An important note, someone said that this Naruto doesn't act like canon Naruto and is basically an OC. Dude, basically every fanfiction's Naruto is a OC. It's just we authors make them as close to real as possible. And besides its FanFiction, a place to unleash our imaginations it's in the description of the site. So if you can't digest this fact then you should seriously stop using FanFiction.
Sorry for the rant but seriously some guys really pissed me off. If you guys don't like it then please don't read it, no one is going to force you.
CHAPTER 14: A dumb Rabbit's dilemma.
As the night slipped into the small hours, the stars twinkled in the Heavens beside a full moon that was late by a night which shone upon the world of Little Garden with its soft glow.
But while the night is tranquil not everyone are tranquil, inside the mansion of [No Names] there is a heavy atmosphere. Not long before they were celebrating their first victory of the [Gift Games] and enjoying the company of their former comrade but suddenly tragedy struck and their treasured comrade turned into a stone statue.
One can understand the shock they are in. Inside a room all the members new as well as old were sitting while having a heavy face. Currently they are thinking of what should they do about their petrified comrade.
"Na! Kuro Usagi, is there no way to turn her back?" Izayoi asked.
"Well, the only way is to ask for the Persius group to turn her back but I don't think that would be possible" Kuro Usagi said as her rabbit years were down and parallel with her head.
"I see, then there seems no other way" this time it's Asuka that opened her mouth. While talking, all of them were involuntarily looking at Naruto who was sitting at the corner of the room seemingly thinking of something. Naruto noticed their stare and looked at them.
"What?"
"What do you think of this, Naruto-san?" Asuka asked. They all saw the rare rage moment of Naruto and vowed in their heart that they would never do anything to make this person angry. It will be disastrous to them.
"Me? I am thinking of talking with that Persius group in the presence of Shiroyasha. What do you think Izayoi?"
"It's a presentable idea, that group belongs to Thousand Eyes and if we carelessly move then it may cause thousand eyes to move. I agree with Naruto" Izayoi consented.
"I agree too" Yō said quietly.
"That's nice proposal" Asuka said with a nod.
"Yes! Kuro Usagi agrees with Naruto-san's proposal"
As such, the group decided to talk with Shiroyasha.
"Let's move out, the sooner the better" Izayoi urged and everyone decided to move out.
The street lamps illuminated the roads and pathways with its slight but sufficient light but there seemed to be no one out and about tonight for no presences could be detected in the vicinity.
Walking along the path, Izayoi who maintained his fast stroll gazed up upon the skies while muttering to himself:
"It's such a beautiful night with stars dotting the Heavens and yet there's no one else out for a stroll. If this were to be found in my world, such a location would have required an entrance fee already."
The city that Izayoi used to stay in before coming to Little Garden is a 24-hour city that never sleeps. The bright glare of neon lights, the vehicles that sped along the roads and their resultant cacophony that never seemed to tire out from their long journeys. The sounds of laughter and entertainment centers that opened till the wee hours of the morning, the buzz and throng of people on the streets that made up the era where many devious temptations were abound. For Izayoi who had lived in that sort of generation, to be able to look up at a star filled sky in a place where humans lived was quite a refreshing experience for him. On the contrary, For Kudou Asuka who had arrived from the era not long after the World War, the question that had arose in her heart from the sight of the star filled skies was of a different reason.
"It's normal for the full moon to be that bright and distinct in the skies but why is it that the stars are not affected by it? Isn't that strange?"
"It's because Little Garden's veil has been designed to make the stars more easily visible."
"Is that so? But how does it bring any good to them?"
She could understand the reason behind the veil being designed to allow the supposedly nocturnal Vampires to be unharmed by the Sun's rays. However, for the stars were made to be more distinct was an action that she did not understand for she saw no good reasons to back it. Kuro Usagi who had originally taken the lead with her hurried and anxious small jog had then slowed down her steps to try explaining the phenomenon.
