Chapter 16 - Fight Night - Round 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Boarding School Juliet
Author's Note:
Names convention
People from Touwa and Naruto:-
Lastname Firstname
Example:- Inuzuka Romio
People from the West Duchy:-
Firstname Lastname
Example:- Juliet Persia
Main Courtyard, Dahlia Academy, August
Naruto and Airu walked along the long road of the courtyard. The two of them made their way from the classroom building towards their dorm. The sun was just rising up in the sky, red in its appearance. Painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange. Birds chirped in the sky as the bustled from tree to tree. And students slowly began occupying the streets, yawning out their sleepiness, chatting idly, and loitering outside with their breakfast in hand.
A tall blond boy was jogging along the road of the courtyard. Wearing a gray sweatshirt and black track pants. His clothes stretched against the powerful muscles in his arms and legs. They weren't as big as a bodybuilder's, but were tight enough to be a martial artist's. The practiced movement of his limbs indicated well enough that the boy was quite versed in how to move his body, maybe even explosively if needed.
He panted as he made his rounds, nodding lightly as a few White Cats waved at him in encouragement or with respect. Seeing Naruto walking towards him, the blond boy smiled. He clapped Naruto's shoulder good-naturedly as he passed him by. Not stopping in his rounds, but just letting a brief smile flash at his fellow blond.
Naruto scratched his head in confusion as the tall boy went past him. It felt like he should know who that guy was. Naruto then shrugged, deciding to leave the matter and fell back in step with Airu, who he was walking with.
Naruto let out a might yawn, sending the prefect a sullen frown. Dark circles of sleeplessness under his eyes. "I can't believe we stayed cooped up in your academy office all night." Naruto scowled at the road as they walked back towards the Black Dogs dorm.
Airu scowled back at him with equally sleepless eyes. "If someone could just decide on a manager to handle our duties, it would lessen the burden on both of us." He covered his mouth and yawned. "We've got interested clients and contracts drawn up. We need to setup a supply chain before we commit to anything."
Naruto scratched his head, "uhh, it's mostly repairmen, electricians and construction companies right? Why not just make a batch of the tools and ship them?"
Airu rubbed his forehead, looking slightly ticked off, "the problem is, I expect more orders to follow straight after that. You don't want to get a reputation of not being able to scale." Airu sighed. "That just invites vultures. We don't need that right now."
Both the boys glowered at the floor.
Airu turned to Naruto. "Have you drawn up plans for how others can make your tools? You can't do everything, we need factories."
Naruto scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… I'm taking a few precautions. I can stuff my chakra in a seal and others can take it from that but… yeah, I need to take some precautions." Naruto shrugged and gave Airu a tired smile.
Airu frowned. "What precautions?"
Naruto crossed his hands and pursed his lips, "…do you want to know or do you need to know?"
Airu stopped in his tracks and stared at the Uzumaki with puzzled eyes. "Is it dangerous?"
Naruto shook his head. "Safest thing in the world. Might make the world even safer."
Airu pursed his lips and looked up at the sky, thinking over those words. He then looked back at Naruto, "then why the secrecy?"
Naruto shrugged. "It's not exactly legal. But it will prevent many illegal things if I can work it out. Illegal things which others will do, not us."
"…do I need to know?" said Airu, with a face warring with curiosity and caution.
Naruto shook his head. "Not really. Put it out of your mind." Naruto chuckled, "I got another consultant for this matter. Don't worry, she's the best in the job."
Airu started at Naruto's eyes for a few moments. Trying to discern the firmness of his conviction. He then nodded slowly. "Alright, I trust you." Airu turned away. "Don't betray that trust."
Naruto nodded with a smile. "Thanks, top dog. I'll tell you someday." He clapped the prefect's shoulder. "I won't betray you. You got my word."
"Will you tell me before you leave this planet?" Airu snapped out.
Naruto's eyes widened.
Airu glanced at Naruto and chuckled at his shocked face. "I'm not obtuse, Uzumaki. Your behavior and words were enough to determine that you won't be here long." Airu folded his arms. "So, how long?"
"T-Till October," said Naruto, blinking widely, still shaken from someone knowing of his imminent departure.
Airu scowled. "Can the company function in your absence? I want a guarantee by end of September. And by function I mean grow." He glared at Naruto. "Else we can scrap the whole thing."
Naruto hurriedly nodded. "Y-Yeah! We can! Else what's the use of me leaving something for my folks."
Airu sighed and put a hand of the blond's shoulder. "You call them your folks, but have you considered what they think of you?" He stared meaningfully into Naruto's eyes. "Will your leaving hurt them?"
Naruto scoffed. "Please, top dog. I'm just a guy they knew for an year. They got the rest of their lives ahead of them."
Airu smiled coldly at Naruto. "A pity." He removed his hand from the blond's shoulder. "And we know each other a little over a few months I believe."
"Top dog?" Naruto frowned. "Everything okay?"
Airu began walking off without Naruto, "just bring me the tools later. I want to examine them once." Airu paused briefly and partly turned back, "you underestimate your influence, Naruto. I assure you, many will feel your absence." He turned away, "and call me Airu. I'm getting sick of your nickname." He shook his head and took off in a slightly brisk pace.
Naruto stared after Airu in confusion. What the hell had gotten into him? What influence was he talking about? He was just a dude who'd shown up here, and was going to leave now. Nothing fancy about it. Naruto frowned. Not like anybody had sobbed their hearts out when he'd left Konoha for his training trip with his master.
Naruto stared at the floor, pursing his lips.
Would people miss him?
Did he want them to miss him?
He roughly scratched the back of his head and let out an explosive sigh.
He really didn't know what he wanted.
Would he miss these guys?
…you bet your ass he would.
He'd miss them. He'd miss all of them.
Vermie. Kai. Kuri.
Scott. Persia. Somali. Char. Aby.
Cait. Sieber. Rex.
Hasuki. Teria. Airu. Romio. Kochou.
H-Holy shit! He was gonna miss all of them! He'd have to say goodbye to all these kickass people!
He didn't want to! He wanted to be lifelong friends with them! He wanted to stay with them till his dying breath!
