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The Mugen Tenshin clan held a notorious reputation throughout the world for the unorthodox combat prowess their clansmen possessed. The preeminent clan resided within Kirigakure and their force served as a major contribution to the village's security, as their ninja were trained under gruesome measures. Ayane, an illegitimate child who was conceived when her mother was raped by her iniquitous father, was despised by her kinsmen.
Ayane's existence was an audacity and it revolted members from the clan tremendously. They ostracised her with disparaging criticisms and deprecated her from their society. Nevertheless, she was trained exclusively by the leader of her clan, who happened to be her foster father, and took on the mantle as an almighty assassin whose servitude to both her clan and village was absolute. Thus, her solitary life had shaped her into a dispassionate and ruthless killer.
With her promising aptitude for greatness, it wasn't a surprise that she was promoted to ANBU commander at a tender age of twelve.
"Why have you summoned me, Mizukage-sama?" Ayane manifested her frame in a violet flash in the office before bowing respectfully to her superior. She had a eulogised body with voluptuous curves, desirable bust and enchanting features. Her distinctive violet hair which carried a vibrant tinge, her soft pink lips, and her bewitching crimson eyes were captivating to say the least.
She was garbed with magenta breastplate that outlined her ample bosom sensuously; a black scarf that wrapped around her neck and her vivid purple bangs concealed the headband she wore around her forehead. She was equipped with armguard and gothic boots with leather straps fastened on her armours, along with utility pouches secured around her curvy waist. The prominent attribute of her outfit was the enormous bow she tied behind her back.
Yagura placed his pen neatly on his table and smirked. "Ayane-san, I have a mission for you."
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(Two days ago…)
Naruto tossed a stack of files on Yagura's table and situated himself comfortably on the chair. His leg delinquently placed on the table as he grinned sanguinely at his cousin, who was anxious about his response. "So? You said you have an ultimate plan to save my village from an imminent economy crisis. What is it?"
"Let's start with the basics, shall we?" Naruto interlocked his fingers and stared sagaciously at the stack of books in the bookshelves. "The major villages consist of Konohagakure, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, Sunagakure and Iwagakure. Amongst these five nations, Konohagakure is prospering, in terms of its village's financial stability. We can tell from it, because they constantly keep money running in their village. They distributed their services to minor villages and welcomed wealthy foreigners to their country, unlike other paranoid villages."
The blond snatched a pen from Yagura's table and toyed with it. "Moral of the story: greed is the essence of life. Greed works for them. Greed is the core of their motivation and greed captures the evolutionary spirit of mankind. Greed shapes our world. You see, when Konoha employs the rich merchants into their village, they suck them dry and make them bleed more. This is how they do it. Let's say, for example, this random guy comes to Konoha, thinking he can refinance his budget and expand his wealth by indulging into the real estate industry. He spends a large sum of money purchasing mansions and properties then subsequently earn the profits and sell them away. With the profits, he pours his money back to Konoha's economy by going into the mall and purchasing other technological goods."
Yagura stroked his chin as he listened avidly. "So… are you saying we should follow-"
"No," Naruto interjected. "What I'm trying to imply is that we follow my rules. It is not about the money, Yagura. It is about the game, and how we play it. You can have a trillion ryo cashed in your vault, but if you don't know what you're going to do with it, it's fatal. I have done some calculations, and based on Kirigakure's current asset, it will be enough to pull this village out of its abyssal debts and in the process, invite an abundant quantity of cash into your bank account."
The Mizukage's eyes sparkled. "W-What is this ingenious plan? Spill it!"
Naruto smirked. "Simple. Domination. Not that kind of world domination where violence is needed. Cut it out. That's obnoxious. What I have in mind is to rob away half of the major villages' prime asset. The military acquires their funds from missions sponsored often by the minor villages. Half of their income from major villages derives from the minor villages' contribution and commission. What happen if all the major villages' major incomes suddenly vanish and end up in your pocket? What we need to gain is trust. Our first targets are the Land of River, the Land of Rice, the Land of Snow and the Land of Vegetables. What we need to secure is the subsistence of life."
Yagura cocked a quizzical brow. "Is that the plan?"
"No. No plan. Not yet." The blond elaborated, "The Land of River has a mining company that manufactures gold and other related precious metals. Right now, that company has only nationalised itself in an uneven proportions. I plan to invest in that company. You see, the Land of River's fortune comes from the establishment of the Katabami Kanzan gold mining company. We buy most of their stocks and shares and we become major shareholders of their company. Sound simple, huh? However, what we need is to earn the trust of their feudal lord. To do that, we have to donate a large sum of money to the daimyo, as a notion of goodwill, and help them globalise their cash cows. In return, they are only to allocate all their missions to us and provide us a monthly share of their profits from the company. I will administrate the paperwork, as well as listing out the anticipated gross revenue for the next ten years."