"Oh, that's because…"
"Oi Oi, Ojou-sama, isn't your question a little too cold and unfeeling by looking only at the benefits? Can't you understand the crafter's soul that has the 'Desire to make the stars look more beautiful at night' kind of thought?"
"Ara, that sure sounds quite amazing and thoughtful while being romantic at the same time."
"…That…That's also right."
Kuro Usagi deliberately left it as that without denying it outright. Since the both of them had already accepted that sort of answer that they had come up with, she was willing to leave it at that for now. After all the true explanation would take some time and they were just a few steps away from reaching the shop.
Naruto and others slowly walked towards the thousand eyes shop, and standing at the doorway of [Thousand Eyes] to welcome the trio was the usual expressionless female shop assistant.
"Your arrival has been long awaited. The shop manager and Laius-sama are waiting for you inside"
The moment they heard about Laius, the group took a deep breath.
"This Laius surely moves fast" Izayoi commented.
"Meh! So-so" Naruto commented, till now he more or less guessed the strength and temperament of this Laius from the way he sent his cronies. People like that couldn't be reasoned with words but with might. As the saying goes, Might is right applies completely for them.
"You mean to say that you have already known that we would be coming? Having done that sort of rude thing to us and you still has the cheek to say 'Your arrival has been long awaited'?"
"…I do not know the details of the situation; please enter to ask Laius-sama directly."
Hearing that sort of replies caused Kuro Usagi to almost erupt in rage again but her common sense triumphed as she understood that it wouldn't change matters even if she took it out verbally on the shop assistant. Kuro Usagi and the others then entered the shop to pass through the courtyard that led to other buildings in the grounds of the shop.
Laius who was inside a room that was used to receive the trio had immediately cheered in an exaggerated fashion upon seeing Kuro Usagi:
"Woah! It's a rabbit! Wow! It's my first time seeing one! Although I had already heard of the rumors, but I didn't expect that the East side would really have a rabbit! The miniskirt and garter belt sure looks pretty erotic! I say~why not come over to my Community?! I will provide you three meals, a collar and loving tender care every night for you!"
Laius didn't even bother about hiding his true nature. He eyed Kuro Usagi up and down hungrily as his eyes lapped up every small detail in an obscene manner that brought him great joy.
"Oya, this monkey really can't control himself"
At that time a sarcastic voice sounded completely interrupting Laius's lustful thoughts. The tone of voice is so sarcastic and mocking that even a deaf can feel it. Laius turned green hearing the comment. He looked at the person who gave that comment, the boy is looking to be 17 years old with blond hair and blue eyes. He have three whiskers like scars on his cheeks, his most eye catching feature was the crutch he was holding on his right hand. Laius sneered as he sent a mocking gaze at the supposed weak cripple.
Izayoi caught the disdainful sneer on Laius's face and smirked. This idiot couldn't recognize the tiger in sheep's hide. Asuka also caught the sneer and thought of same thing. Finally they all sat across Shiroyasha.
"Hmm! You brats look gloomy, why?" Shiroyasha asked. Well she knew why but for the sake of asking she asked.
"Its nothing just some bugs pretending to be humans invaded our home and did some unspeakable damage. We are currently thinking of that" Naruto said.
"Ho! Bugs you say?" Shiroyasha prodded.
"Yes bugs. I am thinking of raiding their hive so I came here to ask you the way" Naruto said with all smiley face.
Hearing Shiroyasha and Naruto talking about his community like this Laius was furious. He isn't a fool and instantly knew the bug they are talking about is him, so how could he possibly maintain his compose? He instantly exploded.
"Who the hell are you to talk about my community like that?"
Hearing his outburst Izayoi smirked and added fuel to fire.
"Oi, what was that? We are talking about bugs why are you behaving like this? This has nothing to do with you right? Or perhaps you are the boss of those bugs?"
"What? You damn no names how dare you to talk to me like that? You don't have a name, don't have a flag, hell you don't even have any power to speak of so what gave you right to be this arrogant?" Laius exploded.