Goddammit!
Naruto grabbed his face and started shaking his head roughly.
No… No… Not the time. Not the time for these thoughts.
He didn't want to cry. Not now.
A hand clapped his back from behind, startling him.
He whipped his surprised face up, glancing at the tall blond boy in the sweatshirt, who'd passed him by earlier in his jogging rounds.
Panting and looking at him with slight concern, the jogger asked him, "greetings, Naruto! How do things fare with the Black Dogs?" said the tall boy, beaming a strong smile at Naruto. "Settled down well, have you?"
Naruto shook his head once to regain his bearings. He then peered closely at the jogger. "Do… do I know you?" asked Naruto with a questioning frown.
The jogger laughed and lowered the hoodie that was obstructing the top of his head, revealing his sweat laden blond hair. He grinned. "Have you gotten so used to seeing me in skirts?" He chuckled. "Or maybe getting my parasol would help you identify me?"
Naruto's eyes widened and he gaped. "C-Crossdress-bro? Rex? Is that you!" Naruto took in the form of the White Cats prefect, letting his eyes roam from his foot to his head. Naruto stared, flabbergasted.
Where before there stood a man built like a tank, with voluminous muscles lining his whole body. There now stood a man with a much slimmer build than before. His muscles seemingly transformed from being bulked to streamlined. Making his body more limber.
"W-What the hell happened to you, Rex?" said Naruto, staring at him with wide eyes. "A-Are you okay?! Did you catch a bug!" said Naruto, his eyes filled with worry as he walked closer to the prefect and started poking him frantically.
Rex boomed with laughter and caught Naruto's questing hands. Placing a hand over the younger blond's shoulder, he started walking the two of them in the courtyard. Rex shook his head at Naruto with a grin. "Well, if that's the reaction I garner from you then my weight cutting seems to be going well!" He smiled, "it'll be a delight to grace the ring again, it has been two years I believe." He grinned a dangerous, sharp grin. "The 'T-Rex' will be making his return." Rex shook his head and his smile became genial again, "do come spectate my matches, Naruto. I can get you tickets if you shall want them."
Naruto was blinking his eyes wide and slow. Trying to process what the older boy had just told him. "W-Wait a minute. Matches? What matches?"
Rex smiled. "The upcoming amateur boxing matches of course!" His eyes shone with barely disguised ferocity as he spoke. "I was quite the star in the under-17 division tournaments before I had to quit due to injury." Rex stared ahead on the road, his smile dimming for a moment. "It was foolish of me to box in the heavier weight classes."
Naruto scratched his head. "S-So that's why you cut mass?" He winced. "I-Isn't that hard? I heard it was pretty much torture if you're trying to cut below your natural weight."
Rex shrugged. "It is what it is. No excuses." He smiled at Naruto. "I will be in the Welterweight class. Do come see my matches if you have the time. I will be in the general age division now." He smirked. "I'm hoping to land blows on more experienced boxers."
Naruto paled. "W-Wait…" he shook his head. "W-Welterweight?" He squeaked as he stared Rex with wide eyes. "W-What's the weight range f-for that?"
Rex's eyes stared at the sky and he pursed his lips as he recalled it, "63 to 67 kilos I believe. Don't quote me though."
Naruto paled even further, "h-holy shit. Dick's toast." He shook his head and gave Rex an uneasy smile. "H-Hey, Rex, c-could you change your weight class?" Naruto clasped his hands and looked at the older boy with a bright grin. "P-Pretty please?"
Rex blinked in surprise, before he smirked. "Why so?" He stared down at Naruto with a fire burning in his eyes. "Got a fighter of your own?" Naruto winced. Rex's smile became larger and he boomed in laughter, clapping Naruto's back. "Splendid!" He gave Naruto a feral grin, no sign of the friendly prefect in him. "If it is a fighter of your stable, Naruto, I'm sure I'll get the challenge I desire."
Naruto groaned and dragged a palm down his face. "I-I just got you fired up didn't I?"
Rex shook his head and the friendliness returned to his eyes. "You bet you did!" He chuckled. "Care to guess my preferred boxing style?"
Naruto scratched his head, staring at the taller boy. "S-Slugger?"
Rex grinned. "See you in the ring, Naruto." The prefect eyed Naruto with a ferocious smirk for second before it morphed back into a happy smile. He nodded and then started off jogging again.
Naruto called after him, his face panicked, "o-oi! Are you a slugger!"
"Find out for yourself, my friend! Ahahaha!" Rex laughed as he jogged away, soon disappearing around a corner as he resumed his workout.
Naruto stared after the prefect, his jaw hanging low. "O-Oh crap! D-Dick's gonna become paste!" He slapped his cheeks in fright, "m-man I don't wanna be stuck doing paperwork! Aaah!"
Naruto obviously had his priorities straight.
Naruto slapped himself and regained his composure. He glared as he nodded to himself. "Got no choice then." He grinned and slammed a fist into his open palm, "gotta train up Dick myself!" He sighed happily, "it'll be fun beating him up…" He frowned. "I-I meant training." He chuckled and scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
He then started towards the Black Dogs dorm with a smile. "Hmm, vacation's coming up. Guess I'll wait till then." He chuckled. "Gonna meet Leon too. Can't wait!" The blond jumped with cheer and then ran off into the dorm.
"Diss my rhyme? Girl, there ain't no bigger crime!" Naruto cackled as he jogged away towards Hasuki's dorm-room.
Intent on asking her if she'd be his guide in Touwa.
Naruto smiled.
He really loved her company.
Sight-seeing with her would be a blast!
And where would he stay?
Obviously with his good friend Airu! No doubt he'd let him crash at his place!
Train to Touwa, August, Vacation time
"Absolutely not," said Airu, looking at Naruto with a raised brow.
Naruto stared. "W-What the hell!"
The two boys were seated in a coach of a train as it sped towards the nation of Touwa. Seated in the first class cabin, the two of them sat opposite to each other. Papers were strewn about the cabin, with the documents pooling around the seats and also the boys' feet.
"T-Then why did you buy me a ticket!" said Naruto, pouting at the older boy. "I-I thought you'd let me stay in your home!"
