Chapter 42
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Ninja Gaiden or DOA
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter is transitional and flowed pretty well in my opinion. It jumps around a bit but not too badly. I'm going to be changing gears to update some of my other stories after this chapter. We'll see more DOA groundwork laid out this time as well as a bit more high school drama. Here is chapter 42. Enjoy!
[ ] Signifies hand signs
Last time:
Uji Police Station
Sergeant Ikeda was talking to Mariko in surveillance. "So we need her measurements for an All Points Bulletin." he explained.
"You want to know her bra size?" asked Mariko rather disappointedly. The middle aged surveillance department head looked less than thrilled. "I thought better of you Ikeda."
Ikeda blushed hotly, "I mean approximate height and weight; not those other measurements. The APB would just say she has a voluptuous build."
Mariko said in a flat tone, "From the cameras and the background we can estimate the ninja girl is fair skinned with dark hair, probably black. She stands at about 5 foot 1 or 2 inches and weighs between 100 and 110 pounds….We also estimate she has a 34 inch bust."
"Damn…." said the Sergeant with a faraway look in his eyes. Seeing Mariko was looking at him boredly; he cleared his throat and said, "What about her eye color? That's a mystery."
"We haven't puzzled that part out yet." said Mariko. "Even when we magnify the image it appears that it's her actual eyes rather than some sort of glasses or reflective lenses. My guess is they are contact lenses of an unknown manufacture. I've never seen anything quite like them. They may help with low light vision but that's just a theory."
"Well, it's a start." said Ikeda. "Thanks Mariko." '34 inches….wow.'
….
Ikeda went back to his desk and sent out the APB to Prefectural Headquarters along with the picture so they could tweak the description as needed. He left out the bit about the hot girl ninja's bra size though….
He had no idea that some of the junior officers already had the hot girl ninja's photo posted in their lockers….
Mugen Tenshin Village, Japan
A battle was taking place which would have great repercussions in the future….The traitorous shinobi Raidou had returned to the Mugen Tenshin Village. He hadn't been seen there in sixteen years since he raped Ayame and was expelled from the clan as a nuke nin. Launching an assault on the clan he overpowered and defeated all in his path until he came face to face with Hayate; his nephew and the Eighteenth Master of the Mugen Tenshin Clan….
A rain storm blanketed the entire area and Raidou threw his latest Mugen Tenshin ninja opponent into the mud. He was laughing maniacally. "I have come for the Torn Sky Blast!" he bellowed.
Raidou was intercepted by Yomiko who knew that between herself and Hayate; they were the only ones left to protect Ayame-sama who was in childbirth. Shiden wanted to face his traitorous older brother but reluctantly stayed with Ayame as the last possible line of defense for his wife and unborn child. Yomiko attacked with great skill but was easily overwhelmed by Raidou who batted her aside effortlessly. Hayate checked on the unconscious Yomiko. 'Good, she's still breathing.' thought the young clan head.
"What a weakling you are." spat Raidou. "Hiding behind a woman!"
Hayate saw red and charged his traitorous Uncle with vengeance in his eyes. As Hayate and Raidou traded blows it was obvious that Raidou held the advantage and sent Hayate tumbling. 'He must be stopped for Mother and the baby no matter the cost!' thought Hayate desperately. The young clan head unleashed a torrent of power and roared, "TORN SKY BLAST!" over the rain and thunder….
….Which is exactly what Raidou wanted….Using his red energy to copy the abilities of others, the older ninja countered the Torn Sky Blast with his own. A sphere of power built up between the Uncle and nephew with both of them pouring their spiritual energy into it. Hayate's eyes widened as the ball of electricity exploded and sent the young clan head flying into a tree. The impact broke his spine. Hayate's last thoughts were of his Mother's safety as all went black….
Having gained the ninpo he had come for, Raidou laughed and walked out of the Mugen Tenshin Village unopposed and victorious….
….
The only saving grace that dark day was the birth of Shiden and Ayame's newborn son Kyofu….a healthy and beautiful baby boy that greatly resembled his Mother and older siblings.
….
