Chapter 7
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Ninja Gaiden or DOA
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Here's chapter 7. Thanks everybody for their continued support and all the follows and favorites.
Last time:
….he drew the Kusanagi out of its sheath for the first time in centuries and saw it appeared worn and pitted. Everyone looked disappointed at what they expected to be a perfect blade. Naruto said, "Hinata…."
Hinata nodded and activated her byakugan. "Clever. It has a genjutsu cast over it. Channel your chakra through it Naruto-kun. It should dispel the image." Naruto's blue chakra arced up the rusted edges of the Kusanagi which totally shattered any illusions on it. He now held a gleaming tsurugi that those in the room were nearly blinded by.
To all in the room it looked as if Naruto was indeed holding a sword of the gods. Naruto eyed it carefully and said, "Yep; it's just as I remembered it."
The Hayabusa Village
Naruto soon sealed the Kusanagi back in the scroll. "If this old witch Obaba is looking for it then even those that can sense its aura won't be able to detect it now so that should keep it out of danger. My question is, why these four particular items?"
Genjiro rubbed his chin. "Kureha, I want you to study those scrolls and see what the connection is. Naruto, can you seal the statue as well? From what you said it has an aura too so it would be best to hide it away until we figure out how these items are all linked together."
"Will do." said Naruto as he sealed the statue in the same scroll as the Kusanagi. "Let's go out and practice Hinata-chan; I think we both need to blow off some steam."
"Good idea Naruto-kun, I've been perfecting my jūken without water so I'll try it out against your clones." answered Hinata. "Let's go out on the lake."
"Mind if I tag along Nuruto-kun?" asked Momiji. "I'm up for a spar."
"We're going to be sparring on top of the water but you are welcome to watch." answered Naruto.
"I'll watch too if it's okay." said Kasumi.
"That's fine." said Hinata. "You two can sit on the back deck of the dojo and watch while we spar."
Kasumi and Momiji watched as Naruto and Hinata walked out onto the lake as if it was a solid surface. Kasumi watched in wonder and Momiji said. "No matter how many times I see it I never get used to it."
"I've seen Naruto fight." said Kasumi. "Is Hinata-san any good? I don't recognize the stance she's taking."
"Hinata can be really lethal when she wants to be." said Momji wincing as she remembered Hinata's chakra enhanced jūken strikes. "The style she's using is called the gentle fist although it's anything but gentle. It targets internal organs and can actually kill with minimal impact because of the chakra involved."
Kasumi was paying close attention as Naruto formed fifty clones. "Alright Hinata-chan, my clones are going to stick with physical attacks but if you want to use jutsus go ahead. I'll be over here in the clear so don't hold back."
"So many Narutos….I had no idea he could make that many." said Kasumi.
Momiji nodded in agreement. "Naruto-kun is amazing. He could make ten times this many if he wanted to."
"Wow…." was all Kasumi said as all of Naruto's clones assumed the opening stance of the toad style.
The original Naruto called out, "Ready Hinata-chan?" at her nod he said, "Begin!"
Hinata's byakugan activated as she gathered her chakra and made her twin lion fists form. The clones were racing at her on all sides at breakneck speed. Just as the first was about to make contact Hinata spun and lashed out, taking out clones left and right. Her hands moved in a blur of blue chakra as Kasumi and Momji watched in amazement. Both were used to high speed combat but this was unlike anything they'd seen. Hinata's hands seemed to cut through the clones like a blade and every time a clone was about to hit her she danced around it and using her flexibility landed vicious counterstrikes.
Genjiro watched through the window with Kureha who had never seen Hinata anywhere near this intense before. The old master watched carefully as Hinata continued to decimate the clone army coming at her. "Hinata is genuinely angry. She's moving with such brutal efficiency it's unbelievable. I've never seen her this way. I wonder what has her so upset." (Kureha cringed). "It seems to me Naruto knew this and is using his clones to help her work out her frustrations. –Hmmm. Looks like she's trapped. They have her boxed in now."
Hinata spun and yelled "kaiten!" The expanding dome of chakra she emanated took out most of the remaining clones. As soon as she stopped her spin she made a bee-line for the nearest clone and took the offensive with a 32 palm strike. It wasn't long before Hinata destroyed the last clone and was breathing hard from the exertion.
She heard clapping as the original Naruto came over to her. "You did it Hinata-chan! You destroyed fifty clones without taking a hit. Well done!"
Hinata smiled as her breath steadied. "Thank you Naruto-kun. All the practice with you has helped so much."
Naruto slapped his fist into his palm. "Right! Next goal is one hundred clones Hinata-chan!" He said as he gave her a one-armed hug.
