Chapter 7
A new day arrived and with it Naruto's routine started to take shape as the tournament carried on with new girls being added to the harem and a future Queen close to be chosen.
"Breakfast time my Prince!" said Ayame walking into his chambers pushing a small cart with a steaming meal which besides the obvious bowl of Ramen, it included some fruit to sweeten it.
Finishing it and facing a rather awkward moment with the more feminine Ten-Ten, who didn't acted dejected but actually quite content, they all headed for the Arena where the remaining contestants awaited the last combats of the first round of fights.
On the way to the Arena, Ayame decided to clung to Naruto's arm while Ten-Ten took the other leaving Hinata quite bothered but acting dignified she held back her anger for many gears were in motion to her rise above all.
Reaching his balcony Naruto noticed that his entire assortment of concubines already awaited him taking their own seats on a large couch where only the middle remained empty.
Sasame looked as always a bit embarrassed over the outfits the Harem Personnel dressed them with.
Kin and Tayuya were chatting with one another and upon noticing Naruto directed him weird smiles that only conspirators could produce.
Mei, dressed in an aquamarine set, seemed to not care much about her situation and instead enjoyed a tray of fruit while winking at Naruto noticing that he took a moment to gaze at her very well developed body.
Kurotsuchi on the other hand, dressed in a dark red set, seemed to enjoy the many jewels attached to her garments and waved at the passing Naruto without paying him much attention.
Naruto sighed at this scene and simply took his seat with Ayame by his side and Ten-Ten and Hinata on seats to the side of the large couch.
Looking down into the arena the remaining combatants surrounded the stage where the last bouts would be carried today.
Naruto stood up and casting his gaze on the remaining warriors said "Temari Sabaku against Sari!"
With that Temari sighed and hefting her large Scythe stepped to the Ring while Sari in a rather revealing attire summersaulted to the stage flourishing her thin curved blades around her body in a display of skill that made the crowd cheer.
"How quaint that you would be my first opponent! I hope you enjoy your time as a sow while I hand over this country to Lord Gaara!" said Sari just loudly enough for Temari to listen.
Ignoring Sari, Temari adjusted her black braces and fitted her black armor around her body. It consisted of a finely molded chest plate of obsidian black, arm guards of the same material, a long skirt with a side opening that showed her long white legs which sported armored knee high boots.
"I commend you over your affection to my brother but I fear I'll have to cut short your ambitions" said Temari looking serene and irking Sari due to it.
"You think only of my brother but have you stopped to consider what he actually wants? Does he truly yearns for having the world at his feet? To become a tyrant?" asked Temari as Naruto declared the beginning of the match.
Hating Temari's words, Sari spun quickly and using the momentum propelled herself towards the Scythe wielder with a clear intent to do more than simply defeat her.
Temari saw the attack and taking a step to the side she placed the haft of her Scythe in the way of the blade which clanged loudly against it.
"Like you I also love my brother but unlike you, I do know what he wants deep in his heart" said Temari making a long swipe against Sari who jumped easily out of the way.
"He wants to do what it's best for the Land he rules and the people living there" said Temari as a shrieking Sari began to spin against her delivering a barrage of swift cuts.
"The Land of Wind and our Kingdom have always been poor and every day is a struggle to just survive and Gaara is pained to hear of mothers who lack water for their children or caravans lost in the sands. We can be prosperous with this unique chance and I won't let you and your selfish love to stand in the way of that which he and I love most!" said Temari delivering a powerful counter that Sari needed to block with both swords ending her barrage.
"So what?! Lord Gaara deserves more than a dust bowl, he deserves the whole world at his feet, to conquer fairer lands and enjoy a paradise. Isn't that what a girl love desires for her beloved?" said Sari once more starting to spin delivering faster attacks that started to chink away at Temari's armor and skin.
Having enough of the deluded girl, Temari roared and in an upwards swing of her Scythe, Sari was propelled back to the other end of the arena with a look of confusion over having her blade dancing stopped so easily.
"I'll show that love is not what you want! But sacrificing everything for that which your loved ones want!" yelled Temari as she started to twirl the large Scythe above and beside her in gracious slow ponderous moves.
Step by step the spinning Scythe increased in speed and due to the wide area it covered faster and faster Sari saw no breach in this dreadful technique.
