Chapter 12-Bets and Deals
A few days had passed and Sesshomaru was beginning to feel impatient with the Slug Sannin making her appearance in the casino/hotel. It seemed his calculations on how to read this woman were off a bit in what she would do when it came to gambling, but so far the female Sannin had yet to make an appearance, and the only way the woman could not be notice by him was with her actually on a good winning streak. The Demon Lord was considering looking elsewhere when Kurenai came into the room having gone down to the casino area herself since the intense noise hurt her lovers ears if he stayed down there long enough.
"I think I may have found Tsunade-sama. I detected a high level Genjutsu over a blonde haired woman, who was starting to get nervous, and was eyeing the exit doors past the poker tables," said Kurenai knowing that such good news would make Sesshomaru happy and complete this mission sooner.
"She must have overheard Leaf Shinobi were in the area or she's beginning to lose her money in the card games. Intercept and play a game with her while I catch her off guard from behind to make sure she can't run anywhere. Pretend you don't know her so she will calm down a little and don't wear your headband either. Make Tsunade think she's playing a civilian rather then a deadly Shinobi," said Sesshomaru knowing that if the Slug Sannin did in fact hear the news of Leaf Shinobi in the area, the woman would take off faster then Maito Gai without weights, and the Demon Lord couldn't have that.
"There's a bit more to it then that. Apparently, Tsunade has someone that is an assistant of sorts, who helps her with doctor like duties, and she could warn Tsunade about you," said Kurenai not knowing, who the woman was even from the file itself on the Sannin, and the last thing the duo needed was a wild card in this.
"An apprentice of sorts no doubt. If there is a fight, you will take the student, and I will take the teacher. I have read up on this woman's strength and I will not see her land a hit on you," said Sesshomaru walking up to Kurenai and caressing her facing in a loving manner.
"I love you Sess-kun," said Kurenai holding him in a loving embrace that he returned before giving her a kiss on the forehead.
"I love you too my mate," said Sesshomaru knowing that these precious moments during the mission were rare and needed to be cherished.
After the moment passed, the two walked out of the room, and prepared to put their plan into action in catching the elusive Slug Sannin knowing that time was running short.
(Casino Floor-Poker Tables)
Senju Tsunade was not having very good luck right now, but that simple fact about her life was unfortunately no stranger to her, and right now the exit looked pretty friendly right now. She had started out okay, which wasn't bad since her luck was usually down in the regions of "you suck", and that of "you're screwed" when it came to putting her bets down on the table. Shizune had been loyally beside her, trying to constantly encourage her like always, and remind her of how much money they had to cover bets before the Sannin would shatter the given limit.
Sad really.
Regardless, Tsunade was determined to get one good hand in before the bad one, and by that time she had every intention of skipping out on paying her debts yet again. Much to her surprise that a newcomer came to the table in civilian clothes, who looked at her with gentle eyes, yet a hint of something more, and Tsunade felt that sense in the back of her head telling her this was no ordinary woman.
Granted the red eyes themselves were telling her that already, but there was something else that was nagging at the back of her mind, and continued into the current game she was playing with this simply beautiful woman in front of her. Deciding to keep it from distracting her from the game at hand, Tsunade placed her bets, as did the other woman, and after awhile the Sannin felt that her hand was good enough to raise the chips out in front of her.
"I'll raise you," said Tsunade placing her chips out in front wondering if the woman would see her bet and increase it or just fold.
"I see your raise and will increase it several times more," said Kurenai putting her own amount of chips in to match Tsunade's own before adding several more additional chips making the Sannin frown.
Shizune did also while whispering that they were getting dangerously close to the limit of how much they could waste and the pig she seemed to be holding was getting nervous. That in itself was another bad sigh for the Slug Sannin, which told her that while her hand was good, the opposition had something better, and it would cost her in the end.
"Time to show me what you got ladies," said the dealer with each woman showing their cards to the other plus the dealer, who looked at each hand carefully.
'My bad luck sense is tingling,' thought Tsunade, as the feeling in her gut that had been there earlier became increasingly stronger, and was now telling her to be wary of the people around her.
"Ace high flush!" said the dealer, as he pointed to Tsunade before looking over at the other woman's hand, and began digging through his memory of what name that hand was to announce it.
"You got a good hand Tsunade-sama! Now we just need to hope that...," said Shizune before she heard the dealers' announcement of the other woman's hand and slumped in defeat.
"Royal Flush! You madam are the winner," said the dealer presenting the woman with a mountain of chips while Tsunade was sitting across from her fuming at her crappy luck and did what she normally did when angry at losing a good hand to a better one before making an escape.
Make a big scene before running like hell.
"YOU CHEATED!" yelled Tsunade getting up from her seat and pointing an accusing finger at the red eyed woman, who just sweat dropped at the blonde, and then smirked at the Sannin making the said blonde become infuriated by the look of superiority on the younger woman's face.
"Care to show the dealer proof of me cheating?" said the woman knowing that there was none and that the penalty for such lies were harsh even in the casinos in Fire Country.
"I know you cheated and so help me, I'll find a way to prove it, and get you thrown out of the casino," said Tsunade while preparing to make a run for it with Shizune sensing what her teacher was about to do.
