Sorry for the long wait. I've been focusing on TTONU, my first Naruto story a bit more recently, so my other stories weren't getting updated as much. TTONU is quite unlike this one, being rather boring and uninspired in the beginning, but it has gotten better, as time has gone on and I've improved, considering I started it back in 2011. There has been a sizeable improvement in quality though, so give it a read if you feel like it… or don't. It should be done by the end of the year anyway.
Now, big red flag before getting to the chapter.
There is mentions of implied NTR, which didn't actually happen.
Just putting that there, so no one is surprised/offended/any other negative emotion.
Naruto will be cunning and occasionally cruel, but only to those who are already "bad" to begin with. Bad being completely subjective though.
The next few chapters will take the form of an original arc, making use of some, but not all, of the pre-Shippuden filler arcs. It probably won't last more than a few chapters and is mostly time to set up Naruto and Tayuya's relationship, before the time-skip.
Check out my pat reon as well if you want, as you can see chapters earlier on there. Any support would be appreciated as well.
On another note, I am now consistently updating every week, however, this is across seventeen stories, so I don't know when the next chapter, for this particular story, will be out.
For now though, enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Heavily demonic voice'
'Fox talking'
"Fox thinking"
*expression*
Jutsu
Flashback
Chapter 3 – Deceit
Arriving back at the hospital Naruto had woken up in, Naruto and Tayuya were greeted to the sight of a slightly miffed Hokage, arms crossed under her enormous bust.
'Really Naruto, you couldn't wait an hour?' Asked Tsunade in mild annoyance.
'But ramen.' Whined Naruto sadly.
Tsunade merely sighed and uncrossed her arms.
'In any case, I will need to speak with you now, Tayuya. Naruto, you better stay in this room until we get back, or so help me, next time you're back here, I will tie you to the bed.' Said Tsunade, turning a warning glare on the blond.
'Hah, as if you could even catch me to try!' Laughed Naruto boisterously.
'Well, I could always break a leg or two, for your health after all.' Said Tsunade, with a gleam in her eyes, causing Naruto to shudder and quickly sit down on the bed.
'That's better. Now, come with me, Tayuya.' Said Tsunade, turning an expectant gaze on Tayuya, who clicked her tongue slightly, before following the busty blonde out of the room.
As the door closed behind them, Naruto gave a small smirk.
'Not likely.' Muttered Naruto.
'So, Naruto, what are you planning to do now?' Asked Kurama.
"Well, the idea of her joining Team Seven isn't too likely as of now, however, getting started on some training would be good. I'll just have to wait that little bit longer, to tone my behaviour down to bearable levels… remind me again why I had to do that?" Thought Naruto.
'So you'd be given more freedom and watched less closely.' Answered Kurama.
"Right. Speaking of watching, are we ever going to deal with the Fake Uchiha?" Asked Naruto.
'Which one?' Asked Kurama, with a grin, which caused Naruto to laugh internally.
"Funny, but you know which one. He's getting annoying. I'm worried he might try something drastic soon." Thought Naruto, as he frowned on the outside.
'Just wait until after the trip.' Said Kurama, placating his host, who sighed audibly.
-line break-
Tsunade stared from within a small room, through the two-way mirror in front of her. Inside the room, was Tayuya and Ibiki, with Anko lurking in the corner, looking at Tayuya distrustfully. Given her compliance, Tayuya was unrestrained, despite Anko's protests. Ibiki had asked all the routine questions within a minute, getting various desired answers from Tayuya, albeit with a bit of sass. They had moved on to Orochimaru's bases a few minutes ago and Tayuya had been true to her word, giving out many bases, without a second thought.
After finishing, Tayuya sat there impatiently, waiting for them to tell her she was free to move around. The wait ate away at Tayuya's nerves, compounded by the fact that Anko had yet to stop glaring at her.
'Oi, big tits, are we done here, or do I need to keep letting this skank eye-hump me!' Shouted Tayuya at the mirror, knowing Tsunade was there.
'What was that you little brat? You better watch what you say, or I'll introduce you to some of my favourite toys.' Said Anko in anger.
'I don't want to see your damn dildos! I bet they're modelled on snakes too, you sick freak.' Snorted Tayuya.
