Chapter 6
It was instant.
One moment they were in Kyoto. The next they were back in their world after entering the portal Ophis had formed.
There was only one, tiny problem..
And that was that the portal they exited out of was up quite high in the air. Several dozen meters, to be exact.
''NYA!'' Kuroka yelped as she quickly latched onto Naruto who was closeby. Wrapping her arms firmly around him from behind while his own hands came up to her thighs to support her. Simultaneously keeping a partial grip on her kimono which was about to reveal her body to the world. Especially since he had noticed Kuroka and forgone to wear anything underneath it despite him telling her to..
From the corner of his eyes the blond saw Sasuke forming the initial state of his Susanoo to dampen his fall. He himself wasn't sure what to do. Sure, he had several ways he could come out unscathed but they each involved bringing forth a large amount of chakra that could be sensed by anyone kilometers away from them and alert them. After all, his chakra was most certainly unique, even without adding Kurama's chakra to it.
But as the ground neared them and with Kuroka asking him to do something he settled for creating several clones. While they were grumpy at being used in this manner -seriously, what's up with his clones and their personalities? Weren't they supposed to do what the creator wants them to?- They aided them in dampening the fall, poofing out of existence when he landed on a bunch.
''You okay?'' He asked Kuroka as he let her stand on her own two feet.
''I am nya. Thanks to you.'' Leaning up while standing on the tips of her toes she briefly pressed her lips to his cheek before looking around. ''Where are we nya?'' Her two tails swishing around behind her.
''Not sure..'' Naruto answered her as he looked around. ''But judging from the trees around us we're somewhere in the Land of Fire.''
''Nya~? That's good, right?'' She blinked owlishly at him. ''I remember you telling me a bit about the countries. Their differences and names along with each having a village of their own. The one you two are from should be in here.''
''Hm. Didn't expect you to reveal that to her.'' Sasuke told his blond friend who scratched his cheek.
''Didn't see any reason as to why not? Our relationship is rather serious and I didn't find a reason not to sate her curiosity for our origins.'' Kuroka stuck out her tongue towards Sasuke as she didn't like what he seemed to be implying. The childish gesture was of course ignored as the Uchiha gave a simple grunt.
''It's your choice. Any idea which direction we need to be going? I'm not familiar with our surroundings.''
''Eh.. let me see.'' Naruto closed his eyes as he began gathering Nature Chakra, the pigment surrounding his eyes forming before he tensed, an action which got Sasuke's attention as he was immediately on guard.
''Something the matter?'' He inquired, bringing Kuroka's attention to him as well who blinked curiously at him.
''..Well. We're not alone.'' Naruto opened his eyes and his blue orbs flickered to the surrounding trees.
Just then several shadows jumped out and landed before them.
'Anbu.' Naruto and Sasuke thought whereas Kuroka was rather confused at what was going on. Though as she saw neither of the two acting hostile to the newcomers she made no gestures that could be taken in a bad way either. She just moved a bit closer to her boyfriend in a chance that it may change in a split second.
''N-Naruto.. and Sasuke!? Is it really you!?'' One of the Anbu operatives asked. His mask was that of a Sloth and despite his voice being a bit muffled due to it, Naruto still felt a sense of familiarity as he spoke.
''Uuh… Shikamaru?'' He guessed with furrowed brows. He assumed so due to the mask and his hairstyle which only one clan in Konoha wore.
''Where have you guys been?'' He questioned while taking a step forward, motioning for the others to stand back. ''All the Nations have been looking for you two since your disappearance. Now, suddenly you're here and not alone…'' Shikamaru trailed off as he took a moment to look over the third person that was with them.
Never before was the Nara more glad that he was wearing a mask as it hid his cheeks that gained a red hue to them upon laying his eyes on her.
She was on the shorter side of the women he had seen. With long raven colored hair with split bangs and held in place with a hairband that framed her face accompanied by exotic orbs reminiscent of shining ambers that held slitted pupils within them. Her outfit was a simple black kimono which was rather revealing, showing off parts of her slender and pale legs. It left her shoulders bare and her breast, enormous as they were on the verge of slipping out.
He did his best to quickly avert his eyes as his mind conjured up the image of an angry Temari. It wasn't until after he cleared his head that he had to do a double take upon noticing the feline ears atop of her head and two black tails swishing behind her.