'Here we go again,' thought Shizune with the pig in her hand letting out a sigh of defeat and wondered what she did in her past life to make her be the pet of this crazy blonde woman.
"She did not cheat," said a deep, smooth, and regal voice tat put a firm grip on Tsunade's shoulder and the woman in question felt her danger sense suddenly tell her she was in deep shit now.
"And how do you know this sir?" said the dealer looking nervously at the incredibly large fellow that looked like he could break the card table in half without much effort.
"My mate, Yuhi Kurenai, and Shinobi of the Leaf doesn't cheat at card games. You are the one known throughout the Elemental Countries as Senju Tsunade, correct?" said Sesshomaru seeing the woman turn her head slightly turn with her one eye looking up at him with a calculating expression on her face.
"Who wants to know?" said Tsunade having her right arm clenched ready to unleash her fist in this man's face before getting out of the casino with Shizune.
"The Sandaime of Konoha does. He demands your presence before him and be back to Konoha at once before the Chuunin Exams begin," said Sesshomaru increasing the grip on the woman with his claws pointing into her skin.
'He's not human,' thought Shizune seeing the hand from where she was and the pig she was holding Tonton was getting scared.
"I told my old sensei I'm not returning to that village again. Its filled with fools and bad memories of those that gave their life for the village," said Tsunade trying to shrug the man's grip off only to find it wouldn't leave and had become stronger.
"Like your family," said Sesshomaru having read her families file on how they died and knew it would be a sore spot for her that needed to be reopened if to heal properly.
"I would choose my words better if I were you," said Tsunade, as her eyes narrowed, and her fist tightened noticeably to those that could see it.
"For someone, who denounces fools from years past in Konoha, you are certainly willing to defend your family that is filled with them, and ignore that they died like the fools you claim to hate," said Sesshomaru seeing the flash of anger in Tsunade before the woman spun around and slugged him in the face sending the Demon Lord into a nearby table.
"Run Shizune!" said Tsunade grabbing her student and running for the exit like they had done in countless casinos prior to this one while ignoring the worried look on Kurenai's face.
They were almost to the exit when Tsunade looked back to grin a superior grin at the tall regal looking figure only to find Kurenai standing there with a smirk aimed back at her? Tsunade was further surprised when she felt herself bump into something, which didn't make sense to her since the door was well over a few feet away so she didn't run into it, and it hurt just the same.
"You seemed surprised by something," said Sesshomaru, who was now standing in front of a now down on her rear Tsunade, and the Sannin along with Shizune wondered how the hell did this guy withstood one of her superhuman punches?
"How did you do that?" said Shizune, who couldn't help, but feel terrified of this person since not many people could just take a hit like that, and then be in front of them like it was nothing.
"We'll talk elsewhere away from the populace seeing how this place has too many eyes and ears listening in on our little conversation," said Sesshomaru staring directly at the still startled Tsunade, who saw the power behind the Demon Lord's eyes, and decided to hear the man out if just to get away from paying off anymore debts at the moment.
(Konoha-Hokage's Office)
The old man known to many as the God of Shinobi and the Sandaime of Konoha sighed at the information that was before him while looking at a slightly nervous yet determined Subaku no Temari. He had to admit, the girl's courage in coming here to tell him what was going to happen in a few weeks time was admirable in itself, and having to plead her case with him to stop the impending fight between the two demon vessels.
In all honesty, the old Sarutobi didn't want either Naruto or Gaara to fight, but it wasn't his call to make anymore, and the damned Councils were actually encouraging the fight to happen. All they wanted was for everyone to see that Konoha had the better weapon, even when (ironically enough) they wanted Naruto dead ever since they learned Kyuubi was sealed inside of him, and hated him for it.
"You do realize that if I do this, you are putting yourself in at risk, and that the fight you are wishing me to stop may happen regardless of what you are asking me to do in regards to the Exam Finals?" said the Sandaime looking at the Suna girl before seeing Temari nod her head and the Hokage let out another sigh of defeat.
"I need to do this for Gaara. He was hated and feared in Suna ever since its people knew what he held inside of him and after what our Father ordered our Uncle to do, he hasn't been the same since," said Temari knowing that had her Uncle not followed orders to kill Gaara, then perhaps her little brother would have a greater measure of sanity, and not be what he is now.
"I see. You've already signed on dotted line of the contract specifying the details of this arrangement, but I doubt Naruto will appreciate you trying to get between him, and the pounding he wants to give your brother," said the Hokage seeing Temari wince at that since she knew that while Gaara had brought this on himself, she had to at least try to protect him like a big sister should, and try to save him from his own destruction.
"I love my brother Hokage-sama. He means the world to me regardless of his psychotic episodes. My Father used my little brother to be forged into a weapon without so much as consenting to it with the woman he sacrificed that was our Mother," said Temari having known her Mother for many good years and wondered how that gentle woman could love such a power hungry man like the Kazekage.
"You wanted to see me for something important old monkey?" said Naruto appearing on the windowsill giving the Hokage a near heart attack.
