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Chapter 6: An Enigma Bares his Fangs

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Note: The initial events here will occur parallel to the board meeting in chapter 5. Just in case there's confusion. Anyway, on with the chapter.

"Naruto…. You ready?"

"Yeah. Let's do this." A grin revealed a solitary fang, menacingly glinting as the light hit in the right angle, his cerulean eyes brimming with excitement at the coming task as he regarded his lazy adviser. He tightened his orange tie and slipped his navy blue jacket, following him were a team of his most loyal Gamma security, one of the only sub-sex that is least reactive to his pheromones.

Further back were a mix of Beta, Omega and even Alpha back up, all wearing their standard issue gas mask.

Though some Beta like Shikamaru and Iruka can resist, they are only able to because they have been with him for so long, serving. Many believed the Beta to be the least susceptible to sexual pheromones. But it was actually the Gamma, their child-like innocence in the ways of desires that proved to be most useful to him. While sexually, Gamma are considered immature and thus not significant in an increasingly Alpha and Omega dominated world, Naruto kept them close, not just because of their inertness but because he found comfort in the fact that he can let loose his powers with them.

"Neji, is the team assembled?"

"Of course, Naruto. What do you take me for?" Naruto rolled his eyes. Neji was born Gamma. And was rejected from the Hyuuga clan the moment he was born. Considered useless by his father who only saw value in Alphas, he was taken in by Naruto and remained a staunchly loyal employee. In fact, Neji and his fellow Gammas are the only one who Naruto can freely joke around with, aside from his assistant Shikamaru, knowing that the man is with him not because of his pheromones and charms but because of genuine friendship.

"So Shika, you told them of the plan yeah?"

"Of course, Naruto. Once Itachi's team is incapacitated, we control the room. Itachi has always used their private military to his advantage. But we'll use his very strengths against him."

"True. The Uchiha have long been using their police force to strong arm businesses world-wide anyway. They're in for a rude awakening. Besides, wouldn't it be fun to see these tyrants squirm for once?" Neji added causing Naruto to grin in response.

"And the Akatsuki?" Iruka chimed in. "What of them? You think they'll try anything while negotiations are in place?"

"Don't worry, sensei, by my counts, they're elite alphas whom the Uchiha used for their most challenging tasks. But this time, that may work against them." Shikamaru explained. "The stronger an alpha manifests is, the more susceptible they are to pheromones; as demonstrated when that scary Kakuzu never refused any of Naruto's demands during deliberations for the contract."

"Alright, we better get going guys." Naruto said as he headed for his limo. To be honest, he dislike using pheromones like that but it's not like he can turn it off like most. Unlike other alpha, Naruto had no one to teach him about his powers as an enigma. He learned some of the basics from other alpha like scenting and flaring their scents but that's all, really. Iruka warned him once that life as an enigma is a very lonely path as many in the clan before him are enigma and they too don't know genuine friendships.

But he's lucky that he have Neji, Shikamaru and the others. Otherwise, Naruto genuinely believed that he would live a very lonely life. Still, he can't help but crave a more intimate connection, even beyond that of friendship.

By absorbing some of the Uchiha corps' technological expertise, he knows that his dream of a virtual reality, where biology and pheromones don't matter might become a reality not just in game but in the world stage as well. Bijuu Online was just the first step in his goal in making connections without pheromones possible. He wanted an augmented reality application, one that allows him to explore the world from the safety of his room, and at the same time, keeping others safe from him, keeping them away from his curse.

And for that, despite his aversion to using his pheromones on others, he has to bear with it. Because acquiring their technology divisions will speed up his goals and ambitions; he'll create a world without pheromones, and for that he'll need to augment Sannin Industries with tech from the Uchiha.

"Naruto, we're here."

He was snapped out of his musings by Shikamaru's voice. He opened the door with anticipation, excitement flowing through his veins. His dreams are finally coming together. And it starts here and now.

As he stepped out of the car, he was greeted by an imposing sight. Clean, sterile, modern.

The Konoha superstructure is a sight to behold. It resembled a giant dome of steel, decked with the latest state of the art security features; accented with a sleek modern design- cold and lonely, a stark contrast to the homey lived in building that Naruto was used to back in Spiral City.

On its center, rose a towering skyscraper. This is the headquarters of the Uchiha corps. Home to the best technological minds of their time. Nano tech, biomedicine, even warfare, there's nothing that the company hasn't ventured. Their lack of regard for anything but profit has contributed to their exponential growth.

"Welcome, sir Namikaze. I must ask that your team submit to our security protocols." A man in black suit approached them, on his arm band the symbol of the Uchiha fan proudly emblazoned in white and red.

Naruto smiled, noting the blush on the man's face. By his scent… a Beta…

"Of course." Sharp blue eyes studied the line of men in black lining the building, in proud militarized formation. On the center were three Akatsuki members, proudly wearing their red cloud kimono. The rumors that the Uchiha had their own private military is true. But… as luck would have it, prejudice runs deep in the family.

