Disclaimer: Don't even own a house, so how could I own either of Naruto or Rosario?

Naruto and Jiraiya had only been gone for a few weeks when Tsurara cornered her daughter.

"You are moping again."

Mizore rubbed her eyes and nose on her sleeve, "Am not." she said, the tone of her voice sounding pitiful even to her.

"Your tears are frozen to your face. That only happens when you are very emotional."

Mizore lifted her hand to her face and felt that instead of tear tracks, there were tiny rivulets of ice. "So? It doesn't matter." As she said this she pulled them from her skin and threw them across the room, shattering against the far wall.

"Would he want you moping the day away?"

"No but he isn't here to pull me outside like he always does."

"Sitting like this isn't going to help matters any. Nor will it bring him back to push you outside."

Mizore said nothing, just pulling her knees in tighter to her chest and putting her forehead on to her knees.

When her daughter said nothing, Tsurara continued, "You haven't even stayed after dinner for dessert. Even your brother is worried about you. Although he doesn't mind not being teased." Tsurara added as an afterthought.

Mizore slumped down onto her bed and pulled a pillow over her head. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Honey, you need to go do something…"

Mizore cut her mother off, yelling, "I said it doesn't matter and I don't want to talk about it!" Her sobs could be heard, even though she had tried to muffle them through her pillow.

Tsurara sat on the bed next to her daughter. She placed her hand gently on Mizore's shoulder. "I know it hurts. What did he tell you the night before he left? I believe it was: 'Have fun with your sisters, tease your brother, help on the slopes, be a better snowboarder than I am.' Have you been doing any of that?"

"No."

"Other than Naruto not being here to be with you is there any reason why not?"

"No."

"Is there any way that I could convince you to spend a few hours outside?"

"No."

"Nothing at all?"

"NO!"

"Fine." Tsurara stood from the bed and walked toward the door. As she shut it, she said, "Then I guess that I will give letter that came from Naruto to your younger siblings first." She only had made it two steps before Mizore burst through the door; she did this without opening the door first. This caused half of her door to fly through the air, only to barely miss her mother. Mizore had transformed, her hair iced over and ice claws showing. Small snowflakes were swirling around her.

"You will give me that letter!" Mizore's voice was like wind howling along a mountain canyon's walls.

Tsurara turned to look at her daughter. Mizore had managed a full transformation, not just her body, but into the full Yuki-Onna persona. As much as Tsurara was happy that her daughter had found someone, it seemed that she had been shirking her duties as a mother; her daughter was now entering puberty and needed to be trained. This was a thought for another time. Fixing a stern look on her face, she replied, "Not until you fix your door. It is now in two pieces. You also have to spend at least four hours outside. Now shift back."

Mizore pouted as her features returned to a more human form, then whined, "FOUR hours?"

"Yes one for each page of the letter he wrote you. Before you broke your door, it was only going to be two hours. For every hour less than four I will be giving a page to your brother to taunt you with."

Stomping her foot, Mizore said, "That is not fair."

"Fair or not, that is how it will be. You need to be outside in fifteen minutes, or I will double the time. And Mizore, now that you have managed a full transformation, you and I will be training to control and master your abilities. You have been improving at controlling the show you make and you can make ice kunai, but now you need to go to the next level. We will be working every day after lunch for at least two hours."

"But mother…"

"No buts!" her face looked angry for a moment, then softened, a smirk playing over her lips, "Besides," she drawled, "you can have something to share with Naruto in your letter back to him." a teasing smirk was now plastered over her face.

Mizore blushed but didn't say anything.

"You now have ten minutes. Get going." At this, Mizore ran back into her room. Tsurara heard sounds coming from her oldest daughter's room. A few minutes later, Mizore emerged dressed like she was going to go snowboarding. She even had her board with her.

"I'm going out. Happy now?"

"Not yet. But remember. Four hours."

As her daughter stomped from the room, Tsurara wondered, "Should I tell her that Minato gave me a seal that will send the letter to a pocket in Jiraiya's shoulder pouch? Considering he said that Jiraiya would be motivating Naruto in a similar fashion, I probably shouldn't. Besides holding letters over her head will be a good way to stop her from moping." Tsurara hummed as she cleaned around the house. She thought, 'Maybe I should teach Mizore to talk with a sucker in her mouth. So few Yuki-Onna had mastered that skill. Now that she had managed the full transformation, she would need to keep cool on a more regular basis when out of the village.' Moving to where her shopping list hung, she added in another bag of suckers to give to her daughter.