"Yes I did. Naruto, we need to discuss something concerning your match against Subaku no Gaara, and certain...circumstance that have come into play" said Sandaime seeing Naruto's eyes narrow at him and the boy letting out a growl of anger before turning his eyes over to a nervous Temari.
"Hello Temari-san. I take it you are the reason from me being here in regards to your little brother?" said Naruto getting off the window and walking into the room seeing the blonde haired girl nod her head while noticing the san suffix rather then the chan suffix.
"Yes Naruto-sama," said Temari keeping her head down slightly not willing to meet the Namikaze in the eyes making Naruto raise an eyebrow at the Hokage.
"Care to explain?" said Naruto looking more peeved by the second at both individuals in the room with him.
"This would better explain it Naruto. Temari came clean on the invasion giving us all the details, with key locations, and when the battle is going to happen. In return, Temari has wished to be given asylum here in Konoha should be successful to prevent the invasion, and in the process of the successful victory over our soon to be enemies...become one of your wives," said Sarutobi hoping Naruto wouldn't flip out over this little bit of info and start beating the crap out of him.
"And what does Temari wish in exchange for all of this besides being one of my future wives needed to restore my clan?" said Naruto before turning his eyes to Temari, who couldn't look at him still, and he had a good idea what she wanted in return.
"She wants you to spare her little brother during the Finals," said the Sandaime before he was blasted by a large amount of killing intent.
"No," said Naruto his voice leaving no room for discussion before he turned to leave.
"Wait! Please spare him Naruto-kun," said Temari hoping he would listen to her, if only for just this one time, and do whatever he wanted afterwards with her.
"You are asking me to show mercy to that brother of yours that hurt someone I love when he had his chance to stop hurting Hinata-chan. Gaara was going to kill my future wife! Why should I stay my hand before taking his head Temari? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't send your brother into the Ninth Circle of Hell?!" said Naruto turning to face her now and lifting her chin so she could stare him right in the eyes.
"Because he's already been in hell!" said Temari wishing he could see that Gaara had suffered at the hands of his demon and the people of Suna too.
"Then I'll simply have to put him out of his misery for you," said Naruto walking away not caring that Temari had become enraged and brought out her fan to strike him down.
"I won't let you hurt him!" said Temari not caring she was in the Hokage's office with a team of ANBU outside that could tear her apart if she attacked.
"He brought it on himself," said Naruto stopping at the window to look back at her.
"Stop this now! Naruto, I already agreed to this deal, and so has Temari. You are ordered to not kill Subaku no Gaara in the Chuunin Exam Finals," said the Sandaime hoping that it being an order from him would help.
Naruto stared at the Hokage for a second with cold piercing eyes that screamed out at the old man for betraying him like this, to not tell him about this until the ink had just dried on the paper, and making it an order of all things to not get the satisfaction of slaying his enemy in the name of the one he loved. As for Sarutobi, he was having images of Minato staring at him where Naruto stood, and finding that the Yondaime would look at him with that same degree of shame had he known what had happened to his son since his death.
"All right old monkey. I'll honor the deal and the order all in one," said Naruto in a silent and deadly voice that did nothing to remove the worry from his old bones.
"Thank you Naruto-kun I...," said Temari, but stopped when she saw the look in Naruto's eyes never leave him, and had in fact increased to a point that they changed from blue to red before repeating that several times.
"Don't thank me yet Temari-san. While I may not kill your brother, I can certainly make him beg me to kill him when the day is over, and when that moment does happen I want you to realize that your brother would have been better off being killed at my hands. I am going to rip, I am going to tear, I'm going to gorge into Gaara's flesh, and I'm going...to love it!" said Naruto before leaping out the window with a shocked and scared Temari now in tears while wondering what she had gotten her little brother into.
(Sesshomaru and Kurenai's Hotel Suite)
"So the old monkey finally regained some of his lost spine. He picked one hell of a time to do it seeing as how I have no intention of going back regardless of what he demands of me or not," said Tsunade having heard the explanation of why she was being summoned back to Konoha.
"As I recall, it is within his power to summon you back, but since he's been so merciful to accept your rejections up until now, and you've been able to get away with it without anyone coming after you since there are few who can match you. However, now that the Sandaime has 'regained some of his lost spine' as you put it...," said Sesshomaru letting the sentence remained unfinished at the moment making Tsunade see his point, as the Hokage had been lenient with her in accepting her rejection of his past orders to return home, but now was a different story, and apparently the old monkey wasn't going to take no for an answer this time.
"All right I go back, but on one condition! I want to put your skills against me to the test. I may not have fought against the Kyuubi, but I think I can put up a good fight against a Demon Lord like yourself, and give you a run for your money," said Tsunade smirking at the emotionless face of Sesshomaru, who looked like he could give Itachi's own a run for its money, and come out on top as having the most emotionless face ever.
"If you are referring to the punch you landed on me earlier, I wouldn't become too smug about what you did, and just to le you know I let you hit me in order to determine your skills if only that of a marginal amount. After what I felt from your punched...I was not impressed," said Sesshomaru seeing the Sannin scowl at him, as he knew that deflating a powerful woman's ego made them lose their sense of superiority, and make them lose control.
Tsunade was no different.