Yagura eyed Naruto dubiously. "It sounds fantastic… but-"
"Hear me out. That is just a fragment of my plan." Naruto sighed. "Afterwards, we move down to the Land of Rice. This particular village lacks firepower. What it lacks, it compensates it with its rich crops. Rice. It is a staple food for all nations. Now imagine, just imagine, what happen if we allied ourselves with the Land of Rice?"
The Mizukage blinked in realisation. "W-We implicitly acquire their crops?"
"Bingo." Naruto grinned. "We're going to do the same thing. Dump a generous amount of cash into their feudal lords' crazy pockets, earn their trust with a positive rapport and make them think their profits coming out of the deal outweigh that of ours. Bam! Those suckers wouldn't know what hit them. What we must do is to monopolise the food industry. While other nations are paying close attention to their army, we pay close attention to our money. Money is a bitch, and we know it."
"Then we need a contract." Yagura concluded with a smile. "I will have my secretary write us a contract and state the things we want from them, in return for a deal that benefits both parties."
"You're doing it wrong." Naruto shook his head and folded his arms. "Never let people, especially those with avaricious intents, to know how much you want something. Never. We all know nobody starts on top of the world, except when we're talking about inheritance, and then it cascades down to desperate widows and moronic sons. What we do? We rob them like vultures… legally with believable ideals and enticing deals. Vague ideas mind you. That's what we give them and make sure they buy it. I'll settle the contract."
"He really has done his homework. He knows so much about other villages that even I, a Mizukage, don't. I'm sure my decision to keep him with me as my advisor is right." Yagura smiled. "Very well. I'll see to it that it is done."
"Now, let's talk about rice. It will be your favourite word in the next few years." Naruto chuckled. "Let's use Sunagakure for example. How do Suna get their resources? Their lands are pretty much dried up. Import, maybe? In fact, based on their annual expenditure statistics and reports, Suna requires the most imports amongst the five nations. Part of the reason why Suna is going down under a recession is because they can't appreciate the beauty of money. Imagine again, Yagura. Rice is the staple food for Suna, and it is rather expensive if you think about importing crates of it every year just to feed, what? Thousands of people? What about shipping fee? This will add up into a jumble of screw-up. This is where we step in."
"What do you have in mind?" Yagura queried.
"First, we paint our image with brilliant colours." The blond grinned. "Reputation matters more than you think. Ruin it and you get yourself a lifetime of disasters. Before we get down to real business, let's finish the matter at hand. The Land of Snow is a village famed for its advance machineries and their science industry. Weapons, transport, telecommunications. You name it. They make it. Link them with the Land of Rivers and you get a bonus of profits. Right now, the Land of Snow is facing a political conundrum. Nobody cares about them. Why not we do something about it?"
"Are you saying we should help them to get ourselves a leverage?"
"Precisely. We strike when the iron is hot, and it is blazing hot right now." Naruto smirked. "Think of what we can get if we build facilities and factories in these villages with substantial approval rights. We rule over the concept of supply and demand while keeping an amiable relationship with these minor villages. Lastly, the Land of Vegetable, it is a money-making Island, something which nobody actually realises. It has crops that produce a variety of nutritious vegetables that are considered extremely valuable to many countries. However, we can't do everything under Kirigakure's name."
"So you're suggesting we make a dummy company as a façade for Kirigakure's image?"
"Great minds think alike, I see?" Naruto chuckled and continued, "Rich merchants are humans. Rich businessmen are humans. Rich leaders are humans too. And what do humans love to do? Drown in a sea of greed. They have an uncanny mind and their greed compels them to gain more. That's why selling image is the first thing we must do. They buy it, they like it, they accept it, they lust for it, and you hit jackpot. You own the market and make it your turf; you get to name the rules in your home ground. In order to achieve that, first, we need to disguise the operation by creating a proxy company. Of course, I will settle that for you as well."
"T-That is amazing… Naruto. It is an excellent plan! I honestly couldn't come up with something extraordinary like that." Yagura smirked.
"Easier said than done. We need to make things happen and strengthen our ties with them. That is why I suggest dispatching a few platoons of our forces to the allied villages. It will symbolise our desire to protect them. On the surface, we station our ninja in their village to boost their security. See, the more people make money, the more they fear death. By providing them security in the package, who would deny such gracious offer? But, looking underneath the underneath, I am simply establishing a network of intelligence throughout the world. Make life easier for me, don't you think?"
The blond rummaged the untidy pile of files and grabbed his objective. "I have done the calculations for the budget of this operation. The first phase of our plan will cost us 459 million ryo."
"W-What! But that's the exact amount of money we have in the reserve!"
"Exactly." Naruto smirked with grave conviction glinting in his eyes. "And I'm gonna spent every single ryo."
"But that's… that's too risky!"
"If it weren't for those people who took risks, where would we be in this world?" The blond countered. "Trust me on this, Yagura. You invest on this; I'll make sure you see a dream becomes reality. What you need to do now is to read everything in those files I have done and follow it to the letter. As for me, I'll do the manual labour for you. I will need two capable ninja as my escorts, as well as my bodyguards. Don't give me half-fuck standards please."