Airu smirked, "and bear the expense of housing you? No thanks." He waved Naruto away. "Just flash back to our dorm-room." He gave Naruto a serious look, "you have my permission to party." He cracked a grin and chuckled.
"Why did you buy me a ticket!" Naruto complained loudly, crossing his arms and glowering.
"Had to sign off some papers and patents," said Airu, taking his attention off Naruto and reading the papers in his hand. "Why should I suffer alone?" he said with a smirk.
Naruto scowled. "You tricked me!"
"Four to two, Naruto. Four to two."
"Screw this, I'm exploring the train!" He stuck his tongue out at Airu. "Have fun working by yourself."
"The train officer will be making his rounds any second now." Airu snickered. "I got your ticket. And unless you want to pay the fine, you'll be back, Naruto."
"Y-You asshole…," Naruto gawked at the prefect.
"Ah, the sweet sound of victory." Airu sighed happily. "How gratifying."
"Hmph!" Naruto whipped his head away and stomped out of the cabin.
Airu's smile dimmed and he sighed. "I better give him a tour of the house." He grimaced and muttered. "Before he leaves." He shook his head and got back to work again, reading the papers with a clinical gaze.
Naruto walked in the train and made his way into the second class coaches, his hands shoved into his pockets as he observed the cabins occupied mostly by Black Dogs students. His eyes brightened when he saw a few Black Dogs he recognized.
He poked his head into the cabin occupied by a multitude of girls and one boy.
"Yo, Maru! Can I crash at your place!" asked Naruto with a bright grin. Maru's head snapped to the girls beside him, who looked about ready to squeal, and back to the Uzumaki. Naruto continued, "it'll just be a one night stand, till I can find a hotel." Naruto blushed shyly and looked away, "I-I can stay with you right? M-Maru-kun?" Naruto smiled bashfully, while poking his fingers. "M-Maybe we can get to know each other?" Eyeing Maru, Naruto licked his lips seductively and bit his lower lip with a husky growl. "Under the sheets~" Naruto winked.
Maru gaped, "what? What the f-"
"Kyaaah!" The girls screamed excitedly. They all bowled into Maru, and began hugging and giggling and prodding him to agree and let his saga of boy's love blossom.
"D-Damn you, Uzumaki!" Maru yelped as he swam in women, but with the life jacket of the friend-zone preventing him from drowning.
Naruto left the cabin with a smile. His work done. He snickered to himself. What? Did Maru think he could get away with punking him from day one? Hey, at least he wasn't hoisting the guy by his underpants on a flag pole.
Naruto headed over to the next cabin where he saw Julio and Romio seated together, with Julio staring out the window with wonder. The lush green landscape whizzed by, with paddy fields filled with crops. The small wooden buildings of the Towan countryside basked under the morning sun as small children sat outside on bamboo cots, their small figures waving at the train as it zipped along. Julio smiled and waved back, giggling lightly to herself. Romio stared at her happy smile and beamed happily.
Naruto frowned, "oi, Persia. What the hell are you doing here?"
Julio and Romio jerked in shock and whipped their heads at Naruto, their eyes wide.
"N-Naruto!"
"Uzumaki!"
They quickly pulled the blond into the cabin and shut the cabin door, glaring lightly at him.
Romio conked Naruto on the head, an annoyed glare on his face. "You idiot, do you want to announce to the world that she's here?"
Rubbing his head, Naruto pouted at him, "h-hey, I just wanted to know where she was gonna stay."
Romio frowned, "obviously at my place."
Naruto blinked as if he had an epiphany. "Oooh." He nodded sagely. "You're at that point in your relationship."
Julio erupted into a blush. She stared at Naruto's mischief filled face, as he eyed Romio who was scratching his head in confusion. She tried to stop him, "N-Naruto, don't you dare-"
Naruto slapped his hand on Romio's shoulder and gave him a bro's smile, "don't forget to use protection-"
"Gaaah!" Julio pounced on Naruto and began petting his cheeks. "S-Shut up, Naruto!"
"P-Prr!" Naruto purred under the assault of Julio's soft and vigorous ministrations. His eyes wide in shock as he had forgotten all about his weakness. "P-Prr?!"
"Get out, get out, get out!" Julio hurriedly opened the cabin door and pushed the Uzumaki out. Slamming it close with a sigh of relief.
"Inuzuka," she said, turning to her boyfriend. "Don't take him seriously… w-why are you blushing!" said Julio staring at Romio with wide eyes.
Trying to bury himself in his seat, Romio was hugging himself and looking at Julio with a meek blush. "Y-You won't t-take advantage of me right?" He gulped, "w-we'll be sleeping in the same room, s-so…"
Her eye twitching, Julio snarked, "but Inuzuka honey, I thought we were going to take our relationship to the next level." She stepped close to Romio and cupped his chin, looking down into his eyes with a sensual smile, "we're gonna do it all night long, baby~" She winked.
"I knew it!" she heard Naruto cheer from outside the cabin.
"Get lost, Naruto!" she barked with a huff. Shaking her head, she turned back to Inuzuka, only to find him a blushing mess. Her smile had wiped out the language processors in his brain and got his mouth busy being a sputtering wreck. She sighed and then chuckled, "goodness, I was only joking."
She then occupied herself with trying to convince Romio that she wasn't going to jump him the moment they were alone.
Naruto then found Kochou and Teria playing cards in their cabin. He greeted them with a cheer and sat down to play a few games with them.
After the fifth game, Naruto grinned at Kochou, "hey, Ko-chan. Wanna get Airu blushing again?"
Kochou's eyes shone as she smiled with glee. "Y-Yeah!"
Teria laughed with a small smile, "poor Airu-kun."
Naruto snickered, "four to three, here I come!"
The trip to Touwa was eventful, to say the least.
In the streets of Touwa
Naruto observed the streets with a curious eye. The wooden houses and two storied homes of the residential area reminded him a lot of Konoha. It made some kinda sense to him, given that the language of the elemental nations was almost the same as Touwan, so maybe the culture was the same too in some weird way.
And thank god for the food being the same. He didn't know what he'd do if ramen didn't exist here. He'd probably not have met the ramen goddess walking beside him.
