanted to see if overwhelming her would help. 'It would, but he doesn't have enough clones for it to work.' she mused before clapping her hands together. "Water Style: Water Shockwave!" she cried before water started swirling around her. Then, the water exploded outward, destroying the clones.

xxxxx

Elsewhere on the bridge, Haku and Tsuki are currently slicing through the water clones with relative ease. Since Haku's ninjatō, Touketsuga, can chill whatever it touches, the clones stood no chance when their blades suddenly turned into blocks of ice. With their weapons taken away, they were much easier to defeat.

Haku froze another clone before slicing straight through it like it was butter and Touketsuga was a hot knife. He then channeled some chakra into the blade, causing it to give off a chilling aura. "Gentle Frostbite!" he called out before swinging his sword at three clones. The blade never touched them, but the clones turned into frozen statues before they shattered a second later.

Not too far from him, Tsuki twirled her Nightshade Staff while one of her tails held the Sapphire Moon as she danced around Kisame's water clones. 'They just keep coming!' she thought as she smashed her staff into the face of one clone while one of her free tails threw a ball of foxfire into the back of another. No matter how many she destroyed, more of them kept appearing. "Enough of this. Phantom Blade!" she yelled before swinging her staff at a few clones, sending an arc of youki at them. The youki cut straight through them before vanishing. While the Phantom Blade is strong, it has poor range and fades after a few seconds. She couldn't risk spamming the short-range attack without Kouen nearby to back her up.

Speaking of Kouen, she's with Sakura as they take out water clones as well. Sadly, every clone they destroy, three more take its place.

"How many of these things are there?" Sakura wondered as she stabbed another clone before turning to face another, who brought his zanbatō down upon her. She weaved out of the way before her left foot collided with its face, dispelling it.

"I don't know, but this is getting old." Kouen replied as she sliced through yet another water clone with her Masamune, only to see a few more appear. Her right ear twitched as her temper began to flare. She quickly sheathed her katana before flashing through hand signs, setting her sights on the brunt of the clones. "Incoming! Wind Style: Blazing Winds!" she shouted before exhaling a powerful whirlwind of hot air. The heated funnel plowed through the clones, causing them to explode, but twenty percent of them avoided the attack.

Seeing the amount of steam the jutsu created, Sakura holstered her sais before flowing threw a few hand signs. 'Time for our own army of clones. Steam Clone Jutsu!' she thought as twenty clones formed out of the steam. Redrawing her sais, the twenty-one pink-haired vixens charged back into the fray, using the remaining steam to mask their movements.

Nearby, Hinata twirled Suibi around as she avoided the massive blades of Kisame's clones. They were focusing on both her and Naruto, but he was elsewhere and too far for her to get to without facing heavy resistance. 'At least I know where he is in case he needs me.' she thought as she cut through one of the seven clones surrounding her in a circle. "A little breathing room, please?" she asked before her tail chucked a ball of dark crimson fire at one, roasting it on contact. She then breathed in deeply, leaped into the air and breathed out a tongue of dark crimson flames, evaporating the clones. Once she landed, she dashed over to aid her beloved.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Naruto is busy with, what he assumed is, the real Kisame. More than once did their blades clash, only to feel some of his chakra and a very small amount of Kyuubi's youki being absorbed into the weapon. His slitted cerulean eyes caught sight of Kisame collapsing into a pool of water before he ducked, narrowly avoiding being hit by Sharkskin. 'I can't keep this up. At this rate, I might be forced to use them.' he thought before replacing himself with one of Kisame's clones before it was destroyed.

Kisame chuckled at the boy's attempts to prolong his suffering, but he was having too much fun to stop now. "I'm amused, kid. You're the first your age to survive this long against me." he stated. "However, I have a deadline to keep." He then rushed in, faster than Naruto thought possible, and elbowed the boy in the gut before swinging Sharkskin upwards, sending him flying. Hinata, seeing her boyfriend in trouble, sped up and caught him in midair. As she held him, she saw with her Byakugan that Kisame's sword broke two of his ribs.

Before she could heal him, Kisame was in front of them in a flash. He kicked her in the head, separating her from her boyfriend and their swords. He then kicked the blades aside so that they were out of their reach. "The fun is over. Now, let's get moving." he said to himself, but then he felt a rise in both murderous intent and demonic power.

Kyuubi and Neko, seeing their containers in danger, decided to intervene. Their youki leaked from the kids' bodies and Kisame watched as Naruto's hair became wilder and his whisker marks became more pronounced. Hinata's cheeks also bore whisker marks, though not as thick as Naruto's. Their fingernails even became claws. As the youki swirled around them, their wounds instantly healed. They opened their eyes, revealing the eyes of their sealed demons, as they growled or hissed at the rogue ninja, revealing their fangs.

'So, this is their demons' power...' Kisame mused as he got ready for their eventual assault.

