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chapter 25: date time, the night raven, and the auger

It was time after a week's anticipation. The time for Yang's date was here. One would think she would be nervous. This was the first date she would have with the boy she actually liked. It was not like she did not have the experience with boys. This emotion she was feeling was more a mixture of anticipation. Giddy excitement. With just a hint of trepidation.

Even as Weiss and Ruby helped her get ready. With Ruby helping style her golden locks. The one time she would let anyone else touch her hair. They had gone with braiding and pinning the braid of her hair out of her face. With Weiss it had taken a while, but eventually her teammate had compromised with her. On her outfit choice. Dresses were out of the question. So they had picked a black denim miniskirt that was frayed and ripped to show hints of her thighs, Biker shorts. A cropped yellow single strapped tank-top that bared her midriff and hung off one shoulder. Revealing a hint of the black bra she wore underneath. Yang also wore a pair of two toned thigh high stockings that faded from black to orange in a pattern like fire. Knee high black leather boots, and a brown leather jacket. A belt with her ammo pouches rested on her hips. Finishing her outfit with her weapons, Ember Celica

They were just finishing her makeup when there was a knock at the door.

"I got it," It was the bubbly and excitable Ruby who answered the door.

"Yang should be ready any minute, Naruto." Ruby said, breaking out into a wide smile, practically vibrating. As she took his hand, leading him to the living room to wait.

Ruby had practically molded herself to his side as they sat on the loveseat, waiting. Snuggling closer and melting when Naruto returned her affections. By patting her head.

It was only when Yang and Weiss entered that Naruto stood up.

"Huh, you clean up really good Foxy," Yang's comment drew their attention.

He wore white cargo pants that were tactfully ripped at the knees and had an orange stripe down the side of each leg. A dark blue, almost black jacket with a hood that had orange highlights on the sleeves, a band with the Uzumaki spiral on his right arm. A scroll dangled from his belt that held his pouches. He wore black shinobi sandals.

Naruto mussed Ruby's hair as he and Yang left. "Well, I think we'll be off now red."

Ruby hissed at Naruto for messing up her hair. Even then Ruby could not help but grin, Shewing the couple out of the room. "Narutooo!"

The pair could not help but laugh at Ruby's expense.

Once they left the dorms behind. Naruto and Yang took the path to the bullheads. It was a rather uneventful trip from Beacon to Vale proper. And another brief trip to the off campus storage garages for students that had vehicles.

After Retrieving her motorcycle Bumblebee. Naruto's own motorcycle impressed Yang. His was a monster of a machine. Designed for all terrine. yet still have the power to keep up in any chase. Made up of all sharp angles. With the primary color being orange with dark gray highlights that faded to black at the ends.

The ride to the Roost was rather uneventful. The pair arrived in time to see the horde of people just waiting to get into the closed store. The Roost being a rather popular, sprawling bookstore nestled next to its sister diner, the Funhaus. Resting on the border of the upper class district and the commercial. It rather surprised Yang to see the line wrapped around the bookstore. She could not help but smirk when she saw Blake near the front of the line, waiting. Next to a tent and sleeping bag. She had been mysteriously absent that morning when Yang was getting ready for her date.

"Hey Blake," Yang called out. Waving a hand to get her attention.

When Blake looked over it was apparent that the other girl had gotten little sleep. She had bags under her eyes. And it looked like it was a struggle just to stay standing. Based on how she was nursing a thermos of what looked like coffee, like it was a lifeline.

The couple walked up to Yang's bedraggled teammate; it was clear for all to see she was dead on her feet.

Rather than speak, Blake grunted, nursing the black sludge she called coffee in preference to words.

"So what are you doing here?" Naruto asked.

"It's rather obvious what I Am here for." Blake stated pointing to the sign advertising the latest release of Icha Icha: West and book signing. "Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"

Uncharacteristically Naruto fidgeted nervously. Not knowing how to break it to Blake, the reason they were here was for the book signing. But since it was his book, they would not have to wait.

Blake scowled at the whiskered blonde. "You're acting sketchy, so spill it now." she demanded.

