Yeah, I'm still here.
Gotta say, that really carries a different type of weight this year, especially given I'm working in an ED right now. Hope everyone is staying safe out there and hope you still enjoy the story.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
The Raikage immediately attacked Sasuke, before losing his left hand in the skirmish. Naruto and Sasuke would argue, briefly joining together to stop the Tsuchikage from interrupting them, before coming to blows. Naruto would quickly overwhelm Sasuke, before the meeting would resume. The Raikage would eventually refuse the request for an alliance and leave the meeting, leaving the other four villages to form an alliance without Cloud. Naruto would then be appointed the leader of the combined shinobi forces. Lastly, Naruto finally realised he had been forming a harem, but not before asking Mei on a date to prove to Kurama he hadn't formed a harem, much to Kurama's amusement.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Heavily demonic voice'
'Fox talking'
"Fox thinking"
*expression*
Jutsu
Flashback
Chapter 43 – Bets
'One more time for me, I don't want to miss any details this time.' Said Jiraiya, sitting across from Naruto, a notepad in his hand.
'Really? Haven't you heard this three times already?' Questioned an exasperated Naruto.
'Details are crucial! Besides, perhaps you missed something else along the way.' Explained Jiraiya, causing Naruto to sigh.
'Fine, but you better not think of using this stuff in your stories.' Warned Naruto.
'Stories? Your life is a story kid. This is for my own enjoyment.' Laughed Jiraiya, causing Naruto to sigh again.
'Master Jiraiya, do remember that Naruto will need to go to his date in an hour.' Pointed out Kakashi, leaning against the wall and for once, not reading his infamous book.
'Don't give me that, Kakashi, you want to hear the details too.' Said Jiraiya, causing Kakashi to shrug his shoulders.
'Fine! For the last time, I'll start from after I finished my fight with Yagura.' Said Naruto.
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Flashback
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'Naruto, I don't think you should use your Sage Mode for a while.' Said Kurama, following the battle with Yagura.
"What? Why not?" Asked Naruto.
'It is accelerating the rate at which your chakra is being converted.' Explained Kurama.
"Isn't that the point? This way I become better at using Wind Jutsu outside of Sage Mode." Thought Naruto in confusion.
'Indeed, but it seems the transformation is permanent.' Said Kurama, causing Naruto to pause.
"Are you telling me my chakra will eventually become only wind chakra?" Questioned Naruto.
'Yes, therein lies the true double-edged sword you have here. Once the transformation is complete, you will have no equal in terms of wind prowess. The very air itself will be yours to manipulate as you choose, however, you will find great difficulty with any non-elemental jutsu. You remember how bad your clones were? Well imagine that for all your jutsu. Of course, it goes without saying that you can use wind jutsu to supplement your current chakra-based techniques. While you would lose shadow clones for instance, you would be able to form millions of wind clones with a single thought. There are of course exceptions, particularly with summoning jutsus which use blood as a medium, so they would still be possible, but something like fire jutsu or the original Rasengan wouldn't be possible anymore.' Finished Kurama.
"Man, that's some pretty heavy news. I think I need to take my mind off it for a while." Thought Naruto, to which Kurama hummed in agreement.
'Just remember what I said, use it sparingly. Also, you should stop walking now if you don't want to hit the floor.' Warned Kurama.
"Huh?" Thought Naruto, before walking into someone, leading to him falling to the ground.
'Here I thought you might have improved. Back in my day, kids looked where they were walking.' Commented Ao, as he offered Naruto a hand to stand.
'Sorry Ao, I was lost in thought. What are you doing here?' Asked Naruto, noticing they were in a market district.
'Did you assume I don't need to eat food since you've never seen me do so? A good shinobi minimises the opportunities in which they can be poisoned.' Lectured Ao.
'Oh, I've never been poisoned before… well, unless you count food poisoning. Most of that ninja poison doesn't do much to me.' Confessed Naruto.
'Naruto, walk with me for a moment if you don't mind.' Said Ao, before weaving his way out of the district.
Naruto raised an eyebrow in curiosity, having come to know Ao to be a very stoic and private person. Naruto followed as they walked through the market, observing Ao.
'This battle was one of the toughest this village has faced. I'm ashamed to admit I'm not sure if we would have been successful without your assistance and I am sure there would have been significantly more casualties.' Started Ao.
Naruto shifted his gaze to the those around them, sensing Ao was saying something he found difficult.