"O-Oi, don't call me a goddess," said Hasuki, snickering.
Naruto blinked. "Did I say that out loud?"
Hasuki merely chuckled and shook her head.
Still clad in their uniforms, the two of them walked the streets. They had dropped off their luggage at Hasuki's house and had started off into the street at Naruto's request. Having no place to stay the Uzumaki had asked her if he could keep his luggage there till he could book a hotel, to which she'd easily agreed.
As the two of them walked, they were subjected to glares and looks of disapproval from the Touwans who walked the roads. They muttered contemptuously as they looked at the pair with judgment in their eyes.
Naruto didn't bat an eyelash as he whistled happily while walking down the road, not even noticing the hate directed towards them.
Hasuki on the other hand looked agitated, stepping closer to Naruto and taking his hand into hers for comfort. She gulped and kept her eyes peeled to the road as she sought to avoid her fellow countrymen's eyes. She made small talk with the boy, trying to distract herself.
But inside her mind, she began to wonder.
Was it worth falling for the boy beside her?
C-Could she stand up to such hate?
She bit her lip. But… but he was such a great guy.
He was funny, she like joking around with him.
He was a great friend, to do all he was doing for Inuzuka-kun. The whole dorm was so used to Naruto now that they didn't even bat an eyelash when they saw him hanging out with her. Hell, Maru even wished them the best in front of everyone in the mess, making a huge deal out of it. Saying that if anyone wanted to mess with her and Naruto, they'd better go through him first. She didn't get why all the girls had burst into tears at that though.
So right now Inuzuka-kun's and Persia's chances to be accepted seemed higher than ever.
She smiled happily. Naruto had helped her best friend in ways she couldn't. And for that she'd always love him.
A-And the fact that he had rockin' bod helped too. Hasuki giggled shyly to herself. Maybe they should visit the beaches later… Blood rushed to her face as her imagination ran wild. Her eyes became glazed as dreamland Naruto gave her a saucy wink while clad only in a swimming trunk, his chest and stomach laid bare to the world. Letting the sun kiss that delicious toned and tanned body of his.
Hasuki grinned like an idiot as she began drooling.
"Yo, Komai-chan?" Naruto prodded her shoulder, giving her a concerned look.
She quickly blinked and rapidly shook her head, wiping the drool off her mouth with her hand, lest Naruto get an inkling as to the nature of her thoughts. "Y-Yeah?" she smiled embarrassedly at him.
Naruto soon pulled her into another conversation, dislodging her thoughts and fears from her mind, making her file them away for later.
They soon came upon a large two storied compound which lay in one corner of the street. The family plate at the front of the house reading 'Inugami.'
"This the place?" asked Naruto, observing every inch of the dark yellow house. His eyes roved from the bottom of the building's raised wooden floor, to the blue sedan parked in the side of the entrance with a bicycle beside it. Laundry hung off the wire on the second floor balcony, and he could partly see the interiors of the rooms from where he stood. He smiled, envisioning the house to be filled with a happy and united family soon.
"Yup," said Hasuki, popping the 'p.' The two of them walked into the compound and pressed the door-bell. And stood waiting for the door to open.
Sounds of footsteps echoed from within. And soon a teenage girl opened the door. She blinked in surprise staring at the pair standing at the entrance. The girl had black hair which fell down her shoulders, a small mole under her eye, and currently wore a brown blouse and a black skirt which reached until her knees. Earphones hung off her neck, indicating that she was likely listening to music before being roused by the bell.
Inugami Leon, the girl in question, smirked at the Uzumaki. Her eyes looked like she wanted to deny that she was happy to see him. She said, "sup? Hey there, dopey."
Naruto grinned at Leon, "yo, Leon! I'm looking for a Dick!"
Hasuki choked on her breath, whipping her head to the blond with bewildered eyes.
Leon stared back with a flat face, "…why? Did you lose yours?"
Naruto frowned. "…eh? I never had a Dick."
Leon raised a brow and snickered, "cool. So you're dickless?"
Frowning, Naruto nodded. "Yeah. No. Wait. What? Sai?"
Leon gave him an encouraging smile. "Hope you find your dick soon. Bye, dickless~." She slammed the door close. Laughter could be heard from inside the house as the girl lingered near the door and snickered with mirth.
Hasuki turned to Naruto with perplexed amusement. "Wait, I'm confused." She snickered. "Are you dickless or a wiener?"
Naruto sputtered. "I-I have a dick! I have a dick!"
Leon sang from the other end of the door, "oh yeah? Prove it! Off with the pants! You can be the witness, Hasuki!"
Hasuki's eyes widened. She quickly turned to Naruto and pecked his cheek, "I-I gotta run some errands. See you later!" She then ran away in a hurry. She paused just before the entrance and turned to Naruto with a grin, "bye, dickless wiener~" She winked at him and jogged away giggling.
Naruto's jaw was hanging low. "D-Dickless wiener?!" He then felt for the wet spot on his cheek where the girl pecked him. His eyes wide with disbelief, "d-did she just?" He smiled happily and his heart warmed with joy. T-That was so endearing the way she'd kissed him before bidding him goodbye. Naruto buried his head in his hands and began squealing like a maiden in love.
Naruto did not see the man in shorts and a sweat shirt walk into the compound's entrance. Maramute's eyes widened, seeing the Uzumaki at the entrance of his house.
Leon's timing couldn't have been more perfect. She called out, "hey! Have you taken off your pants yet! Prove that you're a man!" Leon snickered, "come on don't be shy, dickless~ I'm sure you got a longsword in there and not a dagger."
Maramute paled several degrees and came very close to resembling bleached paper.
His face then erupted with anger as red and hot as boiling magma. He slammed his hand on top of Naruto's shoulder, and turned him around. Startling the love-struck Uzumaki. Maramute got in the Uzumaki's face and growled.
"I come home. See you standing before the entrance. My daughter calling you dickless. Asking you to take off your pants and present your sword." Maramute's eyes narrowed with anger brought forth by a father's protective instinct. "Meet me in the ring, Uzumaki."