"I am to become Queen of a strange people to a man I know not so that my country and my family enjoy a better future! That's what true love is like Sari, and it's too late for you to realize it!" declared Temari as she increased her steps and starting to spin while approaching her yelled "Reapers Dance!"
Temari closed the distance with Sari in moments spinning the deadly Scythe everywhere and with one last upward swing she attacked Sari who tried to use her blades to block the attack. But it was useless for they splintered into piece and force of the blow lifted her shredding her scant garments and throwing her naked out of the arena with a few cuts and scrapes.
Temari still spun a little bringing the dance to an end and casting one last look of contempt to Sari said "I hope this humbling serves you Sari to become a woman who can actually come to experience true sincere love"
As Temari walked down from the Arena the other contenders couldn't help but direct her friendly gazes or at least respectful ones.
Ino though didn't look upon Temari and instead watched Sari as medics covered her and checked her health before carrying her away to the Harem Wing.
Not liking the similarities between her and Sari, Ino turned around to the arena and try to distract herself of the gloomy thoughts.
Once the crowd calmed, Naruto stood and said "At last, the final bout of the first round; Shizuka against Samui!"
Shizuka stepped up clad in her amazon armor which allowed for great movement, accentuated her femininity and provided with essential protection. Her armor was somewhat similar in design to Ino's except that hers covered her belly and didn't possessed long leg guards or shoulder guards.
As soon as the cat calls and the leers of men washed upon her she couldn't help but make a disgusted expression and yearn harder than ever when she became absolute Queen of the Uzumaki and began her campaign to shift society to a fairer order.
Samui in turn climbed to the arena quietly with her pale blue eyes focused on Shizuka analyzing her down to the last detail already searching for a weakness. She was clad in a simple gray heavy armor cut across the chest to allow her bosom some movements and it was covered with chain mail. She also carried a simple looking straight one edged sword.
Shizuka observed Samui and decided that she liked the girl for nothing in the stadium distracted her and took her seriously from the onset.
"I salute you noble warrior!" declared Shizuka earning her a faint smile from Samui who nodded at her in equal recognition.
"Begin!" shouted Naruto and neither of the combatants lost a moment as they lunged towards each other.
Samui's strike landed first on Shizuka's nimble blade but instead of taking the brunt of the blow she slid clear and scored a slashed on Samui's armored back earning the blonde girl a grunt of frustration over such a lousy first pass.
Samui turned to Shizuka who remained circling her looking for an opening so Samui invited the attack by sheathing her blade and taking a Quick Draw stance.
Shizuka grinned at the stance and accepting the challenge of speed charged on confident that she would be able to dodge the swift cut and enter Samui's guard.
Samui smiled faintly at the recognition of overconfidence in Shizuka's look and tightening her hold on her blade unsheathed it with lightning fast speed and an actual lightning bolt dancing on its edge making Shizuka surprised at the last second.
Still, Shizuka's reflexes managed to make her straight up her blade and put her whole strength on defending. Samui's blade struck Shizuka's and as expected the blow sent her flying away and rolling on the ground with several pained grunts.
Shizuka slowly climbed to her feet still feeling numb on her arms but smiling nonetheless while saying "I am glad to see that even in the lands dominated by men such strong flowers bloom still"
Samui nodded and said "All it takes is a cool attitude and enough determination"
With that both once more ran to one another with new tactics in mind.
Samui sheathed her sword again but didn't stop her charge while Shizuka changed the grip of her blade to a backwards one and moved her free hand to the pouch on her belt.
As expected Samui unsheathed her deadly blade with an arc of electricity burning the air but this time Shizuka managed to leap above the blade and as she went past Samui placed an explosive tag on her back.
Shizuka smiled confident she was the winner when Samui continued her turn with her blade still hunting for her and in a hurry had to lift her blade in front to block.
At the same time that Samui's lightning charged blade connected with Shizuka's the tag went off and the twin explosions sent both combatants out of the arena and to the grass below.
Both women landed on the grass more shocked by surprise than pain and their fears rise when Naruto hesitantly called "Draw!"
With that the matches of the day came to an end and Samui and Shizuka were taken to the Harem Wing until their status was finally established in an extra round under the tournament's rules where they would have to face a previously defeated opponent.
As Naruto left a faint bell tolling made him stop on his tracks for a second and then move while followed by Kin and Tayuya.
Later that Night
Naruto walked with confident strides to one of the Uzumaki's holiest and most secret locations. A place known only as the Den.