Anko's eyebrow twitched rapidly in irritation. Ibiki merely glanced at Anko for a moment, before rising from his seat and leaving the two alone, going to distribute the information they had just gained on Orochimaru's bases, through the appropriate channels.
'Well, would you look at that, just the two of us, alone together.' Said Anko in amusement.
'Don't get any ideas you sick freak, I don't swing that way! Besides, I'm sure that snake gave you plenty already.' Growled Tayuya.
Tsunade watched in mild amusement as the two former subordinates of Orochimaru argued with each other, before an ANBU entered the room she was in.
'Lady Hokage, it seems there has been an incident in the maximum-security prison.' Said the ANBU.
'I see. Give me the details briefly.' Said Tsunade, turning a sharp gaze on the ANBU.
'Just an hour ago, a prison break led by Mizuki, with the help of Fuujin and Raijin, took place. Nearly every prisoner escaped, but most have now been recaptured and returned to the facility. However, Mizuki, Fuujin and Raijin, are still unaccounted for.' Said the ANBU.
'Very well then, I'll deal with it now, dismissed.' Said Tsunade, before the ANBU left.
Tsunade turned back to the duo, who had previously been arguing, only to find the two of them glaring at each other, with murder in their eyes. Tsunade sighed, before exiting the hidden area and heading to the door of the interrogation room.
'Anko, Tayuya, I'm giving the two of you a mission!' Barked Tsunade, as she entered, breaking up the heated exchange.
'What?' Asked both Tayuya and Anko in confusion.
'Just a short while ago, there was a prison break, three of them are still on the loose; Fuujin and Raijin, the Legendary Stupid Brothers and Mizuki. You mission is to apprehend them as soon as possible.' Said Tsunade.
'Mizuki… is that the retard who tried to steal the Scroll of Seals?' Asked Tayuya thoughtfully.
'How did you know that?' Asked Anko suspiciously.
'Well who do you think he was stealing it for? A Chunin isn't going to be able to do shit with that thing.' Scoffed Tayuya.
'So you mean to say he was stealing it for Orochimaru?' Asked Tsunade.
'Yeah. I mean he did want to know every jutsu in the world, or something like that.' Answered Tayuya honestly.
'In that case, it is even more important, that the two of you apprehend Mizuki as soon as possible… hmm, in fact, you might as well take Naruto with you. He may be able to help.' Said Tsunade.
"That and the fact that the two of them together alone, might not be the best idea." Thought Tsunade to herself.
-line break-
Naruto had been waiting in his hospital room for two hours now and was getting annoyed.
"You don't think she forgot about me, do you?" Asked Naruto curiously.
'Possibly.' Said Kurama noncommittally.
Naruto was looking up at the roof, back resting comfortably on his hospital bed, waiting patiently.
'Hey kid, get up, we've got a mission.' Said Anko, entering his room with Tayuya following shortly behind.
'What? What do you mean? Granny told me to wait here until she got back, or she'd tie me to the bed.' Said Naruto in confusion, as he sat up.
'Well, change of plans, some dumbasses broke out of jail and we need to go round them up.' Said Tayuya.
'We?' Questioned Naruto stupidly.
'Yes. We. The three of us, now let's go!' Shouted Anko.
Naruto jumped into action, fumbling around the room for a moment, before standing up straight.
'Ready to go!' Exclaimed Naruto exuberantly.
'Good, stay right behind me then, let's go.' Barked Anko, disappearing in a Body Flicker.
'With an ass that big, we can't miss it.' Muttered Tayuya.
'Your envy of posteriors better than yours is childish, Tayuya, just train your body a bit more and you might get one as nice as Anko's, or even mine.' Chuckled Naruto, before dashing off after Anko.
'My ass is fine damn it!' Shouted Tayuya angrily, before following the reckless duo.
-line break-
Mizuki's long silver hair framed his face, as he stood in front of his fiancée, Tsubaki. Tsubaki had dark eyes and long black hair, which she wore braided down her back, with jaw length bangs, framing both sides of her face.
'Why do you still want to get involved with Orochimaru? He attacked the Leaf Village and caused the death of many, even… even the Third Hokage himself. Why, Mizuki? Please, go back to the kind man you once were.' Pleaded Tsubaki.
