"Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you."

1 month ago

Beneath the darkened skies, the plundering waves crash into the side of a steep jagged cliff. Laid atop was a temple, ancient but stood brave against the test of time. It was worthy for a royal, but nature crawled to take its place instead. Carved along the mossy stone walls were waves that mimicked the neighbouring sea, spiralling and thunderous. The once almighty doors that guard the temple, laid broken with its hinges. Its symbol, stepped on in disdain by a hooded man with a scowl as the clouds roared in a thunderous applause. He took the stoned path towards the temple, passing by the overgrown that filth by war and death. Taking the stairs, the wood creaked upon his climb up to the broken entrance. As he entered the antechamber, the wind flayed his cloak around violently for a moment until silence quelled in the darkness of the hall. The wind howled through the cracks and openings, enveloping the devolved chamber in a state of ruin.

The cloaked man walk steadily towards the center. Along his path were carving of various runes, archaic and symmetrical that spiralled around the ground floor leading to the center. It might symbolised the long history of the former culture, showcasing the arts and talents reminded on stones. But that wasn't what he was here for. Once he stood upon a wide triple spiral at the middle, he pulled his hood back to reveal an orange spiralled mask with a single cut-out for an eye. Lighting streaked the clouds which in a split-second, shone through his eye socket and reflected red within the confines of his mask.

"Where the Old Ones once ruled, now rests in the shadows of its own destruction." The man spoke, his voice deep and echoed as he pace around the circle. "For its power, wavering and untamed, hidden beneath the mountains of the slain of those who seek to wield." He stood at the center, his chin upwards and his arms arise. "Hear me! For I shall rule in your place, into the world you seek, and your dream into reality!" Lightning struck the tip of the temple, bringing its azure glow to the runes beneath his feet. "See the world through my eyes, bestow your strength upon my shoulders, walk along my steps, and RULE through your BLADE!"

A flash of lightning lit up the hall once again, the clouds parted for the starry skies, the basking its light over the land, and the once roaring seas calmed, steady and serene. Inside the temple, the runes no longer glow, and the man's arm fall apart to his sides, clicking his tongue in obvious displeasure. "It has to be someone else, pure in blood and bred. That is near impossible, I have to force an alternative. No exceptions be damned."

He pulled his hood back and turned around, leaving the temple and its walls alone and untouched.

Now

"Morning, Kyuubi."

The sentient force of nature glared through the bars as the blonde approached the cage and stood only a feet apart.

"Ningen...oh to what do I owe you the pleasure." The fox growled, laying his head over his paws.

He casually shrugged, putting his hands inside his pockets. "Not much. Just checking up on you."

It rolled its eyes, seemingly annoyed. "Cut the bullshit, yer brat. Even I feel you are disturbed. Get to the point." It scowled, stirring its tail against the bars producing an unsettling static sound.

He massaged the back of his neck, snickering as he looked slightly embarrassingly down at the cold floor, devoid of water. "Knew you'd say that. I came here for assistance, more specifically...your advice."

The fox mocked in surprise as he sneered. "Desperate, are we? Don't you have your little harem to come forward to?"

After the Fox's near complete escape and The Fourth's reconstruction of the seal, Naruto slowly found out more about the seal through the Forbidden Scroll privileged by Tsunade. One of the knowledge he learnt was the complete control of the seal itself, meaning he could reconfigure the 'dimension` however he pleased. Naruto stripped away the columns holding down Kyuubi that was left by the Fourth before even reaching into an agreement for a truce. The fox was aware of his circumstance and agreed begrudgingly, albeit furious to the fact.

"You're the last wisest animal I know, Kurama." Joked the blonde, receiving a frown from the Nine-Tailed.

"Still the least wise after that Old Toad. Why don't you come to him instead?" Kurama referred to the Elder Toad from Mount Myobuku, Gamamaru. The beast narrowed his eyes when Naruto glanced away.

"No, it's something that's been happening between us." He looked back and willingly stepped inside the cage. Kurama's ears perked. "You've seen my dreams, haven't you?"

"Aye, I have. Though they seemed vague, their message is clear." Kurama answered as he felt the uneasiness leaking off the blonde.

Naruto seemed conflicted and stared at his feet before he paced around the cage. "Can you be more specific?"