"Not impressed? Not impressed! Are you calling me old?" said Tsunade with a tick mark on her forehead while Sesshomaru remained calm despite the Sannin's increase in killer intent.
"I never said you were an old lady, did I Kurenai?" said Sesshomaru, as his eyes had a bit of playfulness in them when he looked over in Kurenai's direction, and the woman had a means to rip into Tsunade for using Genjutsu to cover up her age.
"No I don't believe you did Sesshomaru-sama, but I think I see a few lines on her face so it's possible she is getting on in her years, and needs to update her vain based Jutsu," said Kurenai seeing Tsunade now having some steam coming out of her ears and Shizune was backing up near a corner with Tonton seeking the woman's protection from the sight of her angry owner.
"LET'S TAKE THIS OUTSIDE!" yelled Tsunade since she didn't like being considered weak, old, and both in the same sentence.
(10 Minutes Later)
"You don't want to do this," said Sesshomaru seeing Tsunade crack her knuckles and the hint of bloodlust in her eyes that told him she was beyond talking right now.
"Like hell I do. When I get through with you, you'll be as fierce as a kicked puppy, and I'm going to make sure you remember just who beat you," said Tsunade getting ready to beat the fur off the Demon Lord.
"Is she intoxicated at all?" said Kurenai to Shizune, who was holding Tonton, and was trying to plead with her medical teacher to stop.
"No. A rarity in itself actually," said Shizune, who would have said more, but Tsunade heard her, and silenced the younger woman with a glare.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," said Sesshomaru, who cracked his right clawed hand, as he prepared for battle, and beckoned Tsunade forward to fight him.
Tsunade had heard enough from him and had now dashed forward with every intention of punching the Demon Lord's lights out, only for Sesshomaru to dodge each of her blows like they were nothing. This of course did nothing, but infuriate the Sannin more, and she decided to take things up another level by adding more leverage against Sesshomaru.
"Summoning Art: Slug Summoning Jutsu!" said Tsunade knowing just like Minato, she too would have to use her summons to fight this Demon Lord, and after large mountain of smoke cleared she smiled at seeing her faithful summons Katsuya.
'Interesting,' thought Sesshomaru seeing the impressive summons that was the Queen of the Slugs.
"Tsunade-sama, why did you summon me?" said Katsuya having been summoned by the Sannin and looking questionably at her surroundings.
"We're going to fight him Katsuya-san. Be careful though because he's a Demon Lord like Kyuubi," said Tsunade seeing the Slug Queen's eyes widen at this news before she focused on Sesshomaru's calm looking form that had an aura of power behind it.
"I see. Hopefully you won't take this personally then Sesshomaru-sama," said Katsuya, who hoped that Sesshomaru wasn't as violent as the Kyuubi, and hopefully merciful when it came to the end of a battle.
"Not at all Katsuya-san. Though you will have to forgive me for ending this so soon, as we do have a deadline to meet in getting back to Konoha, and that time is of the essence," said Sesshomaru before summoning his demonic red energy to create an aura around him before his eyes changed to a demonic red with his fangs noticeably growing out.
(Konoha-Hyuuga Estate)
Naruto walked amongst the halls of the Hyuuga Clan compound having been invited by Hitomi herself after a Branch Family member came to his home to inform him of it. Deep down inside himself, Naruto was slightly nervous at being called before Hiashi's wife of this prestigious clan, and wondered what this invitation involved.
Approaching the door to the office in which Hitomi was at, the Branch Family member that was escorting Naruto to the room knocked on the door, and announcing his arrival to the Hyuuga woman. With the Branch member hearing the affirmative nod for Naruto to enter, the Branch member bowed to the Namikaze before leaving, and the blonde demon vessel opened the door to speak with Hinata's Mother.
"You wished to see me Hitomi-sama?" said Naruto making sure that she had in fact made the request of his presence in seeing her.
"Yes Naruto-san. And please call me Hitomi or Hitomi-san. I asked for you to be here because we need to talk about the up coming fight in the Chuunin Exam Finals you are going to have soon," said Hitomi, who was sitting in her desk going over some clan business, and seeing Naruto take a seat in a nearby chair.
"I'm up against Subaku no Gaara first before anyone else in the first stage of the Finals after the others compete in their matches," said Naruto having been told all of this some time during his training with Jiraiya after the Sannin asked him who he was facing only for the Namikaze to tell the Super Pervert it didn't matter as long as he got Gaara in the end.
"The one who hurt Hinata," said Hitomi stating it as more of a statement then fact.
"Yes," said Naruto his eyes filled now with cold fury with the memory of Hinata's fear and tear stained eyes coming up along with the soul shattering screams of pain when Gaara tried to slowly crush her in front of everyone.
"And you plan to hurt Subaku no Gaara for what he did to Hinata," said Hitomi seeing the blue eyes of Naruto transforming between blue and red with the pupils becoming slits in the process.
"I have dreamed of that fight in my mind for so many nights now. It never changes and the outcome is always the same. I give Subaku no Gaara a beating that no man has ever suffered before and I'm going love every moment of every second of breaking his very being into nothingness," said Naruto before willing himself to calm down and try to remember he was in a guest home.
