Finally, the mess with FF is over! To summarise, I was not getting alert e-mails and since my stories tend to go a while between updates, most of my readers wouldn't have seen the update, so I refused to upload this until the problem was fixed. As another point, I still can't reply to reviews properly, so I'll have to PM individually it seems.
In any case, as I said last chapter, should this happen again, look on my pat reon, where I will make the chapter available for free. The link is in my profile page and you don't have to pay a thing to see those chapters.
Enjoy!
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 6 – Sensation
Naruto was dusting off his hands, while Tayuya was putting her flute away, when their teammates arrived.
'What took you all so long? We've already rounded up the rest of these guys.' Said Naruto, pointing to the dozen men, now tied up and unconscious on the ground.
'Is that really Raiga? You managed to defeat him?' Questioned one of the villagers.
'You better believe it! He didn't stand a chance against us.' Said Naruto, puffing out his chest in pride.
'We have decided to take Raiga and present him to the proper authorities for dealing with Missing-nin, but the rest of these men are all under your power.' Said Neji.
'We will be able to manage them. Raiga was the true threat to our village, these men were simply hired goons.' Said another villager.
Neji nodded at this and the group set off, a nervous Karashi in tow. Finally reaching the curry shop, Karashi was embraced by his grandmother and after stammering out multiple apologies, was accepted back. The remaining two men who had come to the village for assistance returned home, leaving the group of ninja with the reunited family.
'We will head out tomorrow morning and try to turn in Raiga for his bounty as quickly as possible.' Said Neji.
'What should we do with Ranmaru?' Asked Lee, referring to the boy they found, later revealed to be known as Ranmaru.
'Oh you needn't worry about him. I'll help fix the boy up and put him to work in the shop with Karashi. I'm sure the boy was merely misguided and I'd be happy to correct him, as the five of you corrected Karashi for me.' Said Grandma Sanshou.
'Lucky kid. I'm sure someone like Orochimaru would have loved a bloodline like that kid has.' Said Tayuya.
'You seem to know a lot about Orochimaru's interests.' Pointed out Tenten, getting Tayuya to snort.
'So what of it? Think I'm spying for him or something? Bastard threatened to kill me more times than I can count and he could have done it if he wanted to.' Scoffed Tayuya.
'I didn't mean to suggest you were a spy, I just found it odd is all. I mean, aren't you just one of his ninja? It isn't like we know what Lady Tsunade wants.' Said Tenten defensively, getting Naruto to laugh.
'Granny probably just wants all the sake in the world and no more debt collectors after her.' Said Naruto in amusement.
'Maybe smaller tits too, since those things must kill her back.' Added Tayuya, causing Tenten to blink owlishly.
'Besides, I wasn't just a random Sound ninja. I was part of Orochimaru's elite guard. Only that faggot Kabuto was above us… well, him and Kimimaro, but he's dead now if he's still here.' Said Tayuya, pointing to Lee.
'I see, Kimimaro was the bone user we faced then. He was indeed a formidable opponent.' Nodded Lee.
'Wait, you were part of the elite guard of Orochimaru of the Sanin?' Exclaimed Tenten in shock.
'That's right buns. Don't think I'm some weak kunoichi like the rest of those people in your village. It was do or die for me every single day and I'm still here. I bet you've never even imagined the things I've had to do.' Said Tayuya.
'You are being quite forthcoming with information about your allegiance to Orochimaru.' Pointed out Neji.
'Former allegiance. I'm not about to run back to someone who tried to kill me. Besides, what do I care, I've already told the Leaf about a bunch of his hidden bases. I've burned all my bridges.' Said Tayuya.
'Yeah, Tayuya saved me, so she can't be all bad.' Added Naruto.
'She saved you?' Questioned Tenten.
'Yeah… I don't know what happened, but I was bleeding out a lot, if what I heard is right and I might not even be here now if it wasn't for Tayuya.' Said Naruto, causing the three to look at her.
'The fuck are all of you staring at?' Exclaimed Tayuya in embarrassment at their intense looks.
'Screw this, I'm getting some air where people aren't going to try and eye-rape me!' Said Tayuya, before standing up and exiting the shop.
'She's got quite a mouth on her.' Commented Tenten.
'I just think it is because she isn't comfortable with people being nice to her. Just like Neji when he was all about fate and needed a nice punch to the head, to knock him out of it. You know what, if I helped you, Neji, I bet I can fix her too.' Said Naruto exuberantly.
'I hope not by punching her in the face. While I appreciated the sentiments of what you tried to articulate, I did not approve of the method.' Said Neji.
'Well, it was a fight as well… don't worry, I won't hit Tayuya, besides, she's pretty strong, scary too.' Said Naruto.