(Four hours and two seconds later)

The front door burst open and Mizore stomped into the room, stopping only to remove her boots. "What about my letter?"

"I said you have to fix your door as well. Your father will repair it for you, but you have to take the pieces out to his shed. When you get back, your letter will be in your room."

Mizore lugged the two pieces from her room. He job was easier because her father had already removed the pins from the hinges. Setting the last piece down, she ran back to her room and sure enough, a small rectangle of folded paper lay on her pillow. Mizore noted that it was not in an envelope.

Tsurara appeared in her doorway. "I didn't read it, if that is what you are going to ask. I just counted the pages so that I would know how long to force you out of the house. I'll leave you alone, and since your door is gone, I'll give you a bit of privacy from your brother and sisters." This time as she turned to leave, a thin wall of ice grew from the door frame. Tsurara's voice came through, "I'll be back in one hour. Until then I'll leave you alone with your letter."

"Thanks mother." Mizore whispered before turning to the papers in her hands.

Dear Mizore,

I would have written sooner, but Jiraiya was insistent that I reach the first stage of my training before he would let me send you a letter. We are currently in a forest far south of home. Jiraiya explained a few things to me. Mizore, What I am going to tell you, I am only telling you this because I trust you. Don't even talk to your mother about this, she might know, but if this gets out, I might be hunted by the Yoko council. Because of my parent's training in ninjutsu it changed something about their yoko nature. They learned how to use other elemental types and because of this, the very nature of their Youkai energy changed. Normally a kit will take after only one of their parents. On extremely rare occasions, both will be present, but often times the training only focuses on one type, and the other will eventually disappear. My case is even more unique; somehow I got both my parent's natures plus those they had developed. Jiraiya said that there has never before been a yoko with all four affinities.

Both of my parents tried to train me in yoko techniques but they didn't work, they focused on elemental manipulation ninjutsu. Apparently because the natures tended to cancel each other out, I couldn't do yoko techniques. Because all of my tails showed, that means that I couldn't isolate and identify which one to manifest. About the jutsu, you have seen me do some of those in my training. I know you were watching from either the tree branch, the bush, behind the big grey rock, or that one time in the pond. Jiraiya insisted that I be able to isolate each yoko nature. Because I learned the various jutsu; this happened faster than Jiraiya had thought. I was able to do it in weeks instead of months. Before I couldn't control what types of tails to bring out; now, I can bring out individual types, meaning I can begin my yoko training.

Mizore paused her reading, 'Naruto, I knew that you were always special. And you are all mine.' Confused at the origins second thought, Mizore shook her head and continued reading the letter. Easily over half of the letter was talking about the train ride, the exercises that Jiraiya had put him through, and what they planned to do. One thing that Naruto was nervous about is the fact that they will be going to yoko towns to try to pick up techniques. They were planning on avoiding the fire and water areas if at all possible because both of Naruto's parents had given Jiraiya copies of a lot of those techniques. Mizore was startled about one revelation, but as she thought about it, it made sense.

I will say that I finally understand why my mom is always angry at Jiraiya. The toad is a pervert. Not just any pervert, but he practically shouted from the rooftops that he is a super pervert! If you ever see a book with an orange cover that can't be sold to kids, the pervert writes it. He goes by the name the Toad Sage. He said something about the pain of death if I let it slip, but I think he was joking, then again, he was serious. Erring on the side of caution, we need to keep that just between us. Just to give you an example of how big a pervert the toad is, a few days ago we went into town and I caught him in a tree using binoculars and every few minutes he would scribble in a notepad. He was peeking in the public baths. I created an illusion over the women's side that made them all look like men. He fell out of the tree and started throwing up. While that was great, I overdid the illusion. All of the women saw all of the others as men too. This caused a stampede from the bath house. The perv of a toad knocked himself out with a nosebleed. I feel bad that I caused the problem.

It just got worse when the toad woke up! He kept going on and on about how proud he was of me, and how he just knew that he would be given the chance to show another the way of the pervert. I kicked him into a tree. I'm twelve! Besides, I think you would be rather angry with me if I became one. When he picked himself up he said something about my inner pervert and taking a visit to a special valley. I don't really know what he meant by that, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I will find out all too soon.

