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Chapter 5: An Enigma's Charm

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"Booyah! Right on the nose, you dumb beast! Nice one, Taka!" Sasuke smiled as Narushiki cheered. Their time together had made his NPC companion more and more human, emerging from his stiff and formal shell to become this rambunctious, mischievous troublemaker. Sasuke found himself consulting Karin less these days as most of his in-game interactions have been through Narushiki. And he didn't mind it one bit.

May it be in-game, or even his work outside the game, he found himself calling out to Narushiki. In most cases, his phone would total 100-500 notifications per day, all from Veam app, all from Narushiki. Every aspect of Sasuke's life, he'd share, may it be what he ate for breakfast, what color of undershirt his employees were wearing or the stray aches and pains in his body. Sasuke had no qualms sharing his experience and the A.I. would actually respond, sharing his own experiences as well.

Sasuke found it odd though that Narushiki's routine seemed to mirror that of some humans. Though slightly less stressful than most. For instance, he found that Narushiki works from Monday to Wednesday, from 10 am to 2:30 before spending much of his time in Bijuu Online or messaging Sasuke through the Veam app. He reasoned that perhaps the A.I. was built this way, to give some realism to the games and afford familiarity to human players. But he doesn't really question it. His life was bright and filled with purpose the more he spent time with Narushiki.

"Oh Damn… This isn't the real third tails, Taka. However, its experience points got to count for something yeah?" Sasuke watched in bliss as Narushiki bent over the fallen beast, eyes surveying their recent conquest.

"Whatever. Just being with you is worth it, Narushiki."

Sasuke smirked to himself as he noted a small blush on the A.I's face.

"Baka. Don't blurt embarrassing things like that all of the sudden."

"Why? Do you want me to lie to you, Naru?"

"Well no."

"Then there's no problem right?"

Sasuke smirked as he brazenly held Narushiki's hand and pulled the blushing A.I to their next objective.

"Now come on. We have more targets to kill. This way, Naru." While Sasuke was having fun with the combat system in Bijuu Online, it's true when he said that being with Narushiki made it more enjoyable. Narushiki relished every kill, every blow and would even come to his aid when he found himself overwhelmed.

"Right. Hey, want to see something cool, Taka? I'll show you some of my own skills." Naru grinned as he held out his hand in front of him. The ninja in front of them channeled a blast of flame towards them but Narushiki merely grinned and absorbed the flames in his hand. In one graceful move he turned and channeled the absorbed attack then returned the flame in a much bigger intensity, instantly obliterating their opponent.

"Cool isn't it?"

Sasuke watched amazed. He never knew of such a mechanic before.

"What was that?"

"The Otsutsuki bloodline, Taka, fresh from the gameshop. You can unlock it if you want. Though you'd have to create a new character, I think, because yours already have one right?" Narushiki said proudly, showing the eye on his palm. As soon as the A.I spoke however, Sasuke paused. Wait… something doesn't add up there.

"Huh?"

"It's a new feature I'm testing. It's not quite balanced yet but for paying players who cares, right? There's a reason why it's a premium feature. Neat isn't it? Got it when it's on 50% sale though so no biggie." Narushiki crossed his arms behind his head and grinned proudly, he was having too much fun that he completely forgot his role, especially since it's not too often that he can let loose his true self.

Sasuke eyed Narushiki warily.

"You have access to the game shop?" Sasuke finally voiced what's bothering him. Why would a quest giver pay for a skill? "How would you pay for it."

"Duhh… just like any other player…With Coin Bits of course."

"What?" Sasuke stared at his companion, who remained oblivious to the other's growing suspicion.

"Right…" Sasuke finally said, but his mind was turning. There's something about this interaction that's setting up alarm bells within him. He'll dig deeper later. For now, he'll play oblivious until he's completely sure.

"Now come on, Taka. Can't wait to explore more of this cave." Narushiki floated excitedly ahead.

