Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto even thou he ruined the story for so many of us.
Reflections
Chapter 4
The lies people tell
...
Tsunade put down the report Akia submitted so quickly when she returned from her mission. The shinobi that were attaching the lumber mills in the north had been Iwagakure and the Anbu team had accounted for a dozen dead with that many or more injured before the Iwagakure shinobi had broken contact
The real question was why now, was there some grand plan that old Tsuchikage was working on, or was this a way for him to remind the leaf that they were still there up in those dam mountains of theirs.
The Hokage felt an incoming chakra as Akia body flickered into the room, dropping to one knee she waited for the Hokage's command. Putting down her glass the Hokage looked over her endless pile of paperwork at the kneeling Anbu.
"What are you doing here, I got your report.", Tsunade said filling her glass from the bottle she had hidden in her desk drawer.
"I have some news that I thought you needed to know as soon as I learned of it.", said Akia trying to find the right words to explain to the Hokage about the two teens she just left.
Knowing Akia had gone to check on Nariko she wondered what she could have learned so fast, Kakishi's reports said she was slowly learning to work on a team with only a couple of incidents along the way.
"Take a seat,", Tsunade said pointing to a chair to the side of her desk, "Now what could you have found that required you to rush back so quickly?"
Not knowing of any easy way to say it Akia just blurted it out, "Naruto and Nariko have been living together, even sleeping in the same bed and Nariko refuses to leave." there now she said it if the Hokage needed someone to blame she was ready to take what every punishment was required.
Finishing half her drink in one go, Tsunade sat back in her chair and said, "I guess I will be having grandbabies after all."
Akia tried not to show her surprise but she cleared her throat and said, "Well, that is part of the problem, Nariko doesn't really know where babies come from and when I asked Naruto he didn't have a clue, not only that but he said that all the reproductive classed had been removed from the academy when he repeated his second year.
Now that was news, news she could do something about, grabbing the intercom she yelled, "Get me the headmaster of the academy in my office NOW!", she yelled at whoever was unlucky enough to be picking up the phone this late at night.
"So tell me just how does a young woman not know where babies come from?", said Tsunade, this better be good as she couldn't see how that could happen.
"ROOT, she was in root, remember, and they went to a lot of trouble keeping her misinformed. She told me that only civilians can have children and she didn't know the process, she didn't even seem interested as she was told Shinobi don't have children,", learning forward Akia said, "As you know she even thinks she is so ugly that she has to keep her face covered so she doesn't scare people,", throwing up her hands, Akia continued, "I can believe what they did to that poor girl."
Before Tsunade could ask any more questions there was a knock on the door and then an Anbu walked in with a very nervous-looking man, the headmaster was an older balding man with a large stomach and little hands. Once he was standing at the desk Tsunade slammed her hand into the desk making him jump and the front of his pants showed a growing wet stain.
"Tell me why the human reproductive class was cut from the academy?", said Tsunade in a low dangerous voice.
Looking around the room the headmaster let out the breath he was holding, if this is what she was upset about then this was an easy answer.
"The parents of the students, mostly the female student's parents I should add demanded that the demon not be taught such things to protect the young girls in class. You know, demons can't be trusted."
He smiled at the Hokage thinking she must agree with him on this as she hadn't said anything for the last year when he sent in the monthly reports. Reports show how he had reinstated the classes after the demon had graduated. She didn't need to know about the special class he held at night with some of the clanless female students.
Reports that are at the bottom of a very large pile of reports collecting dust behind the Hokage's desk.
As he was talking an Anbu walked into the office and placed a report in front of the Hokage, she looked down at it as he finished his little speech.
"Are you sure about this?", she asked the Anbu who was waiting at her side.
"Yes Hokage,", the Anbu said pulling out a picture he had taken of the headmaster when they arrived at his house to pick him up. A picture of him having sex with an underage student.
Throwing the picture on the desk so the headmaster could see it she said, "You have 10 seconds to explain this."
Looking down the man glanced at the picture and said, "She is a clanless nobody, there is no harm in breaking them in early now is there?"
The bottle that the Hokage threw at him hit him square in the groan removing all that made him a man as it passed through his pants and into the far wall.
Take him to T&A, make sure he lives long enough to be shown to all the other sensei at the academy.", said Tsunade the Hokage of the hidden leaf over the sound of the screaming headmaster as he was dragged from the room.
"I want every female student interviewed before he dies, I want each of them to have a chance to show him how they feel about him.", said the Hokage to the retreating Andu
"Someone bring me that academy sensei Naruto is always talking about,", Tsunade yelled into the intercom.
"You mean Iruka Umino", said Akia who was still seating to the side of the Hokage, "Yes, Bring me Iruka Umino.", Tsunade yelled out.