I miss hanging out with you Mizore. Knowing you, you have probably been staying inside all this time. Go out, have some fun. Even though I am not there, you can still beat your siblings in a snow-ball fight. Just remember what I told you, misdirection is the key to winning battles. Mizore, you told me that you normally feel invisible in the village. I want you to think about something. If you really are invisible, then how could you have been my friend?

Mizore stopped and blushed over the last part of the letter. Naruto then reminisced about things they had done together, even mentioning the time they had pulled a prank on Jiraiya by slowly adding a coat of ice beneath his boots as he walked. By the time he had made it to the lodge, he had to couch to even get in the door. The best part about it was that it wouldn't melt. He mother wouldn't remove it either, saying it was fitting for his 'activities' As she continued to read both her soft smile and blush grew as she finished what Naruto had written her.

Mizore, before I tell you goodbye for now, I just want to let you know that I will keep my promise to you. We will be in that field in just a few years time. A word of advice, you will need to work on being a little sneakier if you want to watch me more often. When I get back I will have to hide a whole lot more than I do right now. My mom might be able to help you with that.

Your Friend

Naruto.

Finishing the letter, Mizore fell back onto her bead, hair splayed out behind her. She clutched the letter to her chest like a life preserver. She re-read the letter and then hid it in her Naruto diary. Not even Naruto knew she had it. She had detailed some of his various activities in it as well as some of the things they had done together. She then re-hid the diary. Her mother might understand and tease her about it, but never in front of Naruto. Her twerp of a younger brother would definitely bring it up in front of Naruto. Lying back on the bed, her thoughts drifted towards her friend and what he would be doing.

(Next day after lunch)

Tsurara had taken Mizore to a secluded meadow that was hidden behind massive snow drifts and rocks. It was one of the Yuki-Onna's training grounds. Tsurara created two chairs made of ice and motioned for her daughter to sit. "Mizore the reason why I am starting your training is that once a Yuki-Onna reaches puberty, she can begin to train her full powers. However, some of these come at a cost. You will feel a need to stay in the cold more often. That said, there is a way that you will be able to withstand the temperatures that others find comfortable. Let me introduce you to a Yuki-Onna's best friend." She then tossed a small sack of suckers to her daughter. "These serve two purposes. First, when you suck on these, it will help keep your internal temperature down. In fact, I will not let you send a letter back to Naruto until you have mastered talking while it is in your mouth."

When her mother didn't continue, Mizore asked, "What is the second thing?"

"They are great for teasing both boys and men, of course! Granted, you will only want to do that for Naruto. I will show you a few things in that regard."

Mizore simply sputtered and blushed at the implications.

"Now before we begin your training, you and I need to have a little talk. I know that you definitely have feelings for Naruto." Ignoring her daughter's blush deepening, she continued, "You also know that as a Yuki-Onna, you have a limited time to have children. So it is my duty as a mother to ensure that you know exactly the best ways to do that. Once we are done we will begin your training."

At this, Mizore felt a chill run down her spine. She was a Yuki-Onna. She wasn't supposed to get cold!

The one-sided conversation that followed left Mizore highly embarrassed, but a very small corner of her mind had been very active in taking notes, not that she would ever tell her mother that.

"Now Mizore, if you ever have any questions about any of that, don't hesitate to ask. As you continue to go through puberty, your body will get you more and more interested in the topic. When you are older and with Naruto, if you need any suggestions or even new ideas, I could lend you something that I have found to be extremely helpful and fun." With this, she drew a little orange book from her kimono. "I don't really know who the Toad Sage is, but his books are very useful in keeping things fun between your father and I. He even has human and Youkai versions of his work."

If such a thing was possible, Mizore whitened further then toppled from her chair. Her mind stopped itself to avoid creating mental images of her parents that she would have to burn out of her brain later. To avoid the trauma, she blissfully slipped into unconsciousness.

"Naruto, before we go to start your training with in air yoko combat, we need to make sure your illusions are up to snuff."

"What do you mean pervy-toad?" Naruto had taken to calling him this merely because it irritated the man.

