Alright, said it would be posted today so here it is. Like I mentioned somewhere- might have been in one of the updates- I'm going to prioritize frequency over size so this is just a standard 5k chapter. Chapter 69 is almost done but I'll have more details on that- and some commentary on this one- in an update later today. I would like to have it done first but I need to leave for work and the Wifi there doesn't like this site so I need to get this posted before I leave.

Thanks goes to ncpfan for his help.

Let's head on in.

Three snarling Wolves leered down at her, arms crossed over their chests and completely at ease. Why wouldn't they be? She had hardly posed a challenge. Perhaps this hadn't been the best of ideas.

Almost as one they moved to the sides allowing a young woman with long black hair to approach, peering curiously at the prey her hounds had caught.

"Oh, a guest? You should have let us know you were coming, we would have prepared better for your arrival."

From her position on the ground, Tayuya was personally of the opinion that they had been pretty damn prepared. Still, she was not so stupid as to antagonize them when she had been so clearly outmatched and managed to bite back all the comments she wanted so badly to make.

If they had been Gennin she wouldn't have had a problem, Chūnin probably would have forced her to use the Ten no Juin, but Jōnin- and three of them, at that- were not something she could expect to overcome.

To be perfectly honest, she had not expected Jōnin-level Shinobi to be doing patrols around her targets residence, that was a job for the lower ranks to complete.

Well, if nothing else, she had just managed to learn that Orochimaru wasn't the only one to think highly of this "Naruto" if he had a protection detail like that.

Hell, she hadn't even been able to summon her doki.

In hindsight, that was probably for the best considering she was in the middle of Konohagakure. Gods above knew that drawing the attention of the village that just conquered Kaze no Kuni because she accidentally summoned three monsters in the heat of battle was not something she wanted to do.

Even ignoring Konoha itself, Orochimaru would be beyond furious. An angered Orochimaru was, without a doubt, the worst thing in existence.

Tayuya had no desire to have the wrath of the Snake Sannin fall upon her, especially when it had anything to do with the Crimson Prince the woman went on about so much.

Actually, with that being the case trying to sneak in to surprise the fucker was probably just a bad idea in general. She couldn't really be blamed for wanting to scope out the person who had Orochimaru's favor, could she? One needed to be prepared for meeting someone like that.

Still, if this was the outcome of her attempt then she probably should have just gone in blind.

"No response?" The young woman frowned down at her. "Huh, you looked like you'd be a feisty one."

Tayuya really wanted to respond to that but somehow managed to keep herself silent. She must not have been as bad as everyone was always telling her because right now she was proving she could infact control herself to save her life.

Really, that's the only reason she was succeeding, she figured.

"Still nothing? Hmm." Crouching down she took a better look at her captive, turning her head slightly in either direction as if examining something in the market. "I suppose that means you won't be telling us why you're here then, right?"

This, unfortunately, she did have to answer. Which, of course, was dangerous because it meant Tayuya had to speak. She was not exactly in a position whee she could do so as she normally would.

Lovely.

"I have a mission." She eventually settled on that. Short, sweet, and telling them absolutely nothing. At least she didn't insult anyone.

"Oho, she does talk then. Good, I have Anko busy with something else and I'd hate to take her away from one of his projects just to get some answers." The young woman stood back up, looking down at Tayuya much like the Wolves around them. "Well, what's this mission of yours?"

"Che," Tayuya didn't like this. She really did not like this. Like, at all. It was bad enough that she had to avoid saying anything that could piss them off, that she had been defeated, and that she was no more or less a captive, but they also wanted to pry into Orochimaru's business?

Tayuya had no love for the bitch- and she was actually pretty pleased to be able to call Orochimaru that now, it never seemed to fit when he was male- but she enjoyed being alive, in control of her body, and the fact that her body wasn't missing anything or possessing extras like some of the Sannin's experiments.

So there was no way she was going to jeopardize that by blabbing her mouth, especially when that was likely to result in cursing and insults before too long.

Mostly, however, it was because she was feeling pretty bitter about her defeat and wanted to be a spiteful bitch.

