Authors Notes: Happy New Year!
Hope everyone had a great Holiday Season and got at least most of what they wanted. Me personally, I made off like a bandit. Got all five of the Devil May Cry games, as well as a Steam gift card, in which I also picked up the Naruto Ninja Storm games, and then topped it off with the Ardyn DLC for Final Fantasy XV. So good haul this year.
So in the previous chapter, we saw Mei and Naruto flirting with one another before progressing into some very intense negotiations, that were very successful for both parties involved. Sakura and Zabuza caught up with what everyone has been up to, and much to Zabuza's dismay, he learned that his adopted daughter is in a relationship.
Not to mention Sasuke and Kakashi found themselves in trouble when they were lead into a trap by some of the remnants of the Bloodline Haters that are still around in pocket groups. Fortunately for them, and unfortunately for us, Sakura and Zabuza were able to save them before anything serious could happen.
Which of course lead to a small confrontation between Sasuke and Sakura, in which our lovely pink haired hanyou rightfully put him in his place in terms of her relationship status.
Now to be clear on some things, due to her half demon heritage now, Sakura is physically stronger and faster then Sasuke. However, in an all out fight, Sasuke can still hold his own due to his Sharingan to read her movements, and because he has a wider variety of jutsu's to use due to him being spoiled by nearly everyone in the village, as well as the Elder and Civilian Council.
Review Corner
CrimsonStarBlade – For this story, I want to focus only on Naruto-verse girls. However, characters from video games are allowed, as long as the game in question is a pure Naruto title. So no Boruto or Jump Force titles.
On a side note, I do have a cross over Naruto story in the pre-planning stages. Though the harem in that story will be significantly smaller.
3headed-dragon – I know, but I will work on a flashback scene to show the conversation Mei and Naruto had. To be honest, I just wanted to focus on Mei flirting with Naruto and have Kakashi walk in on them making out for comedic timing.
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark – Yup, Yakumo incoming! She is going to be one of the girls that gets a bit more spotlight, since she is a rare pairing for Naruto, and I have some twists for her introduction. And yes, Kakashi is going to be screwed when Kushina finds out how he has neglected to train her son, and then some.
HyperA2019 – Sakura has already unlocked her "bloodline", back in chapter 15, Naruto took her aside and helped train her with her hanyou abilities. The only one who hasn't is Anko, and I will expand on that in a later chapter.
Harem – Ameyuri, Anko, Ayame, Fem!Haku, Fem!Hidan, Fem!Jashin, Fem!Kyuubi, Fu, Fuka, Hana, Hanabi, Hinata, Hokuto, Ino, Karin, Karui, Kin, Kitchen Sink, Konan, Koyuki, Kurenai, Kurotsuchi, Kushina, Mei, Mikoto, Natsuhi, Pakura, Rin, Ryuzetsu, Sakura, Samui, Shion, Shizuka, Shizune, Tayuya, Tenten, Temari, Tsume, Tsunade, Tsunami, Yakumo, Yukata, Yugao, and Yugito
Someone commented that I had everyone but the Kitchen Sink, so I added the sink to make the list truly complete.
New Poll is up! This one is for you perverts out there.
Anyways, on with the story!
Darkness Falls
Chapter 19
Konoha, Four Days Later
"Mission complete, Ji-ji." Naruto stated happily, while he handed the scroll Mei had given the blonde to the elder Hokage.
Smiling, Hiruzen took the scroll while taking a moment to look over the team in front of him. The elder man could see that something had happened during the mission, simply by the way Kakashi was eyeing Naruto in what appeared to be disappointment and jealousy, whilst the sole Uchiha was brooding more then usual while casting apprehensive glances at Sakura. Meanwhile, Sakura stood next to Naruto, almost leaning against him.
"Very well, Naruto-kun you stay." The Hokage stated as he turned to the rest of Team 7. "The rest of you are dismissed."
With a small bow, the silver haired jonin lead the brooding Uchiha out of the office, whilst Sakura stole a quick kiss from Naruto before leaving as well, earning a small chuckle from the elder village leader. Once they were alone, Hiruzen turned his attention to the blonde in front of him, who now took a more relaxed stance.
"I assume there were some complications during the mission?" Hiruzen inquired.
"Not with the actual negotiations." Naruto clarified, allaying the most prominent concern of the elder man. "Kakashi is just jealous because he walked in on Mei-chan and I making out, and Sasuke had his ego bruised when he was lead into a trap by some of the remnant bloodline haters."
"Mei? As in the Godaime Mizukage?" The elder man stammered in shock. "How did this happen?"
"That's kind of a funny story." The blonde chuckled.
