Chapter 55: Secrets of a seal

"What do you need me for Naruto?" Mitsuki asked as she walked over to the blonde. The two of them where the only ones in the room; Naruto had told Tsunade to wait until he had discussed a couple of things with Mitsuki. Naruto showed a weak smile as the girl studied him. "You don't look so well…" "I know, I have a bad cold."

'I don't think it's just a cold, but let's not tell him now.'

"So what is it?" Naruto held up his right arm or rather his hand which made Mitsuki gain a serious look. "I think because of this I'm ill now," the blonde said and then coughed.

Grumpily Tsunade was sitting in a chair. "Wait he says, urgh," she muttered clearly annoyed. Hinata giggled a little and looked over to her father. "Father is something wrong?" "Just when I think we would get a couple of peaceful days he gets his voice back." This made Sakura, who was still there, trying to hold back her laughter.

"I had enough!" Tsunade suddenly exclaimed and charged over to the room. "Ah! Tsunade-sama, wait! I don't think that's a good idea," Hinata tried, but it was useless. The hokage slammed the door of the room where Naruto was open and got a dumbfounded look from Mitsuki while Naruto seemed to be on the edge of puking.

With a face of disgust the blonde boy managed to keep it back and looked over to the hokage and Hinata who was behind the old woman. "Hinata-chan could you bring me a bucket," the blonde asked hoarsely. Hinata quickly disappeared and came back within a minute, placing the bucket she brought next to the bed.

"Naruto, go to sleep. It's not just a cold you have right now," Mitsuki said as she looked sternly at her cousin. "What? But…" Tsunade started and got a death glares from Mitsuki and Hinata which made her back away. The three women left the room.

"I'll explain what's going on," Mitsuki said while walking back to the living room. "Mitsuki, why did Naruto-kun have to talk with you?" "To find the reason behind his illness," the girl questioned replied as the three entered the living room where they found two curious face, belonging to Sakura and Hiashi, looking at them.

Mitsuki sighed as she sat down on the floor. "Let's start about the seal Naruto did, he told me I was the only one who knew about it, by just finding out myself." "Seal?" Hinata asked not understanding.

"It seems simple but there's a long story behind it. I did some research in the books mom had brought with her when she moved to my birth town. It goes back in history for about three hundred years. Back then the Namikaze's weren't skilled in anything or even ninja's. They were known for marriage at 18 and around 3 children at age 23; this all because they were doomed with short lives. Most didn't even reach the 35," Mitsuki started explaining. Hinata gained a shocked face as Sakura widened her eyes in surprise. Tsunade seemed to know this fact.

"The local doctors couldn't find the reason until a team of ninja passed by and explained it was due to the enormous chakra level the older people had and that their body was not able to handle it, in conclusion they died by chakra overload. The heads of Namikaze family, changing every 5 years, became interested in the way of the ninja and they were taught some basics by this team that had passed by. Quickly their interest was turned to the sealing part and soon the older ones got their chakra sealed away. However the seal wasn't ideal, for the chakra was sealed eternity and not useable anymore. Though no-one seemed to care at that moment because or the first time in the family people reached the age of 50 or even 60 or 70. The younger ones however weren't pleased and they experimented and worked on a new seal. Throughout the years a final seal was formed. One that would be placed on a kid when beginning his life as a ninja or when hit age 12. This seal would slowly grow together with the child who's chakra level grows, making their life less painful. On top of that it would be taught how to unseal and reseal it when the child became a chu-nin."

Mitsuki stopped for a moment, gaining confused faces. "What does this have to do with Naruto being ill?" the pink haired asked, completely not seeing the point of this story.

"I'll get there in a moment. The chakra level of us Namikaze, such as Naruto and me, constantly grows. There is a limit but this differs per person and we're not able to calculate when it will stop. In other words, we had to place the seals in order to not die very young."

Mitsuki took off her glove of her right hand and channelled some chakra to it. Three dots appeared.

"That is the seal?" Hinata asked as she looked at the dots. "Actually these are three seals. I divided the overload of chakra in three parts. I'm able to use them as well by merely putting blood on one dot and say 'unseal' that will unseal and giving me my chakra back."

"But how did Naruto know about this?" Tsunade asked. "I'm sure he didn't know about it, he merely was interested in seals and got annoyed by his own chakra level. It starts to get painful after a while."

"I still don't understand what all this has to do with Naruto being this ill all of a sudden." Mitsuki turned to Sakura and asked, "Have you ever heard of every power has its weakness? Because so does this. And as for Naruto it has a double weakness."