'What you have done for this village is something which can never be repaid I believe, however, I must say this even if it is a token gesture at best. If you were to try and take advantage of this village right now, I would be sure to strike you down, despite your efforts to save us. Right now, we are at our most vulnerable and only you outside of this village are aware of that. With this knowledge, you could singlehandedly end us all.' Continued Ao.
'I guess you're trying to warn me, but it isn't necessary. I didn't come here to take over this village, I came to get some training and because I heard the Kage of this village was a Jinchuuriki. I was excited and thought I might be able to forge a bond, maybe even be mentored, but that isn't quite how things went. Truth be told, I was really disappointed, my coming here was almost for nothing.' Admitted Naruto.
'Almost?' Questioned Ao.
'The experience of war. I can't say it is something I ever wanted, but it is something I now have. It helps put a lot of things into perspective as well. I guess one thing you always think about when you train as a ninja, is to always expect war. If you don't, war will sneak up on you… and people will die. I guess the only way to prepare for war, is to have been in war, otherwise, all your decisions are hypothetical. What if this village invades? What if this weapon is stolen? What if someone defects and sells their allies out? What if you are taken prisoner? What if you have to sacrifice one clan for another? All of these things are hypothetical, but until they happen, you never know how someone will react.' Said Naruto.
'Back in my day, kids didn't overthink like that. You put one foot in front of the other and in some cases, one kunai into someone right after the other. All this thinking serves little point on the battlefield.' Commented Ao.
'True, but after the battle is over, you should process what happened. Not reflecting on an experience which has such an effect on you… it's stupid.' Said Naruto.
'Well then, what do you say of someone who skips the processing and moves into preparation for the next war?' Asked Ao.
'Honestly, they need to lighten up is what I'd say. Actually, they need a bowel of ramen.' Said Naruto.
'Good luck with that then.' Said Ao, before leaving in a body flicker.
'What the? He just ditched me!' Exclaimed Naruto in disbelief.
The sound of faint impacts finally reached Naruto's ears, causing him to look around. It seemed Ao had led Naruto to an open field. If Naruto squinted, he might have passed it off as a training ground, but the place looked artificially levelled. As if someone had just taken an eraser and wiped away most of the scenery. After a moment, Naruto picked up that his analogy was actually quite accurate, as he heard the hiss of acid. Finally spotting the spectre in the mist, Naruto noticed Mei was practicing her Boil techniques, much to the dismay of the landscape. The mist was extremely precise, only destroying what was targeted, nothing more, nothing less. It already confirmed what Naruto suspected, Mei would likely become the next Mizukage. Naruto would have considered Ao for the job, given his experience and having seen what the Third had been like, but it was exactly because he saw what had happened to the Third, that Naruto knew a younger leader was needed to lead Mist back into prosperity. It was as Naruto was thinking about where Mist would go from here, that he was spotted by the person most likely to lead them.
'Naruto, what are you doing here?' Asked Mei.
'I'm not entirely sure myself really. What about you?' Asked Naruto.
'Just training.' Said Mei noncommittally, hoping Naruto would take the hint and leave.
'Why?' Asked Naruto.
'Why? Why not?' Retorted Mei.
'I guess that's a fair answer, but don't you think you should at least take a little time to relax and enjoy your victory? I mean, you should get some rest before the next big thing comes along, right?' Suggested Naruto.
'Wrong. If, no, when the next big thing comes along, I need to be ready and resting won't help with that.' Answered Mei.
'I mean, it isn't like you were resting before Yagura came and even then, no amount of preparing would have gotten you ready for what happened.' Pointed out Naruto.
'So what are you suggesting, simply taking whatever life throws at you in the moment?' Questioned Mei.
'Not exactly. Look, you should still prepare for things, but it is important to rest as well from time to time, because there will be occasions where you can't rest. I guess, enjoy it while it lasts?' Said Naruto thoughtfully.
'I don't think, "enjoy it while it lasts", is what you meant to say. That implies good things are bound to run out eventually… but I do see your point I suppose. I could use a man like you for my right hand.' Said Mei with a flirtatious smile, which Naruto completely misread.
'What do you mean you need a man for your right hand, you have Ao and I mean, he isn't the most fun to be around, but he really does take these things seriously… huh, I'm guessing that's why he brought me here. He probably wanted to say the same things I just said, but knew he would probably say them wrong.' Said Naruto, lightly tapping his right fist onto his left palm in realisation.
'Well, I guess I will have to thank Ao for sending you then. Since you are here now though, what do you propose we do to relax?' Asked Mei.
'Hmm, well, a good meal always helps me relax, especially in good company.' Suggested Naruto.
'Well then, where would you like to go?' Asked Mei.