Hinata's eyes bugged out. "O-One hundred?!" she asked in fear.
"Yep. You doubled your power from twenty-five to fifty so we'll have to double it again." he said proudly.
Hinata looked like she wanted to faint at that idea. "I think I need to stop for today Naruto-kun. I'm worn out."
"That's okay Hinata-chan. Let's get you over to the deck where you can sit down and I'll battle my clones for awhile." said Naruto. He escorted Hinata over and she sat with Kasumi and Momiji catching her breath.
"That was amazing Hinata-san!" said Kasumi genuinely enthused. "I see why Naruto spoke of you so highly. I must ask though, why spar on top of the water?"
"Well, it helps us build up our chakra reserves and control." explained Hinata. "It also keeps us from tearing up the landscape. When I use my twin lion fists they potentially could shatter a tree or crater the ground and I don't want to wreck the forest."
Kasumi nodded and said. "It still astounds me how you two are from the time of the old masters. Can you teach your techniques to others? Father seemed so enthused about Naruto's abilities. Now I see why."
Hinata wanted to growl at the mention of Kasumi's father Shiden-sama but decided it wasn't fair to take her mad out on Kasumi. She simply answered with. "I ask you to please keep our backgrounds a secret and not speak of them. Those very abilities could put us in danger because they would be coveted. Outside of those that were in the room with us, only Jô-sama and Ryu-sama know or true origins and they have all been sworn to total secrecy."
"I give you my word as a Mugen Tenshin Clan kunoichi that I will not speak of your true backgrounds even to my family." said Kasumi with conviction in her voice.
"I thank you." replied Hinata. "Naruto-kun and I do not give our trust lightly on this subject even to our friends."
The girls watched as Naruto drew his chakra blade and created fifty clones. His goal was to only use swordsmanship to defend himself but in the end he had to resort to taijutstu and his trusty rasengen to turn things in his favor.
"What is that?" asked Kasumi as she saw the spiraling sphere of chakra send clones spinning as they dispelled.
"That is the basic rasengan." explained Hinata. "Naruto-kun has many versions of it but the basic one can at least injure someone and send them flying or at most punch a hole through their chest. Even I don't know how many variations he has of it. Naruto-kun is very creative with it but today's training was a failure."
"What do you mean Hinata?" Momiji asked. "Naruto-kun is tearing through his opponents. He's doing outstanding!"
Hinata shrugged. "His goal is to defend himself solely with his sword and no chakra. He got overwhelmed and had to result to hand-to-hand his jutsus. He's doing better though. I counted twenty-seven before he had to switch tactics."
Kasumi seemed a bit awed. "He cut down twenty-seven out of fifty opponents and he failed? I would say his performance is excellent. His spar with my brother Hayate was nowhere this intense."
"Naruto-kun believes we should exceed our limits whenever we can." said Hinata. "If he was sparring he obviously was not aiming to kill or cripple Hayate-sama. With his clones he can. I'm sure your fighting is much more brutal against real enemies than when you spar with your clansmen Kasumi-sama."
"That is true." agreed Kasumi. "I guess Naruto's clones are the ultimate training dummy."
Momiji added in, "I never thought of it that way. I should get Naruto-kun to make me some clones to practice on."
"They are much more than practice dummies." said Hinata. "They hit hard and think and act independently. If they see a tactic isn't working then they will adapt and catch you by surprise. I've had more than once Naruto-kun's clones knocked me senseless. Even one can be a challenge if you are not careful. That's why we make rules so they don't use lethal attacks."
The Mugen Tenshin Village
Ayame was in a panic when she heard Kasumi was badly injured and Hayate was trying to calm her down. "Mom, this is Kasumi's own report we received and she says she is fine. There isn't even a scar from what she wrote. Kasumi is a strong kunoichi and wouldn't lie in a report about such a thing."
"I know but I'm going to thoroughly check her left arm over when she gets back whether she likes it or not." replied Ayame.
Hayate sighed. "I have seen firsthand some of Hinata-san's healing abilities and believe me when I tell you that Kasumi is going to be fine in her care."
"I'll be the judge of that my son." said Ayame with a tone of finality.
Knowing he would never win this argument Hayate silently shook his head and went back to work.
He'd already sat through Ayane ranting and raving this morning about him sending Kasumi instead of her on the mission to Nagoya with Naruto. He finally had to exert his authority as clan head to quiet her down. He loved both his little sisters but arguing with them was taxing. It had been a long day….
The Hayabusa Village
Kasumi had fully recovered over the last few days and was standing at the village gates. "Thank you again for your help Kasumi-sama." said Genjiro. "We could not have completed that mission without you. Are you positive you don't want an escort home?"