Completely at loss four people stared at Mitsuki who let out a sigh and started explaining again.

"Before Naruto did his seal and even before he met my father's poison, his chakra was in balance with the one of Kyubi, which constantly floats through his body. This demon chakra prevented him from getting the flu or any other kind off illnesses. However things as diarrhoea he could still get by eating bad things. Basically the Kyubi's chakra attacked the viruses and bacteria, acting as his immune system. His real immune system never gained the chance to identify the viruses and bacteria or even remember them for later.

Now we go back to the situation now. First of the balance was disturbed by my father's poison, to top it of he and Kyubi almost fused. Yet Naruto managed to reseal the old seal and even was able to make a better one. Can we still follow that?"

There was several nodding before the wolf girl continued.

"Now he also has about three fourth, if it isn't four fifth, of his chakra sealed away on his right hand. Though I found out he has to go through the whole sealing again instead of simply putting some new blood on the places where his seals are, but that aside.

Because of this the balance between his and Kyubi's chakra is different. In fact now there is barely any chakra of Kyubi running through his system. Now there is no longer Kyubi chakra to deal with the viruses and bacteria Naruto is a walking paradise for these."

Shocked Tsunade stared as Mitsuki who added some more. "In fact all the vaccinations he had were no use at all, his immune system knows nothing about any virus or bacteria so he can get several illnesses at the same time. Like he has a very bad cold and the flu right now."

"Wh-what? You're joking right," Tsunade mumbled in shock.

"I wish I was. Though I must say this is only a theory the two of us came upon. You are the one who can check."

Tsunade stood up immediately and went back to Naruto. The blonde was fast asleep, making her able to give him a full examination very easily. The last time she saw him in a state like this he had the poison that turned him in a half fox boy in his body. That was nothing compared to this. A poison is easily to get rid off once you found it. Viruses and bacteria where a whole different matter.

Mitsuki and Hinata, standing in the door opening, looked at the figure in bed. Hinata was about to cry, not knowing what to do, and Mitsuki watched her cousin with a worried look. "Tsunade-sama?" Hinata almost whispered in fear to wake up Naruto.

"Mitsuki is right, he has no T-cells that remember any of the viruses." "Then I suggest he gets vaccines again," Mitsuki said, "to prevent worse."

The hokage turned around and looked at her. "You're right… why aren't you a medical ninja?" "Because I only know the basic; Nodoka is the expert in my team." "So the three of you really worked as a team those years?"

Mitsuki nodded as Tsunade passed her and Hinata by. "I'm going to get the major vaccines ready for tomorrow. I'll be here at eight in the morning, Hinata. Now I need to find which ones are most needed at the moment."

Hinata nodded as Tsunade disappeared around the corner. "Will Naruto-kun be alright?" a worried Hinata asked Mitsuki. "I hope so, if we act quick enough he will. But Naruto always surprises us, doesn't he." "He does," Sakura smiled, "I better go help Tsunade."

Mitsuki had her arms folded and seemed to be lost in her thoughts. "What is it?" "Naruto's request… he asked me to take care of his team for the time being. What do you think Hinata? Should I?" "They're a wonderful couple of kids, they helped us escaping. I'm sure if you teach them for a while they'll be better of than letting them train on their own." Mitsuki nodded, "I'm surprised he asked it's like…" "He cares a lot about them? Yes, they were the worst of their class so I guess that is a reason." The blonde girl snickered, "All right then, they meet at nine tomorrow morning on the western bridge I heard. I better go now. Take good care of that boyfriend of yours." Hinata blushed a little and nodded.

Having a soar throat Naruto tried to keep his mouth shut when he got a fifth shot. He still felt dizzy, nauseous and very tired.

"There that is the last one for today," Sakura said as she placed the empty shot back in her suitcase. "Why so many?" the blonde asked hoarsely. "To prevent worse Naruto, you know your immune system doesn't recognize any of the viruses." The blonde nodded and let himself fall back into the pillows. His body felt heavy, just like his head. All he wanted to do was sleep.

Sakura left the room and Hinata placed a cold wet wash cloth on the blonde's forehead. "I hate being ill," he muttered. He received a kiss on his cheek. "It'll be alright. Here drink something." Naruto hesitated, drinking hurt but if he said no Hinata would make him drink anyway so he nodded and sat up.

After swallowing the water he looked at his girlfriend. "By the way, Misuki… is she…?" "She's training your team," Hinata said as she pushed him back into the bed and kissed his cheek again, "Go back to sleep."

