Chapter 6
Previously, Uchiha Sasuke requested Jiraiya to train him from The Hokage but he was denied favorably. Before Naruto was on the edge as Amena tried to save him, a Yakuza gang introduced themselves as Black Lotus and saved Naruto from certain doom. Amena got her hand burnt and Naruto was invited to a royal party from an unknown source which he glibly refused. For refusing to abide the invitation, Kina Hyuuga fetched for Naruto in the most unnecessary way and the two friends unite.
Kina had a relaxed posture holding her arm from behind pertaining her friendly smile. "Just like you, I'm tasked to be the observer of Uchiha Sasuke. Wielder of The Three Paradigms and crockery of the Five Kingdoms. But only for a brief. If Naruto-kun were to be late for the party, I volunteered to fetch him."
Amena's opinion was correct which raised another question. "And what does he want with him?" Naruto awkwardly stands there in the bush as they talked about him.
Kina quirked her head. "You know it as much as I do. To meet a fellow Vessel."
"He knew?!" Naruto exclaimed in bewilderment. He freaked out because if someone from outside his trust knew about this, it'll be his head they will be going after.
Kina smiled nonchalantly with a shrug while Amena sucked her teeth in distaste knowing Naruto is being targeted other than herself. "Yup, you're practically screwed. Remember days back of the execution?" They nodded. "While you heroically protected Amena-chan, you apparently leaked Kyuubi's chakra which was easily detected by Uchiha Sasuke. The game has changed and now the tables are up against you." Naruto gaped in horror under realization of imaging being targeted by one of the most powerful man in the nation.
Amena rubbed the area between her eyes looking towards the War Dancer apologetically. "It's my fault. I was reckless at that time." The look of empathy was replaced by sterned eyes. "That as it may be, a trap is an obvious reason for Senpai not to entertain his invitation."
Kina cheekily eyed her. "Senpai? Is that what you call him despite being the same age?" She saw red spread thinly across her cheeks then giggles lightly shrugging it off in a casual manner. She dispels her playful demeanor and spoke with formality. "It is unlikely he will kill Naruto-kun on the spot. Amena-chan, we both are equipped with blessed weapons and our missions are identical. Execute the threat." The Hyuuga persuades to relieve them of their doubts. "I can assure you, as long as we're around, I don't believe he has the audacity to take action unless provoked."
Amena didn't look particularly convinced at all even the smallest possibility of his danger might cause harm. She continues to defend Naruto's stand. "Senpai has no reason to accept his invitation. What made him think he'll accept?"
Kina shrugged casually. "I don't know. Countless assassination attempts, death threats, dehumanizing, demoralization." Naruto shook his head in dismay remembering what happened the day before. "You're lucky he didn't order his bodyguards to kill you themselves and be done with it."
"...and I'm grateful for your valiant stand." Naruto sighed distressingly as she thanked him. From what he gathered, his bodyguards consists of A to S rank shinobis and super soldiers. If he were to be their target, that means they will eliminate anything in their way without batting an eye, which includes the people around him.
"Senpai, what are you going to do?" Amena walked forward giving him a discouraging look which he understood well. It is his decision after all.
Naruto folded his arms pondering the possibilities of death and maybe coming back alive. He doesn't know how strong Sasuke is even though he has near to zero battle experience in actual combat. If Sasuke intents to obtain his power, The servants of Rairon Organization will deemed him as a threat which will significantly result in a battle of massive scale and upscaled amount of unnecessary casualties. If he refused, branded for life and Naruto will have to resort to being a deserter and die in the most boring way possible. He is out of luck. Out of chance. He took a deep long breath exhaling all of his frustration, the pressure is real on this one.
"Dammit! Looks like there's no other way around, I'll go." Kina nodded pleasantly as Naruto looks at Amena looking away with a reluctant look on her face. He walks towards her giving her a pat on the shoulder. "You'll be coming with me."
She looks at him with a flustered look on her face. A formal party? With him? "What-Why?!"
Kina happily came between the two grasping their shoulders. "He's right. The invitation proposed a partner to be eligible." She leans towards Amena nuzzling her ear bearing a sly look. "Think about it, it'll be like a date."
Amena blushed and garnered some room by pushing her face away then folded her arms narrowing Naruto from the corner of her eyes. "Why me? Why not her?"
The Hyuuga outwardly beamed a wide smile, clasping her hands together and jumps joyfully, swaying her hair in effect. "What?! Really?! Oh thank you Mena-chan!" She happily wraps her hand around Naruto's neck like a child whom shook his head in response against her parade.
He gently waved her off. "Kina's job is to keep watch over Sasuke. That'll raise complications if she came along. I chose you because you're the person I trust the most." Naruto blantly voiced out which earns a defeated sigh.
Amena restrained her expressive tone and nodded reluctantly. "Fine. I'll go." It's her job to observe him, after all.
A smile came to the aspiring girl when she received the approval from the usually serene girl. "Yosh! Then that's settled. Naruto-kun, would you mind wearing some pants?" When the breeze went through his boxers, his balls shiver causing him to hustle back into the bush as the Uchiha bashfully looks away. Kina summoned his pair of pants and hand out to him cheekily without a sense of modesty. "I hope you don't mind me stalking you and meddling through your stuff."
He wished he didn't hear that. "Gimme a break."
It was already past eight of the afterlight as Naruto and Kina slouched lazily on the couch watching television, more like...mindless droning. The moment they reached home, Amena went straight to her room and Naruto simply switched his orange jacket to the near identical one. He could really care less for formality. He flipped through channels in boredom because none of his favorite series were airing. 'Just keep switching' the voice in his head told him as he gratuitously oblige while the vanilla eyed girl glance towards the blonde in annoyance for the constant buzzing of channels.