"You're shorthanded as it is Genjiro-san." answered Kasumi with a warm smile. "Besides, I'm at full strength and the enemy has left now that their mission is failed. I'll be fine."
Hinata came forward. "Here is some of the healing cream I told you about. Please give it and the accompanying scroll to Ayame-sama. You did say she was a bit of an herbalist."
"Thank you Hinata-san! I'm sure my Mother will be very pleased." Kasumi turned to Naruto and gave him a hug much to his shock. "Come to the Mugen Tenshin Village and see me soon Naruto-kun!" With that Kasumi darted off towards home.
Genjiro smirked at the 'Naruto-kun' comment and Hinata sighed. Naruto just looked dumfounded as they all wished Kasumi a safe trip home.
The Mugen Tenshin Village
Kasumi returned safely a few hours later and handed her report to Hayate. They visited for awhile and after that she headed home. "I'm home!" she said happily. Her parents welcomed her. Ayame looked at Kasumi's arm in excruciating detail and saw that there wasn't even a single blemish where her daughter had been injured. Finally she gave Kasumi her nod of approval. "Here Mom, I have some of Hinata-san's special healing cream and a scroll she asked me to give to you. She said it was for you as a gift so maybe it's the formula for it. I'm going to bathe now. I'm filthy from hours of travel."
"Alright Kasumi-chan. There's a clan meeting tonight so we may be gone when you get done with your soak in the bath. Feel free to raid the kitchen." said Ayame relieved that Kasumi was alright.
Ayame went back to her bedroom and sat down with the healing cream and the scroll. Breaking the wax seal on it she saw Hinata's writing which was an elegant calligraphic script.
Ayame-sama:
I hope this message finds you in good health. I am Hyūga Hinata. I am the other survivor of Naruto-kun's home village and he said he mentioned me while visiting with you over dinner. I have met your daughter Kasumi-sama and she seems unaware of the situation surrounding Naruto-kun's status. As you are her Mother I felt it would be better if you told her the news rather than I as a mere acquaintance.
As you know, Shiden-sama has arranged for Naruto-kun to formally court Kasumi-sama. She did not appear to know this. Also, Kasumi-sama seems unaware that Shiden-sama made arrangements for Naruto-kun to take multiple wives from both the Mugen Tenshin and Hayabusa Villages under the old laws to help him revive his clan and make political and blood ties with both villages. After discussing this with Naruto-kun and Kureha I realized that as I am his future wife I would be head of the Uzumaki clan after Naruto-kun so your daughter would not enjoy the same status she currently has in the Mugen Tenshin Village. I felt that might be an issue with her.
This information may have been kept from Kasumi-sama for a reason. If that is your wish then of course I will keep my silence. However, as I'm sure Shiden-sama shared all this information with you already and I believe it would be better to inform Kasumi-sama soon to prevent misunderstandings later.
-Hyūga Hinata
Ayame's delicate eyebrow was twitching madly. 'Shiden-kun….we'll be discussing this at the clan meeting tonight….It's such a shame I will be a widow at such a young age….'
Later that night at the clan meeting….
Hayate had discussed several issues with some of the senior ninjas of the clan which included his Mother and Father as well as Genra of the Hajinmon sect among others. "That concludes our topics for tonight." said Hayate. "Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?"
Ayame spoke up in a nonchalant tone and said, "Well, there is one thing that I would like to bring before the attention of the council, Hayate."
"Please proceed Mother." said Hayate. Ayame rarely spoke in these meetings unless it was something of great importance.
Ayame spoke. "It has to do with our new ally Uzumaki Naruto. It seems he has been given formal approval to court my daughter Kasumi." Whispers flew about the room as many of the clan members were shocked. Shiden was white as a sheet as he felt the killing intent seeping out of his wife. Ayame continued. "On top of that, some old laws were enacted that will give Uzumaki Naruto the right to take several wives including Kasumi so he could rebuild his clan." She stared directly across from her at Shiden with death in her eyes. "So tell me my husband, why weren't any of us informed? Neither Hayate or Kasumi or I had any knowledge of this. How long were you intending to keep this secret?"
Shinden saw Ayame's glare and nearly wet himself in fear. He saw everyone else looking at him in shock. His son Hayate said, "You arranged for Kasumi-chan to be married and didn't even tell her about it? -Or the fact she would have to share him?" he asked in an incredulous tone.
Shiden said, "We've all seen how strong Naruto-san is and his abilities are second to none. Rebuilding a clan with multiple wives was used many times in the past and forming blood ties with our village through Kasumi-chan would assure an alliance should he start his own village in the future. Besides, Kasumi genuinely seems to like him right?" he said laughing nervously as he scratched the back of his neck.
