Ashikabi no Naruto 8

AN/: Okay so there is a majorish time skip in this chapter. I did it since I need to move on with the story. Since quite some time has passed everyone will be SLIGHTLY different and some character will appear closer then they were before.

•••••

3rd Year High School student Uzumaki Naruto sighed as he listened to the teacher go on and on about how this was an important year in their lives. Naruto mostly tuned him out already knowing all the man wanted to say. Instead he was faced with his own dilemma. It had been quite some time since he had first met Kazehana and Yume. He could honestly say he was happy after the longest time. They both meant the world to him despite their quirks. If anything those made them even more endearing in his opinion. It was because of them he was facing a dilemma. Before he had met them his entire life had been mapped out in his head. Go to High School. Graduate. Go to College. Graduate. Get a job and live his life until he until he died of old age. Alone. But that was exactly the problem. He wasn't alone anymore. While no one talked about it he was worried about the future. Both the immediate and the far. Right now they had those nifty M.B.I cards to take care of any monetary issues he might have along with his own trust fund but M.B.I would more then likely cancel them when this stupid game ended and his trust fund would eventually end. To support himself and them and any children they may have in the future he would need a job. A good job. That in itself wasn't a problem. The problem came with what to do. Any good job would require him to spend quite some time at the office away from them. He did NOT want that. He had grown up without a father and he wasn't going to do that to his own children. He didn't really have much time left to decide either.

He sighed as he once again shoved the problem to the back of his head. He would eventually figure something out. He had various temporary solutions in place so it wasn't an IMMEDIATE problem. The bell rang and he headed out thankful to he out of the classroom. He disliked having to sit behind a desk for so long.

As he headed outside the school again he saw a black sedan parked at the gate. He wasn't surprised as Yume came out of the driver's seat dressed in a rather sexy office outfit. She, as always waved at him and said, " Over here Naruto-sama!" As if he wouldn't be able to find the car.

He couldn't help but smile as he remembered just how he had gotten a car. He had come out of school last year to find Yume being harassed by some sort of thugs of all people at the school gate. She had of course dealt with them the moment she saw him but it had still pissed him off at the time that she had to go through that. He had later found out that those thugs had been coming around for almost an entire week just to harass Yume. He had of course gone ballistic and gone directly to their hideout and taken care of their entire 'gang' despite her assurances that she was fine. Of course he had tried to ban her from coming to get him so it didn't happen again. Surprising it had been Kazehana who had suggested he buy a car since it would be a more convenient way to travel. One purchase via M.B.I card later he had a shiny black sedan. It had come as quite a surprise when Yume of all people knew how to drive. He had expecting to have Kazehana learn since they refused to let him come home alone. Much to his pleasant surprise he had managed to convince Yume to get rid of the maid dresses she had and instead go for the 'official assistant' look since it suited her 'new role' more. She had accepted since apparently that 'made sense'. At this point Kazehana had intervened again and had bought Yume's clothes again. So of course it was extremely provocative like something you would expect from an ecchi manga. Of course knowing Kazehana that was probably where she got the idea from in the first place.

He came over to her and handed her his bag as he said, " Hey Yume-chan. We're you waiting long?"

She shook her head and said, " No I just got here."

Naruto couldn't help but shake his head at the obvious lie. She had probably arrived hours ago knowing her. She was extremely overprotective despite now knowing he wasn't a 'normal' Ashikabi. He had long since given up on curbing her protective and possessive nature and just accepted it. He could hear the usual whispers around him but didn't let it bother him. People were always spreading rumors about him since he became an Ashikabi last year. Only the gossipmongers really talked about him now. Everyone just got on with their lives. He got into the backseat and watched the passing buildings as Yume drove. She was a surprisingly safe driver. He remembered being half worried about her driving the first time he had gotten into a car with her despite her multiple assurances. Of course she had managed to abate his worries quite well within minutes.

They made small talk as they drove back to his apartment. She parked the car in the lot reserved for the residents and they both went up the elevator to his apartment. He unlocked the door to walk into the delicious smell of Kazehana's cooking. He smiled as he greeted, " Were Home!"

Kazehana yelled back, " Welcome back! I'm in the kitchen."