….
The next morning Nariko was walking around the apartment in a large towel Naruto had bought her after the second time she give up her towel for him to take a shower. Now that she had her own she didn't need to get dressed as fast as before and was sitting at the kitchen chair waiting for Naruto to finish his morning shower, it had become a routine for him to cut her hair in the morning and help her brad it into a nice bun, he learned fast and she only had to show him how to do it a couple of times.
He had wanted her to leave it longer but after trying to train with it one time, even in a long brad it was still too dangerous, plus it threw off her balance. She drummed her fingers on the small table still not understanding why he didn't just shower with her, it would be so much faster but he refused every time she asked. 'Boys sure are strange', she thought as she waited.
A soft knock on the door broke her out of her thoughts as she walked over to the door, she figured it was Akia returning as she promised so she didn't feel the need to cover her face as she opened the door.
"Who are you?", she said to the clearly flustered Chunin standing at the door, he was getting so red in the face she was thinking she needed to find a medic.
"I.. I… I'm Iruka Sensei, is Naruto home.", Iruka said trying his best not to stare at the blonde girl in a bath towel standing at Naruto's door. Looking down thinking that would be safe he got a chance to look at a pair of perfect legs leading up to.
'Oh god I am going to die', was all he could think when visions of this blonde floated around in his head.
"Come in then,", said Nariko having heard his name a hundred times from Naruto's stories from his school days. How he was able to live past his tenth birthday with what he did to the villages was still a mystery to her.
Walking back to her chair she had no idea on the effect she had on the poor man as he watched the sway of her hips and the grace she had doing something so simple as pulling one leg under herself to take a seat.
Feeling a line of blood coming out of his noise Iruka used a napkin from the kitchen to stop the flow as Naruto walked out of the bathroom in a pair of orange pants still drying his hair.
"Iruka Sensei, what you doing here so early,", said Naruto grinning from ear to ear joining them in the kitchen area. "If you two are going to talk I will get dressed.", said Nariko as she walked to the clothes she had put on the bed, dropping the towel she walked into the bathroom to the sound of Iruka landing on the floor.
Finding himself on the sofa Iruka had to check this wasn't some strange fever-induced dream as he looked around and found Naruto and that blonde girl now fully dressed, she was in an Anbu uniform with her face and hair covered. He could see a bag full of blonde hair in the kitchen area and told himself he would have to ask about that later.
Clearing his throat Iruka said "Naruto, the Hokage sent me to see you, it seems that you missed some very important classes at the academy and that I would be giving you some private lessons.", Iruka up at the two blondes staring down at him.
"Ah come on, I don't want to go back to the Academy, that's not fair, I want to go train with Nariko-chan.", whined Naruto, he really didn't want to go anywhere near a classroom ever again.
"No it's not like that, we should be done in a day and Akia will be coming to take Nariko to a private lesson also so you can't really go training with her today.", said Iruka knowing the plan was for him to get Naruto out of the apartment first before Akia has 'the talk' with Nariko.
As if saying her name was her signal, there was a knock on the door, and Nariko pulling their door open found Akia standing in the doorway waiting for her. Iruka jumped from the sofa and pulling Naruto along headed for the academy saying "good luck", as he passed Akia at the door.
Hours later a dumbfounded Naruto was staring at Iruka, "This isn't a Joke? Right?", said Naruto as he flipped over the picture book for the tenth time, thank god it was drawings and not pictures of the real deal.
"I really think your lying to me to get back at me for all the times I pulled a prank on you.", said Naruto
"No Naruto this is really is how babies are made", said Iruka quit red faced himself, this had been the longest two hours of his life. Trying to get Naruto to focus was hard but having Naruto stay focused and ask questions he learned was harder.
"So you're saying that when I asked Sakura-chan out for a date this is what she thought I wanted?", he asked returning back to something Iruka had said almost an hour ago. "Yes Naruto, all girls at the academy went to a class about this and truthfully much much more.", said Iruka.
"You mean there is more than this,", said Naruto pointing down at the picture book that described the actions needed to produce a child. He still wasn't quite sure about where all the pieces went and who did what but it was clear something was going on.
"No, that is all that needs to be done to complete the act but both men and women can be controlled or manipulated by someone promising to do the act.", said a very red and embarrassed Iruka.
"You mean like how Sakura is always trying to get Sasuke to go on a date, or the way Ino acts around almost every guy she meets.", said Naruto, the naive boy wasn't even aware of how blunt and disparaging his comment sounded.
Clearing his throat Iruka tried to think of a way to correct Naruto but then realized that with Naruto it was best to just bluntly say it, "Naruto, never, ever say that in front of a girl unless you plan on getting into a fight, don't ask, it's just the way it is."
