Chapter 17 - Fight Night - Round 2
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
Author's Note:-
Final chapter after this. As in 'Fight Night - Round 3.'
My chapter length estimation was waay off.
Daytime, Komai residence, Living room
Light shone through the living room windows of the Komai residence, as the morning started off and got well underway with the sounds of cars, people, and birds flitting in from outside. The living room housed a large sofa pushed against the wall with a wide television affixed to a stand opposite the sofa. A dining table lay standing a little way to the side, indicating where the dining area started. The refrigerator hummed its low electric noise beside the kitchen counter, assuring everyone that their frozen food was being kept well frozen.
Sitting on the floor in the living room, using the bottom of the large sofa as a backrest, Naruto and Hasuki lay asleep leaning against each other, a blanket wrapped around them. The television played in the background, currently going through an action scene in a movie, its volume low and muted. Two bowls of what might have been rice and curry lay to the side of the sleeping boy and girl. The whole scene indicated a romantic night of eating dinner before the television while lying close to each other and eventually falling asleep in the warmth of each other's presence.
A young boy, who was as old as a final year middle schooler, sat before the two of them, sitting on a chair, and with a baseball bat hidden behind the chair. He glowered nastily at Naruto, but otherwise maintained his silence.
Naruto's lips twitched, and he slowly blinked his eyes open. Wincing at the sunlight. He yawned, scratching his chin and then cracking his neck. His movement pulled the blanket around him, making it drag the girl and push her into his shoulder.
Hasuki's eyes fluttered open as her forehead hit Naruto. She blinked in slight pain before she shook her head and yawned. She gave Naruto a little frown, rubbing her forehead.
Naruto smiled sheepishly, scratching his cheek. "Sorry."
Hasuki shook her head, "s'alright," she said, her speech slightly blurred with sleepiness. She smiled at him, and tackled him with a hug, "good morning!"
Balancing himself so that they didn't fall over, Naruto grinned and returned her hug, "good morning!"
Then a third, and equally chirpy voice called out. "Good morning!" It called out the pair on the floor, "you guys sleep well?"
Naruto's and Hasuki's eyes widened and they whipped their head to the voice.
Their eyes met a grinning boy, who was giving them a friendly smile. He had black hair, and eyes the same shade as Hasuki's. He currently wore a white sports-shirt and black track pants. A reversed cap sat on his head.
Hasuki gave him a wide eyed stare. "K-Kougi? You're back?" She gave him a nervous chuckle. Her eyes furtively shifting between him and Naruto.
Kougi spoke up, a friendly smile on his face, "hey there, nee-chan. Who's your friend?" He turned to Naruto and raised his hand in greeting, "sup." Naruto cheerfully gave him a salute in return.
Hasuki's face brightened, seeing the two of them interact without any hostility. She smiled at Kougi, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder, "this is Naruto-kun, he didn't have a place to stay last night so I offered him to hang out here." She chuckled running her hand through her hair, "we were watching a movie and fell asleep I guess." She turned to Naruto with a smile, and presented Kougi with her hand, "he's Kougi. My little brother I told you about."
Kougi smiled, his face a picture of complete understanding. "Wow, that's great, nee-chan." He then grabbed his stomach and laughed with embarrassment, "hey I hate to ask but could you heat up the tempura tou-san brought yesterday? I can't find it and I'm pretty hungry right now."
"Give me a minute to freshen up?" said Hasuki, removing the blanket off herself and standing. "Entertain Naruto-kun for a while, would you, Kougi? I'll be right back," she said to her brother. She smiled down at Naruto, "see you in five." Naruto finger gunned her and winked. Hasuki giggled and set off towards her room upstairs, shaking her head with amusement.
Watching her go, Naruto then turned his attention to Kougi, "hey man, so you're a middle school-"
"Ah, ah, ah." Kougi shook his head with a smile. "Wait for it."
Naruto frowned. "Wait for what-"
"Shhh." The younger boy shushed him with a finger before his lips, he cupped his free palm behind his ear. "Step. Step. That's the sound of nee-chan going away." He grinned. "We'll have a lot of fun soon." He slowly grabbed the bat behind the chair. Bringing it forward. He held it, and slapped its wide end against his palm.
Naruto's brow furrowed. "Uhh? Do you have a baseball?"
Kougi chuckled. "You're it."
Slam!
The door to Hasuki's room shut close.
A snarling Kougi pounced.
"What the hell did you do to my sister, you bastard!" he roared. The bat raised, and his face twisted like an angry demon's. The boy's visage had no hint of friendliness, but every hint of bloodthirstiness.
He swung the bat down at the Uzumaki's head.
Naruto yelped.
"Aaah!"
The baseball bat whammed the sofa as Naruto dove out of the way.
Kougi beckoned him as he chased the blond in the house. "Hey, come on don't run away! We're playing a game!" He swung the bat again, making Naruto duck and roll. "I want to hit a home-run!"
Sprinting into the kitchen, Naruto grabbed a few onions lying in a basket. The Uzumaki's hands quickly swiped at the vegetables with a knife lying on the counter and peeled off the outer skins of the onions. "Okay, try hitting these!" He gleefully hurled the vegetables at the boy.
Kougi's eyes widened as the vegetables soared towards him. He glared as the vegetables closed in on him, and at the right moment.
He swung!
Bat! Bat! Bat!
He hit all the vegetables back at the Uzumaki.
"Good one, Kougi!" Naruto laughed as he caught the vegetables in a dicer, set the machine down, and switched it on.
Brrrr!
He switched it off and opened the lid. "Yeah, nicely done!" He grinned.
"O-Oi, what the hell?" Kougi sputtered. "Face me!" He charged at Naruto.
Naruto grabbed a few eggs from the fridge and tossed them at the younger boy. "Hey control your swing on this one! Just the right amount of force!" A layer of dull red chakra shone on the eggs.
Kougi gulped as the eggs flew towards him. Kaa-san would kill him if he made a mess. His eyes narrowed as he focused his energy and held the bat. He smirked. He'd show the blond the right amount of force. He just had to push the eggs back, not wham them.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!