The incident would be pushed back in Sasuke's mind however as things became more and more hectic in the office. After that interaction, Narushiki's appearance in game have been more and more sporadic. Narushiki's chats have also slowed down. Though Sasuke would not notice that especially since the company merger with Sannin Industries is drawing closer and closer.

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"What are you doing here, nii-san?" Sasuke asked from his desk, his brother's figure unmoving from his spot on the doorway.

"The CEO from Sannin Industries is set to arrive at 10 a.m. I want you to sit in the meeting and observe how the company is run both from within and without. Think you can do that for me, Otouto?"

"So you want me to act as your secretary?" Sasuke asked incredulously. Itachi shook his head in response.

"I want you to observe, Sasuke. You might not show that much of an interest in how our businesses are run, but I would at least be comforted that if anything were to happen to me, someone can take the reins. Besides, you're the next heir to me, this knowledge is expected of you."

Sasuke frowned. Is Itachi somehow planning something?

"Just what are you planning, nii-san?"

"Nothing to your detriment, little brother. Look, it would benefit you and me if you know how it all runs okay? Don't think too much on it. Besides, I want someone else I can trust in that room with me. Rumor has it that the CEO of this Sannin Industries is an Enigma."

"Enigma?"

"Surely you've heard of them. Long thought to be a myth, the Enigma used to lord over alphas in olden days. Frankly, I ignored the rumors before. But when I looked over the finalized contract, I saw that many of my stipulations and safety nets have been replaced, revised and edited. And our envoy over at Sannin Industries have been agreeing to every demands that their CEO wanted without resistance. I nearly lost one of our department to them. Fortunately the contract is not considered final until presented to the board and Izumi gave me a copy for today's presentation."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. Itachi's chosen are usually among the most ruthless negotiators in the clan. For them to just blindly agree to the competition's demands is definitely a red flag. And while he too believed the Enigma to be myths, he's beginning to see Itachi's concern.

"Alright, nii-san I'll come with you." Sasuke simply replied, for he too was curious of their guest, this supposed Enigma. Itachi gave him a grateful smile.

"Uchiha-sama, Namikaze-sama and his guards are waiting for you with the board at the conference room."

Itachi turned to Konan who gestured for them to start moving. But something was bothering Itachi.

"Guards? Why were his guards allowed in, Konan? Didn't we say we'll handle the security on our end?"

"Well, yeah… But… there is something. You'll see when you get there. Just a heads up. I had to isolate Deidara-kun and Kisame because they were too unruly."

"They were assigned security for the conference hall, right? Why would you isolate them?"

"You see… uhm… would you rather see them first before the conference room?" Konan asked. Curiosity getting the better of them, Sasuke saw Itachi nod his head and they were following the woman to their infirmary.

As they approached the southern wing of their building, they can hear Deidara's yells and Konan led them to a small viewing window in one of their isolation rooms.

"Come on Konan, uhn. This isn't very artsy. Just let me touch him… just one touch! Please…uhn!" Deidara was banging on the door. Kisame was in no better condition. He was clawing on the door like a dog in heat.

"Open this door now, Konan!" He growled from inside. The window before them already had multiple scratches marring its pristine glass surface.

"They have been like that since Namikaze-sama arrived. While their team apologized to us, they offered to handle security for us while we withdraw most of our men."

Itachi gave a meaningful look at Sasuke.

"You don't think?"

"It's a myth, Sasuke, but it's a possibility, no?"

"This is impossible, nii-san. I thought you said that the Akatsuki were all elite alphas?"

"That's why it's concerning, Sasuke. They must seriously want to own the playing field if they resorted to this. After all, whoever owns the home field can secure the win in negotiations. I thought I could mitigate our homecourt advantage with our private security and Akatsuki's help but with the Namikaze owning the conference room…" Itachi trailed off.

"And the board members?"

"Most are beta, so they're probably safe."

"Probably?"