Naruto looked around to see if anyone was paying attention. Before stepping forward and whispering in her ear. Just why they were here.

"What!" Blake hissed.

Naruto quickly pulled Blake from the line and to the back entrance of the store. Hoping that they did not attract too much attention. Swiping his scroll across the reader, the door opened.

Two toned eyes blinked, shifting from brown and white to pink. As their owner watched on from her spot in line. Gaining a grin from ear to ear, she followed the group. Twirling her umbrella as she skipped along after them. She would enjoy this. Slipping in just before the door closed. Her semblance covered her entrance flawlessly.

"Explain," Blake demanded. Crossing her arms, a frown gracing her face.

"It's like I said, the writer of the Icha Icha series is me. Well, to be more specific, I inherited it from my teacher when he passed. I have been writing ever since." Naruto explained.

"If it makes you feel any better, I Can get you a copy of his old work, and you can get your signed copy now rather than wait an hour or two." Naruto shrugged in his attempt to placate the girl.

"We can call it even if you throw in all of your teachers past work and the work you did since picking up the series." Blake countered.

"How about you can have Jiraiya's work for free. I'll even throw in the first few books I wrote. And you can have half off my future work."

Blake considered his offer for a moment. Considering just how generous his offer was. "You have a deal." she said knowing she likely would not get a better deal. They shook on it.

Naruto took one of the first editions from the stock they had in the back. Opening the book to the title page, he wrote, "to a dedicated Huntress, may you succeed in your endeavors. Arashi Namikaze."

When Naruto gave Blake the book, she could not help but flush. "Thankyou." she said. "If you don't mind, I think I will head to the loft." Blake said as she excused herself.

"It's time for a nap." she muttered with a yawn.

Neo couldn't help but let out a wordless cackle as she watched on from behind the shelf. She was so engrossed that she failed to notice that she was being watched. She was about to make her move when she was caught by the scruff of her collar, by a rather large stocky man who was head and shoulders above her four foot ten inches tall. He practically towered over her.

She flailed impotently in his grip. Even as he walked around the shelf she flailed, struggling for even a bit of leverage. Pawing uselessly at the massive hand that held her.

"Boss." the man called

Naruto turned in his direction, with exasperation displayed on his face. He said, "Sig, you know you don't have to call me that. This is your shop."

"Yes, but it's thanks to you my Family made it here from Vacuo." Sig replied. "I think you would be interested in this."

He held up the pouting form of Neo. her arms crossed, feet dangling, looking very much like a recalcitrant child.

"Neo," Naruto sighed.

Neo had the decency to flush with embarrassment. Having been caught so easily.

"So just what are you doing here?" Naruto asked.

Neo rolled her eyes at him, letting out a silent huff before crossing her arms and turning up her nose in defiance.

"Neo."

She continued to ignore him. Merely swinging her dangling feet. As if to emphasize that she would not dignify him with a response. Hanging here like this.

"Sig would you…" Naruto asked.

Sig obliged Naruto's unspoken request, setting the girl down on her feet. He rested one of his massive palms on her shoulder. Giving her a withering glare.

Neo jumped, letting out a wordless meep of distress. Unable to do so much as move with his hand on her shoulder. She thanked the brothers, the Blessed Log, and whatever deity Kami was that Naruto talked about. Honestly, she would even praise the spaghetti monster in the sky. He glanced at Naruto. Nodded then left. Neo Let out a sigh of relief. God, was he a big man.

Naruto looked to the two toned girl, "So…"

When it was just Naruto, Yang, and herself. Neo gave him a haughty smirk. Quirking a brow at him. As if to say, "you know exactly why I was here."

"Neo…" Naruto groaned.

She gave him a saucy smile and a wink, then sauntered up to the pair poking him in the chest. "You were here for the signing aren't you. But you got bored. Then when you saw me..." Naruto trailed off. As if to confirm what he said Neo gave him a nod in the affirmative.

Blinking her eyes color shifted from brown to one pink, and one cream colored. She gave him a devilish grin.