'Naruto, I have to ask, why are you so accepting of Tayuya? She was part of the team that tried to stop us retrieving Sasuke after all.' Said Lee, causing Naruto to adopt a serious expression.
'I know Lee, but here is the thing, at the end of the day, I couldn't bring Sasuke back. Sasuke could have easily turned around and come back to the Leaf when I caught up with him, but he wanted a fight instead and nearly killed me. He chose to go to Orochimaru. Tayuya… I think at least, since I don't know for sure, didn't choose to join up with Orochimaru and she saved my life. If it wasn't for Tayuya, I'd be dead, so I figure if anyone deserves a chance, it's her.' Said Naruto, before standing up.
'I think I'm going to go check up on her, later.' Said Naruto, giving a wave, before exiting the shop as well.
When Naruto made his way outside, he saw Tayuya sitting down on the grass, a dozen or so metres away from the front of the shop. Naruto made his way towards her and sat down besides her.
'Good work today. I must say, your abrasive nature actually seems to have won them over.' Said Naruto, getting a snort from Tayuya.
'Great.' Said Tayuya, causing Naruto to laugh.
'It is actually. Have you figured it out?' Asked Naruto.
'I think, but just to be sure, do it again.' Said Tayuya.
'Oh my, Tayuya, are you asking me to touch you? Outside no less.' Teased Naruto, causing Tayuya to huff.
'Just do it, smartass.' Huffed Tayuya.
Naruto obliged and rested his hand on Tayuya's and made her see the moon in startlingly clarity.
'You need to reapply chakra to maintain your illusions.' Said Tayuya, causing Naruto to smile.
'Very good. You learn fast. Let me ask you a question now, no tricks, just a simple question. Why do you think Karashi believed himself to be strong when he joined the Kurosuki family?' Asked Naruto.
'Weak people always think they are stronger in groups. The whole idea of there being strength in numbers isn't wrong, but it doesn't make the individual stronger, it just lets them hide their weaknesses behind others.' Said Tayuya.
'Yes, I understand that much, I just don't understand why he would think being able to terrorise others in a group, makes him any stronger. It makes him crueller, but not stronger, if anything, he would get weaker, due to being lulled into a false sense of security or power, that is why he defected from them so easily.' Said Naruto.
'Why are you thinking on it so hard anyway? From where I'm sitting, you are pretty damn strong, so what does it matter to you what weaklings like him think?' Questioned Tayuya.
'Exactly that, I am strong. To understand everyone, I need to understand the weak too. It was easy enough with the villagers, they were driven by fear. Karashi though, he had nothing to make him go and join the Kurosuki. He could have easily stayed at this curry shop and never needed to face anything dangerous at all, so why go out and find it?' Queried Naruto.
'Hell if I know. If I'd grown up in a curry shop without needing to worry about things like Orochimaru, I'd have been fine with it.' Said Tayuya.
'I agree… I suppose people don't really appreciate what they have, unless they see what the other alternatives are.' Said Naruto.
'I guess… are you done yet by the way?' Asked Tayuya, causing Naruto to blink in confusion.
'Done?' Queried Naruto.
'You're still holding my hand.' Said Tayuya, causing Naruto to look down at his hand, which was still over Tayuya's.
'Your point?' Asked Naruto.
'Are you done with your illusion demonstration?' Asked Tayuya.
'Yes.' Said Naruto slowly, enjoying Tayuya's questioning.
'So why are you still holding my hand?' Asked Tayuya.
Naruto hummed for a moment, looking at the stars and pretending to think about it, before looking back to Tayuya.
'Because I want to.' Said Naruto calmly.
'Why?' Asked Tayuya again.
'Tayuya, Tayuya… don't tell me you forgot the plan here?' Questioned Naruto.
'Make us look like a couple, I remember, your point?' Countered Tayuya.
'And did you forget what I said about the first lesson in creating illusions?' Pressed Naruto.
'All illusions need a base to grow from, what's your point?' Asked Tayuya.
'My point, Tayuya, is that I didn't pick you at a whim. I like you genuinely. From your spitfire attitude, to the way your try and prove me wrong. Even your attempt to manhandle me was… cute.' Teased Naruto, causing Tayuya to growl.
'I ain't fucking cute.' Spat Tayuya.
'Maybe, maybe not, but you are to me.' Said Naruto, squeezing Tayuya's hand slightly, getting her to look down, before he stood up, bringing her with him.
'We should go to sleep now. Hopefully you'll be able to get a good rest, but then again, maybe you won't.' Said Naruto, before letting go of Tayuya's hand, causing her to immediately feel cold.
'Fuck it's cold!' Exclaimed Tayuya, wrapping her arms around herself.
'Is it? I didn't notice. Oh well, good luck sleeping in this weather.' Said Naruto, before walking back to the curry shop.