Kurama sighed as steam gushed out of his nose. "Very well." He rolled his eyes before lifting his head up. "You saw an island, inhabited by a crumbled civilization. A samurai's blade, piercing through the back of your gut. The fallen lay dead across a grassy field. Hair kissed by fire, decides you fate." He grimly finished as Naruto halt pacing and stared blankly. "That was all I saw."

"Do you know the meaning behind them?" He tilt his curious head at the orange demon whom grumbled in response.

"Do I look like the Sage Of Six Paths to you? You can interpret it however you want but they seemed fucking obvious. You can generate a cult from it. The rise of a dead civilization by your sacrifice, perhaps through intercourse? Get me some popcorn!" Kurama laughed boomingly, causing the irritated Naruto to stomp his foot at him.

"Come on man! Be serious! It's our life on the line we're talking about here!"

Kurama eventually settled down, bringing his head on level with him before gnashing his fangs. "It humors me to see you whimpering over such absurd illusions. What's poking ya?"

Naruto stared intensely at his reflection through the Fox's eyes. "The fallen lay dead across a grassy field...I recognized all of 'em."

Kurama forgot the first time he developed empathy for the young man. He was there through the thick and thin, even though he was the reason of most of his sufferings. He no longer wished to corrupt the blonde nor his death, because he knew the moment he tasted freedom, his capture would be swift and he would eventually cease to exist. His fear of the Uchiha who enslaved him for his own purpose, still linger. Though he was caged, he never felt his will twisted by his captor.

"Now is not the time to start brooding, kid. I can feel it and its annoying the hell out of me. QUIT IT, DAMN YOU!" He roared, startling Naruto as he fell on his backside.

"Argh! My ears! The hell was that for?!"

Kurama brought his snout close to the blonde, piercing his eyes through his head. "Don't you ever think you're bounded by fate! That's not your style, Ningen. I know exactly who you are, more than anyone else in this world! You defy odds that could have crippled you even if they were massively stacked against your favour. It wasn't by fate nor luck that held you together, it was your sheer determination and strength that led to who you are today! Have you forgotten that?!"

Naruto widened his eyes as if a ton of bricks woke him up from his sleep. He stood up, feeling anew and felt his chest beating like a wardrum. "No." He flashed his foxy grin which the Fox mirrored. "I feel better now. Didn't think you had that in you." Naruto mused as Kurama snickered.

"Ha! Next time, don't come to me for your source of motivation. It's revolting." He rose up and sat on his upper paws, flashing his jaws at Naruto.

"You sell yourself short." He muttered and felt his eyes narrow.

"What?"

"Nothing." He sheepishly waved it off and Kurama rolled his slitted-eyes. He then folded his arms, closed his eyes before tapping his foot whilst humming contemplatively to himself.

"What is it now? You're ruining my beauty sleep. Don't assume I can't read your thoughts." Kurama stated dryly as he blinked in realization.

He faced up and gave an eager expression. "Then you know what I want. What we have to do!"

Kurama unexpectedly flare up in anger and disgust. "Is that why you're here?! For me to take pity on you and gain your trust?! Was that your plan all along?! You're more of a devil than I am!"

Naruto felt himself shrunk beneath his thunderous roar and flailed his arms around in defence. "What?! No! I wouldn't do that!"

Kurama's vicious aura instantly dispersed. A flat expression appeared. "Nevermind. You're too dumb for your own good."

"What?! Are you making fun of me?!"

Before Naruto could fire back, Kurama laid on his chest and produced a foxy smile. "Very well, Ningen. I shall let you wield my power as you see fit."

Irritated at the sudden change of expression, Naruto pulled himself as best as he could back into topic. "...I sense a but coming."

"That's right. The last time you've used my power was years ago. When Pain invaded. You've gone rusty." He informed, making sure he was listening in intently. "You must know that without me, the beast you're looking at, was nothing but a ball of pure energy, lifeless and unstable. A literal corruption. I just happened to gain sentient over it. You got what I mean?"

He lifted his brow. "So what you're saying you can control it yourself, but not whatever it was empowered to."

He nodded. "Even without my influence, it can corrupt you like as if it has a mind of its own. I act as sort of a barrier, though I am one with it. Remember when Pain struck down that girl?" He curtly nodded. "I was dormant during the whole charade, it was your anger that harnessed my power. And of course, I took advantage of it."

Kurama gave him time to absorb the information until he finally understood. "So, it was because I let my emotions get the better of me?"

