Chapter 11
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Ninja Gaiden or DOA
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
In regards to Noh Akuto's untimely demise last chapter, Hinata slaughtered him because he was focusing his energies on maintaining a disguise and thought of Hinata as no threat because he suspected she might be blind. If he'd had any idea she'd seen through his disguise and put up a defense he wouldn't have been killed so easily. Hinata would have required help to defeat him, let alone kill him. Oh well, R.I.P. Akuto.
Last time:
Naruto was at a bit of a loss, in spite of the fact it was a political situation he knew the other girls previously and would count them among his friends. Now he had a total stranger that would be in his life and she was with the enemy as far as he was concerned. He figured the real key with Aoi would be to make her take an oath that was sacred to her to change her loyalties to the Uzumaki clan and denounce Obaba. Perhaps he was thinking to simplistically but from what he could tell of Aoi she was a dedicated kunoichi and could become a powerful ally in the future if she could be turned to his side.
As for Aoi herself, she was very briefly introduced to the other girls in the harem once they'd all calmed down. Her best weapon (in her opinion) was going to be sex appeal with Naruto-sama. Unfortunately, all the women in his harem were extremely attractive. Looking at the other girls she realized that she had no advantage over them in the looks or body department. When Hinata wasn't giving her the glare with her pearl like eyes she realized Hinata was beautiful too. 'What gives? Is every woman he's with a hottie? This is ridiculous!' she thought upset. There was going to be some real competition here and she'd never dealt with that before. Becoming Naruto-sama's favorite would be a difficult task indeed….
The Hayabusa Village
It had been a week since Aoi's arrival. Hinata and the others were surprised when Aoi's belongings and a significant dowry arrived as well once Obaba heard they didn't have a clan compound of any sort. (Obaba really wanted to be on the Uzumaki's good side apparently). Likewise, Shiden-sama sent a lot of cash as well as a couple of architects to start laying down plans for the new Uzumaki compound. Naruto was sitting at a table with all five girls to discuss what they wanted in a home. They already picked out a location. It was on the lake near the old dojo. While it was part of the Hayabusa Village it was far enough away to be considered separate where they could have some privacy.
Ryu suggested they actually use the old dojo because it originally was a clan compound decades ago and had fallen into disuse. They'd used it as a shelter when the village burned but now that almost everyone had a place to stay it was free for the Uzumaki clan to use. Though no one had been on the upper two floors in decades and the bottom floor was converted into a dojo, they had the original plans and there was no reason they couldn't restore the building to its original splendor. After a lot of discussion (Momiji had extra pull here since the people who built it were her ancestors) they took the plans to the Mugen Tenshin architects to scrutinize.
It took several days of careful examination but it turned out the building was as structurally sound as the day it was built. The rear half was built upon posts extending down to the lakebed and front half was built on shore. The exterior was a very traditional Japanese pagoda type structure. According to the plans it was designed so the top floor was a meditation area, the middle floor was where the head of the family and his immediate relations would live and the bottom floor (currently an empty dojo) was where children and their families would live. It was designed for several generations of family to live in at once and would fit about thirty people in it total once it was fully restored.
It took an additional two weeks before everything that needed repairing was done and the actual restoration of the home began (which would take months). Naruto and his wives were sleeping in futons on the first floor while they worked to clean out the upper two floors. As it turned out all the original furniture from when the building was a family home was tightly stored up there. At least in theory once the lower floor was restored they would have furniture though it was all antique and needed work to restore its original beauty. Fortunately Naruto's clones provided all the manpower they could ever need and various things that needed repairs were sealed in scrolls for later use.
Alas, you could also cut the tension in the family home with a knife. All the girls now had their own rooms and ideas which suited Naruto fine but rather than things going smoothly the situation settled into something of a cold war. Ayane and Kasumi were trying to get along better but they still had issues to work out. Aoi and Momiji locked horns over everything. Hinata was doing her best as head wife to keep things organized and under control. Naruto had commitments to the continued repair of the village as well as his own home. The final straw broke when Aoi said at dinner; "We all have our own rooms now on the second floor; why is it only Hinata gets to share Naruto-sama's bed? We other girls need love too!"
The ensuing catfight was pretty intense and though it didn't break out into an all out kunoichi brawl (which Naruto was thankful for) a lot of repressed anger was unleashed and hurtful things were said even among friends. The truth was Naruto and Hinata were close enough now that they were certainly quite comfortable naked around each other and made out a lot but they hadn't actually had sex yet. None of the other four girls believed it when Hinata said it and refused to believe it even when Naruto said it was true.