Firits House, Uji-City, Kyoto Prefecture
Three days later; in the dorm room that she shared with Momiji; Uzumaki Aoi received a coded email from Yomiko. She printed it out and quickly decoded it. "Hayate-sama….is in a coma?" said Aoi with a gasp.
Momiji immediately turned to Aoi and whispered, "What?"
Aoi flared her chakra to summon the rest of the Uzumaki Clan. Twenty minutes later all seven of them were gathered in Momiji and Aoi's room. Kasumi and Ayane were expecting a call about the new baby but the news about Hayate's injuries was heart wrenching to both girls.
It was also a bit of a shocker to the Uzumakis that Yomiko was formerly a spy for the Black Spider Clan at one time but Aoi explained that Yomiko was loyal to her since Obaba died and that she was doing her best for both the Mugen Tenshin Clan and the Uzumaki Clan. After a brief discussion all present decided that Yomiko's presence in the Mugen Tenshin Clan was for the best and that if Aoi trusted her implicitly that they could too….
The message read:
Aoi-sama-
I bear both good and bad news. A battle took place in the Mugen Tenshin Village three days ago. The traitor Raidou attacked the clan and stole the Torn Sky Blast from Hayate-sama. During the battle there was an explosion that sent Hayate-sama flying into a tree and shattered his spine. He is currently in a coma and our healers don't know if he'll wake up. The entire Clan is in mourning over this matter. Please inform Kasumi-sama and Ayane-sama of this disaster. I am unaware of your location because you are on a mission but I've also sent a bird to your home in the Hayabusa Village.
There is a ray of sunshine here in the Village though. Ayame-sama gave birth to an adorable baby boy and they have given him the fine name of Kyofu. Both Ayame-sama and Kyofu-chan are healthy and well. Shiden-sama has resumed his role as the Seventeenth Master of the Mugen Tenshin Clan.
We are all praying that Hayate-sama will recover somehow. I am hoping that Hinata-sama may know some technique that can restore Hayate-sama's health.
I am heartbroken.
Your faithful servant,
-Yomiko
….
Kasumi and Ayane were sitting on Momiji's bed with Naruto sitting in between them. They were both doing their best not to break down into sobs. Naruto was very depressed for his brother in law and was holding both of them close as Kasumi and then Ayane shed tears….It was a long and hard morning for all of the Uzumakis. Ayane and Kasumi stayed in the dorms with Naruto's clones to take care of them. The others were in very somber states of mind but went to class regardless to watch over their charges.
….
Ritsumeikan Uji High School
Naruto and Hinata came into the Class 2 home room just as the bell rang. "My roommate Tenshin Kasumi will not be attending today." whispered Hinata to Iwata-sensei. "Her brother was in an accident."
Iwata-sensei simply told the Class that Kasumi was out for the day. Yuji looked at Naruto who mouthed 'Later on.' to him.
Alyssa and Kokoro both looked a bit worried for their new friend Kasumi and looked over at Hinata who was obviously distressed.
The first several hours of class were very tense for the Uzumakis….
….
Firits House, Kasumi and Hinata's room
Kasumi woke up in her bed in the warm embrace of Naruto's clone. He had tenderly taken care of her all morning and made love to her until she was sated and fell asleep. When Kasumi awoke she had her head snuggled into Naruto's chest as they faced each other. She ran her fingers through his spiky blonde locks and kissed him softly to wake him up. His blue eyes fluttered open sleepily and he whispered; "Kasumi-chan, are you okay?"
She kissed him again and said, "Thank you for being here with me Naruto-kun. I love you."
Naruto squeezed her gently and said, "I love you too Kasumi-chan. I couldn't leave you alone when you are hurting so much."
Kasumi looked worried and said, "Naruto-kun, I know we are on a mission but I need to see my family in the Mugen Tenshin Village. I'm afraid for Hayate nii-san…."
Naruto kissed the crown of her head and hugged her close. "Of course you can go Kasumi-chan. You and Ayane-chan should both go and see your family. I'm sure my original will take care of you."
Kasumi sigh and shed a tear in relief. "Thank you my Naruto-kun."