The Den was built as an ancient temple and its gates were of the sturdiest forged iron and on them carvings of legendary beasts gave an idea of what to expect within.
Seeing that the prince approached the guards didn't made a move for such was his right to get acquainted with the powers resting inside.
Opening the gates in a silent motion Naruto stepped in to a lightless hall that was just barely illuminated by tiny candles set on the floor. The many shadows concealed the great treasures laying around but Naruto had no intention of seeing them and instead walked on towards a set of large altars.
Hesitating about which one to visit, he finally directed his steps towards the Third Altar from the left and upon reaching it, candles and torches lit with a green fire illuminating a large statue of a simian creature with 4 tails coiling around it.
"Son Goku..." breathed Naruto in recognition of the ancient spirit and bowing to it he slit his thumb over the needle of the altar making the eyes of the statue flare to life.
"The Uzumaki whelp I see" replied Naruto in a drone like voice.
The spirit stopped its laughter and said "And why should I heed such a proposal?!"
"By our ancient pactsto kill through us" said Naruto with cruel memories of said man though he couldn't call them his own to be honest.
"Orochimaru" growled Son Goku with disgust evident in his voice.
"Will you do it?" asked Naruto sensing a growing hostility from the spirit.
"Yesnext time you enter this hall you may not be safe"breathed Naruto as the spirit sliver turned into a red flash and shot out of the temple like a shooting star.
Naruto then left the temple feeling quite unsafe in it and with a banishing memory made his way back to the palace where he encountered Ten-Ten who had been looking for him for a while.
Wanting to speak of his fading actions, Naruto felt the compulsion to see Tayuya and asked Ten-Ten to fetch her quickly and send her to his room.
Before long Tayuya was brought to Naruto who looked somewhat confused.
Tayuya smiled seeing that their commands were being executed and asked "Is it time to fulfill your promise?"
Naruto turned at the mention of those words and nodded his acceptance feeling doubt leaving him and purpose once more directing him.
With that Naruto wrote a letter for the palace guards that he had Ten-Ten deliver and within an hour four dark cloaked men were allowed to the palace's healing rooms carrying a fifth on a straw stretcher.
Ten-Ten accompanied Naruto there while Tayuya rushed to the stricken man whispering to him softly.
"Is this the person you want me to restore?" asked Naruto feeling a bit sympathetic to Tayuya's plight.
Tayuya turned without malice in her eyes and said "Yes, he is sick beyond normal healer's skill to help but I am certain that you and your clan can do something"
Tayuya approached the man and said "K-Kimimaro?"
Kimimaro grimaced at first but feeling more energy than ever in his life opened his eyes and smiling to Tayuya said "I think I am alright now" said Naruto as Hinata brought up a basket with several spheres in it.
"Each will pick a sphere" said Naruto as both took a sphere from the basket held in the blind girl's hands.
Samui pulled one with Mei's name on it while Shizuka pulled one with Kurotsuchi's name. Naruto nodded and addressing the Harem said "Mei, Kurotsuchi, do you want this second chance to remain in competition or do you want to relinquish it to one of your companions?"
Mei didn't hesitate and said "But of course, that Konan girl owes me a rematch"
Kurotsuchi turned to the other concubines and not seeing anyone mildly interesting said "Guess gramps won't let up if I don't take this chance. I guess I'll give it another shot"
"Very well, you shall fight tomorrow then. Since there can only be one winner, this classifies as a small tournament. There won't be rests between fights so only the strong and determined will move forward" said Naruto remembering the rules and eventually leaving.
"Your weapons will be returned to you within the hour" said Ten-ten turning with Hinata and leaving the contenders and the concubines alone.
Next Day
At the Arena people gathered for today was an exceptional occasion where a warrior could make a comeback and as such help some unfortunate gamblers recover hope.
Naruto surrounded by her Harem and companions declared "The first match will be Mei against Samui!"
Mei clad once more in her armored attire climbed to the arena followed by the calm blonde girl. Standing one in front of the other, no male could help but notice that the battle between them also involved their rather well developed physiques.
"Begin!" shouted Naruto and Samui slowly adopted her Quick draw stance while Mei twirled her pipe on her fingers and considered Samui who was openly inviting her to begin the battle.
Mei smirked and taking a long draw from her pipe sent a ball of lava straight at Samui who tightened her grip on her blade and with an uncharacteristic roar drew it with electricity arcing from the scabbard.