Flashback no Jutsu
Reluctantly Kakashi ushered the rest of his team out, followed by Zabuza, though not before casting a warning glare to the blonde. Though it wasn't missed by the auburn haired woman that the girl identified as Sakura gave the blonde a small wink before exiting with the rest of the group. Closing the door behind them.
"I take it there is something between you two?" Mei inquired, her eye brow raised in curiosity.
"She's one of my girlfriends." Naruto replied honestly.
"And yet you were openly flirting with me in front of her?" The Mizukage asked, her eye brow twitching.
"There is a special circumstance involving me." He coyly replied with a smirk.
"And what exactly would that be?"
"Well, you see." The blonde began as he leaned forward in his chair. "I am the last of not one, but two clans. The Uzumaki and the Namikaze, and as such I have placed myself into the CRA, or Clan Restoration Act which requires I take multiple wives to repopulate my clans."
"Wait, you're the son of the Yondaime Hokage?" Mei asked, surprised by the revelation.
"That is correct." He answered with a sigh. "Though to be honest, I don't exactly see eye to eye with my old man. Short version, I discovered a few things about him that…. upset me, to put it mildly."
"I am sorry to hear that." Mei replied sympathetically.
"Aside from my heritage, I also have a rare bloodline." He continued, not wanting to give too much away about his father.
"I see." The auburn haired woman spoke, digesting what the young man before her had told her. Meanwhile, thinking the young blonde was little more then a pervert, thus not being her ideal husband she had desperately hoped for.
"And before you assume anything, I didn't place myself into the CRA just to live out some perverted fantasy." Naruto continued, seeing the look the Mizukage was directing at him. "I did it for one girl and one girl only."
"Just one girl?" She cocked an eye brow skeptically.
"That is correct, unknown to me at the time, both her and myself were placed in an arranged marriage to each other."The blonde answered. "When I found out about it, I was already in a relationship with my Hebi-hime, and refused to abuse her trust in me. However, my Queen of Blades sat us both down and offered a solution. It was my Snake Mistress that agreed to the arrangement, though because our relationship was public knowledge, I couldn't be openly affectionate to my Swords Mistress."
"Not to mention, she was being harassed by another shinobi." He continued. "So, when I talked to the Hokage about my heritage and placed myself in the CRA, it was so that I could openly be with her, and make a statement to the stalker who had been harassing her. Needless to say, he did not take the news very well."
Mei could only chuckle at that, having had her own experiences with less desirable men, and even some women, not taking a simple 'no' as an answer.
"So how many girls do you have then?"
"Well, there is my first mate, Anko-chan." He began.
"First mate?" The auburn haired woman interrupted, find the use of the word 'mate' odd.
"Yes, we refer to each other as mates." Naruto explained. "It feels more intimate and in a sense helps strengthen our bonds to each other."
Mei could only nod, though she did find it cute and endearing.
"Now where was I, ah yes." He continued once more. "There is Anko-chan, my Hebi-hime. She is as deadly as she is beautiful and has an insatiable love for dango's and sake. Her dreams are to eventually take over as head of the Torture and Interrogation division in the village and see the death of her former sensei, now turned traitor."
"Then there is my Queen of Blades, Yugao-chan. ANBU Captain and a prodigy in kenjutsu, giving any of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist a run for their money. Her dream is to form her own team of skilled swordsmen to rival that of Kirigakure's own, as well as something more personal in nature."
One by one, he named off his current mates, their likes, dislikes and dreams for the futures. Though omitted any sensitive information that could be viewed as harmful to the village. As well as not mentioning the Kyubi herself, instead only referring to her name. Until he finally finished describing all seven of his girls.
Meanwhile, the young Mizukage listened as the young blonde before her told her about his various 'mates', as he called them. Another nickname he called his girls that she found cute was the fact that he would refer to them as his princesses.
'This changes everything.' She thought to herself with a small smile. 'He clearly cares for those with him and pays attention to their wants, desires, and dreams for the future. Maybe he is my ideal husband after all'
Reluctantly, she turned her attention back to the scroll in her hand and read over the terms of the alliance once more. As she did so, a small idea came to mind. With a grin, she looked up to the blonde before her.
"The terms of the alliance are agreeable, though I would like to propose one addition." She stated, catching the young mans interest.
"And what would that be, Mei-chan?"
"A marriage contract between members of our villages." She bluntly stated with a girn.
"I see." Naruto couldn't help but chuckle, already having a feeling what she was going to propose. "And who do you have in mind for this marriage of alliance?"
'You know she wants it to be you and her.' Ahri chimed in with a giggle.