Kina snatched away the remote before pressing the red button rendering the TV useless. The blonde hanged his hand in the air for several seconds before he could comprehend the grasp of the rectangular object was lost. They shared the same look of displeasure as Naruto reached for the remote.
"After all these years, you are still a pain." He muttered lazily stretching his arm for the remote as she pulls it away in the opposite side at arm's length.
Kina inwardly snickers in a leisure manner driving back his whiskered face using a single palm. "And you are still the same dull-headed boy as the day I pummeled you." He wished he could stretch his arms but noooo, he have to eat a certain fruit. "I love those days, so satisfying."
Naruto rolled his eyes behind her soft fingers. "A passive fighter against a prodigy. How is that fair?" He pushed his torso further for a stronger momentum in order to advance but her arm is as firm as expected.
A smirked came to the cheeky Hyuuga as she slowly drove back his ineffective advance. "Oh stop whining. I still remember your claims of dominance before I pinned you to the dirt!" The first time he confronted her for bullying him, they settled a match right before sparing. Needless to say, he got his very first wedgie and it left a mocking scar in his life. "Ha-!" She muffled her giggles on the top part of her free hand which is holding the remote.
He shuddered at the thought and he could still feel the phantom pain as he cringed. He instinctively frowned pushing and wavering his hands much more aggressively. "And I still wonder why you'd find pleasure in it."
She smiles coyly leaning her head towards him which caused him to stop flapping . "You wouldn't stop picking a fight on me. Every break. Every spar. Everyday! While others laughed at you, you kept on provoking me!" She said in a bewildered tone giving him an endearingly look. "Every spar, you gained a second against me. I counted every jabs and every blows. And each time you fall, a second less to get up. Phew~!" She blew the yellow locks on his forehead as he stared at her. "Until the day you land a hit on me."
Naruto bit his lips and mused. "And then you threw me over your shoulder like a wrecking ball." He muttered through her hand as she covers one of his eyelids with a finger.
A wondering look came up to the Hyuuga's face as she contemplates in curiosity. "I do wonder, what gave it away? You were the first outsider to puncture my defense." At that time, she painstakingly trained almost day by day perfecting her hand-to-hand combat skills to ensure the opponent would not land a deathly blow on her, but he did.
Naruto grinned his single blue eye reflecting back at her. "Nothing, you were simply overconfident. You were gracious and elegant in your way stance and I opposed it in the same manner. A glimpse of weakness was enough for an adrenaline comeback!" Out of the blue, he grabs her by the wrist and jabs her armpit causing her to emit a resounding squeal.
"Kyah!" She felt a ticklish sharp jolt and tries to nudge away his arm but his grasp on her wrist was firm. "Come on! Let go!"
"No way!" He had a wicked grin as he thrust in with more force while jerking his fingers onto the sensitive area of her armpit. He felt a sense of satisfaction hearing her squeal for it was the reminder of how she reacts back in the days. And she still does. "Oh you like that Kina-chan?" He saw her squirm under his dominance as she continues her struggle.
"Don't you dare!" Letting out a groan, she glared at him then grabbed the couch pillow and swung it across his face. He got another taste of her immense strength as he was knocked off the couch and stumbled onto the floor with a resounding thud where neither of them let up, as Kina had landed flat onto his chest.
Their eyes made contact as a red hue spread across their cheeks, then came a mischievous grin which they mimicked just for the heck of it. Their arms intertwined into each other's waist as they looked into each other cheekily. For a moment, one would thought they are gonna 'do it'. Just DO IT! But nope! They exert a hysterical laugh as they roll across the floor back and forth, wall-to-wall.
"Come on! Just give up!" Naruto exclaimed breathlessly between laughs as she tightens her hold. "Your tits are squishing me!"
"I thought you would like that!"
"In a certain way!"
"Yeah right! That's what you always say, idiot~!" This continued on for a few minutes until Naruto gave in with Kina on top of him. This comes in naturally because he wasn't mentally trained to be rolled around like a ball forever, his eyes swirls and his clutch on her waist loosen. Once he'd taken control of his vision, his eyes softens as he paid attention to the weight suppressing him. Why does this seems so familiar?
"Kina-chan?"
She had her hands solidly pinned onto his shoulders as she looks down on him with a playful expression. "You've grown so much, Naruto-kun. Wish I could be there for you." She looks at him with soft vanilla eyes and everytime she sees those pair of blue orbs, it reminded her of how weak she was compared to him. "You pushed away everybody around you...why do you do that?" She muttered wistfully and Naruto was struck by an unanswerable question, the truth.
"..."
"You put on a relentless smile while you hide the swallowing pain in your heart. Does it hurt you so much that it leaves speechless, thinking you'll never be loved once more?" His eyes lost it focus glancing away from her which provoked the Hyuuga to lean inches from his face. "I can love you much more than they had ever done." Naruto felt the itching sensation in his heart, telling him to look at her. "Look at me if you think I'm lying." And so he did it. "Naruto-kun, we're here for you. You are never alone." She nuzzled his nose, pecked his lips softly, smiled to him and somersault to a stand looking innocent.
As if on cue, Amena came into the living room clad in her shinobi outfit with her Katana hidden within her uniform. "Senpai, it's time to go."