'Well, I don't really know what is around… do you even have ramen here?' Asked Naruto.
'Fine, I'll take the lead on this one, but you better be more organised for our next dinner together.' Said Mei.
'You got it.' Nodded Naruto.
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End Flashback
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'Ok, I have to ask, again. What did you think was happening?' Asked Jiraiya.
'I thought we were just getting some food together, like when Iruka-Sensei would buy me ramen, how was I supposed to know that was a date?' Defended Naruto.
'Hmm, I suppose that is understandable.' Hummed Kakashi.
'But the right-hand line? You even picked up it was said oddly but didn't look underneath the meaning of the words. Truly a missed opportunity.' Finished Kakashi.
'No, I think Naruto is more likely to miss nuanced expressions of anything of a physical nature. However, didn't you ask out your old teammate on meals as a date, you should have picked up on the situation. To say nothing of the very public kisses you got from two members of your harem now that you have finally acknowledged it.' Chided Jiraiya.
'This was different, it was a different setting and I was already confused with Ao for bringing me there in the first place.' Defended Naruto.
'Well, it seems we have run out of time for the fourth retelling, it seems someone is on their way here right now.' Said Kakashi.
Moments later there was a knock at the door and Chojuro was seen in the doorway.
'Greetings Lord Hokage, Lady Mizukage was wondering if you've decided on a venue yet.' Said Chojuro.
'Venue?' Questioned Naruto, causing Kakashi to sigh.
'You literally just finished telling us that you were told you had to plan the next date!' Shouted Jiraiya animatedly.
'It's not my fault, I didn't expect this to happen in the first place. Do they even have restaurants here?' Questioned Naruto.
'If I may be of some assistance, Lord Ao gave me this scroll before I was sent here.' Said Chojuro, offering Naruto a small thin scroll.
Kakashi and Jiraiya tensed up briefly, as an anonymous scroll being given from one country to another's Kage wasn't something you just accepted, even if an alliance had just been entered in. Naruto was less cautious however and took the scroll and opened it rather hastily, having come to realise that Ao did tend to know a lot more than he let on.
'Ao you're a lifesaver!' Exclaimed Naruto after a minute, having carefully read through the scroll.
'We'll go to this one then and thank Ao for me.' Said Naruto, handing the scroll back to Chojuro who nodded and left soon after.
'What was in the scroll?' Asked Jiraiya.
'A list of Mei's favourite meals and where I can find them around here. I'm surprised he did so much research in such little time.' Commented Naruto.
'Maybe he had a suspicion that something might happen.' Suggested Kakashi.
'Knowing Ao, you're probably right.' Said Naruto.
'So where are you going then?' Asked Jiraiya.
'A dumpling restaurant.' Said Naruto.
'Hmm, oddly appropriate that a dish that can be either steamed or boiled would be enjoyed by someone from Mist.' Commented Kakashi.
'We will be waiting to hear how things go.' Said Jiraiya.
'Wait, why should I tell you how things go?' Asked Naruto.
'For a few reasons, number one, so we can guide you on what to do next and number two, so we can pick up on anything else you miss.' Said Jiraiya.
'Why should I take advice from you two, it's not like either of you have a harem?' Protested Naruto.
'Simple, because a few hours ago, you didn't even know you had one.' Retorted Jiraiya, causing Naruto to slump.
'I'm never going to live that down, am I?' Questioned Naruto.
'Not as long as I'm in here. I'll make sure you remember it until the day you die.' Answered Kyuubi.
Naruto gave one last sigh of resignation, before preparing himself for his date.
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'About time.' Commented Danzo.
'It isn't like I could just make a clay bird and fly here, I had to remain hidden, didn't I?' Defended Deidara.
Danzo hummed at this.
'I suppose we had better get started then.' Said Zetsu.
'Yes. All of you, prepare yourselves. This extraction will take fourteen days.' Said Danzo.
'What the hell, that's ages?' Protested Deidara.
'Given our reduced number and the ambitious number of people to have their chakra harvested simultaneously, it seems about right to me.' Said Kisame.
'Enough talk, time is money.' Said Kakuzu, before making hand signs.
'So it is.' Said Danzo, before chakra from all members of the remaining Akatsuki synchronised.
As the blue chakra dragons descended on the assembled group of revived tailed beast holders, Tobi's gaze did not waver.
"Soon, Rin. I will end this hell." Thought Tobi.
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'So Bee, what are we going to do now?' Asked Yugito.
The tailed beast holders minus the Kyuubi's and Ichibi's host were sitting around in their hotel room.