'Well, I don't want to presume anything.' He mentally replied back to the kitsune girl.
'Sometimes you're too modest, Naruto-kun.' She sighed with another soft giggle.
"Well, I suppose it may be bold." Mei began, snapping the blonde out of his mental conversation with his tenant. "But I would propose you and myself."
"May I offer an addendum?" Naruto asked, receiving a nod from the woman, he continued. "Before we discuss the finer details of the union between us, I would like to offer this. In the event that the union between us does not work out, the alliance between the villages does not suffer."
"That sounds reasonable." The auburn haired woman replied, seeing the reasoning behind such an offer. Mainly because the marriage contract was mostly for her own benefit then the villages.
"Now, on to the union between us; forgive me, I hate the term 'marriage contract'. It makes it sound like those involved are being forced into it." The blonde started. "But aside from that, I propose we take it slow and get to know each other better before moving on to anything serious.
"That's very perceptive of you, Naruto-kun." Mei smiled as she got up from her seat and moved around the desk so that she was now standing in front of him. Smiling, she lowered herself to straddle his lap, while wrapping her arms around his neck. "Now, with business out of the way, let's get to know each other better, hmm?"
Naruto could only smirk as he wrapped his own arms around her waist, careful not to cross any lines just yet. As the beautiful woman leaned in, he closed the distance and allowed their lips to connect.
Flashback no Jutsu Dispel
"And that's about it." Naruto finished casually, though holding in a laugh at the gobsmacked face of the elder Hokage.
"I see." Hiruzen cleared his throat. "I guess that explains the marriage request. Is there anything else you would like to add to your report, Naruto-kun?"
"Well, Mei-chan does plan on coming for the Chuunin Exams in a few months."
"I wish she could have chosen a better time, I am already going to be swamped with other responsibilities that will demand my attention." Hiruzen frowned. "Though I suppose I could squeeze some free time to meet with her."
"Sorry to burst your bubble Ji-ji." Naruto chuckled. "But she isn't coming to talk to you. She is coming to see me, as my potential fiance and she has expressed an interest to meet the other girls, not to mention I owe her a date since our stay in Kirigakure was short."
The elder Hokage could only chuckle at this.
"I see Naruto-kun, if that is all, you are dismissed." Hiruzen stated. "Enjoy the rest of your day."
Giving a short bow, the blonde hanyou left the office. Intending on spending time with the rest of his girls, since Sakura had monopolized her time alone with him on the trip, much to the dismay and frustration of Kakashi and Sasuke.
With Sakura, Training Ground 7
Having left the Hokage Tower, the pink haired hanyou quickly made her way to Training Ground 7, intending on training a bit before she relaxed for the evening hours. Arriving at the training ground, she created a dozen Shadow Clones and set them to work on various chakra control exercises to begin with while she started on a set of physical exercises. Though she did take a page from Naruto's book and had four of her clones practice throwing kunai and shurikan.
'Why does it feel like we are being watched?' The pinkette mentally asked herself as she paused her session, narrowing her eyes slightly.
'Because we are.' Inner stated with a scowl. 'Just behind us, to the left. Two signatures.'
'Figures, Taida-sensei and his boy toy.' Sakura scoffed, clearly not happy of the two spying on her as it interrupted her training. Originally, she was going to start her clones sparing one another in the Kitsune and Hebi style, but with two Sharingan users watching her, she didn't want to risk either of them stealing her styles.
"You know, it's considered rude to spy on your own team mate." Sakura spoke out loud, catching the two off guard, wondering how she knew they were there.
Knowing that they were busted, both Kakashi and Sasuke emerged from the treeline they had been hiding in and approached the pink haired kunoichi.
"So, is there a reason you were spying on me?" She asked as she turned to face the two.
"We were just curious." The masked man tried to down play it, not wanting to reveal that he was suspicious of her sudden show of strength and combat prowess.
"I see." She narrowed her eyes, not believing anything he said. "We both know you never gave a shit about my training, so what's the real reason you are here?"
'I swear to Jashin, if this is another one of his attempts to get me alone with that Uchiha bastard, I am going to shove his head up the Uchiha's ass!' Sakura mentally ranted, earning an approving nod from her Inner self.
"To be honest, we've been worried about you." Kakashi sighed, though partly relieved that he didn't have to reveal his suspicions, at least in full. "I've noticed that since you've started your relationship with Uzumaki, that you have been acting odd."
"Odd?" She questioned with a quirked eyebrow.