They walked through the festival street in Konoha onwards to their destination into the Golden Branch district where the invitation claimed to be held. Naruto was leading the way as the servants of Rairon Organization tailed behind him...at a distance. The Uchiha could already tell something was off about him as he seems to be mulling over a perceptual entity. "What did you tell him?" Amena stared at his back as she nudge her former roommate.
Instead of answering, she shrugged. "Have he mentioned about his family, lately?"
She raised a brow giving her a suggestive look. "Yeah? He loved them and they were murdered when he was young." Thankfully, the street was muzzling with noises preparing for tonight's firework display rendering their conversation inaudible. Her eyes grew faint glancing down at the gravel path. "It's a sour topic, could you not?"
Kina shook her head lightly. "Did you know the murderer is still at large, lurking in this world drinking ale. If you asked me, the only assumption I can give is he seeks revenge." Amena looked shock. "What else do you think? It was an event that shook him for life. If you think he's over and done so, you'll be sorely disappointed." She forced in the last word giving her a passive look.
"How'd you know this?"
She winked at her. "Being the inquisitive person I am, I tend to meddle into someone's life. It pays to be what you're good at." Defining as 'fun' she didn't mean it as a hobby. It's her job as well. She was always curious and tends to discreetly intrude on people's personal affairs if it concerns her or her client. In most cases, the problem was either resolved or until they carry it to their graves. "I judge people as a third party opinion. Without a third speaker, it's sort of like a snowballs's chance in hell at winning the presidential election, eh?" She emphasized the point when she strongly stands with it.
Amena knew she had yet to know him but she empathize him, she really do. "Can't we do anything to help?"
"Hm-mm." The black-haired girl shook her head curving a sour smile. "It's impossible to tear down the walls he'd built."
By the time their conversations ends, they had finally arrived to their predestination. Naruto peeked in through the open steel gates and sees a mansion with formally dressed individuals lounging in the boundaries. He diverted his gaze to his partner and gestured to the War Dancer indicating that he was ready. "This is it. House 69-Street 34. Amena-chan, you're ready?"
She nodded and they both simultaneously formed a single handsign. "Kai!"
Their former clothing dissipates in a puff of smoke replaced by suitable dress for the party. Naruto wore a simple open black suit with an orange tie that suits its purpose. Amena wore a short black gown and the wavery part at the bottom of her gown compliments her feminine features. As well medium heels and long stockings.
"Hold on! You forgot one more thing." The Hyuuga walked from behind and asks for her hair to be tugged to the side. Naruto watched as she was given a Yang symbol choker alternate to Kina's Yin.
A look of realization radiated when she felt the choker bind around her throat locked firmly in place. "This is-?!"
"Yup!" Kina confirmed blessing a wide grin nimbly giving a thumbs up. "You forgot to bring this to you before you left. Now you looked damn-classy dazzling on it girl!" She ended her sentence with a sassy tone followed by a wiggly finger. She nudged Amena towards Naruto's side before she spun on her heels withdrawing an innocent 'peace sign' with a wink. "I'll see you two inside, Jane!" She disappeared in a breeze of wind leaving the couple to continue on their behalf.
"D-Does this look embarrassing to you?" Amena shyly asked because she feels somewhat bare as the gown was presented by the Hyuuga known by her mischievous etiquette.
In his eyes, she looked gratifying. In truth, she reminded him of Cinderella excluding the shenanigans. "Not at all." A subtle smile came up as he stared at all of her dazzling beauty.
"Stop undressing me with your eyes!"
"Ehh?!"
After presenting the invitation letter to the security, they were given entry and were humbly greeted by the radiant beauty of the ballroom. Classical melody performed by skilled orchestral musicians fiddle their fingers onto their instruments creating a serene atmosphere over the populated ballroom. They clapped to the dancers moving along to the rhythm beneath the hanging candle-lit glass because the author doesn't know what's it called. Guests wearing feathered masks were mostly longue amongst themselves in the midst of the party.
"This looks nice…" Naruto muttered but then he hears a revolting grouch bawling beside him. He gaped in astonishment because it was Amena who was emitting it as her face sickens to the point of hurling.
She hangs her head in a daze, purple marks swell over her forehead as she leans onto Naruto for support. "I forgot to tell you I hate crowds. It is revolting." She spouts in distaste as Naruto tries to get over his surprise.
He didn't expect that at all! That's why she seems so reserved and engrossed to other things whenever someone else from the Academy invites her to hang out. "Woah. Didn't realize you're an introvert." A bead of sweat trailed down his forehead as he lead her away from the bustling crowd.
She fidget under his grasp diverting her embarrassed gaze elsewhere. "My 'people skills' are rusted. I get nauseous in close proximity of these heretics." Her body sways side to side imitating a drunken wench and her only resort was to grab onto his vest as he lead her on every step of the way.
Naruo caught a scent of lavender radiating from her hair and felt quite uncomfortable to be this close to her. Neither was she. It really is an amusing sight seeing her in such a state. "You still have the guts to make up those words, Amena-chan." Naruto mused holding onto her as a mischievous grin spread across his face. "I don't know what's worse. Blue Waffle Disease or this guy's internet history."
The foul images in her mind caused her insides to bloat all the way up to her lungs hastily pushing Naruto out of the way. He stood formal abstaining his laughter as she spews out her lunch like a hose with a resounding squench out the window. As soon as she recovers, she had the fearsome glower to vanquish all demons in seven hells before thrusting her fist onto his abdomen, forcing him to slant breathlessly. "If you ever do that to me again, I'll cut off your balls and juggle it." She hissed dangerously to his ear making him tremble. She lets go of him and spun on her heels walking away to the ladies room.