"You love my daughter very much Naruto, I can see it in your eyes the fury only a person can have when the one they love is hurt by another, and your eyes filled with it," said Hitomi, as she didn't need her bloodline to read Naruto, and the boy himself nodded too.
"I assume you know the deal I made with your husband through your daughter. The fact that Hiashi-sama is not here suggests that you put him in the Hospital and for his continue safety I imagine it was in a different wing," said Naruto knowing that only the Hyuuga Head's wife could take over the Hyuuga Head's duties should he be incapacitated or dead.
"He should have stopped you from making that stipulation. I'm not saying that I am not touched by your willingness to put your life on the line should you fail to avenge Hinata. I have all the faith in the world that you will succeed in that Naruto, but I am concerned for Hinata, and the fact that she may lose her chance to see you fight in the Finals due to her injuries," said Hitomi seeing Naruto's eyes sadden at the thought of Hinata depressed and the desire to take his love's pain away.
"My Father has been trying to find Senju Tsunade of the Sannin for the past Month of my training to help with Hinata's injuries. However, he has not returned yet with the medic, and the thought of Hinata in anymore pain is slowly driving me insane," said Naruto his voice sounded like one, who was tired, and was sinking into the sea of despair.
"You must have faith and trust your Father to find the Slug Sannin before coming back to see you fight Naruto. He hasn't let you down before. I doubt he even knows how to fail," said Hitomi smiling at Naruto, though she herself was becoming concerned with the fact that Sesshomaru had not returned with Tsunade at all.
"I will Hitomi-san. Is that all you wished to discuss with me?" said Naruto wondering if that was what the woman wanted to talk about with him.
"One more thing Naruto. Have you and Hinata been...sexually active?" said Hitomi, as she saw Naruto blush slightly and then go pale knowing that telling the truth or lying would be painful either way.
"Why would you suggest that Hitomi-san?" said Naruto trying to be diplomatic about the situation deciding to neither deny nor confirm such deeds with Hinata.
"Hinata told me," said Hitomi, which was true, as Hinata had confessed to her about such things.
"We haven't done...everything," said Naruto hoping that would Hitomi would understand what he meant.
"I know. When Hinata first told me, I must admit I was a little...peeved. However, after I used my Byakugan to see for myself that she was in fact a virgin, Hinata explained that it was you from preventing her from losing it instead of it being the other way around, and for that I am grateful," said Hitomi seeing Naruto let out a small breath of relief.
"I would never do something with Hinata unless we were both ready for it," said Naruto knowing that waiting with Hinata was probably for the best.
"She said the same thing. Hinata trusts you Naruto, I trust you, and I know when the time is right my little girl will become a woman thanks to you when the time is right," said Hitomi smiling down at Naruto, who smiled back, and thanked her for respecting the two of them for what they were doing.
"I must go now. I have to train with Ero-Sennin later today and if I know him, he's going to be peeping in the hot springs again," said Naruto seeing Hitomi raise an eyebrow at this, but decided to let it go for now since it was clear that this "Ero-Sennin" (if he was who she thought he was) had not corrupted Naruto into a pervert.
"Of course Naruto. Train hard for the exams. We can't wait to see you compete," said Hitomi having heard from her husband before sending him to the emergency room that Naruto had been pushing himself hard during the entire Month so far.
"I know. I look forward to seeing Hinata-chan in the stands," said Naruto bowing to the woman before leaving the room to return to his training for the day.
"Hiashi was right. Subaku no Gaara doesn't stand a chance," said Hitomi, as she smiled at the space where Naruto had been, and then returned back to her work.
(1 Week Later)
"I can't believe I'm back here in this place again," said Tsunade, as she sighed at the sight of the place that filled her with so much heartache, and the memories of her two loved ones in the process.
"You lost the bet. Accept it," said Sesshomaru, who had gotten tired of her whining about how she lost the bet to him that her Slug summons could best him in battle, and how he being a Demon Lord wasn't fair because he was far stronger.
And Inuyasha wondered why he had stayed away from the presence of egotistical women for so long?
"Easy for you to say since you won," said Tsunade, as she wrapped two slender fingers around her necklace, and pushed back the memories from the past.
They made there way into Konoha with people sending Sesshomaru glares, as they knew of his relationship to Naruto being the boy's surrogate Father, and they would have said things out loud if Sesshomaru didn't have such good hearing. Tsunade of course noticed the glares aimed at Sesshomaru with Kurenai next to him not caring or the looks women gave her for being next to the Demon Lord.
'Some things never changed,' thought Tsunade seeing the village had fallen so far when it came to being moral and righteous like they made themselves out to be.
"They don't seem to like Sesshomaru-sama very much Tsunade-sama," said Shizune, as she saw the people glaring hatefully at the Demon Lord, and wondered if it was like that for Kurenai too.
She hoped not.
"We need to talk with my old sensei about this and get more details," said Tsunade, as the group headed towards Hokage Tower, and hoped to get some answers from the old Sandaime.
(Hokage Tower)
"So you finally came back and in one piece too? Sesshomaru must have been merciful to do that knowing your stubbornness to return here Tsunade," said the Sandaime seeing the woman growl at him, but decided to withhold beating up her sensei when she still needed answers from him.