"Well, it's just that lately you've been acting more delinquent." The silver haired man began. "You've shown blatant disrespect to those around you. Not to mention, you've displayed no trust in anyone except Naruto, which is concerning as we are suppose to be a team. Furthermore, your physical changes. You've dyed your hair to make it look like Naruto's, and that weird tattoo you have at the base of your neck."
Sakura had to resist the urge to reach up to her mates mark when Kakashi mentioned it. Though she was thankful that he merely thought it was a tattoo. However, she was not embarrassed by it in the slightest. On the contrary, she was proud to bear his mark.
"First off, the only ones I am even remotely disrespectful to, is you and Sasuke." She countered after composing herself. "Secondly, you're right, I don't trust either of you. I don't trust you, because you are a failure of a sensei so much so, that Naruto-kun has had to pick up your slack to make sure I was getting the proper training I needed. And I don't trust the Uchiha for the simple fact that the bastard nearly got me killed because of his own cowardice."
"Sakura, that was clearly….."
"It wasn't an accident and you fucking know it!" Sakura snapped at the man. "And lastly, what I do to my body is my own business."
"What about Naruto engaging in relationships with other women?" Kakashi asked, not fully understanding how both her and Anko were completely okay with him flirting and seeing other women behind their back.
"And? What about it?" She shrugged.
"It doesn't bother you at all that he doesn't respect you or Anko enough to not flirt with other women?" The silver haired jonin ventured. "Look, if Naruto is threatening you to stay with him while he lives out some perverted fantasy…."
Kakashi didn't get a chance to finish as Sakura started laughing out loud, which caught the two sharingan users off guard.
"Really?" She laughed. "This is what you come up with, trying to make Naruto-kun look like some tyrannical slave owner that forces himself onto women? Real rich coming from a pervert who reads porn in public. Perhaps that's your fantasy, eh Taida-sensei?"
"Then what is it then?" Sasuke finally spoke up, putting up his usual Uchiha arrogance. "What does that dobe have that I don't?"
"Aside from a personality and compassion?" Sakura shot back, causing the Uchiha to scowl.
"Tell us the truth Sakura." Kakashi interrupted in an irritated tone, a little embarrassed of her calling him out on being a pervert. "What is the reason you don't care if Naruto is with other women?"
Sakura narrowed her eyes at the masked jonin. She could see that he was not going to let it go until he got an answer he was satisfied with. Sure, she could just melt into the shadows and avoid this confrontation for the moment, but she knew that would only cause more problems for her, and Naruto later on.
"Not that it's any of your business, but if you must absolutely know, Naruto-kun is the last of his clan." The pinkette replied. "I am sure Sasuke knows what that means."
"That loser isn't part of any clan." The Uchiha exclaimed in denial. "Probably just another lie like that sob story he told everyone in Nami no Kuni."
"No, the Uzumaki's were a clan." Kakashi sighed as he remembered bits and pieces of the forgotten clan that was far more instrumental in establishing Konohagakure then given credit for. Namely due to the academy removing a lot of material involving the clans storied history. "And like yours, they were wiped out with only few survivors."
"Unlike your clan however, it took the combined might of three Hidden Villages to destroy them." Sakura smirked, unable to resist bruising the Uchiha's ego further. "And even then, the three villages suffered massive losses."
"So the dobe is in the CRA then." Sasuke scoffed through gritted teeth, though after he said it, realization hit him. "That ice bitch is with him, isn't she."
It was more of a statement then a question.
"Yup, they started dating a few months ago." The pinkette answered honestly, seeing no reason to lie.
"So who all is with Naruto then?" Kakashi asked, trying to get even more information. He already knew of Anko, Sakura, and now Haku. No doubt Tsunami from Nami no Kuni as well.
"None of your business." Sakura replied, crossing her arms earning a frown from the masked jonin. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I am going to spend some time with my mate."
'There's that word again, mate.' Kakashi thought to himself as he watched the pinkette leave the training ground. As she did so, various popping sounds could be heard as the Shadow Clones began to dispel themselves. 'First Anko called Naruto that, and now Sakura. What's going on?'
Meanwhile, Sasuke was seething in anger for the simple fact that once again, the blonde dobe had gotten in the way of his revenge against the ice bitch. Though now that he thought about it, he now realized what the Elder was talking about when he said the CRA had been tainted recently. It was because Naruto was in it.
Still, the Uchiha merely scoffed at the program. If it allowed weak fools like the dobe, then it was not worthy of being used to restore his great clan.
Naruto, Outside the Hokage's Tower
Having finished giving his report to the Hokage, the young blonde started to make his way to his favorite ramen stand. One, because he was hungry and it's been just over a week since he had his ramen; and two, because he wanted to catch up with Ayame, as she had not moved in with him just yet. Though she had entertained the idea, but had stated that she wasn't ready to move on to that level yet in the relationship. Which Naruto understood.