"Bodyguards?" Yagura was sceptical. "You? You need bodyguards?"
Naruto deadpanned. "What? I want to feel special. Besides, there is no need for outsiders to know anything about me. To them, I will be a defenceless man who may get assassinated if I turn my back carelessly on my rivals. Anyway, I have already told you part of the plan. Leave the rest to me and I will work on the details. We are making history, I guarantee you."
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The Natsume clan existed beyond the foundation of Kirigakure. It was a noble clan and it was once rivalled to the prestigious Uchiha clan. The clansmen were annihilators with paramount skills, and they practiced extensively in the art of swordsmanship. However, the eminent clan detested violence and chose to refrain from engaging battles. Notably, their honourable clan was infamous for their nefarious dojutsu, the Ryugan. (Eye of the Dragon)
The heiress of the clan, Natsume Maya, was a gifted swordswoman. She was entrusted with her clan's heirloom, the Reiki. (Zero Adversity) It was a sentient, but malevolent blade that corrupts its wielder; nevertheless, Maya possessed a latent ability to suppress the curse blade's vile energy. With her transcendental prowess, she was crowned as the beatific goddess of carnage throughout nations. At an age of eight, she mastered her clan's forbidden techniques and was promoted to ANBU commander when she was merely fifteen years old.
Hell, she even denied the offer of joining the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.
Standing formally before Yagura, Maya, in the form of a child with velvet silver hair and dressed in a vermillion kimono, tapped her foot impatiently. "Are you going to brief me my mission, Yagura? And why is she doing here?"
Ayane remained stoic as she glared at the girl. "With your lack of formality, I could kill you under the jurisdiction of direct insubordination."
"I dare you to do that." Maya smirked and swung her blade playfully. "No! Scratch that. I double dare you."
"Enough!" Yagura bellowed. "The two of you are respected members of the Nanatsu Megami no Kiri. Behave like one. God. What's wrong with the ninja nowadays?"
Ayane bowed. "My apologies, Mizukage-sama."
Maya scoffed. "Cut the chase. What's the mission? What is our objective?"
"So they're my bodyguards?"
The purple-haired woman and the silver-haired girl twisted their attention fiercely to the windowsill. Sitting on the opened window, a window that was supposedly shut tight and could only be opened from the inside was the enigmatic blond, who was eyeing his escorts analytically. Naruto sighed as he got down from the windowsill. "So, did they accept the mission, Yagura?"
"Yes, apparently." The Mizukage rolled his eyes. "Please do not underestimate these ladies standing before you. This is Ayane from the Mugen Tenshin clan. Don't take her lightly. She was promoted as ANBU unit commander of the LEVIATHAN unit when she was only twelve. Let me tell you the motto of the LEVIATHAN unit. Conquer and destroy. She is the best of the best, Naruto. As for Maya, she is the ANBU unit commander of the POSEIDON unit. What's their job? Raid and obliterate. The two of them are elite warriors of our village, and they're the deadliest as well."
"I see." Naruto stroked his chin and contemplated.
"What are ya, stupid?" Maya growled. "Don't act too high and mighty, boya. We came here because we're told that we're the only one capable of taking on this mission. Instead, you show up and look all arrogant and crap! Who do you think you are? You think you can just barge in to this office and look all cool and stuff, huh? Is that it?"
Naruto blinked and averted his eyes meekly. "Uh…"
"That's it? That's the kind of half-ass response I get?" The silver-haired girl pointed the sheath of her blade at the blond and frowned. "You should be apologising to me!"
"I-I'm sorry?" Naruto looked away.
"Huh?" Maya cupped her ear and leaned towards the blond. "I can't hear you?"
"Sorry." Naruto said softly, albeit reluctantly.
"What kind of half-fuck sorry is that? At least look at me when you say that!" Maya elbowed the blond's chest provokingly. "Did you even put any feelings in it? Huh? Answer me, damn it!"
"I said I'm sorry, didn't I?" Naruto protested furiously.
Maya grinned mischievously. "That aside, did you really defeat our Yagura-chan over there? I bet most of those rumours are bullshit! You look like a half-ass twat! Did you even beat that sorry excuse of a Mizukage of ours? I thought you're just full of shit!"
Yagura's eyebrow twitched vigorously. "Why is everybody trying to retell my past?"
"I-"
"I know the truth! I'll tell ya! You think you're hot stuff and all because ya handsome and kickin' ass? You're just a half-ass twat! That's why you're able to do such dumbass things like that, you fool!" The abrasive Maya snatched Naruto's collar violently and instigated. "This is ma. town, boya. You don't bust in here and act all king and shit. This is Kirigakure no Natsume fucking Maya! I'm the queen. I'm the empress. I'm the boss. I'm ya master and ya my bitch. Your ass belongs to me!"