Shikamaru didn't say it out loud but she was one of the most beautiful woman he had seen. The question about who she was and where she came from was still on his mind as someone with her looks and unique.. features would be impossible to hide.
''Who's your.. friend?'' He inquired of the blond as she seemed to be close to him.
''I'm Kuroka, nya~.'' The ravenette introduced herself with almost a bow and forcing her to support her kimono that almost threatened to expose one of her breasts which jiggled with the movement. Shikamaru idly took note of the interesting verbal tic she had which seemed rather fitting. She then did something that had his eyes widen behind his mask and knew it was going to cause trouble in Konoha as Kuroka wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck from behind and pressed her lips against his cheek. ''And I'm Naruto's girlfriend, nya~!''
Immediately his gaze shot towards Naruto who simply nodded in confirmation as he turned to her and wrapped her in his arms. ''Indeed you are.'' He lightly scratched the base of her ears that caused a rumbling noise to rise up from her throat.
''Anyway~. Since you're apparently in Anbu now you mind escorting the three of us to Konoha. I'm quite sure it's an order on the off chance anyone runs into Sasuke or I.''
Exchanging glances with his two fellow Anbu operatives before turning back to the trio he nodded with a sigh. ''Fine. We've finished our task. How troublesome you are Naruto… Literally seen you for a minute or two and already I can feel a headache coming up.'' With a single hand gesture Shikamaru's fellow Anbu operators moved behind as they formed a line.
Shikamaru was in the front, followed by Naruto with Kuroka, then came Sasuke and after him were the other two Anbu members. He led them to the edge of the clearing where the forest started and with a simple application of chakra leaped up onto the thick branches of the surrounding trees.
Kuroka looked at Naruto expectantly who playfully rolled his eyes and lowered himself a bit for her to get on his back, her arms quickly finding themselves around his neck as he got a good grip on her thighs, the Nekoshou letting her chin rest on his shoulder as he leaped up after Shikamaru who upon seeing that started hopping over to the next tree.
Kuroka enjoyed this method of travel. It was surprisingly fast and she even closed her eyes at the sensation of the wind that ruffled her hair. She also took note that despite the jumps Naruto was making, she didn't take any notice of it themselves as being carried on his back was really comfortable and not all bumpy.
She wasn't sure how long it took them, only that it felt quick as they left the trees and Naruto dropped down onto a wide sand covered road. A moment of nostalgia filled the blond as he took in the huge gate leading to Konoha, the place he grew up in.
He lightly patted Kuroka's thigh making her avert her gaze from the tall gate and wall and down at the blond carrying her. ''Nya?''
''You mind getting down? We've arrived.''
''Eh?!'' The ears on top of her head twitched and she looked at him like he just told her something strange. ''But.. why nya? I'm comfortable right here~.'' Kuroka moved her hands down from around his neck to his chest and rubbing it up and down.
''Ahem..'' Shikamaru cleared his throat as it was a bit uncomfortable to watch the two before nudging his head motioning him to follow. Rolling his eyes, Naruto decided to simply do so with Kuroka still on his back, a victorious smirk on her face and she leaned down to whisper something into his ear, ending said whisper by giving his earlobe a small bite.
''Mhm. I'll keep you to that.'' He mumbled loud enough only she could hear as they made it past the gates and entered the were two guards seated in a small hut to the side, their heads slumped down, likely asleep.
''.. Is that okay, nya?'' Kuroka inquired as she noticed them as well. That couldn't be good, right?
''Ignore it for now,'' Shikamaru said, making a mental note to inform the Hokage of it later. ''We're heading straight to the Hokage building anyway.''
Even after being rebuilt since its destruction by Pain, the Hokage tower remained at the end of the long straight sand road.
Kuroka marveled as her orbs of gold flickered left and right, taking it all in. It really was similar to Kyoto. The Youkai inhabited area at least with the wooden buildings. She took note that the main road was mainly for shops as people of all sorts were moving around. Kids running by and she even noticed Shinobi blurring past her on the roofs above them. It was green as well. Trees were all about, in between buildings as far as she could see.
Interestingly, it initially seemed no one was noticing them. It wasn't until her ears twitched when catching a mutter.
''Hey, aren't they the Heroes of world?''