"Exactly," He reaffirmed. "My power is an embodiment of pure rage. To wield it, you have to go far beyond what I myself, could not understand. Or, succumb to its madness."

Naruto folded his arms, glancing away as he thought of a multiple possible solutions. "An alternative way, I'd have to let you overtake my body."

Kurama shook his head as he swung his tail around. "As intriguing as that sounds, your puny body could only harness approximately up to three tails before it literally overwhelms your conscious."

He rubbed his chin in thought before looking up expectantly at him. "Is there a way for us to coexist? Without losing my insanity?"

"There is. Kind of…"

He perked up. "There is? So…uh…what's the catch?"

The fox glanced away which caused the blonde some confusion. "I have no idea how you humans view the technique but uhhh…" He dragged, glancing around the cage. "By your perception, it does involve some outrageously moral deprivation…but I can assure you, the price is worth it."

Naruto deflated his shoulders, sighing. "Yo Kurama…I feel like you're not giving me the entire picture."

"You know what? Forget it."

Naruto scrunched his face in utter confusion. "Dude, you're being pretty vague. Just tell me."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so."

"…"

"…"

They just stared at each other. Naruto was in disbelief but he couldn't tell what kind of expression the fox was giving…stone cold flat. "Ooookaayy…I'll leave you to it then. See ya…" He turned around to exit the cage.

"Right, see ya later." He waved with his tail.

"You too…" Naruto waved over his shoulder as he walk across the chamber. 'He's acting like a housewife after her husband came home unusually late. He stated about the massive workload, but she won't talk to him so he simply let it be and was left with nothing but confusion as he sleeps at the sofa. That's the situation now.' Naruto opened his eyes back to the real world of an open field under a shade of a tree. "That was almost a complete waste of time." He muttered, fluttering his eyelids when he noticed a shade of miniature white in front of him.

A vanilla shade dove. Twitting and chirping as it waddled its feet and tilted its head at him.

"Yes? You need something?" He asked the bird, expecting a reply as it chirped. "Yes, yes…you wouldn't believe what happened just now." ChooorttChooorrt "He acted really strange. There's a word for it…I know it at the top my head. What is it?" ChoooroouutChoouuurtt. "…Yeahhh…like a tsundere. That's the word."

"Talking to birds now, are we? Didn't think you were that lonely." A certain redhead popped from behind the tree, staring strangely at the interaction.

"Hey, don't diss birds! They're direct descendants from the greatest beasts that had ever walked the Earth! Freakin DINOSAURS! And my luck seemed to have taken its turn! White doves are supposedly symbols of good fortune."

She leaned against the tree and sputtered in amusement as she pointed at it. "That bird brain." She folded her arms together and snickered. "What else does it mean? Oh great spiritual wise one." Mocked the redhead.

"I heard from some grandmas gossiping about their daughters that if you consume it, certain parts of your body would grow and make your skin looked healthy." As soon as he finished his sentence, the pigeon avoided swiftly a kunai and promptly flew away. "Knew you'd do that." As they watched the dove took to the skies, a hawk appeared circling and calling above them.

"Is that a messenger bird?"

Naruto stood up and whistled to it before it landed on his shoulder. He unhooked the tiny scroll and read the contents as Tayuya simply watched patiently. She did try to read it but could not make it out due to its miniscule kanjis. He nodded to the hawk as it took off and Naruto burnt the scroll with a snap of his fingers before turning to his redhead cousin. "The Hokage summoned me, want to come along?"

"You sure? It look secretive."

"If she sent a hawk for me, my best guess it could be an A+ rank mission borderline S. The incentive is loaded, that I can assure you. And…it's outside the village." He jabbed in an apparent way to persuade her.

She pushed herself off and punched her palm, flashing a wide grin. "Count me the fuck in!"

(line break)

The Uzumakis entered the Hokage's quarters to see Konan and Ino Yamanaka standing idly. They exchanged smiles and Tsunade stood up from her chair to greet them. "Since everyone's here, we'll begin the briefing." The Shinobis stood at attention and Shizune stepped forward with her clipboard.