-line break-
After slapping a chakra suppression seal on Raiga, along with Ranmaru, at Tayuya's insistence, the group of ninja headed to their rooms to sleep. Neji and Lee were roomed together, as were Tayuya and Tenten, leaving Naruto to have the room Sangorou, and Hachidai vacated.
"Kurama, what are your thoughts on today?" Inquired Naruto.
'There are not many things that could have made today better. I am curious about your questioning of that boy's motives though.' Said Kurama.
"I just figure it is better to understand why weak people flock together, so I can anticipate things like this in the future. Not just in terms of people though, the minor villages for instance. What is to stop them all banding together, if they feel inadequate as Karashi did?" Replied Naruto.
'Pride and mutual hatred, you humans are full of it. They won't ever band together, as it would mean losing their identity. This boy was weak and had no sense of who he was. The minor villages may be weak, but they are filled with pride in their individuality. In the same way we tailed beasts take pride in our own abilities and refuse to work together, so too do you ninja and especially your villages.' Said Kurama.
"I suppose." Thought Naruto, before hearing his door slide open.
'You little shit.' Said Tayuya, a noticeable shiver to her form.
'Me? What did I do?' Asked Naruto, feigning obliviousness.
'Move over.' Ordered Tayuya, before sliding under Naruto's sheet with him and wrapping her arms around him, pressing herself against him.
'Is that how you get girls, make them freeze their tits off so they need to cuddle up to you for warmth?' Asked Tayuya irritably, making Naruto laugh.
'Well, all you needed to do was make contact with me again to break the illusion. You can go back to your room and you'll feel normal.' Said Naruto.
'And give you the chance to mess with me again? Not a chance. I'm staying right here, whether you like it or not.' Huffed Tayuya.
'You know what Tayuya, you are cute.' Said Naruto, causing Tayuya to elbow him in the gut.
'And feisty, but I like that too. Good night.' Said Naruto, lulling Tayuya to sleep.
'Yeah… night… you blond jackass.' Mumbled Tayuya, before falling asleep.
-line break-
Luckily for Tayuya, she and Naruto were the first to wake, meaning no one was aware that they slept together. Not the implication those words usually entailed, such as an illicit love affair, no, they had merely slept beside each other, but either way, Tayuya didn't want anyone thinking she was easy, even if they were tree huggers, as she called them in the past. As it stood, it meant Tayuya was now a tree hugger, hugger, considering she hadn't let go of Naruto last night, not wanting the sensation of cold to return and not trusting him to not pull that trick on her again.
The group had left early in the morning, dragging the angered Raiga with them, before Ranmaru could wake up and protest. The group of five ninja and one prisoner had made good time and were now quite close to the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire. Everything seemed to be going well, until all at once, shit hit the fan.
A three bladed scythe swung in a downwards arc from the sky. The target was not the Leaf Genin, who leapt away from the attack, but rather, Raiga, who screamed in agony, as his collar bone was ripped through, arms bound to his sides, leaving him no chance to stop himself from falling backwards.
The five Genin quickly regrouped and took stock of the situation. Two men in red and black cloaks were before them. One of the men was watching on impassively, while the other was raising a black rod upwards. The group prepared for him to throw it, only for him to stab himself in the chest. The confusing part though, was that he grinned. Raiga, for some reason though, started to cough out blood for a few seconds, before going still.
'It seems we didn't just find a bounty here today. I believe we have also found the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki.' Said the calmer one of the two men.
'Really? That's great! Kakuzu, just think about how great it would be to sacrifice the Kyuubi to Jashin.' Cackled the man, who had blood slowly dripping from his wound, before he pulled out the stake.
'Hidan, don't make me kill you. We need the Kyuubi alive.' Said Kakuzu.
'Fuck that! Jashin needs sacrifices!' Exclaimed Hidan.
'What are these guys talking about?' Asked Tenten.
'It's nothing important. What we need to do now is get away.' Said Neji.
'Well Itachi, guess you were right after all.' Chuckled the large blue man, that was, Kisame Hoshigaki.
Itachi Uchiha, the object of Sasuke's hatred, or at least he was, before Naruto messed Sasuke around, didn't respond to Kisame, instead, staring down Naruto.
'Neji, I know you are the leader on this mission, but I really need you to trust me on this one. You, Lee and Tenten need to run back to the Leaf Village as fast as possible. If you can't find Jiraiya, find Kakashi and tell him to come here.' Said Naruto.
'You make it sound like you are planning on fighting these four, Naruto.' Said Neji.
'Yeah, but I'm not so sure about winning, so I'll really need you guys to run fast.' Said Naruto, even as the group of Leaf ninja backed up slightly.
'Naruto, we can't just abandon you here!' Protested Tenten.