Naruto headed to the kitchen again with Yume to help with the table while Kazehana finished cooking. His entire day followed an almost set routine but he felt content just being with them. As they ate lunch both girls told him about what they did all day. Well it was mostly Kazehana since Yume would usually show up at the gates a bit after midday. He in turn told them about school.

As they were washing up Kazehana gasped and said, " Oh yeah! I almost forgot we have to go meet Miya for dinner she invited us over."

Yume's eyes brightened as she said happily, " Yay we get to meet Miya-sama again!" Yume had fallen in love with Miya or rather her cooking. Apparently she liked Miya's food even more then Kazehana's cooking much to Kazehana's gloom.

Naruto smiled at the thought of meeting the beautiful landlady again and said, " Of course we will go. Thanks for telling us."

Kazehana glared at him and swatted him none to gently as she said accusingly, " I know that smile! Your thinking about Miya's ass aren't you!"

Normally he would deny the accusation right away but for some reason Kazehana never seemed to believe him. He instead just gave her a wink and said, " It IS a fine ass isn't it?"

Kazehana swatted him again and said, " I don't know how your alive with the way you talk about her…"

Naruto just grinned at her and said, " It's because Miya-chan actually likes me." And it was true. Miya was quite affectionate with him quite like what he imagined an older sister would have been like. She never got angry with him unlike the other residents of the Inn and even if she did scold him it was jokingly. Naruto didn't mind the attention and he enjoyed being in Miya's presence.

Yume finally came back from whatever food based daydream she was having as she said, " We should wash up if we have to go later." Effectively ending any argument Naruto and Kazehana could have gotten into. Naruto smiled thankfully at her as he picked up the plates. Yume could be quite shrewd when she wanted to be. She knew Kazehana was quite competitive for Naruto's attention when it came to Miya.

Naruto had a clone wash the dishes as he quickly went to his room to finish any work he had for the day since they were going out for the night. While he finished his work Kazehana and Yume were watching anime in the living room. Both girls had been quite taken with it apparently. He himself enjoyed watching it on occasion. He found a lot of the ones about ninja ridiculous though. He was a former ninja and he certainly didn't enjoy sneaking around at night assassinating people left right and center. He supposed he might be a bit biased in this case though. Just a bit.

After he had finished his work and they had all taken a shower they got ready to head to Izumo Inn. It had taken quite a while since Kazehana insisted they all take on together. They got into the car and Yume drove them to the Northern section of the city reaching the Inn within half an hour. Usually it took longer since they had used to go by taxi or by foot but with their own car it was a significantly shorter journey. Naruto knocked loudly on the door. A few moments later it opened showing Miya. She smiled at them and said, " Oh I was wondering when you would all show up. Please come in."

Naruto smiled and said, " Thanks for having us Miya. It's always a pleasure to come out to see you."

Yume nodded enthusiastically and said, " Yeah. Miya-sama's cooking is the best!"

Naruto sighed quietly. Yume really had a one track mind when it came to food. Kazehana smiled at her former captain and said, " Hey Miya."

Miya just giggled and said, " Oh my. It is good to see you are all so lively. Please go to the dinner table while I finish cooking."

Yume immediately appeared before Miya and said pleadingly, " Let me help please!"

Miya giggled and said, " Only if you promise not to eat anything until we are all at the dinner table Yume-chan."

Yume nodded and said, " Of course Miya-sama!" As she followed after Miya.

Kazehana sighed and said, " That girl can be so simple minded. It's almost hard to believe she's stronger then me…"

Naruto smirked as they walked towards the dining room and said, " Sorta reminds me of you when we go drinking."

Kazehana smirked back and said, " I don't ever remember you complaining about to results…" she finished referring to their 'nightly activities' when they got home.

Naruto just stuck his tongue out at her as they entered the dining room. There were already a few other residents inside. Naruto smiled as he greeted Kagari with a manly hug. He then nodded at the other two residents a redhead named Matsu and a burnete named Uzume. They were both apparently newer residents of the inn. Kazehana got along well with them, particularly Uzume so he guessed they were both okay. Yume being Yume got along with them as well even if she hasn't known them long. It was really hard to hate someone as sweet as Yume after all. He then looked back to Kagari and said, " It's nice to see you again Kagari-san. It's unfortunate you couldn't join us last week."