'Tsubaki… you had to wait for me… I'm sorry. Now though, we can have everything we want, just as soon as we meet up with Lord Orochimaru.' Said Mizuki.
'Mizuki, please, just return to the village, return to me. Give up on Orochimaru.' Implored Tsubaki desperately.
'Tsubaki…' Whispered Mizuki, looking at Tsubaki with a soft gaze.
Tsubaki looked at Mizuki hopefully, only for Mizuki's expression to shift into one of anger, before Tsubaki felt a fist strike her in the gut, causing her to black out.
-line break-
'Where are we even going?' Asked Tayuya in annoyance.
'Just shut up and follow me.' Growled Anko.
'You don't actually have any idea, do you?' Asked Tayuya, with narrowed eyes.
'Just… shut up.' Muttered Anko.
'Hey, Iruka-Sensei!' Shouted Naruto, coming to a halt, spotting his old Academy Instructor on the street below.
'Naruto, what are you doing?' Asked Iruka, looking up and spotting the mass of orange that was his favourite student.
'We're looking for Mizuki, he broke out of…' Started Naruto, before his mouth was covered.
'What the hell are you thinking brat, yelling something like that out loud for the village to hear.' Hissed Anko in his ear.
'But Iruka-Sensei can help.' Said Naruto, pulling the hand off his mouth.
'I can. I am an adept sensor and know of Mizuki's behaviour rather well.' Said Iruka, leaping up to the roof where the trio currently were.
Anko looked at Iruka for a moment, examining him, before nodding.
'Okay, here's what we know. Mizuki broke out of prison a few hours ago, with the help of the Legendary Stupid Brothers. We have reason to believe he has a method of contact with Orochimaru and may or may not be heading there now.' Said Anko quickly.
'Well, there could only be one real place for Mizuki to visit, if he doesn't immediately escape the village. That would be the place where his fiancée lives, up in the mountains.' Said Iruka thoughtfully.
'Wow, you're a genius Iruka-Sensei! We were just running around all over the place.' Exclaimed Naruto, ignoring the miffed look Anko gave him.
'Very well, lead the way then.' Said Anko, looking back to Iruka, who gave a quick nod.
'Are you annoying her on purpose?' Asked Tayuya quietly, after Iruka and Anko had leapt away.
'Of course, I'm bored.' Replied Naruto cheerfully, before following after them.
'Ridiculous.' Muttered Tayuya, before following suit as well.
-line break-
'What do you mean, Zetsu?' Asked a man, with two purple eyes.
'Exactly what it sounds like, the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki merely let the Uchiha go to Orochimaru without a fight.' Said Zetsu.
'Heh, sounds like the brat got scared.' Laughed a large man with blue skin.
'Nope, you should have seen him he was exceedingly calm and collected, not even reacting when Itachi's little brother started yelling at him, about some scroll he gave him.' Commented Zetsu.
Two pairs of red eyes narrowed slightly at this.
'Itachi, do you have any idea about what was in this scroll?' Asked the man, with purple eyes.
'No.' Replied the red eyed man calmly.
'Here's a question, why do we even care? After almost seven years, we meet back up again and for what? Some brat having an attitude change, yeah.' Complained a blond-haired man.
'Well, Deidara, if you used your head, you'd realise this brat is also the holder of the Kyuubi, which does make this important.' Admonished a gruff sounding man.
'Does it really matter though? One way or another, we're going to capture that little brat.' Added a man wearing a strange necklace.
'He doesn't have a bounty yet anyway.' Added a tall man, with green eyes.
'Itachi, Kisame, approach the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki once more. Jiraiya is leaving the village for a few months and the recent state of affairs should be enough to distract the Hokage. If you can capture him now, we will be one step closer to peace. If not, at least ascertain the truth behind Zetsu's observation.' Spoke the purple eyed man.
Itachi simply nodded, before his red eyes disappeared from the gathering place.
'I better leave too then.' Grinned the blue skinned man, revealing numerous razor-sharp teeth, before his form faded as well.