Three pair of eyes blinked in shock and confusion. "So… sensei got it that bad?" Minoru asked. "I'm afraid so," Mitsuki said, "So for the time being I'll be training you three. Tsunade gave us all a B-rank mission as well."

"WHAAAT?" the three exclaimed not believing their ears. "It's to hunt down this group of idiots that attacked my cousin and you three are needed in this. First of, who knows about your training location? Who do you kids tell?" "Are you accusing us?" Kojirou shouted pissed. Mitsuki sighed and shook her head. "No, but it is possible that the people you tell are the information sources of this group."

"I don't tell anyone. Mom is always gone or not interested in it anyway," Amaya said. "Dad doesn't really ask, he only wants to know what time I would be home. And no-one else asks… so I don't tell." "Dad asks…" Kojirou muttered, "… and he never liked Naruto-sensei." Mitsuki gained a thoughtful look on her face. "You think dad is giving them information?"

Amaya jumped up, "That's ridiculous, why would he if he knew they were attack when we were still around sensei!" "No Amaya, it could be possible… highly possible I would say," Mitsuki said, "Very well then. Let's find out. Kojirou I want you to tell your father that tomorrow you'll train in the woods at the west gate, not to deep. We will simulate a battle, you will have to defeat your teacher like the test you got from Naruto, but this time without the bells. Don't tell him anything about me being your teacher for the time being."

"You're telling me to lie to my father?" Mitsuki nodded. "Okay then… I guess…" "Okay then let's start with some training. I'm going to focus on tracking scents and spying and how to get information out of people. What you need for this is smooth talking."

Together with Rakuna the three learned how to pick up scents and how to track them down. Bringing chakra to their nose seemed to be a good key for it.

When the evening arrived, Mitsuki knew it was around dinner time due to her growling stomach and she let the kids go home.

"That was interesting," Amaya said. Minoru nodded with a smile, "Yeah, even though they are family they teach quite different yet somewhat the same. I liked it." Then the two turned to look at Kojirou who seemed to be sad.

"Kojirou-kun?" Amaya said as she watched him with concern in her eyes. She placed a hand on his shoulder as Minoru watched them.

"Kojirou-kun, what's wrong?" Suddenly the red haired stood still. "I don't know… I mean, I never really liked my father that much. He always pushed me in doing things I don't want to. He took away the joy in the things I liked, like drawing or school. A-and now… I-I'm pretty certain it's his fault, that he is the one giving th-that group the information." Amaya placed an arm around his shoulder, "It will be alright. Even if it is your father, we don't blame you. Neither would sensei." "B-but…" "Amaya is right Kojirou. You're not the one to blame," Minoru said with a serious tone and then turned around, "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Both Amaya and Kojirou watched him leaving, somewhat confused by the look had given when he had talked.

Eventually Amaya turned her head to Kojirou. "I'm going home too, my brothers and sisters are waiting for me. Will you be okay on your own?" "I'll be fine, thanks Amaya-chan." The girl smiled and ran off.

Mitsuki stretched her arms into the air and continued walking home. "You're pretty good at teaching," Rakuna said. "Thanks, I guess… you know… I'm not really in the mood of going home. Especially with Nodoka and Ryudo acting all childish in their relationship. Was I ever like that with Kiba-kun, Rakuna?" The wolf shook her head. "Luckily not, your playing with Kiba was a little more mature."

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "A little?" The wolf smirked. "Do you think Kiba-kun is home… I don't know if he has a mission… sigh maybe I should just go eat something and go home. It's not polite to suddenly appear."

A second after saying that arms were wrapped around her and someone licked her right ear. The scent the person had made the girl blush. "Appear where?" the person whispered. "Ki-Kiba-kun?" "Hm, so?" "Uhm… I didn't really want to go home, having Ryudo and Nodoka around playing childish love games all the time," Mitsuki muttered still being hugged. Kiba nuzzled his face into her neck as the girl continued. "A-and I was thinking about going over to you but it's impolite to suddenly appear, w-would you s-stop that?" she whispered at the end. "Ow, but you like it," the boy pouted. "Not in public," she whispered as she freed herself.

Kiba gained a grin on his face. "Well then, why don't you come with me? We eat some of moms lasagne and go to bed and play a bit." This made Mitsuki blush, due to the meaning behind it, as Akamaru barked which Rakuna understood and replied to with: "I completely agree with you."

After a second Mitsuki nodded smiling and Kiba placed his arm over her shoulder.