"I told you Asuma." A woman's voice rang out, breaking the blonde out of his musings. "We are over and I don't want anything to do with you."
Looking in the direction the voice came from, Naruto could see a bearded man with a cigarette in his mouth standing before the red eyed woman, whom was not looking too pleased at the man before her.
'That's Anko-chan's friend, almost sister really. Kurenai Yuhi.' Naruto thought, as her recognized the woman. While he had never personally met her, Anko would occasionally talk up a storm about the ruby eyed Genjutsu Mistress. Turning on his heel, he began to approach the two.
"You are over reacting about this whole thing." The man defended arrogantly. "Now come on, I'll take you out to a nice lunch and then we can go back to your apartment and soothe this whole thing over."
"I said no, now leave me alone." Kurenai stated with finality and turned to leave, only for Asuma to roughly grab her wrist.
"Look," The man stated. "I have been polite and patient with you while you threw your tantrum over nothing. Now I am done being nice. You will come with me and give me what I deserve."
While she didn't show it, Kurenai was actually frightened of what Asuma had said and was no doubt implying what he intended to do. That he was going to take her by force if required, and that is what truly frightened her about the man. She knew if it got physical, she would lose to due her specializing in Genjutsu, where as Asuma replied mostly on his physical strength and some ninjutsu's.
"Is there a problem here?" Naruto asked as he approached the two, earning a glare from the bearded man.
"None of your business brat, the adults are talking." Asuma barked, not taking his eyes off Kurenai. "Now get out of here."
Naruto only shook his head, showing that he was not going to leave. Which only agitated the bearded jonin further.
"No, I don't think so." The blonde stated. "And I do believe she told you to leave her alone."
By now, the blonde hanyou had moved in between the two jonin's. Gently placing his hand on Kurenai's arm and gently pulling it out of Asuma's grasp, all the while guiding her to stay behind him to keep her out of harms way in case the smoking jonin attempted anything.
"Now, I won't tell you again." Naruto narrowed his eyes at the man before him. "Leave."
"Do you have any idea who I am brat?" Asuma seethed.
"Yeah, you're a sexist, chauvinist pig." The blonde shot back, not the least bit intimidated by the bearded man. "And don't try and pull your fathers title bullshit on me, we both know I have a fair better relationship with the old man then you do."
Asuma could only glare at the young blonde before him before turning his gaze back to the ruby eyed woman that was standing behind Naruto.
"This isn't over." The man stated before turning and leaving. Ignoring the odd looks and glares he was receiving from bystanders.
Once Asuma was out of sight, Naruto turned to Kurenai.
"Are you alright?" He inquired.
"I am fine, thank you." The ruby eyed woman answered. "I was just about to get something to eat when he stopped me."
"I see." The blonde smiled. "Please allow me to accompany you to your destination."
Nodding with a slight blush on her cheeks, the two of them made their way through the village with Naruto starting up light conversation as they continued on their way. For her part, Kurenai was impressed with the young mans maturity. Not once during their walk had he commented on her looks or body, instead talking of things she was interested in. Namely Genjutsu. Though, during their conversation, he could tell something was bothering the ruby eyed woman.
After nearly fifteen minutes of walking, the two stopped in front of the BBQ Restaurant, that was just down the street from his favorite ramen stand. He had hoped for ramen, but at the same time he didn't want to chance leaving Kurenai alone in case Asuma attempted something else, and from her posture, he could tell she didn't really want him to leave either. So, he took a seat in the chair next to her, and placed his own order.
"So if you don't mind me asking, what's bothering you, Kurenai-san?" Naruto inquired after a handful of seconds in silence.
"Just having some issues with one of my students I help train on the side." She answered with a frown. "She had such big dreams of claiming my title of being Konoha's Genjutsu Mistress, and now she won't even talk to me. Every time I tried to approach her ended in her verbally lashing out at me, I'm not sure what happened."
"How long as this been going on?"
"About three months now." Kurenai sighed. "She claims I abandoned her."
"That was about the time your team had their first C-rank mission outside the village." Naruto pointed out.
"I know I wasn't able to tell her about being out of the village, but we weren't gone that long to make it seemed like I abandoned her."
However, Naruto narrowed his eyes in thought. Something about this entire scenario didn't add up.
"Who is your student?"
"Yakumo Kurama." The ruby eyed woman sighed. "Current Heiress of the Kurama clan."