The two rested in the warmth of each other's bodies for a while longer. Kasumi fell back to sleep but Naruto's clone stayed awake and watched over her as she slept peacefully….
….
Ritsumeikan Uji High School
Over lunch Naruto and Hinata were sitting with Yuji, Alyssa and Kokoro. "Their older brother was in an accident? That's terrible!" exclaimed Yuji in a hushed tone. "Poor Kasumi and Ayane."
"You've met Kasumi's younger sister Morimoto?" asked Alyssa. "I wonder why I was never introduced."
Naruto battled back the urge to roll his eyes. 'It's always about her….'
As if reading her husband's mind; Hinata squeezed his hand with her own under the table. She turned to Alyssa and said, "Ayane-chan and my cousin Maya-chan are first years and roommates. We'll introduce them to you sometime soon."
Kokoro asked concerned, "More importantly, how bad is their brother?"
"We don't know yet, they just said it was bad." said Hinata. "I think they will let us know more as they find out things."
….
Firits House Ayane and Maya's room
Ayane was lying on top of Naruto's clone in her bed. Her eyes were open as she thought about the passion she'd lost herself in all morning. She'd been crying and asked Naruto to take all her pain away. 'Naruto-kun, I'm so glad we are together….' she thought to herself. 'He gives me strength whenever I need it.' Ayane had revenge on her mind now. She wanted to see Hayate and her Mother as well as her new baby brother Kyofu. On the other hand she wanted to murder Raidou. The monster had cursed Ayane with existence, he had raped her Mother and now he had crippled her brother Hayate. Her red eyes burned with angry tears as she thought about how much she hated Raidou. It was then she felt Naruto's hand gently rubbing up and down her back and driving the bad thoughts away as he soothed her.
Naruto said quietly, "You're thinking too loud and getting all tense Ayane-chan."
Ayane felt herself blush slightly in embarrassment. "I'm sorry I woke you Naruto-kun."
He continued to rub her back and said, "I've been awake the whole time Ayane-hime. You didn't wake me."
The purple haired kunoichi shimmied up her husband and kissed him deeply. Naruto smiled at her and said, "You and Kasumi-chan need to see your family."
Ayane seemed ashamed. "We're on a mission; I shouldn't be acting so weak."
Naruto kissed her sweetly. "Ayane-chan, missions come and go but our family is irreplaceable. We also need information on Raidou so we can go after him. I'll not let my brother in law go unavenged. Go with Kasumi-chan and get the information we need."
He watched as Ayane's eyes turn from sadness to determination. She smiled and said, "Naruto-kun; are you up for another round?"
He gripped her firm rear and said, "Ride me Ayane-chan…."
No more words needed to be said between the two lovers….
….
Momiji and Aoi's room
Later that evening after classes the Uzumaki Clan had a meeting in Aoi and Momiji's room. Once Naruto activated the silencing seals they all began discussing the situation. "So in short, Kasumi-chan and Ayane-chan will head to the Mugen Tenshin Village to help out and to gather information on Raidou." said Naruto. "Tomorrow Hinata-chan and I will go visit the principal and get them excused for the next couple of weeks so they are free and clear to do what's needed."
"How do you intend to do that exactly?" asked Maya.
Hinata smiled. "The henge is the simplest solution Maya-chan." Maya face palmed at the obvious answer and Hinata giggled. "We will henge into Mr. and Mrs. Tenshin to get them excused tomorrow. I'll add a bit of genjutsu should it be necessary. Ayane-chan and Kasumi-chan will be present to sign whatever needs to be signed. If we are fortunate this mission will be completed by the time Tenshin sisters are supposed to return and we can all disappear."
"Sounds like a solid plan." said Aoi. "The rest of us can keep an eye on the targets."
Momiji said, "We will make arrangements to come up and see if Hinata-chan and perhaps Maya-chan can heal the damage to Hayate-sama. I will pray to the Dragon Gods as well."
….
