Original Posted On: Mar. 22, 2020
Beta Read by: Heckelman88, Crowfeast, Tachyon99, xhope14x, Neostardustdragon101
Review Response:
Kevan9912: Hey, been a while. And yeah, he got me, nearly took my head.
Draegoon: Lucci is bad ass in everything he does. Food for Thought: Could Kuma, since he is a cyborg/Pacifista, possess two devil fruits?
Calderoneric758: The Omake was fun to write. I won't change, and WE ALL will survive this shit. And if I get it, I'll do as much as possible before going to the big type writer in the sky.
Guest: Naruto's dad is a human who died. He is unimportant to the story and Naruto already knows Rasengan.
Primarx: You're welcome.
Youngdrgn: Thank you.
Blank-name26: Cool name. Yeah, I have a lot of fun figuring out how to mix and mash characters. Monet the Snow woman? Hm, that could work, BUT it would take a while as Logia's are hard to defeat, so she would have to be an elemental spirt familiar or a goddess of the snow like a Kupua.
Emn93: Thank you for sticking with the story. Yes, Sasori could have possibly used Minato better, but it all depends on how much he used the puppet outside of training. Remember, the Minato puppet was his strongest, aside his Balance Breaker puppet body, and he didn't use it unless necessary.
Guest: Yes, Doflamingo and Vergo are in the story.
Dig Sadler: Wow, thank you, man. I'll do more research and try to do better with Lee, as of this moment, I feel like I shamed him with how weak I made him. Thank you for the constructive criticism, lots of people on this site tend to forget what that means.
Harem:
Kunou (When she is 16), Koneko, Ravel, Kuroka, Xenovia, Irina
OKAY, LETS READ THIS SHIT! I DON'T OWN NARUTO, ONE PIECE, OR HIGHSCHOOL DXD!
"Hey" = Speaking
'Hey' = Thinking
'Hey' = Memory
"Hey"= Sacred Gear/ Communication link
Chapter 23: Where I left off
Kyoto Train Station, Evening…
"Lee, be safe out there in the world." Gai said as he hugged his apprentice, who had a huge duffle bag bursting with his belongings. "Come back or call me whenever you need something. Because I will drop everything to come and help you in your time of need."
"I will, Gai-sensei." Lee said tearfully, getting Gai to start sniffling as his eyes swelled with tears.
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
Kakashi, who was leaning on a cane for now due to using Kamui a little too much and had a large duffle bag in the other hand, chuckled as he tuned out the Oni's shouts.
"Ravel, Irina, you are welcome here anytime." Yasaka said politely as she and Kunou stood before Naruto, Kakashi, Ravel, and Irina.
"Don't come back too soon." Kunou huffed, her arms crossed and cheeks puffed.
Yasaka looked at Kunou and wanted to laugh at her adorable jealousy.
"Hey, Parent's day is coming up." Naruto said as he suddenly remembered. "Maybe you two can come and visit everyone else."
Kunou's eyes lit up and she smiled brighter than the sun.
"Really?" She asked as she looked at Naruto, who nodded, and then her mom. "Can we go mom? Can we? Can we? Can we?"
"I will thank about it, just let me know when it is, okay?" Yasaka replied, calming Kunou down as she smiled.
"I will." Naruto said before the train conductor announced that the train was leaving. "Okay, later you guys."
"Bye Naruto." Kunou and Yasaka said as they small group boarded, Ravel grabbing Lee before the train started to move.
(Insert Jojo Last Train Home)
Kunou broke away from Yasaka's side and ran with the train as it gained speed, Naruto opening the train car's window, surprised to see her running.
"Love you…" Kunou shouted before she stopped, panting from exhaustion and waving sadly as she watched the train take her fiancé home.
Naruto blushed and waved back as Kunou got smaller and smaller the further away they got before she vanished from sight.
"She loves you a lot, doesn't she, Naruto." Kakashi joked as he sat down, resting his still tired body.
"Yeah, she does." Naruto replied as he closed the window.