He couldn't believe this situation, originally he wanted to act all gentlemanly and then use the life of their previous comrade as leverage to get the rabbit Kuro Usagi as one of his toys. After all rabbits of little garden are considered to be self sacrificing creatures but everything dashed out of his hands due these damn kids. He fumed as he thought of a way to rebuke and suddenly thought of one. A devious smirk appeared on his face.
"You [No Names] do you really know the situation you are in? You are in bigger mess this time you know" Laius said.
"What does it mean?" Asuka asked as she felt a sudden chill in her heart.
"You must have come here to press me some official charges regarding the vampire's actions right? And using that you must be thinking that you can release her from her metrification right? Hmph you think I don't realize your petty plan?"
"What…?" Kuro Usagi stuttered.
"Besides that vampire was already escaped once and it's a high probability that you guys are conspiring against me, she was your FORMER COMRADE after all" Laius said.
Hearing this Kuro Usagi's ears dropped as she gnashed her teeth.
"Going to the root of the problem, the vampire's reason for escape should be to find you guys, right? Or could it be that you guys were out to steal my possession?"
"What…What are you saying?! Where's the evidence for that base…"
"Isn't it a fact that the Vampire was found in your territory?"
*Uu* Kuro Usagi was silent. When the opponent used that point to push the attack, they would be unable to refute. After all, whether it was the proposition brought up by Kuro Usagi or Laius, they both lacked the witness from a third party to back them up. Laius gave a wicked smile as he pressed the offensive:
"Forget it, if you guys really want to make the situation escalate into a duel, then we will just have to make a thorough investigation of the case…but the one who will be in trouble by the thorough investigation won't be me~"
"Tha… That's…"
Kuro Usagi shifted her gaze to Shiroyasha. Since the other party had brought up her name, Kuro Usagi couldn't do anything as well. After all in the period of the last three years, the reason for the [No Name] being able to survive that long was all due to the assistance received from Shiroyasha. Kuro Usagi would really like to prevent causing more trouble for her due to this unfortunate saga.
"Well then, I will be taking my leave to rush back to prepare the transport for the Vampire to be sent out to the buyer's location. I really detest women that give the cold shoulder, especially those that have a physical appearance that isn't any different from that of a child—but I guess as you guys know, that fellow looks quite cute and for people who have a fetish for that sort of thing, it must be like a rare specimen? And there are also those people who like to break down strong willed women by stripping them down and locking them in cuffs to brutally wear them down till she moans. In the natural prison of Sunlight to have a female become an eternal toy…don't you find that erotic?"
Laius taunted them by describing the various possible disastrous outcomes of Leticia who was about to be handed to that sort of person.
And as expected, Kuro Usagi had bristled her rabbit ears as she shouted.
"You… You're such a…!"
"But that fellow sure is pitiful. Not only in the process of being sold out of Little Garden but also to be pulled down by shameless comrades to even transfer her Gift to the Demon Lord."
"…what did you say?"
The one who shot that question was Asuka for she had not heard of Leticia's situation and was surprised to learn it for the first time from Laius. Although Kuro Usagi remained silent, it was obvious from her expression that she was faltering
inside.
Laius did not let go of this opportunity.
"What a fellow that can't receive any reward in return for her stupidity. [Gift]s are the indispensable life line for survival in this world and are also a part of the soul. But in order to prevent her stupid incompetent comrades from doing something absurdly futile and to discard all those willingly? The problem is that the freedom she obtained was just an illusion. In addition to that, upon suffering the greatest humiliation of 'becoming another's possession' to rush back to her comrades, those comrades had just forsaken her! It would really be interesting to know what she feels when she wakes up."
"…Huh…..What…"
Kuro Usagi was stumped and her face had rapidly turned pale. At the same time, it had solved many of the mysteries for them. Be it the reason why Leticia who had been snatched away by the Demon Lord reappearing once more in the East Side or the reason behind the sudden drop in level that was denoted on the Gift card, those had just been answered by Lius's words.