His breath hitched his throat as he painfully kneels onto the carpeted floor. He forbade his inner self to not to that ever again other than certain occasion when he is in safe distance. "Hehehe…" He laughs breathlessly curving his neck as he watches her skipping away. "She's a true angel."
Light footsteps approached by his ear and Naruto first glanced to the figure's white low heel. "Psst...here's an advice. Don't make fun of Blue Waffles. It's a nightmare worthy of silence." She spoke whole-heatedly leaning down to the dazed blonde.
"Kina-chan?" He gaped in awe staring at her head to toe wearing an elegant light purple dress, scarfing her hair to the side snickering down at him. He abruptly stood to his feet so not to embarrass himself in front of the crowd. "You looked stunning. Who am I kidding, you always looked different in everything. Anyway, are you supposed to be my escort?"
She curtly nodded on his compliment and shook her head. "Na-ah. By the way," She motioned for him to lean for a whisper. "...our relationship must stay discreet until my mission ends. They still don't know that the prince is being monitored. Therefore, try to blend in with the crowd for the time being."
He shook his head in partial disagreement. "Sorry Kina-chan, no can do. You know I don't like being in the same room as these swindlers. Not alone breathe the same air." He looked briefly at the crowd as they are all representatives of government positions and political hierarchies. "...besides, for our age, there's no need to say any of it. I'd just wanted to meet Sasuke and be done over his shady business schemes."
She felt slightly surprised he recognized them for their identities are confidential. "Interesting, working in the Yakuza perks you well." She had a nonchalant smile as she fine-tunes his tux to a formal manner receiving an odd look from the blue-eyed. "Don't be hasty, it'll get you killed sooner than you think, if you don't want to miss on tonight's show."
He let out a breath of reluctance before peering into her neck. "Very well, I'll wait and we all can go watch the fireworks." He bore his eyes to the symbolic gem on her neck, gleaming as it swivels by its miniscule chains. "It looks beautiful on you."
"Naru-kun, my eyes are up here." She poked his chest before finishing the final touches on his tux. "You're always welcome to fondle my ti-tehs, but not in public. It's embarrassing."
His snort was accompanied by rolling his eyes as they shared an identical wry smile. "Why's that? The most common thing a woman can be open about is their sexuality. But that's none of my business."
She curved a suggestive smirk as she pulls him at nose contact making him slightly flustered. "If that's how your perception works, then I guess you'll need a check-up." She nuzzled his nose before pushing him away the same moment as Amena exits the ladies room. "For now, behave yourself. The royalguard will be here momentarily to fetch you and the prince wishes to talk to you and only you. You wait here and I'll accompany Mena-chan. Jane!" She chastely shoved him away as she winks skipping towards the female Uchiha.
He scratched his hair in embarrassment just when a taller figure approached him from behind. "Sorry for the intrusion. Is the person I'm addressing to is Uzumaki Naruto?"
He whirled behind and sees a masked man with shaggy silver hair. "Yes? That is me."
The man curtly nodded closing his single eye and bowed his head. "Lord Sasuke wants to see you. Come with me."
As the silver-haired man leads Naruto down the hallway, the blonde felt the urge to talk to him because he seems so familiar. "You're Kakashi Hatake, right?"
"In the flesh."
"I'd read you fought admirably side by side with the Fourth Hokage in the siege of Kannabi Bridge. You had a valiant squad back then." Naruto said truthfully, earning a curious brow from the war veteran.
"Hm? I didn't know it was written down in the scripts. It was a classified operation." Kakashi stated suspiciously as the blonde shrugged giving him an unsure posture.
"Well, sort of until it was leaked and declassified by whistleblowers. You wouldn't know the guy who exposed it, would you?" He shook his head in dismissal of the question. "Well, there's no lot of people knows it but it was passed on through reliable sources."
"Where'd you get it?"
"The library." Naruto lied through his teeth. In truth, he gotten a first hand eyewitness reports from actual people in the underground world that supports it.
Kakashi eye smiled showing no impression behind his mask. "I see. You're an Academy student?" Receiving a nod, he continues. "When I was much younger, times were indisputably severe. Never really get to enjoy my youth even after all the wars end. Makes me reluctant of how long until I could keep this up."
Naruto nodded in acknowledgement. "I can tell. You looked tired. So? How can a man of your caliber became part of the Royal Guardsmen?"
He sighed as they turned into the corner. The Hatake looked to the corner of his eye quirking his head to the side in thought. "Well, this isn't discreet or publicly known. It was actually obligation that led me to where I am."
"Obligation?"
"That's right." He pocketed his hands glancing lazily at the blonde. "My duty and my fidelity once belonged to Konoha. When the Uchiha Clan acknowledged me of my reputation, I was in the crossroads of allegiance. I bear the eye of their pride, letting me roam free is unquestionable. I'm subjected to them." His left eye tingles in sensation of the words he spoke.
The blonde furrowed his brows in skepticism. "I thought you would be proud to be serving with them? It's an honor greatest known! Dattebayo!"
He shook his head gravely, eyeing the blonde solemnly. "Where is the honor in oppression? I've enslaved hundreds possibly thousands of innocent serving under them. There's no greater sin than lying to yourself. In a world like this, you pay it forward, 'cause more than likely you didn't deserve it when you got it the first time." It caused Naruto to slump his shoulders dejectedly because it was an utter disappointment but also came as a shock hearing the truth from the man himself.
"Then what preaches you to move on?"