A tic now showing on the man's forehead, gritting his teeth, he ground out, "Yoko are masters at making AND breaking illusions. Only one other race comes close. No it is not kitsune. They use similar methods so we need someone who is adept at finding other ways of making illusions. If you can stand up to their tests and their illusions, then we will proceed. Until then we will stay there." The white-haired man continued with a small giggle, then a line of drool escaped his lips. Naruto heard another giggle, "Such strenuous tests."

Rolling his eyes Naruto decided to deliberately ignore his teacher and guide. While Jiraiya was a formidable opponent, he had difficulty fighting above the equivalent of a three-tailed yoko. Naruto had managed a few air attacks just on accident. They were enough to keep the toad on his toes during their spars. "So how long until we get there?"

This broke the man out of his daydream. "A few days, in the meantime, you will be working on some of the higher-end wind jutsu I will teach you. The first that you must master is Beast Wave: Palm, and then Beast Wave: Gale Wind Palm. Since you already have you wind affinity honed, you will practice these when we stop for lunch and dinner. If you are able to master those, I will let you learn the Vacuum techniques that your father stole from Danzo."

"Why am I learning all attack techniques? I know there are a handful of defense ones out there."

Jiraiya looked at his pupil surprised by the question. From time to time he forgot that Naruto actually could analyze things very well. "The answer is simple. One of the reasons that the air yoko are effective, is that they heavily on defense and misdirection of attacks with minimal force. In a battle of attrition, they always win. There aren't that many offensive techniques that they use. Knowing these should round out your air fighting style nicely."

"Will you be doing the same with the other types as well?"

"Of course. I have trained some exceptional people in my time. Part of that is seeing holes in techniques and styles and finding a way to make them more balanced. Think about your yoko natures. When you try to use them without direction, they don't work, they exploit each other's weaknesses instead of working to strengthen each other. You will need to work to pull off some of the techniques that I have discovered. If you can combine portions of attacks, you can pull off things that most human shinobi view as exclusive to bloodlines."

"What do you mean?"

"Call me Jiraiya for the rest of the day and I'll tell you."

Naruto grumbled. Sensing that the small favor might be worth it, he acquiesced. "Fine, I promise I won't call you pervy-toad the rest of the day."

"You mean that?"

"Of course I do, I don't break my promises."

"Well, let me put it this way, if you combine wind and water properly you will be able to make and manipulate ice just like your little girlfriend."

Naruto started to glare at Jiraiya but then stopped. First, because after the promise he made to her, she could be called his girlfriend. Second, Mizore hadn't wanted to learn how to use her abilities because it would put Naruto at a disadvantage. This would motivate her to work harder. And she could teach him a few things.

"I can see that you are realizing the implications of this training. You can use a wider range of abilities than you thought huh? I'll tell you what, every time you call me perverted when I am not doing anything perverted; that means there is one less thing I will teach you and leave you to figure out on your own. But, if you agree to this, I will teach you everything I can to make you able to use your abilities to their full potential. Some will take a long time and lots of practice, but others will be easy."

Naruto thought on this as they walked. "One condition. If I catch you doing anything perverted I can try to stop it. If you say no, I will write my mother about your activities."

Jiraiya's face was red with anger then rapidly paled. "Fine, but only if the lady or ladies in question want it to stop. I am after all irresistible to women in general." Internally he smirked, 'The brat doesn't even know about the tracking seal in his shoe. This will be a piece of cake.'

Naruto was mentally celebrating his victory. 'Jiraiya doesn't know about the seal I put inside of his pen that when it is used, I'll know.'

The truce in place, the pair finally stopped for lunch. Jiraiya explained the two jutsu to Naruto, then his eyes boggled at the sea of Shadow Clones that appeared. Before he could say anything, Naruto spoke up. "Dad told me to use them to speed up my training. He also told you that this overrode anything you had to say about it. But I can only use them when others aren't around, and only then. He made me promise that. He said I have to learn more than four times as much as any other yoko and to be effective I need to use them."

Jiraiya begrudgingly agreed. This would cut into his research time.

As they ate lunch the clones managed to pull off one of the techniques. The clone who had done so immediately dispersed. Naruto grinned then made a second batch working to refine it. The first batch continued one with trying to attempt the second of the two jutsu. before lunch his clones had successfully done each one, but they could not do it quickly nor strong enough to be aggressive.