Yagura sighed. "Just get used to that childish girl, Naruto."
"Before I shove my sword up your virgin ass, you better shut that hole of yours, Yagura-chan." Maya glared vehemently at Naruto. "Now, where were we?"
"The mission will take three years." The blond interjected, much to Maya's chagrin.
"W-What? Three years? Nobody say anything about three years! I didn't sign up for this crap!"
"Well," Naruto retorted. "I didn't sign up for tolerating your nonsensical haggling."
"I don't haggle!" Maya puffed her cheeks in exasperation. "I am-"
"You are my underling." The blond finished.
"I ain't nobody's underling, you dick."
"Silence!" Yagura slammed a hand on his table, alarming the silver-haired girl. "Enough with your tantrum, Maya. You're acting like a little girl!"
"I am a little girl." Maya folded her arms.
The Mizukage rolled his eyes. "Whatever, I don't have all day dealing with you. Maya, Ayane. The two of you will be serving and protecting Uzumaki Naruto from now on. He will be giving you the orders. You listen, you obey. As he has informed beforehand, the duration for this mission will be three years. Of course, you will be rewarded handsomely once this mission is completed."
Ayane nodded. "Understood. I will serve Naruto-sama with my fullest capability and satisfy his every need."
Maya gritted her teeth. "This better be good."
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(A few hours later…)
"Where are we going?" Maya whined as she sat on Naruto's shoulders, much to his displeasure.
Ayane pinched her nose and furrowed her brows. "Weren't you listening? Naruto-sama has plotted our first stop to be at Tetsu no Kuni, the Land of Iron."
"So why are we going there again?" The silver-haired girl dug her nose nonchalantly.
Naruto rolled her eyes in frustration. "To find my auntie."
"And who is this auntie of yours?" Maya arched a questioning brow. "If she is your auntie, she must also be Yagura-chan's auntie too?"
"Yeah." The blond nodded, much to the girl's shock.
"A-Are you serious?"
Naruto smirked. "You'll find out when you meet her. She is the descendent of a few major bloodlines and she is possibly as powerful as I am. Nah, scratch that. I'm the best."
Maya scoffed. "Cocky little bastard."
"Shut up. You're just jealous. And get off of me. I am your superior! This is an order."
"And I'm not obeying. What are you going to do about it? Absolutely nothing!" The girl stuck her tongue out. "Now shut up and keep walking, boya."
Naruto gritted his teeth and obliged.
"Oh, I'm dying to ask you one more thing." Maya diverted her attention to a silver-haired boy who was following them. "Why did you bring him with us?"
The blond cocked a brow. "He's my apprentice. Kimimaro. I'm bringing him with me so he can sponge some experience from me and hopefully master his clan's techniques along the way."
"Pfft, bringing a kid with us in an SS-Class mission. You're out of your mind." Maya complained.
"Yeah, I can say the same thing about you too."
The girl's cheeks were a visible pink. "I-I'm different!"
Ayane sighed, before her attention was piqued. Swiftly, her pinwheel needles materialised between her fingers and she tossed it into the bushes. Naruto halted his steps and stared laxly at Ayane's direction. The purple-haired kunoichi glared into the tenebrous forest and muttered frostily. "Naruto-sama, we are being surrounded by hostiles. Estimation, twenty-seven assassins."
Naruto smiled. "Great job. I see Yagura is right. You are indeed a capable and reliable partner."
Ayane blushed and averted her gazes from the passionate eyes of the blond. "Your compliments are wasted on somebody like me."
"Oh, no. I'm dead serious. You are beautiful as you are powerful." Naruto grinned, oblivious of Ayane's fluster.
Maya folded her arms and spat. "Will the two of you cut it out with the flirting? There are enemies in front of us? Hello! Wake up, sunshine!"
A static blur manifested before the group and the tendrils of darkness morphed into a lithe frame. Naruto narrowed his eyes as he discerned the appearance of the intruder. A petite woman, with a pair of impassive grey eyes and black hair that carried a vivid blue tint, emerged from the shadows. She was dressed in a sleeveless black robe that revealed her slender shoulders and exposed her entire back, a pair of custom designed hakama that prevent restriction of movement and she wore a pair of combat shoes.
Her notable feature was her braids that she wore, which was bound by strips of white cloth and a golden ring attached to the tip. The stern scowl she wore, her fierce gaze of indifference, her dexterous stance which safeguarded her defence and her nimble movements spoke volumes of her prowess. She unsheathed the blade stashed behind her back and glared predatorily at Naruto. "Trespassers. You have breached the borders of Kaminari no Kuni. State your identity and purpose."
Ayane took a step forward and smirked. "Sui-Feng, I didn't know your unit has degraded into a mere patrolling squad."
Sui-Feng growled. "If I'm you, Ayane, I will shut that mouth of yours before something bad happens."
"Oh! Is that right? So scary!" Maya feigned horror as she shivered.
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You know this woman, Ayane-chan? Maya-chan?"