Naruto blinked in surprise looking at the man who'd approached from behind him. He looked at the smoldering contempt in the man's gaze. "Hey, Dick, that's a good look in your eye." He smirked at the fire he saw burning there, "I'm impressed." He waved his hand forward towards the road, "lead the way, challenger."
Maramute then took off in a rapid walk, with Naruto accompanying him, a satisfied smile playing on the blond's face. The two of them walked out the entrance and soon disappeared towards their battle grounds.
After a while, Leon opened the door and poked her head out with pursed lips. "Huh? He left?" She pouted. "I wanted a rap battle…" She grumbled to herself as she slammed the door and walked back to her room.
She grinned, as she walked up the stairs, "oh well, guess I'll come up with diss tracks in the meantime."
She chuckled and began singing.
"Thought you were dickless.
But also spineless?
Village of suckage, that your address?"
Bopping her head to her tune, the girl then disappeared into her room, chuckling and quickly grabbing a book to record her lyrical brainwaves.
Training Round, Naruto vs. Maramute
Naruto eyed the blue gloves in his hands curiously as he put them on. He stood on the canvas of the ring in the boxing gym, where in a corner Maramute was speaking to the coach. The blond was currently clad in his white undershirt and the black pants of his uniform as he waited for Maramute to join him.
Naruto let his eyes roam the gym with an excited gleam. Grinning as he saw what he usually saw in the movies. Gym members shadow boxing in open areas, a few of them skipping rope, people wailing on the punching bag, and mostly looking up at him with bewildered and amused eyes as they saw him standing on the ring.
Naruto grinned down at them. "Hey! These gloves are much bigger than I expected!" He said, showing them off. "They're much smaller on TV!"
The gym members exchanged a look among themselves before one of them, who had a pompadour, replied with a smirk.
"Want to be permanently injured, kid? Of course they're bigger. Those are for sparring." The pompadour man, punched the air a few times, "the weight will sap the punching power, and you'll get to spar rather than clocking out your partner."
Naruto made an 'O' with his mouth and grinned. "Got it! Thanks!" Naruto then asked, "hey! Hey! Can any of you do the Dempsey roll!"
All the gym members groaned with exasperation. Pompadour scowled, "great. Another anime fanatic." He sighed, "kid, you do those kind of stunts in the ring and you'll be free target practice for the opponent." Pompadour scratched his head, "what're you doing here anyway? What's got Maramute-san so angry that he wants to spar you?"
Naruto chuckled in embarrassment, "eh? Umm, he caught his daughter telling me to take my pants off?"
The gym members' eyes widened. Before a look of respect settled on their faces as they muttered to themselves.
Pompadour barked a laugh, grinning at the Uzumaki. "Not bad, kid. You ain't too bad for a Westerner." He turned his gaze to Maramute, "but careful, Maramute-san's one of our best members. He's qualified for the quarter finals of a tournament you know?"
Naruto smiled, "I know." Naruto punched his gloved fists together. "But that ain't gonna be enough to win it." He smirked. "I'm here to give him a leg up."
"Oh really?" said Maramute, wearing red headgear and gloves. Naruto turned his head and saw the man walking up the steps and bend under the ropes to get into the ring. He had a fierce smile on his face, "let's see how much you can teach me." He laughed. "I gotta say, Uzumaki, I got a lot of pent up stress. Calling my daughter, writing her poetry, and then propositioning in the streets." Maramute chuckled and got into a stance with his arms close to his chest, guarding his chin. "It would be nice to have a little chat with our fists."
Naruto chuckled and put his arms up in a guard, "honestly, Dick. That's the only way I communicate."
Naruto then closed his eyes. He spoke, "your stance tells me that you're an in-fighter. That you can take punches while pressuring your opponent."
Orange pigment appeared around his eyes. "But that ain't gonna cut it. Vermie will kill me if you take too many bonks to the head."
He opened his eyes again, but let them remain half-lidded so that others didn't see his horizontal bar like pupils. "So, I'm gonna force you to dodge." He grinned. "Get a healthy respect for my punches. And dodge them like they're missiles."
Pompadour then stepped into the ring. "Okay then. I'll be the acting referee." He winked at Naruto, "don't worry, kid. I won't let you get too beat up." He said, putting the boxing headgear on top of Naruto's head and sliding it down. The blond nodded with a smile in thanks. Pompadour frowned. "You okay, kid? Why're you squinting?"
Naruto shook his head, "eh? My eyes are just like this while fighting. Don't worry."
Pompadour slowly nodded. "Okay. I'll stop the fight if necessary."
He then stepped in the middle of the ring and cut the air with his hands, "fight!"
Maramute immediately took the initiative and sprang forward, light footed and looking to start applying pressure on the blond.
Naruto merely grinned and when Maramute was close enough, he bent and threw a slow hook towards his midsection.
Maramute scowled at the weak punch sent his way and tapped it away with his fist, he then-
SLAM!
"Gaaah!" Maramute flew back a few feet, as he was lifted a few inches in the air before he landed on his feet again. He took a few unsteady steps back, his eyes wide and his breath gasping as he felt a blow straight to his stomach. He blinked at Naruto with disbelief. "W-What was that! H-How did you hit me!"
Naruto smirked and dashed forward with his fists up. "You gotta see what the eye can't see. You have to feel for the essence of nature." Naruto grinned ferally. And got into the man's guard as he was regaining his bearings. "My only advice, Dick?"
Maramute cursed and brought his hands close, prepared for a body shot.
Naruto smirked and yelled, "is DODGE!" He clearly missed hitting the man and whammed the air beside him.
Maramute frowned, wondering why he'd missed-
SLAM!
"Guuaah!" Maramute wheezed as he flew through the air and was caught by the ropes of the ring. A sledgehammer had hit his chest and blasted him away. His arm on the rope holding him upright, Maramute glared back at the Uzumaki, panting for breath. His body flaring with pain where it was struck.
Naruto smirked, "welcome to the school of hard knocks, kid." Naruto taunted the man, making a come hither with his hand. "Ready for class, or dropping out soon?" Naruto bounced on his feet and crouched into a frog kata stance. "Stick with me, and I'll make you a first class counter-puncher."