Kagari laughed and said, " Yes it is. Unfortunately I had some business to take care of."

Naruto already knew Kagari was the masked man who called himself the 'Guardian of Unwinged Sekirei' but didn't mention it since Kagari wanted to keep it a secret. He didn't hold it against him. Everyone had some secrets after all. It had been easy to recognize him once he saw him in his unmasked form again. They had the same voices along with hair and eye colours.

He was interrupted as he heard someone giggle behind him. He turned around to see Matsu giggling madly her eyes having an insane glint in them. She said in her creepy voice, " Kagari and Naruto-san… hehehe…"

The slightest bit of blood leaked from her nose giving away exactly what she was thinking. Kagari jumped away from Naruto as if he was burned a huge blush on his face. Naruto couldn't help but think it really did make him seem like a girl. He pointed threateningly at Matsu and said, " It's not like that you prevented scum! I am just friends with Naruto-san!"

Naruto couldn't help but sigh. It was like he found a female version of Jiraya… it was rather disturbing actually. To think the man was haunting him from beyond the grave like this. Suddenly everyone felt a chill as a voice behind them said, " Ara I think Matsu isn't hungry today. She seems to excited to sit still on the dinner table. Why don't you go back up to your room to relax?"

Everyone already knew it was Miya who spoke and it was by no means a request. Matsu was sweating bullets as she said, " Now Miya-tan, lets not be hasty here… just stay calm."

Miya tilted her head cutely and said, " Ara but I am perfectly calm."

The scary eyes of death didn't help support her statement not that anyone would dare comment otherwise. Miya ruled in the Inn with an Iron grip. Naruto took pity on the female Jiraya and said, " Ah I'm sure she is sufficiently calm now Miya-chan so please let Matsu-san eat dinner with us. I don't get to see you all as much as I would like as it is."

Miya huffed and said, " If Naruto-kun requests me like that then I cannot refuse…"

Miya looked incredibly cute for some reason as she said this. Suddenly the starry eyed residents of the Inn appeared before him prostrating as they all said in synchronization, " Please teach us great one!"

Naruto rubbed his head and said, " Ah come on guys lets eat before Miya's hard cooked meal gets cold."

Of course they all immediately returned to their seats. It would do no good to learn the secrets of the young man if they were killed before they could use them. And undoubtedly Miya would kill them for letting her food go to waste. That idea was of course put to the side as they saw Yume eating at an amazingly, disturbingly fast pace. With her around that was probably not possible. Suddenly a frying pan hit Yume on the head and Miya said, " Yume-chan, a lady does not eat so quickly. Chew your food properly."

Yume looked at her with an incredibly cute teary-eyed face and said, " But Miya-sama… it's so good!"

Miya sighed as she saw this and giving in said, " If you eat slowly ill make you something to take with you."

Yume's face lit up immediately as she said, " Arigatou Miya-sama!"

Naruto smiled gratefully at Miya and said, " Sorry for the trouble Miya-chan."

Miya just shook her head and said with a smile, " It's no problem. I like cooking and it feels rather nice to be appreciated."

Taking the hint Naruto smiled back and said, " Speaking of which your cooking is to die for as always."

Miya hide her face behind her sleeve and said, " My Naruto-kun you're making me blush. If I didn't know any better I would think you were hitting on this poor widow…"

Naruto chuckled and said, " It's not hitting on if its true Miya-chan. Besides it's nice to see you smile. You shouldn't hide it behind your sleeve."

Miya had the slightest of blushes on her face as she removed her hand from her face and the smallest of smiles didn't seem to fade the rest of the night. Uzume who was drinking with Kazehana chuckled and said, " Watch out Nee-san or you might loose your man to Landlady-sama!"

Kazehana who was also drinking cried in an overly dramatic fashion and said, " See my distress Uzume! He flirts with other women so openly even in front of me!"

Uzume patted her back comfortingly and said, " There there Nee-san, you'll have him all to yourself later…"

Kazehana suddenly smirked and said, " Yes then we will do many things… many many wild things… hehehe… take that Miya!"

Suddenly a chill descended on the room again as Miya stood over the both of them and said, " Speaking of lewd things is forbidden in Izumo Inn!"