The evening sun, which was a few hours away from setting, shined brilliant orange light into the train car as it sped across the rails.
"Kakashi, why did you join Ravel?" Naruto asked as he sat next to Ravel and Irina. "I mean, you worked with Master Lucci and Yasaka, why would you easily give that up?"
Kakashi looked at Naruto and Ravel, feeling Irina and Lee looking at him.
"I was asked to complete your Rasengan training." Kakashi answered honestly.
Naruto felt his breath hitch and his eyes widen.
His throat felt dry and his body felt numb at hearing that.
'Master Jiraiya…'
Flashback…
"I don't understand this at all." Naruto (Age 11) as he tried to spin his chakra inside the water balloon.
"Naruto," Jiraiya said as he looked at the young child. "This is the second hardest jutsu to master. It was taught to me by my student Minato and he taught Kakashi who was his student before he vanished."
"Okay, what does that have to do with anything?" Naruto asked.
"What I am saying is Minato took three years to master it, and with the help of shadow clones, I and Kakashi mastered it faster." Jiraiya stated with a hint of arrogant pride. "But I know you can do it faster."
Naruto moaned as he created more shadow clones and tried spinning the water again.
"Well, you seem to be doing well, I will see you later!" Jiraiya said before he sped off to get to the hot springs.
"PERVY SAGE!" Naruto shouted as he threw his water balloon on the ground, popping it.
Skip…
Naruto (Age 13) collapsed.
"I… *HUFF* I did it…" he gasped as he held the Rasengan in his palm, having spun it with one hand.
"Congrats kid." Jiraiya said as Lucci watched from a far. "But I can do it better."
Naruto glared at his master as he laughed before pulling out a two-in-one popsicle.
"Here." Jiraiya said as he broke it in half and gave one to Naruto.
Naruto sat up and took it, pride swelling in his body as he took a bite.
End Flashback…
"Naruto, you alright?" Lee asked as he gently prodded his rival.
"Yeah, just remembering Master Jiraiya." Naruto said with a weak smile. "Just a fond memory."
Kakashi let out a sign, internally sweating.
'Good, I didn't upset him by mentioning the Rasengan training.' Kakashi thought.
"Although…"
'Spoke to soon.'
"I am worried." Naruto said as he looked at Kakashi. "Before he died, Master did mention something about furthering the Rasengan. But what does that mean?"
Kakashi held out his hand, and the Rasengan spun to life.
"While powerful, the Rasengan is an incomplete jutsu, Naruto." Kakashi stated. "Most jutsu are elemental, so this one being pure chakra was considered imperfect. So, Minato-sensei and Jiraiya tried and failed to add elemental affinity to it. Even I failed, but in failure I created the Chidori. Jiraiya was planning on seeing if you could, but he passed away before he could start."
"You? Failed? That doesn't sound like you." Ravel said as she watched Kakashi end the Rasengan.
"I did, and I want to apologize for my actions against Sasori." Kakashi said as he bowed. "I usually am composed, but seeing my master's body having been turned into a tool, I lost myself in my emotions and put everyone in danger. I am so sorry."
"Kakashi, you made a mistake, but everyone lived." Lee said supportively. "Don't worry about it. We both can do better next time."
"Thank you, Lee." Kakashi said, his canine ears and Naruto's ears twitching when Irina's phone rang, signaling a text message had been sent.
'Issei sent me a message?' Irina thought as she opened her phone and tapped the message.
Hey, It's me, Issei.
I was wondering if you would like to come over and eat dinner at my house tonight?
Irina was surprised as she looked at her phone.
What would be for dinner?
Katsudon.
Irina felt her hunger kickstart at the thought of some pork and rice with an egg.
I would love to have dinner. I'll go there when I get back in a half an hour.
Perfect, we will see you when you get here. Tell Rias I have some news.
Irina smiled brightly as she was going to eat some katsudon.
Skip…
"Ah, good to be back." Naruto said as he, Ravel, Irina, Kakashi, and Lee stepped out of the train station.