Leticia who had wanted to see Kuro Usagi and the others once more—wouldn't even mind sacrificing her soul. Laius was full of smiles as he reached out his right hand to the pale faced Kuro Usagi.
"I say, Kuro Usagi-san, if you are to just let her go like this, wouldn't that stand against the moral codes between comrades of the same Community?"
"…? What do you mean?"
"Let's do a trade. I can allow the vampire to return to [No Name] but in return, the price would be you. You will have to belong to me forever."
"What…?"
"This should be regarded as a form of love at first sight, right? And this sort of rare to come by 'Gold-plated' [Highborn of Little Garden] should not be left to waste."
Kuro Usagi was stumped into silence once more. However Asuka who couldn't seem to rein in her anger anymore gave a roar of outrage while slamming her palm into the table:
"Although I had known that you were a bastard, never did I expect you to be of such an incorrigible extent! Kuro Usagi, let's go! There's no need to listen anymore to the rubbish from this guy!"
"Please…Please wait a moment, Asuka-san!"
Just when shit was about hit the fan the voice of Naruto could be heard.
"Well lets go Usagi, we got what we came here for" Naruto said surprising everyone present. Laius's face fell as he felt a chill on his heart hearing the tone of Naruto's.
"What?"
"Like I said I got what I came here for and I found a way to get rid of those bugs lets go we have some preparations to make" Naruto said as he stood up, Izayoi also did the same. Asuka and Usagi could only follow them with dumbfounded expressions.
As they were walking Naruto suddenly stopped at the door and looked back at Laius. A mocking smirk appeared on his face.
"Laius is it? As a member of [No Names], I am really pissed right now. Not only you dared to leer and disrespect at our poster girl, you also psychologically wounded her. This debt, I will remember. I bid you farewell and please take care of yourself, I heard that a meteor is heading towards here, I hope it doesn't falls on your community" saying his peace Naruto immediately left.
Shiroyasha felt her heart race when she heard the subtle threat that Naruto had thrown towards Laius but what made her perplex is the meteor comment. But she immediately chucked it as a figure of speech, it's not like Naruto could make meteors fall from sky, right? Shiroyasha doubted her own comment at that moment. She just remembered what happened just a few seconds ago. While Laius was busy in his psychological game, Naruto had shown her a glimpse of his power. He has completely redirected every sound vectors from his surrounding making a barrier around him, Shiroyasha and Izayoi. By doing so, not only could he block every sound entering the barrier he could also stop the sounds leaving the barrier making a silent atmosphere.
She was sure that something like making a mess out of Prsius was easy for Naruto.
"This time this Persius brat messed with a dragon it seems" she couldn't help but mutter.
Having passed through the Fountain plaza, Kuro Usagi had reached the Peribed Way. Whereas, Asuka who ran to catch up with her shouted her protests:
"Kuro Usagi what are you planning to do! It can't be that you really want to become that guy's possession do you?"
"—…Uu!"
Asuka raised her voice as she chased after Kuro Usagi, who was looking down and taking large strides with her legs. With a surprisingly fiery spirit, she grabbed Kuro Usagi from behind and stared at her with eyes that continued to seethe like molten lava as she stuffed the Invitation Letter that had summoned the trio at Kuro Usagi's chest. And as she couldn't hold back those angry emotions that surged though her mind and heart, Asuka began to read out the contents of the Invitation Letter:
"You shall cast aside your family, friends, possessions, everything in the world of yours. And come forth to our [Little Garden].'— You who have summoned us in this fashion and yet you're now deciding to leave the Community? This sort of behavior can only be counted as abandoning your responsibility!"
"…Kuro Usagi doesn't intend… to do that…"
"No! You're lying! It's clearly shown on your face! You believe that it won't matter even if you have to sell yourself to help your comrades! But rest assured that we will never allow you to do such a foolish and futile act!"