"Unless you're the Crimson Prince, it's none of your damn business what I was doing here."

The young woman blinked in surprise for a second before a small smile twitched at her lips. "Oh, you're one of Orochimaru's then, you should have said something." Turning from Tayuya she motioned towards the Wolves who were quick to pick up the temporary leader of the Sound Four and begin escorting her behind their boss.

"How long to you expect to be with us?" She didn't turn to look back at her "guest" but even so Tayuya knew it was directed at her. She was still feeling like being difficult and the fact that they had accepted her so easily was only feeding her confidence.

"As long as I need to be." When the woman turned back, one brow raised inquisitively, Tayuya did her best to match the expression. "Problem?"

"Oh, no. Not at all." Her earlier smile had morphed into a smug smirk. "After all, we're more than equipped to handle you during your stay."

If that wasn't a dig at her than Jiroubou was fucking anorexic and severely underweight.

Tayuya managed to restrain her temper- barely.

This was going to be a long, trying mission wasn't it? She kind of regretted jumping on the chance to be team leader now. Diplomacy is important for leadership roles her ass, she was totally offered the position because this godson of Orochimaru's was a young man and she was the only female within the Sound Four.

It was so much easier to negotiate when your opponent was too busy drooling over you to worry about the actual negotiating. Or that's how she saw it, at least. She had no idea if that translated into other forms of diplomacy but if anyone would know it was probably Orochimaru.

Hence Tayuya's current situation.

Next time she was volunteering Jiroubou for this shit. At least he would try to be polite.

Not succeed, but try.

It was better than the other two.

If eleven o'clock was ungodly, Naruto didn't even want to consider what three in the morning counted as. Groggily he raised his head from the piles of pillows and blankets- he still wasn't sure where the fluffy pink one was from- that buried his bed and looked to whoever it was that needed something from him at such a horrid time.

Mai, looking one part apologetic and two parts like she would like nothing more than to glomp him and continue her own sleep in his bed, stared down at him illuminated only by the light sneaking in from the hallway through a bedroom door that hadn't been fully closed after her.

"Hmm? Did you need something Mai?" Even as he started speaking he lifted his covers, a clear invitation for her to join him beneath them. He had become more than used to sharing his bed with whoever wanted to crawl into it so he didn't even need to think about sharing it with his favorite Wolf.

Sleepy as he was, even he could see the way her resolve started crumbling. Now one part apologetic, one part resigned, and three parts wanting to join him. She was more than just his favorite Wolf, however, she was his second in command and with a fortifying breath she managed to carry on with her duties.

No matter how tempting it was to just crawl into his bed and fall asleep.

"I'm afraid something has come up that requires your attention, Naruto-ku-sama." If he noticed her slip at all in his groggy state he made no mention of it. Naruto closed his eyes for a second, gave a deep sigh, and just when she thought he might have gone back to sleep he spoke.

"Turn on the lights or I'll fall asleep again. Do I have time for a shower?"

Flipping the nearby switch she frowned in thought. The matter required his attention and could probably be considered urgent, but it wasn't critical. Personally, she'd like to leave the matter alone until morning so he could get back to sleep but because it involved Orochimaru it probably needed to be addressed as soon as possible.

So not until morning, but Orochimaru's Kunoichi could wait a bit. Would serve her right for visiting at such an inconsiderate hour, especially if she stayed as nervous as she was when Mai had left her in the sitting room with a full guard of Wolves.

"I'm sure you could fit a quick shower in, Naruto-sama." She finally decided. "Shall I send someone in a bit to ensure you haven't fallen asleep again?"

"Please do." He tossed the covers off- Oh, there had been someone else in there with him tonight. She thought it was odd she hadn't seen anyone when she came in- and rolled from the bed with a yawn. Gently he put the covers back, tucking in whoever it was had crawled in tonight, and padded towards his closet for a change of clothes.

Half of her approved of making a good first impression on any guest, the other half kind of wanted him to remain dressed in only his black sleep pants.