Hinata ended up sleeping in her own room alone that night as did everyone else. Aoi made an attempt to give Naruto a late night visit but Momiji caught her resulting in another cat fight in the middle of the night. That woke everyone else up and it was another two hours before Naruto actually had to order everyone to go back to bed. He felt bad about doing that as he didn't like yelling at his wives but they all needed sleep, dammit! Naruto swore that somehow, someway he would get even with Shiden-sama for putting him through this. It was every young man's dream to be surrounded by his harem of hot, beautiful kunoichis….riiiight….Uzumaki Naruto was in hell.
The next morning….
Naruto got up early and headed into the village to talk to a person he had come to respect for motherly advice; Omitsu. She was already up and around as Naruto expected and he asked to visit with her for a little bit. Omitsu smiled and let Naruto in noticing how blood shot his eyes were and listened to his story.
"You really haven't been around hormonal teen-aged girls have you Naruto-kun?" Omitsu asked.
Naruto shook his head, "I was an orphan and I never even had a family. Hinata-chan and I are finally comfortable and really in love with each other. I'm trying to get closer to the other girls gradually but I don't know what I'm doing. I should have built a shack and lived with Hinata-chan in the sacred wilderness."
Omitsu patted his shoulder. "This isn't going to be easy for you or them. This whole harem thing is an old and outdated idea. What's worse is you're actually a nice young man who wants to make all your girls happy and that's draining you too. I've noticed since the lot of you have all lived under one roof you've been dragging. You can make clones can't you? Why not use them to get to be closer with the girls or at least give them a clone each to cuddle with at night? From what you said all of a clone's memories get passed back to you so it isn't like you wouldn't actually be there. You're in a unique situation and it requires a unique solution."
Naruto bit his lip and pondered for a few minutes. "It's worth a shot. I'll talk to the girls over lunch today."
"Why not over breakfast?" asked Omitsu.
"I'm getting ramen for breakfast so I can eat alone." answered Naruto. "I can't take another meal like last night's dinner. Words are weapons sharper than knives."
"Alright Naruto. Just make sure you take care of this problem now before it gets worse. It's not like you to run away." she said.
The blond smiled tiredly. "I just needed someone to talk to. Thank you Omitsu. I'm going to go get some breakfast ramen now."
Omitsu sighed and watched him go. 'Poor kid; he's a mess. I may have to visit with his girls and chat with them.'
Back at the Uzumaki Clan Compound….
Hinata awoke feeling cold without Naruto holding her. Last night had been very upsetting. She hoped that things would go smoothly today. She remembered her training under Hiashi to be a proper clan leader and to be dispassionate but the whole head wife thing was wearing on her. Allowing herself a quiet sigh she decided to toughen up and get things resolved for Naruto's sake if not her own. She concluded that Naruto was going to have to become more active too. He was just not a disciplinarian type but he was going to have to learn to be a little tougher with the girls as well. Hinata resolved to talk to him after breakfast.
When Hinata got up she found the other girls were up mulling around but there was no sign of Naruto anywhere. Momiji came over to her looking worried. "Hinata-chan, do you know where Naruto-kun is? He isn't in the house."
Hinata activated her byakugan. "He's in the village at Hikaru's Ramen Stand. He must have had a craving."
"But he always tells us before he leaves." said Ayane in a concerned tone.
Hinata walked into the kitchen. "Maybe he forgot. Let's eat some breakfast. I'm tired and hungry" 'I hope you're alright Naruto-kun.'
The other girls had similar thoughts and decided to follow Hinata's lead and ate breakfast peacefully.
With Naruto….
After filling up on ramen Naruto gratefully thanked the Hikurus for the food. Now that he had ramen in his system he came up with a brilliant idea (in his opinion). He went to see Ryu and Kureha at the Castle of the Dragon and patiently waited at the front for them to finish their morning make out session (Hinata and Momiji let him know). They soon came out smiling and saw Naruto was awaiting them. Kureha greeted him first. "Good morning to you Naruto. I would have expected you to be at home having breakfast with your wives." Kureha had heard things were a bit rocky at home from Momiji and was concerned.
"I caught an early breakfast at Hikaru's Ramen Shop this morning and I got an excellent idea." said Naruto with a sparkle in his eye.
Ryu was about to ask what it was but Kureha cut him off and said, "Uzumaki Naruto! I've heard of your ramen addiction from Momiji and I won't allow you to build a giant altar to the ramen gods in your house even if Momiji caves in and says it's alright with her! As a Dragon Shrine Maiden and as her older sister I am drawing the line!"
"…."
"…."
"Ummm….Kureha, why would I want to build a giant altar to the ramen gods…?" asked Naruto looking totally confused.
Ryu face-planted at Kureha's impassioned speech that was all for nothing. Kureha blushed. "Ehehehe….forget I said anything about that Naruto." she said lamely.
