The Fox and The Tiger

The Request

"You wanted to see me, Yugito?" Ay asked as he walked over to her. They met in a secluded field and she was seated under a tree. It had been three weeks since her rampage that Naruto took the fall for. There still had been no sighting of him, similarly to the time he actually rampaged.

"You need to release Naruto, from wherever he is being held."

Ay raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Why's that?"

"He isn't the one that rampaged...it...it was me. He took the blame...for me..." She buried her head in her knees and began to cry. The guilt she was feeling for letting him take the fall was becoming too much. She couldn't stop replaying the glimpse she saw of them beating up her defenseless savior. Had it not been for him, she would have killed Rin, and countless others. Who knows the potential amount of lives she could have taken. The village's true savior was Naruto, and the thanks he got was being beaten after already being badly hurt by her in that state and having somehow stopped her rampage. That was something that she still didn't understand to this day. Matatabi hadn't explained to her all that happened, just telling her to put it behind her...well she couldn't just put it behind her.

"Is that so? What happened?"

"That day, he demonstrated an amazing Jutsu, utilizing Fuinjutsu. It drained him though because it isn't fully ready. Afterwards he just left and had been ignoring me for the two weeks prior. I tried looking for him to figure out what I did to hurt him or something...I couldn't find him. Eventually he just came to me and had been really kind to me, offering me his hoodie." She gestured to the hoodie that she currently wore.

"So you were pretty surprised given that he was detached at first it seemed. Why was he?"

"Naruto had come across a rumor that Rin was spreading." She said with disgust "His actions were to try to keep the peace in the squad, but he said that he still and always did care about me, just was putting distance between us to have appeased a relationship that didn't even exist."

"So it was all a misunderstanding."

She nodded "But the rage I felt for Rin's lies...the crap he was spreading...I wanted him to pay. I was going to make him pay, I still want him to pay..." Yugito clinched her fists and stared ahead. Before turning to Ay with a fond smile. "But Naruto stopped me. To let me release some anger, he took a beating, then did something that got me out of the rampaging mode...when I awoke, he was really exhausted...hurt...because of me...then he did by far the kindest and most selfless thing, just so my image in the village never changed...only rose...so that I could be safe, saying he was already feared as the Demon."

"He took the blame. As he was wounded, had the burns from absorbing your potent chakra into his own body. That was the cause of the burns-"

"HE ABSORBED MY CHAKRA?"

Ay nodded and placed a hand at the back of her neck in a way to comfort her. "Yes, it is how you were brought back. We don't know exactly how he did it, but it was what he did."

"So you knew he wasn't the one that rampaged?"

"Yes, he possesses the Kyubi, there is a large difference in the chakra output between his Biju Chakra and yours."

"Then why do you have him locked up somewhere? He isn't a cr-"

"For his safety, and so the villagers believe he really was the one to rampage. Remember, he was gone for three months when he did. They will expect him to be gone a while."

"I see..." She frowned and looked to the ground. "Is he doing ok?"

"All things considered, he's fine. He still has some recovering to do."

"What do you mean? Naruto always heals fast...like ridiculous fast."

"Because he took your chakra. Yugito, you know Biju chakra is potent and toxic...just because he is a Jinchuriki as well, doesn't mean that he can just take your chakra into himself without consequence."

"Oh...but then why didn't he seal it elsewhere?"

"I'm not exactly sure. He made the choice though and all I know from the time I and Bee have gotten to see him, he always has a reason...Yugito."

She nodded as he spoke and looked to him with a sniffle "Yes?"

"Do you wish to see him?" She nodded and he smiled, happy that the two are showing good signs, they were the village's future, they were going to be the strongest military assets and the better connection the two had, the more effective they'd be. He also began to really become attached to the boy. "Bee, and Darui will be checking on him today, you can join them."

"Why won't you?"

"I can't. Bee isn't technically supposed to but, due to him already having weekly meetings, it was able to pass through. There are worries of Naruto's mental condition...we know he's fine but we need to make it look a certain way."