"Sex sounds like a real problem Iruka sensei,", said Naruto rubbing the back of his head while pushing the book back to the center of the table.
"If it's used for the wrong reason or on a mission to get information out of a target it can be but between two people that really care for each other, it can be a wonderful thing. I am sorry for focusing on only the negative but sex can be great if it's with the right person.", said Iruka not wanting to turn Naruto against the idea completely.
"Then how do you know if it's the right person?", asks Naruto.
"That my boy has been asked every day since men saw the first women and there is no good answer, you will know it when you feel it in here.', said Iruka tapping Naruto on the chest above his heart.
Looking out the window of his old classroom remembering all the times he asked Sakura out on a date he felt sorry for what he must have put her through, he only wanted a friend, nothing more. He would have to find a way to apologize to her.
"Was that all they talked about in that class I missed? I remember it lasted a whole month.", said Naruto, he was never one to focus too long on the negative, he was all about the future.
"There is a lot more but it's more about the biology of reproduction.", said Iruka not wanting to get into STDs and the danger of sex with strangers, especially shinobi from other villages. That is a talk he hopes someone else will have with the boy at some far in the future date when he wasn't around.
"Oh, Ok, I don't care about that stuff, you want to go get Ramen?", ask Naruto, he was ready to move on with life and can't wait to talk to Nariko about all this craziness. It didn't even cross his mind that she would be having the same talk with Akia as he just had with Iruka.
….
"Are you sure about this Akia?", asked Nariko as they sat on the sofa in Naruto's apartment.
"Yes I am very sure, all of your medical exams showed that you are very capable of having children there is nothing wrong with you.", said Akia trying to reassure the blonde girl beside her. She had tried her best to keep it professional but it was hard when Nariko removed her clothes and asked her to show her what she was talking about.
Now fully clothed they moved away from the topic of how it was done to what can happen afterward. Akia had been shocked that Nariko refused to believe she could have children, that even shinobi could have children was almost more than she would allow herself to believe. Nariko was thinking that this was some strange lie or trick to get her to do something she was sure she didn't want to do.
"Do you have a child?", asks Nariko always blunt and to the point.
"No, I haven't reached that point in my life that I want a child but someday, I will, I hope.", said Akia, her thoughts diffing from a dream she had when she was young about a husband and children playing in a yard. Now it was more like a small apartment with a park down the street but it was still a dream for now.
"And you say the fox,", said Nariko placing a hand on her stomach, "will not prevent a child."
"No, there have been many Jinchuurki before that have had children.", said Akia not wanting to go into Naruto's history or even the chance that Nariko's own mother may have been a container before her.
"It is so hard for me to believe, all my life they told me I was but a tool to be used by the village, that my life, the life of every shinobi was only to kill others to protect those in the village. Now you're telling me I can make a life as well.", said Nariko a single tear running down her cheek as she turned away to remove such a sign of weakness. She was feeling too many emotions right now and called on her root training to push them down, down deep so she didn't have to feel them.
"With my ugliness, none would want to join with me.", said the young blonde, coming to the only conclusion that would fit into her training.
Laughing Akia pulled her into a hug that she resisted until the end, "You have no idea and I know you don't believe me but you're one of the most beautiful girls in the village.", said Akia releasing the squirming girl.
Covering her face with her mask she stands up and walks to the kitchen to get some space, it could not be true, every minute of her short life she was told she was ugly, so ugly she must cover her face. In this new world, everyone looked the same as her own so it stands to reason she would be the same to them, that can not change.
"Is there anything else you wish to tell me, likes pigs can fly or Jinchuriki's can be loved.", said Nariko thinking all of this was a simple joke.
"Only that you must be careful, sex will produce a child whether you want it or not. If you are captured by an enemy there is a great chance they will try to force you.", said Akia, it has happened to many Kunoichi during the wars and even now it was a danger. One of the most important parts of a team was its protection.
Nariko chuckled in a low evil laugh that surprised Akia, Nariko walked back into the living area to stand next to the still seated Akia. "If someone were to try I would release the fox. Even now it whispers death to anyone that would try such a thing.", said Nariko.
Not wanting to get into any type of argument about using the fox in such a way Akia stood up and this time Nariko allowed a quick hug before stepping back.
"If you have any questions about anything please come see me, the Hokage herself said I am to be your personal sensei in such things.", said Akia, "Think of me as an older sister if you like." The truth was the Hokage said it was her problem and to deal with it.
"Thank you Akia Sensei.", said Nariko giving a formal bow one would use for a sensei.
She had many things to think about and see how late it had gotten she wanted to find Naruto as soon as possible. She was sure he was more confused than her and it worried her that he was alone with his thoughts. She had learned that a confused Naruto would end up in trouble sooner than later. As she walked out with Akia to give her goodbyes she knew if he was anywhere it would be at Ichiraku Ramen.
