Chapter 4

''Are you sure it was smart to leave Naruto by himself nya?'' Kuroka asked Sasuke as they made their way through the narrow streets of Kyoto, taking in the sights and seeing the dozens of different youkai.

Sasuke scoffed. ''Of course it is. What's the worst that can happen to him? From my personal experience, people can't help themselves but like him. Then again, he's also rather unpredictable so you can disregard my previous words.''

Kuroka paused mid-step as she stared at his back with a deadpan look. 'Are they really friends?' She questioned herself for what had to be the hundredth time since coming to know them.

Shrugging, she made to catch up to him before something akin to an explosion was heard and a slight rumble of the earth followed.

Neither Sasuke or Kuroka needed to communicate with another to know the cause of the explosion and instead headed towards it.

Naruto swallowed his nerves as he saw her.

She looked exactly the same last time he had seen her as he watched her attending the shrine she was at. He watched as she froze for a moment, the ears on top of her head twitching as her tails began standing ramrod straight as she got to her feet before slowly turning around, those golden orbs similar to Kuroka's own meeting his blues though hers held pain and betrayal upon resting on his form whereas Kuroka's shone with playfulness.

He winced.

''Naruto.'' He winced again, this time at the monotone way she called out to him, watching her hands clenching into fists as he walked closer to him.

''H-Hey Yasaka-cha- I mean Yasaka.'' He quickly corrected himself as he could see blue flames beginning to flicker around her tails.

''Why are you here?'' She asked coldly and straight to the point.

Naruto frowned the longer he watched her. Did him leaving really affected her this much? Continuing to walk towards her, he ignored the power she was releasing as more flames came into existence.

''What do you think you are-!'' Her words were cut off as Naruto stopped in front of her before pulling her in a hug, his warm, inviting aura washing over her and completely destroying any barriers she had put up. He felt her stiffen in his arms before her body started to tremble as she began to sniff.

''Why?'' She asked in between sobs. ''Why did you leave me like that? Do, do you not want me? Am I not beautiful enough? Or is it because I have a daughter?'' She asked of him as tears continued to fall while desperately yearning for an answer.

Naruto kept silent as he held her, moving on hand up and down her back in a comforting manner before breaking the hug and moving one hand up to her face to wipe away some of the tears.

''It's not that, Yasaka. You are beautiful, I go as far as to say the most beautiful woman I've seen and anyone would be lucky to have your affection. You having a daughter doesn't bother me at all.''

''Then why?!'' She asked once more but louder. ''You're the first person I've shown interest in since Kunou's father but why do you reject me?'' She almost cried again but fought it down in hopes for an answer.

'Kuroka will understand.' He reasoned with himself as he cupped her cheeks, making her look longingly up at him before leaning down and softly pressing his lips to hers, making her eyes widen before they closed as she pressed her lips back as a spark ran through her body.

When he broke the kiss he saw her stare at him with an expression so much like one Kuroka held and he still wasn't fully used to.

''The reason why I left so sudden was because staying here would endanger you and Kunou.'' She looked confused so he elaborated. ''Sasuke and I, the dark haired one I was with, we're not from around here and have attracted the attention of very powerful beings. Staying here would've brought unwanted attention to you, your daughter and your faction and I wasn't going to let that happen. I know I should've at least said so but there wasn't enough time..''

''..Who?''

''Ophis for one.'' He answered and Yasaka's eyes widened at the name he dropped, a fitting reaction since it's not everyday one speaks of what's considered the strongest being in existence. ''She has taken an interest is Sasuke and I and is adamant of the two of us joining whatever group she has. She wouldn't accept no and if she finds out we have some sort of relationship I wouldn't put it past her to threaten to harm you or Kunou for my co-operation.'' He looked at her with a warm smile as he played with the ears on top of her head. ''Perhaps if it calms down we can maybe see if it can work out?''

Yasaka pulled him in a tight embrace. ''I-I would love that! But, I have a question for you?''

''Go ahead.''

''Why do you smell like Nekomata?''

Naruto paled as her hold on him tightened. ''Uhm.. That's because, because I'm currently in a relationship with one.. She's a Nekoshou though, not a Nekomata and I'm sure you have heard of her.'' He raised an eyebrow as Yasaka was oddly silent. ''Y-Yasaka?''

Her grip lessened but before he could ask what's wrong she smashed him into the ground, hard enough to crater the ground beneath them as he laid there on his back while groaning. ''Urgh.. I, I guess I deserved that.''

''You did.'' Yasaka told him with a nod as she felt satisfaction from having done so.

''Naruto-kun nya!'' Kuroka called out to him as she ran past Yasaka and got to her knees as she proceeded to see if he was hurt.