Pompadour frowned, looking at Naruto and then at Maramute. "Maramute-san? Maybe it's best we stop-"
"No." Maramute shook his head and stood upright, using the rope to balance himself and then letting it go. He put his guard up and eyed the Uzumaki warily. "This might just be the edge I need."
Pompadour nodded and then turned to Naruto. "Oi, kid. Don't hit that hard. Got it?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah." He turned to Maramute. "Ready for round two, Dick?"
Maramute grinned with narrowed eyes and dashed forward. "Bring it on, son!"
Naruto grinned and sprang into action, "ya got it, pops!"
The training match went on, with Naruto giving Maramute more pointers on how to dodge him, and how to hit and make it hurt.
It was a grueling day for Maramute, as he was hit by punches he couldn't even see. His punches parried by a force naked to the eye. But bit by bit…
He could feel something in the air.
All his senses were focused on blocking the Uzumaki's invisible punches. He had long stopped questioning how the boy was doing it. Focusing all his energy into finding a way, some way of anticipating the boy's moves.
And that was when it'd happened.
Naruto shot off an uppercut towards his chin.
Maramute saw the punch slip into his guard, coming towards him in slow motion… but he still kept his eyes trained on the boy's fist. Watching… Waiting…
The air around the Naruto's fist blurred.
Maramute's eyes flashed.
Duck!
He ducked away at the last moment. Naruto's eyes widened as both his fist and the blurred area around his fist were dodged by the man.
Spring!
Maramute dashed into Naruto's guard, making the boy's brow rise up in alarm.
Slam!
Maramute delivered a solid right hook to the boy's headgear. Making Naruto's cheeks distort as the fist slammed into him and knocked him off his feet.
Bam!
Naruto fell to the canvas with a loud bam! He was shocked more than injured as he sat up and stared at Maramute with an astonished smile.
Maramute panted heavily, his arms quivering with effort to hold his fists up, as he stared down the Uzumaki, "h-how… how was t-that, son?"
Naruto chuckled with bewilderment and nodded his head, "maybe there's hope for you yet, pops!" He jumped to his feet. "Let's do that agai-"
Maramute's eyes rolled up and he fell down and fainted. Exhausted beyond belief, his body simply clocked out.
Naruto stared with surprise. "A-After a few days? Haha." The other gym members glared at him. "W-What?"
Pompadour scowled as he put Maramute's arm around his shoulder and lifted him up. "Go easier on him, kid." He glared at Naruto, "we only let it go so far because we know how desperate this guy is." He said looking at Maramute with a frown. "Shit luck." He sighed and looked back at Naruto. "No more sparring for a week. Get him working on the mitts, if you plan on instructing him." He grinned. "Any chance you'll teach us your style as well? Pretty interesting."
Naruto shook his head as he removed his gloves and headgear, stepping out of the ring. Picking up his uniform's shirt, which was lying on a bench, and wearing it, he said, "sorry dudes, but-"
Naruto glanced at Maramute with a small smile. He grinned at the other gym members.
"Family only."
He then nodded and thanked them for letting him in the gym. He walked out with a happy smile, whistling lightly and with his hands behind his head.
The nightlight of the streetlamps and the moonlight of the sky shone down on the Uzumaki as he walked in nighttime Touwa.
Nighttime, Komai residence, Hasuki's room
The room was modestly sized room on the second floor of a two storied house. It housed a study desk near the window which overlooked a park, a wardrobe made of brown wood which neighbored a short bookshelf with two levels of books. The walls were painted a dark blue with a wallpaper of a movie pasted opposite the door to the room.
Affixed to the wall were some photographs which were taken over the years. Most of them which featured Hasuki and Romio from their childhood years till the present.
There seemed to be a more recent picture which joined the collection on the wall. This picture featured Hasuki and a certain whiskered blond, both of them standing in a photo booth and making weird faces at each other. A grin on their faces as they tried their hardest to make the other burst into giggles.
Clad in her purple pajamas and sitting on her bed with her blanket wrapped around her legs, Hasuki smiled as she gazed at that picture. The one they'd taken together when they snuck into town for a movie. In the end Naruto had won their little 'try not to laugh' contest. Hasuki giggled. Not that she minded losing. Just looking into his eyes was enough to get her smiling, so it didn't take much for him to make her laugh.
She leaned back against the cushioned wall behind her, chuckling. A note of helplessness in her tone.
This was really dangerous, wasn't it?
She had fallen for a westerner.
And she'd seen today how they'd treat him if he roamed the streets.
T-Those glares…
The bad mouthing…
The… The hate…
She picked up the pillow beside her and hugged it to herself. Feeling uncomfortable as she recalled the malice.
Hasuki frowned, burying her face into the pillow. Her lips wobbling with uncertainty.
She… she didn't know if she could face such hate.
Was this what Inuzuka-kun and Persia had signed up for? Was this what their future would be?
She didn't know if that made them brave or incredibly stupid.
…at least they had influential families to fall back upon.
Inuzuka-kun was part of the Inuzuka family, and his family's reach in politics and business was well known throughout Touwa.
And Persia belonged to the nobility in the West Duchy.
At least… at least they had some kind of safety net if shit hit the fan…
If things went bad for herself? …what would she do?
Her family might get harassed. She might be kicked out of school. Maybe it'd be a black mark on her resume if she tried applying for a job anywhere. And her actions would reflect on her parents and brother. No doubt ruining their own relationships with others outside the family.
"Damn it," she cursed lightly as tears began stinging her eyes.
Maybe… maybe it'd be better if she just settled for a boy from Touwa…
Maybe she should forget… Naruto…
Hasuki's breath hitched, her throat constricted with sobs which wanted to escape. Her hugged the pillow tighter, wishing it were a real person rather than just a bundle of feathers.
She shook her head and tried to smile.
True love was just the stuff of movies right?
Haha.
She thought Inuzuka-kun was her true love, but look at her now. Crying and pining for another boy in just a few months.
She chuckled as she wiped a few tears off.
Her mission was to make Naruto fall for her, but she ended up falling for him instead.