-line break-
Mizuki had finally done it. The instructions of the potion, which had been imprinted into him by Orochimaru, was ready. The elixir, which would give him ultimate power, was in his grasp. Mizuki walked outside, to see who had arrived to stop him. As expected, there was the ever naïve Iruka and the demon child as well. Mizuki scoffed, seeing just how well the demon had brainwashed Iruka, before noticing the other three with them. There was Tsubaki, his fiancée, it seemed as though she was still trying to stop him from attaining true power. Next to her, was one of the dumbest people in the village, in Mizuki's mind. Orochimaru's former apprentice, Anko Mitarashi. Did she even realise just what she had squandered? Probably not. Lastly, in between her and the Kyuubi brat, was some girl. She didn't look remarkable in any way and Mizuki ignored her, focusing back on his two main targets.
'Iruka, well, it has been a while, hasn't it?' Greeted Mizuki tauntingly.
'Mizuki, why are you doing all of this?' Asked Iruka predictably, causing Mizuki to scoff.
'Why? What kind of a question is that? To get the acknowledgement I deserve. No one in this village respects my abilities… no one in this stupid village. Now though, I even hear about them acknowledging the damned Kyuubi brat of all things! The bloody demon that killed your parents even! The beast that killed so many in this village! They acknowledge him and not me!' Shouted Mizuki.
Iruka had nervously glanced at the red-haired girl next to Naruto momentarily, wondering if she knew about Naruto's situation, but upon her not reacting to Mizuki's words, he calmed down.
'Now though, Lord Orochimaru has given me true power!' Exclaimed Mizuki, before downing the strange drink he had made, which was a glowing crimson in colour.
Mizuki's form started to glow slightly, as his chakra output increased. Black stripes formed on Mizuki's arms and face. His arms stretched out in size, the veins underneath becoming more prominent.
'This, this is the power I deserve!' Exclaimed Mizuki triumphantly, while Tsubaki slumped to her knees.
'Tch, that just looks like a knockoff curse seal.' Commented Tayuya disdainfully.
'Hehehe, what would you know about the power Orochimaru can give?' Asked Mizuki mockingly.
'I don't know, maybe the fact that I was his subordinate for years and had a cursed seal of my own, dumbass.' Grunted Tayuya, causing Mizuki to pause for a moment, before laughing.
'Hahahaha, so you're just another failed experiment like her.' Laughed Mizuki, gesturing to Anko.
'Failed experiment my ass, I'll beat you to a bloody smear for that!' Shouted Tayuya before summoning her Doki.
'You can all sit back and watch, this just became personal.' Said Tayuya, before blowing into her flute.
'What a joke, are you trying to lull me to sleep?' Mocked Mizuki, only for the Doki with a club to lunge at him, ready to strike him.
Mizuki hastily dodged the attack, only to find the armless Doki dropping down on him from above. A quick backflip backwards saved Mizuki from being crushed.
'Rasengan!' Cried Naruto, lashing out at Mizuki.
Mizuki grabbed the large shuriken on his back and swung out at Naruto, tearing into him, before he vanished in a puff of smoke.
'Hey, Mizuki, wanna know a secret?' Whispered Naruto, into Mizuki's ear, causing him to lash out behind him, only to strike nothing.
'You're actually kind of right about me.' Echoed Naruto's voice.
'I am a demon, just not the Kyuubi.' Said Naruto, appearing in front of Mizuki.
Mizuki glared at Naruto hatefully, only for Naruto to grow horns and a tail. Naruto's skin cracked open, before reddish-orange flesh was revealed, looking as hard as steel. Naruto's eyes turned into black pools of nothingness, which bore into Mizuki's soul.
'I'll kill you demon brat!' Shouted Mizuki in anger, throwing his shuriken at Naruto. The blade tore a chunk of Naruto's torso out, only for it to be quickly filled in, right before Mizuki's disbelieving eyes.
'What's with that look? You didn't think a singly puny shuriken, would be able to kill a demon, did you, Mizuki?' Asked Naruto tauntingly, walking closer to Mizuki.
Just before Naruto could reach Mizuki, his form was replaced with that of a Doki, who swung his arm out at Mizuki and nailed him in the gut.
Mizuki quickly regained himself, only to look over to the ninja, who had been tracking him down. Iruka was still standing there with Tsubaki and Anko, the red-haired girl a little in front of them. Directly in front of him was Naruto, the Doki forming a loose ring around him.
'Finally showing your true colours, demon brat?' Growled Mizuki.