Ritsumeikan Uji High School
Early the next day; Naruto and Hinata sent shadow clones to attend class in their place for the morning. They then went to the Principal's office henged into Shiden and Ayame as the 'parents' of the lovely Tenshin sisters. The meeting was very simple and straightforward. The very upset parents and equally distraught daughters arranged for a two week leave of absence to return home due to the girl's elder brother being in an auto accident. Given all present really were upset it wasn't hard to fake being filled with grief. By lunch time Ayane and Kasumi took a bus north to the old Miyama area and then vanished to the Mugen Tenshin Village….
….
Mugen Tenshin Village
Two village guards were surprised to see Ayane and Kasumi appear in their Uzumaki combat uniforms (minus their masks). One of the startled guards recognized them and said, "Kasumi-sama, Ayane-san; we weren't informed you were coming. He noted the Uzumaki swirls that were an integral part of their uniforms. "Ummm….is Uzumaki Naruto-sama with you?"
Kasumi shook her head, "No, he is on a mission. We came to see Hayate-sama and my parents as soon as we heard."
"Ah, of course." said the ninja. "I will summon Rokuro-san."
The senior Mugen Tenshin Ninja Rokuro arrived and said, "Kasumi-sama, Ayane; it is good to see you both in good health." He noted how much greater their auras seemed to be. They looked even more radiant than he remembered. 'How powerful have they become since they became Uzumakis?' "Please follow me. I'm sure Ayame-sama and Shiden-sama will be relieved to see you both." Ayane raised an eyebrow and Rokuro said, "Ayane-san, though it's too late for it; you are held in much higher esteem then you ever were before in the village."
Ayane simply shrugged and said, "Please take us to our Mother."
"Of course." replied Rokuro. He led them to the main house residence and knocked quietly so as not to wake up the baby. Ayame soon came to the door. She looked tired. "Rokuro-san, what brings you by? Do you have a report to submit to Shiden-kun?"
"My Lady, I have brought Kasumi-sama and Ayane-san to see you." said Rokuro.
Ayame was surprised and saw her two beautiful daughters standing there looking so strong. She teared up and said, "Kasumi-chan, Ayane-chan; I'm so happy to see you both!"
….
The two sisters were soon sitting in the seiza position beside the futon Hayate was resting in. Both looked very distraught seeing him lying there as if asleep. Ayame said, "Yomiko has been helping out a great deal with Hayate. I've been so busy with Kyofu-chan that I haven't been able to tend to Hayate-kun like I've needed to."
Kasumi said softly, "We'll be here to help for a few days with both nii-san and our baby brother."
"We hope Hinata-chan can help with Hayate nii-san Mother." said Ayane.
Ayame smiled weakly, "I'm just glad my daughters are here."
….
That evening, the main house was a flurry of quiet activity as Ayame held her baby son Kyofu. While she was nursing her newborn; Shiden was addressing Kasumi. "I should have fought in Hayate's place. Many in the clan consider Hayate 'dead' and I have had to resume my duties as he Seventeenth Master of the Mugen Tenshin Clan. I see how strong you have become Kasumi-chan. It would be possible for you to become the Nineteenth Master of our Clan."
Kasumi shook her head. "I am deeply honored but my place is with my husband. I am a matriarch of the Uzumaki Clan now. You must train Kyofu-chan as your successor."
"I am in my 40's Kasumi-chan." said Shiden. "I will be 60 by the time Kyofu-chan comes of age."
"It is a shinobi's duty to endure Father." said Kasumi. "You taught me this as a child." Shiden was about to say something but Kasumi cut him off. "Tell me where I can find the traitor Raidou Father. Ayane-chan and I will end him for what he has done to Hayate nii-san."
Shiden's eyes widened. "You can't be serious! Raidou is-"
"Raidou is a sworn enemy of the Uzumaki Clan!" she said with steel in her voice. "We will destroy him. Naruto-kun sent Ayane-chan and I to gather information on Raidou and avenge all who have suffered at his hands."
"I will not send you on a suicidal errand!" said Shiden. "Raidou is too strong for you!"
Kasumi flared her chakra to overwhelming levels and absolutely shocked Shiden at her sheer power. Her eyes burned with authority. "I am not weak Father! Do not make that mistake."