They halt before the double doors and Kakashi turned to him with an eye smile. "Loyalty." The former shinobi answered receiving a humble nod from the Uzumaki. He turns the doorknob before glancing at him earnestly. "If I were you, I'd preferably have a mediocre death end than a life of disdain. Choose wisely while you still have time." He sincerely urged and the blonde was skeptical as to why he said that.
Naruto chuckled lightly shrugging off his advice. "To tell you the truth, I'd rather see this system perished. I see no benefit whatsoever if we all desire peace through straggling our brothers and sisters necks."
The Royal Guardsmen pushes the door open stepping to the side before motioning for him to enter. "Interesting. Now, you will enter Lord Sasuke's oasis. Be careful what you say to him and don't be haste in what you speak. Nice knowing 'ya."
Naruto enters the room before eying him strangely from the corner of this eyes. The door closed behind him and he found himself what seems to be the throneroom. Uchiha banners hanged along the marble walls as well golden figures of royal ancestry. "You're finally here, welcome to my dominion." Sat on the iron throne is a black haired male that resembles a duck. He wore clothing which accommodates his nobility as well as his pride and joy.
"So you're Sasuke?" Naruto stopped several meters away from him and noticed an oddly familiar pink haired girl who was glaring in distaste.
"A commoner such as yourself will address him as Sasuke-sama!" She heatedly demand earning a snort from the nonchalant blonde.
The Uzumaki stood formal and faced her with a stoic expression. "And what are you? A whore who sucks her way up?"
"That idiot…"
Few minutes ago
"Where's he going?" The Sword Shaman muttered watching the blonde presumably being escorted by a Royal Guardsmen she identified as Kakashi Hatake. She took a step forward to follow then felt someone tugging her arm.
"Not that way Mena-chan." The War Dancer advised then lead her away from the party to a different passage of hallway connected to their target. "You're always been terrible at following." She mused jokingly earning an embarrassed shrug from the Uchiha.
"That's how I met Naruto-kun." She admitted to her own error causing the Hyuuga to peer suggestively. "What?"
"Naruto-kun is it now? I should have known you had a thing for him." Kina teased nudging her shoulder receiving an irritated look as they briefly walked to whatever she leads.
"Don't pester me." She folded her arms then gave her curious glance. "How did you meet him? You've never told me anything about him."
"Hmmm~," Kina quirked her head to the side bobbing her head in remembrance. "When I was transferred to the Academy a couple years before the Recollection, he was the first kid I saw."
"What was the first thing crossed your mind?"
She instantaneously faced her with a wide grin. "He's a fuckin loser!" Amena deadpans as she laughs in recollection. "He lets people walk over him like a footstool. Nodding before insults and disgrace. He was outrageously weak and inadequate bolstering proudly of his claim in the last! Soft as an afro they say, he's an idiot!" Fortunately, no one was near to hear her tone snapping wall to wall.
"How'd you two get along?" She assumed it wasn't much as a first impression but her curiosity piqued her further.
The Hyuuga retains her cheeky grin and clutched her fist flexing her arm to Amena's perturbed face. "I'd establish dominance over him! I was his queen and he was my slave! It was the best decision I'd ever made!" She exclaimed wildly pumping her fist to the ceiling.
Amena gawked at her outrageous claim. "And you two got along?!" Was it a love hate relationship?!
Kina snorts then tries to restrain her laugh holding onto her friend's shoulder. "That's right! It was aweeeesome! Hehehe, Relax…" She taps her shoulder lightly to ease her misunderstanding. "It's not the way you think. He was constantly bullied and I claimed him as my own!" She was the toughest of her age group remembering the howls the boys made as they squirm before her for laying a finger on Little Naruto.
Amena narrowed her eyes with a raised brow. "That's your excuse? So you can torment for your own enjoyment?"
The Hyuuga giggles in delight nodding her head without shame. "For my own enjoyment. Hehehe! He's always flustered everytime I nuzzle his nose. But I'd gotta admit, he's a real talker and slasher. A very loyal friend I supposed." Her expression softens as a radiant smile came to behold. "Weak he may be, but when his heart is kindled, inferno will reign over the darkest night." Amena could hear the deep admiration in her voice, red streaks across her cheeks as she tugged her hands behind. "You see this?"
The vanilla eyed gently lifts up her gem on her neck which soon mimicked by the raven-haired. "Yeah? What about it?"
"He called it The Binder, it was his gift to me." She smiled endearingly as Amena slack-jawed. "He said if any day the symbols mimic its counterpart, one shall find its suitor."
"Wait! You mean-?!"
Kina gave a simple nod and smile. "Yup, my gift to you was also a gift from your beloved Senpai!" Amena blushed earning a captivating cheeky look from her friend. "In the Hyuuga tradition, do you know what it means to be given jewelry?"
Amena smiled nervously shaking her head away from the teasing girl. "N-Nope!"
They halt in their tracks as Kina leans into her ear whilst plastering a devilish grin. The Uchiha could feel her breath inching closer as her beats to the anticipation. Kina breaths in and whispers, "A marriage proposal."
"WHAT?!" Kina laughs chokingly at her outburst while painfully holding onto her sides. "Are you trying to joke with me?!"
"HAHAHAHA! I'm serious! He has absolutely no idea!" She restrains her laughter and juvenile antiques grasping onto Amena's shoulder with a tight grip. She plaster a proud smile giving her a bold gleam. "You could say I'm engaged to him!" Her reaction is as expected, pure shock. Kina covered her lips with her fingers giving Amena a suggestive look from the corner of her eyes. "Oh-ooh, is someone jealous?"