He pulled a simple top of royal purple from the closet and a pair of black pants nearly identical to those he was currently wearing. He seemed to consider it for a second before sighing and grabbing everything else he needed to be completely dressed for the day.

Mai felt for him, really, but she was more irritated at her guest now than before because if Naruto really did get fully dressed then he was probably just resigning himself to being up for the rest of the day. Mai knew for a fact there wasn't that much work available at the moment which meant he was going to be making work for himself now.

That did not please her in the slightest.

"I'm going to take a quick shower, send someone after me in five minutes if I'm not back out."

"As you wish, Naruto-Sama."

If that Kunoichi had just ruined the rest of Naruto's day then she had ruined Mai's day too, and that meant Mai would have to bring out the big guns.

She'd sic Anko on the bitch and make sure the rest of her time in Konoha was as miserable as possible.

For being in such a pleasant room Tayuya was feeling incredibly uncomfortable. This seating room- she had heard the whispered debates over which to take her to and had to wonder how many of the damn things were in this place- was primarily reds and oranges with dim light that she figured was supposed to make it feel warm and relaxed. Dark wood was used in furniture and accents and, if she was seeing things right, it was also used for the floor itself. She was fairly certain the wooden floors in here were darker then the rest of the floors she had crossed getting here.

Why they had gone through so much trouble for a themed room that, from what she had heard, was not the main sitting room she had no idea. Maybe they had used these rooms to try different atmospheres? It would certainly be rather mild for someone with Orochimaru's favor, she had to admit. It was better than human experiments or dungeons for torturing locals.

Or that underground jungle one, she could feel the bugs and humidity just thinking about that little shithole. She hoped one of the tigers had eaten that particular overseer. Would serve him right for turning a base designed to improve the nutritional value of soldier pills and standard rations into an enclosed jungle biome.

That fucker hadn't even liked the jungle.

Those who worked under Orochimaru were usually experts in their fields, but there was inevitably something seriously wrong with them.

Home decorating was without a doubt the least strange thing she had ever heard of, which, oddly enough, made it strange for an ally of Orochimaru. Maybe that was why she felt so uncomfortable right now. She couldnt' figure out if this Crimson Prince of the Snake Sannin was really so disturbingly sane- and wasnt' that odd in itself- or if they were just really good at hiding their true nature.

She would prefer the latter, actually; she was much more familiar working with psychopaths and the like.

Plus, the first option seemed too good to be true.

From her position in the middle of the largest couch she looked etween the Wolves stationed in the corners across from her. There were two behind her, she knew, but she was smart enough not to be twisting and turning to stare at them. Being suspicious and drawing attention couldn't possibly be a good idea when she was in the midst of Wolves.

Unfortunately that meant she had few options beyond sitting there and waiting patiently like a good little guest.

There were bookshelves along the walls on either side of her and, from what she had seen earlier, two on either side of the small bar behind her. She was tempted to grab one and just flip through it for something to do but wasn't too keen on getting up when the four guards were all starring at her.

She also knew any attempts to actually read one of the books was just going to hurt her eyes in the dim lighting- though that was pretty similar to how it had been back at Orochimaru's bases- and that turning on one of the lamps on either side of her couch was just going to create an island of light and make her feel even more surrounded.

Tayuya briefly considered moving to one of the smaller couches perpendicular to the big one she was currently in, just to give her a different wall to stare at, but really couldn't see the point.

Though, she supposed, at least she wouldn't be starring at the room's only door like some lovestruck maid awaiting her prince's valiant return. The fact that Orochimaru actually called him a prince only made that thought worse.

Her eyes darted around to the Wolves within sight- yeah, they were still staring at her intently- and she sighed softly before reaching into her shirt for the picture provided by Orochimaru. It wasn't the original, of course, and the pristine copy showed all the wrinkles on the original that said just how well-loved it was.

Tayuya would have rolled her eyes upon first receiving it had it not been put in her hand by Orochimaru herself.

A quick glance showed a young man sitting in some sort of park, a table before him covered in pieces of a game she couldn't quite make out from the angle. It would appear the taker of the picture- and she was ninety percent certain the subject of this photo had not been aware it was to be taken- was close to the ground and looking up at him.