Breaking out into a grin himself. It was times like this that Naruto found the Neo brand of chaos positively infectious. "God, you're such a troublemaker." Affectionately tussling the hair of the smaller girl. "It's a good thing I have such excellent help." Naruto added.

At the shudder that ran down her spine, Neo couldn't help but agree. Just how had that man found her, anyway?

"So Naruto who is this?" it was Yang who had been silent all this time who asked.

"Ah, right introductions. This is Neopolitan, ice cream thief, chief enforcer, and troublemaker extraordinaire. In short, this little troll works for me."

Amused by the intro, Neo played along. Bobbing a curtsy to Yang.

Forming the seal for the Shadow clone Jutsu Naruto made a clone. Said clone made the seals for the transformation jutsu. In a puff of smoke, an older Naruto took its place. Only with shoulder length blood red hair tied into a loose ponytail. And his telltale whisker marks absent.

Naruto nodded to his clone. Who gave a devilish smile back. Walking to the front of the store to handle the book signing.

Naruto picked up two more copies to sign himself. One for Neo and one for Yang. he gave one to Yang. he held out the other to Neo. pulling back as she reached for it. "Now Neo, this one comes with a price." he said.

She stomped one dainty foot, pouting. Giving him puppy dog eyes filled with the makings of tears.

"Don't be like that, it won't cost you much. Just a bit of your time."

Neo hid behind Yang as if to protect herself. Naruto scowled at the grinning she devil, hiding behind his girl. She was the perfect actor.

"Kami no, not like that you pervert." Naruto groaned, rubbing his face. "I meant join us for a bite to eat in the cafe."

Neo perked up at this, quirking an eyebrow in silent questioning.

"Yes, it's my treat." Naruto confirmed.

Yang watched, partly amused in the byplay between the two. Chuckling when the smaller girl pumped her fist in the air before skipping out of the back of the store headed to the cafe.

"Come on, I think we should get going before Neo orders the whole menu." Naruto said, offering Yang his arm.

She took it, linking her hand in his, while resting her head on his shoulder. The couple headed out of the backroom, through the foyer, through the history section, into the courtyard. And into the cafe itself. It was there that they found Neo waiting at a table. Steadily working her way through an ice cream Sundae.

Naruto sat at the table, Yang at his side. He handed Yang one menu to look through. As he did the same. Looking at the menu, Naruto saw the special for the day was the bacon mac & cheese for 633 Lien.

It was not long before a waitress came to take their orders. Setting down a complementary basket of rolls "Hello my name is Lisa, I will be your server today can I take your order?"

"I would like a green tea, with the bacon macaroni and cheese, and the Whisky bacon cheeseburger with the fries and the house salad for my sides." Naruto said.

Neo pointed to the burger and endless fries special. Seeing the selection of burgers, Yang opted to choose the same thing. "I would like the smoked brisket burger, onion rings on the side, and French onion soup please."

"Will that be all for you?" their waitress asked.

"Yes, thank you." Naruto said.

Their waiter left to go place their orders.

Naruto looked to Neo. "you know as well as I that roman went a bit too far. In his escape, don't you?"

Yang stiffened but remained silent. Neo hesitantly nodded.

"It's needless to say he needs to be punished a bit for this transgression."

Neo looked shocked but kept her head down.

"Relax Neo," Naruto said, placing a hand on hers, comforting the girl. "Of course you need to be punished as well for trying to interrupt my date." he said, his tone slightly mischievous.

She all but flinched, looking at Naruto, his smile all teeth.

"My, isn't she just adorable?" a feminine voice said from behind Neo.

Neo spun around to find the speaker.

"Hi, Izumi how are the twins?"

"They're down for a nap right now Naruto. It will be such a shame that the girls missed their uncle." Izumi said, the tone of her voice sing song.

With the building pit of dread in her gut, Neo could not help but glance between the two. Neo would swear that this was just a setup.

"How are the Elric's and the Rockbell's doing?"