Amena shoved her away looking bashful standing in a formal posture. "Nonsense, we're nothing like that. Have you ever seen the girls around him? They would flaunt over him in a matter of seconds!" She sputter in denial of the feelings welding inside her which receives a suggestive smirk.
"Hm? You wouldn't notice if you like him. Besides, why'd you think he took you to a detour?" Kina's smirk got wider as well as her brow as Amena pinch her chin in thought.
"T-That's because…." She wondered in contempt as to why he would do that. Of course she enjoys the scenic route they took day by day but what answer lies beyond?
Kina rolled her eyes looking back intently and grab her by the shoulder. "You'll find out soon enough. Come on, Naru-kun has already entered his dominion." They entered the ladies room adjacent to the throneroom to which Kina will be able monitor the status quo using her Byakugan. Though sound is inaudible, she excels in lip reading.
What came out of the 9th Paradigms's mouth was the most unprecedented thing she ever heard. "That idiot…"
Naruto
Sakura Haruno gawked speechlessly at his remark which also amused the prince as well. Sasuke looks towards the oddly nonchalant blonde standing unfazed and uncaring which caused him to smirk amusingly. "Haruno, you will fetch the present for our guest immediately. He's going to suffer in utter boredom without amusement."
Naruto raised his brow as Sakura looked over her shoulder dubiously. "B-But…" Sasuke gave her the unquestionable glance causing the pink haired to squirm. "I'll get to it Sasuke-sama!" She marched off to the nearest door before glaring bloody murder at the blond.
"Jeez, what's her problem?"
Sasuke caught his attention by wavering his hand. "Pardon my...assistant. She's been extremely unstable since our arrival." He stood up from his chair and Naruto looked to him with a stoic expression. "Pardon me, I haven't introduced myself. I am Uchi-"
"YEAH! YEAH! Sasuke of the Uchiha clan, almighty Prince of the Capitol, Commander of the Thousand Army, Wielder Of The Three Paradigms!" Naruto without doubt cut off the prince's introduction with an annoyed tone then pointed an accusing finger at him. "Let's cut to the chase! Why'd you send an assassin after me?!"
Sasuke smirked at his bold accusation and sat back looking down at him. "You're lucky you weren't a commoner. A recrimination against the Prince is a penalty worthy of a head on a spike." Naruto laid his finger down. It wasn't the threat, it wasn't the danger, it was obligation. "Tonight, you are my guest. It'll be treason to the gods if blood is spilled. You shall receive the satisfaction and answers you demand if you're willing cooperate judiciously. Won't you agree?"
Naruto refrained from frowning and pocketed his hands. Bickering will only extend his stay. "Peachy, what is it that you wish? Lord Sasuke?"
Sasuke waved off his deceitful tone and joined his fingers. "Splendid! Let's get down to business. You and I are the same. What shall we join forces? Your immortality and my unparalleled power." Sasuke slant forward smirking as the blonde gave him a dubious look.
"Why the fuck should I make love to man wishing to kill me? Have you gone mental?" Naruto restraint the tendency to shout but manages to keep his tone as passive as possible.
Sasuke sat straight upon his throne chuckling lightly. "You are as they say, reckless. Think about it, the Hokage knew your potential." Of course he knew. "You are destined for greatness! Living the life of a commoner has made you feeble. You wished to be recognized, to be known! Come with me and you shall receive adequate training. You will have everything a man will die for. Wealth. Power. Influence. Whores. Women. A heaven for a mortal man. Let us stand together side-by-side for justice against evil!" His persuasion is exceptional, no one would refuse such an offer.
Naruto folded his arms and pinching his chin forethought. "Hmm~, I'd love to wake up by the slurping sound of my cock around a pretty girl's wet mouth. Immersed myself in pussies and ramen for breakfast, lunch and supper. Your offer is gracious as you, your grace. Unfortunately, I've grown to have mediocre expectations in life. It pains me to say this but I'll have to pass." Naruto answered truthfully and without shame as their eyes met in collision of forces. "My loyalty will belong in Konoha and to myself to whatsoever I wish."
The Uchiha frowned and a knock came from the door beside him. "Come in…" Sasuke looked back to him as his usual visage creeps back up. "Very well, shall we play a game?" He motioned for them to be before him and Naruto got wide-eyed.
Ladies room
Kina continues to monitor the oddly entertaining situation but out of nowhere, her perception over the room began to distort. She deactivated her Byakugan assuming she needed rest. "That's odd…" She rubs her eyelids catching the concerned attention from the female Uchiha.
"What's wrong?" Amena's sharingan can't see through walls, only chakra signatures. Her only reliance is close quarters combat which she will posed if Naruto is any sort of danger.
"Nothing…" Kina assumed she had eye strain but it wasn't the case. Her temples bulged reassuming her position noticing her vision seems to have normalised. "They're still exchanging but I can't make out of what they're saying." The downside of using her Byakugan is chakra consumption, fortunately, she was able to alter her perception for longer lasting observation. At least they'd know he refused.
"And the situation?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "Civil."
Throneroom
"What's the meaning of this?" Naruto asked in confusion when a chained-slave was yanked upfront by the Masked executioner as they stood before him.
"How do you define justice?" Sasuke inquired leaning forward as Naruto looked to the pair. "What happens when a man of retribution confronts a servant of justice? What will the forefront, Uzumaki-san?" He had a intrigued interest in his voice as the blonde haired stood firmly.
"Punishment. Trial." He simply said as he stare through the holes of the masked man.