"Oh yes," said Ayame as she laughed along. "It makes perfect sense. Our little baby girl is just ideal to be used in such a political maneuver. I'll tell you what well do: -PREPARE TO DIE SHIDEN-KUN!" she yelled as she launched herself across the table to foil, spindle, mutilate and maul her husband in the worst ways possible. In the following pandemonium and destruction there wasn't a single member of the senior ninjas that made it out unscathed. The room was demolished. It took six ninjas to pry the enraged Ayame off of the hapless Shiden who now looked like he'd suffered an attack from a rabid animal….
Somehow throughout this hurricane of activity Hayate managed to stay under control. (He really didn't blame his Mother for her actions even though he was shocked by them). "I take it you'll be making announcements about these facts in the next two days Father?" he asked in a no-nonsense tone.
"Why two days?" asked a senior ninja.
Hayate said, "Father will have to explain the situation to my sister Kasumi first and if he survives that he'll need a day to recover so he can announce that Naruto is taking multiple wives to the village due to his machinations which will probably result in chaos throughout the village. I'm not taking the heat for this one."
The shocked senior clan members left the meeting wondering what would happen when the announcement was made. Several also wondered if their teenage daughters or granddaughters would have an interest in Naruto. After all, Naruto was a future clan head. It was open season….
The Hajinmon sector….
Genra had never seen anything like he had at the clan meeting tonight and hoped he never would again. Who'd have thought the normally calm, gentle and composed Ayame-sama could be so vicious? She even bit Shiden-sama. It was much like a lioness protecting her cubs….Genra was so glad he'd remained a bachelor….Now he was dreading dropping the news about Naruto's new status on his teenage daughter Ayane. The girl had done nothing but talk about 'Naruto-kun this and Naruto-kun that' while she'd been healing up and now that Ayane was back at full strength he figured she'd blow up like an atom bomb when she found out Naruto was going to have a lot of wives. He decided that the best thing to do was tell her straightaway rather than stretch it out and get it all out in the open. Get the pain over with quickly, so to speak.
Ayane was sitting and meditating. News had it that Kasumi had returned and she and Naruto's mission was a success. She growled thinking about Kasumi. 'I should have been on that mission, not the princess!' she fumed. Ayane was waiting for her Father to return from the clan meeting and see if any news was pertinent for her to know as a member of the Hajinmon. She heard Genra enter their home and silently waited for him to come to their sitting room. Opening her red eyes she saw him slide the door open and sit down before her. "Good evening Father, the clan meeting ran awfully late tonight. Is there anything I need to be aware of?"
Genra gulped. "Well there are a few pertinent things but one is very important and it concerns your friend Naruto…." he began.
A few moments later, outside of their home, Ayane's angry shriek of "WHAT?!" was heard followed by noises of kicks, punches, growls, breaking glass, screams for mercy and finally Genra crashing out through the front door into the street before he rolled to a dead stop.
Genra muttered incoherently, "Anytime….you want to take over….the Hajinmon sect….let me know….you are a far great ninja than I….my daughter…."
Their neighbors in the nearby houses watched as Ayane came stalking out of the house with her red eyes glowing aflame as she reached down and dragged her father's seemingly lifeless carcass off the street and back into the house. Deciding that it was a father/daughter thing (and that they didn't want to die) the group decided to stay safely uninvolved.
An hour later Genra was back in his sitting room again with Ayane. He was covered in bandages in various places, had a neck brace and had a large ice bag placed on his unceremoniously on his crotch.
Ayane was kneeling before him. "I am terribly sorry Father; I guess I lost my temper."
Genra's eyes opened wide as if to say 'you think?!'
"I need to go to the Hayabusa Village and discuss this matter with Naruto." she said through clenched teeth. "If he was trying to toy with me then I will destroy him!"
Genra groaned and said, "As I am to understand it, Uzumaki-san didn't even know about this situation at the time. Please think before you act Ayane-chan." 'Unlike earlier tonight.'
Ayane's aura grew dark. "I will need a mission from the Hajinmon Sect to go to the Hayabusa Village and one other document…."
As the dark aura spread, Genra feared the consequences if he didn't give her what she wanted. "Just tell me what you need Ayane-chan…." he said in a trembling voice.
The next day at the Main House….
Shiden woke up early in the smallest, draftiest guest room in the house as Ayame wouldn't allow him to sleep with her until he'd not only explained things to Kasumi but also to the people of the Mugen Tenshin Village. His son Hayate had backed her the whole way. Shiden wondered what his Father Burai would have done in his position. He figured the old man was laughing himself sick in the afterlife at Shiden's plight….The whole business with Naruto seemed like such a good idea at the time. He should never have involved Kasumi-chan though. Shiden said a short prayer before he got up and hobbled out to breakfast before he spoke to Kasumi about Naruto.
