Scroll 28: Cat Fight & Love

Shozaku looked up, getting a strange feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong. He looked up, saw the real Yukari, and then turned towards Usagi.

"I apologize for my misconduct; I thought you were somebody else. If you are not Yukari, may I ask what you are doing here?" He'd look to Yukari with a confused look on his face, pointing towards Usagi.

Barokendo walked back up, looking his usual stony and possibly angry self, though if you were the type to make eye contact with intimidating and scary people, you'd notice he was staring at Usagi with more than 'who is this' in his eyes. There was a bit of bump moving around under his coat, and then it rolled down his front and disappeared for a moment. A few seconds later, Jake rolled out from under it, walking calmly though his whole body was shaking, to a nearby tree and resting against it. He looked more his age now than ever, as he crossed his arms and tried to pretend he was anywhere but there.

"You thought I was that tramp from the main branch, Ecchi-kun!" Usagi looked pointedly at Shozaku. "I don't know who you are, babe, but I'll be glad to accommodate any fantasies you might have…" The red and cerise-eyed kunoichi slithered out from behind Skiminachi and next to Shozaku, purring like a cat. "Anything at all, you just te-"

"Tch, You would, wouldn't you, Usagi-san." Yukari's icy-acidic retort came from behind Shozaku. She stepped into the clearing next to Kakashi.

"YOU!" Two, enraged feminine voices rang out through the pre-dusk-lit camp.

Usagi and Yukari stood, face to face, kunai and shuriken out in their hands as they literally butted heads.

"Hussy!"

"VIRGIN-SISSY!"

"I am NOT…a sissy, Bunny-freak."

"You so are, you're such a virgin, a carpet couldn't lay you."

"TAKE THAT BACK, YOU FREAK-EYED SL-"

It was here that Genma, Kakashi and an entering Otou had to jump in to forcibly separate the girls. Genma took a cue and started whispering sweet nothings into Usagi's ear hoping to distract the girl enough to forget her need to kill Yukari. Kakashi, on the other hand, wrapped his arm around Yukari's waist and held her up-stretched kunai hand with his other hand.

"OK, Yukari-chan, just calm down here…" Kakashi would order his student.

It was a good thing that the three male nin pulled the girls apart, as Shozaku was nearly squashed between the feuding females. Otou stood between the two, lest they spring free from the jounin and clash again.

It was a mystery how a man that large could be so quiet, or move with such stealth, but Barokendo was now standing directly behind Usagi, looking down at her. There was no anger on his face; it almost looked as though he had a regretful look in his eyes. So close he was that if Usagi were to back up at all, she'd be moving right into his coat, though strangely there would be no spikes to poke at her.

Jake would be standing behind Genma, poking him in the back. "Mister, you probably shouldn't be standing so close. Neither should I, but not for the same reasons." He began tugging on Genma, though not too forcibly, backwards.

Shozaku noticed Jake was standing there, and talking, a few seconds after he got separated from the girls, and his face immediately took on a rather worried and apprehensive look.

"Wait, you're only here if…what're you planning on…" The bald-gambler would turn, almost in slow motion, to look at Barokendo.

Yukari had to be turned around so that her back was facing Usagi, she fought the jounin some, her pride being damaged by Usagi's accusations of her physical status. Usagi, being forced away by Genma, was more thrown off track as the jounin looked up over Usagi's head and backed away slowly, his hands raised in unarmed surrender.

"Easy…I was just talking to the girl, yea." Genma looked nervous, yet relieved that Usagi hadn't extracted a bed-promise from him. "Kakashi-san, you should…um, put some distance between these two."

The Sharingan-user wasn't listening as he had thrown up his nin-band to mesmerize the struggling Yukari with the Sharingan. Having been hypnotized into complacency, Yukari fell into Kakashi's arms as she blanked out. It was a harmless genjutsu Kakashi had used until the situation cooled down.

Usagi, however, had her attention first on Genma, then upwards as her head craned back to look at Barokendo. She froze like a rabbit in the face of a hawk.