Naruto blinked and wondered if Ryu and Kureha hadn't been drinking too much last night.
Ryu thankfully broke the silence and said, "So what was this idea of yours Naruto? I'd like to hear it."
Naruto regained his smile. "I want to get out the summoning contract we recovered and test it. I have a good feeling about it this morning."
"That's out of the blue." said Kureha.
"Not as out of the blue as giant altars to the ramen gods! What a concept." retorted Naruto.
Kureha put her hands on her hips. "….And why is that such an odd concept Naruto?"
"Everyone knows that the ramen gods are in every kitchen. You eat ramen to show your appreciation." said Naruto in a pontificating tone.
"Okay! On that note let's get that scroll with the summoning contract Kureha." said Ryu praying his lover and Naruto didn't break out into a full blown quasi-religious argument over ramen.
As it turned out Kureha was only too happy to get out of the ramen god discussion and headed down to get the scroll. Ryu watched Naruto tiredly deflate. "Are things going that badly Naruto? I know Momiji told Kureha things were rough." asked Ryu in a brotherly fashion.
Naruto sighed. "Ryu, I fear the girls may kill each other. I know I'm supposed to be head of the household and all of that but I feel bad ordering them around. I know and love Hinata-chan and I'd like to do the same with the other girls too. I want to make each of them happy and not be trapped in a loveless marriage but right now it's just so damn hard. There's five of them and one of me. It breaks my heart seeing them all so unhappy. I feel like it's all my fault somehow…."
"Do you really feel that way Naruto?" asked Kureha reappearing with the scroll. Naruto was a little embarrassed that she'd heard but nodded nevertheless. Kureha smiled. "You need to tell them these things and that it will take time. I know it would make Momiji happy if you did. Spend some time with each of them alone. That's my advice." Then she added, "….And honestly, it's not your fault. This whole harem thing wasn't your doing. But you really do need to communicate with the girls."
Naruto accepted the scroll from her and Kureha asked, "I know you have that chakra blade but have you considered using the Kusanagi? It isn't like anyone knows that it's missing or could even identify it. Only you or Hinata could really use it to its full potential because you have chakra. It's just going to waste all sealed up in that scroll. It would be an appropriate heirloom for the Uzumaki clan. I've meditated in the dragon shrine on this subject and I believe the Kusanagi would do the most good in your hands."
Ryu raised an eyebrow at this but then asked, "Do you know how to wield a tsurugi? I will be happy to help you learn."
"Genjiro started training me on the basics but I haven't got any mastery over it, not to mention I don't know the Kusanagi's unique powers." explained Naruto. "It's not like my chakra blade. It has all kinds of abilities I'm sure."
Ryu slapped his back. "We'll help you master your new sword. Let's go out somewhere remote from the village and test this summoning contract. In a worst case scenario I'm sure the two of us can defeat it if it's hostile. The first thing you have to do is tell your lovely wives though."
Naruto shivered. "I guess I'd better go home and tell them."
The Uzumaki Clan Compound….
Naruto came in the front of his home and found his wives waiting for him. They looked upset and he wondered if they'd been fighting again. "Where were you this morning Naruto-kun? Why didn't you have breakfast with us?" asked Kasumi.
The blonde wanted to say he didn't want to get caught in another fight but instead he replied. "I had to see Ryu-sama and retrieve this." holding up the scroll.
Ayane looked concerned. "We were worried Naruto, why didn't you wake us up and tell us? What's with that scroll that's so important that you had to leave so early?"
Hinata recognized it. "It's that summoning scroll isn't it Naruto-kun?"
"Yes, I'm going to test it out." Naruto replied.
"Couldn't that be dangerous Naruto-kun?" asked Momiji worried.
"Ryu-sama is coming with me so there's no need to worry." Naruto reassured her. "Probably nothing will happen anyway."
Aoi asked the question that she, Kasumi and Ayane all wondered. "What is this summoning scroll Naruto-sama? Hinata and Momiji seem to know about it but the rest of us don't."
"Sharing this information with Aoi might not be a good idea Naruto-kun." said Momiji.
"Must you be suspicious of everything I do shrine maiden?!" shrieked Aoi.
"If you weren't so suspicious to begin with I wouldn't be that way spider girl!" growled Momiji
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" yelled Naruto. "I'm so tired of all of you fighting. I'm going to sit down with each of you individually and we're going to work this out one way or another! No more arguing, understand?!"
All five girls quickly put two and two together and realized he wasn't at breakfast because he couldn't take it. They were trying to figure out what to say but Naruto spoke up again. "A summoning contract summons creatures from another realm. They can be great partners and allies in battle but they can also be deadly and dangerous to would be summoners. I'm taking this contract far from the village to test it in case it summons something hostile. If it does Ryu-sama and I will defeat it and destroy the contract."