Poof!
Shove!
He lined up the bat perfectly to touch all the eggs at once, he winced when they cracked a little. He then swung them away. "Hah! Take that!" Kougi gloated at his bat swinging prowess. He did not notice the way his bat went poof in a cloud of smoke and became something else.
Crack!
He paled as the eggs broke apart in mid-air as they headed towards the blond. He gulped. Aww crap, he didn't want to be grounded, he just got home from the academy yesterday!
Despite his fears, Naruto chuckled as he took a bowl and then caught the eggs with his hand one by one. His fingers expertly snagged them from the air, widened the crack Kougi made and let the yolk and egg white drain into the bowl. He tossed the shells into the dustbin beside the kitchen sink.
Kougi watched with amazement at the pure skill on display.
"Thanks for the assist, man!" Naruto smiled at him, while beating the eggs with a spoon. "Okay! Now take a look at your bat!"
Kougi frowned and stared at the bat. "W-What the hell?!" He saw a katana instead. "W-Whoa!" He held the sword by the hilt and brought the blade to his eyes. His eyes shone with wonder as he saw the light reflect off the metal.
Meanwhile, Naruto lit the stove with a lighter and put a pan on it He poured the beaten eggs on pan, letting them spread thin. Then he took the diced onions and dumped them on the pan. He observed with satisfaction as the pan's contents began sizzling.
"Okay, last one, Kougi!" He said to the younger boy, who looked back at him with a grin. "You ready?" Naruto grabbed a few tomatoes from the bin in the corner. He smiled at the boy.
Kougi smiled and took a stance with the blade, holding it pointing towards the ground and beside his waist, ready to slash the air in a moment's notice. The boy's eyes sparkled with glee and eagerness. "Bring it on!" The fruit ninja in him beat his chest with a roar.
"Slice and dice them back at me!" said Naruto, throwing the tomatoes at him.
The tomatoes hung in the air before the Kougi.
Kougi unleashed the blade.
Slice! Slice! Slice!
Kougi pretended to sheath the blade in a scabbard, his face austere like a samurai looking down on his fallen opponent. Too bad the grin on his face ruined the effect.
"Whoo! Atta-boy!" Naruto cheered as tomatoes hurtled back at him, each of them now sliced in four pieces. The Uzumaki grabbed a knife and further sliced them into smaller bits, collected all the sliced bits into a cup and then poured them over the sizzling omelet on the pan. He turned to Kougi, "hey, you guys like anything else with your omelet?"
Kougi grinned, putting the katana away on the dining table, after which it poofed back to a baseball bat. He then moved to the fridge. "Nee-chan likes cheese on top. I'm okay either way." He took out two slices of cheese and tossed them to the Uzumaki.
"Nice! Thanks bro!" Naruto caught the slices and spread them on the pan.
Kougi chuckled, "don't mention it." He scratched his head and reluctantly said, "hey, ummm, you're cool, I guess." He then glowered, "I know you're a Black Dog, saw your face enough times in the academy. But if you hurt my sister… I'll kill you. Got that?"
Naruto barked a laugh and nodded. "Loud and clear. Anyway sit down, it'll be done soon," he said, looking at the dish.
Hasuki then walked into the kitchen, now wearing a polka-dotted blouse and blue skirt. She looked at them with questioning eyes. "Hey, what're you guys doing?" she asked.
Kougi and Naruto turned to her with identical grins and said together, "we're making breakfast!"
Kougi walked behind her and started pushing her towards a chair. "Sit down, nee-chan! Let's eat!" After pushing her into one, he then got out the plates and put them on the dining table.
Naruto turned the stove off and took the omelet off the pan and onto a plate. "Breakfast is served~" he sang as he walked over to the two Komai siblings sitting at the table.
Kougi gloated, "heh, I bet it's awesome. I did all the hard work, nee-chan."
Naruto whipped his head at him, while cutting a piece and sliding it into Hasuki's plate. "W-What? Liar! I was the one who cooked it!"
Kougi snickered, "oh yeah? Who gave you the idea?"
Naruto snorted, "ideas are cheap. Action is what counts!"
The two of them continued bickering, while Hasuki observed them with a small smile. She thought Kougi might not receive Naruto well. She smiled happily. Of course her fears were unfounded! Her brother was such a dear! She leaned to his side and grabbed him in a light side hug. "Thanks, Kougi!" She beamed at him.
Kougi started with surprise, and then he let out a huge smile. "No problem, nee-chan!" He furtively gave Naruto a smug look, grinning.
Naruto sputtered, "c-come on!" He pouted at Hasuki, "I-I want a hug too!"
Hasuki poked her tongue out at him, her smile impish, "hmm, I'm not feeling it right now."
Naruto sat down on the chair beside Hasuki, depressed and with rain clouds over his head. He sniffed pitifully, looking like a kicked puppy.
Hasuki giggled and then leaned close to him, whispering, "don't worry, we'll go on a date later."
Naruto immediately cheered up. "Yeah!" He and Hasuki shared a smile before they began digging into their breakfast.
Kougi watched them interact with some consternation. He then sighed, looking at his sister's happy face. He smiled reluctantly. Hey if his sister was happy it was enough for him. This Naruto didn't seem all that bad. He still had his reservations… he'd just have to wait and see for now.
Kougi idly bit into his omelet, his mind churning with thoughts of much he should trust the blond.
Whether he was worthy of being his sister's boyfriend.
Naruto turned to Kougi with a grin. "Hey, wanna be a Super Saiyan?"
Kougi choked on his omelet at the completely random question. He quickly gulped the glass of water beside him.
"W-What the heck?" he eyed Naruto as if he was out of his mind. He then pursed his lips, recalling all the rumors surrounding the blond in the academy. He tentatively asked, trying not to sound too excited, "y-you can do that?"
Naruto grinned, "oh boy, do I got a treat for you."
He then brought out a palm sized scroll from his pockets.
"Behold! The cosplay scroll!" He then quickly muttered, "product only sold at registered Kurama Corp affiliate stores. One time use only. Terms and conditions apply."