The purple-haired assassin nodded. "She is ANBU commander of Kumogakure's HORNET unit, as well as the deputy chief of the Punishment Force. She has been a nuisance to me ever since I took missions from my LEVIATHAN unit. We have been… rivals, because are routes always intersect."
"Talkative, huh?" Sui-Feng smirked. "I didn't take you as a woman who speaks more than her actions."
Naruto sighed and raised a hand. "We are merely passing by. Our objective is Tetsu no Kuni."
"Do you have any documents to support your claims?" Sui-Feng pointed her blade at the blond threateningly. "I must warn you beforehand. Failure to submit any valid documents will result in the extermination of you and your accomplices."
Maya snorted. "Yeah, right. Just go home and piss in your underwear, Feng-Feng. You don't scare us!"
"Natsume Maya." Sui-Feng addressed with bitter disdain. "The Natsume clan has been an eternal nemesis to the Feng clan. Executing someone like you will bring honour to my ancestor's grave."
The girl grinned as she licked her lips. "I'll like to see you try. No! I dare you to try! I double dare you! If you want to get this sweet ass of mine, you have to work hard for it."
"Alright, cut it out!" Naruto rummaged his utility pouch and drew out a file. "This is the documents supporting my claim. We have business to attend there."
Sui-Feng approached the blond cautiously before snatching the document. Skimming through the content of the file, Sui-Feng glared menacingly at Naruto. "I have never seen you before."
"I'm the new guy!" Naruto beamed. "Nice to meet you."
Sui-Feng scoffed and dropped the document. "If I ever catch you wandering around this land, I won't hesitate to slice your throat."
In split-seconds, Sui-Feng vanished into a bolt of lightning.
Naruto sighed and picked up the file. "What's her problem."
"She has issues. Don't mind her." Ayane shook her head. "Let us continue our journey, Naruto-sama. At this rate, we won't make it to our destination in time."
"Yeah. Let's go." Naruto kept the document and quickened his pace. "That Sui-Feng is sure one strange woman. If she drops that attitude of hers, I will actually consider her to be attractive. Ah! What am I thinking? Ero-sennin is corrupting my mind!"
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(Somewhere in Konoha)
"AH CHOO!" Jiraiya wiped his nose and grunted. "Damn it, someone is talking about me. W-Wait, It must be a woman, desperate for a man's warmth. She must be calling for me, desperate to get some Jiraiya lovin'! I can picture it now! She is lying on her bed. Cosy and horny! Yes! YES!"
While the sage was fantasising, he was talking aloud about his ideas and had forgotten that he was spying on a hot spring with plenty of naked women.
When he was surrounded by shadows of vengeful entities, he knew he was in deep trouble.
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The group had arrived to a town located near the outskirt of the Village of Samurai. Their military consisted of samurai proficient with the deadly art of the blade and their warriors were equipped with both knowledge of war and weapons of destruction. The town was a tourist site, as it had glamorous malls and luxurious casino; it was the ideal spot for Tsunade to invest.
Naruto had his resources; apparently, there was sighting of Tsunade somewhere in Tetsu no Kuni. Strolling aimlessly around the town, Naruto could not track down the Sannin. Maya, unaware of Naruto's quandary, was compelled to explore a weaponry department store.
"Why can't I find that granny here? Nobody seems to be willing to tell me anything. What's wrong with this town?"
"They don't give a damn about you. Boy, they don't like you. I don't like you." Maya leaped off from Naruto's shoulder and examined the katana displayed extravagantly on the cabinets.
"I don't care. I'm here for my aunty." Naruto balled his fist. "I will find her."
"Your aunty doesn't like you. Nobody likes you. You came all the way here for nothing. You ain't gonna-"
Naruto seized a bucket of kunai and placed it on the counter. Inspecting the items, Maya deadpanned. "Oh, hell no. You didn't just put that pile of shit in front of me."
The blond blinked. "What? Higashima metals produce great kunai."
"Higashima metals will get you a great ass whooping."
"Why are you always objecting to everything I said?"
Maya grinned. "Cos teasing you is fun. But seriously, you cannot trust Higashima metals! It is a sham! I'll tell you what's good for you and you'll like it."
The girl twisted her attention to the cashier and smirked.' "Do you sell Musamune metals? I would like the kunai to be crafted with Masamune metals."
The shopkeeper arched a brow. "Masamune branded kunai and shuriken are usually purchased as gifts because it is rather expensive. Since we can consider kunai and shuriken disposable and expendable, it is often not wise to use Masamune branded goods in combat. Are you intending to buy them as weapons?"
Maya rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "Man, just give us what we want and shut up. This ain't democracy."
The shopkeeper sighed and ambled into the stores.
"Do you have to be this rude?"
Maya stuck her tongue out childishly at the blond.
Naruto sighed and surveyed the shop, only to find Kimimaro standing quietly beside him. "Hey, you have anything to buy?"