"Fool, you can't cut lava" was all Mei managed to say as Samui quickly closed the distance and twisting her blade around, crouched and delivered a powerful impact with the hilt of the blade that propelled the auburn haired woman out of the arena.
"Out of bounds! Samui wins!" declared Naruto as the entire audience took long moments to recover from such a swift conclusion.
"Someone cool always takes her enemies seriously" said Kurotsuchi stretching out with the help of her staff.
"Begin!" shouted Naruto and with that Shizuka sent several kunai at Kurotsuchi who dodged them rather easily albeit like if performing a dance.
"What is she doing?" thought Shizuka as Kurotsuchi remained twirling and dancing in place.
She got her answer when Kurotsuchi brought her pole high and then fast against the ground shattering it. And from the shattered rocks a large humanoid figure rose with the geomancer on top of it.
Kurotsuchi looked winded and said "Man, bringing this guy up sure burns you up! Now amazon, give up or this guy will stomp on you!"
Shizuka smirked and said "That's certainly an impressive feat, but what good can it do if it can't catch me?"
Shizuka then sped towards the golem's legs to bring it down but with a deceptive speed and accuracy the rock monsters moved and caught her in a rocky claw that tightened immediately around her emptying her lungs of air.
With a tap against the rock of the golem, its grip tightened making Shizuka squirm and gasp for air.
"Better give up before it splits you like a twig" said Kurotsuchi seemingly bored but very well into the fight.
"N-Never!" gasped Shizuka as she tried to loosen the grip of the golem without success.
Shizuka then started to twist her head around and with every turn of the head she tried to reach for something in her cleavage.
"What are you doing?" wondered Kurotsuchi as Shizuka managed to grasp something with her head from her armored bra and too late did her realized what it was.
Shizuka spit a tiny kunai with a small explosive tag attached to it towards the elbow joint of the Golem and with a loud bang it crumbled splitting the arm from the body.
"Shit!" growled Kurotsuchi as the dust of the explosion made her lose sight of her opponent and that lapse proved her undoing as Shizuka exploded from the dust cloud running over what remained of the arm.
Kurotsuchi brought the golem's other arm around to swat Shizuka away but a mischievous smile from the amazon told her she expected that and with that jumped out of the way from the moving arm.
"Oh crapand as you say, it won't be like last time"
"Begin!" shouted Naruto and Samui adopted her Quick Draw stance while Shizuka grasped her own blade and observed the blonde woman with care now witness to how mighty a warrior she could be.
Shizuka took a step back and that seemed to propel Samui forward with quick steps as lightning built in her sheathed blade giving the amazon a few instants to decide on what to do.
"I didn't want to use this so soon, but you are worthy! Be honored!" suddenly yelled Shizuka bringing her blade forward and running a finger over the flat side faint sigils began to glow on it.
Samui narrowed her eyes and with a roar unsheathed her blade with lightning arcing straight towards Shizuka who intercepted the attack with her own glowing blade.
To Samui's surprise, Shizuka's blade didn't shatter and remained strong despite the lightning that tried to unmake it.
After a few moments both pushed each other away and exchanged several lightning fast swings that clashed in explosions of lightning and light.
Eventually Shizuka noticed that Samui's speed decreased a bit and realized that her Quick Draw technique drained much strength from her and being forced to fight out diminished her speed.
Waiting for the right moment, Shizuka fainted an opening and Samui fell for it making her reach out with a thrust that the amazon took advantage from to catch the blonde's arm.
Turning while holding her grip on Samui, Shizuka delivered an elbow strike to the back of the blonde's head making her drop nearly unconscious to the ground.
Placing her blade against Samui's neck, Shizuka said "Give up"
Samui focused her sight and sighing nodded making Naruto shout "Shizuka wins!"
As Samui was picked from the ground Shizuka said "You are quite strong Samui. Fear not for being in Harem, once I am Queen many things will change and then you could perhaps consider being a consort of mine"
Samui blinked at this and simply smiled awkwardly at Shizuka who grinned confidently.
The Land of Rice
Many farmers in the region along with several evil doers in the blighted land of Rice swore that a Red star fell amidst the mountains and that the roar of a demon was heard throughout the night.
Author's Note: End of Chapter 7, thanks to Tachman for his customary help in making this story enjoyable.