He didn't have to wait long as Naruto roared with unbound fury. His roar shook the entire bridge and caused all the clones to collapse under his might.

xxxxx

As soon as they felt the demonic energy, all the ninjas turned to Naruto and were shocked to see Kyuubi's power leak from his body. But what shocked them more was that Hinata's body is leaking a dark blue energy that is just as demonic as Kyuubi's. Their thoughts ran like this.

'Hinata is like Naruto? Impossible!' Kakashi thought in disbelief.

'How is this possible? Hinata can't be like Naruto, can she?' Kurenai thought, completely worried about her student.

'This power... It's the same as before. No way gennin can put out this much chakra.' Zabuza thought. 'It's even greater than my own!'

'What happened to those two? What is this foul energy?' Haku wondered as he tried to decipher this mystery.

'Naruto... Hinata...' Sakura and the four vixens thought as they stared at their friends and loved ones.

xxxxx

Naruto roared again before he and Hinata charged at the shark man. Kisame swung his sword, only to find Naruto's fist making contact with it. At the point of impact, the demonic boy channeled a massive amount of foxfire into his fist and pushed it outward, blasting the sword out of the rogue's grip. Now unarmed, Kisame had to deal with two demonic-possessed twelve-year-old ninjas as they slashed and clawed at him while keeping him away from his weapon.

Sadly, what they didn't expect was for Sharkskin to move on its own accord and stop in Kisame's hand. "Heh heh. Not bad, kiddies. But you can't separate Sharkskin and I. He'll just simply come back." he chuckled before swinging the zanbatō at them. The duo were struck hard and sent flying.

Naruto looked up as he pulled Hinata to her feet. They both growled at Kisame before Hinata whispered something into Naruto's ear. He grinned and nodded before flashing through hand signs while she took a deep breath. "Fry, sharky. Fox-Cat Fire Style: Hellish Inferno!" Naruto cried before using the Wind Style: Devastation to create a massive blast of wind. As the same time, Hinata breathed out a large amount of dark crimson fire into the winds, increasing their intensity.

Kisame's eyes widened before he placed Sharkskin on his back and clapped his hands together. "Water Style: Exploding Water Shockwave!" he said before spitting out a massive amount of water from his mouth. However, the water wasn't enough as the inferno of darkfire flash-boiled the water, shocking the rogue ninja. With nothing to swap with, he was unable to avoid the inferno before it hit him. Kisame's screams echoed throughout the bridge as he was sent into the sea.

With the amount of power they put into that attack and with the demons' power leaving them, both kids collapsed onto the bridge. The others ran to them while Sakura retrieved their swords.

"Well, what a show they put on." a voice spoke only three people are familiar with. Turning around, everyone saw a short man in a white business suit wearing sunglasses with a cane in his grip and his right hand bandaged. "Zabuza, I am very disappointed in you. I gave you only a simple order: kill Tazuna. But apparently, that was too hard for you. You even have the gall to betray me."

"Don't act so shocked. You never did pay me, so why should I care if the old man lives or not." Zabuza replied. "It's your problem, Gato. You try dealing with it."

"Oh, I am. In fact, I'll deal with him and you along with these leaf ninjas." Gato replied before an army of mercenaries appeared on the bridge. "Men, kill them all, but spare the women. We can have fun with them later."

The armed men chuckled to themselves, but were quickly silenced by Yuki's killing intent. Inside the seal, Kyuubi shook his head, knowing that his mate is going to kill these stupid humans.

"Everyone, give me some room. It's about time this trash is dealt with." Yuki growled as her body chilled the very air around her. It was so cold, it started to snow. Her eyes glowed as her features became more demonic while still retaining her angelic beauty. "Time to die, foolish mortals! Ice Style: Great Frost Fan!" she barked as ice formed in her hands. She then shaped the ice into a large fan. Gripping the pole-like handle, she brought it back and then swung it with great force. "Ice Style: Dragon Snowstorm!" her demonic voice echoed as a giant tornado of snow surrounded her and the group. Inside the twister, all they felt was a gentle, chilling breeze. But on the outside, a massive snowstorm raged as Gato and the mercenaries were completely overwhelmed by the furious blizzard.

Yuki ended the jutsu after a minute, only to see no survivors. All of the mercenaries either fell off the bridge or died from the sub-zero temperatures of her technique. Gato was among those that literally froze to death. "This is why no one should ever piss me off." Yuki said in her usual gentle voice as her Great Frost Fan melted along with the rest of the snow, courtesy of Kouen.

xxxxx

Over a week has passed since the battle on the bridge and everyone has recovered from that ordeal. With Gato's death, the country started to recover, albeit slowly. To help them, Yuki snuck away with Haku and Zabuza and raided Gato's hideout. She convinced them to give the money to the country, but she allowed them to keep a small portion of it, along with herself. Out of the millions they found, only ten percent was divided amongst the trio. The weapons, scrolls and everything else they found useful they claimed as well, but Yuki claimed them as hers due to needing to train her daughters and Naruto. Zabuza relented, not knowing what he would do with such weapons anyway.