"Actually Hokage-sama, I did injure her severely when she challenged me to a fight with her Slug summons, and she wanted to heal herself before we arrived," said Sesshomaru seeing the Sannin glare at him, but was unaffected by it, and saw the old Sarutobi smirk back at him knowing that was probably the case.
"Regardless, I had Sesshomaru bring you back here since I have let you run around for too long Tsunade, and I need you to help make Konoha strong again," said the Sandaime, who saw Tsunade grimace at him, and looked like she wanted to run again.
"Why would you have me run a fool's errand?" said Tsunade seeing the Hokage frown at her and it was clear he was not amused.
"Tell me Tsunade, who is the more foolish? The fool? Or the fool that was the fool's so called student, who trembles like a helpless child at the sight of blood, and just runs away from her problems rather then confronting them?" said the Hokage making Tsunade sport a mean glare aimed directly at him.
"I find it interesting you have a backbone after all these years sensei. Kami knows that the Demon Lord behind me has anything to do with it, but I bet if he wasn't here, you wouldn't have one right now, and the Councils would be running things around here," said Tsunade seeing the Hokage narrow his eyes at that statement.
"And you Tsunade, would still be out in the Elemental Countries gambling, running from debt collectors, drinking, and mourning over the loss of your loved ones while the village your Grandfather built was destroyed from the inside," said the Hokage seeing Tsunade look at him now with barely uncontrolled rage for what he just said.
"Damn you old man! Give me one good reason why I should even stay in this hellhole you call a village?" said Tsunade rising to her feet ready to leave regardless of the Demon Lord ready to stop her.
"If one is all I need, then I'll just tell you why. It's because a child needs your help at the Hospital," said the Hokage seeing the woman look at him like he was crazy.
"Who?" said Tsunade seeing the man present a folder for her to read.
"Hyuuga Hinata," said Sarutobi before telling her about the incident at the Chuunin Exam Preliminaries with Hinata fighting Subaku no Gaara and the end result of that was.
"What, the snobs in the Hyuuga Clan can't heal her so they pull some political bull shit, and have you send for me just to heal her? I don't heal the snobbish sensei and if this girl is like them, then there is no point in healing her, and letting her continue to be like the rest of them," said Tsunade before a wave of powerful killer intent from Sesshomaru, who was clearly losing whatever patients he had with her, and the sound of his right hand cracking with anticipation of hurting the Sannin was echoing throughout the room.
"She's anything, but a snob like you believe wench, and I would also suggest you think differently about her now before my son finds out. He will NOT be as merciful as I am," said Sesshomaru knowing that if Naruto got wind of Tsunade's remarks, then whatever anger the boy had aimed at Gaara would be redirected at Tsunade, and Naruto would make sure the woman was not able to leave the Hospital no matter how skilled she was in the medical field.
"So this girl is your son's girlfriend huh? All right I'll take a look at her, but after that I'm leaving this place, and not coming back," said Tsunade getting up to go, but was stopped by a commanding hand from Sesshomaru pressing down on her shoulder.
"You're not leaving Konoha Tsunade. I'm tired of you running around gambling, running up debts, and drinking yourself away to numb the pain of your past. Officially as of now, I am revoking your free passage privileges as a Sannin until proof that you can be trusted to return home without resistance can be shown, and should you try to leave then those close to you will have to pay as well," said the Sandaime seeing the shocked look on the Sannin's face and that of Shizune's since no one had ever really been able to command Tsunade like this before.
At least not since she was a Genin anyway.
"You can't do that!" said Tsunade trying to get out of her chair, but was finding that the Demon Lord's grip on her far surpassed her own strength.
"Many things in life aren't fair Tsunade. However, I think you being the Granddaughter of the Shodaime, and the title of Sannin has made you arrogant. Until I can trust you not to abuse your status, I am making sure you stay here to confront your demons, and only when I'm satisfied with the results will you gain your free pass privileges back," said Sarutobi knowing that was how Tsunade got through the Elemental Countries to not pay off her debts making Konoha look dishonorable to promising clients.
"Fine! I'll heal the Hyuuga girl and whoever needs my help, but don't expect me to just play nice for you, or anyone else for that matter," said Tsunade before Sesshomaru finally released his grip on her shoulder to let her walk out of the office.
"I am sorry for her outbursts Hokage-sama, but that's just how Tsunade-sama is, and I doubt many people wish to confront her when she's angry," said Shizune only to have a hand from the Hokage come up slightly raised to tell her to stop right there.
"Tsunade has to learn that just because she is a powerful Shinobi of high rank does not give her the right to use her power to get away from certain obligations. Hopefully, her time here in Kohona will make her realize that," said the Hokage seeing the trio before her nod at his words.
"If not Konoha, then my son will in their place, and it won't be a simple lesson either that he gives Tsunade to relearn," said Sesshomaru before he and Kurenai left the room while Shizune left for the Hospital to help her teacher.
"That's what I'm afraid of," said Sarutobi before smoking his pipe and returning to his paperwork.
(Konoha Hospital-Sometime Later)
Tsunade had to admit that Hinata had gotten mangled pretty badly, as the rumors of one Subaku no Gaara had reached even her ears during the traveling she did, and the fact that Hinata was lucky to be alive meant that the rumors were in fact true. The Hyuuga girl's injuries were severe no doubt, but Tsunade was confident her medical skills could fix the poor girl, and back to training in no time.