"I'm coming with you Naruto-kun." said Hinata. "I can help you fight it if it's dangerous."
"I will too." Momiji insisted. Then all the girls got involved.
Ryu was waiting at the village gates when Naruto all of his wives showed up in full combat gear. He noticed that Naruto was a bit peeved but all the girls looked hell-bent on whatever they were planning. "Have your wives come to see you off?" asked Ryu hopefully.
Naruto sighed. "No, they are all coming with us. After the summoning contract business is taken care of were stopping by the Mugen Tenshin Village to order some new clothes for the girls with the Uzumaki family crest on them. It's become a family outing if you will."
Ryu looked less than thrilled at the idea but nodded nevertheless. "All right; let's go then."
In a clearing up in the mountains….
A couple of hours later the group found a spot in the mountains that was far enough away from any of the villages that they could fight whatever was summoned if it became necessary. The group had travelled quietly and no arguments broke out so Naruto took this as a good sign. He had sent a messenger bird out before they left to Hayate to inform them they were coming so things were going as planned. Naruto hoped that the trip would be short but he had a feeling that subduing a hostile summons would be easy compared to picking out a family 'uniform.'
They all sat down for an early lunch and rested a few minutes talking quietly before Naruto unsealed the statue with the summoning seal on it. Aoi recognized it. "That's the statue that the old hag wanted! How did you get it Naruto-sama? She said there was something about a human blood sacrifice involved."
Naruto turned to Aoi and said, "Four fiends and four Black Spider ninjas had this and I acquired it from them."
"So that's what happened…." said Aoi. She remembered Obaba's plans and remembered the Kusanagi being involved too. Did Naruto-sama have it as well?
"Aoi, it would be very unfortunate for you if this information were to reach Obaba's ears. This is an Uzumaki family secret. I hope we understand each other." he said laying on the killing intent.
"O-of course Naruto-sama! I wouldn't dream of sharing this information with anyone outside of our clan." Aoi replied quickly.
"Good." said Naruto cutting off his killing intent. "I'm going to set this up so you all stay back here in case it's really huge."
After making sure everyone was clear Naruto bit his thumb and smeared it on the seal in the base of the statue. He rapidly went through the appropriate hand signs and said "Summoning jutsu!" while channeling a mass of chakra into it.
"…."
An enormous puff of smoke later, a furry, spotted fifteen foot long ball appeared. A long tail uncoiled and a deep rumbling noise came from it. Then its head appeared looking in the opposite direction. "Gracious, where am I? Is this a waking dream I'm having?" it said in a distinguished sounding male voice. It was obviously some kind of cat.
Naruto was sweat dropping at the massive creature in front of him that sounded like some sort of language teacher. "Hello? I'm behind you, great cat."
The cat whipped around and looked at Naruto. "I'm a snow leopard my good man and I'm afraid I'm a bit lost at the moment. Could you tell me where I am?"
"You're in Japan." said Naruto as his sweat drop grew larger. "I assume you're the keeper of the scrolls?"
"How did you know I was the keeper….GREAT SCOTT! I've been summoned!" The snow leopard held out his forepaw and a pair of reading glasses appeared in his paw as if he had opposable thumbs. Quickly placing the glasses on he said, "Ah, I see you have one of those ancient summoning statues. Those are quite valuable these days; it probably belongs in a museum somewhere. However did you figure out how to use it?"
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto, a Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku and the Toad summoning scroll seems to be lost. When I found this summoning statue I summoned you hoping to find a new contract or at least a way to regain the Toad contract." said Naruto.
The snow leopard looked at him suspiciously and said, "That's quite a claim you make young man, do you have any proof?"
That's when Aoi appeared and squealed, "Soooo cuuuute!" as she gripped the leopard's front leg and rubbed herself against it. "You're so soft and fuzzy! Naruto-sama, can we please keep him?" she asked with puppy dog eyes to Naruto.
The cat preened and chuckled, "My dear, while I'll admit you have excellent taste and frankly I am adorable, I'm not a pet to be kept."
The other kunoichis and Ryu came trotting up and Hinata said, "We tried to stop her Naruto-kun but her love of cute things overpowered us!"
Naruto wanted to face plant. "Aoi, will you please let go of Mister Snow Leopard? You may be cutting the circulation off in his leg." Getting no response from the Aoi, Naruto created two shadow clones that physically pried her of.
"I want to snuggle!" she wailed. "Cute things need to be hugged and cuddled!"