Hasuki blinked at the last part, "what?"
Naruto scratched his head with embarrassment, "sorry, Airu made me promise to say that." He leaned over the table and handed the scroll to Kougi.
Frowning with confusion, Kougi opened the scroll.
Yellow light immediately burst out of the scroll, blinding him. He screamed.
"A-Aaaaah!"
Boom!
And his world exploded in golden ki.
After a while, Komai Residence, main entrance
Naruto stood before the main door of the house, wearing his backpack which had his luggage.
Hasuki stood with him, giving him a concerned look.
From within the house they could hear Kougi roar mightily.
"I! Am the legendary Super Saiyan! Bow before my might! Ahahaha!"
Hasuki chuckled, looking into the house where a golden aura shone in the living room and then back at Naruto, "I think you just became his favorite person." She sighed. "He loves that show."
Naruto grinned. "Wait till I give him the Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan scroll."
Hasuki looked at him with a flat face, "then he'll try to steal you from me." She frowned, "anyway, you sure you got a place to stay?"
Naruto smiled, "yeah, don't worry-"
The main door then swung open, and two adults stepped inside. A man and woman.
Their relaxed faces immediately froze when they spotted Naruto.
Hasuki paled, her eyes wide, "t-tou-san! K-Kaa-san!"
The two adults blinked with big eyes, staring at Naruto.
The father sputtered, pointing an accusing finger at the blond. "W-Who the hell are you!"
Naruto gulped, staring at them with surprised eyes, "I-I'm the plumber?"
The mother frowned at Hasuki, "Hasuki, who is this?"
Hasuki tried to smile confidently, but couldn't stop herself from hiding a little behind Naruto from her mother's gaze, "h-he's my boyfriend."
The father goggled at her, "your boyfriend's a plumber?!" He turned to Naruto, "hey the kitchen sink has been acting up, could you take a look at it?" He placed an arm around Naruto's shoulder, gripping it tight and leading him inside the house. "Name's Goda, what's yours plumber boyfriend?"
Naruto chuckled nervously, "it's a me, Mario."
Goda barked a laugh as they headed into the house.
The mother pursed her lips at Hasuki as she closed the door and stepped inside. "Family meeting. Now." She said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Hasuki winced, following her as she walked into the house. "Y-Yes, kaa-san."
The mother then yelled as they stepped into the living room.
"Kougi! Stop the light show! Get down from the sofa! And when did you dye your hair!"
Kougi laughed haughtily.
"Hah! Silence, feeble earthling! Tremble before the might of the legendary Super Saiya-"
The mother began twisting his ear.
Kougi yelped, "a-ah! Kaa-san! Kaa-san! I give up! I'm sorry!"
Hasuki snorted, "sure feeling the legendary bit, Kougi."
Jets of water exploded in the kitchen.
Goda yelped, "oi, Mario! You made it worse!"
Naruto sputtered, "I-I can fix this! I can fix this!"
Goda sputtered back, "w-well you better! Or it's so long gay Bowser for both of us!" He gulped. "My wife will kill us!"
Hasuki giggled as she heard her father and Naruto panicking in the kitchen.
Kougi cracked a grin in spite of his pain.
The mother sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. She called out to the pair in the kitchen, "Goda! Mario!" Hasuki snickered, earning a confused glance from her mother. She continued, "both of you, stop fooling around and come to the living room."
Goda and Naruto called out from the kitchen. "Okay! Let's-a go!" Stifled laughter and a high-five could be heard from the kitchen.
The mother growled, "would you stop fooling around! I'm trying to be serious here!"
Goda and Naruto gasped, "mama mia!" They did not sound too frightened. More amused if anything.
The mother stomped her way into the kitchen and began barking at them with anger. And the man and boy soon began cowering with fear.
They yelped, "game over!"
The woman roared with frustration, "aargh!"
Meanwhile Hasuki and Kougi laughed while staring into the kitchen, watching as their mother chased the two guys with a ladle in her hand.
Komai residence, living room
Naruto and Hasuki sat before the sofa on two chairs, facing Hasuki's parents who were seated on the sofa opposite them. Kougi sat beside the dining table, looking on with a frown.
The two parents were Komai Goda and Komai Sami, the father and mother respectively.
Goda, the father, was a broad shouldered man who had an easygoing smile on his face. His yellow t-shirt stretched against the muscles on his chest and arms. And he currently wore a dark blue jeans. He had a light scar on his face, which went from his jaw to lower lip.
Sami, the mother, was a woman with long flowing hair, which fell until her legs. It was currently braided and tied in two loops to keep her hair manageable. She had a stern frown on her face as she pushed back her glasses and gazed at the two children opposite her. Her blouse was a dark green and her pants a dark grey. Her face greatly resembled her daughter's but was more square in shape compared to hers.
Hasuki had her gaze to the ground, wincing under the stare of her parents.
Naruto let loose with a whoop, "hey! I love your daughter! Is it okay if we hang out!"
Hasuki blinked slowly and turned to him. Amazed at his bravery.
Sami's face looked like a cold dead winter as she glared.
Goda gave Hasuki a smile, "you like him?"
Hasuki nodded rapidly, "y-yeah! I-I love him!"
Goda laughed heartily, "great! Then I guess there's no problem-"
Sami scowled, "my foot there's no problem!" Goda and Hasuki winced. She glared at Naruto, "you're from the west! Why should we trust you?"
Hasuki tried to interject, "kaa-san, Naruto-kun is-"
Sami shook her head, "no, Hasuki. I don't want your explanation." She frowned at Naruto, "I want his answer. The world will kick you around. You'll only cause grief for my daughter." She sighed and pushed her glasses back. "Unless you have a compelling argument, don't get within an inch of Hasuki."
Goda put his hand on her shoulder, "dear, she likes him-"
Sami growled, "doesn't matter." She shook her head, crossing her hands, "she moved on from Inuzuka right? She'll move on from him as well."