Naruto and Hinata woke up after two days while Sakura and Ginko tended to them. The others visited them as well, but usually for a few minutes or so. Once they came to, they had to rest for another day due to their bodies being sore. Hinata explained to Kakashi and Kurenai about Neko and how the demoness is here to help her ex-boyfriend and dear friend, Kyuubi. Neko can leave at anytime and eventually, she can be summoned as well. This shocked the two jounin, but they agreed to keep it a secret for fear of Hinata being seen as a demon or used as either a weapon or breeding stock.

The seven ninjas plus four single-tailed vixens now stood before the completed bridge. As they said their goodbyes, they crossed the bridge and left the island country.

xxxxx

A/N: Man, what a long and hard chapter. Too many times did I have to take a break just to think of how to progress this one. I want to thank Chewie Cookies for his contribution to this chapter. You see, I had a bit of a writer's block on this one and he suggested the scene with Hinata and Ginko talking about Haku and Tsuki's relationship. This also led to the scenes before and after it, which I believe made this chapter even better. Thanks a bunch, Chewie. Anyway, please read and review. All flames shall be given to Kyuubi. He said that he needed them for something. I'm not sure what, but I could've sworn I heard Orochimaru, Danzou and Madara scream.

The bridge battle was one of the hardest fight scenes I've done to date. A headache and a half, I tell ya. But I think I did good. If you think so too or have any opinions on it, please tell me in a review. Also, those who guessed that the man at the end of last chapter was Kisame, give yourself a cookie.

Changes from before: There are many changes I made to this particular point in time. For starters, the original was... well, the original, minus Haku dying. Even Zabuza was dead. I also had Haku stay behind to protect the country. I did this because almost every story where Haku and or Zabuza survived, they came back to the Leaf Village. While that is good, a little originality would be nice. That's the only reason why I left Haku down there.

This time, not only does Zabuza survive, but he's returning with them. Why is he, you might ask? My next chapter will answer that question. Another addition is Kisame. Remember when I mentioned being original? Well, I haven't found a story where the group encountered Kisame on the bridge... well, when he's with Akatsuki, that is. All the stories had him with Zabuza and not with Akatsuki. And no, Naruto doesn't and won't know why Kisame was after him and Hinata just yet. It's too soon and will screw up the next three arcs if he knew now.

Also, Inari's little rant and Naruto's version of knocking some sense into the kid were cut. I didn't feel like doing that scene, and as the author, I decide what I will and will not do. However, even though I didn't do it, that doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Translations:

Touketsuga: Frozen Fang; Haku's ninjatō

Hyouton: Ice Release

Response Corner:

notgonnasay09: I'm glad you enjoy my story so much. Now that you mentioned it, Naruto's elements are similar to Aang's. I haven't noticed until you brought it up. As for your questions. Well, Kushina is pushing for a relationship between Sakura and Naruto, but that's because she can see the feelings she has for her son. This also means that Kushina is aware of the CRA, and while she doesn't like it, she knows that Naruto will have to face it eventually. This is why no one but their friends knows of Naruto's relationships with Hinata and Ginko, and only those two know about his relationship with Neko. The same will apply with Sakura; they'll date in secret so that no one discovers it and either tries to break them up or harm the girls to get to him. As for the CRA, Naruto's keeping his bloodlines hidden so he doesn't have to deal with it. However, he knows that he can't keep them hidden forever.

Fester0662: Well, if you remember a few chapters ago, Hiashi gave Hinata a clan scroll and asked her to study it whenever she's alone. Even though I haven't been showing her as much in this chapter and the last, I wanted her to have a few secrets for later like the others. I won't tell what the scroll contains, but you'll find out soon enough.

Now, since you want to know why Naruto and Kurenai sharing the same bed is awkward, I'll explain it to you. First, Kurenai is both older than Naruto and he doesn't know her as well as Hinata does. Second, she is a beautiful jounin. And thanks to Kushina, Naruto has a hard time dealing with females older than ten, minus Hinata, Sakura, Ino, Tenten and the three young vixens. Finally, Kushina's request for him to sleep with her came out of nowhere with no reason to back it up. This would make him doubt even considering it, let alone actually doing it. Then again, if he didn't, Kushina would keep bugging him about it until he does it.

I hope that was informative.

Important Notice: 4/18/2010: Once again, I am subjected to sheer boredom... and a long wait to spell and grammer check this chapter. As such, I've reread some of the chapters I posted again and have found a few errors that got passed me. So I fixed them and updated those chapters. For this story, they are arc one chapters four through seven and all of arc two except for chapter three. If you want, go ahead and reread them. You may notice the difference.

Here's a preview of the next arc: Naruto and his friends take on the Chūnin Exams. Naruto and Sakura progress in their relationship. Kyuubi and Neko meet an old friend. And a not so friendly face shows up for some chaos.

Later!