Uzume's eyes widened and she said, " But we didn't…"

She wasn't able to finish as they were both knocked out by Miya's fearsome frying pan. While they had technically not said anything wrong Miya disliked the insinuation of what Kazehana was implying and reacted without realizing it. She disliked it when others talked of her Naruto in such a manner. Suddenly she stiffened as she realized what she just thought. Miya cursed in her head. She had no claim over him. They were just friends. So why did she react so violently. She had fallen in love with Takehito-san all those years ago right? How could she just love someone else? Something like that is impossible for a Sekirei. A small voice in the back of her head pointed out that Kazehana had once loved someone else but she crushed it ruthlessly. She was drawn out of her inner world as Naruto said, " Ah I think we should all get going Miya-chan. It was a pleasure to see you again. I'll drop by again soon."

As he said this he took her hand and kissed it gently like a true gentlemen. She tried to move her hand away but it just felt so RIGHT that it didn't budge. She maintained her facade and said cheerily, " It's always a pleasure to see you Naruto-Kun. Your welcome here anytime."

She rationally knew she should distance herself from him. It was for the best but once again the words just seemed to flow on their own, blowing over he rationality like it was a small pebble in the face of a tidal wave. Naruto gently picked up Kazehana and said, " Come on Yume-chan!"

Much to her surprise she found Yume staring at her expectantly almost as if she was expecting something. Suddenly she realized she had promised to give Yume something to take home with her. She had been so distracted she had completely forgotten. She went into the kitchen and retrieved some rice balls from the fridge handing them over to Yume who smiled and said, " Arigatou Miya-sama!"

Miya couldn't help but smile as she saw the smiling girl walk out to her Ashikabi. At that moment she couldn't help but envy the strength of her successor. To be able to smile such a bright and true smile despite all the pain she had gone through. Miya hadn't smiled a true smile in many years until Naruto came along. The pain of her past seemed to make everything seem dull. It took a type of strength to smile so brightly that you lit up the dullness around you. A type of strength she feared she didn't have. It was rather pathetic in her own opinion. The strongest being on the planet and yet she was just as vulnerable if not even more vulnerable to the wounds of the heart then those around her. She didn't know what to do anymore… her morals were in direct conflict with her heart and she was powerless to stop it. It seems even away from the space ship and M.B.I she was fated to be a caged bird. If not to them then to herself.

•••••

Naruto grinned as he stood with the ball just ahead of the half court line. There were only a few seconds left on the clock and they had the game well in hand, Tokyo high being fifty-six points in the lead. He had to hand it to the other guys. They hadn't given up even with the overwhelming disadvantage they had. As the clock wound down Naruto tossed the ball towards the basket.

The commentator said, " And it seems Uzumaki is just letting the ball go not increasing his overall points to fifty…"

Just as the buzzer rang the ball went through the basket without even touching the rim. Silence rained in the hall as everyone just stared. Suddenly the damn broke as everyone broke out into cheering and hooting as the commentator said, " What an AMAZING shot! And Tokyo high wins the regionals 109-50. ' Unstoppable Scorer' Uzumaki is undoubtedly the player of the match and he had an amazing performance! 51 points, 7 assists, 8 steals, 26 rebounds and 11 blocks! He was a one-man army on the field! With him leading them it seems Tokyo high will get its third consecutive victory at the nationals this year."

Naruto grinned as everyone crowded him. The coach patted him on the back and said, " Good job as always kid."

One of his teammates who was incidentally also in his class said, " Alright guys lets go celebrate! Third consecutive victory here we come!"

A familiar voice behind him said, " Naruto-sama!"

He turned around with his team and saw Yume waving at him to get his attention. As if he would miss her otherwise. Kazehana was standing next to her also in suit. She apparently wanted to 'match' with Yume. He had of course known they had come to watch him. One of his teammates slapped him on the back and said, " Damn Uzumaki you got good tastes…"

One of the younger ones said, " Is one of them senpai's girlfriend?"

Naruto nodded and said, " Yeah… sorry guys looks like ill be missing the party."

His classmate slapped him on the back and said, " You bastard! You don't have to rub it in us womanless men's face's… having them come here in such outfits…"

Naruto chuckled and said, " Ah no they picked those themselves."

For some reason that seemed to make him even sadder as he started weeping and said, " Just go Naruto… before I die of heart break!"