Hasuki bunched up her fists in anger, glaring, "k-kaa-san, please don't-"
"No." Sami glared. "Hasuki. You will not be hurt by associating with him." She turned to Naruto, who was watching with a silent smile. She scowled, "what? No words to say?" She sighed. "If not, then please get ready to leave. I called your guardian, he'll come pick you up." She frowned, "why did he sound so surprised? You did give me the right number right?"
Naruto chuckled. "Well, yeah. They're closest to family in Touwa." He leaned forward on his knees. "So, what will it take for you to accept me, Sami-san?"
"I want a guarantee that my daughter has a happy future."
Naruto raised a brow. "Is it money-"
Sami frowned. "Money can't buy you safety when you want to go buy some groceries on a Monday evening. Nor can it buy you friends when the country hates you." She shook her head. "I don't care how rich you are. What can you do to safeguard Hasuki?"
Naruto smiled sharply. "I can change the world."
Sami observed his face with piercing stare. "How?"
Naruto grinned. "I am the founder of the Kurama Foundation. A non-profit organization whose mission is to promote peace between the nations of Touwa and the West Duchy."
Sami raised a brow. "Oh really? What have you achieved so far…" She blinked as if she remembered something. "Wait… you're that Kurama Foundation?! The one at the sports fest!" She stared at Naruto with surprise.
Naruto blinked, "oh. You already know about us?"
She nodded her head. "Of course I know! I attended the festival!" She gave him a wide eyed stare. "How in the world did you pull off that virtual reality game of yours!"
Naruto grinned and pretended to zip his lips. "Sorry, company secret."
Goda scratched his head, "company?"
Naruto snickered, enjoying the perplexed stares of everyone in the room.
Hasuki looked at him as if she only had half of the pieces of the puzzle.
Sami's face had gone from frigid opposition to thawing curiosity.
Goda looked confused. He also looked like he was having fun.
Kougi was staring off into space, fighting against Freeza on the exploding planet of Namek.
Naruto nodded at Goda and continued, "yes, the Kurama Corporation. Jointly owned by the Inuzuka family and the Kurama Foundation." He turned to Sami, "part of the profits will be put into company investments and expenditure while the other part will be used as funding for the Kurama Foundation's efforts." Naruto smiled, "our efforts will be to make the world a better place."
Sami gave Naruto a considering look, readjusting herself on the sofa and settling into a more relaxed posture. She smiled, "you've given this a lot of thought haven't you." She chuckled, "was it all for my daughter?"
Naruto shook his head, "I… wish I could say that. But I did it mostly for my friends and family." He turned to Hasuki and winked, "you know. The ones you tried to seduce me for."
Hasuki gasped. She looked at Naruto with wide eyes, she also blushed as the boy used the exact words she'd used while telling him that she knew about Inuzuka's and Persia's relationship.
She said, "y-you don't m-mean for… t-them." Naruto smiled at her. Hasuki's heart soared with affection for the blond, as she grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. She thought he'd done a lot for Inuzuka-kun. But no. He'd done a lot more than what she'd thought. "Y-You need to stop making me love you even more." She pouted. "My heart will burst."
Naruto laughed and just as he opened his mouth-
Sami cleared her throat. "Ahem. Please. You're not in the clear yet." She stared at Hasuki. "Hasuki. If you will?" Hasuki reluctantly let go of the blond. Sami sighed and continued, "having a company is nice and all, but what guarantee of success do you have?"
Naruto scratched his cheek. "Umm, our products can't be found anywhere else in the world. I mean you already know the VR game. We'll release it as a subscription model… or something." Naruto chuckled sheepishly. "We got tons of products like that! We're coming up with new ones everyday." He then dug his hand into his backpack which was on the floor and brought out another palm sized scroll. "In fact I'll demonstrate!" He turned to Kougi, who was now fighting Perfect Cell and was currently in a Kamehameha beam struggle. Naruto tossed him the scroll, "oi, Kougi! Go nuts!"
Kougi saw the scroll and caught it from the air. He blinked in surprise and then looked at Naruto with a big smile. He asked, "another cosplay scroll?" Naruto nodded with a smile. "Cool!" He jumped to his feet and opened the scroll-
Poof!
Everyone shielded their eyes and a few of them squawked with surprise at the room exploded with blue light and smoke. And once they blinked the spots out they opened their eyes to see Kougi with his hair standing up in thick, blue spikes and with an aura of solid blue energy blowing upwards around him.
The parents observed their son with bewilderment. Their eyes wide.
Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Kougi laughed, as he took in his divine aura, observing his reflection on the mirror in the living room, "hell yeah! Now even the gods will tremble before me! Ahahaha!"
Overcoming her brief surprise, Sami sighed, pinching her brow, "Kougi, if you have that much energy then do the dishes." She frowned at Naruto, "that better not be permanent." Naruto assured her that it'd wear off without a trace soon.
"Feel the wrath of a god, germs!" said Kougi, running into the kitchen with cackles. He turned the faucet on and started dispensing divine judgment as he started scrubbing the plates in the sink. "Hakai!" He then added cheerfully, "thanks, nii-san!"
Sami turned back to Naruto, who was chuckling at Kougi, she said, "okay. You proved your point." She raised two fingers, "I have two conditions. If you can fulfill them then I have no issues with you."
Naruto nodded, "alright. Shoot."
She raised a single finger. "One. When you are with Hasuki in public, you must be disguised as a Touwan." She frowned. "As long as the world isn't accepting, I won't risk her safety."
Naruto made a hand-seal and went-
Poof!
A black haired, black eyed Naruto emerged from the smoke. He smiled, "this good?"
Sami observed him with some surprise. She continued, "…I won't ask how did that but, yes. That's good." She raised two fingers, "two. You must go to college and get a good degree." She raised a brow, "you can do that right?"
Naruto's smile froze. His thoughts ground to a halt when the prospect of four or more years of intensive schooling invaded his mind. It was like being shoved into a coffin and being buried under a mountainous mound of books.
But he needn't have feared, for his girlfriend was ready to defend him.