"Oh...so he will not only be feared by the villagers and hated for damages and pain that he didn't cause, but also the higher ups will be keeping him under a microscope, being scrutinized..."

"I don't know the motivation to why he does what he does. All I can say is that we are seeing what he is willing to do, how far he'll go to take care of the ones he cares about...I wonder how far he will go if you are his enemy. Just what will he be willing to do to get to his enemy."

Yugito shivered at the thought. He took a big beating and endured a massive amount of pain for her...there was probably nothing he wouldn't do to get to his enemy and destroy them. There was no hiding, he will find you, no running, he will catch you.

"Where's Naruto? I'll be heading there."

"His house..." she raised an eyebrow "It serves three purposes. Not only is it his house, but serves as a prison as well. Once that door is shut, we can seal him in there...a way to contain him...should the need arise. But he is sealed in a room meant for him to train in using the Kyubi's power. It also works like the sacred waterfall in how it boosts his spiritual energy and connection."

"He has such a room?"

"There are many secrets to his place, even more that he's made himself with his Fuinjutsu."

"Wow...Well, I'll be off then."

Ay nodded and stood "If you ever need anything, you know me and Bee are always here."

"I know, I appreciate it."

Yugito began to leave and as she walked the streets, the villagers all bowed to her when she passed by. It was still odd to her but she just put up a smile and continued on her way. It seemed that the praises would never come to a stop. Yeah it was still very recent but it just felt cheap. She didn't deserve this. She never earned this worship treatment.

"Hey Yugito!" She looked over and noticed Omoi coming towards her "Hey, what's going on? They're saying Naruto rampaged through the village a couple weeks ago...My team and I were on mission and just returned...is he ok?"

"Naruto...he's fine, Omoi. I gotta go."

Omoi stood a little perplexed, that was odd. Still there was nothing he could do about it. It didn't ease his worries at all but at least she said he was fine. At that point, that was all that mattered.

She finally made it to the path that ked up to his house. Looking up, she felt nervous. This was the first time she'd see him since that night. It took a few minutes but she managed to force her self forward and get to the door. Yugito stood there, wondering what to say. The funny thing was that when she knocked, Naruto wouldn't be the one to answer...he was in a sealed room...yet she acted like he was going to open the door when she knocked.

After finally knocking, Darui opened the door, having already been expecting her arrival. He smiled and let her in. "You came just on time. Bee, just left. I haven't seen him yet, was waiting for you. Besides, Bee wanted to be alone with him."

Yugito nodded and greeted her sensei with a nervous smile. "Do you know how he is?"

"Still a little worn out, but is fine. His recovery was drastically slowed...and don't worry Yugito. He holds no ill will towards you. It is ok. No need to be so dull, alright?"

They walked through the house and came to a stone and metal door. It had seals over it and Darui slowly went through five signs while biting his thumb to draw blood. Rubbing his thumb against the other fingers, he placed his blood covered finger prints against a vacant spot in the array. It reacted by causing the whole seal to glow, then the door opened on its own.

Slowly stepping in, there was a very long staircase going down. Her jaw dropped at the massive set of stairs. Just how far down did it go? Definitely well below village level, that's for sure. Still, it was pretty cool.

When they finally reached the right level, there were noticeable etchings within the walls, floor and ceiling. There was a very faint blue glow emanating from them, lighting a path of sorts to the destination. The closer they got to the room at which they sought, the glow became brighter. When she stepped foot into the room, she marveled at the sight. The etchings were a bright blue and it gave a beautiful aura. It seemed peaceful in here. She could feel a sense of deep calmness in here. Even Darui looked even more relaxed than normal...somehow...the guy always was relaxed.

In the center of the room was a meditating Naruto. The broken ribs were healed but he still seemed to have light burns on his hands and wrists. She didn't even want to see how his back was, since that was where her thrashing was impacting when he was absorbing the chakra. Yugito took a few steps to get to him, but Darui extended his arm in front of her, blocking her.

"What?"

"Wait, don't disturb him at the moment." Darui didn't know what was happening but he could feel chakra moving around.