Kakashi, using a transformation jutsu, looked like a normal human with gravity defying hair, two black eyes, pale skin, and a small mole on the left side of his face under his lips.
Lee looked the same, just his horn was missing due to him having it retract into his skull, something he and his ancestors could do.
"This is amazing." Lee said as he looked around, gazing upon his new surroundings.
"I know, right." Kakashi said, having been an assassin he knew what the human world was like.
"Okay, I am going to Issei's house for dinner." Irina said as she went to go alone, but realized Ravel, Naruto, Kakashi and Lee were walking along side her. "Uhm, you guys don't have to walk me to Issei's house, you know."
"Yeah, we do. But its late and it would be better if you had someone with you." Ravel said as she held Naruto's hand. "Besides, our house is down this way, anyway."
"Oh, I didn't notice. My apartment is the other way." Irina said as she remembered the locations of their homes.
They walked making small chat, mostly Ravel stating that she wanted Lee to attend school and wanting Kakashi to be a teacher so they are all together.
This would be done in a few days as Ravel had to talk to Sona about it.
The merry group stood outside of the Hyoudo house.
"Well, this is my stop." Irina said before Naruto hugged her, his tail wrapping around her waist.
"I enjoyed our time today Irina. I'm happy we are friends." Naruto said with a smile as he squeezed her.
Irina's heart, for the quickest second, skipped a beat as she felt her body heat up and become a pale crimson.
She slowly hugged him back.
"I enjoyed today as well, Naruto. Thank you for your help, especially with allowing me to get Hiramekarei." Irina thanked as she squeezed him back before Naruto released her.
"See you at school tomorrow." Ravel and Naruto said before the group of four left Irina on Issei's front step with her looking at them.
"Bye." She said as the door opened.
"Irina?"
Said female turned and saw Rias and Asia.
"Hey, I'm here for dinner." She said before wiping some drool. "Now, where is my katsudon?"
Phenex House…
"Do you think he would like this?" Xenovia asked Koneko as she looked at the lingerie that she and Koneko had bought earlier that day after lunch.
It was a leopard themed set. Stockings, arm sleeves, set of leopard ears, she was okay with that. What made her think twice about it was the center piece, which looked like a leopard print T that would only cover her nipples and crotch with a small tail attached on the back.
"Yeah, I think he would." Koneko replied as she looked at it. "Why? Getting cold feet?"
"Yeah, a little." Xenovia said as she put the lingerie away and then turned her head as she heard the doorbell ring. "Guess they are back."
Koneko said nothing, but she did bolt out of the room and jumped down the stairs, landing next to the door.
"NARUTO!" Koneko shouted happily as she opened the door and hugged the person who rang the bell.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, CAT?" Ravel shouted as she was wrapped in a hug by Koneko.
"Phenex?" Koneko asked in surprise when she realized that she was hugging her roommate and not the person of her desires.
"Koneko." Naruto said as he jumped her, rolling across the ground before they stopped, rubbing their cheeks together.
"Hey, how…. Who are you?" Xenovia said as she took notice of Lee and Kakashi while they and Ravel entered their house.
"I am Kakashi Hatake, Ravel's new Pawn." Kakashi said as he bowed respectfully to Xenovia and Koneko, who stood up carrying fox form Naruto.
"And I am Rock Lee, Naruto's Eternal Rival and Ravel's Knight." Lee declared with such Youthful vigor.
"Okay, nice to meet you… I guess." Xenovia said awkwardly.
"We actually met before." Kakashi said as he dropped his transformation, making Xenovia and Koneko go wide eyed at seeing him.
"You are the guy who took Naruto to Kyoto after the Kokabiel incident!" Koneko shouted, pointing accusingly at Kakashi.
"Yeah, I did." Kakashi said as he pulled out a copy of Make-Out: Rage. "So, which one is my room?"
"Here, I'll show both of you where you will be staying." Ravel said as she led them upstairs.