The young man had hair a darker shade than her own and, from just what she could see, it was longer than her own too. She usually wasn't too concerned about her looks- she considered herself a Kunoichi far before she considered herself a young woman- but she couldn't help but be a little jealous.

Naruto- for she had been informed very carefully as to the identity of her target by an Orochimaru who always seemed to be on the verge of swooning just talking about him- was wearing simple black pants and some sort of fur vest. Purple eyes were looking intently at an opponent she could only see an arm of as his left hand was lifted over the board with what she could only assume was a piece fo the game in his fingers.

He had kind of feminine hands, in her opinion, and she found herself comparing her own hands to his in a bout of idle curiosity and sheer boredom.

Huh, they were prettier than hers. Probably hadn't done any actual work in his life.

The sound of cloth caught her attention and she looked up just in time to watch the Wolves in the corner straighten up and stand at attention in the Konoha salute.

Well, she assumed it was, Oto's own salute incorporated the middlefinger quite proudly because Orochimaru had never been bothered to make one up and didn't care enough to change the little joke Kabuto had started.

Unlike the Oto salute, these Wolves didn't seem to be doing this jokingly. She could only assume the Wolves behind her were doing the same and, she would imagine, so were the Wolves on the other side fo the door. That Mai had been very clear about how many Wolves were around just waiting for an excuse to tear her apart.

Carefully returning the picture into her shirt, she made sure she was both presentable- which really jsyt meant her hair wasn't in her face and her shirt was on right after putting away the photo- and ready to bolt should things go wrong.

Tayuya would have liked to be standing, too, but her nervousness and the fact that she was ready to flee at any moment would be painfully obvious then.

She also wasn't one of his Wolves standing at attention at his entrance and the thought that he was going to enter the room to find her in the position of power- seated and waiting- appealed to her greatly.

With her in the bigger couch facing the door he was going to have to either stand before her or sit on one of her sides and turn to face her. She almost- almost- put her feet up on the simple black coffee table between the three seats but thought better of it. As much as she liked to imagine she was in the position of power- from a physiological perspective, anyway- she was still aware that this was his house and his things and that he had his own private military forces all around them.

She wasn't a moron, thank you.

Before she could change her mind- which was probably a good thing- the door opened to the even darker hallway- had they dimmed the lights out there after escorting her to this room?- and her target stepped inside.

Suddenly Tayuya was very glad she had remained sitting.

The picture had obviously been somewhat dated and in no way had it managed to properly capture the vision before her. Pale skin almost glowed in the faint light from the sitting room, purple eyes reflecting it back more brightly than should be natural.

A simple purple top wrapped around his torso and was held there by a white sash covered in delicate gold lace. Held there, however, was only in the most general sense as the loose shirt was still open enough that the neck dipped probably halfway to his navel and allowed her to see the complex seals that spread over his skin.

That red hair she had been jealous of was carelessly tossed behind his shoulders and still glistened with water from his hurried shower. To Tayuya, it was as if his head was wreathed in flame.

Even as one of his delicate hands waved away the guard those eyes of his focused on Tayuya and she found herself frozen in her seat. With a tightening in her chest and a warmth spreading across her face she watched with rapt attention as he practically stalked forward, every one of his movements smooth and graceful.

Gods above, no wonder this was Orochimaru's Crimson Prince. Orochimaru herself had adapted to her new body in days, moving with an elegance and grace that put most of his Kunoichi to shame but this was at a completely different level.

If this was a man it was the most beautiful man she had ever seen and if it was actually a woman Tayuya was pretty sure she had just come to the realization that she had been in the closet her whole life.

"So, I understand Orochimaru-chan sent you to me, did she?" Even his voice was music to Tayuya's ears and she knew that her entire face must have nearly matched his hair as he took a leisurely seat at on end of the couch she was on. She wasn't sure if she should curse or praise Orochimaru for this assignment.

She also didn't know if she should retreat to the other end of the couch, stay where she was, or scoot closer.