Suddenly, purple chakra surrounded Naruto like a six inch circular wall. It danced like flame but gave no heat. As it went on, his wrists and hands slowly began healing but it sputtered and he began sweating. It took a great deal of concentration and he lost it, opening his eyes he saw Yugito and Darui.

His eyes were red for a brief second and faded into his blue. "Were you tapping into the Kyubi's chakra?"

"No Darui-sensei, Bee-sama says it is probably due to the foreign chakra messing with me. It's thrown off my chakra control...how are you two?" He mainly looked at Yugito when asking and he gave a small smile.

She could tell that he was still feeling a bit of pain due to the very slight discomfort he showed. "I'm ok...thanks to you."

Shaking his head. "Stop feeling guilty. You're alive today, you woke up in the morning. That's reason enough to smile."

"Before you get too philosophical, I still don't get any of what you have said. At least in what you are trying to tell me."

He shrugged "It'll make sense to you one day. What have I been missing?"

"Are you really ok? The truth, Naruto." Yugito said in a tone demanding nothing but the truth.

"Relax, Yugito." Darui said putting a hand on her shoulder to pull her back.

"Why do you keep pulling me back? It's getting annoying! Can't I just go see how he is for myself?"

"You don't sense it? Darui-sensei does...Yugito, he's pulling you back because right where you are is the closest you can get without being poisoned."

She raised an eyebrow and looked at Darui who nodded in return. "What do you mean? Why would I be poisoned?"

"As I said, my chakra control went to hell. The chakra I absorbed is being released gradually. What you saw when you came in was me trying to flush it out...I can't use my Biju's chakra until this foreign one is gone."

"Why?"

"Because the mix of the potent foreign chakra and his own Biju's will kill him. This is why his recovery has been drastically slowed. If it wasn't for his Uzumaki blood, he surely would be dead, and if not, comatose."

Her eyes went wide and whipped her head to Darui but he didn't show signs of any lying. "Then why did you absorb it, bastard? Did you know the risk?"

"Just tell her the truth, Kit."

"No Kurama. She won't understand it. I'll tell her enough to satisfy her questions."

"Very well. Would have been nice if it worked as planned. "

"Yes, but at least half the plan worked out. Better than nothing. "Naruto looked at Darui then back at her. "I knew the risk."

"Then why?"

"There was no other way to stop you without hurting you. I didn't have time to find a place to seal the chakra, so I became the place."

"Why couldn't you just make one of your storage seals?"

Naruto laughed and shook his head at her. "That's not how Fuinjutsu works. I can't seal anything I want into a scroll, there are certain things that need something more...special. A reason why Biju aren't sealed on scrolls to be thrown into a foreign village to wreck havoc. Besides, to till that point, I couldn't place seals with my chakra, I was only able in that moment."

"Couldn't you just get what you needed? You could have used your Biju, could have-"

"No Yugito. There was no other way. Any other seal likely would have lasting effects on you. I couldn't use his chakra any more than the bare minimum to stay alive during your thrashing at me." She winced and frowned "I had to hold you with my own strength, it was why I was so tired, it took everything I had to keep you in my grip. Otherwise I couldn't siphon your chakra. Using more chakra to overpower you would have gotten me killed."

"Y-you held me with your own strength? I was in the version one cloak with both tails...you held me on your own? How?"

Darui even got interested and was pretty surprised of how much Naruto was telling. But he still felt like something was being withheld. "I...was motivated..."

"It doesn't make any sense."

"Just leave it, it's over. Why can't you just be satisfied with that?"

"Because you literally got destroyed, nearly killed to keep me from killing anyone, then beaten more afterwards...and you don't care at all."

Naruto sighed and looked to the ceiling "I told you not to look back...I never said I didn't care, Yugito. Just the fact you're ok makes it insignificant in comparison."

"Why? What makes my being ok worth being nearly killed over? Do you have no value for your own life?"

"She is getting you in a corner here."

"I know. Ideas?"

"Truth. Tell her, your sensei knows...to an extent."

"Fine...you want an answer? I in a way don't. I'm cursed to a life that the more I resist, the stronger it gets."