Landing in the street in front of Ichiraku she walked up to the curtains and pulled them aside to look inside, there at the bar was Naruto and that man that came this morning to get him. Silently taking a seat next to him she nodded to Ayame who returned with a large bowl of ramen and place it before her. Naruto's sharp eyes tracked the bowl until it landed to his right and he felt Nariko's hand touch his back as if to say she was there.
She felt the tension leave him as she moved her stool closer so their legs touched and she started to slurp the noodles of the gods with as much energy as Naruto. Iruka looked over at the noise to see Nariko eating next to Naruto, she somehow was using him as a shield so he couldn't see her face as she ate, it reminded him so much of Kakashi he didn't even bother to ask how she did it.
"Come on now, I said I would pay for one Naruto, not two,", he laughed but didn't really mean it as he watched the two of them eat in synchronized motions. As soon as two empty bowls were placed back on the countertop two more were brought out by the ever watchful Ayame and soon the slurping was once again filling the ramen shop.
After five bowls joined the pile Iruka stood up and placed money on the counter, "Keep it coming until this runs out, " he said pushing the money over to Ayame, "I have to get going you two, have a good night." With a wave for both of them, he left the two young shinobi on their own.
"He seems like a nice man,", said Nariko as she pushed the last bowl away, now full and happy with the world she felt like talking.
"Ya, Iruka Sensei is great, he always buys me ramen when he wants to teach me something.", said Naruto finishing his last bowl. "Thanks for the food old man.", yelled Naruto as they got up together to leave.
Walking down the street Nariko glared at any of the civilians that dared to give Naruto a dirty look. Soon they were given a wide berth as they headed home, "Did you have a good time with Akia?", ask Naruto, he hated silence and had to fill it with something even if it was that strange talk he had with Iruka.
"I learned a lot that I didn't know.", said Nariko not wanting to talk out in public, her training said there were spies everywhere. Not one to give up easily Naruto was about to start in on what he was told when Sakura and Ino came into sight heading down the street toward the pair of blondes.
"Naruto! You Baka, where have you been!", yelled out Sakura as soon as she spotted her blonde teammate, she didn't really notice the black clade girl following close behind but as soon as they stood facing each other Nariko placed herself between Sakura and Naruto. She would not allow her to hit him anymore.
"Move out of the way Nariko, I want to talk to Naruto.", said Sakura trying to get around the other girl who skillfully moved between them.
"Is this the blonde bimbo you told me about?", said Ino putting her hands on her hips and squinting her eyes. The word bimbo froze everyone in place as Nariko snapped her eyes onto Ino and reached for her weapon pouch. Naruto grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him before anything got out of hand.
"What do you need Sakura?", ask Naruto as if nothing had happened in the last minute or two. All smiles he stood there pushing Nariko behind him repeatedly as she tried to get in Ino's face and confront the blonde Yamanaka. Nariko hated all the mind walkers even when she didn't know what hate was, they had been the source of so much of her pain in the past.
"We waited for you at training again and you didn't show up. Kakashi sensei had to ask the Hokage where you went, she said you needed special training. What special training did you need from Iruka sensei anyway. ", asked a pushy Sakura with Ino looking over her shoulder nodding her head in agreement.
Now Naruto didn't want to tell Sakura he had 'the talk' about boys and girls as he still wasn't sure it wasn't some strange prank but he also wanted to tell Sakura he was sorry for bothering her all those times about going on a date now that he understands what that really means.
"Tell her nothing.", said Nariko at his back, she wanted nothing to do with these two want-a-be shinobi, she knew they didn't train half as hard as they should and she felt they would be useless on most missions.
"It was nothing really, I just needed to catch up on some stuff I missed when I was at the academy.", said Naruto rubbing the back of his head and grinning at the two girls in front of him. "So, Sakura I wanted to tell you something, I am sorry for asking you out on so many dates I didn't mean it, I was just trying to be your friend, so you don't have to worry about that stuff anymore.", said Naruto hoping to clear the air between them.
Sakura looked a little shocked, then she shared a look with Ino and said, "Oh, I see, now that you have that girl living with you, you don't want to date me anymore, what, am I not good enough for you.", said Sakura, she could hear Ino agreeing with her in the background.
"My friend isn't good enough now that you have the bimbo walking around your apartment half naked all the time, huh?, what is wrong with you, you pervert.", added in Ino from behind Sakura.
Naruto's head was spinning now, did she want to date him or not? Sakura had said no so many times and in so many ways, Iruka Sensei said she really didn't want to date him because she liked Sasuke so now he was really confused.