Ayane appeared in a body flicker beside Kasumi with her kodachis at the ready. "What is it sister?" said Ayane seeing no danger.
Shiden saw Ayane's power was soaring as well before Kasumi said, "I lost my temper Ayane-chan. I am sorry for disturbing your visit with Genra."
Ayane patted Kasumi's shoulder and said. "Call me if you need me. I will be with Father." She body flickered back to Genra's home.
….
Ayane returned to Genra's home that she grew up in and said, "Forgive me Father; I was afraid Kasumi-chan was in danger."
Genra said in a shocked tone, "That flare of power was Kasumi-sama? And….you teleported to the other side of the village and back that fast?"
The purple haired kunoichi smiled and said, "That was a body flicker Father, not teleportation. It's a totally different technique."
"My daughter is growing into quite a powerful kunoichi." said Genra in admiration. "Is this a chakra technique?"
"Yes." said Ayane with a grin. "Chakra based ninjutsu is a whole different animal than ki based ninpo."
'I could use this kind of power!' thought Genra to himself. "Can you demonstrate something else for your Father's curiosity Ayane-chan?"
Ayane shrugged and said, "I don't see why not. This is the henge." She turned into a mirror image of Genra and said with his tone and exact mannerisms; "I am Genra; leader of the Hajin Mon Sect of the Mugen Tenshin Clan and Father of Ayane of the Uzumaki Clan."
Genra's eyes were big as saucers behind his mask. Ayane released her henge and said; "Ninjutsu is quite interesting isn't it Father?"
The head of the Hajin Mon nodded and said, "Could you teach me these techniques Ayane-chan? I could use them to defend the Mugen Tenshin Clan."
Ayane shook her head and smiled softly. "They are Uzumaki Clan Secrets Father. Only my clan mates and future children can learn these. You already know this."
Genra kept the disappointment in his voice to a minimum and said, "Of course Ayane-chan." 'That technique alone could make me far more powerful than I am….'
'Father seems preoccupied.' thought Ayane. 'It must be because of the attack and Hayate nii-san's condition.'
….
Over the next few days both Kasumi and Ayane stayed in touch with the rest of the Uzumaki's via Yomiko who was now an acknowledged retainer for the Uzumakis. Shiden was against them going after Raidou but grudgingly gave what information they had to the two young kunoichis. As it turned out the Mugen Tenshin Clam had little knowledge of what Raidou's activities and location had been over the last sixteen years. He vanished when he was expelled. Genra was a bit more forthcoming about Raidou's information due to Ayane being part of the Hajin Mon Sect but there still wasn't much to go on.
The Mugen Tenshin Village seemed a bit more at ease with Kasumi being present and many hoped she would take up her brother's mantle. Kasumi and Ayane both found the village had changed in their absence. It seemed that Ayane was considered Kasumi's true sister and both of being married to the same husband seemed to be a popular topic of discussion. Ayane wasn't too thrilled that her status changed only when she moved away. As it was both Uzumaki kunoichis were busy helping their Mother Ayame with Kyofu-chan….
Kasumi was changing her top while Ayane held their baby brother. The purple haired kunoichi was smiling ear to ear. "Well, I'd say this is a good sign for the future Kasumi nee-chan. Not only does Kyofu-chan have good strong kidneys but he has a superb aim!"
The older sister glared at the younger. "Next time he needs to be changed I'll let you have the honor of having him wet all over you."
Ayame chuckled at the banter between her two daughters. 'They both absolutely adore Kyofu-chan. They are both going to be wonderful Mothers some day.' "So, when are you girls going to talk Naruto-kun into giving Kyofu-chan some nieces and nephews to play with?"
Kyofu cooed as Ayane rubbed noses with him. She turned to her sister and said, "We Uzumaki's have been too busy saving the world and all to have children just yet."
Kasumi nodded in agreement and said, "We'll be talking to all of our sister wives and Naruto-kun before that happens."
Ayame smiled. "Just tell them that Ayame-sama wishes it to be so. That should do the trick."