By their scents most are alpha, with some beta mixed in.

And true enough as soon as Naruto stepped out of his car, all manner of stiff formal discipline among the staff disintegrated. The clean, pristine line of Uchiha staff broke into a frenzy and the strong scent of arousal instantly exploded in the air. They were rushing for him without regard for propriety, for decorum and order. Thankfully, he brought his security, despite the Uchiha's assurance that they'd handle security. Neji and his team quickly moved in to intervene and soon, the main entrance to Uchiha Corps erupted in a chaos never seen before in its pristine and orderly existence.

Naruto shook his head as he took in the chaos around him. This is why he preferred meeting people through the internet or in game. He sighed as his Gamma guards kept the onslaught of rabid alphas at bay. While the security team in gas masks formed a line in front of the Akatsuki security force, who themselves became unresponsive to their commanding officer's calls for order.

"Shika… contact the Uchiha will you?"

"Already on it Naruto. Konan says she's coming down. I already told her to wear a mask."

The chaos went on and while Neji and his team was initially holding their ground, the big bulky physique of the alphas were overwhelming them.

"A little help would be nice, Naruto." Neji yelled as he and his team pushed against the frenzied alphas. And while Neji's team is combat ready, prepared to protect their employer from most threats, most Gamma can't possibly match up to the standard Alpha, who's twice or thrice stronger than their lower sub-sexes.

His team's Alpha were also on a deadlock with the Akatsuki on the far center, causing Shikamaru to turn to him.

"Naruto… I know you don't like using your pheromones but…" Naruto sighed deeply.

"Hold your breaths…" He warned as he flared his scent, knocking out most of the stronger alphas in the field. This gave Neji's team the slight numerical edge to subdue the remaining weaker ones.

"Just what is going on here?" Konan entered the scene with her own team.

"Konan-san…. My apologies. As you can see…. We had a bit of a situation here. I already explained to you what happened. I think it's wise that we take care of security while your guys recuperate, yeah?" Shikamaru approached the woman who frantically looked at the knocked out guards on the ground.

Konan assessed the situation and realized the truth to his words.

"I understand. My apologies as well. We normally instill discipline in our own men. A clean-up crew would take care of the rest. Please come in. We have the conference room ready—" Before she can finish her sentence, she heard Kisame growled, yelling as he made a mad dash for Naruto, eyes wide and saliva frothing at his mouth.

"Kisame! Stand down! That's an order…" But he wouldn't listen, he leapt forward but was stopped when Naruto evaded the man and tripped him with his foot. While Naruto could easily overpower most alpha, he was in no mood to exert himself, especially against an alpha that's not in a sound state of mind. As the Alpha fell beside the Enigma, Neji quickly restrained the man and rounded him along with the other alphas.

"Troublesome. What a mess." Shikamaru rolled his eyes. He did warn her beforehand but the Uchiha insisted in their own guards. Although he can understand their logic, they are more comfortable with their own people in their home turf but they vastly underestimate an enigma's effect on those around him. This chaos is testament to that.

Naruto turned to the shocked woman and smiled warmly.

"Don't think too much about this okay? Let's just get to business."

Konan seemed relieved by this and ushered the group inside. "Juugo, Suigetsu, clean this up would you."

"Aye aye lady boss!" Suigetsu saluted and signaled the rest of the Uchiha staff, now wearing their masks, to round the frenzied guards.

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Naruto, Neji and Shikamaru walked side by side, to their far front were Konan and Iruka discussing the accommodations and plan for the contract signing.

"You guys okay?"

Neji and Shikamaru just nodded. They're used to situations like this. Which is why they can understand why Naruto rarely showed himself in public.

"When you exited the car…" Neji whispered "You didn't happen to flare your scent did you?"

"The reaction is far worse this time, Naruto. Don't you deny it." Shikamaru said.

"I did not…" Naruto protested. "You guys know how I hated using my scent that way. Well… I may have felt a little bit more excited than usual. But I swear I didn't flare my scent."

"Should have known." Shikamaru whispered. He believed his boss wouldn't use his scent that way, but there are times when he can unconsciously let himself loose, the alpha side of his enigma self will naturally want to establish dominance, especially in a new territory. Which was what he theorized to have happened. As they entered the conference room, they quickly take up positions around the seating, making sure to isolate the board members, to give Naruto time to talk to them while Konan is busy, distracted by Iruka.

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Naruto opened his smartphone, as he lazed on his chair. Once he was satisfied that the Uchiha's board members would side with him, he relaxed for a bit and waited for Itachi to arrive. There were no notifications from Taka yet so he busied himself with the village, exploring the game to preoccupy himself.