Shiden was informed that Ayame and Kasumi had gone out for breakfast by a house servant and he was to 'eat and wait in his new, tiny room until Kasumi came to see him' as the scroll left for him by Ayame said….Damn, the woman bit him! Ayame almost took his ear off. Maybe he should move up high up into the mountains and become a monk or something….However, knowing that if he ran Ayame would hunt him to the ends of the earth he decided to settle on a small breakfast and went back to the smallest guest room in the house where he was currently staying and decided to meditate until his daughter Kasumi arrived.
About an hour later Shiden heard the small, light footsteps of his daughter Kasumi-chan coming up outside the door. She knocked gently and said "Father, it's Kasumi. Mom told me you had something to tell me about the clan meeting last night and it was very important, may I enter?"
"Please come in Kasumi-chan." said Shiden in his usual authoritative but affectionate tone he used with his dear daughter. Kasumi slid the door open and came in sliding the door closed behind her. Then she looked at her Father that looked like he'd lost a fight with an angry junk yard dog. She gasped, "Father! What happened to you? You look like an animal attacked you."
Shiden thought 'An animal did attack me. It was your Mother!' but instead said "Now, now, I'm alright Kasumi-chan. I've upset your Mother greatly and I'm suffering the consequences."
Kasumi's eyes narrowed, "You're telling me Mom put you in this state and banished you to this room?" He nodded. "If you cheated on her I will hate you forever Father!" Kasumi said with fire in her eyes.
Shiden's eyes widened and he quickly held his hands up to ward off an attack. "No, no Kasumi-chan! I would never be unfaithful to Ayame-chan! You know this. I love her with all my heart."
"Oh, well tell me what you did Father. Perhaps I can help you calm Mom down." Kasumi said with sympathy in her voice.
'Oh my dear baby girl, you're so kind to me!' thought Shiden with a tear in his eye before he regained his composure. "Actually, I was wondering what you think of Naruto-san."
Kasumi looked thoughtful and said, "Mom was asking me the same thing over breakfast. This has something to do with that date you arranged disguised as a 'village tour' doesn't it?"
Shiden coughed, 'Did she see through it that easily?' "I really want to know what you think of the young man. I think he has some amazing potential."
"Well, he is a strong ninja and I have no doubt he will achieve master level if he hasn't already." she said analytically.
"What do you mean 'if he hasn't already' Kasumi-chan?" asked Shiden
Kasumi smiled. "I saw him in actual combat Father. He is far stronger than he lets on. Like Hayate he wasn't showing much in that spar. He's also beyond brilliant with traps. I've never seen the like."
"And what do you think of him as a person?" asked Shiden.
"He is a kind and caring person who seems very selfless." said Kasumi fondly. "The people of the Hayabusa Village see him as a true hero and a protector but he is always nice to them and helps out whenever he can. He also is very fond of the village children. They call him 'Naruto-nii' and always want him to play with them. It's really cute."
Shiden nodded approvingly, "What would you think about having a relationship with him?" he said praying that Kasumi was already madly in love with him.
"Father, don't be silly! You don't just ask a girl something like that straight out of the blue!" Kasumi said giggling with a blush.
'You don't?' thought Shiden. "No, Kasumi-chan. I'm serious; I really need to know your answer."
Kasumi raised a delicate eyebrow and said. "I really like Naruto but I fail to see how that's relevant. He's an amazing ninja but I've only known him for a short time and I have no idea how he feels about me. Where are these questions leading Father?" she asked sharply.
'It is now or never.' thought Shiden. "Well Kasumi-chan, despite extenuating circumstances I've given him my formal approval to court you."
"…."
"…."
"Kasumi-chan?" asked Shiden fearfully.
"Alright, I admit he's a nice guy with amazing abilities but isn't this just a bit rushed?" she asked with anger building in her voice. "As a clan head, you giving him permission to court me would basically guarantee that one side or the other would lose face if we didn't get married. –And what are these extenuating circumstances you mentioned?"
'Here we go!' thought Shiden with fear. "Well, Naruto-san is the last male heir of an extinct clan with outstanding abilities. In order for his clan to repopulate he-will-need-to-take-several-wives!"
Kasumi's eyes narrowed as the temperature dropped in the room. "What did you just say, Father…?"
"He will need to take several wives to repopulate his clan…." Shiden squeaked out. "It's one of the old shinobi laws. I consulted Kureha-san about this and it is considered perfectly legal and honorable."
"Naruto told you about this….law and you still offered my hand in marriage to some kind of seducer of women?" asked Kasumi with her anger rising.