''Hm? ..I, I think you're right. What're they doing here, last I heard is that they were missing.''
''Who knows. Maybe it has something to do with the Anbu?''
''And who's she?'' They were commenting on her.
''No idea. Girlfriend, maybe? She is really beautiful. Interesting choice of clothing though.''
Muttering similar to those followed them as they made their way to the Hokage building. Amusingly, no one seemed to comment on Kuroka's feline traits despite them being plain out there to see. The Nekoshou did not like hiding who she was.
Once they finally reached the Hokage building they entered and immediately continued up the stairs leading to the office itself. The office Naruto once dreamed would be his.
Shikamaru knocked on the door leading to the office while announcing his return before opening it. He entered without a moment wasted as Naruto along with Kuroka followed behind him. By now she was standing on her own two feet as he had let her down and ignored her pout by keeping his eyes focused on what's in front of him.
A good thing as his expression showed surprised when his blue orbs met the dark grey ones of the current Hokage which was none other than his old sensei, Kakashi.
''..Eh?'' Was the sound that came out of his mouth.
''N-Naruto… Sasuke as well.'' Kakashi muttered before his gaze shifted over to the -admittedly attractive- young woman standing close to his blond student he'd never seen before. ''..And who might you be?'' He inquired as he managed to keep his eyes on her face and not the large amount of flesh exposed by her risque choice of clothing.
''I'm Kuroka, nya~.'' She introduced herself and the Sixth Hokage raised a single eyebrow at the interesting verbal tick before noticing the two slender appendages waving in the air behind her along with the non human ears sticking out a top of her head.
Slowly he moved back over to Naruto before opening his mouth and asking, ''Explain.''
Blinking, Naruto looked at his old Sensei, then towards the Anbu in the room and back at him again as he sent him the unspoken requirements.
''Anbu, leave us.''
A part of Shikamaru wanted to protest as Kakashi was likely going to hear all about where they've been and why they just showed up with company. He even thought about coming up with an excuse as that they had to make sure they weren't going to attack the Hokage, only to dismiss it as it was stupid for he wasn't sure there was a shinobi alive capable of taking either of them on, let alone both.
So with silent regret he nodded before motioning for his fellow Anbu to follow as he left the office to the four of them.
Naruto took the opportunity to sit down on one of the empty chairs. There was another one right next to the one he was sitting on but Sasuke preferred to stand. He was about to gesture for Kuroka to take the other seat but his Nekoshou girlfriend plopped herself down on his lap, causing both of Kakashi's eyebrows to rise as his arms locked themselves around her waist.
'Interesting..' He mused his blond student was the last person he thought would end up in a relationship with how dense he used to be.
Releasing a long sigh and tilting his head, Naruto opened his mouth and spoke. ''Well, It all started between the fight Sasuke and I had after dealing with Kaguya…'' And he began retelling what they've been up to while away. His friend kept mostly silent and let him talk, only butting in every now and then to correct him for any memory he misremembered or completely forgot and was willing to reveal.
''...That's quite the story you just told me.'' Kakashi muttered after he was done listening to Naruto retelling him about what he and Sasuke had been up to since the time they've been missing.
He took a moment to process everything properly, taking the opportunity to give his old students a good look over.
There were definitely some noticeable changes with both of them. Naruto's blond hair, still as unruly as ever had grown longer to the point it almost started covering his eyes. The lines on his face similar to whisker marks were a bit fainter than they had been. And from the moment they had entered Kakashi was able to note that they had grown taller, close if not his own height judging from Shikamaru who was shorter than the two.
What was the most surprising to Kakashi was the utter lack of orange on the clothes he was wearing. Not even a single speck was visible.
Sasuke on the other hand.. Well he had gotten rid of his weird sense of fashion as he wore simple dark clothes that fit him well. His hair had also grown a bit longer and had lost a bit of its spikiness, flat on one side of his face and covering his Rinnegan. Now that he looked at him, he seemed to have gained a bit of a tan on his rather pale skin.
The two both carried themselves differently. An aura of power was surrounding them even if they didn't seem to be aware.
Lastly was the pretty and unique looking young woman that was comfortably seated in his blond student's lap. Yes, definitely unique with those ears a top of her head and tails that came out of her back. A real looker that was likely going to turn many heads, especially with the provocative kimono she wore that was showing off more flesh than what seemed socially acceptable.