Darui went wide eyed. This was worse than they thought. Something needed to be done and soon. "What is it? Naruto what are you hiding?" Yugito became more and more worried by the second.

"Darui-sensei, I need to speak to Raikage-sama...there's a request I have and it will impact many things for me."

"Can you tell us?"

Naruto nodded to Darui as he began. It was finally time to make the trip. "I need to find Uzushiogakure. I need to find out what happened, and find answers to release my curse. Maybe there can be knowledge left behind...I'm not sure how long this will take, it's not on any map and there is no information on it. Just that it existed and seemingly over night, wiped from the face of the Earth."

"If there was anything left...it might be in Konoha's hands...they knew where the village was."

Naruto nodded, I'm aware, but there are still many things that could be learned. Plus, even they won't step foot near it, it's been hidden for a reason. From what I have gathered these past few years, what Konoha has was gifted long ago, back when Mito Uzumaki became the Jinchuriki of the Kyubi and married the Shodai Hokage. I'm positive, I could get something."

"Naruto, why are you talking about it like you're going alone?"

He looked to Yugito with a weakened smile, "Because I am. I have to do this alone. This is not just about benefitting the village and looking to remove my curse...it's also to find more of myself and my clan. It is a personal journey."

"You can't go alone! You'd need to venture into Fire Country...Naruto I'm sure they remember what their Jinchuriki used to look like."

"It is a risk that I has to be made. Besides, I have some tricks you know. Don't go killing me off just yet."

"I'm serious, Naruto...stop joking around."

"I'm just trying to get you to relax. Everything will be alright, Yugito. I will be ok. I know for certain, my journey will be of great benefit. Besides, if I was to die, then it was simply my time. We all have a time. Whether it be today, or tomorrow, or sixty years from now. Time is undefeated."

"Now you seem eager to die..."

Naruto shook his head, "Realization isn't the same as Acceptance. I know that my time will come eventually, why lose sleep over something such as that? Maybe if I had something to lose...there'd be reason. Look, I don't mean to be depressing, but it's reality, maybe the only true reality of the Shinobi World...death is always lurking it's head around."

"Doesn't sound hopeful..."

"Bringing hope is not my role to play."

"So that's what it is. Naruto can see that her presence due to her closeness with the Boss and his family brings hope, inspiration, and everything light and good. He is preserving this village's beacon. I understand everything now...to villainize himself makes her rise. A sacrifice of his legacy and mark in history, to ensure the village has what it needs. By serving from the shadows, as he said in that first meeting...I will make sure you can take your journey, Naruto Uzumaki. No other person may acknowledge you for what you have truly done for everyone, but I will always believe in you, for you are a true Shinobi." a small smile crept on Darui's face as he thought.

To their surprise, Darui disappeared in a puff of smoke, a few seconds later, he returned but wasn't alone. The Raikage, Bee, and Mabui stood there. Yugito bowed and got a pat on the head by Ay. Bee looked serious since he had a feeling on what the topic was but would let his brother handle it. Whatever Ay said, Bee always fully supported and went with it. Darui had a small smile and nodded to Naruto. this made him gain a small smile and looked up to Ay.

"Raikage-sama I-"

"Before we start, Naruto. I want to personally thank you for helping Yugito. I hope you understand that my treatment of you this past two weeks has been merely to keep up with appearances. It was the only way to make them believe what you have done and keep the higher ups pleased, as well as give you the time needed to recover peacefully."

Naruto nodded, "No problem, Raikage-sama. Everything has gone according to plan."

Ay raised an eyebrow and decided to take a seat in front of Naruto. "Boss! You must back up you can-"

"Don't worry, Darui. Young Naruto here has more control over his situation than he let on." Ay said laughing boisterously at his and Yugito's reaction. Her first instinct was to go beat the living hell out of Naruto but was stopped by an elevated hand by Ay "Come on. You two fell for that? You guys know Naruto to be a bit of a...devious person."