'Kurama clan, they're a very prominent clan within the village.' Ahri chimed in. 'Also, every few generations, a member of the clan can develop extremely powerful genjutsu abilities, making them extremely life like and very dangerous to friends and foes.'
'And if this Yakumo has developed that kind of power….' Naruto speculated. 'I have a feeling I know what is going on. We better got check on her.'
'I agree, something about this just screams the name Danzo and his Root.'
"Kurenai-san, where does Yakumo live?" He asked, catching the genjutsu mistress off guard by the question.
"Just south, outside the village." She answered, a little confused as to why he was asking.
"I am going to go talk to her and see if I can't find out what is going on." He answered her unasked question. "Besides, something about this seems off. I'll let you know what I find out, good or bad."
As he stands up, he allows his shadow to detach itself from him and form into a Dark Clone, much to the ruby eyed woman's surprise.
"This is my Dākukurōn (Dark Clone), a technique from my bloodline. I'll give you the details about it later, just know that it is on another level from your typical Shadow Clone." He explained. "I'll be back soon."
Receiving a nod from the black haired beauty, whom was still in shock due to the abilities the young blonde had displayed, Naruto left the restaurant and made his way to the Kurama compound. Quickly taking to the roofs to speed up his trip as fast as possible.
'So what all do we know about Yakumo?' Naruto mentally asked as he bounded across the roof tops.
'What am I? A database?' Ahri huffed, though still began to sift through her hosts memories for anything pertaining to the young girl.
'Well, you have been sneaking out to search the villages archives for information on that bastard that forced you to attack the village.' He replied with a small chuckle. 'Surely you came across other information as well, right?'
'Anyways, Yakumo Kurama.' The kitsune girl began with a slight blush in embarrassment, reading from a file within the young teens mind. 'Both of her parents are dead, killed two years ago in some fire within their home. Though it is suspected that the fire was caused by Yakumo's power. As a result, the rest of her clan has isolated her away from everyone else.'
'So in other words, we when meet her, we should avoid this topic as it may still be a sore subject for her.'
'Agreed.'
'Anything else?'
'Other then what we were told from Kurenai-san, nothing.' Ahri replied. 'Though from the sounds of it, she does have that powerful genjutsu ability.'
'And who do we know that is obsessed with power and is not above doing shady things.'
'Two immediately come to mind. The Uchiha bastard and….'
'Danzo.' Naruto finished for her, narrowing his eyes. His hunch from before becoming stronger.
A few minutes later found him just outside of a small quaint shack that left a lot to be desired in terms of comfort. Taking a cautious look around, he noted that what the small shack lacked in aesthetic comfort, it made up for in open space. Off to the side of the building was a small garden with various vegetables and flowers, well taken care of. Meanwhile on the other side was a small gazebo with an easel in the center. An unfinished painting resting on the stand.
Sensing no immediate danger, Naruto made his way to the front door and firmly knocked on it, followed by an awkward silence until the door cracked open, giving him a small glimpse of a young girl no older then himself with light brown hair, accompanied with light brown eyes filled with pain and betrayal.
"What do you want?" She demanded.
"Forgive me, my name is Naruto Uzumaki." The blonde introduced himself. "You are Yakumo Kurama, correct?"
"Let me guess, that bitch sent you."
Naruto frowned in response. He could see that what ever had happened had affected her greatly.
"She is worried about you." He replied, receiving a scoff in response.
"So first she comes with her ANBU body guards and tells me that I am wasting my time training to become a kunoichi and that I should find a different path, and now she is pretending that it never happened?"
"When did this happen?"
"Three months ago." Yakumo stated with a huff.
"And you said she had ANBU with her?" He asked. "Can you describe what they looked like, their masks?"
"Their masks were blank, why?" The young girl answered, not understanding what the blonde in front of her was getting at.
"And you said she came three months ago." He clarified.
"Yes, what does that have to do with anything?"
"Everything." He simply responded, causing her to look at him in confusion. "Because Kurenai-san was not in the village three months ago. She was out of the village on her teams first C-rank mission."
"What do you mean she was out of the village!?" Yakumo exclaimed in fury, throwing the door open to fully confront the blonde teen. "She was right here in front of me with those damned ANBU and put that fucking seal on the back of my neck to seal off my powers!"
At this revelation, Naruto narrowed his eyes as he looked at the browned haired girl.
"They put a seal on you?" He asked, turning to face her completely. "Let me see it."
Yakumo was hesitant for a moment, before turning her head and lifting her hair to expose the seal that was placed on the back of her neck. Upon seeing what the seal was, Naruto was infuriated.