"Uh. Hi. Wanna sleep with me? I bet you have a large…"

"USAGI UZARUKI!" Hani Takimoto thundered with a voice that might have come from Barokendo himself. "We are reporting for a mission and I advise you to finish whatever business you have here and be on your way."

Jake, after Genma was a few feet away from Baro and Usagi, went on to make sure everybody else was the same distance. The Darkness-Ninja held his breath, knowing the next few minutes could be very good, quiet, and relatively peaceful; or that something completely opposite.

Barokendo kneeled, though the visual effect was that he just got a bit shorter. His shadow-misty coat was spread like a miasma along the ground, as he spoke into Usagi's ear so quietly she might barely hear him:

"Your business here is concluded; come with me as there is a matter – as I'm told – of great urgency that immediately needs to be taken care of; before Shozaku-san over there gets a good look at you. I am told that you will suffer no ill effects, if you remember the exchange at all. I do not expect you to understand, know only that if you do not cooperate, people will die. If you think I bluff, I tell you I can easily harm all here with minimal effort. I prefer your cooperation, though, so follow me."

Barokendo didn't leave anything up to chance. "I also inform you that I do not wish you harm; as the person that asked this favor of me cares greatly about you. I'm going to leave now, and you should follow. If you do not follow, the consequences will be terrible." The giant would stand back up and look down at her with hunger in his eyes, assuming it would give everybody else the belief that he had returned the courtesan's special interest, then turn to walk away as he had said.

Usagi nodded slowly to Barokendo's words and turned towards an unconscious Yukari, flicked her cousin off, before turning on heel to follow the large, black-clad man.

Shozaku was staring very hard, looking back and forth between Jake and Barokendo. He raised an eyebrow, taking a deep breath, and realized that whatever business with the other Uzaruki girl that Barokendo had, it wouldn't be worth the injuries people receive to interrupt the large man; at least not yet.

"Well…do we need to wait for her to wake up Kakashi, or will you be able to relay all the information to her?" He said, turning towards the copycat-ninja.

The team that had reported for the mission, namely Hani, Otou and Genma had been reading the scroll of debriefing that Tsunade had given Kakashi.

"No, Shozaku-san, Yukari knows the mission requirements." Kakashi gently leaned her against a tree as the red-eyed heiress stirred out of the stupor the jounin put her in.

"Ugh…which Akimichi hit me this time?" Bringing a hand up to her head, Yukari muttered as she came around. "Kakashi-sensei? Are…has the mission started yet since we're here?"

How convenient that Yukari had forgotten the past two minutes. Shozaku blinked and leaned over to Kakashi:

"You've gotta teach me how to do that, it would make things a lot easier for me." He coughed, then turned to all those gathered.

"Okay everybody, now that most, if not all of us, are gathered here; it's time to make sure every thing is understood. The point of this mission is to inform the other villages about the Darkness and Twisted ninja. We should use this time to plan; as their goals and reach have only been slowed by the disappearances of their leaders. I believe that these people will soon come back, and I would rather have warned all that we can because I believe the enemy of the enemy should be friends or at least allies in this fight." Shozaku nodded towards them all.

"I want all villages warned to stand a fair chance against the Darkness and Twisted Nin. The first Wheel team will consist of Trydna, Marosai, Kerosai, Junie and Lilia." he said, nodding his head towards the eldest Shan-chay and the four ninjas that were commonly seen on unicycles.

"Trydna has been all around this continent so knows where to go, but unfortunately he's not a talker and the others have no knowledge of their customs. As Kakashi is the only one I have met personally; is there one among you that would be better suited at...instructing them at what mistakes not to make when talking to officials in the other villages?" He'd look over the gathered leaf nin, hoping one of them would volunteer.

"I'll go with Trydna, Shozaku." Otou stepped up and nodded. "I'll allow one other to go with me, Hani? Genma?" The Tri-eyed sensei turned to his nakama and smiled.