They sighed and nodded but Yugito still wasn't happy. She'd get some payback. "It was pretty amusing..." that was it, she charged his smirking face but was repelled by a wall of wind, only strong enough to push her away. "Yeah...I was playing around with the ability to place seals with chakra..."

"Before we get off topic, tell me more about this successful plan of yours."

Naruto looked back at Ay and gave a nod. "Well...half successful. Everything in regards to Yugito has gone as expected. She is the village's hero." she looked down at her false title, but Bee placed a hand on her shoulder. Reassuring her to not be so down about it. "The other part was a factor in why I decided to deal with her chakra the way I did. Not only was it my only option, but I didn't mind because I hoped it would destroy the mark that has been placed on me...I was wrong."

Ay looked intently at Naruto, wondering how much he knew about his mark and if he was fine with Yugito knowing. Getting a nod from Naruto he leaned back slightly. "I'm not surprised that it didn't Naruto. To gamble that such a thing would remove a mark placed by the Shinigami was risky, but it makes sense. Had you been anyone else, someone not Uzumaki, or the Kyubi's Jinchuriki, you would have surely died."

Yugito went wide-eyed and nearly dropped to her knees from the shock. Thee Shinigami? It marked him? How? Why? If such a thing was true then what the hell could they as mortals do? The Shinigami is an immortal being. With her presence, death followed. The curse that Naruto had brought up, was it due to the Shinigami? What kind of curse was he living? Was it to kill him or what could the Shinigami ever want with Naruto? She couldn't understand it. It made absolutely no sense to her. Nothing but questions ever got asked...hardly were they ever answered to her.

"Yes, I am aware. It was why I was going to see if it could be done. If I wasn't Uzumaki, and holder of the Kyubi, I most likely couldn't stop Yugito without leaving a lasting effect on her. But, my being an Uzumaki is why I wished to speak to you..."

"What is it?"

"I humbly request to leave the village...on a journey to find Uzushiogakure. If there are any answers, my former clan will hold it. Since there is no sign that anyone ventured to the village since it seemingly fell overnight, I know there is knowledge still left behind. I will find many secrets and Jutsu that can help the village."

Ay nodded, "Why do you want to go alone?"

"This is a personal journey. Not just one to benefit the village. I need to learn as much as I can about my clan...I also want to learn how to use my Kekkei Genkai. I know that I possess it because I can make pure physical chakra. But the Kyubi and I don't know how to utilize the other aspect."

Ay sat back and thought longingly. "I see. I understand, it also would draw less attention...All I know, is that it was somewhere in Fire Country. I wish I could be more of help, but the fall of the village was before my time. Around when my father first became Raikage. When do you wish to leave?"

"You can't be serious! He can get captured, or killed! Surely you can't be thinking this is a good idea! They definitely haven't forgotten their Jinchuriki!"

Ay waved her off "From the report I received when Naruto joined us, they weren't going to miss him. Besides, if word spreads that the Kyubi's Jinchuriki was witnessed, it would send fear to Konoha, thinking that revenge would be coming shortly...is that also part of your plan?"

"It sounded amusing...yes...I would like to leave as soon as possible, today even if possible."

"Naruto! Think rationally!"

"Yugito, I've been planning this for three years. I have thought."

"Alright, Naruto, you can leave in a few days. When you do, you'll need to leave your Hitai-ate. It will ensure you aren't outright attacked."

"Thank you, Raikage-sama."

Ay nodded and left the room followed by Bee and Mabui. Darui nodded to Naruto and left as well. Leaving Yugito and Naruto alone together. She was frowning and he just sat there waiting. For five minutes they were there not even speaking. The silence was intoxicating and driving her mad, especially because in her mind, was a clutter of never ending noise. So many thoughts ran through her head on what to say and how to go about what to do next. Surprisingly Naruto stood up and approached her, resting his left hand on her right shoulder he smiled.

"Relax, Yugito. You don't need to thank me, you don't need to repay me. Don't worry about me, just go be happy." He squeezed her shoulder slightly and looked down towards the right, "I don't know how long I will be gone. So keep a level head, don't be so brash."

"How are you just going to speak down on me like that?"