"Yakumo-san, that was not Kurenai-san that came to you three months ago." He began, pushing down the anger inside of him. "That was an impostor, no doubt a ROOT member that is only loyal to Danzo that used a henge to look like Kurenai-san. And the seal they put on you doesn't just seal off your power. It's the start of a loyalty seal, combined with an enslavement seal. I suspect you were told they would come back at a later date to check on you."
Hearing this, Yakumo's eyes widened in fear, while she wanted to deny that the blonde teen was telling the truth, deep down she know it was fact. She then realized that she had lashed out at Kurenai for no reason, completely blaming her for everything. Realizing this, tears began to flow down her face as she sunk to her knees.
"She must hate me now." She sobbed, as Naruto knelt down beside her. Wrapping his arms around her in a comforting hug as she cried into his shoulder.
"No, she doesn't." He reassured her. "She is concerned for you."
"I have to get this seal off of me." She said in between sobs. The thought of being blindly loyal to someone and enslaved to them greatly frightened her.
"Don't worry, I'll get that seal off of you. Okay, Yakumo-chan?" Naruto stated, giving her a warm smile. Though he didn't miss the blush that crept up on her cheeks at the -chan suffix he added to her name.
"They said they would be back at the end of the month to finish the seal." She informed him.
"Then I think it would be best if you were no longer staying here." Naruto suggested.
"But where will I go?" Yakumo asked. "Ever since my parents died, the rest of my clan has turned their backs on me, and my uncle has even gone as far as to petition for my execution."
"You'll come stay with me at my compound." He simply stated. "After you get settled in, I'll take care of that seal for you."
Nodding, the brown haired girl got up and wiped away the tears that were still in her eyes and set off the pack what she felt was absolutely required. Which included a few keepsakes she had from her parents, her painting supplies, clothing, and what she had of her clans jutsu's. Once done, she left the house and joined the blonde teen who had been patiently waiting for her to pack.
"Ready, Yakumo-chan?" He asked as he offered her his hand.
"I am, Naruto-kun." She smiled and took his hand.
A Few Hours Later
It had been just under three hours since Naruto had arrived back home with Yakumo. Quickly introducing the young girl to his other room mates and fiances, which of course prompted a quick explanation of his place in the Clan Restoration Act, and that there were three other girls he would introduce to her later. After introductions, Sakura and Haku had helped the rising genjutsu mistress settling into a room, and giving her a quick tour around the compound grounds.
Shortly after that, Naruto had delivered on his promise and set to work removing the seal that had been placed on her. Though he mentally scoffed at the design of the seal, finding it an insult to the art of fuinjutsu. It only took a matter of moments to completely destroy the seal, effectively freeing the young Kurama heiress of the bleak future she was once destined for. Though he was forced to leave the power suppression seal on for the moment, as it had created another problem entirely within the girls psyche.
After everything was done, Naruto had left the young girl in the company of his fiances and departed to find Kurenai and give her an update of what he had discovered, just as he told her he would. It didn't take long to find her, as she and his Dark Clone were now at the dango stand, engaged in a jovial conversation.
"I'm back." He announced, as the dark clone melted back into his shadow.
"What happened, is she okay?" The ruby eyed woman quickly fired off, prompting the blonde hanyou to hold his hands up to signal her to calm down.
"She is fine and safe." He reassured her.
"So what happened, were you actually able to talk to her?"
"I did." He replied. "Turns out, someone came to her henged as you to make her hate you, to isolate her further then she already was, and had a seal placed upon her to lock away her powers. This seal also had two alternative functions. A loyalty seal, and an enslavement seal. Someone wanted to make her power their own."
"What!?" Kurenai exclaimed, now even more panicked tone. "Do you know who?"
"Kurenai-san, relax and calm down." Naruto gently stated, embracing her hands with his own to further calm her. "I've already said that she is safe. I was able to take the seal off of her. And tomorrow I will be helping her with another problem the seal created. As for who did it, I have my suspicions, as I have had run ins with people loyal to him before, though I can't say here. Too many ears."
Kurenai only nodded in understand as she moved to get off the stool and leave the stand before she was stopped by Naruto.
"Where are you going, Kurenai-san?" He asked, though he already knew where she intended to go.
"I need to go talk to her, to tell her I am sorry for everything that had happened." The ruby eyed woman stated as she moved to leave the stand again.
"Then you're going the wrong way."
"But she lives-"
"She doesn't live there anymore." Naruto chuckled as he walked past her. "She is staying at my compound now."
Not seeing if she was following, Naruto continued walking. Meanwhile, Kurenai could only watch his retreating back in shock and a little bit of confusion., his long black trench coat gently rolling in the breeze he created as he made his way down the street towards his home. It was then that she realized something that caused her to blush.