Hasuki clapped his back and proudly proclaimed, "don't worry, kaa-san. Naruto-kun is a genius! He placed first in the mid-terms!" She grinned with full confidence, "he'll get into the best colleges in the country! Easy-peasy!" Naruto turned to Hasuki with horror written all over his face. Hasuki beamed at him, "oh don't look like that, we'll still be together. We can even go to the same college! It'll be loads of fun!" She elbowed him with a wink, whispering with an impish smile, "if you know what I mean."
Naruto blinked, and suddenly college didn't seem all that bad. Hell, he was even looking forward to it now! He grinned at Sami, who was eyeing the two of them with a suspicious frown. "College!" He gave it a thumbs-up.
Sami nodded slowly, her gaze shifting between Naruto and Hasuki. She sighed, and then smiled. "Well then, I have no problem with you two seeing each other." She gave Naruto a slightly apologetic look, "sorry for all the questions but I needed to know how serious you were." Naruto waved her off with a smile, telling her it wasn't an issue. She nodded in thanks. "Well, I've kept you long enough. You kids can continue," she said, standing up and walking away towards the dining table. She paused briefly and looked at Naruto, "you're welcome in this house, Naruto Uzumaki." She gave him a brief smile and continued on her way.
Goda laughed and gave the kids a thumbs-up as well. "Well, as long as you behave around my daughter, I don't see a problem, Mario." Naruto chuckled and nodded.
Hasuki and Naruto exchanged a smile and high-fived. Happy that Hasuki's family accepted them.
Hasuki asked Naruto, "do you want to visit a shrine later?" She blushed lightly and chuckled, "I know one which is supposed to be good luck for couples."
Sami's voice immediately rang out from where she was seated before dining table, "Kougi, chaperone them."
Hasuki and Kougi immediately protested, "k-kaa-saan."
Sami chuckled, and continued working with a thick book before her on the table, writing things down with a pencil. She said, "listen, or you're both grounded."
Hasuki turned to her father with a frown, "t-tou-san! This is a dictatorship!"
Goda snorted, "yeah, and I'm the first victim."
"What was that?" said Sami, not really paying attention but focusing on her work.
Goda gulped and put on a happy but nervous smile. "N-Nothing, dear. Hey your hair looks amazing today!"
Sami smiled, "thanks. Anyway come over here, we need to do the accounts."
Goda whispered desperately to Hasuki as he got up, "save meee!" He then boomed with laughter and set off for his wife, "coming, dear!"
Hasuki laughed with amused eyes as she saw her father walk away.
Naruto had a small smile on his face as he watched the Komai family. His smile dimmed a little. He was happy, then why were his insides burning with sadness. It felt like he was missing something. And that something's absence was like a chain pulling his thoughts towards the thing he desired.
He looked around and felt that chain pull him towards the whole family around him.
Naruto sighed, looking down on the floor. This… was probably jealousy. Being an orphan, was this what he missed out on? Because boy, it sure looked fun. He chuckled and shook his head. He was being stupid, he had a girlfriend who loved him, and her family seemed to be okay with him. What more could he want?
Naruto choked back the sob that threatened to escape him.
He…he wanted to be someone's son.
Hasuki put her hand on his shoulder, looking at him with worry. "Naruto-kun?"
Naruto buried his momentary heartache under a smile. "I'm fine-"
Ding Dong
The doorbell rang.
Kougi jogged towards the entrance and opened the door, and a familiar voice hit Naruto's ears.
"Ah, hello. I'm Inugami Maramute. I'm here to pick up Naruto Uzumaki."
Streets of Touwa, Outside the Komai residence
Naruto and Maramute walked together, silently, in the streets, after Naruto had bid the Komai family a hearty goodbye.
Shooting the older man occasional glances, Naruto walked, wearing his backpack and with his hands on the straps.
While Maramute with walked his hands in the pockets of his black pants. He currently wore a grey checkered shirt, with short sleeves.
Naruto finally spoke up as they came upon a bend of the road, "hey, thanks man. I can take it from here." He smiled at the older man, "just had to give them someone's number so they could call my guardian or something." He chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "I'll go look for a hotel to stay at, see you at the gym-"
Maramute sighed and put his hand on Naruto's shoulder. Lightly pulling him along with him as he continued walking them beyond the bend. "I'm insulted you thought I'd turn you away." He shook his head, "you're staying with us."
Naruto stammered with surprise, "b-but you don't even know me. Aren't you pissed at me?" He frowned with confusion, looking up at the slightly taller man.
Maramute chuckled. "Oh? I remember someone calling me their family in the gym." He hesitated for a second, before he lightly ruffled the boy's hair.
Naruto blushed with embarrassment and whipped his head to the ground, and squeaked out shyly, "y-you heard that? I thought you'd passed out." He shook his head, shame faced, "s-sorry for saying such stupid things."
Maramute hummed, "it's not as stupid as you think." He sighed. "Anyway, Leon cleared things up, so don't worry. I have no problems with you staying with us." He smiled, "the kids have been begging to bring you over anyway. You try dealing with two pouty children, you can't win." He chuckled, "especially when their elder sister encourages them to." He squeezed Naruto's shoulder reassuringly, "there's a room waiting for you in our home."
A smile slowly blossomed on Naruto's face. The burn in his heart started cooling, bit by bit.
Naruto said shyly to the man, "thanks for having me."
Maramute nodded and gave him a determined look, "thanks for giving me a chance to set things right for my family."
Naruto chuckled, and turned his gaze back to the road as they walked. "Don't thank me, thank Vermie."
Maramute cracked a smile, as they turned left at a crossroad. "Right back at you, thank Vermie, not me." He gripped his fists, "let me make one thing clear. I'm not doing this for your sympathy. I will win the tournament." He looked at Naruto with a fire burning in his eyes, "you called me trash. I want to show you how wrong you are." He pursed his lips and exhaled explosively, "I want to give my family the confidence that they can rely on me." He glared at Naruto with heated resolve, "I. Will. Win."
Naruto nodded, acknowledging the man's determination. "Alright, Dick. I won't go easy on you." He chuckled, "I'm still gonna train you though. You can rely on me."