The cat chuckled again. "Perhaps in a little bit my dear. Oh, where are my manners? I am Robaire, the keeper of knowledge of the snow leopards Mister Uzumaki. I can see you wield chakra but I have yet to see proof you are a sage as you claim. Can you give me a demonstration perhaps?"
Naruto sighed and motioned everyone to get back. He entered sage mode a moment later and directed an enormous shockwave of chakra at Robaire causing the cat to jump back in fright and his fur to stand on end. "Is that proof enough Robaire?"
Robaire regained his composure and saw the toad like eyes and massive aura that Naruto possessed. He said in a shaky voice. "Oh yes, that is more than sufficient proof! Forgive me for doubting you, Sage."
"It's all right." said Naruto as he released his sage mode. "I understand no sages have existed for centuries so you had every right to be suspicious." Naruto saw that Robaire was writing with a quill into a journal that appeared from nowhere.
"This is all very fascinating. I need to record this in my journal." Finishing up his journal entry Robaire made a motion with his paw and the quill and journal vanished back to where they came from. "Marvelous! I trust you would like to sign the snow leopard contract?"
Naruto nodded and asked, "Would it be possible for my wives to sign it as well? Only my wife Hinata-chan can wield chakra though, the others use ki."
"That's quite an interesting proposal." mused Robaire. "Why don't you sign it and we can ask our leader Lady Felicia if the others are alright." he said as he produced a scroll. "Are you familiar with the signing process?"
"Yes, I write my name in blood and then place a handprint of my hand that I summon with." Naruto said as he drew a kunai to cut his hand with.
"Correct!" Robaire said as he unfurled the scroll. Naruto sliced his hand and wrote his name sealing it with a bloody handprint. "Excellent. Now you need to summon Lady Felicia."
Naruto nodded and said "Summoning jutsu!" after completing the hand signs.
A snow leopard that easily dwarfed Robaire appeared. She had a deep but melodic feminine voice and asked, "Why did you summon me Professor Robaire?"
Robaire motioned towards Naruto. "I didn't my Lady. Sage Uzumaki Naruto did. I found him worthy of signing our contract but ultimately the decision as to whether he is allowed to summon us to help him is your choice. He also wishes for his wives to sign the contract but most of them are ki users."
"I am Felicia." The fifty foot long snow leopard said. "Which one of you summoned me?" she asked as she looked down at the ninjas before her.
"You should always introduce yourself as Lady Felicia, my Lady." corrected Robaire. "After all, you are our leader now since your parents passed the title to you."
Felicia got a deadpan look on her face. "That was only last week Professor."
Robaire started, "Nevertheless, a Lady of your standing should-"
"Anyway," said Felicia cutting off Robaire, "Please tell me which of you had the power to summon me."
"I did Lady Felicia." said the blonde bowing. "I am Uzumaki Naruto, a Sage of Mount Myōboku. I wish to have the snow leopard clan as my new friends and partners."
Felicia lowered herself into a sitting position so she could look at Naruto more closely. "Interesting, you have such a massive aura and yet you are so small. When was the last time we had a summoner Professor?" she asked Robaire.
"It was about 1,500 years ago in Tibet, my Lady. A monk I believe." supplied Robaire helpfully. "I can research it for you if you wish."
"It's not necessary, I was just curious." said Felicia. "Uzumaki Naruto, is it? You are Japanese then?"
Naruto nodded, "Yes, this is Japan. I wondered what kind of a test you have for me to become your summoner."
Felicia raised a furry eyebrow and asked, "A test? I don't know of one. Is there one on record Professor?"
Robaire replied, "I'd have to research it my Lady, I don't ever recall hearing of such a test. Could you tell us about the one the toads gave you Sage Uzumaki?"
"Just call me Naruto." said the blonde. "Each summon had their own test I suppose but the Toad Boss' test was for me to stay on his back with chakra until sundown while he hopped all over the countryside. His leaps could go 50 feet high easily. I was thirteen at the time and passed out from exhaustion at sundown but I passed the test."
Aoi exclaimed, "Wow! That's amazing Naruto-sama."
"Good Gracious!" said Robaire.
Momiji asked, "You were only thirteen Naruto-kun?"
"That sounds way too tiring and difficult. Let's just skip this test business and call it good." said Felicia. "Uzumaki Naruto, I hereby recognize you as a summoner of the Snow Leopards. Make sure you do us proud."
Naruto nodded. "I will uphold the honor of the Snow Leopards with all my power."
"Wonderful, I'll inform the others." said Felicia. "Is there anything else before I go? I'm sure Professor Robaire can fill you in on the details of our clan."
"There is one other thing my Lady." said Robaire. "Sage Naruto asked me if his wives could sign the contract as well, remember?"