"Actually, he didn't know about the law. I kind of….forced it on him so we would have blood ties later. He was totally against it." said Shiden hoping his daughter didn't attack.
Tears started streaming down Kasumi's face and she said in a cold but furious tone, "I see. So using your political clout you've sold your only daughter into a harem that you forced on the groom that's even against it himself? –And all of it is so you'll have blood and political ties to a potentially very powerful clan in the future? Is that it?" she asked shrilly. "Is there anything else you care to add to what you've done?!"
Somehow this was worse than Kasumi beating him up. Shiden bowed his head to the floor. "There is nothing else, I am sorry my child. Forgive your Father-"
"You are no Father of mine! I hate you Shiden-sama!" she screamed angrily as she stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
Shiden still had his head bowed to the floor as tears trailed out of his eyes. 'I'm so sorry Kasumi-chan….'
The next day….
A very depressed Shiden made a formal announcement to the village about Naruto's status. Kasumi wasn't present as she'd locked herself in her room and would only talk to her Mother Ayame at this point. The village went a little wild hearing the news and Naruto was immediately the topic of every teenage girl in the village. Several parents were also considering the young man as a potential suitor for their daughter. Some thought it was the resurrection of a noble clan and others felt it was totally sexist and wrong. Whatever the case, for better or for worse Naruto was in the crosshairs of several young ladies such as his fan-girl Megumi.
After hearing the announcement, the already prepared Ayane took off like a bullet for the Hayabusa village. She had some hunting to do….
The Hayabusa Village
Hours later, Naruto came out of the public bathhouse in his yukata and saw Ayane standing there looking conflicted. "Ayane, how are y-" ….And his world exploded into pain as she kicked him square in the family jewels. Naruto let out a whimper and silently collapsed to the ground in the fetal position with his hands protecting his injured package. He croaked out "Why…?" with tears in his eyes.
Ayane asked. "Did you know you were required to take multiple wives when we went out for ramen? Were you trying to take advantage of me?!"
"N-no. Shiden-sama didn't tell me until the next morning…." gasped out Naruto.
Ayane's face changed from an angry scowl to a look of relief. "I'm so glad! Here is a message for you from my Father Genra." She handed him a scroll.
"Naruto-kun!" said Momiji as she came out of the women's side of the bath in her own yukata. "What happened here?!" she asked Ayane.
Ayane said, "Naruto here has to take multiple wives under an old law thanks to Shiden-sama's interference. I thought Naruto was taking advantage of me but I found out that he didn't know about the law either until the day after he had dinner with me so I'm glad he wasn't trying to manipulate me or something."
"So you kicked him in the balls?" shrieked Momiji.
"I was very upset. I feel better now that I know Naruto is really a nice guy after all and the whole harem thing wasn't his idea." replied Ayane.
Momiji was about to lay into Ayane for hurting the groaning Naruto when suddenly her brain locked in on the words multiple wives and harem. She turned to Naruto's crippled form and said in a scary tone, "What does Ayane-san mean about multiple wives and a harem Naruto-kun?"
Fearing Momiji might finish the job Ayane started Naruto croaked out, "Ask your sister Kureha. She's the one that told Shiden-sama the laws." he said in a weak, high-pitched voice.
Unfortunately for Naruto, everyone in the bathhouse heard the news and rumors started flying as Momiji led Ayane away to find Kureha. For his part, Naruto was laying there in too much pain to say anything….
He had just become the village's most eligible bachelor and couldn't do a damn thing about it.
The Dragon Shrine….
Kureha had seen several ill omens that day and was praying for Ryu's safety since he hadn't returned from the Vigoor Empire yet. The flock of crows that were hanging around the shrine was particularly unsettling. It was then that Momiji and Ayane came storming into the shrine. "Tell me sister, just what laws are involved that would require Naruto-kun to take several wives?" growled Momiji in a tone that would peel paint off the walls.
It was then Kureha realized she should have been praying for herself instead of Ryu….
Naruto and Hinata's tent….
Naruto managed to crawl back home with the help of some of the villagers and begged Hinata to heal him. She was shocked at the whole situation but seeing Naruto's package exposed for her to heal was too much for the girl and she passed out with a massive nose bleed and a perverse grin on her face. Naruto covered his modesty and prayed Kurama's chakra would finish healing him soon.
'Damn! That Ayane vixen did a number on you kid. If she'd you kicked any harder I think your nuts would have flown out your ass!' said Kurama.
Naruto cringed at Kurama's apt description. 'Save me the commentary and please heal me. Even that chidori I took in the chest didn't hurt this bad.'
Kurama suggested, 'Why don't you look at that scroll from Genra to distract you while I fix the damage?'