'I'm no demon. I'm Naruto Uzumaki and someday I'm going to become Hokage, believe it!' Exclaimed Naruto.
'Don't mess with me!' Shouted Mizuki, only for another swing from the club wielding Doki, to strike him.
Mizuki growled in anger, slamming his palm into the ground to slow his body down, before it started glowing again. The markings around him twisted, as he transformed into a tiger like being. His flesh became yellow fur on the outside, with cream along his face, abdomen and hands. Two tiger-like ears sprouted from his head and his hair became shaggier. His form grew in size as well, shredding his jacket, as his torso expanded, leaving him bare chested, revealing the rippling muscle beneath.
'I'll crush you demon brat!' Shouted Mizuki, only for the sound of the flute he had heard absentmindedly before, to intensify.
'Silly Mizuki, you couldn't ever hope to beat me. I'm just toying with you. You want to know something? I even tricked Tsubaki into thinking I was you. I used my demonic powers and made her think I was you. She was so happy, to finally have her old Mizuki back.' Said Naruto calmly, walking towards Mizuki.
'In fact, she wanted to express her happiness through actions. Really Mizuki, what were you thinking, leaving such an innocent girl like her behind, while you chased Orochimaru. Oh well, your loss was my gain.' Said Naruto tauntingly.
'I'll kill you!' Roared Mizuki, shredding through Naruto with his claws, only for Naruto to turn into smoke and flow behind him.
Mizuki quickly turned around to face the blond, who spoke once again.
'I mean, you had to know what would happen. I don't like being targeted personally by people, so of course I had to come and extract revenge myself. Poor Tsubaki just happened to be ripe for the taking. Do you want to know what happened to her? Or, more accurately, do you want to know what she and I did?' Asked Naruto, with a grin.
-line break-
'What's wrong with Mizuki?' Asked Iruka, who had been largely confused by the erratic actions of his former friend, as he fought against Naruto and the three demonic creatures that Tayuya had summoned.
'I'm working a subtle Genjutsu over him. He isn't aware of it yet, since Naruto and my Doki are engaging him, but he is slipping up. Just a little bit more and I'll have worn him down enough to end this.' Said Tayuya.
Anko watched on curiously, preparing to step in if necessary, but ultimately, decided to stay her hand, wanting to see what the former subordinate of Orochimaru could do.
"If she tries to go against us after this, I'll know exactly how to put her down." Thought Anko calmly.
-line break-
'I'll tear you to shreds!' Shouted Mizuki, lunging at Naruto again, who barely dodged the claw swipe.
'Ah, no need to be jealous, Mizuki. I'm sure Tsubaki really did care for you… just not enough to resist my trick. That's all your fault though. She really did care for you and you threw it away. So sad, although, I'm not complaining, personally.' Smirked Naruto.
'Shut up you demon, I'll destroy you! You think you can get away with this, deluding everyone in the Leaf Village, I'll end you!' Bellowed Mizuki.
Mizuki just narrowly avoided a fist from one of the Doki, before lunging at Naruto and grabbing him by the throat.
'Try again.' Said Naruto, before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
'Rasengan!' Cried Naruto, burying the ball of blue chakra into Mizuki's back and slamming him into the ground.
'You know what the best part is, Mizuki? No matter what you say, no one will ever believe you over me anymore.' Whispered Naruto.
-line break-
'Good job Naruto, you did it.' Praised Iruka.
'Hehe, yeah, but I definitely couldn't have done it without Tayuya's help.' Said Naruto, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment, as he walked over to the group.
'It was nothing.' Said Tayuya calmly, before dispelling her Doki.
'Demon… brat.' Gasped Mizuki, as his form started to shrink and turn grey, losing its muscle mass.
'So, it is just like I thought.' Said Tsunade, walking over to the group.
Naruto briefly listened to Tsunade talk about how she had found the recipe, for whatever it was that Mizuki had ingested and how it was an incomplete concoction, which Orochimaru had been experimenting with.
'Very nice work with that Genjutsu cover.' Whispered Naruto, standing very close to Tayuya, so only she would hear him.
'Just what did you do to him anyway?' Asked Tayuya quietly.