Izumi's smile only seemed to grow. "Ah, well, Pinako and Winry are doing just fine at their practice. And Trisha and her husband are deep in their research as usual." Izumi couldn't seem to keep in her excitement. "the boy's just got accepted into Signal. They were so excited when the letters came."

"I see that's good news. But it seems with the boys off at Signal and the twins too young to help. You're rather short handed, right?"

Neo froze, eyes wide as she turned to Naruto, disbelief written across her face. God damn the blonde bastard.

Damn him. He absolutely set her up. Neo positively seethed. Damn him and his smug grin.

Crossing one arm and resting the hand in the crook of her elbow. Izumi rubbed her chin in the other palm. "Well yes, we will need to look for some help soon. With the boys out."

Naruto's grin only grew. "Well, I think you're in luck," Neo only shrunk further in her seat the more he spoke. "Neo here is looking to do some volunteer work."

When Naruto directed his gaze in Neo's direction. She wished that she could disappear. She considered using her semblance to slip away.

But no, she knew that would not go over well. In fact, it was likely that Naruto would see through it.

"Wouldn't you, Neo?"

"Damn him!" She thought. There was only one choice in this. Neo nodded her acceptance. As tentative as it was.

"Are you sure, dear?"

Neo gave another jerky nod.

"Excellent! We can start your training tomorrow. We need to get you up to speed for the maid cafe theme starting next week."

Neo froze rigid, staring in disbelief at Naruto's stupid, smug grin. He tricked her. Pulled a fast one. Had she known. Neo would have never agreed to this. Not that she had much choice, mind you. It was the principle of the matter.

"It's been nice talking to Naruto and thank you so much for your help Neo. but I have to run."

"See you later, Izumi." Naruto waved

Neo practically jumped Naruto once the older woman had left. Jabbing a finger into his chest. Naruto was sure if she could speak, she would be all but screeching at him. Just based on her scowling expression alone.

Raising his hands in the air, "you know considering you were spying on me this is the least you deserve," Naruto said to placate the mute girl.

"But compared to Roman, I think you are getting off rather light." his grin growing wider. "I hear that Izumi needs a sitter for her hellions in two weeks if your interested in avoiding roman for the duration of the month of hell he is in for."

Neo thought about it for a moment. She nodded moments later, gaining a grin to match his own.

She looked at him in a bit of curiosity just wondering what he had in store for roman.

"I think for starters, his shoes all being a size too small to start out with. You know drive him crazy over time."

Neo couldn't help the grin slowly spreading across her face. Oh, how fun it would be to watch. If she could cackle, she would do so with glee. Best part was she was just given an alibi in the form of "punishment". All she had to do was sit back and watch the fireworks go off.

It was at this point that their server brought their food.

Just as they were about to tuck into their food Yang asked, "So, Neo, just how do you know Naruto?"

Neo grinned, her eyes flashing a blue to match Naruto's. She pulled out her scroll and started typing.

Neo sent, "well that's simple, I met him on a job."

She pushed the device over to Yang to read.

"This sounds like a story I want to hear," Yang said, grinning.

Neo sent, "well, we were in Mistral. It was the heist of the century, and Roman and I had just pulled off the biggest caper of our lives."

Naruto snorted, amused by the tale midway through his meal.

Neo huffed her irritation. Glaring at him.

"What?" he asked.

Neo rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, pouting.

"Eh, what's up now?" Yang asked.

"She's pouting because she knows that's not how we met." Naruto said amused. "What really happened was. Neo here and her partner Roman ruined an infiltration mission that I had been working for the better part of three months. It took me just that long to gain the interest of the man."

Neo cut in quickly, typing. "Neo: it was not like we knew. All we knew was art by the rising star artist Sai was being transported to some rich dude." she shrugged.

"That 'art' was bait. It would have marked all who handled it with a Hiraishin marker. But you and roman intercepted it. Forcing an already hard mission to extend by an additional two months."

Neo sent, "in my defence we helped."

Naruto snorted. "Only after you had already tried to run. Not realising that the two of you were already marked."

Neo pouted, shrugged and with a smirk went back to her food with a grin.