The two of them neared a blue sedan which was parked in a public parking space with rows of cars and SUVs. Small gasps of excitement could be heard from within the sedan.
Maramute smiled at Naruto, "thanks, son. Now I believe there's someone who wants to meet you." The two of them reached the car and Maramute opened the rear passenger door.
Two young kids wearing identical blue shirts and black pants jumped out at Naruto from inside the car. Kai and Kuri beamed happily at Naruto and yelled, "aniki!" They both latched onto his legs and hugged him with squeals.
Two hands then lightly knocked them on their heads, making them go 'ow!' Having gotten out of the car and standing behind them, Leon, who wore a dark green blouse and blue jeans, gave them an expectant look. She said, "hey, what did I just tell you? Don't talk like thugs."
Kai and Kuri nodded rapidly, eager to please. They turned back Naruto and beamed up at him, "nii-chan!"
Naruto's face had broken into a wide and joyous smile and he laughed happily. He knelt down and warmly hugged the kids, putting his arms around the both of them, making them giggle happily and bury their faces in his chest.
Meanwhile, Leon raised a brow at the Uzumaki, "what's with the hairdo? Black is the new blond?"
Naruto smiled at her, "just wanted to keep a low profile. Till things get better."
Leon scoffed, rolling her eyes, "you're optimistic."
Naruto chuckled, "boy, do I owe you an info dump or what?" Leon frowned at him. Naruto grinned at her, "I'll change the world, Leon. Vermie's gonna be happy and safe with her family. I promise you that."
Leon's eyes widened a fraction before she looked away. She frowned, "don't make promises you can't keep." She glanced back at him, "but… tell me more later." She gave him a cocky grin, "I'm sure a dumbass like you could use all the help he can get."
Naruto nodded, "I'll be glad to have you on board but-," he sighed and shook his head, "Leon, Leon, Leon. Is this jealousy? Are you so butt-hurt that I got better beats?" He grinned at her.
Leon's eye twitched as she smiled down at him. "Not really. Heard better noise, in the market streets."
Naruto stuck his tongue out at her. "Girl, I'm one of the elites. One with no defeats-"
Maramute quickly interrupted them before they really got going. "Okay! So! Pipe down kids and settle down in your seats."
Naruto and Leon blinked in surprise and then turned to the man with grins, looking at him with approval. Maramute wondered why, and then groaned with realization that he'd contributed to their rhymes.
Leon and Naruto exchanged a look and nodded with grins. They turned to Maramute and whispered darkly and invitingly, waving their arms like noodles in the air, "yesss, yesss, give in to the dark side. Join us! And strike us down! Become the new Synth lord!"
Maramute looked back with wide eyes, "w-why are you in sync?" Leon and Naruto winked at each other with a chuckle, and then turned to him with grins. Maramute dragged a palm down his face with a sigh. "Oh, right. Emails." He shook his head, "anyway. Hop in the car. Let's eat out today."
Kai and Kuri immediately dragged Naruto with them into the rear passenger seats. Happily sitting on either side of him with smiles.
Leon stared. "W-What the heck! I want to sit with him!"
Naruto looked touched. Clutching his heart he said, "Leon, you like me that much?"
Leon rolled her eyes, "don't flatter yourself." She grinned with mischief at him. "I just wanna know what you got up to with Hasuki!"
Naruto blushed and looked away, "o-oi! That's none of your business!"
Leon's smile widened. "Oh! So you did do something!" Naruto blushed even more and tried to hide his face behind his palms but the kids were currently holding his hands with smiles. Leon grinned, "was it a hug? Was it a loving kiss? Come on, tell me-"
Maramute said from the driver's seat, "Leon, either get in the car or we're leaving without you. It's already past lunchtime."
"Okay!" Leon sang as she sat down in the front passenger seat. "We'll have a lot of time together, dopey. I'll get the deets, don't worry~"
Naruto started feeling trapped as he saw Leon twist in her seat and look back at him with an eager smile. He gulped.
Maramute started the car and they set off on the road.
Kai patted Naruto's shoulder. "Good luck, nii-chan. Nee-chan will make a buffet of all your embarrassing secrets."
Naruto squeaked, "e-embarrassing secrets?"
Kuri nodded, "yeah! Like that time in the sports fest when you kissed that boy-"
Panicking, Naruto interrupted her, "K-Kuri, no!"
Ecstatic, Leon grinned like a devil, "Kuri, yes!"
Naruto sunk deeper into his seat as he saw Leon looking back at him with a hungry look in her eyes.
Leon snickered, "oh, dopey. It's gonna be so much fun with you around."
"M-Meep," Naruto meeped.
He breathed a sigh of relief after Leon took her attention off him for the moment. He gulped imagining the ample opportunities she'd have in the duration of his stay. He chuckled feebly. It was true he supposed. Be careful what you wished for.
…but the warm feeling in his heart made him glad that he had in fact wished for something like this.
Naruto smiled, and before long he started playing word games with the kids, had an impromptu rap battle with Leon, and made plans for an evening workout with Maramute.
Happy families are all alike, his ass.
This happy family was as unique as anything in the world. And by the Sage he was gonna make sure it became whole and stayed whole. And remained happy for ages to come.
Because to him, it was his.
Day of Boxing Quarterfinals, Dahlia Island, September
The vacation had passed by in a flash, and soon Naruto found himself again on Dahlia Island. The blond was currently walking towards Dahlia Town with Leon walking beside him. The girl had returned to Dahlia Academy to resume her studies. The two of them were currently dressed in their respective Black Dogs uniforms. And Naruto was back to being blond.
Naruto hummed to himself as he recalled the vacation.
He and Hasuki had explored all the tourist spots in Touwa. Why? Well, just because they could. Being the partner of the nine tailed fox had its perks after all. One flash was all it took to go anywhere in the country. So shrines, temples, mountain resorts, old castles and forts, you name it and they'd visited it. He even told her bits and pieces about who he was. About his childhood, Konoha, and his jutsus and abilites.