'Good idea. Maybe it's something nice like a challenge to a duel to the death.' Naruto opened the scroll.
Uzumaki-san:
I am writing you under duress because I fear my daughter Ayane's wrath. I am giving you my formal approval to court her. If you are receiving this then you are still on Ayane's good side. The whole Mugen Tenshin Village is in an uproar since they heard you were looking for multiple girls to help you repopulate your clan. In spite of my misgivings about the subject I have seen how you treat Ayane and I know you would take good care of her and treat her well. (I will be obliged to murder you if you don't). I don't know whether to envy you or give you my condolences about the whole situation Shiden-sama has put you in. With both Kasumi-sama and Ayane-chan involved I can only wish you the best of luck. I would be practicing my diplomatic skills if I were you. The only other option I can see for you would be ritual suicide. (As a lifelong bachelor I recommend the latter).
-Genra
"Oh gods, I will avenge my poor testicles on Shiden-sama if it's the last thing I do!" declared Naruto in a weak voice.
Later….
Hinata was watching over Naruto as he slept. She was rather embarrassed out how she fainted earlier but Naruto was resting easy now so Kurama must be hard at work healing him. She heard Momiji's voice outside the tent and decided to go out and talk to the shrine maiden so Naruto could rest. When she stepped out she saw Momiji and Ayane standing there. Ayane looked really guilty and regretful.
Hinata said, "Hello, what brings you by? Naruto is sleeping off his injury so he should not be disturbed." She saw Ayane wince at the mention of Naruto's injury. "I take it you are the kunoichi that brutally kicked him in his privates?" she asked Ayane.
Ayane nodded. "Ummm, I'm Ayane and I came to apolo-" She was abruptly cut off as Hinata stuck her with a brutal jūken strike to the solar plexus. Ayane flew back totally airborne and landed on the ground. She found that she was in intense pain and was struggling to breathe. "Ah, god! What….did you….do to me? gasped out Ayane in agony.
Hinata stared at Ayane coldly. "I landed a jūken strike to your chest that stunned your bronchial tubes and it will cause excruciating pain and difficulty breathing for the next few hours, that's all. Consider it a punishment for your unwarranted actions against my Naruto-kun. You hurt him very badly and I will not stand for it."
Momiji checked over the struggling Ayane that was wheezing as if she was having the worst asthma attack in the world. She'd experienced jūken strikes to her arms and they hurt like hell. She couldn't imagine what it was like to be hit in the vitals. "Hinata, can't you undo this like you did my arms? She came to apologize!"
"Of course I can undo it but I see no reason to. She hurt the man I love and this seems to be a fitting punishment to me." said Hinata matter-of-factly.
Ayane was collapsed on the ground wheezing and looked like she was going to die. "For god's sake Hinata, she needs to breathe! Please, I'm begging you here!" cried Momiji.
"Fine." said Hinata in an irritated tone. She pushed the gasping Ayane over on her back with her foot before she struck Ayane in the same spot and Ayane could breathe again. "Are you happy now Momiji?"
Ayane laid there taking in painful gasps of air for a while before she said. "My chest still really hurts. Can you please make it stop?" she asked through teary eyes.
"I can but I won't." Hinata said in an icy tone. "If it hadn't been for Momiji I would have left your airways the way they were. You should be thankful I undid that, girl." Hinata turned to Momiji. "What brings you two here? Naruto-kun won't be available till tomorrow."
"Ayane came to apologize and we wanted to discuss Naruto's new status with you since we talked to Kureha about it." said Momiji.
"Let's go to that place where we picnic at the edge of the village and we can talk privately." said Hinata. She then made a familiar hand sign. "Shadow clone jutsu." a single clone appeared. "Watch over Naruto-kun while I talk to Momiji and Ayane-san." The clone nodded and entered the tent.
Ayane had struggled up into a sitting position when Hinata motioned for them to go. Momiji said, "I don't think Ayane can make it that far by herself."
Hinata glared back at Ayane. "Well, drag her by her hair or carry her Momiji. I'm not lifting a finger to help her." Then Hinata walked off.
Momiji turned to Ayane. "Boy, I've never seen her this pissed off ever. You must have really hurt Naruto badly for her to be this angry." Ayane looked incredibly guilty now. "Well, there's nothing to be done about it. Let me give you a piggyback ride." After a couple of minutes of struggling, Momiji was carrying Ayane towards the area Hinata mentioned. They found her sitting there waiting for them looking very aggravated.
"Glad you finally made it." snapped Hinata irritably.
"What are you mad at me for?" asked Momiji hotly.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe because you were there when Naruto-kun was badly injured and you just left him on the ground in pain instead of helping him? If it hadn't been for some of the villagers he'd probably still be lying there." retorted Hinata angrily.