"So, how was Kyoto?" Koneko asked as she looked at Naruto.
Kyoto…
Sengoku and Yasaka walked into the Crypt of Hero's, where the most esteemed warriors of their home were kept after death.
In Sengoku's arms was the Minato puppet.
"To think, a Hero from two centuries ago was still alive, and had turned our greatest hero into a puppet." Sengoku said solemnly as Yasaka opened up the compartment where Sengoku gently placed Minato in before closing it.
"Yes, I am worried about that too. How did Sasori stay alive as long as he did? He was a human from the Hero Faction, so he would have either died in battle or old age." Yasaka questioned as they started to leave the crypt.
"I don't know, but I suspect foul play from our enemies." Sengoku said as he sealed the crypt shut. "How Sasori was kept alive is a mystery."
"And that is what worries me." Yasaka replied. "I think we need to start getting involved with the three factions, starting with that meeting."
"I agree, we will contact Sirzechs now." Sengoku said as he pulled out a paper seal, activating it.
Before them, an image of Sirzechs Lucifer appeared.
"Greetings, Lady Yasaka, Lord Sengoku." Sirzechs said with a bow. "How may I be of service this evening?"
"Sirzechs, we want to be a part of the Faction Meeting." Yasaka stated politely.
"Oh, of course." Sirzechs said with slight surprise. "I agree, having you there will be a good thing, as you have connections to all three of us, it will help keep everyone calm with a neutral party."
"Thank you, Lord Lucifer." Sengoku said before the image disappeared and the paper seal burned.
"That is comforting, knowing that we now are getting involved with them." Yasaka said as she sat down on a couch, Sengoku deciding to stay standing.
"Yes, however, we need to take more caution. With how the factions are tense with each other, we need to act in a way that doesn't stir trouble between any of them." Sengoku advised.
Yasaka hummed a bit in thought.
"Maybe…" She said as she looked at Sengoku.
Next Day, Kuoh Academy, Lunch time…
Ravel, Sona, and Rias sat together in the student council room, tea cups in their hands.
"Irina told me that you got two new members." Rias said with a proud smile on her face.
"Yes, Kakashi and Lee are my Pawn and Knight respectively." Ravel said as she sipped some tea. "Lee is sixteen and would like to attend school and Kakashi would like to join the staff as a teacher."
Sona nodded in understanding.
"I'll do what I can to see if Kakashi can join. Lee can start as soon as all proper paperwork is filled out." Sona said, with Ravel understanding with a simple nod. "So, off topic, how is Naruto doing?"
"He is doing fine." Ravel said as she put her cup down. "Nothing out of the ordinary."
"I don't know." Rias said in concern. "With what Irina told me, about the incident, Naruto could be hiding his feelings. I mean, he doesn't like feeling like he is going to get people killed because of him, so seeing you, Kakashi, Lee, and Irina get beaten could be bothering him."
"I see your point." Ravel said as she thought about it. "He hasn't been feeling down, from what I have seen. He might be okay. But it isn't something we should push aside."
"So, how should we go about this?" Sona asked carefully. "Of we approach him, Naruto will just play it off as he is fine."
"Oh, don't worry about that." Ravel said as she looked at her fellow Kings. "I can get answers."
Meanwhile…
Naruto sat alone with his sketch pad, sitting some grape juice as before he added some shadow on the object he was drawing.
"Nya~"
Naruto looked to his side and saw a black cat gazing at him with unfearful eyes, crotched in case he made any sudden movements.
"Hey, Kuroka." Naruto said, his voice dead and lacked emotion.
"Hm, couldn't get past you, Naruto." Kuroka chuckled as she padded over to Naruto and curled in his lap, only to get removed and placed next to him.
"What do you need?" Naruto asked blankly as he continued to draw.
Kuroka stayed silent, eyes closed as she gathered her thoughts.
"Naruto, I am here to apologize, nya." Kuroka said, relaxing her tiny body as she leaned into his leg. "I did something horrible to you, and I hurt your feelings, nya. I was in the wrong for taking advantage of you, will you be able to forgive me?"