"You must be Senju Tsunade," said Naruto making an appearance at the window much to Tsunade's surprise since she half expected Jiraiya since he always did that with her.
"And you must be the girl's boyfriend," said Tsunade smirking at him and expecting to see the kid blush in embarrassment, but was surprised when he stayed serious.
"I am and I'm not going to blush for you so drop the smirk," said Naruto his eyes never leaving hers and she narrowed them back at his own blue eyes.
"Fine you spoiled sport. Look your girlfriend is now under my care, you have nothing to worry about, and can trust me. What?!" said Tsunade seeing the now skeptical look on Naruto's face.
"Nothing, I was just expecting, given the fact I've heard so much about you, that I was expecting someone a lot more...nice, and given the Genjutsu you have on someone...less ugly maybe?" said Naruto before smirking at Tsunade, who now looked pissed off by his remark, and threw a nearby vase Naruto only for the boy to go "poof" meaning he was a Shadow Clone.
'That little gaki is so dead when I see him again,' thought Tsunade before turning back to her patient and decided to get it over with.
(Suna)
"So the Leaf knows about the invasion and are doing nothing about it. Such fools. I look forward to seeing their village fall," said the Kazekage, as he had been looking forward to this moment, and despite what Orochimaru standing across from him thought at this very moment didn't matter right now.
"Your daughter helped fill in the clues to the means in how we were planning to invade," said Orochimaru seeing the Yondaime Kazekage narrow his eyes at that piece of info.
"When the invasion is over, should she be alive, I'll hand her over to you, and let you deal with her how you see fit. Just like her Mother that one. She always had to be more merciful to others then was needed," said the Kazekage scowling at the memory of when Temari actually tried to play with Gaara and her Uncle came in to stop her at the very last second.
"The Wind Daimyo is not happy with you either it seems. From this letter, he heard a rumor of you planning to attack Konoha, and that if you do the village will lose funding permanently," said Orochimaru having read the letter with careful eyes.
"Doesn't matter. Either he slowly kills us with military cutbacks or we die quickly after showing our power. Besides, even if the Wind Daimyo cuts our finding, if Suna can show its stronger then the Leaf, then we will get all the clients they would have gotten, and by that point the Wind Daimyo will realize his mistake," said the Kazekage, as his eyes were filled with bloodlust, and hate for Konoha.
"So you are doing the old do or die method of fighting. Fine by me. All I want, is to fight my old sensei, and finally kill him along with the rest of those weak fools. You will lead your forces on one side of Konoha, mine will strike from the inside, and afterwards we will be victorious over them," said Orochimaru finding that the Kazekage should thank his lucky stars, as the man was going to be killed in order to be used to get close to the old Hokage, and by the time Suna learned of what happened...well it would have been too late.
"You can fight the old monkey until you gain some color on that face of yours for all I care Orochimaru. What I want, is the total destruction of the Leaf, along with retrieval of all their power they have in their possession, and to use it to make Suna stronger then ever," said the Kazekage before going back to finalizing the battle plans with the Sannin.
(Namikaze Estate)
"You've progressed well since I was gone Naruto. I am impressed and proud of you," said Sesshomaru seeing the blonde boy before him bow and the smile on Naruto's face showed he was pleased in getting his Father's approval.
It had been several more days after Sesshomaru's return with Tsunade that the Demon Lord got to meet with Jiraiya, as the Demon Lord was busy taking care the paperwork that only he could do legally, and then there was Anko having missed him during that Month. So after catching on the paperwork, making love Anko, making love to Kurenai, and then making love to both of them did Sesshomaru get a chance to meet the Toad Sannin.
At first, Sesshomaru was pleased that the man was training Naruto is sealing, and gave the boy contract for summoning Toads. However, Sesshomaru immediately became angry (though he didn't show it) when he learned that the man was Naruto's Godfather, and after giving the Sannin the most brutal beating of the man's life did the Demon Lord decided that they should try to reintroduce themselves again.
Right after Jiraiya got out of his coma that is, which according to Tsunade would be right before the Chuunin Exam Finals, and would be ready for the impending invasion.
"Thank you Father. Is there any word on Hinata-chan's progress at the Hospital?" said Naruto, as all the times he visited her now, she seemed to be asleep, and he felt that his timing in seeing her was always bad.
"From what Tsunade has told me, Hinata is doing much better, and will be ready to see you fight against Subaku no Gaara," said Sesshomaru having seen his son's eyes flash with anger and sorrow at the past memory of the girl in pain.
"I'm going to enjoy unleashing my rage upon him," said Naruto, as his eyes were now changing blue to red, and then red back to blue.
"As will I, my son. I am also aware of the agreement the Hokage did for one Subaku no Temari and how she is to be your wife in the process. Is there something else that I was not made aware of that I should know about?" said Sesshomaru seeing his son blush a little and lower his head at embarrassment in telling his Father about the time in the Forest of Death.