"I don't know what to buy."
"Hmm…" The blond stroked his chin as he studied his apprentice. "I think it is best for you to learn kenjutsu. I am not really great with swords but-"
"I can teach him." Maya offered. "I am, after all, a swordswoman of awesomeness."
Naruto cocked a dubious brow. "And what is your agenda?"
The girl grinned before she snatched a kunai from the basket and threw it aggressively to her back. Naruto and Kimimaro directed their attention to Maya's target and they were startled by the presence of a geisha with milky white skin, glossy golden hair, a chiselled face and hazel eyes, standing behind them. The beautiful woman with an aristocratic grace deflected the kunai with her parasol that she wielded as a weapon and smiled. Naruto was resisting the urge to blush as she noticed the geisha dressed in a revealing kimono that exposed her curvaceous torso, in which she wore a royal purple breast band to cover her ample bosom.
Maya flipped a hand seal and spontaneously, she was erupted into smokes. When the cloud of debris was cleared, Naruto's jaw dropped comically. A woman, akin to a goddess, stood before him. She had an ethereal beauty and long silky silver hair. Her angelic charm, her gratuitous well-endowed figure, her enthralling pair of jade-coloured eyes and her irresistible comely features bedazzled Naruto's attention. "Setsuka no Zettai Fukushu-sha. (Setsuka the Absolute Avenger) I see you are now reduced into a lowly rogue samurai. I'm not surprise."
Setsuka opened her oilpaper umbrella and smirked. "You're the same as usual, Ryuketsu no Ojo. (Bloody Princess) What brings someone like you here in a town like this?"
Naruto leaned forward and whispered. "Maya-chan, you know her?"
"We fought a few times." Maya licked her pink lips sensually and winked suggestively at Naruto. "She is very distinguishable. Her fetish with umbrella is one of her traits that define her. Let me handle this."
The blond arched a brow. "There was a blatant difference between the adult Maya and her child form. She was a juvenile brat in her chibi form but a seductress in her sexy form."
"You still haven't answered my question." Setsuka growled. "Why are you here?"
"I'm companying this boy to search for his lost auntie." Maya spun around and caressed Naruto's cheeks affectionately. "He is such a poor thing, don't you think? So why are you here, Setsuka?"
"I was paid by some merchants to slay a few bandits near the mountaintop. I have already accomplished my mission and am intending to purchase some supplies in this town for my next journey." Setsuka explained before she eyed Naruto and Kimimaro. "The boy… he's from the Kaguya clan. Why is he with you?"
"He is my student," Naruto replied.
"And who might you be?"
"Uzumaki Naruto." The blond beamed cheerfully.
"Uzumaki?" Setsuka narrowed her eyes. "Interesting."
"It will be even more interesting if I cut your throat this instance." Ayane materialised behind the swordswoman with a kunai aimed at her foe's neck.
Setsuka remained calm and eerily serene, despite her dire predicament. "Do you think you can kill me with that blunt weapon of yours?"
"I don't think I can. I know I can."
"Ayane, drop the hostility," Naruto commanded. "There is no need to instigate an unnecessary battle here. Setsuka-chan is just passing by."
Ayane stashed her knife and ambled casually towards the blond. "I apologise for my insolence. Forgive me, Naruto-sama."
"It's alright." Naruto sighed. "Please pardon Ayane-chan's action. She is only trying to protect me."
Setsuka scoffed. "Point that blade at me again and I cannot promise blood won't be shed.
The blond chuckled nervously as he scratched his head. "So, Setsuka-chan-"
"Do not taint my name with your ridiculous innuendo." Setsuka retained her composure.
"Uh, right. So, Setsuka-chan, you've been in town for a while now. Do you know any gambler with a horrible streak and a foul attitude wandering this place? If I'm not wrong, she should be companied by a girl with black hair and a pig."
Setsuka crinkled her nose as Naruto ignored her threats. Regardless, the avenger shook her head and walked out of the shop.
Naruto sighed. "She should at least answer my question."
"She finds you unworthy of her time." Maya giggled. "Alright, fun time is over. We need to get ourselves a shelter for the night. I suggest we rent a hotel in this town to rest. We can begin our search tomorrow."
Naruto stared curiously at Maya, who blushed at his gaze. "W-What's wrong?"
"O-Oh, uh, nothing. It's just that… you sound different."
The silver-haired woman snaked a hand around the blond's neck and whispered huskily. "Do you like me better if I'm in my true form?"
"We need to leave, Naruto-sama." Ayane interrupted, much to Maya's annoyance.
The blond blew a sigh of relief and smiled. "Yeah. The sky is getting darker."
The group left the shop promptly, not noticing the shopkeeper had dragged out a box of weaponry from the store and looked puzzle at the absence of his potential customers. "W-Where is everybody?"
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"Ah! The hot springs here sure is relaxing." Maya smiled as her naked frame was submerged in the soothing hot water.