Momiji blushed and looked guilty. "I was going to apologize for that too." she said sadly. "I hope Naruto-kun will forgive me."
"Naruto-kun is forgiving to a fault." huffed Hinata. "He'll probably let you both off the hook even though he was almost neutered. If it wasn't for his amazing healing abilities I'd have to wonder if he could still have kids after this."
Both girls got wide eyed. "Was it that bad?" croaked Ayane guiltily.
"Hello? He was wearing a Yukata and his underwear. It wasn't like he had on his armored mesh he normally wears." said Hinata with a glare. "If swollen and black and blue is bad then I'd say it was pretty bad Ayane-baka."
Momiji decided to speak before things got worse. "We are very sorry Hinata and we will both apologize to Naruto-kun as many times as it takes until he forgives us. Will you please listen to what we have to say? Kureha told us a lot and we thought you would be the person to talk to since you will be his head wife and understand the laws perfectly from what Kureha said."
"What is it you want to ask me then?" queried Hinata in a calmer tone.
"We know that you are marrying him and we want in." explained Momiji. "Ayane has permission from her Father Genra and I have permission from Kureha as she is my elder. We also know that Kasumi-sama is in."
"After what you two pulled you expect him to marry you?" asked Hinata dumbfounded.
Ayane said, "We were angry and confused. I thought Naruto-kun was using us and playing with our affections."
"Then why didn't you just ask him instead of kicking him in the nuts?!" shrieked Hinata.
Meanwhile at Naruto and Hinata's tent….
Hinata's clone was using her mystic palm jutsu on Naruto's privates while giggling perversely as she did so. 'I can't believe my original didn't take advantage of this! A chance to fondle Naruto-kun and really check out the goods. It seems the old rumor is true that men with large chakra reserves really are very gifted in other places as a result.' She giggled again as she wiped her bleeding nose (again). 'There, all healthy and good as new. If I'm lucky the real me will get laid tonight. This monster could rip a girl in half!' she thought lasciviously. 'Damn! Someone's coming!' Hinata's clone rapidly covered up Naruto's package; put the sheets back up and tried to look responsible and concerned as someone rustled the flap on the tent.
It was Genjiro. "Are you in there Naruto; Hinata?"
Hinata's clone popped he head out of the tent. "We're here but Naruto-kun is sleeping so keep your voice down." she said as she opened the tent flap letting him in.
Genjiro sat down and saw Naruto sleeping peacefully. "Is he all right? I heard he had an 'altercation' with some kunoichi today. (Since he was nominally in charge of the village Genjiro was naturally the last to know about it).
"Naruto-kun is healing nicely and I'm dealing with that particular kunoichi right now." said Hinata's clone.
"Come again? You're here but you're dealing with them?" asked Genjiro confused.
The clone blushed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm a clone and the real me is dealing with Ayane-san."
"I didn't know you could make solid clones Hinata." Genjiro said surprised.
She nodded. "I can only make one or two but I know the technique."
Genjiro asked, "The whole village is buzzing about Naruto's 'marital status.' Is it true that he can take multiple wives?"
Hinata's clone sighed. "It is true but Naruto-kun and I aren't happy about it. We went over the laws and it seems that because Shiden-sama has the political power and wants Naruto tied to the Mugen Tenshin Clan he basically has forced it upon us. Naruto-kun and I already decided to get married but now he has to have Kasumi-sama as his wife as well. Theoretically Naruto-kun would have to marry a woman from this village as well so we would have blood ties here."
"Have you considered Momiji?" asked Genjiro. "She's a good girl and an outstanding kunoichi. I also know she really likes Naruto."
"How do you know that?" asked the clone.
Genjiro chuckled. "Well, I'm old but I'm not so totally out of touch that I can't recognize when a girl's in love with a boy. Besides, I saw her peeking at Naruto in the public bath."
"WHAAAT?!"
POSTSCRIPT:
And done. This chapter ended up almost entirely character driven instead of plot driven by accident rather than design. The cat is out of the bag and various girls seem to be making their moves (for better or for worse) and poor Naruto is currently bedridden. It seems that taking on greater fiends is no problem for our hero but he doesn't stand a chance against righteous feminine fury. Next chapter we will get back to the mystery of Obaba wanting the Kusanagi among other things.
Just a small rant: For those anonymous reviewers that want to troll me and bellyache about "mediocrity" and a "lack of realism" and "don't know why they bother" etc. I'd advise you to stop wasting your time as all I'm doing is deleting your messages. I'm quite positive that if you were in person with me or any writer you wouldn't have the courage to say some of the things I've seen. I just don't understand the mindset of these people.
Blue out. 9/12/14