Sasuke nodded affirmingly and continues. "That's right, but how will you punished the wronged? That man has ended the lives of thousands of proclaimed innocents for the survival of others in order of Justice." Naruto glanced to each of the two to identify the guilty. "The other man favours justice but accused of wrongdoing. Therefore, resulting in the deaths of...various individuals. However, he pursuits vengeance in the mask of justice."
"..." Naruto kept silent glancing briefly at Sasuke before the perpetrators.
The Uchiha leans forward joining the tip of his finger looking intently at the lone Uzumaki. "So as I ask you, which one of these man deserves to be punished?"
Naruto bit his bottom lip before squinching his eyes in order of judgement. "If I am a man who fits to judge and accuse the wrong, I'll choose the slaughterer of innocents." Naruto glared passively at the masked executioner as all eyes on the room was on him.
The executioner took a step back frightened at his claim. "Wait! This isn-!"
SQUENCH
Before everyone knew it, his head violently explodes to a thousand pieces. His remains of brain matter lay splatter all around his corpse as his neck gushed out, spewing a torrent of blood. His lifeless body bend to his knees, before faltering over his own pool of blood. An eyeball was propelled towards Naruto as it hits his chest, for he stumble back at the horrific scene. The slave's eyes was an abyss of horror for the side of his body bathe in internals of the wasted man. He could feel the blood drenching his clothing, itching against his skin for it was still fresh and warm before its demise. Naruto mimic his. They all looked to the perpetrator, his finger imitates a loaded gun.
The Uchiha lays his hand by his side, a wicked smirk creeping up to his visage. "Congratulations, Uzumaki Naruto. You've killed a man of justice and left a widow to attend to her unborn child."
"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT! YOU KILLED HIM!" Naruto sputter in dispute for the murder he didn't commit.
His lips curved to the side, his visage darkens to the room. "Aye, I did. I am a man of justice, I serve justice and perish the wrong. I'm in commandment of the accuser. I abide to his wish and I served him well."
A wave of realization took over Naruto causing him quell, his heart beating senseless for his own action. "...?!"
Sasuke sat back down to his throne looking fascinated. "That man has served the Capitol for 15 years without question and without dishonor. He eradicated a diseased population saving the lives of countless other inhabitants. He retributed and succumbed judgement over heinous criminals. He acts and abide orders of higher authority. He was simply doing what he was told. On the other hand…" The Prince motioned to the supposed slave standing traumatized. "...this scum murdered and betrayed his fellow countrymen because he refused to abide to their wishes. He broke the sacred oath and became a deserter. He murdered a man of honor who could have or should have saved the lives of 10,000 innocent men, women and children. BECAUSE...money was his top priority." Sasuke leaned back sneering down at him. "I congratulate you, Uzumaki Naruto, you've just saved a criminal over a loyal servant."
The blue-eyed stumbled back for his knees were weak and shaky. He eyes pinned to the corpse of the executioner, a man who was just following orders. How could anyone justify for what he did? Who is to be blame for his actions that could have been prevented? Who is he to blame?! Who is he to judge?! He died because the accuser's conception of wrongdoing led him. He avert his lifeless gaze to the man of the throne. "Y-you! Why?!"
Sasuke curt his head to the side looking nonchalant. "Why? You see, these people live the life you don't see. We live unparalleled lives, the lives you can't imagine to understand! How can we justify our actions of justice when others view it differently. How can we differentiate right and wrong when the answer is clear!" His piercing gaze plow through the pool of blue. "We live in the mirage of our own REALITY! Built by our own BELIEFS! That is the world we live in!"
Naruto stood back up, his body trembles, his teeth gritting. Blue eyes piercing back. "If that's how you see it then FINE! Live in your own fucking reality! I live by mine!" Naruto marched to the doors to open it but to his unfortunate discovery, it won't bulge. "GET ME OUT OF HERE!" His cry reached scorned ears as he bangs the door with all the strength he could possibly muster.
Sasuke snorts amusingly for he still had the mentality to fight back. He motioned for the slave criminal to stand idle to the corner as he continues his game. "Don't waste your energy, we're about to reach our finality!" He had an insane glee in his laughter as Naruto stood stiff against the door. What the hell did he get himself into? "Come forward…"
The clock hits 10 and the room darkens as a pair of monitors descends from the ceiling to each side of the throne. One of the monitor lit up showing the guests enjoying the party. While the other, "W-What's going on?" His old orphanage.
"Lovely kids aren't they?" The screen flickers as the kind souls plays around in their bunks, running through hallways enjoying their young, kinless life. He caught a glimpse of the Mother scolding the children for breaking a mirror, it reminded him once. However, he never knew any of them.
"What is this treachery?!" Naruto shouted in demand as Sasuke stood up from his throne.
"Like I said, you and I are similar! We loathe corruption! We desire love for all but the world is made up of lies! You know it as much as I do! Come to me and we shall obtain our desires! For the greater good!" He extend his hand towards him receiving a nasty snarl.
Naruto snorts in disgust against his speech. "Go fuck yourself! Is that what you said to the people before you left their heads on a spike?!"
Sasuke motioned to the screen on his left and it flickers zooming in towards the masked guests. "See that? These Highborns committed sins against humanity, they're the reason this world craves hunger, power, destruction! They're at the center of the world! I invited them here for this sole purpose!" He immediately pointed his finger at him. "YOU will be the judge of them! Whether they get to live or not."
The screen flickers once again and Naruto's heart sank to the bottomless pit. "N-No!"