But hey, at least she now knew Naruto would never betray Inuzuka-kun's confidence. It just wasn't in the blond's nature to do that.
So yay?
Mission accomplished?
The tears the poured from her eyes didn't think so.
"U-Uugh," she sobbed lightly as she felt a hole being torn open in her heart. As she imagined the future tearing her away from the boy she'd come to love. "N-Naruto-kun," she lightly whispered to herself. "I-I… I-I…," she mumbled to herself, not knowing what to say, what she wanted to say.
S-She wanted to hug someone. To make her forget about these thoughts.
B-But she was alone in the house.
Her parents were away visiting their relatives.
Her brother was at his friend's place.
S-She wanted to tell all this to someone.
She didn't want to be alone. Facing this.
"I-I wish you were here," she mumbled, hugging her pillow tight, "N-Naruto-kun."
Knock! Knock!
"Aaah!"
She shrieked and fell off her bed in shock as her windows clattered with knocks. She quickly whipped her head to them with wide eyes, fear piercing her heart as she wondered if it was burglars.
Naruto grinned back at her. Waving his hand at her with a happy smile. His finger pointing at the window sill, asking her to open the window.
Hasuki's fear gave way to bemused amusement, a smile immediately flowering on her face as she saw Naruto crouching on the roof of her house before her window.
She wiped her tears off with her sleeve and stood up, walking over to the window and undoing its locks. She opened it and immediately felt a warmth settle in her as Naruto greeted her with a peace sign.
"Yo!" said Naruto. "Can I come in?" he said, rubbing his shoulders. He shivered as the cool night breeze blew in the streets.
Hasuki nodded silently, not trusting her voice. She made way for him, letting him jump inside her room, and then closed the windows again, latching them up.
Naruto walked into her room, taking in the sights. He chuckled, looking at the photos on the wall. "Wow, you look adorable with glasses." He snickered, "and Inuzuka looks so intense. Sheesh. What's with those eyebrows."
Hasuki smiled quietly and sat down on her bed. Just happy to hear his voice waft in the room. He always looked like a curious kid, looking at the world with big eyes and seeing an adventure in everything. Smiling as he grabbed his friends' hands and set off with them into the sunset, to laugh a great deal and have a helluva lot of fun.
"U-Uuugh," her breath hitched. Her eyes crinkled with sadness as her throat began hurting again.
S-She didn't want her adventure with him to end.
"H-Hic," her breath caught painfully in her throat. She palmed her face, to stop the tears which threatened to pour again.
She felt an arm around her shoulder. Tapping her lightly in concern.
"Hey? Komai-chan? Are you cry- Are you okay?" she heard Naruto say. She felt the weight on the bed shift as he sat down beside her.
She tried to speak normally.
"I-I'm fine."
It came out so weak.
She felt his hands pull her to his side, enveloping her in a light hug. "Hey, it's okay. I'm here. Okay?" He said, lightly patting her shoulder, assuring her he was there. "Hey, you have a lovely smile. Can you give me a smile?" he said with a smile in his voice. His cajoling tickled her insides, making her lips turn up. He chuckled. "Ahh, there we go! There's that beautiful smile I love!"
Hasuki giggled.
She sniffed and then wiped her tears off again, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand.
"I-I love you," she whispered.
The patting on her shoulder stilled. The body beside her jolted with surprise and froze stiff. The boy's voice sounded shocked, "w-wha-"
She then threw herself at the boy, catching him and making the both of them fall on the bed, with him lying on his back and her on top of him. She put her arms around his back and hugged him, pulling him close. Burying her chin in the nook of his neck, pressing their cheeks together.
Naruto's voice came out small and flabbergasted, "K-Komai-chan?" His whole body rigid as the girl held him close. Her gentle breath tickling his skin, as he felt the rise and fall of her chest.
Hasuki whispered, "c-can we just stay like this? P-Please? I-I'm scared."
The boy immediately wrapped his own arms around her. Putting one arm around her back and the other on the back of her head. He gently stroked her hair, hoping that it was comforting.
The girl shifted a little in his grip, cuddling even closer. She felt comfortable in his embrace. So comfortable that she felt like she could face anything if the both of them were together.
She softly spoke, "I-I love you." She felt him stiffen again under her. She continued, her eyes prickling with tears born of both relief and sadness. "I-I keep thinking of you. I know it's dangerous for me to like you." Her fingers bunched up his shirt as they clenched. "B-But I can't stop thinking about you! I-I love you, you silly idiot!" She buried her face in his neck, "I-I don't want to let you go. W-Will you be my boyfriend?"
.
.
.
Naruto's heart had stopped.
His face frozen in shock.
He stared at the ceiling with wide eyes.
He gulped.
…love?
Boyfriend?
S-She loved him?
Like that?
He just thought she was being extra affectionate.
B-But like this?
Naruto blinked hard.
A pit began opening in his stomach.
The clock ticked.
2 months.
And then forever goodbye.
He smiled brokenly. Stroking the girl's hair. For himself this time. To comfort himself.
Haha.
He was the sacrifice, wasn't he.
The human sacrifice.
First his childhood.
Then bearing the loneliness.
And now losing… this…
…why give him friends and family just to take them away?
His heart burned with longing.
His mind churned with his imminent departure.
He wanted to stay.
But he had to go.
He wanted to be her boyfriend.
But he'd have to leave her.
A weak chuckle left his lips.
"N-Naruto-kun?" he heard her speak. Her voice uncertain in the light of his prolonged silence. He could hear dejection there, nestled in a corner of her tone.
Well, that just won't do, will it?
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, making her gasp in surprise.
Hasuki smiled back brightly and kissed his cheek in return, making his face blossom into a smile of its own accord.
He chuckled defeatedly.
He ran out of shits to give.
He began speaking.
"I'm scared too, Komai-chan. I will be gone by October." He said, watching as incomprehension dawned in her eyes. "A man will come and take me away. And I will not be able return after that."
Hasuki propped herself up on her elbows and looked down at him with worry. "W-What? L-Let's call the police!"