"As some of you might have noticed, there has been a considerable food shortage during the past few weeks which involves one of our main source of supplies, a large fishing village Yureru, to cut off their trade in order to temporarily sustain themselves. Apparently, they claimed the sealife with the exception of corals and such, has seemingly disappeared. We have ascertained from multiple sources to confirm that this may be the case." Shizune paused and pulled out a board showcasing the map of The Great Nations. "Villages along the eastern seaboard confirmed the severe lack of their stock as well but we have yet to receive any word from Kirigakure. However..." She pointed to The Land Of Waves to the South. "Nami no Kuni stated they have not seen any changes on their end at all. Meaning, there is an unknown concentrated phenomenon along the coast." Naruto briefly released a sigh of relief as he stared at the small island on the border. "We have dispatched a couple of teams to assist the other villages but since Yureru would have the most impact, your priority is to assist however you can whilst investigating the cause of this underlying issue. That is all. Any questions?"

Naruto stared intently at the map in curiosity as he hummed. "Have this happened before?"

The Hokage nodded. "To my knowledge, this is already the third time in recorded history. While it was known, they never found the root of the problem and the sealife shortly returned within a week or so, so a full investigation was never made."

Konan apathetically folded her arms. "So they expected things to go back normal but became ill-prepared when it didn't. How careless."

The Yamanaka glanced at her. "But they did take temporary measures. Though, it wont take long before they fall into anarchy."

"That is correct." Shizure affirmed. "Famine will strike at a moment's notice and cause a wide reaching effect, just like now."

"What's that big island?" Naruto meekly pointed at the brocolli shaped land neighbouring several kilometers off Yureru. "It looks habitable, but it's not marked." Tsunade and Shizune glanced at each other and nodded which he lifted a brow at. "Huh? What gives?"

The twin tailed blonde folded her arms below her buxom and smiled curtly. "It may be unrelated but that island belongs to your clan. The Uzumaki Clan."

Tayuya jolted up out from boredom.

-"What?" Sputtered the Uzumakis in unison.

"The village, otherwise known as Uzushiogakure, perished during the Era Of War. Due to the island's treacherous whirlpools, hence its name, made journeys to the island perilous and unnecessary. Without a settlement, the island was eventually left unmarked for security reasons but the alliance between Konoha and Uzushio still remains. The whirlpool symbol integrated on our standard flak jacket proves it."

He tried to look over his shoulder and wished he was an owl. "Huh, I had it on my scruffy orange beacon as well. I though it was just natural."

Konan took a momentary glance at it and was reminded of Nagato's Rinnegan. To Naruto, he was the only family he had ever met before Tayuya. Could there be a correlation? Pushing the thought back, she then faced the Hokage. "Not to be rude, Hokage-sama, why'd you decided to bring this up?"

She leaned against the table with a calculated look. "If the investigation on Yureru turns out to be a dead end, then I'll allow access on Uzushio since the island is currently off-limits." They all nodded as she eyed the blonde. "...and Naruto?"

"Yeah?"

"...I haven't been there myself but don't be surprised when you stumbled upon a ruin. You may retrieve whatever artefacts deemed important or substantial. They're yours by right, after all. The privilege is granted as to you, Tayuya."

The redhead was perplexed as she pointed to herself. "What me? Seriously?"

She simply smiled approvingly. "That's right. Though some have perceived as minor, you've contributed greatly to this village's community." She smiled cheekily at the compliment. "You may consult with your supervisor in the mean time. Anymore questions?" They shook their heads as she nodded. "Good. Naruto, you will be the squad leader and due to severity of this situation, you must depart before midnight. It is up to you how you're going manage your team. Is that understood?"

He stiffened but smiled widely nonetheless. "No complaints, ma'am."

"Alright. That ends the mission briefing. Good luck."

They bowed and promptly left her office and Tsunade collapsed onto her chair, sighing. Shizune gave her a concerned look. "You're not going to tell him?"

She lazily leaned against her armchair and plopped her feet onto her desk before waving her off uncaringly. "Heeeeh? Next time, Shizune. That man has a long ways to go. Besides, I dropped quite a bomb on him and he'll eventually pick up on the hint."

"As you wish." Shizune trailed-off, dropping a sweat when her mentor promptly knocked herself off to sleep.

The recently organized team decided to have a short briefing in the hallway and a confident Naruto folded his arms as his peers looked up expectantly at him...except Konan, since they're at the same height.

"I haven't led a team for a while and I'm already excited!" He pumped his fist along with Tayuya whom was unable to contain her excitement to leave the walls.