Even Anko who was rather outgoing didn't show as much as she was doing, Kuroka, Kakashi recalled her name.
'Minato-sensei would be proud,' Kakashi mused internally as he watched her give a soft giggle at something Naruto told her. 'Not sure about Kushina though…' And he shuddered at what she would do if she was seeing them right now. Mainly because he heard her mumble during the time she was pregnant that he should look for someone like her when he grew up.. And, well, Kuroka was not like her.. Not at all as he remembered the redhead being rather tomboyish while Kuroka seemed to flaunt her looks and not care. Based on appearance at least and what he seemed to note as they hadn't spoken aside from her introducing herself.
Though given Naruto liked her, possibly even love, he wasn't sure how far the two have gone, she couldn't be bad. Not with his blond student being an expert when it came to judging someone's character.
It made Kakashi wonder though, as a certain dark blue haired Hyuuga came to mind that was enamored with the blond. She was going to be devastated when finding out. Either that or flip her shit, even he wasn't sure when it came to her as she was a bit… strange.
The girl had definitely grown. Plenty of boys, from Konoha or other villages had tried their luck with her only to be rejected as she, in her own words 'I only have interest in one person and he's not here.' So after waiting this long only to see it was too late might push her over the edge.
At least Sakura has more luck, Kakashi assumed as he noted only Naruto didn't come back alone.
Still, enough mulling around as he intertwined his fingers and asked an important question.
''So, what brings you three here? Will you be staying?''
''We won't.'' Naruto responded without missing a beat. Kakashi glanced towards Sasuke since maybe he had a different plan but judging from the lack of reaction it wasn't the case. ''We're mainly here to tie up some loose ends, like letting all of you know we're still alive and well. Doing better than ever, even as I've found what I always wanted. After that we're heading back to the world we've been living in since we went missing. It's just so different compared to here. The technology is more advanced and after using it I don't think we can go back to here.''
''What about your dream, becoming Hokage?'' He couldn't help but ask.
Here Naruto released a heavy sigh as he stared his old sensei right in the eyes. ''My dream of being Hokage was something I made under false pretenses. Manipulations of an old man parading himself around like a grandfather while not sparing me a glance when it really came down to it. He told me that the solutions to my problems, the loneliness I suffered, the glares and looks of disgust would be gone and that people would admire me if I took the hat sometime in the future. But if he actually spent some time with me he would've seen that what I actually wanted was someone to take care of me, anyone, really. When I was younger it was a parent, the affection of one which I never got to experience. And now that I've gotten older it changed into a different sort of love, one I think I achieved.'' Naruto felt Kuroka clasp his hand and intertwine their fingers.
''I see…'' Kakashi spoke softly as he closed his eyes. ''You've come a long way, Naruto. Matured so much in a short time.'' He opened his eyes with a smile. ''Your parents would be proud of the man you've become.''
''Heh.'' Naruto gave a light chuckle. ''It was a given after living with Sasuke for as long as I have. Doubt anyone would stay himself with him as their company. You can also thank my tease of a girlfriend.'' He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Kuroka's bare shoulder. ''That reminds me.. You got anywhere the three of us can stay? I remember my old apartment being blown to smithereens during Nagato's attack. Along with the rest of Konoha. Not that it would be suited since it was quite old and too small for more than one person.''
Kakashi furrowed his brows together before something came to mind. ''Yes, I do actually. For both of you even. After the war the people took it on themselves to build a house for both of you, a thank you for saving the world.''
''Really?'' Even Sasuke raised an eyebrow as he was interested. ''Where is it located?''
''If you leave the Hokage Tower and immediately turn right, you follow the long road past a short shopping district until you reach the end where you can either turn left or right. You take right again and you should be able to see them. It's a bit more on the outskirts of Konoha but in a very sought after location.''
''Alright. We'll head out there soon. One more question, what's Tsunade up to since you've taken over her post here?''
''She's teaching potential medics in the Hospital. Her usual doctor duties have been taken over by Sakura and Shizune. After the war we got a large influx of Shinobi interested in becoming a medic or at least know the basics. If you plan on visiting her I suggest you wait till tomorrow, she's been busy the past few days.''