Naruto shook his head. "Nah, he ain't a bad guy. He's the one who sent me here to meet all of you." Naruto smiled as he gently brushed the girl's cheek with the back of his fingers, eliciting a small smile from her. "And there are… duties I must fulfill. I gotta break the cycle of hate… or people will die."
Hasuki frowned at him with confusion. "Y-You aren't making much sense."
"I am Uzumaki Naruto. Partner of the nine tailed fox. Shinobi of the village hidden in the leaves." Naruto chuckled. "And I am not from this planet."
Hasuki blinked, looking as if she suspected the boy was playing a joke on her. "W-What?" Her frown looked a little hurt and cross.
Naruto began glowing orange, his chakra cloak enveloping both him and the girl. He smiled, "do you want to see the stars?" The two of them slowly floated up the bed. Hanging in the air above. Naruto shifted the girl into a bridal carry, holding her close and looking at her with twinkling eyes.
Hasuki just gaped. Staring with wide eyes as the blond carried her to the window, opened it and then floated out into the night air.
Flash!
She winced as the world flashed orange. She blinked the spots out and slowly opened her eyes.
She first saw the ground and immediately shrieked in fright. Seeing houses below as small points of colors. She quickly whipped her head up to look away, and what she saw up above made, her eyes go wide.
A starry night sky greeted her.
The ceiling of the world which was usually just a black backdrop with dots of white was now a black canvas spray painted with stars. The moon shone majestically, granting the night sky a silvery hue. Hasuki looked out at the universe, and the universe twinkled back at her. Shining, shimmering, scintillating.
And against this background Naruto smiled at her as he held her in his arms, the two of them floating hundred of miles in the air.
"I love you, Komai-chan." said Naruto, with a small blush, but his voice confident. "However much time I have left, I would love to be your boyfriend. If you'll have me." He said as sincerely as he could.
Hasuki blinked widely at him. Still taking in all the information and visual feedback which was being thrown at her. Finally understanding his words, she first blushed with an ecstatic smile, her heart beating happily in joy, and then she began growling.
She bunched up his shirt with an angry pout, "y-you! Y-You say you're going to leave and then confess in-in space! A-And you're not from the planet?" She weakly punched his chest, "w-what girl will say no when you confess under a starry sky!" She punched him again. "That's not fair!"
Naruto grinned and winked at her. "Hey, I'm a ninja. I gotta stack things in my favor. Any time I get to be with you is worth gold to me."
Hasuki narrowed her eyes. She then smirked. "Oh really, Naruto-kun?" She put her arms around his neck and pulled his orange glowing face closer to hers. With an impish grin she whispered, "then you won't mind if I stack things in my own favor, would you?"
Naruto blinked with surprise. He frowned. "huh-"
Smooooch~
"-mmnph!" Naruto's eyes became saucers as Hasuki pulled his face close and began kissing his lips. "Mmnph?!"
While the Uzumaki was busy being surprised, Hasuki began getting in the mood and started moaning lightly as she deepened the smooch.
"Mmmhn~"
As he erupted into a massive blush, Naruto idly noted that no, she did not taste like strawberries. That his master sucked at describing what a kiss tasted like. It was more the feeling of being so utterly desired by her that thrilled him more than anything. To like him so much that she'd kiss him, it left his insides melting with joy. Her soft and fleshy lips smacked against his as she lovingly ran her hand through his hair as she held him close.
After staring like an idiot for a few moments, Naruto closed his eyes and started returning her kiss with equal fervor. At first hesitantly but then with enthusiasm. He didn't think it was possible. But this was better than eating ramen! He should probably keep that thought to himself though. Something told him the girl might hit him if he shared that with her.
The two of them parted after a while, panting lightly as they ended their series of smooches. They gazed at each other with silly grins, half in disbelief at what just happened and half with eager anticipation of doing it again pretty soon.
Hasuki said with a mischievous smile, "how was that, Naruto-kun? I'm sorry, but I want you to stay with me." She giggled, "I want to be together with you for a long long time." She gave him a meaningful look, "and I know you don't want to go… I can see it in your eyes." She then smiled again, "so I just had to stack things in my favor." She winked at him.
Naruto stared with wide eyes. He sputtered, "b-but k-kissing? T-That's not fair!"
Hasuki leaned close and whispered seductively in his ear, "you were my first, Naruto-kun~"
Naruto exploded into a blush, looking at her with panicked eyes, "h-hey come on! T-That's cheating, Komai-chan!"
Hasuki laughed and ruffled his hair. "Call me Hasuki. Also you need to explain all this orange glowy thing." She smiled at his face which kept shifting between joy, confusion and bewilderment. "Stop looking like that and just kiss me, you dork." She snickered, "I'll help you make a decision." She pulled him close again and smiled brightly at him, "I love you."
Naruto gulped at the intensity of the happiness which surged through him as she said that. He smiled back bashfully, "I-I love you too! B-But- mmnph!"
Hasuki started kissing him again. Giggling lightly whenever they parted for a breath.
Whereas Naruto shivered. He didn't know it was possible to be this scared and happy at the same time. But it didn't matter! Hasuki was with him! He'd be alright!
Now if only he could say the same about Konoha!
Those guys were pretty much screwed if he didn't come up with a way of solving their problems.
Actually why was he holding himself responsible? It's not like everyone would start worshiping and praising him even if he brought peace. Going by the history books, they'd probably spit in his face or just use him as a symbol whenever convenient.
What about his happiness?
And anyway, the Sage was the all powerful one, not him…
…huh?
…should he?
Would be a total dick move but…
Oh wow. Someone would get to clean up their own mess.
Naruto mentally grinned.
Hah, not a bad idea.
He then groaned in his head. He couldn't do it alone.
…he needed to contact Sasuke.
He mentally sighed and busied himself with kissing the beautiful girl in his arms.
He'd deal with that later.
Because right now he'd rather kiss his gorgeous girlfriend!
And so the two Black Dogs floated hundreds of miles up in the sky, kissing each other and melting their worries away.
Author's Note:-
The moral of this chapter is... never underestimate the power of girlfriends?
Haha.
Jk.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Would love to know your thoughts!
Also just letting you know, only one more chapter and an epilogue are left.
Stay safe.
Wishing you the best.
Cheers!