'I didn't think he would refuse. Such thinking is short-sighted for any Kage. I'm sure he must know this is a mistake.' Commented Yagura.
'I would have expected something like this from Onoki, but even that old geezer had enough sense to realise this is the only way forward.' Added Roshi.
'I don't know why this is bothering big bro, so.' Rapped Bee, but the others could tell it was half-hearted at best.
'It sure makes our forces smaller, but still big enough to get the job done I think.' Commented Fu.
'Besides, an ego can't survive in an alliance, maybe this way we won't have to deal with any issues later. This may have been the best option.' Suggested Han.
'There will always be issues in any alliance, but failing to form one from the start is like trying to make bubbles without water.' Said Utakata calmly.
'Either way, Bee and I are going to be in a tough spot if the Raikage doesn't come around.' Said Yugito.
'Well, the simple fact remains that Cloud won't be able to pursue you aggressively anyway, not with the declaration Akatsuki made. Even if the Raikage is ruled by pride, he is not stupid enough to split his forces in light of such a threat. Say what you will about Kage, but there has never been a stupid one.' Said Yagura.
'True, but while the threat level is still low, now would be the time to strike. If you ever needed to be on your guard, it would be now.' Said Roshi.
'I believe I have the answer to that.' Said a sand clone of Gaara's, which had just grown out of the ground.
'Come and stay at my village. The Land of Wind is furthest from the Land of Lightning and it has all other villages between them. Any attempt to take the two of you by force will be futile and no level of espionage can make its way past so many villages without being detected. It would also provide me with some peace of mind. With the declaration made, we should consolidate out forces now. Fu, you should also consider moving towards one of our villages as well.' Said Gaara.
'Don't worry about me, Waterfall isn't going anywhere.' Said Fu.
'Very well then, but if you find yourself under attack, do not hesitate to ask for assistance.' Said Gaara, before turning to Bee and Yugito.
'I don't mind relocating, it isn't as though I was the real person the Raikage wanted back. Bee might have a tougher time.' Said Yugito.
'I'm going to the Leaf. If bro wants to settle this beef, he'll have to come and meet with the chief.' Declared Bee.
'So be it, I will prepare accommodation for you Yugito. We will be leaving tomorrow morning if you wish to join us.' Said Gaara, before breaking down into sand and sinking into the cracks of the wooden floorboards.
'Come on then Han, let's go see what Onoki's plan is.' Said Roshi, before the two departed.
'I'll come by and visit you some time, Yugito, we all have to stick together, plus, you don't know the area like I do.' Said Fu as she left.
'Let's go Utakata, we need to prepare for battle, we were caught off-guard last time.' Said Yagura, before the two disappeared in a water-based body flicker.
'Bee… be careful.' Said Yugito, before leaving as well.
'What are you thinking bro?' Muttered Bee quietly.
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'I'm so bored.' Groaned Tayuya, lying against a couch with her legs against the backrest.
'We all are.' Said Fuka.
'I still don't appreciate being forced to stay here.' Grumbled another redhead.
'Well too bad Karin, you were the ones who asked for a place to stay and then destroyed it.' Said Tayuya.
'It wasn't my fault!' Protested Karin, sending a baleful glance at a large orange haired figure.
'Sorry, I didn't expect to lose my temper watching a movie… but you don't shoot an innocent dog.' Said the figure, growling towards the end.
'Settle Jugo, they died in the end, remember.' Soothed Kimimaro.
'I still don't think it did a fair depiction of what an assassin does.' Said Karin.
'I mean, Jiraiya and Itachi both had their own information networks which helped keep them in the loop of everything that was happening around them, while also keeping them hidden unless they wanted to be found.' Commented Fuka.
'On that note, why are we hiding out here?' Asked Haku.
'Because all of us were foreign ninja at one point and since those two old geezers were killed, suspicion has been super high on anyone not originally from here.' Explained Tayuya.
'I think that's fair, aside from Naruto, I'd guess a lot of people in this village don't trust us. It would be stupid if they did.' Said Fuka.
'Wait, a minute, you're right! Naruto trusts us and he is the Hokage, no one can touch us.' Exclaimed Tayuya, swinging her legs to the right and rolling to the side into a sitting position on the couch.
'I suppose that is true, but what else is there to do right now anyway?' Asked Haku.
'Well for one thing, I want to get something to eat.' Said Tayuya.
'It's because you finally realised you need to keep growing, right fire crotch.' Said Sai, appearing in the doorway.
'Vampire, what are you doing here?' Asked Tayuya.
'Vampire? I see, is the nickname another reference to my pale complexion?' Questioned Sai.
