Disclaimer
I don't own Naruto. Not trying to make any money here.
Note(s)
To be honest, my interest in harems has gotten pretty damn low, and I'm actually quite surprised I was able to get another chapter of this fic out. Maybe it's going back up… or not… or something. I won't go too far into this since I don't want to have gigantic ANs. As always, pictures in profile page… blah, blah, blah, you know the drill.
An Unexpected Return
Chapter 3: Beginning Rivalries
By Big-Babidi
It was with extreme annoyance when Tsunade awoke, as her office door swung open with tremendous force.
"Tsunade-no-baa-chan!"
Accompanied by an incredibly loud yell.
Tsunade awakened instantly, and while primary instincts screamed for her to introduce the sick, twisted individual that would interrupt her beauty sleep to a massive world of pain, she stopped after taking in his appearance.
Blond hair and blue eyes were already a rare combination inside Konoha's thick walls, but that foxy grin confirmed any doubts. The young man standing before her was Uzumaki Naruto. Elated at seeing the future Hokage back, she didn't bother slipping her shoes back on as she raced to his location. Her arms wrapped around his waist without hesitation, though she took a quick peek upon noticing others alongside him, the shinobi inside her on constant alert. Jiraiya came as no surprise, given his assignment as Naruto's instructor but she hadn't expected to encounter Yuuhi Kurenai or Kurama Yakumo.
"I missed you ya little brat." Their presence didn't really matter either way, as their combined arrival was most likely a coincidence. So instead, her gaze refocused back to Naruto, becoming affectionate. Tsunade found looking up to maintain eye contact with him as opposed to the reverse a most welcome change.
He smirked, "Good, 'cause with my new training, it won't be long before you end up missing the job of Hokage!"
Tsunade allowed herself a slight giggle. She looked forward to it.
Though briefly, Yakumo's face contorted at the sight of yet another women hugging Naruto as she pleased.
But catching subtle actions was second nature to the medical specialist. Tsunade raised an eyebrow at the Kurama girl's gesture. As far as she remembered, Naruto was attractive to foreign women, namely princesses or that Isaribi girl from Sea Country… or that woman. She had yet to encounter a female Konoha native whose care for Naruto extended beyond friendship.
Jiraiya snickered at the exchange. He had no idea returning to Konoha would end up so entertaining.
Untangling herself from the blond, Tsunade returned to her desk. Before addressing any of the shinobi present, she quickly raised her hand. Immediately, an ANBU descended beside her. Whispering a message in the man's ear, she dismissed him to carry out the order.
"Since I know your report will take a while, Jiraiya, I'd like to speak with Kurenai and Yakumo first." Fingers interlocked and resting comfortably at her desk, Tsunade went back to business.
The super pervert feigned sadness, "You're cruel, Tsunade. You give Naruto a hug, but leave your powerful and wise teammate with no love."
She smiled sweetly, "Exactly."
Approaching the Hokage, Kurenai started the next phase of her plan, "Actually, Hokage-sama, Yakumo and I ran into Naruto and Jiraiya-sama earlier today, and it couldn't have happened at a better time." Knowingly catching Tsunade's attention, she continued, "As you know, my pregnancy is hindering my ability to properly train Yakumo in improving her taijutsu, which just so happens to be what she needs for the upcoming Chunin Exams. With that in mind, we asked if Naruto could help her in that regard and he happily agreed. Not to mention if they're already training together, having them team up for the exams would be most beneficial."
'So it wasn't a coincidence.' Tsunade had to refrain from rolling her eyes. She saw through the red eyed Jonin's obvious plan a mile away. The medical specialist had been neck-deep in dangerous battles since before Kurenai was in her mother's womb. Did she really believe Tsunade wouldn't notice such a blatant attempt at playing matchmaker?
She turned to the men in the room. "Is this true?"
Naruto nodded enthusiastically, grinning in Yakumo's direction, "Yeah! I don't mind at all. Me and Yakumo'll have a lot of fun together!"
The Hokage's eyes darted to the Kurama heiress instantly after Naruto stopped speaking. She had little doubt Naruto's awkward wording was unintentional, but Tsunade had to give the pale girl credit; most people would've certainly missed her well hidden blush.
"What did you say about this, Jiraiya?"
She easily noticed her teammate doing his utmost to prevent laughing, "Well, it's not a problem by me. The kid needs to be promoted anyways, so what better way than to spend every day with a lovely lady to make it happen?"
Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. Of course Jiraiya would have little issue with the idea. She'd have to keep an extra eye on her crystal ball, lest it be stolen by certain perverted old men. Tsunade then focused her attention to the room's sole occupant yet to utter a single word. "And how do you feel about this, Yakumo? This will be your first time training without Kurenai's guidance."
Slightly alarmed from being singled out, Yakumo closed her eyes momentarily while bowing her head in an attempt to ward off the discomfort. "I'm alright with the arrangement Tsunade-sama. I… um, could use the change."
The Godaime said nothing about her behavior. She knew quite well the Kurama heiress' extensive therapy, and if anything, watching Yakumo speak out in any attempt to better herself was always a welcome sign. "As I have no objections myself, I'll allow it. However, because this is so sudden, you'll still need both an instructor, as well as another teammate for the exams."
Before any other words were exchanged, the same ANBU from before appeared at Tsunade's side with the aid of Shunsin no Jutsu. Whispering ensued once again, ending with Tsunade shaking her head and the masked shinobi leaving the office. "Well, Naruto, it looks like I've got a mission for you already."
The blond visibly perked up, "Eh? Really?"
Tsunade smiled. Naruto's thirst for missions hadn't waned in the slightest, "You remember the princess of Bird Country, Toki-sama?"
"Of course! Does she need our help again?" He rarely forgot anyone that impacted his life. Women who changed for the better thanks to his actions tended to remain in Naruto's memory with relative ease.
"Oh no no. She needs your help. You see, Toki recently arrived in Konoha to watch the Chunin Exams, but since she's unfamiliar with the village, she wants someone she is familiar with to show her around. Meet up with her at the entrance of The Greatest Leaf hotel in an hour. Until then, you're free to do as you please." Tsunade neglected to mention Haruna's presence for a reason. Remembering the agreement made with each princess, the Godaime sent an ANBU to inform each woman of Naruto's return. While finding Toki was effortless, resulting in this current mission, Greenery Country's princess had been spotted attending a formal lunch with the Hyuuga clan. Tsunade knew with nearly absolute certainty that Naruto was Haruna's primary reason for visiting, but the chances of her attempting to befriend one of Konoha's clans wasn't incredibly far fetched. Greenery Country's shinobi forces were still fairly weak after all, and their princess would most likely hire Konoha's shinobi for a variety of tasks in the near future. She knew Haruna's stubbornness was immense, and interrupting a formal attempt to better her country in the long run for purely personal reasons didn't sound like the wisest idea.
Surprisingly, Naruto didn't mind, "Well, that could be fun."
Tsunade liked his answer. The thirteen year old boy that left the village three years prior never would've accepted an obvious D-rank mission without putting up incredible resistance.
Clearing her throat, Kurenai placed a hand on Yakumo's shoulders, "With that taken care of, I've got some errands to run so I'll see you later. Be back home before it gets too dark alright? I'd rather not send Konohamaru-kun to get you out of trouble."
'Konohamaru?' Naruto raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment.
Yakumo was taken aback. "But Kurenai-sensei! What about our morning training? Naruto already has a mission lined up, so I won't have anyone to spar with."
"Nothing to worry about, Yakumo," Kurenai calmly stated with a knowing smile, "Since you and Naruto will be training together, why don't you help him out on this mission? I mean, Tsunade-sama has already given her approval for you two to team up, so why not start right now? I'm sure Naruto wouldn't have a problem. Right, Naruto?"
Finding the genjutsu mistress' stare unnerving, he nodded. Naruto truly had no issues either way. "That's fine." He faced Yakumo. "I wanna stop by my house first, but you can come too. And don't worry; Toki's really nice too, so I doubt she'd care if ya tagged along."
Naruto couldn't have been any more wrong.
She stared into his eyes longingly, desperately craving his warmth. Those cerulean orbs have never ceased to lead her into a mesmerized bliss that only made her never ending love for him continue its growth. The current moment was no exception. Although her better judgment wouldn't have stopped her anyway, she subconsciously placed her hand on his cheek, stroking the furry whiskers they contain.
"Sasame."
He gazed at the girl with his most tender smile, inwardly believing to be the luckiest man ever from having her affections. There wasn't a part about the girl that he didn't adore. Setting his hand behind her head, he gently stroked the girl's long, orange hair. He noticed the girl's cheeks sporting a brand new shade of red. Her reaction served to make his care for her intensify even further.
"Sasame!"
The two simultaneously confessed their unyielding love to one another, as their lips gradually moved closer, intent on getting to know each other. The perfect romantic moment. With no more than an instant until the anticipated lip-lock…
"Sasame!"