"Hell yeah!" They fist bumped and mocked an explosion with their fingers.

Ino folded her arms with an amused expression. "You were mostly given solo missions but I heard numerous things about the teams you led. Don't disappoint me." Jabbed the blonde but couldn't help herself to wonder in anticipation.

He puffed his chest to declare pompously. "Expect the bare minimum of me!"

She deadpanned. "You're quick to defuse."

Konan, remembering the time they had left, decided to interject. "Let's cut to the chase. Since we have till midnight and one of us doesn't live in the under the same roof, is there anything we should know? Naruto."

"Hey."

"Oh right." He coughed and brought himself into attention as fitting for a leader. "Pack nourisments that can last for a week. Sale of food might be scarce and I doubt they'd invite us over for dinner once we've arrived. Furthermore, I hope we wont face any combat aside from pillaging bandits so gear up, just in case. Lastly, take as much rest as you can and meet at the main gates within an hour before midnight. Freshen up and bath, I estimated it'll be a day trek. Any questions?"

They left the Hokage's compound and went their separate ways except Naruto and Tayuya as notified by the former.

"Where we heading?" Asked the redhead as she followed behind him.

"Get you geared up, of course. I'm going to need you armed to the teeth and there's also some things I need." The Uzumaki stated casually receiving an excited yet skeptical look.

"I don't mind it one bit aren't we supposed to be investigating?"

"Just consider it as a future investment and besides, it's better to have it and no need it than to need it and not have it. I'd imagine the investigation would be quite interesting but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be on our guard." He spoke with experience which mildly impressed his companion.

She look to him coyly, withdrawing a snicker. "Look at you, how vigilant. Very smart. Very sensei. Wow."

They entered through a door that rang harmoniously and their nose was filled with the smell of iron and steel. Upon the rows of shelves were intricate handcrafted weapons stacked neatly as a presence of display and prowess of creator's skill. The ceiling were not free of hold as they hung objects designed to incapacitate that would a safety inspector wet his pants. They stood before the counter just as a china-dressed bun haired girl a bit shorter than Naruto appeared from the back, stumbled carelessly and recovered spectacularly to politely greet her puzzled clients.

"Welcome to The Nerves Of Steel, how may I serve you today?" Her cheerful demeanour wasn't enough to faze Naruto's stony-smile and Tayuya's neutrally disappointed stare. Her wide smile were just as immersed as her deep husky breathes and her sweat lined skin soaked her white top. What eventually broke her customer's impression wasn't the plaster bandage on the bridge of her nose, but the cut on her left cheek, bleeding unnoticed. The shopkeeper regained her breath and tilted her head at their weird looks. "Yes?"

Naruto licked his dry lips and ease his composure. "Afternoon, Ten-chan. You look rather dashing today." Spoke the blonde as he held back his internal laugh with a pleasant greeting.

A streak of red spread across her right cheek, not counting the other one. "Professionalism is my forte, after all." Boasted the brunette as Naruto held back a snicker and Tayuya almost broke. "What manners of business would you like to conduct in this here establishment?"

Both wanted to die.

"I'd like to introduce you Tayuya." He gestured and the redhead immediately flashed a grin as they exchanged nods. "I'm going to need five sealing scrolls and a single batch of kunai."

"Of course." She scribbled onto her note then pointed her pen aside. "What about her?"

"You may provide her the necessities upon her request. Put my name on the tab. I'll be just up the street and should return within the hour." The Uzumakis nodded to each other leaving the redhead and the brunette to their own devices as soon as he left.

Tenten turned around to the shelves of scrolls to retrieve the orders. "So, you're Tayuya. The girl from Sound?"

"Yes and was." Tenten was about to ask again but she beat her to it. "Before we move on to friendly chatter, bitch, clean your damn face!"

"What?" She turned her head at a speed that would have broken her neck. Upon realization, she hustled towards a smeared mirror and gasped in horror. "SHIT! THAT DAMN ASSHOLE GOT ME AGAIN!"

Hilarity ensued as Tenten rushed to the back but stumbled on her way with Tayuya barking in laughter at her tactless steps. Once the air had settled, she appeared and narrowly avoided an obstacle then stood before the counter with her cut all stitched up with the exception of her embarrassment. "Whoever you are, never speak of this to anyone." She spoke through gritted teeth, hitting the counter to vent.