Jiraiya saw this then corrected himself; this would REALLY cut into his research time. Then he grinned, Naruto had to learn four fighting styles and multiple jutsu, not to mention the special ones like Ice and Wood. Good thing he had a lot of training scrolls.

(A few days later)

"Naruto, here we are. A utopia and pilgrimage point for all men! Succubus Valley."

Naruto stared at his teacher, mumbling under his breath, "Maybe all perverted men." Then out loud he said. "Are you sure this isn't something perverted that you are doing?"

"No I meant it when I said that they use a different method to break illusions. They also use illusions differently than yoko, and some of the upper level Succubi could give the yoko clan council members difficulty if used properly."

"How do they do it?"

"That is for you to find out. In fact until you can beat it we won't be leaving. I won't let you send another letter to your ice princess either. We will be staying with Ageha, she is a friend of your mother's. Since you haven't hit puberty yet, you should be relatively safe."

"Safe from what? Mom and dad didn't tell me a lot about Succubi." Naruto didn't want to mention that he had started puberty, since all Youkai started early. He did find Mizore attractive after all.

"Well my pupil, I think it is time you learned. They are my favorite type of Youkai."

Entering the valley, they were following directions on a map, when Naruto saw multiple bat-winged figures swooping down towards him. He was shifting into a fighting stance when he found his hands full of the map and directions. "Go to the house and tell Ageha that we are here I have some business to conduct." The white-haired man then jumped away from Naruto then was mobbed by the winged girls that had descended. He was carried away as they were squealing his name.

Naruto shook his head, this fell under the category of their truce so he couldn't do anything about it. Sighing, he wound his way through the town, making several wrong turns before finally finding a very nice two-story manor house. He rang the doorbell and waited.

A girl about his size opened the door. She had light-blue hair and purple eyes.

"Is this the Kurono residence?"

Kurumu, recently gaining her succubus powers and thereby her attraction to boys, looked at the boy in front of her. He stood a little taller than her, with a hint of muscle, bright blonde hair, and deep blue eyes. There was a small aura of strength around him. Unconsciously she activated her Allure. He looked at her for a moment before shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't stare. Is this the Kurono residence?"

"Yes."

A look of relief spread over the boy's face. Kurumu then thought, 'he looks cute like that.' This caused her Allure to activate a second time.

Naruto stared for another moment before breaking free again and apologizing again. "I'm sorry. My name is Naruto. My teacher Jiraiya said that he spoke to Ageha about us staying here for a few days."

"She's my mother. My name is Kurumu. If you would come in I will call her."

"Thank you. I will."

Naruto sat down on a rather large couch. It was long enough that if he wanted to, he could make a clone and both of them could lay down on it. It was also very comfortable.

Kurumu came back into the room. "Mother is out in town doing some shopping. She will be back shortly." She seemed to fight herself over the next question, "Why are you staying here?"

"Oh, my mom and yours were friends at school."

"Really? I thought most Youkai didn't like Succubi."

"Why not? I haven't seen a reason to not like any. They seemed to like my teacher well enough. He said that they were his favorite type of Youkai."

This was met with silence. "Kurumu, may I ask a question?"

"Sure."

"Why did you say most Youkai don't like the Succubi?"

She sighed, "A succubus gains power from being loved and adored. Until they find their 'Destined One' they need that from others and use any means to get it. Once they are with their 'Destined One' then they shift to making that man happy and only that man happy. But they still flirt a lot if it took them a while to find their Destined One. My mom is like that."

Naruto thought this over. "Well I can understand why people would not like them. But that is stupid." Kurumu had wilted under his first statement but perked back up with his second.

"What do you mean?"

"It's like vampires. They need blood to survive; they get their power from that. Not liking a succubus for that is like not liking a vampire because it drinks blood."

Kurumu looked shocked, she had never thought of that before. "Naruto?" she asked her voice unsteady.

"Yeah?"

"Can we be friends? There isn't anyone here around my age. All of the older girls just talk about seducing boys and don't want to do any of the things I want to do."

"Sure, I won't be here long but we can be friends. What do you like to do?"

"Promise you won't laugh?"

"Sure."

"I like to cook and fly."