Snapping out of her daydream, Fuuma Sasame focused her attention towards her roommate Ran, who appeared quite irritated from her friend's fantasizing. Both seated at the dining room table in their small apartment, she barely suppressed the laugh threatening to burst after watching Sasame smooching the air.
Following the events in Rice Field Country, the Fuuma Clan became Konoha's unofficial spies. With such a close location to the Sound, their findings were ideal for the Leaf, as they kept Konoha up to date with the snake sannin's twisted schemes. Jiraiya knew what he was doing when he negotiated the arrangement with Hanzaki, the clan head.
Unfortunately, the Fuuma Clan's espionage days didn't last long.
Orochimaru himself made sure of that.
Once their investigations dug too close to his liking, the snake sannin struck back. It started lightly. During the next few months, clan members were picked off one by one whenever left alone. Once the Sound's most efficient hunter-nin eliminated nearly a third of the clan, Orochimaru sent a message to the Fuumas revealing his involvement with the assassinations of their kin. The note also mentioned their rapidly approaching demise and one method to be spared of such fate.
Follow the steps of their dead brethren from months prior and join the Sound.
Now Orochimaru's message served multiple purposes. First and foremost, the snake sannin needed to obliterate any spies in his nation. That much was a given. While he could've simply annihilated them, the traitor had no interest winning empty handed. Besides, he still needed to learn their prized clan jutsu.
Then came the psychological factors. The Fuuma clan's memory of the immense hardships and their own near extinction from his actions were still strong. Speaking of memory, they clearly remembered how easily and effortlessly the other clan members betrayed them for power. Kamikiri, Jigumo, Kagero, and most of all, Arashi never showed any contempt during their days in the clan as they always cared for others before themselves. Their betrayal completely blindsided the others, making it all the more painful. With that in mind, the distrust between clan members skyrocketed to enormous proportions. People hardly spoke to one another, and morale dropped to an all time low.
Sasame tried to make the best of things under such hard times, but any kindness was usually ignored or cautiously accepted at best.
Running out of options, Hanzaki gave the order to retreat to Konoha. While their arrangement with the Leaf was important, the clan's survival came first and foremost. Konoha would understand, as getting slaughtered threw a major wrench in successful scouting.
Sadly, the Fuuma clan never made it. Awaiting their arrival on the border between the Land of Fire and Sound were six jounin squads and two shinobi in the center as the leaders. One was a white haired youth with insanely shiny spectacles, while the other was some dark haired kid who must've been around Sasame's age. All of whom sported a forehead protector from the Hidden Sound. As three Fuumas broke formation from the others and stood beside the enemy, the no longer potential traitor's identity became apparent.
For Sasame, what happened next was so fast it seemed like a blur. One instant she was preparing for battle and the following moment she was carried off the battlefield by one of her clansmen. Held over the man's shoulder, she recognized him as one of the clan's genjutsu specialists. Days before he'd discussed mastery over a certain invisibility jutsu, which must be how they remained undetected. Even with the rush of battle, Sasame could tell the man was injured. His haggard breath, uncoordinated steps and the scent of blood permeating his body conveyed more than necessary.
As the pair were retreating the battle, she spared one glance towards the battlefield. It took all her willpower to prevent screaming on the spot.
Calling it a fight or a brawl would be an exaggeration of the highest degree.
There was no battle.
Only a massacre.
Feeling her shoulder getting tapped multiple times, Sasame was taken out of her thoughts by Ran… again.
The brunette's features held annoyance while her free hand possessed a rice ball. She shook her head. "You and your spacing out." Ran's expression softened, "Rough morning?"
"You could say that again. A jounin came in this morning in critical condition. We tried everything we could but nothing worked. It was so bad we needed Tsunade-sama to save his life." The Fuuma girl sighed, leaning back in her chair. "So yeah, rough morning."
Ran smiled. "Want one?" She asked, extending her hand containing the rice ball. "Sounds like you could use a good lunch."
The orange haired girl nodded, snatching the food. "Thank you!" She chirped, happily munching away.
Seeing Sasame's bright smile always filled Ran with joy. She preferred the orange haired girl sporting that particular expression. It fit much better than the traumatized, frightened child carried into her village roughly two years prior.
She preferred the radiant enjoyment Sasame emitted when the name Uzumaki Naruto sprang up in conversations. The blush, the following smile, and her constant ease to admit feelings for the blond ninja never ceased to amaze her.
Though it brought its own set of problems.
Although Ran hadn't said it aloud, she too was quite taken by the Uzumaki boy. While Neji and Tenten had no intentions of defending her village back then, Naruto and his sin-atoning friend Menma made damn sure that Ran, Fuki and the other villagers received the protection they deserved. The wall they built not only strengthened the village's defense, but it also brought the people together and supplied them the necessary courage to stand up and fight back. If they hadn't helped…the girl had no desire entertaining the thought.