"Because, Yugito, you don't seem like anyone has ever really criticized you. You can be so much stronger and better, you just need to think ahead and slow down a bit." He looked her in the eyes and got a serious look on his face "You must not let Rin anger you so much."

"HE IS LY-"

"I know. It isn't right, but if you go about things the way you almost did, then there are major problems. I'm not saying you have to do what I do and pretend that nothing effects you..." She looked at him and remembered that aspect about him, always hiding how he really feels and that made her wonder what he was feeling right now. "...But you need to keep calm at least. Confront him if you wish but remain calm."

"Easier said than done..." She said off handedly.

He sighed and pulled her into a hug, surprising her completely as she stood shocked in his embrace. Naruto was showing actual affection towards someone and she couldn't believe it. "You can do it, Yugito. I'll see you around, ok?" He whispered and next thing she knew, there was a surge of chakra from him and then a shock ran through her body from her back, then her view went black as she collapsed in his arms. "I'm sorry, Yugito, but the next step will be very painful, and this lets me do my work without you feeling it."

He started taking steps backwards she was being lowered. Once she was on her knees he sat her back on her heels. He ran a chakra covered hand over her stomach and then he leaned her over his right arm, and ran his left hand over her back which he then sighed, "Well that is definitely good. Would have been awkward if the seal was anywhere but her back."

"You know a small part of you hoped it was."

"Really? Shut up Kurama! Is there any way to communicate with her Biju?"

"Ruin all the fun why don't you. But no, you can not speak to her Biju...that ability can't be done unless...well you just can't."

"Well, is there any way to make some sort of contact so that it knows what we are doing."

"Yes..."

"Then what needs to be done?"

"I...could talk."

"Great, communicate to her Biju that I plan to place a restraint on the seal."

"Eh...how about not? Just place it."

"Kurama, what the hell is the problem? You aren't acting normal."

"Kit, I haven't talked to her for like almost a hundred years."

"Her? What Biju does she have sealed in her?"

"Matatabi, the two tailed Tiger..."

"Kurama...you're nervous about her? You are like...leagues above her, hell it ain't even the same sport! What is the problem."

"Hmmm...well you see...when one loves one, the one becomes two... the two got split and haven't spoken."

"What?"

"KIT THE DAMN TIGER IN HER WAS MY MATE!"

"Oh...awkward...well I believe in you...stay calm and relaxed you know?"

"DON'T TRY MOTIVATING ME YOU HUMAN! I AM KURAMA, THE KYUBI NO KITSUNE, KING OF THE BIJU!"

"THEN ACT LIKE IT, STOP HIDING BEHIND YOUR TAILS AND SPEAK TO THE DAMN TIGER!"

Kurama grumbled and groaned for a while. After nine minutes, he finally began to create the mental link. Immediately it was joined and he sighed in anticipation as he left Naruto's mindscape and reappeared in a different location. Instead of the dark cage and mind of Naruto, it was a brighter empty plain. He heard some purring from behind him and with a deep breath, Kurama turned slowly to the tiger that was once his life partner.

"Hello, Mata."

"Kuru...I've missed you."

Kurama coughed and looked away slightly. "The Kit wants to places a restriction seal over your seal."

Matatabi smirked and started strolling towards him. "Oh? Mighty Kitsune reduced to a nervous mess in my presence? That just won't do, we only have a limited time..."

"So the seal?"

"Go ahead, just make sure he doesn't cut my connection off to my Kitten." Kurama nodded and was surprised when her head was in his chest. Sighing he looked down to her and smirked.

Naruto was seated, holding the sleeping Yugito in his arms. He couldn't deny that she was looking so peaceful and relaxed while asleep. It was sort of adorable to him. Then the frown came that it was forced sleep and this was not a natural occurrence. She would never know that she slept against him and that he held her like this. His eyes began wandering and he blushed at the fact that he was doing so. Part of him felt guilty about this and the fact he was able to get such a view.

"The hell is taking Kurama so damn long? Been a damn hour already! How long does he expect me to hold Yugito here...guess I could lay her down...just wasn't expecting him to take so long."