All three kunoichis broke into giggles….
Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Arcade, Kyoto
Two weeks later Alyssa and Kokoro invited Hinata and (oddly) Naruto to go shopping with them in Kyoto. Maya was busy keeping an eye on Marie Rose and Honoka so she decided to stay behind at Firits House. Aoi and Momiji were combing the area as usual looking for possible trouble. Kasumi and Ayane were still in the Mugen Tenshin Village. Naruto's group took a bus north and soon arrived at their destination. Alyssa said proudly; "This is Termachi Kyogoku, the biggest shopping arcade in Kyoto. It has everything a girl could possibly need Hinata-chan. Uzumaki-kun, as a reward for being seen with three lovely ladies I expect you to carry our bags like a gentleman."
Naruto grit his teeth and thought mutinously, 'I do this sort of thing for my wives but not you.'
After about three hours of shopping Naruto and Hinata were both rather bored. Hinata liked clothes but saw little point in shopping without the rest of the Uzumaki girls. Aoi and Kasumi in particular had good taste after all. Furthermore; Alyssa was out in the open where she could easily be targeted which was bad. Both Uzumaki ninjas were constantly scanning their surrounding for possible hostiles. It was about that time Hinata saw a glint in the distance of a parking garage. Zooming in with her byakugan she saw it was the scope of a sniper's rifle.
Hinata pushed the two girls to the ground and said, "DOWN!" as two rifle shots ricochet off the stone wall above their heads. Naruto shielded Alyssa and Hinata shielded Kokoro. In the process of covering the two high school students, Naruto and Hinata immediately made a shadow clone each to help Kokoro and Alyssa to safety and body flickered clear to see who was shooting.
Hinata spotted one sniper with her byakugan immediately in the parking garage and traced the trajectory of the other shot as well. Hand signaling to Naruto the second sniper's approximate location on the roof of a nearby building she shot off after the sniper in the parking garage. It was Bayman. He saw the blur that was the zigzagging Hinata racing towards him and took three more shots which went wide. Then Hinata disappeared. The big Russian looked up just in time to see Hinata roaring down on him with a brutal heel drop. She had body flickered above him. Bayman blocked with his rifle but it was shattered by Hinata's chakra enhanced strike. Bayman growled as he let go of his demolished rifle and rolled backwards into a ready Commando Sambo stance.
Seeing Hinata's byakugan eyes he said, "You're blind? You don't want me as an enemy. You aren't my target anyway school girl."
Hinata activated her byakugan eyes and glared. "You're just a job to do. You went a little too far this time." Her hands flared with visible chakra and Hinata blurred in front of Bayman with a flurry of juken strikes. The big Russian countered with a brutal hook but Hinata suddenly appeared behind him.
'Ninja?' thought Bayman. He felt the air displace as Hinata landed a mid kick to the base of his spine that sent the big man flying forward straight into a concrete pillar. Bayman slowly rolled to his feet and shook the cobwebs from his vision. He saw Hinata form two knife hands and he charged in to try and grapple with the byakugan princess. At the last second he saw her chakra soar and realized charging in was a big mistake. 'Shit….This is going to hurt." thought the former commando.
"Eight trigrams thirty two palms!" roared Hinata as she surged with power. Hinata focused her power into concussive force so she could hammer his body armor with spectacular results.
Bayman felt as if he was being shot with an automatic rifle from the sheer speed of the hits. 'She's too damn fast! I have to-' That's when he fell over the railing of the parking garage into the trees below….
….
Christie was both surprised and delighted to see the object of her fascination Uzumaki Naruto was there. Needless to say she ignored her real target and tried to take Naruto out with a headshot instead. The white haired woman smiled in approval as Naruto easily avoided the bullet. 'I wonder if he'll be able to locate me….' thought the British assassin. 'I want to fight him.' While Christie was pondering, Naruto was following Hinata's directions and racing towards the building roof that Christie was firing from. The white haired woman lost track of the original Naruto because she was watching his shadow clone that was moving Alyssa and Kokoro to safety. The angle wasn't very good to hit her targets and Christie went to change positions when the front half of her sniper's rifle was suddenly cut off by a blade of wind….