The fact that he had called Orochimaru of the Sannin, an S-ranked rogue Konohagakure Shinobi and one of the few to face Hanzo the Salamander and live to tell the tale "Orochimaru-chan". If that wasn't some kind of power play she didn't know what was.

She hadn't known just how attractive she would find it, either. Oto boasting was something she was familiar with, but this man held sway over Orochimaru herself. That was power, as far as she was concerned.

If she didn't think she'd get in trouble for it, she was sorely tempted to kiss the woman in thanks for this job.

Those purple eyes continued to look at her from his position, languidly awaiting her response, and it was only knowing that remaining silent would make a fool out of Orochimaru and herself that managed to snap her back into semi-function.

"That is correct, Ō-sama." As that was a title, she really should have been addressing him as Denka-sama but Orochimaru had been very clear about what she wanted him called. Well, she had been after Tayuya had made the mistake of asking. Two hours of scribbling on a chalkboard and debating to herself Orochimaru had wanted him referred to as a prince- which was no surprise- but as he was technically a ruler in his own right despite claiming loyalty to the Daimyo of Hi no Kuni Orochimaru wanted the form of address to reflect such.

Ō, a territorial prince, was eventually decided upon. The problem- or one of them- arose from the fact that both crown princes and territorial princes were addressed as 'your highness', Denka-sama. She had wanted to make sure Naruto was aware of how she- and by extension all of Oto- saw him.

The second problem arose from the fact that they were using rankings and addresses that simply werent' used anymore. Orochimaru had assured her that Naruto would understand and appreciate it as it was despite that.

These days you were a Kage, a Daimyo, or your family had been granted a position within a Daimyo's court. Well, there was the leader of Tetsu no Kuni but that was an exception because they wanted nothing to do with Shinobi.

Emperors, kings, princes, dukes, and actual ranks among the courts? That was something that predated even the clan era by Tayuya's best guess. There were references to such ranks in stories and such- and the way Orochimaru liked to mention her godson- but no one actually used them seriously.

It would not be incorrect to say that Tayuya felt absolutely foolish using it now. From what she could see on the face of an entering Mai she wasn't the only one of that opinion.

Naruto, on the other hand, blinked in surprise before giving a small smile that had Tayuya's heart racing even faster than her nervous embarrassment had.

With a soft chuckle that had her insides melting he rested his head on his left hand and turned more fully to face his new guest.

"My, Orochimaru went all out with you, didn't she?" He raised a questioning brow. "Either she's feeling particularly needy, has done something she's afraid will upset me, or wants something."

Again with such a casual mention of how much control he had over one of the most powerful woman in the world. If he didn't stop Tayuya was pretty certain she'd be earning Orochimaru's ire before long.

Mai, who had taken a position watching them near the door, seemed to narrow her eyes at the leader of the Sound Four. Tayuya would bet a pretty penny Mai knew exactly what she was thinking and it didn't look like she was too happy about it.

Tough luck, there, this was going to be a case of first come first serve. Besides, the competition only made Tayuya want to win even more.

With that in mind, Tayuya's earlier dilemma was resolved and she slid her body closer to Naruto, well aware that Mai's narrowed gaze had turned into a proper glare.

"Mmm, Orochimaru-sama simply wanted to make sure you were properly cared for while she was away." She managed to get right up to his side and rested her right arm over his chest- she hadn't actually intended for her hand to end up on the skin exposed by his loose top but once it was there she wasn't about to retreat- looking up at him with brown eyes and, she hoped, a face that wasn't too hopelessly flushed. "She's also sent gifts."

Her hand left his chest now- it wasn't retreating, damnit- to pull a scroll from her hip pouch. "She said you'd really like this one." She set it down gently on his lap before trailing her hand back up his torso, being extra careful to ensure that it came to rest on the left half of his chest and well on the fabric.

Unperturbed by the physical contact- he seemed more amused than anything, really- he slid his right arm around her waist until he could grab the scroll. With a deft flick of he wrist he opened it and with practiced ease he began reading with one hand.

Halfway through he paused, blinking in surprise, before taking a look between the scroll and herself. More hurriedly he finished it and an absolutely massive grin stretched across his face.