They eventually finished their meals amid light banter.

]|[

It had taken years, but at last she had finally done it. Nearly three years worth of tireless research into the many dimensions of the multiverse. And now she had a path to where the foolish kage had sent him. To where they had sent Naruto.

With the decline of the shinobi over the past three decades. Orochimaru had grown rather bored with this world. Now that it lacked that spark. That drive to improve. The very thing that drove her to the very depths of madness. An insatiable thirst for knowledge.

It was ironic that it was that same drive for knowledge, that same drive to make things better. That caused the other four nations to look elsewhere for their military might.

Orochimaru felt that it was a direct response to the reformation of Uzushio, and the support the island nation received from Konoha, because of the association the village held with Naruto Uzumaki. The village's former Seventh Hokage.

As it stood now only the Leaf and Whirlpool had a standing force of shinobi. The other countries are demilitarizing their shinobi forces. Looking elsewhere for the bulk of their military might. Relying almost exclusively on autonomous puppets and soldiers equipped with cartridge guns and chakra cannons. Claiming that they could field a trained battalion of soldiers in a month or two. Compared to the near decade it takes to train and deploy shinobi.

Orochimaru thought it was an interesting concept to be sure. However, many were of the same opinion as her. That one trained chunin was worth an entire platoon of soldiers. The other nations have stagnated. It was a situation she absolutely abhorred. Especially since they broke the spirit of standing agreement with Uzu and Konoha. By imposing sanctions against the two countries. It was an effort to force them to demilitarize their shinobi forces.

It was inevitable given the mysterious death of Ay. that lightning country would fall in line with the policies of the other three countries soon after his death. Thus putting pressure on Konoha and Uzushio.

Given how the fire daimyo was now putting pressure on the village. Orochimaru could see the writing on the wall. Itachi could not find the dimension where Naruto and Sarada were exiled on his own.

Orochimaru theorised that the multiverse was shifting and ever changing. It was like trying to find a single grain of rice amongst a vast desert. But at long last she had found that grain of rice, she found Naruto.

"Kukuku," she chuckled to herself as she looked over the results one last time before entering them into the computer. After all, it would not do anyone any good. If she accidentally sent herself to an acid dimension. While she would survive just fine. It would be embarrassing to explain such a blunder.

"Mother, you're acting creepy again." a young woman called out from behind her.

"Kukukuku, oh hush you. Is that anyway to talk to your mother, Kagura-chan," Orochimaru teased.

"Ha, you have no room to talk. You've been cooped up in your lab for the past week. If Mikazuki-chan and I did not check up on you at least every other day. I'm sure you would have starved to death." Kagura scoffed, a hint of a triumphant smile gracing her delicate features.

Orochimaru flushed scarlet with embarrassment. Knowing full well that she did, in fact, owe part of her survival the past two years to her progeny.

"Anyway, my work is done, all that is left to do is install the sealing formula into the gauntlets computation drives and attach the beacons to the device's core." she said to change the subject. "Now if you would be a dear and fetch Kabuto and your sisters,"

As Kagura left Orochimaru idly wondered just how Naruto would handle the triplets. Or herself given her rather fluid proclivities and current gender. She likened it to a haircut. Today, just like last year, she felt like a woman. For that matter, how would he handle the remaining shinobi.

AN/ So, guys I Am in need of a bit of help here. It's nothing to worry about but I Am in need of some names that are of Japanese origin that have something to do with the moon in some way. I only need two, so if any of you would like to throw your hats into the ring on picking out the names of two of the three upcoming OC you will get a special mention and I will put up a poll to vote if we get over two. In other news, you get a double issue this week. Why, you may ask? Well, that is simple, it's because like I mentioned on my last AN/ I got addicted to the worm Series (sorry bout that). and I would like to show you the results of said addiction. and without further ado may I present the prologue to my worm x Naruto crossover inspired by James D. Fawkes, illustrious An Essence of Silver and Steel and shaman king. (I squealed like a little girl when I saw that shaman king was getting another anime adaptation. a rather odd sight, all things considered.)