Nariko forced her way around Naruto seeing he was losing focus. Walking to stand nose to nose with Sakura she looked down at the shorter girl and said, "He doesn't want you, isn't that clear enough for you. Now take your useless mind walking friend over there and go home."
"Who the hell do you think you are calling me useless, you blonde bimbo.", yelled Ino now standing shoulder to should with Sakura confronting Nariko.
Naruto was still confused about what was going on, never having anybody ever fight over him he didn't understand what was happening but he could see a fight was about to start between the three girls for some reason. Not wanting to see anybody get hurt and knowing Nariko wasn't about to back down he knew he had to do something before Nariko had a chance to really hurt the two girls.
Putting his arm around Nariko's waist he pulled her back a couple of steps saying, "We are teammates, stop acting like this." Talking over Nariko's shoulder at Sakura Nariko seems to be calming down the longer he holds her.
"Teammates! How can you say that when you didn't bring Sasuke back when you promised, dammit Naruto you PROMISED!", cried out Sakura shocking everyone with her outburst, even Ino seems surprised by Sakura's change of subject. They had talked for hours about how they were going to confront Naruto about living with a girl, but Sasuke didn't even come up.
Everyone could see how this hurt Naruto, he wanted to bring Sasuke back as much if not more than Sakura, this failure hurt him more than Sakura would ever know. "I know Sakura and I will bring him back.", said Naruto.
Even after all this time together Nariko still didn't understand this singular focus everybody had on Sasuke, if it was up to her she would cut his heart out for all the pain he has caused Naruto.
"What did you do to stop him from leaving? Cry or scream at him, your useless,", spit out Nariko, "Naruto almost died trying to bring that bastard back", once again breaking free of Naruto and getting in Sakura's face.
"What do you know about any of this!", screamed Sakura, Nariko's words had hit her hard and were too close to the truth.
"I know traitors should be hunted down and killed like the scrum they are.", said Nariko getting a shocked look not only from the two girls but Naruto was looking at her in a way he had never done before. Seeing that she may have said more than she should Nariko looked between Naruto and Sakura waiting for one of them to say something.
"Sasuke isn't a traitor, he was tricked into leaving.", said Naruto in the lowest voice anyone could remember him using.
"Ya, you don't know what you're talking about.", said Ino as all three of them circled around Nariko.
Naruto noticed Nariko was tensing up and knew that she could lose control if she felt trapped walked up beside her and put his arm around her again.
As she calmed down and leaned into him he said, "Sasuke did a lot of things wrong but he is still our friend and a shinobi of this village." Giving Sakura a look that made her turn away he continued, "We all have to train hard so we can beat some sense into him."
With that said and knowing this wasn't the last time he would have to deal with Sakura Naruto said, "You don't have to worry anymore about dating me Sakura, Sasuke is all yours so you and Ino can fight over him now." Now that he said what he felt needed to be said Naruto walked around the two quiet girls and with Nariko at his side walked away.
"Well, that didn't go as planned,", said Ino turning to face her pink-haired friend, "But at least now you don't have to worry about Naruto trying to date you anymore."
Sakura for her part was still in a state of shock that Naruto didn't want to date her anymore, it had been so nice to have someone wanting her even if it was Naruto. He was the only man in the whole village that had ever asked her out on a date. Thinking about that Sakura had a horrible thought. What if they get Sasuke back and he didn't want her either.
"Ino, how many guys have asked you out on a date?", asked Sakura as reality broke down her fantasy world she had been living in most of her life.
"Oh, I don't know 20 or 30 why?", said Ino, she had gotten so used to random guys asking her out she didn't even notice them anymore.
Facing Ino Sakura just stared at her blonde friend for a full minute before saying, "Naruto is the only one that has ever asked me out."
"Oh that is not true, that green-suited guy did that one time, what's his name, oh yeah it's Lee, he asked you out,", said Ino napping her finger on her cheek.
Now with her world breaking apart around her, Sakura said, "I think I need to go home."
…
It has been a few days since the 'The Talk' and Naruto found Nariko standing next to the bed in only her orange underwear looking at a pile of clothes covering the bed. This was one of the rare free days to do whatever they wanted and he was planning to show her around the village's more interesting sights.
"I don't understand what happen", said the frustrated blonde bombshell as she tried on another top and turned to face Naruto.
"Why don't these clothes fit anymore,", she said pulling at the very tight shirt that felt like it was for a child. Pulling it off she threw it to the side with the rest of the clothes she had been trying on. Finding one of Naruto's t-shirts in the pile she put it on and turned to Naruto showing him that even his shirt was smaller than it used to be.
"I don't know, when I did the laundry yesterday this nice old lady said she would help and put all our clothes in this really big washer. She said it would be super hot and clean really well.", said Naruto picking up one of the orange shirts Akia had stored in the scroll, it looked way too small now.