The girl had become very uncomfortable when he told her that he had killed people while working as a ninja. It took her a few days to come to terms with it, that he was a soldier of his village, and that it was either kill or be killed. When he offered her the chance to back away from him and cut their relationship short, she had looked shocked and asked if he was crazy, telling him that she couldn't blame him for things not in his control.
She just asked him to put his village behind him and live a normal life, he didn't need to put himself at risk anymore. Naruto had chuckled awkwardly at that, wondering when he'd reveal to her that he was Crossdressman. The two of them then went to an anime expo with Kougi to put the heavy stuff behind them.
Now, coming to the Inuzukas,
He'd tried multiple times to visit their home. But that girl, who Hasuki called the Inuzukas' guard-dog, kept chasing him away with a broomstick! Her name was Shuna apparently, Airu's and Romio's younger cousin. He didn't even understand what he'd done! Their first conversation had gone something like-
Naruto grinned, standing before the Inuzuka family's entrance, "yo! I'm here to see Airu!"
Shuna glared at him, clad in her servant's attire, "why is you hair black. It was previously blond. What is your relation to Airu nii-sama?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head, "eh? We're partners?"
"P-Partners?" Shuna stared at him with big eyes.
Naruto nodded, "yeah. We need to make an huge announcement soon." Naruto grinned, "it's gonna be great, maybe you can come too!"
"What… what announcement?"
"You know, with the press. Just a casual engagement abou-"
Shuna's eyes popped out, "e-engagement!"
Naruto nodded, rubbing the back of his head with a small grin. "Yeah, and I also wanted to tell him I'm gonna be annoying him for a long time to come." He chuckled, "we're gonna be together forever. Ha!"
Shuna started breathing heavily, gripping her heart. "T-Together forever?!"
Naruto continued, "also I wanna ask him if I can go back to my old dorm-room." He pouted. "I'm tired of being chained to him all the time! He's so picky and judgmental! I can't take that 24x7!"
Shuna had paled to a deathly white, she whispered in horror, "ch-ch-chained to him?" She then erupted into a volcanic fury. "Get out!" She picked up a broomstick from a closet and ran at him. "Get out! Don't you dare come near nii-sama! You pervert!"
Naruto yelped. "Ah!" He dodged a swipe. "Stop it!" He jumped to the side to avoid being smashed. "I just wanna see Airu!"
"Aaah!" Shuna just roared and swung away at him while chasing him.
"Oh my god, you crazy woman!" Naruto yelped and ran out of the premises. "What the hell's your problem?!"
So yeah, he didn't get to see Airu until he returned to the academy.
And finally coming to the Inugamis…
Coming out of his recollection, Naruto turned to look at the demon walking beside him. The demon, which the world called Leon for some misguided reason, looked back at him with a smile.
Naruto shivered and quickly turned his gaze away. He sweated, hoping she wouldn't catch on to his plans for her.
Leon immediately put her arm around his shoulder with a huge grin. "Naruto, are you hiding something from me again?" she sang.
"P-Plans? What plans?" the Uzumaki unwittingly uttered.
Leon giggled.
Naruto's eyes widened at the slip up. He pouted at her, "s-shut up!"
"What? I didn't say anything," she snickered. "So, care to share?"
"Nuh-uh," Naruto shook his head rapidly.
The two of them entered the town proper. People milled about, vehicles roamed the roads, and vendors loudly advertised their wares in the streets. Naruto and Leon walked in the direction of the indoor stadium where the boxing tournament was being hosted.
"Come on, you can tell big sis anything!" She pulled him closer using her arm around his neck, grinning as he gulped with fear. "After all you told me so many things about yourself."
Naruto cursed the day she found out about his weakness to being pet. He could remember it like it was yesterday-
Leon and Naruto were sitting in front of the television and watching a movie while Maramute took the kids over to a park. They both had a bowl of french fries and some cheese dip in between them.
Leon glanced at him, "uh, you got some cheese on your cheek." She pointed to her own cheek, "over here."
Naruto swiped his face with his sleeves, "gone?"
"You completely missed."
Swipe.
"Got it?"
Leon sighed, "I'll do it myself, you look ridiculous." She leaned over and brushed the back of her hand against his cheek.
"N-No, wait! P-Prr~!"
Naruto purred, blushed, and whipped his head away.
Leon blinked at him with surprise. She then grinned and did it again.
"O-Oi! Prr~ S-Stop it!" Naruto pouted at her, backing away and hitting the edge of the sofa.
Leon chuckled, looking intently at him and rubbing her palms with anticipation. "I think I just found the key to the vault." Naruto gulped in fear. Leon winked, "I'm gonna blow you wide open~"
Of course that was when Maramute had decided to enter the room and gape at the two of them.
"B-Blow?! W-What the heck!" he said with flabbergasted eyes.
"T-Tou-san!" Leon whipped her head at him with surprise.
"D-Dick! Oi! I'm innocent!" Naruto yelped as the man began chasing him in the house. "Your daughter's the one who can't keep her hands off me!" For some reason that only made the man madder.
Naruto shook his head and came back to the present. Well, that was an interesting day.
Present day Leon said, as she ticked things off on her fingers, "I mean there was that time you went on a crossdressing adventure-"
Naruto winced.
"-got eaten alive by cougars-"
Naruto blushed.
"-used a prefect as a teddy bear-"
Naruto's eye twitched.
"-asked Hasuki to help raise your kids-"
Naruto blurted out, "oi! That was your idea!" He frowned at her.
She snickered, "oh? But I didn't know you had a sixteen year old girl calling you daddy." She punched his sides playfully, "way to go, tiger. Just what did you do for that to happen?"
Naruto crossed his arms, and pursed his lips, "…let's just say she wouldn't be alive if I hadn't done what I did."
Leon's eyes widened. She then got a pleased smile on her face and ruffled his hair, "that's my dopey! Saving lives and making girls call him daddy!" She snickered. "Hey, once we get mama back should I call you daddy too?"
Naruto gave her a horrified look. "Y-Your dad will kill me." He gulped, "I mean… I trained him myself. So I know he can hit me now if he catches me off guard."
"Hah, yeah. Don't worry, I was just kidding." Leon smiled, "hey can I ask you something?"