"Well...in the second part of the exam, we went through this place called the Forest of Death, and during that time I may have been...intimate with her," said Naruto seeing the Demon Lord's eyes narrow a fraction, but he could tell that the boy had more to say, and wanted to hear more of what it was after asking a question.
"Does Hinata know?" said Sesshomaru hoping that wasn't the case given the girl's pure nature.
"Yeah. Actually you see, she um...was intimate with me during that time with Temari-chan too, and I guess we did what you would call a 'threesome'. We actually agreed to keep it a secret and let what happened in the Forest of Death stay in the Forest of Death," said Naruto hoping his Father would understand.
"Your demon's lust got the better of you," said Sesshomaru determining what had in fact happened in that place.
"Well, it was originally just me and Hinata, but we didn't go that far because she needed to be of the right age, and then later on Temari showed up so what happed with Hinata-chan really led to another thing with Temari-chan," said Naruto seeing Sesshomaru nod at this knowing that while his boy did have to give into his urges, he still had some form of control not to do anything harsh, and that was a good sign of restraint on his part.
"I take it Haku hasn't been left out of your little equation," said Sesshomaru seeing his son blush further knowing that things were getting quite personal.
"Dad! Come on! You know I wouldn't leave Haku-chan alone like that. Give me some credit," said Naruto, as his whine made the Demon Lord smirk at that, and patted the boy's head lightly.
"Just checking Naruto. Several girls have fallen in love with you and from what I can tell several more it seems are not far behind. It will take quite some time for you to balance them all, as each one is different, and will require your attention to them when you aren't training," said Sesshomaru seeing Naruto nod his head at this having digested all this information.
"I won't hurt any of them Father. I promise you," said Naruto, as it wasn't in his nature to hurt any of the girls he like, and that's the way he liked it.
It was probably one of the reasons why he wasn't going to kill Gaara like Temari had asked of him.
If Gaara died, then Temari would be hurt, and Naruto couldn't do that to her no matter how much he hated Gaara.
"You have a good heart kit. Much better then most humans I've encountered over the years. Still, what Gaara did to your mate is inexcusable, and cannot be taken lying down. Hurt him kit. Hurt him like no man has ever got hurt before and show him that your family is NOT to be messed with!" said Kyuubi having found Naruto to be quite the human and wondered what the boy's biological Father would think of the village or the irony of a Demon Lord taken care of his son.
If Kyuubi gambled, he would bet his nine tails that Kami was up in the heavens laughing at this since this was just like her, and that sense of humor of hers in all that was currently happening right now was a result of it.
Personally, the fox thought heaven was overrated.
(Leaf Hotel-Nightfall)
'Gaara, my brother. Forgive me for what I had to do,' thought Temari seeing the night sky overhead wishing that her brother wasn't like what he was now.
"Subaku no Temari," said the voice from behind grabbing her mouth the arm that dried to back hand its form.
'An assassin!' thought Temari trying to move, but found she couldn't.
"Stop struggling. It's me. Its Naruto," said Naruto whispering into her ear and letting his hand move from her mouth.
"Naruto?! What are you doing here? My brothers and sensei are in the next room!" said Temari wishing she could bonk him on the head for his crazy stunt, but couldn't knowing it would make noise, and the last thing she needed was to be seen with Naruto by anyone in this building.
"Relax. I just came here for a quick visit and to say...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been cold to you back in the Hokage's office. I have already spoken to the old man and signed the contract so everything is official on all ends," said Naruto seeing Temari's eyes light up with joy and she kissed him hard on the lips.
"Thank you so much Naruto-kun. This means the world to me," said Temari kissing him again knowing it would further prove she was happy with what he did.
"Just don't be too mad when I kick his butt in the Chuunin Finals. He may deserve mercy considering what he went through, but I still need to beat the crap out of him for what he did to Hinata-chan, and to weaken him enough to ruin the impending invasion plan your Father cooked up with Orochimaru," said Naruto seeing Temari's eyes sadden at this, but she nodded in understanding, and decided that was probably for the best.
"I know. Perhaps the best way to get through to him is to hurt him I guess," said Temari as she smiled at Naruto giving him one more kiss before a knock came at the door.
"Temari, tomorrow is the Chuunin Finals. Make sure to get some descent sleep tonight," said Kankuro behind the door knowing that coming into the room would result in his sister beating the crap out of him.
"I know baka! Now go away or I'll tell Gaara you were being a baka so he has a reason to kill you," said Temari making Kankuro yelp and run away from the door while Naruto secretly snickered at that.
"What a dumbass," said Naruto with Temari holding back her laughter if just barely.
"Yeah he is. Good luck in the matches tomorrow," said Temari knowing that it was time for Naruto to go and he knew it too.
"See you tomorrow Temari-chan," said Naruto kissing her one more time before he left via the window to his home to get some needed rest for the finals.
Temari sighed, as she went to bed, and for what seemed like forever, she got a full night of sleep with the belief that tomorrow would be all right.
No matter how chaotic it may get.
(A/N: YAY! I updated. I know your upset that no fighting happened, but think of this as the calm before the storm since all the fun crazy shit that's going to happen, will happen in the next chapter, and there will be hell to pay for many people in the Naruto world that you know. Until next time...PEACE!!!)