Taking the shirt from Naruto's hand Nariko turned over the collar to look at the tag, Akia had made a point of showing her the inside label but she hadn't thought much about it at the time. Now reading it again she could see it clearly said wash in cold water only. Holding the shirt in her hand she showed Naruto the tag before dropping it back down on the pile.
"Do you know what that old woman looked like.", said Nariko planning on giving her a little visit.
"No, but it doesn't matter. We can get you new clothes.", said Naruto not wanting to see Nariko hunt down some old lady. This type of stuff happens to him all the time and it wasn't worth getting upset about.
Staring at Naruto like he grew an extra head Nariko crossed her arms under her chest and said, "And how are we going to pay for new clothes."
"With the missions pay for all the missions we have been doing over the last month.", responding Naruto not knowing where to put his eyes, staring into her bright blues eyes made him forget what they were talking about and looking down at her body made him remember the pictures in the human reproductive class. The more he thought about it the more it seemed like it wasn't a prank.
"Wait a minute, you mean they pay us for all those stupid chores we had to do for the civilians?", said Nariko dropping down on the bed to take a seat and look up at Naruto. The way his blue eyes traveled up and down her body before staring into her eyes made her feel wanted. She tried to smile back at his grin but couldn't remember if showing teeth meant happy or angry so she just stopped trying.
"I know it's so dumb but they do pay us for pulling weeds and painting fences.", said Naruto taking a seat on the bed allowing Nariko to lean on him. He found whenever she didn't know what emotion to use she froze up and just stared at him like she was doing now.
"Then let's go shopping, Akia sensei said I can't wear my shinobi clothes all the time.", said Nariko.
Putting on a pair of grey cargo pants and one of Naruto's now much smaller T-shirts Nariko allowed Naruto to tie her hair into a ponytail before she put on a grey mask to match her pants. She didn't care what everybody said about her looks, she still didn't feel comfortable walking outside without covering her face. Now with her headband firmly in place and her face covered so that only her bright blue eyes could be seen she followed Naruto out the door into the village.
"What do you mean I can't go inside,", said Naruto to the store clerk as she stood in the doorway preventing him from entering.
"This is a girls-only store so none of your 'kind' is allowed in.", said the portly woman not wanting the demon boy anywhere near her ladies as they tried on clothes. Now that she had made her point clear she turned around and slammed the door closed in Naruto's face.
"That is the fourth one, I can't shop alone.", said Nariko, after the first time this happen and she tried to explain with a blade in her hand that Naruto had to come in, but Naruto didn't let her go in first until he was sure he didn't have to get between Nariko and another clerk.
"Why are my two favorite blondes standing outside of a women's lingerie store,", said Akia as she watched the two teenagers and licked her ice cream cone.
After a quick retelling of what happened to all her clothes, leaving out the part where it was Naruto that was doing the wash, Nariko waited for the older woman to yell at her for ruining all her clothes
.
"It's OK, mistakes happen. I can go shopping with you now if you want, I have nothing planned for the rest of the afternoon.", said Akia seeing Naruto's happy grin and Nariko's blank stare she knew she said the right thing.
"Come on then, I know what store we need to go to first.", said Akia walking quickly down the street with the two teens close behind.
After a few quick turns and up a street or two Akia pushed open the doors to a small shop and yelled out, "Hi Shizunaki, this is Nariko and Naruto two dear friends of mine, Do you mind if we shop around."
A smiling middle-aged woman looked up from the fashion magazine she was reading, giving the three a surprised look she said to Akia, "Sure dear, you can use the back changing rooms if you like."
"This is going to be so much easier now that I have you here", said Akia as she took a measuring tape off of a hook on the wall and waved Nariko to come closer.
"First let's see how tall are you,", said Akia as she waved Nariko to take off her sandals and stand next to a wall so she could measure her.
"5 foot 8 inches,", said Akia looking at her thumb where she held it against the tape
.
"Wow Nariko you're only one inch shorter them me.", said Naruto watching from the side.
"Now we need to measure the rest of you.", said Akia
Without a word, Nariko pulled off her shirt and dropped her pants to the floor as she had been ordered to. Akia wasn't that surprised by it as she knew Nariko took a lot of comments as orders but she still quickly looked around to make sure some random civilian hadn't wandered in.
Taking the tape measure in both hands she wrapped it around Nariko and started to call out numbers.
"39-inch chest, 23-inch waist, and 34-inch hips," said Akia and standing back to look at the blonde girl. "Did you lose weight? ", she asked
"We have been training extra hard this last month.", said Naruto as he bounced from one foot to the other. This store was nice but he didn't like the lack of movement and it was so quiet he didn't know what to do with himself.