Thinking back, she had to admit the silly way he introduced himself was rather cute. Even if she'd never heard of him prior, the story of Uzumaki Naruto from Konoha did in fact become widely known in her village.
Naruto's vacancy from Konoha left her with mixed feelings. Living in the boy's hometown without his presence obviously didn't sit well with her. She wanted him in her life, whether for simple conversations, enjoyable dates or to hear his opinion on new recipes she'd learned from her new job at Ichiraku Ramen. The alternative, however, wasn't any better. Ran treasured her friendship with Sasame immensely, and the idea of their great relationship falling apart because of a guy disturbed her more than she cared to confess aloud.
Noticing said orange-haired girl refrain from taking another rice ball, Ran frowned, "I thought you said you were hungry."
Sheepishly, the orange-haired girl chuckled lightly, "Well, yeah, but I can't stay too long. I gotta go back to work. Another girl needs to be off early, so I agreed to cover the rest of her shift." Standing up, she paused, "Oh yeah, and don't worry about supper. Me and Sakura are gonna go out to eat afterwards."
Ran blinked. How did Sasame know she'd immediately ask about her dinner situation? Perhaps her motherly concern became much more noticeable than she estimated, though toning it down was all but impossible, given her home's inhabitants.
"That's alright. I'll just save this for Fuki." Ran's little sister, the apartment's third occupant, would most likely arrive home from the academy with an empty stomach, salivating during the entire duration while she and Ran prepared dinner. A pre-made rice ball seemed like the perfect idea to satisfy her hunger without filling the girl's stomach completely.
Rising from her own seat, Ran started gathering objects, "Before you leave, Sasame, could you help me put all this away? I'd really appreciate it."
A smile decorating her pretty face, Sasame sauntered to her friend's location. Only stopping at a nearby proximity, she gave the brunette a teasing nudge while she helped pick up the dirty dishes off the table, bringing them to the apartment's kitchen sink. The pair laughed, remaining side by side as they began washing and drying the dishes in pure enjoyment.
With their backs facing the apartment's window, neither female noticed the object of their affections leisurely walking by their home beside some pale girl they didn't recognize.
The entrance door to the Yamanaka's flower shop was quietly shut. If not for her other profession as a shinobi, Ino wouldn't have noticed. Her eyes peered upwards, noticing Isaribi returning. After taking care of the Inuzuka girl's order, boredom overtook the flower shop once again. Seated atop of the counter, the blond's legs swayed back and forth, reading the same magazine for the seventeenth time that day.
"So… how'd it go?" Ino already knew the question was pointless. Seeing her scarred friend come back with any expression barring a grin from ear to ear said enough.
The reunion between Isaribi and Naruto didn't go so smoothly.
Isaribi sighed. Upon hearing Naruto's return to the village, she hoped their relationship would take off without interruption. The former fish girl had little doubt the two of them would make an incredibly happy couple, as she accepted everything about him unconditionally and knew the feeling was mutual. She plopped down in a chair beside the counter, arms resting in her lap, her head peered down.
"Not as great as I wanted, no thanks to that other girl."
The Yamanaka girl's head shot up like a rocket, her magazine instantly forgotten. "Other girl?"
Isaribi nodded.
Blinking, Ino had a hard time believing it, "Just to make sure we're on the same page here, you mean to say there's another girl also interested in Naruto who screwed up your reunion?"
"Yes, Ino." The former fish girl clenched her teeth.
The blonde chuckled at her friend's annoyance, "I can't help being skeptical, ya know. I mean, this is Naruto we're talking about. He's a good guy but ya gotta admit, the thought of multiple women fighting for his attention is pretty ridiculous."
"Ino…" Isaribi warned.
Fully knowledgeable of her friend's low tolerance towards negativity directed at Uzumaki Naruto, Ino quickly raised her hands in defense. "Sorry, sorry! It's just kinda weird to me, that's all!" She paused, "So who is this girl anyways? Were she and Naruto doing well… ya know?" Ino asked with a teasing smirk
Thankful for changing the subject, the former fish girl still didn't enjoy the implication brought forth from Ino's latest question, "Of course not, and I don't know who that weirdo is. Well, I do know she's mean. And she's pale. And tall. And ugly. And mean."
"Yeah… you already said that."
"Shut up Ino."