'My Kami, I'm starting to fall for him.' She thought as she shook her head and ran off to catch up to him. This was the first time she had actually interacted with the young teen on any level, and she was already falling for him. In a short amount of time, he had defended her honor and even helped out her wayward student, and hasn't asked for anything in return.
'Maybe Anko was right.' She smiled to herself.
Omake, The Great Destroyer
Sasuke was not in the best of moods as he walked down one of the many streets of Kiri.
Not only had he been humiliated once again by walking into the trap set up by blood line haters and being jumped after they had sealed off his chakra, but Sakura of all people had been the one to rescue him. Even further, when they had returned to the Mizukage tower, they had walked in on Naruto and the Mizukage making out. Which only served to infuriate the Uchiha further.
'That auburn haired slut should be with me, not that loser.' He seethed.
As the Uchiha continued to brood, something to his right caught his eye. Looking to his right, he saw a nice looking weapon that looked more for clubbing someone to death then actually cutting. Though what caught the raven haired emos attention was the sign in front of it.
It read. "The Great Destroyer, maximum penetrating power!"
An evil glint shined in the Uchiha's eye as he thought of what he could do to his enemies with such a weapon. Without a second thought, Sasuke entered the store and demanded to purchase the weapon he saw, ignoring the strange look he received. However the shop owned didn't argue, nor did the man asked any questions as he retrieved the product in question and rung it up for him.
"Would you like to purchase a bottle of warming oil?" The shop keeper asked.
"What purpose would the oil serve?" Sasuke inquired.
"To keep your weapon polished." Was the simple answer.
"Fine, I'll take a bottle."
Nodding, the products were rung up. Without hesitation, the last Uchiha bought the items and left the shop to go rejoin his joke of a team. It didn't take long for him to meet back up with the others, though as he approached, he could see both Naruto and Sakura trying desperately not to laugh. Meanwhile Kakashi was dumbstruck at what he was witnessing.
"Um, Sasuke." Kakashi spoke up. "What is that?"
"It's my new weapon that I will use on Itachi and anyone else who gets between me and him. Man or woman." The Uchiha proudly exclaimed. This of course was the tipping point for both Naruto and Sakura, as the two burst out laughing.
"Wow, I know I joked about it, but I didn't really think you were into that." Naruto breathed out, in between laughs. Meanwhile, Sakura was already on the ground holding her stomach as she continued to laugh.
Not even Kakashi could say anything, as he had his hand over where his mouth would be on his mask, and was struggling and failing holding in his own laughter.
"What are you laughing at?" The Uchiha seethed. "This is a mighty weapon, that only a Uchiha is worthy to receive."
Despite the emos prideful boast, it didn't calm the trio down as more laughter erupted between them,, causing the sole Uchiha to fume more. Full of anger, Sasuke pushed past the trio and began to walk out the gate, seething even further as the two gate guards began to snicker and point at him.
"So, should we tell him?" Naruto asked as he finally caught his breath as he watched Sasuke walk down the path with the massive weapon on his back, to be proudly shown off to the world.
"Nah, let's see how long it takes him to figure it out." Kakashi spoke up, surprising the two.
"And what if he never realizes he just bought a massive sex toy instead of an actual weapon?" Sakura inquired with a snigger.
"The he will be forever known as the Ultimate Dildo Warrior." Naruto shrugged, earning another round of laughter from the other two. "Though I suggest we hang back a comfortable distance."
"Agreed." Sakura stated, as Kakashi nodded, giving his own agreement.
Additional Authors Notes: And that's a wrap!
We got to see the conversation Mei had with Naruto which of course lead to her making out with our young hanyou. Not to mention, both Kakashi and Sasuke now know about Naruto being in the CRA, which should be fun when he learns just who is with Naruto. Meanwhile, I decided it would be good that Kakashi noticed some of the more subtle details about Sakura's change, namely her "tattoo".
Lastly, Yakumo is officially introduced into the story, as well as Kurenai having her first interaction with Naruto. Now to be clear, Yakumo is not dating Naruto yet, nor is Kurenai. Both of these will take time to build, though Danzo is going to be upset that Naruto has ruined yet another plan for him.
Now, this chapter's Omake scene was suggested by CrimsonStarBlade, and I thought it was too hilarious not to add it at the end of the chapter. So I hope everyone got a good laugh at this Omake.
Side note, the next chapter may be delayed because I need to sit down and watch some of the Naruto movies, as I want the next chapter to start the Land of Snow mission for Team 7.
As always, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. So feel free to leave your thoughts in the reviews, or hit me up with a private message.