Naruto was silent as he continued to draw.
"Kuroka," Naruto whispered. "I was very hurt. I felt like I had betrayed my friends."
Naruto's eyes didn't break from his sketch, but Kuroka could tell they were filled with grief and remembrance.
"I didn't believe them when they said it was okay, as it wasn't my fault. It still hurt. I don't know if I can forgive you just yet, but I do know that I will try." Naruto finished.
Kuroka felt like a burden had been lifted and she stood on her four paws and rubbed herself against Naruto's leg.
"Thank you, Naruto, nya." Kuroka purred when he scratched her ear, making her purr more.
"Kuroka, I would like to know something. Why did you kill your previous King?" Naruto asked as he rubbed Kuroka's back.
Kuroka sighed, having known he would someday ask this question, and moved to his lap, pushing away his pencils and sketch pad before making herself comfortable.
"He was a bad man, nya." Kuroka said bluntly. "He wanted me for power, and then wanted to experiment on Shirone for more power, nya. I killed him when he tried, and I wasn't able to get to Shirone in time to take her with me. It hurts me to know she hates me, nya. Being fed lies about me being drunk on senjutsu."
Naruto quirked an eyebrow.
"Naruto, you don't see it this way, but before either of us were born, many yokai were hunted down and sold into slavery, which increased dozens of times over when the Evil Piece system was created, nya." Kuroka explained. "It was why my mother and I never stayed in one place for to long, before we met your mom and found her pregnant with you, nya."
Naruto perked up about this.
"I see." He said as he touched his pelt, his heart aching at the thought of Kushina. "Did she really give you permission to marry me?"
Kuroka looked at Naruto, dead in his eyes.
"Yes, nya. She said she knew I would protect you, and that is why she wanted us to wed, nya." Kuroka said sincerely. "Sadly, I was never able to keep that promise, nya."
Naruto wrapped his arms around Kuroka and pulled her close.
"I am actually happy you never did." Naruto muttered, surprising Kuroka at his words. "If you did, I would have never met Sairaorg, Kuisha, or Koneko, Ravel, Xenovia… None of them would have been a part of my life. I wouldn't be the same person I am today without them."
He hugged Kuroka.
"And I am happy to have you in my life too, Kuroka." Naruto said.
Kuroka smiled as she licked Naruto's cheek.
"I love you, Naruto, nya. I always will." Kuroka said before she vanished, hearing someone coming.
"I…" Naruto said before he heard foot steps and turned to see Irina walking towards him.
"Hey, Naruto." Irina said with a bright smile.
"Irina, you doing alright?" Naruto asked.
"Of course." Irina said as she struck a flex pose. "I am in tip top shape. Those Kyoto healers sure know how to make someone feel better."
Naruto laughed as he grabbed his trash and art supplies.
"They sure do." Naruto said as he and Irina walked back to the school, the bell ringing, signaling lunch was over.
"Oh, Irina, come over to my house tonight." Naruto said as he looked up at her. "Something interesting is going to happen."
"Like what?" Irina asked.
Skip, After school…
"Like this." Naruto said as he handed Irina, Ravel, and Xenovia a large, bulky package each.
The three of them blinked before taking their respected packages and opened them in front of Naruto, Koneko, Lee, and Kakashi (The latter two having stayed home that day to relax and get accustomed to their new house).
Irina and Xenovia unfolded matching outfits.
Exactly like their exorcist outfits, except there was slight chainmail in certain places to cover vitals and there was a small red spiral mark on the back in between the shoulder blades. There where additional spirals on the back of the hands on the gloves, Irina's gloves having full fingers while Xenovia's was open fingers. There even was a new pair of boots.
Ravel unfolded a normal looking kimono, but it was fabric enhanced with chakra, like Irina, Xenovia, and Koneko's outfits.
It was black with gold phoenixes and dogs on them. The obi was cerulean blue with a thin gold string. It had hair pins with mini-grim on them along side sandals like Koneko's. On the back was a red spiral.