The female Uzumaki snickered. "How could I not? It's too good to pass up! You even forgot my name..." She smugly looked down on her even as the annoyed brunette stood on a raised counter. "How the heck you survived this long being this clumsy?"

Tenten sighed in exasperation and folded her arms expectantly. "Let's just cut to the chase, what do you want?"

She replied with a coy smile. "You're stupidly blunt, I like that."

"If you weren't Naruto-kun's companion I'd kick off for disrespecting me in my own store." Gnawed the bun-haired.

She mockingly was taken aback. "That 'asshole' is as guilty as I am! At least I pointed it out! If it weren't for me you'd be showing your F-rated face to the people after us! You're a blacksmith, right? Why the hell are you wearing a freakin dress?! Did you just put it on as soon as you heard the doorbell?!"

Tenten screamed and pulled her buns open in frustration, clutched her fist, and hit the table with a resounding thud cutting off half of its lifetime. "YES YES I ADMIT IT! NOW WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT?!"

"I'd like to have a thin torso chainmail, a pair of armguards and a batch of kunai as well. Size S by the way."

Cracking her knuckles by simply tightening her fist, she stood upright and forced a pleasant smile. "I'll prepare them as soon as possible. In the meantime, how about you tour around the shop. There might be things that should catch your eye."

She snickered once again. "I wouldn't want anything caught in my eye walking around in this death-trap."

Tenten shrugged as he huffed. "Be my guess." She begrudgingly walked off the counter stomping her feet around the shop whilst her client trailed her eyes around in amusement.

As minutes passed with only the sound of shuffling, Tayuya quickly grew bored and decided to walk along the rows of shelves. She stopped at a Warhammer fit for a hulk, its blunt flat head gleaming from the open window. "So, how long have you been making weapons?" The shelf were fortunately around shoulder level so she could see the brunette digging through her inventory.

Though Tenten didn't need to entertain her, she otherwise felt compelled to get to know her. "Made my first Kunai when I was 6 and eventually moved on to blades and such. So a good 14 years of experience, I guessed?"

The redhead glanced at the rows, noticing various handcrafted weaponry completely loaded the shelves up to the walls and ceiling. "Not meaning to insult but you made this much stuff and yet…no one's buying 'em. Why?"

"You noticed, huh?" Her voiced was filled with melancholy as she placed a box of Kunai onto her trolley. "Even with Naruto's 'exposure', the most I ever got were kids trying to play ninja and old geezers looking for quick way. I'd blame on the momentary peace but I call myself a hypocrite by then. Because of the peace, people were sensible enough to simply keep their blades maintained. That's the only service that keeps my business alive."

"I see." Tayuya muttered as she watched the blacksmith climbed a step ladder to reach the top shelf. As her hands protrude upwards, her sleeves drooped which gave way to the ridiculously amount of scars engraved upon her skin. She frowned and promptly glanced away before Tenten turned towards her.

"Hey, get over here. I got the thing you wanted." Tenten kindly gestured her over as she held up a thin looking shirt that resembled a fishnet.

Once she got closer, it really does look like a fishnet and her face scrunched in confusion. "Did you hit your head or something? I'm already wearing one but I asked for a chainmail."

There was a split-second shift in her bold expression. "Chainmail is so oldschool. They're clunky and loud. But this. This is perfect. I called it, The Tunic Of Lost Misery."

"And what the heck is this?"

She flashed a hand. "Don't interrupt me. As I was saying…Yes, it looks like a fishnet shirt but it's made of graphene, 50% stronger than titanium and hella lot lighter. Touch it."

Still unsold, she pressed her fingers at the shirt before running her hand along it…and was impressed. "It certainly feels like silk but…there's a metallic feel to it."

Tenten smirked. "The resemblance to a fishnet is natural yet uncanny! Just in case you're still unsold, let me provide you with a simple demonstration!" In the corner of the shop was a flat cubic rock. She placed the tunic upon it before grabbing a Warhammer. "It's resistant to blunt force and shatterproof!" She brought the hammer over her shoulders and slammed down with so much force that it reverberated the entire shop in shackles. Tayuya felt nothing but air on her feet for a second. Tenten lifted the tunic and flapped it around. "See? No damage at all!" She then wore it over her garments and grabbed a Tanto.

"Wait."