"Put your clothes on and come with me,", said Akia as she headed to the first row of clothes and started to pull what seemed like random pieces off the rack and throwing into Nariko's arms. With the girls, busy Naruto got bored real fast and started to pace around the store poking at things.
"Naruto, you can wait outside if you want this will take some time.", said Akia knowing he was going to cause trouble if he keep pulling at things. Now with Naruto bolting for the door, she could put all her attention on Nariko.
Moving back to the changing rooms, Akia pushed the blonde inside with orders to try on the first outfit she had picked out. As Nariko was changing Akia asked, "So how is living with Naruto going."
"I am very happy", said Nariko with little if any emotion in her voice.
"Then nothing changed after our little talk.", said Akia trying to figure out if the blondes had moved onto the next stage of their relationship. She had a bet with the Hokage and this seemed like a good time to see if she won or not.
"I do not know what you mean, Naruto thinks it was all some prank to get back at him for everything he did at the academy", said Nariko as she walked out of the dressing room wearing a sun dress with a flower print that ending a couple of inches below the knee. Giving her hips a spin she wondered how so would reach her weapon pouch strapped to her thigh in this dress.
"What do you think about all this then.", said Akia as she handed the next outfit to try on.
Pulling the current closed Nariko removed the dress and tossed it back over the top as she wiggled into a pair of skin-tight yoga pants. "I do not think it was a prank but I have yet to see a shinobi with a child so I also do not trust everything you have side," said Nariko.
"Well if that is all you need to see to believe me then we can go visit some old school friends of mine.", said Akia now sure she won the bet with the Hokage's, Nariko's bluntness about not trusting her didn't faze her as it was normal for someone who has been trained by root.
Walking out of the dressing room topless Nariko waved the sports bra at Akia saying, "What is this for?", hearing a gasp behind her Akia turned to see an older couple staring at Nariko, the man with a toothless grin on his face with his wife looking ready to kill someone.
"Sorry", said Akia as she turned Nariko around and pushed her into the changing room once again. "OK, you have to stop doing that,", said Akia as she showed Nariko how to wear the very tight sports bra and then pulled an equally tight jogging shirt over her head, fighting for a moment with all that blonde hair that came loose.
Now in black pants and a dark blue top that left nothing to the imagination, Akia had her put on a half vest in a lighter teal color before having her walk out to look in the full-size mirror.
"You're still going to give men a heart attack but you at least look the part of a civilian.", said Akia as she watched Nariko spin around looking at herself in the mirror.
"Do you think Naruto will like it.", said Nariko fluffing her hair out around her shoulders. If it was any other girl Akia would say so we teasing but Nariko didn't seem to know the meaning of the word.
"He is a guy, he will love it.", said Akia, "Now pick of the other outfits you like and let's head out. I am sure Naruto has wandered off by now."
Paying for her clothes Akia watched to make sure everything was added up right knowing the history of Naruto's issues with stores. Once done they went outside to find that Naruto was gone doing who knows what so Akia took Nariko's arm and they walked down the street heading to the semi-retired shinobi section of town. She had a couple of female friends that had put their careers on hold while they had their first children. She hoped they didn't mind if she just dropped by unannounced.
They chatted about life, the weather, and of course training, anything to take Nariko's mind off of what they were going to go see. With Naruto out of sight, Akia noticed the blonde girl was a little more jumpy than normal. Lucky for her she had hidden away her weapon pouch in the shopping bag when she convinced her to keep the yoga outfit on.
As they entered the apartment complex and walked up the stairs Nariko was looking around every corner as if expecting an enemy ninja to jump out at them.
"Will you stop that, we are in a shinobi-only area, trust me no one is going to attach you.", said Akia doing her best to calm down Nariko.
Knocking on the door they didn't have to wait long as it was flung open by a short black-haired woman wearing a grey house dress with food stains on it.
"Oh my god it's Akia, come in come in, I haven't seen you sense that mission to tea country. How have you been.", said the woman waving them into her apartment without a second thought.
"Annia this is my friend Nariko, Nariko this is Annia, we wanted to stop by and see how you were doing with the little one.", said Akia hoping her friend wouldn't have too many questions.
"He is doing great, I was just trying to get him to eat and he doesn't seem to like peas", said Annia waving at the food stain on her dress as if it was a normal everyday occurrence.
"Come in and sit down and let me get a little cleaned up.", said Annia as she disappeared into the kitchen.
"Do you know if Clarakia is around, I wanted to see her daughter, is she as big as they keep telling me.", yelled out Akia as Annia rushed past them with a baby in her arms into one of the bedrooms.
Nariko was frozen in place in her chair watching the two older women interact. This wasn't a mission or training and she didn't know what to do or say.