XXX

Usagi had put on a smug, sly smile; a play-mask for anyone who cared to look at her as she left the glade. Inside, however, she was confused as could be as she followed the dark, black-clad ninja that towered three heads over her.

"Ok, I'm here, whatever-your-name-is-sama." She didn't spit the words out in sarcasm, but confusion. The bunny-girl truly didn't know Barokendo's name. "You wanted to talk or play?"

Barokendo sighed, turning his back to Usagi. "My name is Barokendo, and it's one of three names you shouldn't cross. I brought you here for neither talk nor play. You are fortunate I wasn't around when your friend had attacked my little sister's group. I would have killed you to get to him. I have, however, cleared that matter up with her. She knows you had nothing to do with it, and wishes to talk to the one responsible." Barokendo turned around and smirked, about as close as he ever really got to a smile: it still was a frightening sight.

"However, that is not why we're here. As I told you, there is an urgent matter that needs immediate attention, involving you. I also mentioned you would not remember most of it…though he was laughing when he said that. By him, I mean the person I am doing this for; he has hidden his true form, hiding from others who might recognize him. I've also been told to inform you that you cannot speak of this to anyone, not even your nakama nor sensei." The giant man paused, looking to see if the Uzaruki girl was listening. She was; so he continued.

"After his business with you is done; I've been told to take you to the hospital as there is a medical issue that you need to get checked out; a condition that you might not be aware of. I also give you two choices before proceeding with this task; to be knocked unconscious, or be placed under a pleasant genjutsu. Is there anything you wish to clarify before my...well, I suppose right now he is a client…reveals himself?" The Darkness turned Wheel ninja had been trying to sound un-intimidating, something he wasn't very practiced at. If the Uzaruki cousin had known him; she'd know this was probably the most effort he'd ever put into not scaring another person.

"A medical condition? Oh god, you are freaky, Barokendo. Tell me how you know that I'm…I'm…" Usagi would blush furiously as she spoke to possibly the largest man she had ever met. "You know…that there are three of us here?" She'd place a hand on her stomach and looked down. She was quite tongue-tied on the 'pregnant' word, which would be funny for her other courtesan friends.

"I…I guess I'll choose the genjutsu…if that's ok with you, Barokendo-sama."

"Me? I did not. He did. If anybody asks, tell them my brother distracted me and I had to leave. I will talk to you later Usagi-san. Also, given your behavior and current acceptance of what may soon pass, there will be no need to block your memories. I hope you have fun…" He turned to leave.

"…because I never get to…" She heard him mutter. It was one of the few jokes anyone would ever hear Baro attempt to make. With that, the titan of a ninja walked off, leaving her sight as he put trees between them.

A familiar pair of arms would wrap around Usagi as a familiar finger would be placed over her lips, followed by an even more familiar voice, whispering comfortingly into her ear:

"Shhhhhh, don't say it just yet. The big guy knows it might be true because I told him it's possible, but I wasn't sure yet and I won't be, until you tell me it's true." Kentarou spoke into her ear, kissing it gently as though one would a lover. "As important as everything I need to do here is, I have to ask; how have you been Usagi-chan? I will explain things soon, but please wait to tell me whether or not you're with child until the end of the conversation." If she turned to look, she'd see Kentarou, standing there without his unicycle wheel; his spiky blonde hair freely flowing in the wind. His blue eyes flashing that dazzling effect as he smiled and looked into her multi-red colored eyes.

Usagi turned and gasped as she recognized the man that had given her the ultimate pleasure on that night months ago; and blushed furiously. "Ya know, Drake-kun is right, you do look a lot like the Second and Fourth Hokages." Which meant: 'Hot damn, the Second and Fourth Hokages are sexy.' Reaching up to touch her fingers to his circular tattoo marks on his cheeks, Usagi took in all of his physical and facial details all over again. He was as stunning as he was the first time they had met.