"I have no problem with it but the ones that can't use chakra will have to learn how if they wish to summon us to their sides." With that Felicia vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Well, she's quite large Naruto-kun, not as big as the toad boss but I'm sure she'll be a very formidable ally." said Hinata impressed.
"She was so big and adorable." cooed Aoi.
"I remember when she was just a tiny cub." said Robaire fondly. "I'm proud to have been her tutor. I must enter all of this in my journal Sage Naruto. Summon me in the next few days after the clan has all been informed we have a summoner and I will instruct you in our ways so we can be effective partners."
"Thank you Robaire, until next time then." said Naruto
"Until next time Sage Naruto, ladies. Cheerio!" With that he too vanished in a puff of smoke.
Hinata spent the next few minutes healing the hands of all the girls because they had to sign their names in blood and they all washed up in a nearby stream.
Ryu turned to Naruto. "You have some amazing abilities my friend. I'm glad this worked out for you."
"Are you heading back home or are you coming to the Mugen Tenshin Village with us Ryu?" asked Naruto.
"I think it would be best if I head home." said Ryu. "I don't want to be there when you wives level Hayate's village in an argument over what clothes look best. I'd feel partially responsible for bringing them there." Ryu nodded to himself. "No, it would be best if the blame is placed solely on your shoulders for all the carnage and collateral damage. You have a very powerful army of kunoichis there."
Naruto grumbled, "Traitor."
"I do my best Naruto." Ryu said with a gleam in his eye before he teleported away.
The Mugen Tenshin Village
That evening Naruto and his girls arrived more or less on schedule. Naruto had to explain a lot about summoning and the rules involved on the way and the group seemed genuinely happy about the situation. All of the girls agreed that snow leopard cubs would be irresistibly cute and Aoi had stars in her eyes about the idea of having them around the house to cuddle with. Nuruto explained they weren't pets but agreed that if they liked being cuddled it would be fun to have them around. He briefly thought about Jiraiya and how he was probably enjoying watching over Naruto and his harem of girls. He pictured Ero-sennin writing his latest Icha-Icha about Naruto's situation in the afterlife.
They were welcomed at the gates and Hayate soon came out and hugged both of his sisters much to Ayane's happiness. "You have been missed. Mother is eagerly awaiting your visit." Hayate invited them all to the main house for dinner and Naruto reluctantly accepted after saying they didn't have dress clothes. He wasn't looking forward to seeing Shiden-sama at all. Kasumi asked that they be shown to the guest halls we're they could bathe and freshen up first. She also introduced Aoi to Hayate as Aoi had yet to meet him. Though Hayate had heard of Aoi through letters and her affiliation to the Black Spider clan he acted pleasant enough.
The group retired to the guest quarters and decided to enjoy the hot springs behind it before dinner. The girls agreed to not argue and just enjoy the soak. Naruto was over in the men's side as far as they knew. What they all really wanted to do was continue their discussion of the snow leopard summons and how it could be made to work but they had all sworn that it was a clan secret and didn't want to discuss it in an open air bath with prying ears and eyes around so they were quietly discussing clothing and what size and color the Uzumaki crest should be on it. All Naruto asked was that they wear it in some way or the other.
"I believe that we should all have matching black bodysuits for stealth combat with muted spirals but our regular combat suits we should wear whatever we like but have prominent Uzumuki spirals somewhere." said Hinata. She liked the 'falcon' style suits that Naruto had adopted that resembled Ryu's (it showed off his muscles quite well). She'd also seen Kasumi's black suit and to her own surprise wanted to show her body off to Naruto as well.
"What do you mean by 'muted' spirals Hinata?" asked Ayane.
Hinata was visualizing in her head and said, "The suits are black leather, armor and kevlar, right? We could have a raised spiral and the back in either black or perhaps dark red like Naruto-kun's sage coat. White would just paint a target on our backs. Then we could accent them with our own colors. I know Kasumi likes blue and Ayane likes purple. What do you think?"
Aoi purred, "I think Naruto-sama would love to see his wives in tight black leather and some revealing mesh here and there. Having them semi-match is a good idea. I'd accent mine in emerald green."
"I'd lean towards red myself." said Momiji. "What about you Hinata-chan?"
"I don't know; lilac or dark blue I suppose." answered Hinata. "I guess lilac would show up too much so I guess I'd fall back on navy blue. It's been my color since my academy days."
"Lilac would bring out your eyes Hinata. I think you could carry it off." said Kasumi.
"I think she's more concerned about stealth." said Ayane clinically. "I'm all for adding a little color but we don't want to blow our cover. Then again, Naruto runs around in that sage coat that's not the stealthiest item in the world."
"Maybe Naruto-kun needs a makeover…." thought Momiji aloud. The wheels in all the girl's heads started turning rapidly and Naruto soon got a chill down his spine despite the fact the water he was in was steaming warm….