Ayane nodded as she took a sip from her cup of tea. "I would assume you will revert yourself back into that child avatar of yours."
"None of your business." Maya scowled. "I'm enjoying myself here. Let's stop talking about work and start having a life, okay?"
"Our mission is to protect Naruto-sama. If-"
"Didn't I tell you to stop talking about work?" The silver-haired woman shook her head. "Your obsession for this mission is starting to make me suspicious. Are you… by any chance, in love with that boy?"
Ayane's cheeks flushed a few shade of crimson as she stammered. "I-I'm not! H-How p-preposterous! How can you even say something like that? Naruto-sama is an honourable man who deserves our respect. The fact that Mizukage-sama holds him in such high regards speaks of his strength and wisdom. This mission is a pilgrimage of greatness. Kirigakure's survival depends on Naruto-sama's success!"
"Alright, alright, I understand." Maya rolled her eyes. "You don't need to be agitated when I talk about that boy."
"I-I'm not agitated."
"Yeah, I can-"
"Ah! The hot spring here sure is fabulous."
Ayane and Maya were alarmed when they sensed intruders in their vicinity. A blonde woman with an impressive bust was accompanied by a teenage girl with short ebony hair and a piglet. Maya recalled Naruto questioning Setsuka the whereabouts of his auntie; it was too much of a coincidence. Ayane kept a placid façade and listened attentively to their conversation.
"T-Tsunade-sama, are you sure this is the right idea? I mean… you owe the loan sharks quite a sum of money."
"Ah, just relax, Shizune. They will think that I'm making my escape. They won't bother searching for me in this kind of place. Besides, this hot spring is specifically for girls only. Tonton is an exception."
"Oink."
Shizune sighed. "I hope you're right."
Ayane was stupefied when she realised Tsunade, the legendary Sannin, could be Naruto's auntie. The Uzumaki and the Senju clan had a close relationship during Hashirama's reign as sovereign of Konohagakure. His wife, Uzumaki Mito, was a feared seal master during their era. Tsunade was the descendent of two powerful clans. Garnering all the pieces of information together, Ayane gasped in astonishment. "She is Naruto-sama's auntie! She is the one Naruto-sama is searching for!"
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(Meanwhile…)
"How the hell did I end up in this situation?"
He was just enjoying himself in the hot spring. Although his sight was obscured by the thick layer of steam, he could register a few entities in the hot spring. It was a hot spring reserved for residents of the hostel, so it was plausible for people to be in it. His bliss was debilitated when the mist stirred and his vision became clear. Sitting beside him was a naked Setsuka, who was soundly asleep.
Naruto stifled an unmanly shriek when he saw Sui-Feng resting beside Setsuka.
"Coming from experience, if I get caught by them, my death is certain." Naruto devised a plan to escape in complete stealth. "I will slowly remove myself from the water as quietly as possible… and…"
Splash!
"So much for being a ninja." Naruto deadpanned.
Setsuka and Sui-Feng opened an eye and stared at a terrified Naruto in unison.
"Okay, calm down, Naruto. If I don't move a muscle, they won't notice I'm here."
"Uzumaki, why are you here?" Setsuka questioned, her parasol miraculously appeared in her grasp.
"Damn it." Naruto started to panic. "I…"
"Silence." Sui-Feng ordered. "Just sit still and don't make a noise. I wish to be in peace with the night's breeze."
"How poetic for an assassin who has killed plenty." Setsuka smirked. "And you even have the gall to ask for peace."
"Shut that mouth of yours or I'm sure this hot spring will be soaked with your blood." Sui-Feng growled. "My duty as Raikage-sama's weapon is to obliterate my enemy remorselessly. I sympathise neither for scums nor my enemies."
Naruto sighed. "This world sure is chaotic, huh?"
"As long as the system is in order, this world will forever be plunged in the sea of chaos." The blond remembered his epic battle with Nagato, who was under the alias as Pein, and the words he had spoken. "My family, my friends, my village, they suffered the same fate as this village by ninja of Konoha. How is it fair to allow only people like you to preach about peace and justice when you and your people have taken everything from me?"
The blond closed his eyes. "If you don't share someone's pain, you can never understand them. But just because you understand them, doesn't mean you can come to an agreement. That's the truth. Tell me, Naruto. How are you going to resolve the conflict of this world? How are you going to cleanse this overflowing hatred that is suffocating our world? Answer me!"
Sui-Feng shook her head. "We, guardians of our village, serve to protect our homeland from enemies. We are the peacekeepers who ensure that there is order in our world."
"Then answer me, Feng-chan. How do you resolve the everlasting conflict of this world?"
The brunette blinked. "W-What?"
"How can you cleanse the overflowing hatred that is suffocating our world if war is inevitable?"
Setsuka's sight was downcast. "It is because people embrace vengeance, they cannot see the suffering of others."
Naruto smiled. "If they chose to forgive and forget, this world will be at peace."