''Fine with me. Think it's time for us to go and check out where we'll be staying during our time here.'' This time Kuroka did get up from his lap without him needing to ask/order her.
''Wait!'' Kakashi stopped them just as they were about to walk out. ''Can she, you know..?'' He gestured to her ears and tail which made Kuroka hiss and narrow her eyes.
Naruto quickly calmed her down as he scratched her at the base of her ears and sent his old sensei and apologetic look. ''Sorry Kakashi but Kuroka doesn't like hiding them. She's rather proud of her heritage. I don't think she'd comply even if I asked her to.''
''I see. Take care and feel free to drop by. Perhaps we can share stories with another about what's been happening.''
They waved him goodbye, at least Naruto and Kuroka did whereas Sasuke merely inclined his head towards him. As the door clicked shut behind him Kakashi turned in his seat, looking up at the Hokage Mountain, specifically the face of the Fourth Hokage. ''I really wish you could see your son now, Minato-sensei.''
''Ino? You've also been called here?'' The blonde in question looked to the owner of her voice where she met green orbs with her teal ones.
''Yeah, Shikamaru came by and wanted me to be here. And I'm not the only one I see.'' As she greeted the fellow members of the Konoha 11, now 10 due to Naruto having been missing sinds the end of the war. Neji's death and Sai being added.
''Oh, hey Ino.'' Choji returned as he was trying his best not to salivate over the menu he had in front of him. ''Surprised Shika isn't here. Since he's the reason we're here in the first place.''
''He'll be here in a bit. Told me he needed a change of clothes and that we're to be ready for a shock?'' Ino sounded a bit confused as what her old team mate told her.
''You too, huh? Wondering what it could be. Maybe has something to do with how people were acting when I came here.'' Kiba gave his two cents. ''You got an idea, Hinata?''
''I don't.'' Was the short response of the blue haired young woman. ''Oh! Shikamaru is there.'' They looked at where she was staring to see the Nara enter in more casual clothing.
''Hey.'' The Nara greeted as he sat down after they had made place for him. ''Good to see you all listened and came.''
''Well, you did sound serious when you asked.'' Ino told him before leaning forward. ''So.. what is it that you've called us all together for? It has to be important.''
Looking at each of their faces, Shikamaru nodded as he opened his mouth and was ready to drop a bomb. ''Naruto and Sasuke are back.''
A moment of silence followed after he spoke those words. They all seemed to process it and he could almost hear the gears spinning in their minds.
''W-What?'' Sakura wasn't sure if she had mistaken what she had just heard or not.
''Naruto and Sasuke, both are in Konoha. I escorted them here earlier.'' Seeing their disbelieving expressions he sighed. ''I'm not lying. Not with a topic as serious as this. You can even ask Kakashi if you want, he'd only confirm what I just told you.''
''..N-Naruto-kun?'' Hinata mumbled to herself before eyeing Shikamaru. 'W-Where are they n-now?'' Sitting beside her, Kiba was unsure how to feel seeing Hinata revert back and lose all her growth at the mention of the blond. All the progress she had made, both mentally and physically just seemed to disappear as she was reverted to a love struck girl. It also didn't help that he had thrown a few subtle hints here and there that he had an interest in her which had flown right over her head.
''Beats me.'' Shikamaru admitted. ''After leading them to the Hokage he asked for privacy as they were being questioned.'' He didn't mention the cat-like girl that had come with them, and her relationship with Naruto since it was no doubt going to cause problems he'd rather not deal with. Way too troublesome.
''I wonder what's going to happen now that they're back..''
''Huh, what do you mean?'' Kiba asked Ino for clarifications as to what she seemed to be implying.
It was Shino who answered him, though. ''Isn't it obvious? Naruto and Sasuke are the strongest shinobi alive making our village many times more powerful than the next. While good for us, it's worrying for others. Why? Because the balance of power has completely shifted in our favor. With either capable of destroying a hidden village by themselves, they may take actions due to feeling threatened.'' Having said his piece, Kiba followed up with another question
''But it's peace time? The villages have much better relationship with another''
Here Shikamaru sighed. If it wasn't Naruto that asked dumb questions they could always count on the Inuzuka to fill in for him. ''Because the villages were around the same strength without them. All have suffered losses, some more than others but now we have two shinobi on a completely different tier than the others. One being a Jinchuuriki with the powers of the Sage and the other an Uchiha with the Rinnegan. And while we know Naruto would never do such a thing, it's still a bit unclear with Sasuke since obviously something must've happened during the time that they were gone.''