When the lasagne was heated and placed on plates the two sat at the dining table and began at their dinner. "How was your day?" Kiba asked as he swallowed. "I taught Naruto's team some things. They are indeed quite interesting. By the way… I think I should tell you this." Mitsuki got he glove of and showed Kiba her naked hand. The dog boy seemed confused, but as soon three dots appeared he almost chocked in his lasagne. "What's that?" he asked still chocking a little. "A seal. I placed it on myself. The Namikaze family is known for sealing, you know that. Our chakra grows a lot more than a regular ninja, making us die young if we don't seal part of it away. This is why I have those seals. Naruto has them too." "I see… so you can use the chakra you sealed away in battle as well?" "Yes." Kiba grinned, "I should watch out then. I bet you're a lot stronger than me. Heck you were as strong as Naruto during the last chu-nin exam."

Mitsuki giggled and put her glove back on. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you a lot unless you really deserve it." "Hm, that's good to know," Kiba whispered as he leaned in and kissed her while stroking her over her back.

At that moment Kiba's mother came inside the kitchen. "Oh… sorry to butt in but is there still some of that lasagne I made left?" Kiba abruptly pulled back. "MOM!" he shouted making his mother laugh.

Blushing Mitsuki began to eat again. She felt more awkward because Kiba's mother and soon his sister joined the dining table. Kiba seemed to be jumpy and quickly ate his dinner and cleaned up his plate as soon he had finished. Mitsuki followed his example and then was pulled along by her boyfriend.

"What are you two gonna do?" Kiba's mother asked with a teasing smile. "Watching a movie in my room," Kiba answered and continued his walk. In his room Kiba closed the door and sighed. Mitsuki dropped herself on his bed which Kiba heard and made him look over his shoulder. "Maybe we should really go watch a movie… you know… just in case," he said. Mitsuki nodded. "What do you want to see?" "Just put something on, I don't really care," she shrugged. Kiba nodded and turned on his tv. After putting some video into the recorder he walked to his girlfriend who pulled him down and kissed him. When they parted he lay down beside her and he placed his arms around her and pulled her closer nuzzling his nose in her neck. "Or can't I do that?" "It's okay," she replied as she felt him lick her there.

"I missed this when you were away so long… us being together." Mitsuki turned around, going with her hand over his cheek as she smiled. "I missed it too," she whispered and then her lips met his as her hand went under his shirt.

Soon they were tangled up in each other, completely ignoring the movie. Kiba nibbled Mitsuki's ear as he whispered, "I love you."

Hinata walked back to the room Naruto was staying. She was shocked when she didn't find him there but the shock subdued when he walked in, coming out of the bathroom. He dropped on the bed as if he hadn't seen her. Hinata walked over to him and placed a hand on his forehead, making him look up. Before Hinata knew he grabbed her wrist and pulled her down. She suddenly lay right next to him. Blushing she stared in his vague blue eyes as he wrapped his arms around her and then closed his eyes.

Hinata sat up, knowing he was asleep again, yet she couldn't leave him. So she got, after some hesitating, rid of her clothes and got her shirt back on as soon she had dropped her bra on the floor. Then she laid Naruto so he would be lying with his head on the pillow and pulled the blankets over him after crawling next to him. She felt his arms wrapping around her again. She blushed, wondering what he would do the next morning.

She was still somewhat shy about her appearance even if they had been dating for so long. Hinata felt guilty for it, that he had to wait to get what he want, and she was sure he wanted, for so long. But he told her not to push herself. He wanted her to feel completely comfortable about it. They went slow and whenever he touches her she felt flutters and wanted more but always chickened out.

Smiling she looked at the boy beside her and kissed him softly on his forehead. "Good night Naruto-kun," she whispered.

"Kiba! Wake up!" The door of Kiba's room was opened and just when Hana opened her mouth to shout once again she raised her eyebrows in surprise. Then she shook her head with a smile.

"Hana! Did you wake your brother yet, he has to give the dogs a bath!" "Mother, don't shout, like that. Come see this for yourself… and bring a camera," Hana snickered. "Huh? What are you talking about?" Soon Hana was joined by her mother and stared into the room of her son. There she saw Kiba in only his boxers, having his arms wrapped around his girlfriend who was only wearing her shirt and panties. The rest of the clothes AND the blanket lay on the floor. The television was still on, seemed to be forgotten last night because the remote was even still lying on top of it.

"I wonder what they did last night…" Rakuna and Akamaru then came behind the two women. "Are Mitsuki and Kiba up already?" Rakuna asked. Hana and her mother looked at the wolf. "No but… they seemed to have had an enjoyable night…" Rakuna sniffed the air. "Well whatever they did, it didn't include mating."