He began to gently lay her down and rest her on her back. "You know? I don't like the predicaments that have led to this point. I am happy, I truly am. I will do anything I have to keep it as such, but more than that" He glanced over at her "I will ensure that the future is protected and you will lead it. I know that even Kurama questions why I am putting so much of the bet on you. There's just something about you, sure the fact that everyone already admires you helps, but there's something more than that...I can't explain it." Naruto smiled softly and sighed, "Damn that Kurama. Has me here talking to you while you're knocked out. So...how are you?" He chuckled and laughed at the fact that he was trying to talk to her like she was awake. "Maybe one day we can have a real conversation, who knows, maybe you can even get to learn more about me."

Naruto laid down beside her and crossed his arms as he waited for his companion to return. It would be another thirty minutes until he heard a sharp exhale and a panted inhale within his mind. "ABOUT FUCKING TIME KURAMA! THE HELL TOOK YOU SO LONG!"

Kurama took a few deep breaths before getting back to normal. "Oh, something you don't need to worry about...Matatabi is resting now, going to be sleeping quite a long time. So go ahead and place the seal, she just requests that you don't cut off her link to the girl."

"That can be done."

"So...what did you do this whole time?"

"*cough* nothing *cough*"

Naruto sat up and rolled Yugito over. She was laying on her stomach and he blushed slightly when he noticed that a certain part of her jiggled from the movement. Blinking away the thoughts, he sighed and felt bad for what needed to be done. He began to lift her shirt up and channeled chakra to locate the seal. "Damn, it really would have to be not as accessible."

"Stop pretending that you aren't a little excited to see more of her body."

"KURAMA!"

"Alright alright. I'll be quiet."

He pushed her shirt up more and to this point, her shirt was scrunched all the way up to her neck. The seal was spread across her shoulder blades. He spent a few minutes analyzing the seal and pressing a chakra covered finger over the seal to see how it reacts. Once he was done, he cracked his neck. "Kurama, I do have enough control at the moment, correct?"

"Yes. You should, it would be better if you waited a little longer but you can perform the seal regardless."

Nodding he went through fifty-five hand signs. Starting at her waist line, he began the seal. This was a massive seal since he had to modify so many aspects to the normal seal's concept. He drew up seals all the way up from her waist to surround the seal she had on her shoulders. He began to get a bit of a sweat and once he finished, he placed both his hands on her back and the seal glowed. and began spinning around to shrink itself and merge with her original seal. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled as he completed by far the most complex seal he ever performed.

"Ok, it's done."

"Good work, Kit." Kurama sat there watching for a it "You could put her shirt back on properly and get her out of here to be more comfortable now..."

"Huh? Oh right!" Kurama laughed and Naruto pulled her shirt back down and rolled her onto her back. He noticed her breasts move and immediately closed his eyes..."Forgot about the bra...my bad, Yugito..." He carried her bridal style and took her to his room and laid her on his bed.

He left the room and closed the door gently as to not wake her. Sitting on the couch, he popped open some tea and relaxed. At least when he left, his body should be fully recovered and the chakra will be gone. Ay really made the better decision in that sense. The next day Yugito woke up in an unfamiliar room and was confused. She tried remembering how she got there but the last thing she remembered was Naruto hugging her. She blushed ever so slightly but refocused to try to figure out where she was. Looking around the room, it looked bland and empty. Like no one really lived there, or had any true life. The bed was neatly made, aside from the spot she laid, and the rest of the room was pristinely clean. Nothing had a spec of dust and she went over to the dresser. She noticed an assortment of bright with contrasting dark clothing. Still nothing to really give away where she was.

Roaming to the closet, there wasn't much at all in there. Seemed rather unused. In fact, most of the room seemed unused. She went for the door, not sure what would be on the other side and slowly opened it. The hall went pretty far but on the other end, she noticed the living room which seemed familiar. Slowly walking down, she entered the living room and on the couch was a sleeping Naruto. That was odd, why was she asleep on his bed...