''Ehehe. I'm fine Kuroka, honest. Not to mention that I've suffered through way worse and I had this coming.'' Even so he still took Kuroka's outstretched hand as she pulled him to his feet. ''So.. Are we good?'' He asked Yasaka while scratching his cheek.

The vixen nodded. ''We are. Now, I take you came here for something else as well?'' Yasaka looked them over before stopping on Kuroka who smiled nervously at her. While she no longer had any Evil Pieces inside of her, she was still labeled as a SS-ranked criminal by the Underworld. Though knowing Naruto was on good terms with the Youkai leader eased her worries somewhat.

Naruto had noticed his girlfriend tensing up and put a hand on her shoulder as his aura made her at ease while he gave an awkward chuckle. ''You got somewhere we can talk?

Raising an eyebrow at his question she nodded nonetheless. ''I do. If you follow me I'll lead us to where we can converse in private.'' Yasaka turned around and started walking. Naruto eyed her for some seconds before he shook his head and followed after her, motioning for Sasuke and Kuroka to follow.

Yasaka lead them to the more personal area of the Youkai Palace, the one where she lived with her daughter. It was still a bit familiar to Naruto as she had brought him here those months ago where he officially became a man.

The four of them were currently in the living room, Yasaka having sit down in one of the chairs while Naruto made himself comfortable on the couch. Kuroka of course had plopped herself on his lap and he swore he saw a slight twitch of Yasaka's right eye which she hid with a smile.

''So.'' She began as she crossed one leg over the other. ''You came here in hopes of coming in contact with a god?''

''Yep! We heard you'd be our likeliest chance of coming in contact with them due to your ties with the Shinto Pantheon.''

Yasaka narrowed her eyes at him. ''...And who told you this?'' As far as she knew only a select few were aware, mainly the higher ups from other factions and gods of other Pantheons.

''Ah.. Erm.. You know.. someone.'' He gave an awkward laugh as he looked away.

''Hmph!'' Yasaka huffed out in annoyance but didn't intrude further on it. ''While it's true I have contact with the Shinto Pantheon, it is usually them coming by to visit me. I have little say over when it happens. If they feel like it they appear, I don't really have a means of contacting them myself.''

He frowned, Sasuke did so as well. ''Oh.. That's a shame.'' A moment of silence followed which was broken by him with an awkward question. ''Say.. Would you mind if we spend the night here?''

Naruto released a content sigh as he was currently lying inside a bathtub. His body, with the exception of his head and shoulders, was completely submerged underneath the hot water.

Yasaka had graciously offered them a room… Well not really as he had to practically beg her but nonetheless, she had allowed them to stay here either for a single night or a few days. That was up to them to decide.

And in turn she asked them to look after Kunou during the day, which they graciously accepted.

He was unprepared as a pair of pale, slender arms wrapped themselves around his neck from behind. Followed by a pair of fleshy mounds surrounding each side of his head. Naruto let his head rest backwards as he brought one of his hands up to the ones resting on his chest and intertwined their fingers together.

''You wish to join me, Kuroka?'' He spoke up after a moment.

He received no reply, verbally at least as the sound of clothes hitting the floor reached his ears and the arms around his neck retreated. From the corner of his eye he watched as Kuroka walked over till she stood at the side of the bathtub, his eyes trailing over her naked form as Kuroka merely flashed him a sultry smile as she noticed his gaze.

''I do indeed nya.'' Lifting up one of her legs -and giving Naruto a good view of her clean shaven lower lips- she stepped inside. A rumbling noise escaping her throat at the feeling of the hot water touching her skin.

''Nyaa~.'' She let out a purr of contentment as she sank down completely, lying in between his legs, her back resting against his chest. The hot water stopping just above her bust and allowed her head to lean back.

They sat like that for a few minutes, both enjoying the other's presence as Naruto made sure to keep the water temperature up by using Matatabi's chakra with a bit of petting and groping. Eventually though he sighed as he grabbed the shampoo bottle nearby and let a bit splash into his hand, rubbing them together before placing them on Kuroka's head. His fingers combing through her long, black tresses, massaging her scalp. Despite her attempts, Kuroka couldn't help but purr at his touch.

Without a warning Kuroka turned around. His breath hitched as her legs rested on his, their crotches touching.

''Kuroka..'' He hissed out with narrowed eyes as she smiled coyly.

''What's wrong nya?'' Kuroka asked coyly, pretending not to notice what's bothering him. Instead she returned the favor as she ran her shampoo covered hands through his blond locks, marveling at just how soft his hair was despite its spiky appearance.

As she began washing out the shampoo Naruto couldn't help but get excited for what's next, especially since she had been teasing him by rubbing her lower lips against his length the entire time.

'The soap part, yes~!' He cheered inwardly as it was his favorite part since she often used her breast.

''Damn it! This girl has turned him into a complete pervert.'' Kurama grumbled from inside the seal as he was able to see what he was currently experiencing.