Naruto chuckled at this. "It's not what you think. My mom always said that a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. That might help you to find your Destined One." After a moment of silence, Naruto gained a serious look on his face. "Kurumu?"

"Yes"

"Can you make ramen?"

Ageha unlocked the door, with a sigh she set down the groceries and noticed a travel pack and extra shoes by the door. She thought, 'Those must belong to Jiraiya's student.' She heard noises coming from the kitchen. Turning the corner, she was shocked by what she saw. There were multiple signs of a food fight. Her daughter was pinned, even in succubus form, by a three-tailed kitsune who was straddling her stomach, pinning both her arms and wings with his knees. He was dangling noodles over her daughter's mouth and she was trying to avoid them.

In a mountain village a good distance away…

Mizore's brother had ducked the icy projectiles that had been aimed toward him.

Tsurara was shocked, "Young lady what are you doing attacking your brother like that?"

"I am not exactly sure Mother; I just had an overwhelming desire to stab something with blue hair. It is very strange." Then turning to her brother, she apologized, "I am sorry. I really don't know what came over me."

Her brother, having not practiced with his abilities, decided then and there that he needed to be able to defend himself. Primarily from his crazy older sister.

"I told you, they taste excellent, it is my mother's secret noodle recipe. Now eat them!"

Her daughter looked ready to laugh, "No! Nothing can beat my… murgle"

At the opening this provided, the boy shoved a noodle-covered pair of chopsticks into her mouth and simply said "Chew!"

Seeing her daughter do exactly that, Ageha waited until she had swallowed before making her presence known. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?"

The two kids looked up and saw her then hurriedly jumped apart. Her daughter spoke first. "Mom, this is Naruto. He is Jiraiya's student."

A stern eye from the older succubus roamed the kitchen: flour on the floor, egg on the walls, an overturned bowl of broth, and something unidentifiable stuck to the ceiling were merely samples of the disaster that was present. "You will clean this up before he gets back!"

A pair of voices promptly replied, "Yes ma'am."

Ageha made her way up to her room before she broke into laughter. Oh, to be young again. At least her daughter was having fun.

Jiraiya showed up shortly before dinner, his clothes torn and ragged.

"Another fight Jiraiya?"

"Yes."

"When will you learn that there are no lengths that a succubus will not go to in order to be in one of your books?"

"You are one the exceptions."

"Well that goes without saying. So why do you need my help with this boy?"

Jiraiya took the next few minutes explaining about Naruto and what he needed.

Ageha pondered it. "I will do what you need. But at a price."

Raising an eyebrow, Jiraya asked "Oh?"

"Move your plans up a few years. Kurumu wants a sister. And I am sick of the vamping around. I want you here with me. Besides, a village of Succubi can provide you all the 'research' you need."

"You know I hate being away. You also know why I have to leave from time to time."

"But I need you here!"

"Ageha, love, I know. Once this training trip is done, I will go back, fake my death with Konoha, and we can focus on my writing again. After all, no one there knows I write those books."

Ageha chuckled huskily, "Your daughter and pupil are out flying. If we are careful we can spike their dinner to get them to fall asleep faster." Wrapping her arms around her Destined One, she merely kissed him and said, "I love you. And I love what you are doing for my people."

(The following morning)

Naruto stumbled down the steps upon entering the kitchen saw Kurumu preparing breakfast. She looked up at him and grinned, "Sleep well?"

His hair was tousled and eyes still not fully opened. He grunted noncommittally.

"I just wanted to say thanks for going flying with me yesterday. It was easier than I thought it would be carrying another person."

Naruto slurred out, "You're welcome." Naruto then promptly started lightly snoring, staying in an upright position. He had used quite a bit of chakra to keep them aloft by manipulating wind currents, in fact, the drugged supper only made him fall asleep that much faster. It also hadn't fully worn off. He would have used Youkai, but he didn't want her to know that he was helping. He thought she might be offended at that.

Ageha came to the table covered surprisingly well in a bathrobe. Kurumu pushed a cup of tea in front of her mother. "Here, you look like you need this."

After rapidly drinking the offered beverage Ageha replied, "Thanks. The company has a meeting with a very popular author today. He has made the company quite a bit of money, so we need to keep him happy. I will be gone most of the day." Ignoring Naruto's snoring, she whispered to her daughter, "I will need your help with him."