'Just expanded on his fears. Mizuki already thought I was a demon, so it was child's play to make his thoughts into reality. I may have also reinforced a few of his more latent fears, such as me deceiving Tsubaki into seeing me as him. Funny, he actually did care about her for a bit, but gave up on her when she refused to follow him to Orochimaru. Still, he didn't like the idea of her finding comfort with me. Of course, it was all made up, but poor Mizuki couldn't rationalise that at all. The idea of his remaining loved one, being affectionate with his greatest enemy, almost cruel, but that's Mizuki's fault for thinking it. Honestly, what would I actually want with her? Mizuki is barely a blip on my radar, but it seems I am almost everything he despises in one entity.' Said Naruto calmly.
'Oi, brat, stop talking with your girlfriend already and come over here so I can look you over.' Said Tsunade.
'Eh, girlfriend? What do you mean?' Asked Naruto in confusion, looking around for someone.
'Who are you talking about granny?' Asked Naruto, seemingly not finding who it was Tsunade was talking about.
'She means red.' Supplied Anko.
'Eh? Tayuya? No way!' Shouted Naruto in disbelief.
'Just what is that supposed to mean exactly?' Growled Tayuya.
'Eh, you're not pretty like Sakura. Why'd I want you to be my girlfriend?' Asked Naruto, cleaning out his left ear, with his smallest finger.
'The hell are you trying to say, you little shit?' Shouted Tayuya in anger, slamming a fist into Naruto's head.
'Ah, you're just as violent as Sakura, but not as pretty.' Exclaimed Naruto, holding his head in pain, as he backed away from the irate redhead.
'What? I'll show you!' Growled Tayuya, rolling up her short sleeves.
'Ah, I'm fine granny, I'll see you around!' Exclaimed Naruto, before dashing away, with Tayuya in close pursuit.
'Heh, guess Jiraiya did have a bit of a point.' Muttered Tsunade, with a smile, recalling a different pair, with the same coloured hair, as the two who had just run off.
-line break-
Tayuya chased Naruto down for a few minutes, before he suddenly stopped and turned to face her. Tayuya touched down on the branch next to him and schooled her features.
'You know what, Tayuya, you'd make a good actor.' Said Naruto.
'Who's acting? You keep insulting my looks. That's enough to make me angry for real.' Grumbled Tayuya.
'Don't worry, I don't want you for your looks anyway.' Said Naruto, waving his hand in her direction.
Tayuya growled in annoyance, only to feel Naruto kissing her for a moment.
'But for the record, you are very attractive. You could just use a bit more work to get an ass like mine.' Said Naruto mirthfully, as he leaned back.
'You know what, you are an ass, a giant pain in the ass.' Huffed Tayuya.
'Well, too bad, you're stuck with this ass now.' Laughed Naruto.
'When are you going to start teaching me properly anyway? I didn't decide to stick with you for shits and giggles you know.' Asked Tayuya in annoyance.
'As soon as we leave the village, I'll teach you properly, until then, you'll just have to stick with theory. Here's today's lesson. To make a truly powerful illusion, with minimal effort, work with the fears of your opponent. Don't force an illusion on them, let their mind do it for you. That is what helps the illusions possess so much power. If your own mind spawned it, is it really an illusion? That's the trick you need to exploit.' Lectured Naruto.
'So is that what you did with that guy back there?' Asked Tayuya calmly.
'Exactly that. Genjutsu have their strength on the weak-minded, but illusions excel against the strong minded, as they frequently tend to overthink things and are constantly imagining different scenarios occurring… it makes it that much easier to exploit at your leisure. Now, let's go get some ramen!' Said Naruto, his voice becoming childish towards the end, as he leapt through the trees.
Tayuya shook her head a little, at the abrupt change in personality again, before following after Naruto.
"Man is it weird when he does that." Thought Tayuya, slightly unnerved, at just how easily, Naruto slipped between his two personas.
-line break-
'Well Itachi, any plans for how to go about this little mission of ours?' Asked Kisame, looking over to his partner.
'We shall wait. The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki will be sure to leave the village at some point eventually. That will be our time to strike.' Said Itachi coolly.
'Waiting for a good moment to strike eh? Sounds just like you.' Said Kisame thoughtfully.
Itachi didn't respond, causing Kisame to chuckle.
'Actually, I think silence suits you more.' Commented Kisame in amusement.