''Mah, relax Kurama~'' Matatabi commented from her spot next to him. ''Little Naruto-kun has finally grown up and experienced the pleasure of flesh.'' Her two flaming tails waved behind her in anticipation. ''Can't really blame him, I approve of his choice in a mate. A kitten just like myself.'' She shed a tear.

'Tch, crazy feline, she's not even the same species…' He muttered before looking away as Matatabi seemed to glare at him. After what seemed like forever she stopped scrutinizing him in favor for seeing what was happening with their host.

Small moans and whimpers escaped her mouth as she let his hands roam her body unperturbed. He cupped her soap covered breast, or whatever managed to fit in his palms at least. She yelped as he pinched her nipples and playfully glared at him whereas he just smiled.

''Want to get dried off and continue in the bedroom?'' He whispered in her ears that twitched from his warm breath.

''Yes nya!'' She wanted it, badly. This… foreplay if you could call it that had gotten her all hot and bothered and there was only one way to get rid of it.

Naruto gave her a smile and kissed her before he got out while carrying her. Once more using fire natured chakra to dry himself and Kuroka off before heading to the bedroom that was attached to the room they were given as a night of pleasure awaited them.

The next morning a content looking Kuroka could be seen, humming a soft tune as they all ate breakfast together with the exception of Yasaka's daughter, Kunou. Speaking of which, the woman in question was sending glares into both his own and Kuroka's direction every now and then as she knew what happened between the two last night.

''Hey Yasaka, where's Kunou actually as I figured she'd be here as well.''

She eyed him for a moment before answering. ''She's asleep at the moment. She had trouble last night as certain.. noises kept her awake.'' The vixen sent the pair a dry look who at least had the decency to blush.

''Ah…'' He chuckled awkwardly as Kuroka seemingly ignored her. Guess he should've put up a silencing seal or something. It wasn't his fault, really. Kuroka was very needy and when choosing between drawing up a seal or going at it with a hot Nekoshou the choice was clear.

''What's our next step given that the reason we came here in the first place has turned out to be useless?''

''I dunno know.'' Naruto answered Sasuke. ''I guess we could enjoy ourselves here as I have no interest in going to school and I doubt you do either.''

''True.'' The raven haired teen nodded.

''I see.'' Yasaka replied, hiding her excitement after hearing that. She didn't want them -mainly Naruto- to leave this soon but she also understood she couldn't stop him. Still, Yasaka hoped she could have some alone time with the blond during his stay if she could somehow get Kuroka away from him. ''Then, do you have any plans for today?''

Naruto shook his head before looking at Kuroka who likewise shook her head as well.

Good. Yasaka thought. ''Then you won't have any issues looking after Kunou, right?''

''Of course not. I don't mind either as the little fox is way too cute for her own good. Though will she be fine with it?''

Yasaka waved her hand. ''Don't worry about that. I'll have a small talk with her before I leave to clear some things up with her.''

Watching Kunou jump around all excited made Naruto very curious as to what Yasaka had told her as he got up and walked over to the small kyuubi who took note of this and became more stationary as her bright golden eyes stared up at him.

''I take it your mother told you I'd be taking care of you while she's gone?''

A very excited nod came from the young girl. ''Yes!''

''Okay. So uh.. do you have anything you want to do?''

''I want to explore Kyoto! Mama doesn't let me go by myself and she never has time to go with me..'' Her ears drooped and so did her tails. Naruto didn't like seeing her upset as he lifted her in his arms, making her cheer as he placed her on his shoulders.

''Now, none of that Kunou-chan. Your mother is a very busy woman with a lot of duties to attend. I can tell she really cares about you, a lot and tries her best.''

''..Sorry.'' She mumbled.

Naruto gave a soft chuckle. ''It's fine. Just know that not everything is as simple as it looks, okay?''

Despite not seeing her Naruto could feel her nod due to the slight shifting of her weight. ''Okay!''

''Good. How about you point where you want to go and I'll follow?'' Naruto said knowing how much she wanted to see Kyoto. From the corner of his right eye he saw her point forward and so started their journey.

There were a couple weird looks sent their way, whether it was from those recognizing the girl on his shoulders as Yasaka's daughter and questioning what he was doing with her, or from random passersby. Naruto didn't let it bother him though and neither did Kunou it seemed as she was excited as ever.

It was a shame Kuroka wasn't here as the cat had decided to check out the hot springs she had heard so much about. Oh well, not that he couldn't have fun with the little fox on his shoulders by himself…

..Okay.. it had been what, a few hours by now and he and Kunou were exploring the opposite side of Kyoto.

It was still quite a shock as he watched humans interact with disguised Youkai without any idea. He wondered though… Would they act any differently if they would be able to see their animal features?