'These guys are after me, not you. This is my fight. Just get me some backup. I can hold them off for a little bit.' Said Naruto.
'What the hell you little shit? You think you can stand against Jashin's mightiest disciple!' Ranted Hidan in annoyance.
'Neji, you saw it, right? When we fought in the Chunin Exams, you saw what I could do. Trust me on this, I can handle them for a bit.' Said Naruto.
'You aren't doing this alone either. I know at least a bit about those two, since Orochimaru has a permanent boner over everything Sharingan related, I'll back you up.' Said Tayuya.
Neji hadn't had many difficult decisions to make in his life, but this one right now was probably the hardest.
'It isn't your destiny to die here today, Naruto, remember that.' Said Neji, causing Naruto to smirk.
'Destiny? I make my own destiny.' Said Naruto, causing Neji to smile slightly.
'Lee! Tenten! Let's go!' Said Neji, before the three shot past Itachi and Kisame, who didn't even make a move to stop them.
'You know this fight will be over before they get back, right?' Asked Kisame, with a fanged grin.
'Well, looks like I might actually need to kiss your non-existent ass after all, Tayuya.' Said Naruto, ignoring Kisame and getting Tayuya to growl.
'Is now really the time for jokes?' Asked Tayuya in annoyance.
'Of course it is, but that wasn't a joke. Wanna hear a joke? What do four Akatsuki members and a handful of tissues have in common?' Asked Naruto.
'What?' Asked Tayuya.
'One guy is about to beat all over them.' Said Naruto, causing Tayuya to laugh.
'That was fucking terrible, I love it.' Said Tayuya.
'Crass jokes aren't really my forte, but I figured I'd try one out for you.' Said Naruto, with a smirk.
'Are you two done flirting yet?' Asked Hidan in annoyance.
'Not for a long time, but since you've waited so patiently, I suppose I can humour all of you.' Said Naruto, building up his chakra rapidly, blue whips of chakra lashing out at the four, but causing no damage, as they passed through them. In fact, Samehada seemed to enjoy Naruto's display quite a bit, as it seemed to purr in content.
'Before we begin, you are acting quite oddly, Naruto.' Said Itachi.
'Yes, I'm sure Sasuke thought something similar, before I gave him the details of your last mission. Poor guy that Sasuke, so confused, almost like people keep messing with his mind… you wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you, Itachi?' Asked Naruto coolly, causing Itachi's gaze to harden.
'So it seems our source was correct, you are different, Naruto.' Said Itachi.
'Am I? Can you really know if someone is different, if you never really knew them? Let me show the four of you just how little you, or anyone else for that matter, knows about me.' Said Naruto, as his chakra exploded out from his form, before he transformed into the Kyuubi.
The large nine tailed beast lashed out at the Akatsuki members. Kisame, Hidan and Kakuzu all leapt back, but Itachi remained exactly where he was. The large claw fazed through him and caused no damage.
'See Tayuya, that is exactly why I considered taking Itachi under my wing.' Said Naruto to Tayuya.
'So he figured out your trick the first time, big whoop.' Huffed Tayuya.
'Naruto, what exactly are you playing at?' Asked Itachi.
'Oh? Is that concern I hear coming from a rogue ninja?' Asked Naruto mockingly, causing Itachi to narrow his gaze further.
'Very well then, Itachi, tell me, what do you want?' Asked Naruto, his steely gaze boring into Itachi's.
'What did you tell Sasuke?' Asked Itachi.
'The truth, all of it.' Said Naruto.
'You shouldn't have done that.' Said Itachi.
'Why? You wish to keep him ignorant for his safety and he still defected from your precious village. I merely gave him the truth, then delivered him to Orochimaru, exactly what he wanted at the time.' Said Naruto, shrugging his shoulders carelessly.
'Why are you doing this Naruto?' Asked Itachi.
'Simple, Itachi. When you think you have everything figured out, the only thing to do after that is to test it.' Said Naruto.
'And you think you have Sasuke figured out?' Asked Itachi.
'Sasuke? Not everything is about Sasuke, Itachi. No, I think I've figured out much more than any one person.' Said Naruto.
'What have you figured out then?' Asked Itachi.
'Ninja. From loyal covert agents like yourself, to mad scientists like Orochimaru and I want to test my theories out.' Said Naruto.
'To what end?' Asked Itachi.
'Boy, you ask a lot of questions Itachi, don't you?' Questioned Naruto mockingly.
'Well, if you must know, I don't have a goal in mind, well, aside from training Tayuya here.' Said Naruto.
Itachi stared Naruto down for a moment, who merely looked back at him in amusement.
'Your move, Itachi.' Challenged Naruto.
'Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu.' Said Itachi, launching a ball of fire at Naruto.
The battle had begun.