Then, the man himself walked in. And even for a seasoned executive like Naruto, he could feel the man's presence. While Itachi is a Beta, there's always that presence about him that rivals an elite alpha. The way he carried himself, the way he moved with such confidence is a hypnotic and effortless performance.

But what caught Naruto was the man beside Itachi. Shorter than his prospective business partner. And from the scent…. He's an alpha. Yet the man walked in the room without flinching. Sasuke wasn't wearing a mask but he was able to resist the allure of Naruto's scent. He frowned and for a brief second, their eyes met and Naruto could have sworn recognition in those depths.

As the introductions were underway, and the program proceeded according to plan, Naruto can't help but feel Itachi's younger brothers' eyes on him. The scent is definitely that of an alpha. But there's something different about it… It feels earthy… cold yet warm at the same time, and there's something else to it… It smells like… Home…a cocoon of inviting coziness that nearly made Naruto feel like losing himself in it.

He tried to distract himself with the game, watching with satisfaction as Koharu spoke for him, shooting down any further protests from Itachi but all he could think of is the alpha's eyes on him.

What did Itachi introduced him as?

Sasuke right?

What a strange man, indeed. He intrigued Naruto. Not only had he resisted his scent, but he could have sworn the sadistic smirk in the man's face every time Itachi is shot down by the board members.

Did he somehow want his brother to fail? Naruto's attention would be absorbed by Sasuke that even when they leave to adjourn the meeting, he didn't notice that his hand was suddenly lighter, nor did he hear the soft "thud" against carpeted floor of something that feel from his grip.

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Sasuke stared at the rectangular object in Itachi's hand.

"A phone?"

Itachi only smiled wider. "Not just any ordinary phone Sasuke."

"It just so happened that a certain client left his phone in our conference room. Would you care to deliver it for me?"

Sasuke growled.

"Really, Itachi? Am I your delivery boy now?"

"Tsk. Come on, little brother. This is Namikaze's phone. He'll be indebted for sure. You know what to do, right?"

Sasuke eyed his brother warily.

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

"You want to help me or not?"

"Depending on what it is, nii-san. Are you suggesting what I think it is you're suggesting? You want to regain what you lost in exchange for this?"

Itachi grinned mischievously. "I am not suggesting anything, Sasuke. You're smart, I know you can figure out a way to use this to our advantage. What you do is up to you."

"I can't believe you. You'd really stoop this low to rectify your failures?" Itachi growled. "Sasuke…"

Sasuke stared back. He was frustrated that they lost, he really is. But he wouldn't resort to underhanded means like what he's suggesting. And to think that Itachi is using him to wash his hands clean. Is his brother really this desperate now that he lost two divisions in a failed negotiation?

"I mean… this doesn't feel right, nii-san. Please reconsider."

Itachi sighed. "Fine. Just… give it back to him. And let's hope he's feeling grateful enough to allow us breathing room. Is that good enough of a compromise for you, little brother?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"I understand that what happened was a heavy blow Itachi. But this isn't how we do things. But I'll talk to him and see what I can do."

Itachi gave him a grateful smile. "That's all I'm asking little brother. Now go on, be on your way."

"Whatever." Sasuke mumbled. He seriously can't believe that Itachi seriously considered what he thought he's considering. And now he's stuck being an errand boy. Then there's that weird feeling he got whenever his gaze fell upon the Namikaze CEO. The frustration of this day was building up within him and he needed to vent to someone. And there's only one he can think of at the moment.

Narushiki…

He needs Narushiki, now.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and opened the Veam app. He really need to chat with Narushiki as soon as possible because this day was just so full of pressure that he felt he might just burst, otherwise.

He quickly typed his message.

"Hey, Narushiki. I need to talk. Are you up for tonight?"

But that was when the world seemed to slow down for Sasuke. Just as he hit send, a vibration was felt on his right hand, the one that had been holding Naruto's 6.9 inch phone. The gigantic phone's vibration could not be missed. And as soon as he looked at the bright screen that lit up, he froze. He looked at the phone in utter disbelief.

There, proudly flashing against a wallpaper of a fox eating ramen is the familiar pop up box for the Veam App.

HawkEye23: Hey, Narushiki. I need to talk. Are you up for tonight?

Unable to believe what he's seeing, his brain pieced the puzzles once more. And without thinking, he logged onto the companion app for Bijuu Online on his own phone. He initiated the dinner event with Narushiki.

And this confirmed his very suspicions.

The Namikaze's phone vibrated again. This time, the familiar pop up for Bijuu Online flashed.

[Taka invites you for dinner. Initiate repeatable quest?]

Dark eyes widened in disbelief, he closed his eyes tightly, unable to believe what he's seeing. When he opened them, the words were still there, burned forever in his memories.

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A/N: Uh-oh… What will Sasuke do now? Tune in for the next chapter to find out. And as always, feel free to let me know what you think.