Tenten tested the sharpness by slicing apart a fucking log which appeared out of nowhere. The slice of wood dropped to the floor as the Tanto gleamed which mirrored the expression of the brunette. "Aaannd! It's impervious even to the sharpest blade!" She folded her hands onto its handle with the tip of the blade aimed towards her chest and faced her client with a crazed expression. "Watch!"

"Don't you fucking Sudoku in front of me!"

"Ooof!" As it turn out, the kinetic energy delivered from the blade had to go somewhere but was unable to make a cut at the fishnet. Like as if there was an invisible layer between the thin gaps. Tenten casually took it off and gestured herself. "See? No blood."

A tick mark appeared at the back of the redhead. "Jesus H Christ! Fine! I'll fucking my buy it."

"Would you like it custom-fitted for your figure?"

"Damn it YES! AND I WANT THAT TANTO AS WELL!"

With the hour passed, the door clinked as Naruto leisurely strolled in towards the counter glancing at the redhead inspecting her own gear. Tanto sheathed at the back of her waist, leather arm guards and filled kunai pouch on her left thigh. He looked at her from head to toe and nodded approvingly. "You look nice...for once."

She glowered and stomped her foot. "Hey!"

He ignored her and faced the brunette who already had his orders laid out on the countertop. "Ohright! Thanks Ten-chan!"

Her bruised face gleamed. "No problem!" She packed it in a sack before handing it over to him. She then leaned against the counter looking somewhat giddy. "Say? Where are you going this time? What do you need those scrolls for? Is it to contain an enigmatic beast? Are you still practicing Fuinjutsu?"

"Woah! Slow down, one at time." He tried to calm her down as Tayuya rolled her eyes.

"As I was saying, how come you only had a few? You could have made a killing making this! Charge 'em up real high and there will still be demand!" She exclaimed with her arms flailing into the air as Naruto lifted his brow.

Tenten rubbed the back of her sheepishly. "Unfortunately, I forgot how to make them anymore. And I've ruined a few trying to reverse-engineer them so I just gave up." She ended it with a shrug.

"You forgot?" Tayuya gawked and felt a strange sensation coming from Naruto when upon noticing his side glances. "Nevermind that..." Collecting herself, she picked up her sack and bowed her head curtly to the blacksmith. "Thanks and all. I'll be waiting outside, gonna swing this baby up!" She gave the tanto a couple of taps as she move off.

"Come again next time!" Tenten cheerfully waved as her newfound customer returned a backhanded wave. The door clinked as Tenten faced the spiky haired blonde. "She sort of reminds me of you when you were a lot younger."

They shared a light chuckle as Naruto glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah, the resemblance is uncanny." He turned back to her with an emphatic smile. "Judging by your face, you're still trying to get back into the game, aren't you?"

Tenten hit the counter, building up a determined front. "It's too soon for me to retire! I refuse to spend the rest of life my coop up in a place like this!"

"Retiring whilst living on a pension doesn't sound so bad to me. You didn't forge the blades hoping someone would buy them, you wanted to wield them all for yourself because you yearn for that day to come. Aren't you?"

Deflated, she cast her glance to the side. "I envy you, sometimes. Whatever you want is all within your reach."

Naruto sighed, staring wistfully at the counter. How was he supposed to reply to a such a statement? "Maybe there are things staring at you and you haven't noticed it yet. It's difficult for us to perceive the path we're walking on, after all." She woefully avert her eyes back to him then saw his sullen look.

"Sorry...I take it back."

He meekly waved it off. "It's fine. But...if there is ever a point in time for you to decide to move forward. You know what to do, don't cha?"

"Of course." Exclaimed the brunette, trying to sound cheerful but his expression remain bleak. A soft smile grew over her as she took his hand and gently caress the rough surface with her thumb, jolting the blonde. "You haven't moved on at all yourself, that's ironic."

"It's not your fault, it never was." His words were shaky, as if his courage to speak were beginning to dissolve. "You're suffering because of me."

"But I forgave you, didn't I?" She could feel the cold sweat emitting from his hand as she enveloped them within hers. "And yet, you think little of me."

"What? But I-"

"Your guilt is rooted to my suffering." Stated Tenten, cutting him off with a clear message. "What I'm going through right now, it's no big deal. I'd be deeply ashamed if I was the cause of your misery, out of all people! So please, get over yourself, you're better than that."