Later that evening….
Dinner had been a somber affair. While Ayane and Kasumi both wished to speak to Ayame in private they really didn't care to talk with Shiden-sama. Kasumi was still giving him the cold shoulder despite his attempts to talk to her and Ayane had spoken to him rarely at best. Aoi was quite sociable and was doing her best to lighten the mood but she wasn't too popular due to her connections with the Black Spider clan. Naruto was making small talk with Hayate but generally was avoiding Shiden-sama's comments because he felt the situation he was in was all due to the older man. When dinner was finished Naruto and the girls were only too glad to bid everyone goodnight and take their leave to the guest quarters.
When they all got back they were given separate rooms and Naruto had a clone each for the girls to sleep with so he could start to get more comfortable with them and vice-versa. The real Naruto was snuggled with Hinata in their sleeping yukatas and the young couple basically fell asleep in each other's arms the minute they hit the futon….
With Momiji….
Momiji was in a t-shirt and some panties when she let her clone in to sleep. The shrine maiden really surprised Naruto's clone because the minute she got him alone she pulled him into a passionate lip-lock. She friskily ran her hands all over him as she pulled him down on top of her. "Naruto-kun, I've wanted you in my bed for so long." she purred huskily. "When is the real you going to come visit me and do all the things I've been fantasizing about? There are so many ways we can turn each other on. I'll make it a night you'll never forget." she said as she rubbed her body erotically into his.
"Momiji-chan…." Naruto's clone immediately remembered Kurama's images of Momiji in dominatrix gear and grew painfully hard.
She felt his reaction through her panties and got a million dollar smile on her face. "You'd best come to me soon my love so I can take proper care of that." she said as she ground her hips into him and wrapped her legs around him so he could feel her moist heat. After they made out for a while she quickly unclasped her legs and rolled over on top of him. As much as she wanted to take advantage of this horny clone she wanted her first time to be with the real Naruto. She gave him one more searing kiss before she said, "Goodnight my Naruto-kun." It would be awhile before Naruto's painfully aroused clone would finally get to sleep himself. Momiji fell asleep with a huge smile on her face.
With Ayane….
Ayane was wearing her usual purple nightie and was a bit embarrassed at having Naruto in her room. She'd never shared a bed with anyone. The clone said he could dispel if he made her uncomfortable but she asked him to stay and the two finally settled with her back against his chest and his arms wrapped around her. He was surprised Ayane was so shy given how blunt and bold she usually was but after a little while he felt her heartbeat and breathing even out as she fell into a deep sleep. Smiling, Naruto's clone kissed the top of her head and fell asleep happy in her warmth.
With Kasumi….
"But I always sleep naked Naruto-kun. Doesn't everybody?" asked Kasumi puzzled. She patted the pillow beside her. "Come to bed Naruto-kun."
Naruto's clone was blushing madly at the sight of Kasumi laying naked on the futon beckoning him forward. Why was it that Kasumi-chan looked so innocent and yet so seductive all at the same time? 'Her body is as hot as Hinata-chan's! How the hell am I going to sleep tonight?!'
Once Naruto's clone lay down with her and Kasumi engulfed him in a hug pressing her feminine curves up against him. She turned his head to face her and gave him a sweet kiss. "You're so warm Naruto-kun." she said as she snuggled closer. "Goodnight my husband." Her face hidden from his view she grinned mischievously and thought 'I'll always sleep naked when you're here anyway!' After silently giggling at his obvious arousal she dozed off peacefully while Naruto's clone tried to figure out if he was in heaven or hell.
Outside Aoi's room….
Naruto's clone was sitting in the hall in his sleeping yukata and boxers. Forty-five minutes ago Aoi had smiled out of the door coyly and said "Wait right here Naruto-sama!" before she slid the door shut again with a wink. Now he was getting impatient. Just when he was about to open the door he heard voices in her room. He cracked the door the tiniest bit open and threw a shuriken in silently. The shuriken was a henged shadow clone. A small man was holding Aoi from behind and she looked as if she was lifeless the way she was hanging there. She seemed to struggle but it looked as if she had no strength and was moving in slow motion.
"Will you not come away with me Aoi-sama? You don't need that blonde haired monster." he said in a low tone. The man uncovered her mouth and then he said. "I love you Aoi-sama. Being without you is too much to bear. I've watched you with many other men and it's my time. Don't you love me Aoi-sama?"
Aoi let out a sob when he allowed her to speak. "N-no. L-leave me…." she said weakly. "Naru….to….help." she whispered.
He covered her mouth again with his right hand and whispered harshly. "If I can't have you no one can!" He held out his left hand and pulled out his sword. She attempted to struggle more as he got ready to slit her throat. "I do this for love Aoi-sama. Farewell my tenshi!"