''Enough of that.'' Ino butt in as the conversation was moving in a direction she didn't like and she eyed both Sakura and Hinata. ''What are your plans? You've both been waiting for them to return so now will be the best time to confess. I've gotten over Sasuke a while back.''
''I'm going to visit them tomorrow if Tsunade-sensei allows me. It's been really busy in the hospital the past couple days.''
'M-Me too. Father wishes to discuss clan related matters with me but I should be free after. If we find out where they're are f-first.''
''How about we all go together tomorrow?'' Tenten proposed. ''None of us aside from Shikamaru have seen them since the war. Curious to see if they've changed.''
''Pff.'' Sakura huffed. ''Naruto, change? He's probably still the same orange loving dolt as he always has been ready to annoy me the moment he sees me.''
Shikamaru fought down a response that he wanted to let out. They were in for a surprise tomorrow. And he wasn't sure which one was going to be surprised the most, Sakura or Hinata. Good or bad.
Soon the topic changed as food was being ordered and they enjoyed the rest of the evening together.
Naruto lied spread eagle on the large but comfortable bed located in the bedroom of a house that was apparently his. It hadn't taken them long to find the location Kakashi had described, it was literally like he said just two long roads coming straight out of the Hokage Tower.
What was a surprise when arriving here was the size of their homes. Not over the top big like some mansion they had seen in the other world but definitely larger than the average home that was available in Konoha. They were also close to another, separated only by acres of land that came with each house. Shame they couldn't - or rather weren't going to live here as it was quite a peaceful area.
Oh well. Might as well enjoy it for how long it'll last.
He turned his head to the side when a sudden weight joined him on the bed. He was presented with the sight of Kuroka, clad in only a revealing and short black robe which made her somehow more enticing than if she had been naked. It complimented her Nekoshou features well.
Her head came to rest on his chest as she threw one of her arms and legs over his, half resting on the bed and half on him.
''Something on your mind, nya?'' Her golden orbs moved up to meet his.
''Not really,'' Naruto responded as he rubbed her back with the arm she was lying on, slipping his hand beneath the robe she wore to make direct contact with her skin. ''Where'd you find this, by the way? I didn't see it on you and you're usually naked when we're in bed together.''
Kuroka let out a soft hum as she traced circles on his chest with her finger. ''It's a secret, nya~.''
''Oh really?'' Kuroka was too late to take note of the tone his voice held as before she knew it he had her on her back, hovering above her while his fingers found their way to the sensitive points he had found she had as had started tickling her.
''Nya! Nyahahaha~!'' She let out a boisterous laugh while trying to wiggle out of his hold. Her tails repeatedly smacking into his arm as he didn't seem to relent any time soon. ''S-stop nya~!'' She begged him.
When he still ignored her, Kuroka lashed out as she locked him in place with her arms and legs, molding herself against him as he was forced to stop, the Nekoshou taking deep breaths to calm herself down and rolling them over so she was lying on top of him and sending him a mock glare.
''Hehe.'' Naruto gave a soft chuckle at the look she sent him which was quickly washed away when he started petting him. Thankfully her ears were really sensitive. You wouldn't be able to tell from her looks but Kuroka had quite the physical strength on her, enough to the point he hadn't been able to free himself from her previous hold on him unless he started actively using chakra to supplement his own strength to force himself free.
After petting her for a while Naruto slowly began moving his hands down, softly rubbing her back and continuing until he reached her supple cheeks that were just barely covered by the flimsy night robe she was wearing and squeezing them which caused a rumbling noise to reach his ears from her throat.
''Let's go to sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a pain.''
''Sleep?'' She blinked curiously up at him. ''You aren't interested in doing it here, nya?''
''Oh I am. Just not now. Am actually kind of tired.''
A hum left her. ''Fine nya. I'll keep you to that.'' Kuroka leaned up for a quick kiss before lying back down on top of him. ''Good night Naru nya.''
''Goodnight to you as well, Kuroka.'' He returned as he allowed himself to be taken to the land of dreams.
End chapter.