Naruto sighed, chuckling lightly whilst rubbing the back of his tensed shoulder. "You're right, sorry, I should've done that from the beginning."

She then threw a suggestive look at his face. "...and right after this conversation. You'll continue to wallow and brood, making yourself miserable in the process."

He turned his enveloped hand and grabbed her's, tightening his grip playfully. "You know me too well but don't underestimate me."

"Hey! Ow!"

She slapped his hand and he loosened it. They shared a light chuckle at the tender moment. "Will you be alright? I'll be gone for a while."

"I can handle it myself and if I couldn't, well...I'll leave that to my future self. She'll know what to do."

He snickered at her. "That's...pretty blunt of you."

She beamed. "Heh, don't I usually am?" Feeling the warmth of his hand returning, she trailed her eyes up to his face. "That said..." She leaned over the counter and grabbed both of his shoulders, startling him. "It's a rare opportunity for us to be alone together and it has been a while. I hope you haven't forgot how we do it." She plucked her lips as his eyes widened.

He contemplate in wonder. "It may have slipped my mind, care to remind me?"

"You jerk." Looking in coyly into his blue orbs as she pull him closer, he gave in into her strength and their noses touched. "This time, I'll imprint it into your mind so hard that my face will appear whenever you do it with someone else."

He snickered. "That's cruel of you."

A certain redhead was peering through the screen-door, curious to their exchange and fluster when her watch reached the peak. Her face was pressed into the thin glass, deeply enthralled by the ongoing banter that grew in intensity by the second. A shiver went down her spine as her hair stood on its end, whiffed by the overwhelming engage. Eventually, their crude interaction soon took a halt and her breath hitched when a head was turned. She swiftly pulled her head back and hastily calm down, hearing the thuds that grew near before the clink of the door was followed by a lax looking blonde.

"Took you long enough…" Teased the redhead as his height topple over her. Without warning, he swiftly pulled out a kunai and in a blink of an eye, sliced onto her trapezius (area between neck and shoulder). She staggered in complete shock as he casually put away the blade. No blood. "FUCKER! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!"

"You actually bought it." He commented in amazement before catching her earth-trembling punch. "Careful, you could've been dead if it weren't for that fishnet you're wearing."

"Bloody hell!" She spat, pulling back her fish whilst stabbing him with her glare. "It's called THE TUNIC OF LOST MISERY! And so what?! You got a problem with that?!"

He shook his head as he snorted with a light chuckle. "I know that thing is mighty expensive and you even paid for my stuff as well! Never took you as considerate."

She huffed away with folded arms. "And now I owe you nothing. So we're even!"

"No, not even close." Mused the blonde as he stood beside her. "Thanks though, I appreciate it."

"Whatever." Muttered the redhead and saw him reaching into his rear waist bag from the corner of her eye.

Noticing her shoulders tensed, he waved it off. "Relax, I'm not going to pull off the same trick twice. I got a present for you." Her curiosity imploded when he pulled an instrument that should belong in a marching band. A beautiful silver flute fit for the touch of greatness.

She gasped.

"Unfortunately, it's not the highest end of in its product line but it's all I could afford. The guy said some gibberish stuff but hey, it's stainless steel and silver. I had trouble finding the-oof!" Before he knew it, she jumped onto his chest and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you." The female Uzumaki muffled through his vest, listening to his heartbeat.

Naruto grinned, feeling really fuzzy as a thought ran through his head. Will he dare instil upon an act no man had ever committed upon her? Yes, yes he shall! With sweat beading down his face, he lift his free hand and laid it onto her red curtain. Patting her head in a light and soothing manner. He was relieved to tell the tale as she pushed him off, swiping the instrument off his hand.

"Daaamnn, this shit looks freakin gorgeous." She inspect every millimetre of it, every gap and keys, smiling in glee.

"Glad you like it. Come on, daylights falling. Let's go home and get some rest." He yawned, strolling pass the giddy redhead.

Taking a quick glance over her shoulder, she gave the flute a quick kiss before putting it inside her rear pouch. She pursuit him and jumped onto his back.

"Woah-hey!" Exclaimed the annoyed blonde but pulled up her legs on instinct.

She climbed onto his shoulders and pointed her finger up to the falling sun with an excited grin. "GIDDY UP SHITHEAD! We have a big day ahead!"

Thank you for reading. Hope to post the next chapter before Christmas. Cheers!