"Only, you have Yondaime's hair color and style. Well, it doesn't matter, they both were hot, and I only wish I was able to meet them. Oh well." Usagi gave her lop-sided smile as she stepped back, ready to listen.

"The big guy wanted me to listen without judgment and I opted to take the easy way, seeing how you Wheel ninja aren't our enemies." Her face still held that teenaged delight of meeting her prince charming.

XXX

"I would prefer that whichever of you is a practiced medic travel with my group. Lilia is proficient herself so they have that covered. Skiminachi is going his own way and refusing anybody that wishes to accompany him. He has, so far, been our medical caretaker." Shozaku had stopped talking loudly, and was now standing amongst Otou and the rest so that the others of the wheel-camp could resume their business.

Genma, Hani and Kakashi nodded to each other as Yukari shook her head and woke completely up.

"I guess I shall go with Otou-san, then." Genma nodded to Shozaku. "Unless you want to break this up into further groups. Each for the one of us." The brown-haired sexy jounin winked at Hani, sending the woman into a furious smirk.

"Oh, Shiranui-san just wants to be grouped with Shozaku-sama, to get…ah…more acquainted with him." Hani teased Genma back.

"Takimoto-san, again, you aren't funny. I bet I'd laugh more at your face than your jokes." Genma flipped his senbon with his teeth and grinned as the Takimoto woman came over and punched him in the shoulder.

"I say this often Genma; I have never lost a bet…" Shozaku would shudder after a momentary pause. "…ever. Anyway, if the two of you would, Genma and Otou, introduce yourselves to your group, it'll speed things along." Shozaku would nod over to Trydna and the quad-sized unicycle-nin group. Turning to Kakashi, he continued. "Well, is there anything else that needs to be taken care of? Farewells; supplies…quickies?"

Kakashi's brow lifted as he heard Shozaku's last word. Yukari just looked at Genma, Kakashi then Shozaku and shook her head before retrieving her travel pack that had fallen when Usagi had rushed her.

"Otou-sensei, be careful out there, ok!" Yukari would say to her undercover ANBU sensei. The man nodded and placed a hand on Yukari's shoulder, smiling.

"You too, Yukari-genin, soon to be chuunin!" the plain man smiled as he and Genma went over to introduce themselves to the first Wheel-Nin group.

Hani, Yukari and Kakashi stood next to each other as the Takimoto woman finished securing her medical supplies.

"I'm ready here, what about you, Hatake-san?" The woman would be the medic traveling with the group Shozaku was with. It was her off-handed thought if Barokendo would be traveling with them or Genma's group.

XXX

Kentarou smiled and laughed at Usagi's innocent nature.

"Haha, you still didn't answer my question, but I suppose you were never very attentive to some details…" He then would plant a kiss on her lips. "A lot of what I have to say won't really be for you. Baro-san just got a little mixed up when he said you won't remember most of it. There are...a few developments I have found out recently that I wish to put into the message for my fellow Nin, mostly Shozaku. Though, I do have a few things I wish to tell you afterwards so don't be too disappointed. May I…see the seal?" The Second/Fourth Hokage looking man asked; one of his hands already over it even as the other arm stayed around her. Kentarou wasn't sure just how long he had free of his own sealing jutsu, he wanted to get as much of her as he could while he was here.

"Uh, the seal…sure…" Usagi nodded and reached down to lift the front flap of her black-blue uniform. She then lifted her left leg, the leg that had a third of a wheel seal, and placed her ankle on Kentarou's shoulder. This action, as amazing as it was flexible, revealed the seal to Kentarou. She then pulled down her small-knit net stockings down so it was uncovered.

"Always such a giving person; one of the things I love about you, my sweet little bunny." Smiling, the leader of the Wheel Village leaned in and placed his mouth on the seal. This was how he'd put it there the first time, and the only way he could change it without messing it up. Of course, he could have picked a different spot but he'd also wanted it to be good for her too; which might make more of an imprint when he started tracing his tongue all over the seal, licking on her inner though. He caressed along that part of her leg while blowing chakra into the seal to store the new message. After a minute, he would stop the transfer, and move his mouth away from the seal, though he'd keep his head close to her crotch as he looked up at her.