Back when he was younger he was considered a demon by the population of Konoha and those people should know better. Though some of it was written off due to the whisker marks he had on his cheeks, something no other Jinchuuriki before him held. But seeing these humans interact with them without any prejudice caused a slight pang to form within him which he suppressed. He had already accepted that the Third Hokage was a shrewd man who had no problems manipulating a small child into becoming the Hokage of a village that despise your existence until more than a decade later.. Something about for the good of the village or whatever.

Pah, those were just meager excuses as there was no solid reason for his treatment. The whole ''Other villages would wage war upon Konoha once news would reach them they had no Jinchuuriki'' Was a bullshit excuse as well.

Especially since they knew his mother, Kushina and the previous jinchuuriki had died. After all, a Jinchuuriki dies once their Bijuu is extracted so why had they not waged a war on Konoha soon after news reached them that the Kyuubi attacked Konoha? Even his father, The Yondaime Hokage had perished who was one of the main reasons the other villages had halted their warmongering ways.

He shook his head to clear his mind from those thoughts, noticing his mood was affecting Kunou as she tightened the grip she had on his hair as he paused and did his best to look up to her.

''How about we head back to the Palace? I'll even get you some ice cream on the way.''

Her golden orbs twinkled at the thought. ''Ahuh! I want ice cream!'' She told him excitedly, though a bit sad they were already heading back. Today had been some of the most fun she had in her life and she didn't want it to end..

When Yasaka returned home later in the evening, the sight of her daughter asleep in the protective hold of Naruto was enough to melt her heart. She refrained from making noise though as they were both asleep, softly snoring.

It didn't stop her from staring at the two adoringly as she imagined herself lying there as well. It actually brought forth an idea as she silently walked over to them and softly sitting down next to him.

Yasaka shifted a bit as she carefully let her body rest against Naruto's. A content purr leaving her throat as he was very warm before she wrapped a single arm around her daughter and briefly closed her eyes. It was only for a bit! Honest.. just, just a few minutes.. nothing more..

And before she knew it, her eyes were closed and she joined the two in the land of dreams.

''What's this NYA~!?''

Kuroka's loud shout not only starled Yasaka awake, who realized she had fallen asleep beside him, but also awoke her daughter and her second favorite blond.

Naruto blinked away the haziness as he smacked his lips a couple times, making out the faint outline of his girlfriend who stood there, hand on her hip and sending him a dangerous glare.

''Hweh? Kuroka.. what are you yelling for?'' He yawned as he idly ran his fingers through Kunou's soft hair as the young girl went back to burying her face in his chest as she didn't like the bright lights.

Hearing his question the Nekoshou spluttered. ''Because of that!'' She pointed beside him, making him turn his head only to stare dumbly at Yasaka's surprised face as she stared right back at him.

''..Huh, Yasaka? When did you get here? Actually, how late is it?'' He fired question after question as he tried to get up but Kunou wouldn't let him. ''Um.. Kunou-chan? You mind letting me up little fox?''

When she didn't appear to budge, Yasaka tried to help by prying her from his chest. With a bit of teamwork they managed to make her loosen her grip on him as the older blonde took the opportunity to move her to her own lap.

Now free, he got to his feet, releasing a long exhale of relief as he could hear some of his bones popping before making his way over to Kuroka where he leaned in for a kiss only to blink when she moved her head out of the way.

''..Alright then.'' He muttered with a shrug, hiding the slight hurt as he turned back towards Yasaka, mouth open to ask a question before she beat him to the punch.

''I hope looking after Kunou wasn't a hassle?''

''Of course not!'' Naruto told her as he shook his head. ''It was rather fun actually. She lead me to places I wasn't aware even existed. She was well behaved the entire time as well and wouldn't mind doing it again to be honest.''

Yasaka released a soft sigh as she smiled and ruffled her daughter's hair. ''I'm glad to hear that,'' She looked down at Kunou. ''And what about you sweetie? Did you have fun as well.'' The energetic way she nodded made the older vixen laugh.

''I did mama, we went everywhere~!''

''That's good.'' She said as it lessened the guilt she had felt by leaving her daughter in someone else's care. ''Depending on how long he'll be here and if he wants you can spend more time with him.''

''Really?!'' Kunou's head snapped towards her mother who nodded.

''Yes, but only if you go and clean yourself as it's been a long day. If you do that I will make your favorite dinner.''

''Okay~!'' Kunou hopped off her lap before making a run to her room and the adjacent bathroom. Letting out a soft chuckle after watching her daughter scurry out of the room she got to her feet as well while sending her two guest a fond smile. ''I'm going to prepare dinner. See you two soon.''

Once Yasaka left Naruto turned to his Nekoshou girlfriend only to pale from the look she sent him and the unsaid command as he hurried back to the couch. He gave a silent prayer as he knew he was in trouble..

End Chapter