"Heh, hehe, hehehehehe!" A few short bursts of chuckling turned into full blown laughter, deep and warm. "Oh, Orochimaru, you brilliant woman. I could just kiss you."

Everyone in the room was well aware of just how pleased that would have made her.

Tayuya, not actually knowing what it was that Orochimaru had sent, took the opportunity to both satisfy her curiosity and reb her current position into Mai's face. Pressing herself as much as she could into his side she rested her head on his chest so she too could read Orochimaru's scroll.

Unlike Naruto, however, she was not sure why this Kage-Bunshin no Jutsu was such a wonderful gift.

But she was absolutely positive Mai was about to burst a blood vessel.

"It gets even better, Denka-sama." Fortunately for her she only had call him by his station- or the station Orochimaru believed was equivalent- the first time to let him know how Oto viewed him. Now that she had she was free to use more appropriate- though no less outdated- forms of address. "Because not only did she send that," She took a second to send a smug smirk towards Mai. "But she's also sent me. I'll be with you here until she can visit again to ensure all your needs are met."

Well, not all of them, Orochimaru could be a jealous bitch and Tayuya wasn't stupid enough to try something before Orochimaru had a chance herself but her words seemed to irritate Mai and that was victory enough.

"That was quite considerate of her, don't you think Mai?" Tayuya could practically hear the girl grind her teeth before she forced out a reply.

"Of course, Naruto-sama, very considerate." She was saved from having to speak any more when a Wolf leaned over her shoulder to whisper in her ear. Irritation melted away into annoyance- and a small amount of relief- as she dismissed the Wolf and turned her attention back to her lord.

"As comfortable as you seem to be, Naruto-sama, it would appear as though we have someone at the door asking for you. Apparently they're here on orders from the Hokage on a mater most urgent."

She only looked slightly pleased that Tayuya would have to get off of him, much to her credit.

Frowning he gave a nod before withdrawing the arm that had been wrapped around his newest guest and pushing himself off the couch. Tayuya, unlike Mai, didn't bother to hide the pout that came to her lips and crossed her arms with a small huff of annoyance.

She had been this close to either bursting one of Mai's blood vessels or making her annoyed enough to excuse herself from the room.

True victory for this round had been so close she had been able to taste it.

Oh well, there were bound to be plenty more chances to get under Mai's skin in the future. Tayuya had no idea why, but riling the girl up was just too much fun to resist.

The fact that the easiest way to do so involved being very close and touchy with Naruto, well, that was just a coincidence.

And a rather nice benefit.

"It would seem that another matter has arisen for the time being, ladies. Please try to remain civil while I attend to it." He straightened his top as he made his way out of the door, two Wolves instantly falling into step behind him.

Mai didn't seem too pleased. Not only had his words conveyed the fact that he wanted her here with their guest but he had told her to be polite. It would appear that he was not unaware of how Tayuya's actions were irritating her nor was he oblivious to the potential conflict that might arise between someone who tried to be as reserved as Mai and someone like Tayuya who seemed very willing to express herself.

Worse than both, however, was the fact that Naruto should be asleep right now. Having a guest had been bad enough, he could have probably fallen back to sleep right there on the couch and both he and Tayuya would have been content with the arrangement as far as she could tell.

Instead the universe itself, with all its humor, had decided that the world was to be informed that Naruto was awake for the day so they could all come pester him with more things for him to overwork himself on.

That did not please Mai in the slightest.

At least Tayuya wasn't draped all over him now, even if the girl was shooting her a smug, challenging grin that just dared her to go against Naruto's command.

Mai could not believe she was actually eager for Orochimaru to return just so Tayuya could return to whatever base she had been stuffed in previously.

Orochimaru was courteous enough to keep things private and subtle, as they should be.

With a sigh Mai took one of the smaller seats in the room, settling in to await her lord's return. She was going to need a lot of Naruto time later to make up for having to remain in the company of her new least favorite person.

I'll see you guys on the site for an update later today and here next week with chapter 69- which should be done soon- so until I next have your attention,

-Eyazahrid