Naruto nodded, "yeah?"
Leon asked with a frown, "what do you think of me-"
Naruto rattled off, "a demon in human skin-" Leon bonked his head. "Hey!" Naruto complained, holding his head in pain.
Leon's smiled with a twitching eye. "I'm being serious." She sighed, "look at it from my point of view. You're some random guy who started sending me emails, referred my father to a huge job, plays with my siblings, and who seems hellbent on making my mama happy." She shook her head, "just… what am I supposed to think of you?"
Naruto smiled at her, "Leon we have a very deep relationship."
Leon blinked in surprise, "r-really?"
Naruto chuckled and nodded, "absolutely. Like a thug and their victim." He rubbed his chin, "it's called Stockholder syndrome?"
"…Stockholm syndrome." She looked at him with an upset face.
"Yeah! That! It feels exactly like that!" He beamed at her. "I mean in a way, family is a hostage situation right?"
Leon slowly blinked at him, "I… I want to punch for that but… you consider us family?" She smiled, "I suppose you are my victim." She brushed his cheek.
"Ah! D-Don't," he quickly ducked away from her hand and gave her the stink eye as she laughed. He continued, "yeah, so! To cement that we're family, it's my turn!" He grinned at her, leading her to a deserted alleyway as she was distracted with giggling. "You're the victim this time!"
Leon blinked, "huh? What?"
Flash!
"Aah!" She yelped as her world exploded in an orange light. "Oi, what the heck!"
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A hand knocked against wood.
Leon stumbled around and balanced herself against a wall. Trying to blink the spots out of her eyes. The noise of the streets had suddenly cut off. The sounds of waves crashing against land hit her ear.
She heard Naruto's voice, "did you really think I'd let you watch your father get beaten up in the matches?" He chuckled, "spend time with your mom instead."
A door swung open.
A woman called out, "oh! Naruto! Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Who's your friend over… Leon!"
Leon blinked hard and opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was her mother standing before an open door to an apartment and looking at her with shocked eyes.
Leon gaped like an idiot.
"Oh, Leon!" Vermie immediately sprang forward and grabbed her into a hug and started stroking the back of her head. "Sweetheart, you've grown up so much!"
Leon muttered with surprise, "m-mama?" She looked at Naruto and saw him grinning at her.
Naruto gave her a two fingered salute, "see ya, Leon!"
Flash!
He disappeared in a flash of orange.
Leon blinked with disbelief. She exploded, "what the fu-"
Vermie reprimanded her, "Leon! Language!" She said, parting from the hug and frowning lightly at her.
"B-But, mama! Naruto disappeared!"
Vermie furrowed her brow, "what do you mean? He's right behind us." She turned around and saw thin air. "…huh?"
Flash!
Naruto appeared again.
He tossed Leon a small bag, "hey, I put your passport and some money in this. You know just in case. Anyway, have fun, guys! Try not to curse me too much, eh? Laters!"
Flash!
He disappeared in a flash of orange.
Vermie blinked with disbelief. She exploded, "what the fu-"
Leon reprimanded her, "mama! Language!"
Vermie pouted at her. "Oh be quiet, you. I'm your mother. I can say these things." She shook her head, "anyway forget that. Just what is happening!"
"Umm, tou-san is fighting in a boxing tournament-"
Vermie's eyes widened, "he's what?!" She shook her head, "h-how could you let him! You know how he is!" She quickly straightened up and asked with a serious face, "when is this tournament?"
Leon ran a hand through her hair nervously, "uhh, today? On Dahlia Island."
Vermie paled, "o-oh no. T-They'll beat him to mush." She hurried into the apartment. "H-Hurry we need to set off immediately!"
Leon sputtered, "b-but what about Naruto-"
Vermie emerged wearing her purse and dragging a luggage trolley, "that boy can take care of himself. Don't worry." She locked the door behind her and began dragging Leon with her. "We need to worry about your father!"
Leon hurried with her mother, having to sprint a little with how fast they were going. She sweated, since when did mama become so athletic? A-And were they in the West Duchy? Just… just how?
They both jogged in the street, going past the marketplace and rushing past the public bus stops.
Vermie continued, "anyway, how have you been doing, dear?" She asked, giving her a cheerful smile. She then stopped abruptly and pulled her into another hug. "Oh I just missed you so much! You're as adorable as I remember you!" She said smiling widely. "I love you, darling."
Leon smiled in return and hugged her back. "I love you too, mama." She said burying her face in the nook of her mother's neck. They both stayed like that for a few moments until Leon spoke again, "I-I don't want to ruin the moment, but we should probably get going."
"R-Right!" said Vermie, sounding disappointed. "We'll have plenty of time on the ferry to catch up!" She parted and smiled at Leon, "you'll tell mama all you've been up to, won't you?" She then looked shame faced, "I-I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch, but the pain of hearing your voice and not holding you would have been too much."
Leon shook her head with a smile, "let's just get on the ferry, mama." She giggled, "there's a lot of things I gotta tell you. Especially about Naruto. Did you know he kissed a boy while they were both crossdressing in front of a whole stadium?"
Vermie blinked. "W-What?" After a moment she smiled and chuckled, "do tell me more, dear. That boy never tells me any amusing stories starring himself." They then began walking again. "The ferry awaits!" she cheered.
Leon cheered with her, "ferry awaits!"
They both exchanged a glance and laughed, holding their hands and hurrying to the docks.
A disguised Naruto clone furtively followed them from the shadows, smiling he watched the scene between the mother and daughter. His eyes then started scanning the streets again. Boss had left him in-charge of their safety. And by the Sage, he'd make sure not a fly hurt Vermie or Leon.
The clone then heard Leon utter-
"M-Mama, can we adopt Naruto?"
The clone almost slipped from the rooftop he was standing on. He looked at the pair on the street with wide eyes.
Leon continued with a small smile, "I… I like him. Can we?"
Vermie laughed and nodded, "it was always my intention, dear."
The clone started crying.
Author's Note:-
Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Stay safe.
Wishing you the best.
Cheers!