"I'm… not sure Sasuke. Shall we see? Oh and wear this." Itachi handed him an atomizer. A scent nullifier.

"You really think he'd use his pheromones against us? Isn't there a law against it? We could just sue him nii-san."

"Normally that law applies to alphas, Sasuke. But there's nothing written for Enigma."

"So we're going in blind?"

"I told you, wear that nullifier and observe the negotiations. Be careful okay?"

"Okay."

"Konan, inform me if there's any change in their behaviors." Itachi gave Konan his instructions and made his way for the conference room.

Sasuke frowned as he trailed behind Itachi. Was this what Itachi meant earlier? Was he afraid of a competitor taking over Uchiha Corps and that's why he asked for him?

-o-o-o-

Sasuke and Itachi approached the conference room. By the door were two men wearing the spiral symbol on their armbands.

"Shikamaru."

"Iruka." The two introduced themselves.

"We're Naruto-sama's team for today."

Sasuke frowned at the scent. Gammas. He thought. It's not often that this sub-sex thrive in the business world. Most often, alphas were the ones who truly thrive in this dominant world. Gammas are caretakers, servants. In common knowledge, Gamma are children, innocent and immature in the ways of secondary sex. They are unable to perceive sexual desires. Though some would present as an omega when exposed to a fated mate's alpha pheromones. In the rare instance that a Gamma presents as an alpha, especially triggered with an especially fertile omega, they tend to become infertile. In the Uchiha clan, Gammas cared for the Omega, since they wouldn't try to mate with their Omega charge and while some would serve as security, they are still considered less than betas and deltas in the Uchiha clan. The only real way a sub—sex other than alpha can gain distinction is through results and actions, such as when Itachi conquered most of the business industry despite being born Beta.

Itachi merely nodded and as he and Sasuke entered the conference room, they found that what Konan said was true. The Uchiha police, which was tasked with the security of the room, was gone. In their place were men in gas masks, bearing the same spiral symbol on their arms. A few were forming a barricade that separate the board members from the executive desk, where who they presumed to be Namikaze himself was sitting.

As soon as Sasuke step foot in the room, he felt his body come alive in an instant. This scent is unique. Not quite the strong spicy scent of an alpha. Much more subdued… Like that of an omega. But it has its own dangerous edge to it. It was a scent that doesn't belong to one category, morphing erratically, without any pattern to it.

"Good day, Namikaze, I presume?" Sasuke heard his brother greet, though from the corner of his eyes, he saw that even his usually composed and controlled brother was sweating. Itachi hid it well but Sasuke knew that he was bothered by the scent permeating the room, despite him being a Beta.

So it's true then. The one they're dealing with is an Enigma. They looked around and the board members had their own surgical masks.

"Our apologies sir." Iruka approached them. "I understand this is a rather rude way of conducting business but Naruto-sama's born with a unique set of alpha genes. And his hormones can go haywire at times. We thought it wouldn't matter but your Uchiha staff seemed to go into a frenzy earlier on trying to reach him. We had to exercise some drastic measures. It's usually not this bad."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. So that's their excuse huh? A defective alpha? Still, it's taking almost every part of him not to jump at the man in the center of it all. This is the power of Enigma. Sasuke could feel a strange pull within him as he eyed the golden haired figure sitting lazily on his chair.

Itachi just smiled cordially. "Of course. I understand. Now shall we get to business?"

"Of course." Their visitor finally spoke. And Sasuke can't help but feel a familiarity with the voice, like he's known this man his whole life. Is this the power of an Enigma, too? Or could it be something else? As an alpha, Sasuke knew that he's more susceptible to pheromones than his brother. "I am Namikaze Naruto. Head of Sannin Industries. I believe the contract has been finalized between our teams and the Uchiha group had no complaints over these past few days."

He turned to the board and Shikamaru started passing folders to those who are seated.