Christie was shocked and she fell backwards from her kneeling position when the barrel of the gun separated. She then saw a blonde blur shoot into view above her. She smiled crazily and said with a laugh, "You ran up the side of the building? That's incredible Uzumaki!"
Naruto landed in front of her and kicked the damaged rifle away from the white haired assassin. "You know me but I don't know you…." he growled.
"Are you sure you don't know me?" asked the grinning Chrisitie. Her steel gray eyes were filled with both mirth and excitement. "We've met before."
Naruto glared and then he said, "You're the woman who tipped us of in the Sumida Ward about Akiyama…."
"Correct!" exclaimed Christie. "If you want to know more about me then fight me." She took her She Quan stance and said, "I've just been dying to face you one on one."
"You'll regret this assassin." growled Naruto. Christie immediately launched a brutal assault and her hands were blurs in motion. Naruto adapted quickly her speed and knocked Christie back with an open palm strike that sent the white haired assassin flying backwards. She recovered quickly to renew her assault as Naruto changed stances to the Toad Style. As Christie closed the distance she was hit head on with a roundhouse kick to the face that had her seeing stars for a second.
She grinned through a split lip and said, "This is what I'm talking about!"
….
Bayman pulled his pistol and tried to wing Hinata as she closed on him. She'd chased him down to ground level through the forestry and was pursuing him like a big cat in the trees. 'She is totally in her element. Every place I've hidden she's found me. Another thirty two palm hit and I'm a dead man. I can't win this game of cat and mouse. It's time to withdraw.' He took off in a sprint out of the trees and out towards the street. Bayman jumped onto a moving truck's tailgate as it drove by. He was exhausted and beat up. His body armor was in tatters and he was fairly sure his right arm was broken. 'Whenever I actually hit the girl she flew like a ragdoll but she just wouldn't go down….it was like her feet stuck to even the walls and trees. Kokoro Douglas is out of reach for now unless Christie finishes the job herself. Donovan's lost out on this one.' He felt the breeze blow against him as the truck drove away. It had been a very tiresome day….
….
Naruto was tired of being on the defensive and body flickered inside of Christie's guard. She looked shocked and….thrilled? The young Toad Sage hammered her brutally with several hits divided between her abdomen and face. Christie spit out some blood and tried to fall back to mount a defense but Naruto grabbed her by her hair and held her in place as he buried a fist in her gut hard enough to bruise her internally. She coughed more blood up as Naruto threw her backwards with the wind knocked completely out of her.
The British assassin tumbled end over end until she rolled to a stop on her stomach gasping for breath. She coughed out, "You are (cough) amazing! (cough). This is….incredible. (cough, cough).
Naruto none too gently rolled her over on her back with his foot and said, "Tell me your target and who hired you and I'll make your death quick."
Christie smiled through the pain and said weakly, "I know something better….I know where (cough) Raidou is. Your wife Kasumi wants him dead (cough) doesn't she?" She was shocked when Naruto's eyes turned red with Kurama's chakra.
"Tell me." said Naruto in a completely commanding tone.
"Only if you let me live…." wheezed Christie.
Naruto seemed to ponder for a moment and then he said, "Fine."
Christie struggled into the sitting position and said, "I'm Christie. Raidou has entered the Dead or Alive World Combat Tournament to steal other fighter's moves. That's all I know. You can figure out the rest for yourself." Naruto nodded and then kicked the assassin in the face to knock her out. Her last thought before she blacked out was 'I think I'm in love….'
Naruto looked at the assassin and thought; 'What a crazy woman. Christie eh? No doubt we'll meet again….after she gets out of the hospital….' The blonde ninja vanished in a body flicker….
….
By the time Naruto and Hinata got back to where Alyssa and Kokoro were; they had quietly traded notes on what had happened. Both made the switch with their shadow clones and found out when the clones dispersed that all that had really happened was an interview with the police and that several people had panicked. Things were under control again now and all of the police believed the assassins were after Alyssa Graves rather than Kokoro. Alyssa was making a point to make sure they all knew she was the daughter of the British Ambassador. The four teenagers were whisked away in an armored limo sent by her Mother at the British Embassy in Tokyo….