Naruto sweat dropped and said, " See you guys later…" as he left his suddenly extremely gloomy teammates behind. Even the coach seemed a bit gloomier.

Naruto walked over and greeted both of them with a smile as he said, " Hey girls."

Yume of course was all over him gushing in excitement as she said, " Oh Naruto-Sama! You were amazing! It was even better then the guys on T.V!"

Naruto just chuckled and said, " Well I DO sort of have a bit of an advantage."

Kazehana stared at him incredulously and said, " A bit… that's like saying the Miya is just slightly scary."

Naruto grinned cheekily and said, " In which case I win cuz she isn't scary!"

Kazehana just huffed and muttered, " To you…"

Seeing her pout Naruto pulled her closer by the waist and said, " Aw come on you know I was just teasing."

Kazehana grinned at him slyly and said, " You owe me another date mister!"

Naruto rolled his eyes and said, " I would have agreed to that anyways you know."

Yume spoke up excitedly, " Oh I want to go as well!"

Naruto 'hummed' and said, " Alright I'll take both of you out on the weekend. Kazehana on Friday. Yume-chan on Saturday and we can all go somewhere together on Sunday."

Kazehana smirked and said, " My my such a playboy. Taking two girls out at the same time!"

Yume not realizing Kazehana was just being a tease said, " What's wrong with us going out as a family?"

Both Kazehana's and Naruto's eyes widened as they heard Yume's words. Family. It was the first time someone actually said it out loud. They both embraced her fiercely and Naruto said, " Yume-chan, please don't ever change."

They heard clapping behind them as a voice said, " My my what a touching scene…"

All of them spun around to see their least favorite Sekirei Karasuba standing behind them. Yume glared hatefully at Karasuba and said, " Why are you here Karasuba?"

Surprised by Yume's sudden change in attitude Naruto put a hand on her shoulder. Partly to comfort her and also to restrain her from attacking the other woman. If the look of pure hate was anything to go by she was barely restraining herself from attacking Karasuba. Karasuba just laughed and said, " My my Yume, is that any way to greet an old friend?"

Naruto taking charge of the situation said, " I'm sorry if I'm interrupting your reunion but what does M.B.I want from me?"

Karasuba looked at him as if he were a bug. The look of dismissal in her eyes was so obvious to Naruto. It was as if she thought she was better then Naruto in every possible. It had been a while since someone had looked at him like that and he had to say it wasn't a nice experience. It reminded him too much of the looks the villagers gave him without the hate. She just shook her head and said, " Oh no this is a…personal visit. When I heard Yume got winged I just had to come… congratulate her. I've been hoping for so long for her to be winged you see."

Naruto smiled forcefully at her and said, " I'm sure she appreciates it. Since you don't seem to have any other business with us we'll be taking out leave. It was a… pleasure seeing you again."

Her eyes seemed to flash with anger. No doubt she was angry at being dismissed so casually by a 'lower' being. Her hand crept towards her blade only for Naruto to be inside her personal space hand already resting on her sword's hilt trapping it in its sheath. Her eyes widened at the display of speed. She had been so unprepared for it that she wasn't able to react in time. Naruto leaned down channeling his not insignificant killer intent and said, " I don't appreciate you coming here with the sole purpose of taunting Yume. If it wouldn't cause a scene I would kill you right now. So I'd suggest you leave and watch your back in the future. You never know if you end up with a knife in the back."

Karasuba couldn't move for a brief instant. This pressure. It was insane. How could a lowly human create such pressure? It was as if instead of a human she was standing in front of Miya. Only she had been capable of such a feat. As soon as the pressure had come it was gone. The man smiled cheerfully at her as if he had not just threatened her and said, " We should all get going. See you later Karasuba-san."

Karasuba stared after them as they left. She couldn't help but lick her lips as she watched them go. To think there was a human like that! She started laughing manically as she said to herself, " Interesting, that was quite interesting. I'll have fun crushing both you and your Ashikabi with my own hands Yume… so you'd better make it to the top."

Unknown to either her or Naruto, they had unknowingly started another rumors around his school. Within hours the entire city had heard that Naruto's ex-girlfriend had tried to kill him at his school with a katana for cheating on her.