The Yamanaka chunin ignored her, eyes closed and began thinking. 'A girl with pale skin, huh? Hinata may count, but only someone delusional would consider her mean. Hmmm… Sakura, maybe? She's not that dark either, and isn't always the nicest person around, but I'm pretty sure she's working right now so that doesn't hold water.'
"I don't know if this helps, but now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure she was friends with Shino-san's instructor."
Ino's eyes snapped open immediately, her search already narrowed down to one. 'Kurama Yakumo? She likes Naruto? That doesn't make any sense at all. Do they even know each other?'
"So who is she?"
Her head turned slightly, only to recoil at the lack of distance Isaribi's surprisingly intimidating gaze was from her own face. The blonde laughed nervously, "What do you mean?"
"Don't lie to me, Ino. I know you. Who is she?"
Gulping, Ino recalled the subject of their conversation. Off the top of her head, Yamanaka Ino could only remember a single instance she'd seen Yakumo her entire life. The premiere encounter occurred when Asuma requested his students assist moving the Kurama heiress' belongings into his home. Upon sight of the girl, Ino immediately sprung into beginning a friendly chat involving her favorite romantic films, cute guys and the seven critical tips for maintaining superb fashion sense only to receive a flat stare from Yakumo and a quick statement of "stay away", followed by the pale girl leaving the room. Afterwards, both Kurenai and Asuma confronted her about Yakumo's behavior, apologizing on the girl's behalf and explaining that certain unfortunate circumstances led to her demeanor, along with their confidence she'd improve with their help. Ino could see the care and concern the pair had for the girl –especially from Kurenai– with ease.
'Oh shit. This better not get outta hand. Asuma-sensei and Kurenai-sensei'll kill me if Yakumo gets mixed up in some heavy catfight over some guy.' With a heavy sigh, Ino began speaking.
The trip to Naruto's apartment proceeded in a dull and uneventful manner.
Walking beside the boy, Yakumo frowned. Such a golden opportunity her sensei provided, but her hope of making a good impression seemed like nothing more than a romantic pipe dream. Other than Naruto making a few comments –to which she'd respond by nodding with a pretty smile– the walk from the Hokage Tower happened in complete silence. She wanted to speak, she really did. Getting better acquainted with Uzumaki Naruto was one of the few things Yakumo truly yearned for, but the words just wouldn't come out. 'It'll get better with time. I know it will. It has to! I just gotta get comfortable with him first.'
"Here's my apartment complex."
Thoughts interrupted, Yakumo followed Naruto's line of sight to spot the building he'd apparently spent a great deal of his life inside. The Kurama heiress would be the first to admit lacking expertise on real estate, but even she could tell these apartments were simply average quality in comparison to Konoha's other residential areas. It was nothing eloquent but far beyond a nasty, smelly dump of a home.
She followed the boy inside, taking note of his brief interactions with the other residents. Where few gave him a polite nod or a kind greeting in response to his own, the majority inside ignored his presence entirely. What struck her as strange was their behavior. Of those ignoring Naruto, none seemed to do so from any desires of being malicious. If anything, disregarding the boy seemed to be a habit, as if treating him like he never existed was the most common, usual, everyday idea concerning how to deal with Uzumaki Naruto. But how could that be? Could this tie in on his own odd understanding to the monster inside her?
Yakumo dismissed the thought immediately under the assumption she overanalyzed. So caught up in her own musings, she nearly bumped into him as he stopped in front of a door. Assuming they'd reached his apartment, she casually peered over his shoulder, as he worked on the door. How Naruto lived on a daily basis was a subject of great interest to the girl.
Without warning, Naruto quickly unlocked his door, opening it with great haste. His eagerness in returning to home-sweet-home was stronger than he imagined, he wondered if everything was the same.
Immediately, he saw something different.
Naruto didn't notice the changes in his home's interior. He didn't recognize the new calendar on the wall, nor the altered arrangement of his furniture. His brain didn't bother registering the extra pairs of shoes a few sizes too small for his feet, as well as undisputedly female attire spread all over his apartment floor. No ramen on the table, but instead Amaguriya youkan? Well within sight, but remained out of mind.
His entire focus was towards the obviously unexpected and surprised freckled girl dressed in absolutely nothing save for a towel leaving little to the imagination, water leaking down her body. Her incredibly toned body, Naruto failed to recall a female with such an appealing, muscular figure.
"Naruto-kun, what sort of activities go on at your place?"
Needless to say, Kurama Yakumo saw the situation in a totally different light.
Admittedly, this only had a minor pre-read, so don't hesitate in tearing this piece o' crap of a chapter apart as you see fit. Don't worry, I can handle it.
Big-Babidi