Sasuke heinously chuckled inwardly seeing his dawning reaction as he looks towards the screen over his shoulder. "Hmm~hmmm~Hmmm...Why the long face? It's expected."
Amena Uchiha and Kina Hyuuga are in it. Conversing amongst themselves unaware that their fates are upon his very hands. Naruto glared heatedly, his radiant blue turned viciously red. "Why are they in there?! What have they ever done?!"
He curt his head to the side looking somewhat surprised. "HAHAHAHA! You don't know?! Let me elaborate this to you! Amena Uchiha! Slaughtered an entire village all by herself! She bled the street into rivers, killed her own kin because they scorned her! Her very existence is a mistake! NEXT! Kina Hyuuga! Deserter of the Hyuuga clan after murdering her own father! Responsible for multiple assassinations and treason for conspiring with the enemy of The Fire Nation! Let me say this again, Uzumaki Naruto!" He ended his accusations with a maniacal laugh. "How can you justify their injustice?!"
Naruto was left speechless, gawking at the misery welding up inside him. He forced back the incomprehensible rage and bit his own arm in order to calm himself down to which astound Sasuke. He grunted as the blood seeps down his forearm, taking in a deep long breath before scowling. "It is not wise to judge others based on your own preconceptions and by their appearances."
The Prince frowned at his statement before a maniacal smile creeps up ear to ear. "Speak like a wise man! But your wisdom will not save you! You're in my dominion! So?! How will you justify them?"
Naruto gritted his teeth piercing his azure gaze towards black. "This is all just a game to you isn't it?! FINE! I'll play along!"
Sasuke released an evil chuckle as he clapse his hands. "BRAVO! Listen very closely, one of these screen represents your decision. The fireworks will start in a few minutes and when the time hits ZERO...they will ALL perished." Naruto grimaced as he begins to finalise his decision. "Want to know how they'll gonna die?! In each of the masks presented to the guests is a bomb! They WILL explode like the one's you saw earlier. In THAT orphanage for nameless savages hides a ticking time bomb. Oh, you think those pretty girls'll be safe?" His heart skipped a beat the moment he lashed out a pair of chokers. "Kina Hyuuga that peeping bitch! She thinks she can outsmart me? I've replaced their precious choker to mine! If activated, their heads will spewed out of their necks! Just IMAGINE THE SIGHT!"
The Uzumaki grinds his jaws swearing to the devil he will pay. "You fucking monster!"
"HAHAHAHA! We both are! Monsters in sheep's clothing! NOW! What is your answer?! Whom shall you spare?"
Children of innocents or sinners of this world? What can a mortal man of little significance do? What lesson is he trying to portray? Why did he take such drastic measures to test his fucking morals?! Why does he have to drag the innocents in such a mindless war?! He was sweating a river, the gripping sense in his heart clutched in misery. What would he have done?
Sasuke's felt like as if his ego has grown impatient watching the man standing idle. "Want me to elaborate for you? Here's your booster pack!" The screen flickered to Kina Hyuuga as Sasuke held up a sign. Naruto was stunned for he was unable to reign over his heartache torture.
The Sword Shaman went stiff when she felt another presence in the Ladies room. As far as she knew, they're the only ones here and if someone were to pass by she would have known beforehand.
Dark
Yes it is. She peered around the room and a dribble of liquid was heard. She turned to her comrade and her eyes shrouds in terror. "KINA!" Below her choker, she was draining blood like waterfall. Vines throbbing upwards to her head as she grunts in unimaginable pain. Her dress was stained by ounces of ounces of blood as it pours to her feet. She could not gape, she could scream. She could not hear the voices but she could only feel the her throat being drowned like a hopeless animal. Life was itching away every second as blood trickles down her nose and lips. She could only suffer.
"YOU BASTARD!" Naruto shouted ferociously with his eyes were blistering red. He ran to the throne and leap upwards with his fist cocked back. Sasuke stood unfazed smirking and caught his fist in mid-air. He twists it crunching every bone in his arm before backwards kicking him across the throneroom. His body impacts the indestructible door causing a resounding grunt as he slides to the cold floor. Naruto gawked at the structure of his arm, twisted like a barber's pole. The sound of Amena's distress reached his ears and he could only watch as she desperately tries to cut off the choker but it was indestructible by blade. "FUCKER! LET HER GO!"
Sasuke snarled his nose high and mighty. "You're weak. You're powerless. That is the consequence of living in hell." He undid his technique as Kina was able to cough out copious amount of blood.
"JUST LET HER GO! SHE'S INNOCENT!"
Sasuke spat before him tilting his head to the side. "So was the executioner! Come on! What are you going to do?! I'll bet my life on it! WATCH!" He exclaimed as he wore one of the feathered mask. "HATE ME! You have the chance to kill me! Kill me for what I've done! JUSTIFY ME!"
"FUCK YOU!" Naruto spat in distaste before spouting blood from his injury.
"YOU'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME! 30 SECONDS!"
"SHUT UP!"
"What will you do?! Take away the future of nameless bastards or perish the real criminals of this world?! WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE?!" Sasuke blurt out as the world around him succumbs to darkness. "AHHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Naruto grunts grasping his arm as he stood up with whatever strength he had. Watching the clock ticking down to judgement. He glared bloody murder at the monster before him, the real monster inside him. His decision lies ahead, his retribution. The Uzumaki released an exasperated breath, the world was on him, just laying and waiting for him to utter his final words. "Gimme a break!"
End of Chapter 6
Nothing to disclaim so Jane!
(Watching fire crackles in the woods)