"Finger blade!" whispered the clone that just assumed his normal form from a shuriken. The man's sword arm was neatly sliced off right above the elbow causing his forearm and the sword to hit the ground with a clatter.
The man seemed to freeze in shock as he saw his arm fall. He stared for a minute and dropped Aoi who fell over like a puppet with its strings cut. The man then let out a blood curdling scream that would have woke the dead. By the time his brain registered what was going on blood was spraying everywhere and the clone rushed in and grabbed the stricken Aoi away from the man before he could hurt her more. The original clone rushed in and punched the one armed man completely through the wall with a chakra enhanced punch. Then he quickly dispelled to inform the original Naruto what was going on.
The scream startled everyone awake and Naruto received the memory from his clone that Aoi was being attacked. "Hinata-chan, Aoi's been attacked! Get your gear on. I'm going now!" he said as he flew from the room. Naruto entered Aoi's room and saw blood painting half the floor. He created more clones to get the other girls dressed for combat. "Aoi, are you alright?"
"D-drugged….Naruto-s-sama…." she said feebly.
The other girls came piling in and so blood and the detached arm with Naruto holding Aoi. Hinata looked out through the hole in the wall and saw ninjas everywhere. She activated her byakugan and looked for one missing an arm but there was so much chaos that she couldn't find him. "He's gone. We need to get Aoi to the medics. I see bruising on her neck but none of that blood is hers. Whatever drug is in her system has her paralyzed."
Ayane saw a syringe lying discarded on the floor. She came over to Aoi and held it up where Aoi could see. "Were you injected with this Aoi? Do you know what it is?"
Aoi said "B-black Spider c-lan in neck…."
Ayane saw one bruise that obviously was from a rough injection. "Naruto-kun, carry her and we'll go to the infirmary" Naruto nodded and Ayane jumped out through the hole in the wall with Naruto hot on her heels.
Later at the infirmary….
Yomiko was standing there talking to the others. "It was a very powerful paralytic agent that we know the Black Spider clan uses. Aoi-san obviously had built up an immunity to it previously. The amount that was in that syringe should have killed her but her strong resistance to it saved her life."
"What about the arm?" Hayate asked his secretary.
"Standard issue clothing for a Black Spider ninja as was the sword." she answered.
Naruto was sitting in the room watching over Aoi. The normally vibrant young woman now looked pale and clammy. He was holding her hand though it seemed very cold. She was in a deep sleep. Once the girl was in the infirmary and knew she was safe she'd passed out like a light. Naruto didn't know exactly what he felt for Aoi but she was his wife and he would protect her. Naruto was slowly getting to know her. Her reaction to cute fuzzy things really surprised him and finding out there was more to her than being a seductive vixen actually pleased him a lot.
Hinata poked her head in the room and asked, "Is she still sleeping soundly?"
"Yes Hinata-chan, she's sleeping like a stone." said Naruto sadly, "What did Hayate-sama say? Did they find a trail?"
Hinata shook her head. "They found a trail but apparently he managed to tourniquet it off and escaped into the forest. They have people hunting but I'm not very optimistic. What was he doing in Aoi's room to begin with?"
Naruto shrugged. "I don't know how long he was in there. He was trying to convince Aoi that he loved her and wanted her to run away with him. She was already totally drugged by then. He got angry when she refused and was going to kill her."
"Yomiko said Aoi mentioned 'Nezumi' before she passed out like it was someone's name. Does that mean anything to you?" asked Hinata.
"No Hinata-chan, I don't have a clue." answered the blonde. "Hopefully Aoi will be able to explain the whole situation when she wakes up."
Meanwhile….
Yomiko was most perplexed. 'Did Obaba-sama send Nezumi to assassinate Aoi-sama? From what Naruto-sama said it sounds like Nezumi lost it. He always was a creepy little bastard and obsessed with Aoi. This stunt cost him his arm. If it wasn't for his stealth skills he'd have never made it into the village let alone escaped.' she thought. Yomiko quickly penned a coded message to Obaba-sama for instructions. If Aoi-sama was to be put down then Yomiko would have to finish the job. On the other hand she and Aoi-sama were friends of a sort and she genuinely liked the girl. Yomiko hoped this was all Nezumi's doing and a kill on sight order would be put out on him. He'd outlived his usefulness to the Black Spider clan as for as she was concerned….
Yomiko quietly watched as the messenger bird to Obaba-sama flew off into the night….
POSTSCRIPT:
Next chapter we'll see the fallout over Nezumi's assassination attempt and Obaba's reaction to the attempt on Aoi's life. Blue out. 10/11/14