Kurumu leaned in "Oh?"

"He needs to learn to withstand succubus techniques."

"Why?"

"Part of the favor that Jiraiya asked of me."

"He can already break free of the Allure."

A thin eyebrow raised, "How do you know this?"

"It kinda came on accidentally when I first met him, I thought he was cute. All he did was stare for a brief second then he shook himself free of it."

Ageha schooled her face to show no emotion. Inwardly she was panicking. "Well, how about you take him shopping? Show him the village. Besides, with two extra mouths here I didn't get enough groceries for the week." The conversation was cut off as Naruto fell over, head impacting the floor causing him to wake up again. This happened right as Jiraiya entered the room causing laughter to erupt.

Kurumu and Naruto wandered around the town, Naruto had no interest in the business section, but once they wandered to the open air market, it appeared that it he was in his element. Naruto was able to haggle with the merchants on a few things that he wanted to send back to his parents as souvenirs. While he was doing this, Kurumu looked at a small jewelry stand. The pieces were nice and tasteful, if a little bit expensive. Naruto came up behind her and saw her staring at one particular item. After examining the other pieces, he picked up a silver necklace with a gold pendant on it, as well as the headband that she had been looking at. The purple matched her eyes perfectly.

She stood transfixed at what happened, Naruto bargained the man down to just under two-thirds the cost. After the two had shook hands and exchanged the money, Naruto and Kurumu started to make their way back to the house.

Naruto handed the headband to Kurumu. "Here, that way you have something too."

She blushed at the gift, holding it in front of her like a treasure.

"Put it on, it's meant to be worn, not held."

Using a store window she put it in her hair. It looked as nice as she thought it would. Turning to Naruto she simply asked "Why?"

Rubbing the back of his head he replied, "My mom taught me to always be nice to your friends and important people. You looked like you really wanted it. Now you have something to remember me by."

"Who is the necklace for?"

Naruto grinned, "A very special friend. Do you think she will like it?"

"Does she like non-flashy jewelry?"

"Yeah."

"Then she will like it."

Having gotten the opinion of another girl, Naruto was even more confident in his purchase. The rest of the walk was quiet, when they arrived back at the house, they unpacked their purchases, or in Naruto's case packed up the souvenirs.

(In an office on the other side of town.)

Ageha and Jiraiya sat eating a light lunch surrounded by business reports, submissions for art, and requests for an appearance from the Toad Sage to a particular place, usually a bookstore. All papers in the final category were destined for the trash.

"She said that he threw off her Allure?"

Ageha looked at Jiraiya for brief moment before responding. "It only affected him for a brief moment. She is young, but it should have been strong enough to at least make him do more than just look closely at her."

"Well. That means either one of two things." Jiraiya muttered, ignoring the work they were supposed to be doing.

"You did say that he is a high level Youkai for his age."

"That is likely. We will have to test him when he is older to see if that is indeed the case. For now, however..." Jiraiya's voice trailed off

"You have to leave again. Don't you?"

"We both know what will happen if indeed the second option is the case. I think we could stay a few days at most. Either way we need to leave. Tonight after dinner, try your Allure on him, just to see if it works. We will have our answer then."

Jiraiya stood outside the front door with Naruto's pack. "Naruto, we have to leave."

At this Kurumu's face fell. Her first friend had to leave just a few days after they had met. They wouldn't even stay for lunch.

Ageha came up behind her daughter. "Go give him a hug before he leaves. I don't think he'll mind."

The blue haired girl tackled the young man in front of her. "I'll miss you. Write me please." At his affirming nod, she then rushed inside.

Naruto was about to ask a question but was silenced by the look on his teacher's face.

Before anyone could do anything, the young succubus ran back outside, with two sacks in hand. "Here, that way you have something to eat on your way." There were rice balls and a few other foods.

Naruto smiled at his new friend. Then, shouldering his pack, he followed Jiraiya out of the valley.

AN: The whole Jiraiya/Ageha relationship I tried to cut it out five times, but it kept coming back and it works for something I wanted to do later. It just wouldn't die. So listening to the crazy sleep-deprived voices in my head, it is there to stay. It's funny I listened to them about that, but when they tell me to club my boss then leave him out in the middle of nowhere, I ignore them. Anyone else feel like that or am I alone in that regard?