Yelling back from the bedroom Annia said, "My goodness yes, that girl is growing so fast, we were going to come over today so you may have timed it right if you want to stay a while."
As if on cue there was a knock at the door and Annia came flying out of the bedroom in a clean blue dress with her hair now tied back looking a little more put together. They could hear the sound of her talking as she came back into the room.
"Akia!", yelled out a tall redhead as she entered the room with her arms open, Akia jumped up and hugged her old friend as Nariko looked on. She spotted a small child about 3 standing in the small hallway peeking around the corner at all the strangers.
"Clarakia, this is my friend Nariko.", said Akia once they pulled apart.
Holding out her hand to Nariko who jump up out of her seat to give a small bow before shaking hands.
"Nice to meet you.", said Nariko before sitting back down on the edge of her chair. Akia could see she was getting jumpier and jumpier.
Taking a seat next to the young blonde Akia put her hand on her arm trying to calm her down a little.
Seeing her chance the little girl came running out of the hall and hugged her mother's leg all the while staring at the two strange women in her friend's house. With bright red eyes that didn't seem to blink she locked eyes with Nariko who just stared back.
"How much longer before you go back to active duty.", said Akia as Clarakia picked up her daughter and put her in a play area full of toys to the side of the room.
"I was thinking one more year, you know being a Jonin puts a lot of strain on the body. I think it will take a lot of training to get myself back into shape.", said Clarakia
"You are a Jonin?", said Nariko in her blunt fashion
Looking at the mask-wearing blonde Clarakia said, "Yes, I am. My specialty was covert ops."
"And you had a child yourself?", asked Nariko looking at the little girl playing with ninja dolls off to the side.
"Yes she is all mine and that lazy husband of mine.", joked Clarakia trying her best to lighten the mood.
"Here he is all cleaned up and ready for company", said Annia walking into the room holding a baby in her arms.
The small boy was all wiggles and waving arms as Annia handed him over to Akia to hold.
Making goo goo sounds at the boy Akia looked over at Nariko, "Do you want to hold him", she asked without even thinking as she was so happy to be around her old friends again.
The look of sheer panic in Nariko's eyes shocked her as the young blonde jumped out of her seat and backed into the wall behind her. Nariko was visibly shaking as she tried to press herself into the wall.
Handing the child back to her mother Akia got in front of Nariko, she could feel Clarakia molding chakra as if to restain Nariko so she waved her back hoping the two women didn't do anything stupid and trigger Nariko's root training.
"Take it easy, everybody is friends here, no need to get upset.", said Akia getting between Nariko and everybody else in the room.
"focus on me now, come on, breath,", she said getting Nariko to lock eyes with her, if anybody was going to be a target today it was going to be her not the children, she didn't know what old root programming got triggered but she wasn't going to let anything happen in this home.
Breathing heavy Nariko said, "Lies, it was all lies, everything they told me was a lie."
"What is she talking about Akia", said Annai
Not knowing how else to say it Akia bluntly said, "She was in root", knowing that that was enough for the two highly trained shinobi at her back.
"I think you should leave Akia, it would be best for the children.", said Clarakia
Nodding her head Akia slowly put her hands on Nariko's shoulders and pulled her away from the wall. Seeing that both children were not in the room anymore having been taken to the other room, she slowly walked Nariko to the door with her arm over her shoulders.
"I am sorry about this, I had no idea this would happen.", said Akia as she stepped out of the apartment.
"It was nice seeing you Akia, next time maybe you can come alone.", said a stern-faced Annai as she slowly closed the door, they both clearly heard the locks being put in place before they turned down the hallway to exit the building.
"I need Naruto, the fox, the fox will not stop laughing.", said Nariko putting her hands to the side of her head.
"Dam it, I forgot about the seal weakening.", said Akia trying to think of a way to find Naruto as they walked down the street.
Pulling herself free Nariko flared her chakra so brightly it glowed around her.
Hoping it wasn't the fox trying to break free, Akia wasn't sure what to do as Nariko stopped and stood still, standing tall and not looking at any one place until she turned to look up at the building across the street. Seeing Naruto jumping off the building and running over to her to only stop a few feet away. They locked eyes and just looked at each other for a full minute without saying a word, Akia had never seen Naruto without his fake smile before but now he was as blank as Nariko.
"You want to go get Ramen, you know it's the food of the gods.", said Naruto breaking the spell and holding out his hand to Nariko.
"Yes that would be nice.", said Nariko taking his hand and walking off leaving Akia behind.
"Dam crazy Jinchuurkisare going to be the death of me.", said Akia as she picked up the shopping bags and followed the pair to the ramen shop.
….
Things are going to start getting more interesting as the real world of Ninja starts to make its way into the world.