….
Kyoto City Hall
A bit later they were in the relative safety of Kyoto's City Hall Building. Numerous phone calls were made to get in touch with the school and the student's parents to assure everyone that the children were safe. Hinata got out her JSDF Operative ID and she and Naruto were soon giving their reports to a Public Security Intelligence Agent** there. "One bullet was a headshot aimed at Kokoro Douglas and the other was aimed at Uzumaki Naruto." explained Hinata. "The latter was probably a mistake due to the extreme angle of the shot." said Hinata. "I neutralized one assassin and Naruto the other. They were able to escape our efforts to captured them however. The sniper's weapons were last seen located at…."
Both Naruto and Hinata were thoroughly debriefed before they were thanked deeply for their performance. The reports were soon forwarded to Ishigami Ken who was informed of the sterling service his operatives had rendered.
….
Kyoto Public Security Intelligence Agency
Hours later a forensics specialist reported on the situation that Naruto and Hinata reported on. "The weapon's remains were on the roof and in the second floor of the parking garage just as the two agents described. There were blood stains in both places that we are following up on the samples. Our descriptions of both assassins show them as being tall Caucasians so there may be a chance of locating them. We are combing local hospitals for information." The follow up was taken over by the Public Security Intelligence Agency office in Kyoto and the four high school students were soon in secure rooms at the PSIA….
….
The next morning Naruto and Hinata got out of the shower together. They'd been up all night taking advantage of their sleeping arrangements. (Hinata left a shadow clone to sleep in 'her' room). The young couple was considering whether or not they should climb back into bed for another round when there was a knock on the door. Hinata quickly concealed herself under a genjutsu and Naruto threw on some pants to answer the door. He asked "Who is it?"
"It's Alyssa. May I come in Uzum- I mean, Naruto-kun?" came her muffled voice through the door.
Naruto raised an eyebrow and cracked open the door. "What can I do for you Graves-san?" asked Naruto.
"I wish to thank you for saving my life." said Alyssa. "Are you busy?"
Naruto sighed and then put on a fake smile. "I would have done the same for anyone Grave-san. There's no need to thank me."
Alyssa took a deep breath and said. "You shielded me with your body though. No one has ever protected me like that before. I was scared out of my mind and you took me to safety."
The blonde cringed slightly at Alyssa's come hither look. "It's really alright Graves-san. I need to finish getting dressed and-"
"You may kiss me if you wish." said the British girl. "I wouldn't mind Uz -Naruto-kun."
Naruto scratched his neck and said. "I really can't do that Graves-san; I doubt my girlfriend would like that."
Alyssa's eyes bulged and she asked in a shocked tone, "Y-you have a girlfriend? W-who is she?"
Naruto smiled and said, "You know her. It's Hyūga Hinata-chan. We've known each other forever." Before Alyssa could say anything else Naruto said, "Anyway, there's no worries. Like I said, I would have helped anyone in your position. Gotta get dressed now!" He quickly closed the door and exhaled in relief. Naruto turned around to Hinata who was covering her giggles and still wearing just her towel.
Hinata smiled and said in a sultry tone, "You can kiss me Naruto-kun…." Then she dropped her towel….
When they left their room an hour later they were both wearing very satisfied smiles….
….
The hunt for Kokoro Douglas was over for now….
POSTSCRIPT:
**Public Security Intelligence Agency: The Japanese equivalent to the United States CIA as far as I can tell.
The attack on Hayate has set the events of DOA1 into motion. We'll see more goings on in the Mugen Tenshin Village next chapter. It seems that Bayman and Christie ended up getting the short end of the stick this time. Kokoro was their target all along due to her connections with her Father Fame Douglas. Our British high school diva Alyssa Graves got derailed too. It seems being a high school drama queen isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Next chapter we'll move closer to DOA as the Uzumakis start getting more clues to Raidou's location. See you next time. Blue out. 9/14/16