Sui-Feng snorted. "Idealistic fool. People will continue to hate. They will continue to fight. It is an endless struggle."
The blond shook her head. "I have seen my fair share of war. And from what I've learned, we get to choose. For every blade that is forged, every shuriken made, every assassination mission launched, signifies that those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. If we don't choose to end war, war will inevitably end us."
The brunette looked away. "You just don't understand."
Naruto smirked. "I find war unnecessary, because I don't wish to understand it anymore."
The blond blinked. "W-Wait. Why are you here?"
Sui-Feng rolled her eyes. "My subordinates and I were chasing a few bandits. We ended up silencing the buffoons outside the gate of this town. I decided to settle down for the night before moving out tomorrow."
The blond draped a towel around his waist and sighed. "Well, enjoy the soak."
The brunette growled. "Don't get up. I prefer the serenity. If you stand up, the water will splash. If the water splashes, it will annoy me. If it annoys me, I will be angry. If I'm angry-"
"Your menses will overflow immediately?"
"My menses will…" Registering Naruto's crude remark, Sui-Feng's face heated up and she gabbled hysterically. "W-What? How rude!"
Naruto smirked. "Alright, alright, I'll stay, for your sake."
The brunette averted her gazes.
Setsuka simply stared quietly at the duo before she resumed closing her eyes, embracing the tranquillity of time.
"By the way…" Naruto whispered softly, but audible enough for the dangerous women. "This is a men-only hot spring. The women-only is on the other side of the fence."
"So?" Setsuka quirked her haughty smirk. "We are kunoichi. We are trained to use our bodies as tools for us to gain what the objective is required."
"That sure is one way of putting it." Naruto sighed. "Anyway, I'm here looking for a relative of mine. Did the two of you see a woman in her late twenties, accompanied by a teenage girl and a little piglet?"
Sui-Feng arched a brow and smirked mockingly. "The pig is your relative? How amusing. Men like you are pigs anyway. I'm not surprise."
"Oh yeah?" Naruto withheld his anger. "I can say the same thing to you too."
Sui-Feng relinquished her untamed rage and unsheathed her sword. Without hesitation, she materialised before the blond and placed her blade on his neck. Setsuka remained a calm disposition as she observed the commotion uninterested. Sui-Feng glared at a grinning Naruto. "What's so funny?"
Unfazed by Sui-Feng's threat, Naruto raised his hand, much to Sui-Feng's shock. And much to her displeasure, the blond was caressing her cheek. "You might not have her look, but you sure remind me of her."
"Her?" The brunette queried.
"A woman I once loved."
Sui-Feng blinked and unconsciously dropped her sword. "And where is she."
"Dead." Naruto responded monotonously.
Before Sui-Feng could inquire any further, an explosion erupted.
Naruto, Setsuka and Sui-Feng stared at the enormous hole on the fence. Once the debris and smoke cleared, Naruto gaped at the sight. A fairly naked Ayane and Maya were readied in their battle stance while the blond clamped a hand on his nose, resisting desperately for having a nosebleed. Ayane muttered in a low voice. "Naruto-sama, I have found the person you're looking for."
Maya wiped the blood from the edge of her lips. "She sure is one tough cookie."
Tsunade emerged from the steam, her eyes glowing demonically at the group. "You won't take me alive!"
Naruto chuckled nervously. "Come again?"
The busty blonde leaped to the sky and dove down mercilessly. "You loan sharks won't take me alive! I won't return you a single penny! Now die!"
In split-seconds, Naruto appeared before Maya and Ayane in a static blur and countered Tsunade's almighty punch with his fist. The result was catastrophic as an unearthly eruption occurred. Ayane and Maya were blown back by the aftermath shockwave and fell into the hot spring. Sui-Feng was flabbergasted as she recognised the blonde. "S-She's… the legendary Sannin of Konoha, Tsunade-sama!"
Tsunade was utterly stupefied that someone could block his punch without sustaining any damage. "W-Who are you?"
"I've been looking all over for you, baa-chan."
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End!
As I continue to reveal the rest of the Seven Goddesses of the Mist… Ayane from Dead or Alive and Maya from Tenjou Tenge are revealed. That makes five goddesses who have made their appearance. The last two members will be revealed soon. Also, I don't own Sui-Feng from Bleach or Setsuka from Soul Calibur. They belonged to Tite Kubo and Namco respectively.
Pairing:
1.) NarutoXKonan (Confirmed)
2.) NarutoXMei
3.) NarutoXShizune
4.) NarutoXKoyuki
5.) NarutoXAnko
6.) NarutoXKurenai
7.) NarutoXPakura
8.) NarutoXSui-Feng
9.) NarutoXJuri
10.) NarutoXChun Li
11.) NarutoXSetsuka
12.) NarutoXAyane
13.) NarutoXMaya
14.) NarutoXHarem
If you choose 14, please let me know who should be in it. If you have any suggestions for possibly new characters, let me know in your reviews. Do rate this story and review, thank you!