"Fu…Futile…Why must you describe it with such a term!"
Kuro Usagi couldn't take it anymore and she too replied with a loud cry. Be it from Laius or from Asuka, Kuro Usagi didn't understand why she had to receive such strong criticisms from people around her. Although she was gasping a little due to her extreme agitation, Kuro Usagi who waited a moment to calm herself continued with a retort:
"Comrades are very important to a Community and there's nothing that can be more important than the comrades who stand by you. Moreover for Leticia-sama who could even willingly sacrifice her own soul and harm her body to rush over upon hearing trouble brewing in her former Community, don't you think that we should at least take some responsibility to do everything we can to do what is morally right?!"
"But doesn't that mean that you will just be her substitute?! That sort of action makes no sense!"
"Sacrificing for your comrade. How can that make no sense to you?!"
"Stop shouting in the middle of the night, it's so annoying."
Having been shoved by Izayoi, the heads of the two females knocked on each other with a *Bam!*. The sudden impact caused the both of them to see stars.
"For the love of god stop this melodrama" Naruto also butted in. The thing he hated the most in the world is melodrama, he still couldn't understand what makes it so interesting that his mother and little sister loved watching that.
"I got the gist of your arguments. But before everything else, if I'm allowed to give my opinion…Kuro Usagi, you're in the wrong."
"Wha…Why is that so?!"
Kuro Usagi had teared up as she clutched her forehead to give her protest. Izayoi looked at her coldly as he chided:
"The invitation letter is the first reason. Next is…When Leticia had arrived at the [No Name] territory, she should already have mentally prepared herself for the things to come and while she did asked for help I don't think this is what she had in her mind or else she would have never asked for help"
"This….This isn't right! To say that you shouldn't lend a hand because the other had not asked for help can only be called a sophistry" Kuro Usagi argued.
"Indeed, but we must also look at the situation. Isn't the reason for Leticia to keep her loss of her Gift a secret due to her wish of not allowing you to become her substitute?" Naruto said as he gazed at the dumb rabbit.
Indeed, Leticia didn't seem to want anyone to know that she had lost her Gift. In other words Leticia did not wish for her feelings to become the burden of Kuro Usagi and the others to carry.
"And Ojou-sama, your choice of words is much too shoddy, you should be much gentler when expressing your mind. Such as —'I'm really really worried about you, Kuro Usagi! Please! Stay by my side!' or something along that note." Izayoi said with a smirk.
"It's not like I'm stopping her because of that."
However, that must have been at least a quarter of the truth at least. Seeing Asuka blush to the tips of her ears, Kuro Usagi had also bent her head feeling awkward.
"I'm….I'm really sorry. Although your feelings really make Kuro Usagi happy…but that… Kuro Usagi doesn't really swing that way…"
"I also didn't mean that way but damn you are really a dirty rabbit" Izayoi couldn't leave a chance to tease the dumb rabbit.
"Why must you choose this sort of place and time to twist the meaning? Hm, okay. That's just as well then. You should always look at things as optimistically as this, you Baka Usagi!"
Asuka shouted as she grabbed the rabbit ears and gave a forceful tug, causing Kuro Usagi to give off a very unladylike scream. Perhaps the two women had calmed down after their playful banter, they had exhaled heavily to say in a soft voice:
"…Indeed, I'm worried about you for you had looked close to breaking down."
"Kuro…Kuro Usagi should be the one apologizing… Kuro Usagi had clearly been too impulsive earlier."
And no matter what the future may hold for them after today, they would still need to discuss with
Jin and Yō and the trio decided to return to the [No Name] Headquarters first.
As Naruto and Izayoi saw the girls leaving a smile appear on his face as he turned back and walked towards a different direction.
"Izayoi, let's go we have a group to crush" Naruto said.
"Hmph! I was waiting for when you will say that"
END
How is it?
Review me. Don't forget that at all cost. If anyone of you have any problems with Naruto's powers then ask me.