"Ah, you are so beautiful, so sexy, my Usagi." The blonde-haired man paused for a moment, sighing happily. He had something, things rather, he wanted to tell her that had nothing to do with what the past. But he just couldn't concentrate as he looked up at her, his focus momentarily gone. A powerful man indeed, but one easily swayed by a lovely woman.

Usagi's face finally turned red, moaning as she was enjoying his chakra-induced kiss to her inner thigh.

"Oh gods, Kentarou-chan…just like that night…sooooo delicious." She moaned as the Gankage induced his chakra-based message. "Why is it you are always so secretive, Ken-chan?" She was well balanced on her single standing leg as her other limb was draped over his shoulder. Being a kunoichi courtesan had its pluses.

"Because, sadly enough, evil men have laid a labyrinth around me with which truth will bring things down. So, with secrets I am shrouded with." He gave her a few more kisses along her inner thigh before standing up, putting her other foot back to the ground, and looking into her eyes.

"It may…make sense in a few more minutes, the odd way I tend to do things." He'd hold her close in a hug, and a moment later she would feel a scroll being placed in her back pocket. If she didn't have a back pocket of her flap-split skirt, then the scroll and his hands would just go into her shorts. Although it was a good reason for him to squeeze her ass, Kentarou tried to get as much of her as he could, but knew time was limited.

"This scroll explains more about me and the man…sensei; that taught me. I found and spoke to him first before coming to you, and he consented to train you. You won't know why until you meet him, but you already have something in common. I…am not sure just how much longer I've got. Before I have to go, is there anything you want of me, or want to ask me?" The Wheel-Village head truly wished he could be here for another day, or at least, few hours more.

Usagi sighed wistfully and looked up into the red-purple skyline that the sun had left behind. "Oh Kentarou, it's not that horrid Snake-ninja, that's got you trapped, is it? I vow to seek that turd out and kill him."

Her statement would have sent the many Konoha ninja that knew her into fits of laughter; a rabbit killing the snake – Usagi Uzaruki defeating the sannin Orochimaru. It mattered not, however, as the kunoichi unhooked her leg from off his shoulder and leaned into him as the wisps of love twirled around her heart.

"I thought I'd never see you again after that god-blessed night you gave me." She blushed and slid a hand into his. "You know, if I am with a brat, the Hokage would have to take me off the courtesan list until far after. The brat might even bear Uzaruki genes. Who knows…"

"Ah, I think his name was Orochimaru? No, such a man does not hold sway over me. All I can say is; nobody knows where exactly he went before he returned to Konoha. The men with which I have battled, and will again soon, have lived long and learned much."

He held her hand and held her closer still. "Who knows what kind of genes the child may have. I hope that is the Hokage's reaction; taking you off that list. I know...I may ask a lot, but try not to do anything that would endanger the possible child. I only ask because you'll be traveling with the Wheel-nin. Also try to get along with your cousin; if only enough to be civil and not to kill each other. Now…I can feel certain things coming; it seems I am beginning to push the boundaries of my agreement. I wish I could wait but now I must ask…are you with child? If...there is any doubt in your mind, I can check myself…" He held her tight; as though this was the last time he might get to do so.

Usagi grinned and ran her nimble fingers through is wild, spiky blonde hair. "Yea, I'm with brat, and Yusuki-chan is livid about it. I think you may have to watch your back for him, not that he'd really kill you…maybe just neuter you for life." Usagi laughed for a second before she processed the all of what Kentarou said. "NANI! Travel with the bird-brat! She's so immature…the amount of sexual knowledge she has can't fit a senbon tip."

The black lock of hair fell once again to cover her cerise-hued eye as she pouted. "Hibachi-dono is an idiot making her the heiress to the Clan." She sighed, her body melting in his hands. "But if you ask this, I'll do it. I'll go with the Wheel-peoples."