'No, it's because you suck.' Grumbled Tayuya.
'Ah, so you've finally realised you will be unable to beat me up so have decided to sharpen your verbal insults. Such a mature decision, I'm surprised you thought of it.' Said Sai.
'Knock it off Sai, we didn't come here to trash Naruto's place.' Said Tenten, pushing Sai into the living room.
'Why are you here? And what's with all of them?' Asked Tayuya, as numerous people poured into the room.
'We came to have a discussion.' Said Ino.
'What a drag, you made us come here to figure out what Naruto becoming Hokage means for the rest of us.' Said Shikamaru.
'Well it isn't unreasonable.' Said Neji, before Lee appeared on his back.
'Of course! We must determine how best to support Naruto in his dream of becoming Hokage.' Said Lee, before Neji pushed him away.
'Have you not heard of maintaining a proper social distance at gatherings, Lee.' Rebuked Neji.
'The flames of youth burn brightest in a group.' Said Lee.
'Well we need a bigger venue.' Said Tayuya.
'We could go get some barbeque.' Suggested Choji.
'Good suggestion portly.' Said Sai.
'Ok let's go.' Said Tayuya, before standing up and gesturing for everyone to leave, sparing Naruto's home from being destroyed.
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'So Naruto, I have to ask, why ask me on a date now? Surely there have been other opportunities and this isn't the most ideal time nor setting for a romantic gathering?' Questioned Mei.
The two remained in their Kage attire but had left the hats behind.
'Well, I guess the best thing to do now would be honest.' Started Naruto, getting an approving nod from Mei.
'Honest is the best policy.' Agreed Mei.
'It was more to do with a bet I had with Kurama. I didn't think you would actually say yes.' Started Naruto, causing Mei to close her eye and smile.
'I'm starting to rethink my policy on honesty.' Said Mei.
'No, it isn't a bad thing or anything like that… you see, it all starts with those notches Kurama has been making in my mind. I didn't think anything about them at first, but started to get more suspicious as he seemed to randomly add to them with no clear reason. Anyway, eventually, after figuring out what Kurama was doing, I decided to try and prove him wrong. That's why I asked you on a date, to prove Kurama wrong. I mean, that isn't the only reason I guess, I like spending time with you as well, you're really fun to be around and I know it doesn't sound like a good thing, but I guess you keep me on my toes as well.' Rushed Naruto, before pausing.
'I'm still a little unclear on what you were trying to disprove.' Commented Mei.
'Well, Kurama seems to think I've been forming a harem which I refuse up to this point and will continue to do so… but it is also kind of true I guess.' Explained Naruto, causing Mei to open her eye.
'What do you mean you guess?' Asked Mei.
'Well, I didn't plan to form a harem… but I… might have accidentally.' Said Naruto carefully.
'So was the bet to prove I was in your harem?' Asked Mei curiously.
'No, the opposite, it was to prove that you weren't… um, I mean, I didn't think you would be interested in me that way. The others I kind of understand, well, at least Tenten and Tayuya I do, Samui also kind of caught me off guard and I still don't believe the fox about Fuka… uh, but I guess he was right about you I think.' Finished Naruto cautiously.
'Well. I don't know anything about a harem, but I have been interested in you for a while now, Naruto. It seems you weren't simply being polite as I had thought, you really didn't realise it.' Commented Mei, sounding both defeated and amused.
'Sorry, Jiraiya and Kakashi were pointing that out to me as well. I guess I really did miss a lot of signals.' Admitted Naruto.
'So you've been speaking to your mentors about your love life?' Asked Mei curiously.
'More like they've been making me retell my life story in excruciating detail to see what else I've missed.' Confessed Naruto, causing Mei to laugh softly.
'Well, at least I know I'd likely have a staring role, given I probably dropped the most hints.' Said Mei in amusement.
'Yeah, I still can't believe I didn't realise that we had a date that one time we went and got lunch after the war.' Said Naruto.
'Oh, I remember that. That was one of the first times I thought of you as a potential father. It was quite a stark experience compared to your normally childish behaviour.' Said Mei.
'Well, it isn't like I was unfamiliar with being dismissed by others.' Said Naruto.
'That being said, you can't always be the hero, Naruto.' Said Mei.
'Wanna bet?' Challenged Naruto.
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'Lady Tsunade!' Exclaimed Shizune, hearing a soft groan from her mentor.
Much to Shizune's dismay, Tsunade only seemed to gently stir, before falling asleep again.
'I wonder what almost woke Lady Tsunade up?' Questioned Shizune, readjusting her mentor's blankets.