"Naruto… this is… amazing." Ravel said as she felt the fabric that made the kimono.
"But why though?" Xenovia asked as she looked at her outfit.
"Well, I had one made for Koneko, so I thought I would get one for you too." Naruto said bashfully as he looked away. "I actually wasn't going to get one for Irina, but with everything that has happened, I'm glad I did."
"Naruto, I can't accept this." Irina said as she looked at him, which confused Naruto. "I… you helped me get a new weapon, and I am grateful, but I can't accept this gift out of pity."
Irina truly like the clothes, but felt like it wasn't out of the kindness of Naruto's heart, but out of pity for her.
"Irina, it isn't pity." Naruto said with concern as he saw Irina start to become introverted. "I did it because I'm your friend."
Irina didn't say anything before standing up, her short hair barely covering her eyes so she wouldn't see the pained look on Naruto's face.
"Thank you for letting me come over, I'll take my leave now." Irina said as she left, leaving the clothes alone.
"Did… I do something wrong?" Naruto asked as he looked at the door.
"No, you didn't." Xenovia said as she scooted next to Naruto and pulled him close. "Irina is just having a hard time, I'm sure she will accept them later."
Naruto nodded into Xenovia's body, making her smile as she ran her hands through his hair.
"Kakashi, I was able to get you an interview with the school to become a teacher, and I was able to fill out some of the paperwork for you to get into the school as a student, Lee." Ravel said as she pulled out said paperwork. "We just need your signature here and here."
"Okay, Ravel." Lee shouted happily. "I am going to go to school and make new friends!"
Naruto and Kakashi winced as their ears started to ring from how loud Lee got as he signed the papers.
Next day, Kuoh Academy, Morning…
Kakashi opened the door, his transformation up to make him look like a human, and he wore a blue business suit with a dog broach on his collar with a dog bone print tie.
The room went hush as Kakashi entered the class, the students looking at the over all handsome adult male, making some of the females swoon a bit with hearts in their eyes.
"Greetings everyone, my name is Kakashi Hatake, I will be your new Literature teacher."
Meanwhile…
"My name is Rock Lee, I am an inspiring martial artist, and I accept any and all challenges." Lee declared with his signature Nice Guy Pose, tooth twinkle included, as he gave a thumbs up.
His horn was covered up and he was dressed in the male uniform, minus the jacket.
It was spring, so all students didn't wear their jackets (For the boys) or the shoulder capes (For the girls who wore them)
Issei, Asia, and everyone who wasn't Xenovia and Irina blinked as Lee gave his introduction.
"Okay, Mr. Lee," Their teacher said nervously. "Please take a seat next to Ms. Argento."
"Alright." Lee said as he grabbed his bag and moved to where Asia was, who raised her hand to show where she was.
"Nice to meet you." Lee said with a bright smile. "I hope we can all be friends."
"Same here." Asia nervously said as she shook Lee's hand.
"Don't worry about him, Asia." Xenovia whispered as the class pulled out their text books. "Lee is a member of my peerage family, so he is trust worthy."
Asia and Issei blinked.
'Ravel got a new member?' they thought as they looked at each other before class started.
Irina stayed very quiet during this, remembering the night before and the hurt look on Naruto's face before she left.
She internally groaned as the teacher started their lesson.
'I'm so stupid.' Irina thought.
Lunch…
"Wow, a mink." Sona said in awe as Kakashi and Lee revealed their true forms to the others. "And an Oni. That is amazing ravel. They are said to be some of the strongest yokai around, especially the ones connected to the legendary yokai of the past."
Kakashi chuckled nervously as Lee looked at the new Peerages.
"It is a pleasure and honor meeting all of you." Lee said excitedly as he started doing jumping jacks. "Don't mind me, I am doing my daily set of twenty thousand jumping jacks."
Everyone who wasn't Ravel, Kakashi, Koneko, Xenovia, or Naruto dropped to the ground in disbelief.