"My trusted friend and adviser will be giving you copies of the finalized contract. And as planned, Itachi-sama and I will answer your questions and should amendments be required, we'll confer on it."

Itachi cleared his throat however. And placed the folder in front of him.

"I have some issues with the final contract, Naruto-kun."

"Oh? Wasn't the purpose of this back and forth between our teams these past few days is precisely to iron out this contract? Why do you have issues now? I say, we stop wasting each other's time and get to signing, yeah?"

Sasuke had to repress an excitement in his chest. He never saw anyone go against Itachi before. And the confidence with which this man faced his brother earned a twisted sense of admiration from him. In a moment's notice, respect started budding within his stomach as he looked at Naruto lazily looked up to Itachi's flustered face. Those hypnotic blue eyes, deceptively inattentive, but there's a hidden sharpness to them that Sasuke noticed. It's as if the man is acting bored, and tired and disinterested, while masterfully controlling the room.

Normally, this would not fly with the board members. But judging from their faces, they seemed enamored with the man, a feat that Sasuke had never seen done before, not even his brother. Because try as he might, Itachi had to use his intimidating aura to get what he wants. Naruto is just… there.. lazing on his chair as he scrolled through his smartphone.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he saw the game that Naruto's playing. So the man is into Bijuu Online as well, huh? Seeing Naruto in his chair makes Sasuke wants to check in his village, to see if there's any updates from Narushiki. And he can't wait til this meeting is finally over.

His brother quickly regained his composure.

"Indeed. But we shouldn't rush this deal. I believe that we still have to-"

"Enough…" Itachi glared at the woman who interrupted him. Koharu Utatane, one of the distinguished members of the board. Non Uchiha but highly respected among her peers for her deep pockets. Beta by birth. So Sasuke believed that she's not under Naruto's spell. Still, there's that doubt at the back of his mind. Not much is known about enigma. That's why they're called Enigma after all. And he's aware that only a few alphas were aware of their existence.

"Naruto-sama is correct, Itachi-kun. I have conferred with the rest of the board members. And we have no further questions. At least the Namikaze came prepared better than you Uchihas. Frankly we expected better from you. Regardless. You're wasting our valuable time as it is. This has long been discussed for a long time now and to be honest, most of us were tired with this back and forth too. As he proposed, we agree that we should proceed to signing and begin implementation as soon as possible."

Sasuke was sympathetic to his brother's plight, really. But too long had he viewed his brother as this untouchable business force. To see him flinch when Naruto barely even moved was oddly satisfying to him. For the first time in his life, Sasuke saw a flash of defeat on his brother's face.

As the rest of the board lined up to sign the contract, Sasuke could make out a small satisfied smirk on the Namikaze's face before it disappeared quickly. The battle was lost before it even began. And Sasuke can't help but admire this man.

Naruto Namikaze, huh?

-o-o-o-

Sasuke wordlessly regarded his brother, who slumped into his chair. The Beta looked troubled. And despite the tense meeting back at the conference room, Sasuke could feel his brother's frustration as if it were his own. They definitely had a powerful opponent and he can finally understand why the other side has monopolized the gaming industry for so long and the only competition viable is to merge with them.

"I lost our design and science teams, Sasuke." Itachi calmly stated. But his voice was betrayed by his tense body, his hand balling into fists. "I should have predicted this would happen."

"I don't know what to say, nii-san. But maybe there's something more that we can do? Perhaps we can talk to Namikaze himself?"

"You may be right." Itachi smiled at him. But this time, the smile turned mischievous. "After all, we still have this." Sasuke looked at the object that Itachi was holding.

"A phone?"

Itachi only smiled wider.

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A/N: Haha. The plot thickens. I made some liberties with my own take in Omegaverse lore here, especially when it comes to ranking and the sub-sexes. If it bothers you, feel free to let me know. At any rate, I hope you enjoyed this showcase of Naruto as an Enigma. This will present some significance later on. But you'll see. :)