She walked over to him and was just looking down at him until his eyes opened up scaring her a bit. "Not weird at all..." He said making her blush in embarrassment.

"S-sorry...what happened?"

"Hm?"

"Last thing I remember was your hug."

Naruto nodded, "Yeah you passed out. You ok? Need some water or something?"

"I-I passed out?"

"Sure did. I'm leaving shortly. You can stay if you like, up to you. I do need somebody to eat and drink up that fridge otherwise it'll probably just go bad before I return."

"Are you asking me to house sit?"

"Just don't throw a party here is all I ask. You can use the training rooms if you like, but I gotta get ready to leave."

Before she could respond, she saw him enter a bathroom and a shower start up. Sighing, she sat on the couch and waited. When he finally finished, he exited the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and she took noticed of how well toned his body was. He wasn't a bulk of muscle like the Raikage was, he was just a well fit and toned shinobi. She figured that he was probably the most fit of their year.

"Stop staring, Kitten! He'll catch you!" Matatabi chuckled. Yugito's face went red and she looked away immediately.

Ten minutes later, Naruto came out dressed as he usually does and had a bigger bag on his back. Presumably to carry a few sets of clothes and some supplies. But as she would correctly guess, most of what he had was sealed to save space. "Well, I'm going to head out. Take care, Yugito."

"I still don't like this."

"I know. Just do as I said and continue to get stronger. Maybe I'll come back and kick your ass." He said with a smile.

"Not a chance Uzumaki. Not a chance."

He began to leave when she called out to him. Now to his surprise, she hugged him and wished him well before pushing him out the door of his own house and shutting the door in his face. He stood perplexed about what happened and didn't understand. "Was it a joke? Is she about to tear up my house?"

"Just get going Kit."

Naruto nodded and went to the village entrance. Ay stood there with Darui he greeted the two with a bow. "Good luck Naruto." Ay said.

"I hope your journey works out."

"Thank you, Raikage-sama, Darui-sensei. I will be back as soon as I find what it is I'm looking for."

The two nodded and watched as he left the village. Somewhat wondering how long he may be gone and what he could potentially return with. One thing they were certain about was that the Naruto that returned would be different. There was no telling who he'd meet along the journey and what he would get to see. There would be many things he would experience and learn, so they were excited to see the Naruto that came back.

Yo so took a bit longer, decided to upload two chapters at once rather than just one. Naruto is beginning a journey to Uzushiogakure and this journey will span a couple chapters. So a bit of transparency, I was originally planning to kill Rin on a mission two chapters ago. I'm kinda behind as far as what I've been planning. That's not a bad thing, I've just been spending more time on these other parts. Rin wasn't originally going to be as he is now, but I thought why not have it go this way and keep him around just a bit longer. Now, during the journey, I will try to keep up with what everyone else is doing, I tend to focus solely on Naruto's perspective of things, that's why everyone that is isn't directly with him hasn't got much view time. For example Konoha, I have plans for that, they will come to play, Omoi has taken a step back but will come back more often in the story. As well as the other members of Naruto's circle. Unless...y'all want me only focusing on Naruto's perspective as I have as of late and only show other's perspective if they are around him. Let me know, I'll let that help in how I try implementing the others' perspectives because they all have lives in the story that can be explored. I'll obviously be implementing them, but how far I should go is what I'm wondering, because I'm not sure if you'd like a whole chapter dedicated to someone else's perspective...maybe...

Glad y'all are enjoying. Toying with some things

Ryan I get that fully bud. When I used to read these stories I felt the same constantly. It was why I stayed away from ongoing ones because I hated the anticipation lol. That and sometimes I would really like one only for it to be abandoned and that sucked a lot. I haven't gotten to really read any because of work and also writing my own so there isn't much time.

Anyone who also reads my other story, my bad about the long spaces between uploads, kinda just been having more fun with this one. Also just trying to plan out how long I am planning on having Naruto be as he is, is something I'm playing around with and have rewritten the next chapter several times already. Just haven't found one I'm satisfied with yet.

Hope you enjoyed these two chapters, see y'all later.