"No way…" Kiba said as he looked at Naruto for confirmation.
"Yeah, he has done it." Naruto said as he picked his nose, trying to get a booger. "He is an exercise nut, so of course he would."
"Naruto, that's disgusting." Sona reprimanded the werefox as he looked at her, his finger still lodged up his nose. "Take your finger out of your nose and wash your hands. You don't want to get anybody sick."
"Okay, Sona." Naruto replied as he walked over to the sink and washed his hands.
"So, does anyone here want to challenge me?" Lee asked as he continued to do jumping jacks. "I accept all challengers, no matter their gender. I don't discriminate or hold back."
"Hm," Koneko said as she looked at Lee. "I might take you up on that, some day."
"Why wait?" lee asked as he finished TWENTY THOUSAND jumping jacks in four minutes and thirteen seconds. "We can do it now."
"Lee, we are at school, so it wouldn't be wise to start fighting now, unless we want to pay for damages." Kakashi said wisely to the young Oni.
"Oh, you are right." Lee said as he dropped to the ground and started doing pushups. "I'll do fifty thousand pushups to make up for my lack of foresight."
Everyone accepted that Lee was an eccentric in his passions, so they left him to his devices as they ate their food and got acquainted with Kakashi.
After school…
"… And then we went back to class and finished our day." Irina said as she paced around Bruno's office.
Bruno Bucciarati took notes as he listened to Irina recall the fight in Kyoto and her current issues.
"Well, I can say that you handled all of these things pretty well, but how do you feel about it?" He asked calmly. "What I mean is, how do you feel about the help young Naruto has given you?"
Irina stopped her pacing, looking up the book shelve Bruno had against the wall.
"I appreciate all the help he has given me, because I wouldn't have been much help without a weapon." Irina said honestly. "But the clothes he offered was too much for me, and I feel overwhelmed at this."
Bruno tapped his clip board.
"It seems that he is concerned with your well being and is trying to help. What does this make you feel?"
"It makes me feel like I am being pitied. As if I can't do anything on my own. I did step up and decided to help save him in Kyoto, but now I feel like I regressed again." Irina stated as she started to pace the room again.
"It seems that you are now taking in your surroundings." Bruno said as he scribbled his notes. "Has Naruto upset you in anyway?"
"He did a little." Irina said with slight embarrassment. "He got on my nerves when he tried to make me call my parents to talk to them, it has been a while since the last time we talked."
"But you didn't feel like you can due to becoming a devil." Bruno replied, having remembered his first session with Irina. "Yet he kept pushing you."
"Yes, he did. Then we were attacked by Sasori." Irina restated, having told Bruno what happened earlier. "It made me mad, but also feel childish."
A very soft smile breached Irina's face for the smallest of moments.
"I felt like I was actually happy again." Irina whispered, which Bruno heard.
"He seems to be having a positive influence on you."
Irina snapped up, looking wide eyed at Bruno with her face becoming red.
"What?" She asked, trying to not shout.
"From what you said, Naruto made you very happy, as the last three times we have met, you haven't uttered those words at all." Bruno said as he flipped through his note pad that he kept for Irina.
"I don't know, he makes me feel like all my suffering and aguish falls away." Irina said as she sat down, slight horror dawning upon her. "I can't… I can't feel this way. That belongs to Xenovia… Ravel, and Koneko. I can't be one who feels this way from Naruto."
Bruno quirked an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Meanwhile…
"Kakashi, why are we walking through the woods?" Naruto asked as he and Kakashi walked through the nearby forest.
"Because," Kakashi said as he summoned four shadow clones who went off and erected a barrier. "We are starting your training to complete the Rasengan. Tell me, Naruto, what do you know about chakra natures?"
Chapter 23, DONE!
Well, this was a nice filler chapter, getting ready for some decent stuff, and others.
What did you guys think?
I want to know. So, please send a review, even if you hated it.
Also, we can get through this crisis together and I'll do my best to make sure I can keep your spirits up, even if it's just a little.
