KG: By the power vested in me by being the author of this here fanfic I know announce myself as the new owner of Naruto!
Naruto: You don't have that power! And you never will!
KG: I determine what happens to you in this fic and in all my others. You can be a wimp, a ladies man, or just a Sasuke imitation nutjob. There for I own you.
Ayane: I don't think it works that way author-san, but could you stop wasting my time and just write this thing?
Samui: I agree with her.
KG: You two haven't even met yet! You can't gang up on me!
Ayane: Just do it already. I have to get back to the village.
KG: Fine fine. Place everyone! AND...rolling camera!
Next Morning, Tournament Grounds
Naruto watched the other matches taking place as usual. He had thanked Hinata and Shikamaru for covering for him and Ayane. It was really a live saver for the blonde as well as the purple haired kunoichi who was sitting behind him watching the fights with a cold glare as usual as well. In compensation for their efforts, Naruto had paid for everyone's dinner at some restaurant to which everyone was happy for it before he got a scolding from Anko about punctuality and being on time fir things. She even went as far as to compare the blonde to Kakashi in a sense which confused Naruto in some way, but he could that she was just worried about him.
Meanwhile, Naruto could also hear Kyuubi playing his flute in the mindscape and it relaxed the blonde in some way. It was quite a surprise that a malevolent beast could play such a peaceful instrument.
"Hey brat, I told you I'm only malevolent when I need to be. Stop being stingy," Kyuubi said to him and Naruto rubbed the back of his head knowing that Kyuubi could hear his thoughts.
"I didn't mean it that way, but please keep playing. I really like it," Naruto said to his bijuu and Kyuubi while he sat on a small rock in the middle of the murky water.
"Damn right you like it, but fine. Just relax then and wait your turn," Kyuubi said before he played another slow melody for the blonde as he watched the fights. Naruto only broke his gaze for a second to turn back and glare at Ayane. The purple haired kunoichi could feel his gaze and turned to him only for a second. She gave a hidden smile while Naruto gave a slight wave. She closed her eyes before slightly waving back, but in a sort of way that showed she didn't really care. Naruto shook his head at her as chuckled, but turned back to see another match finished and sighed.
"Another one, come and gone," Naruto said to himself before Anko lightly punched him in the shoulder.
"You shouldn't complain. After all, you weren't even here for your fight," Anko said and Naruto stayed silent since he couldn't deny that in the slightest, but damn Anko sure could be cold about it. Anko smiled at him before she wrapped her arm around his neck.
"Well at least you're still in this thing. Still it's only going to get harder so don't let your guard down," Anko told him and Naruto nodded while the announcer came up to call for the next competitors.
"Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki vs Anko Mitarashi. Both come to the field," he yelled making Hinata and Shikamaru widen their eyes. Muramasa stroked his beard with a thoughtful expression while Ayane seemed to be lightly surprised.
"When you said don't let your guard down, you sure as hell weren't kidding dattebayo," Naruto said noticing the verbal tick while Anko snickered.
"Oh this is gonna be a walk in the park. No way is some genin gonna beat me," Anko said getting to her feet while Naruto did the same. Ayane watched them leave before she wondered how this fight would go. Naruto was a genin or at least it seemed that way. He was about on par with her in some terms, but she'd see that when they fought.
Naruto and Anko appeared on the field and stood apart from each other. They heard the crowds cheering for them both while Hinata gulped.
"Will they both be alright?" Hinata asked and Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head with a sigh.
"Man troublesome. I'll be surprised if neither of them get through this fight without using ninjutsu. However I think Naruto has an advantage over Anko-sensei," Shikamaru said making Hinata and Muramasa turn to him.
"And how do you figure young man?" the old blacksmith asked while Shikamaru gazed at his blonde teammate before turning to Hinata and Muramasa.
"Well think about it. Naruto not only excels in taijutsu, but also ninjutsu. His main forte in genjutsu. He was known as a genjutsu prodigy from being trained by Kurenai-san. By his mother's definition, Naruto is somewhat of a great ninja who excels in genjutsu, but Anko has much more experience. It'll be tough to see who wins it.
"Next fight of the semi-finals, Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki and Anko Mitarashi. Begin," The man yelled and the two settled for staring at each other. Naruto closed his eyes while Anko folded her arms. They stood in silence for five minutes making people confused as to why they didn't start. Soon Naruto smiled while Anko did the same.
"Ready to get started Anko-nee?" Naruto asked and the purple haired jonin nodded her head.
"I won't hold back just for you little brother. Be prepared," Anko said as she took out a kunai while Naruto took out his demon shuriken.
The two quickly charged at each other before their weapons collied with each other. The two growled at each other before they separated. Naruto was sent skidding back before he sent his shuriken flying towards his sensei and sister. Anko watched the flying weapon come towards her before she jumped in the air. She spun her body and narrowly escaped the shuriken as it went past her. The Snake Mistress chuckled at Naruto's effort before she threw a kunai at the blonde. Naruto saw the metal before he twitched his finger and pulled it back. Anko gasped before turning around to see Naruto's shuriken coming back at her.
"Naive," she said as she blocked it with another kunai, but upon closer inspection she saw explosion seals over them making her chuckle. Meanwhile the kunai that Anko threw was on its way to Naruto and the blonde saw it was an explosion kunai making him widen his eyes before there were two different explosions at Anko's spot and Naruto's spot. The crowd gasped at the two explosions before Naruto jumped out of the smoke and Anko landed on the ground. The blonde's shuriken returned to him while Naruto smirked.
"Not bad huh?" he asked her and Anko smiled with a nod.
"Oh yes, not bad. Still not enough," Anko said as Naruto looked up at the smoke, from the last explosion, still hovering in the air. Three kunai bursted from it and the blonde gasped before he backflipped away from the three shots only to realize that Anko appeared behind him. Naruto widened his eyes while Ayane seemed surprised.
"Hmm she's so fast. She'd go really well with the village," Ayane thought before she saw Naruto blocked a kick from his sensei. He quickly counted with a kick to her midsection only for Anko to grab his leg while she snickered and hoisted him into the air. Naruto yelled out before Anko quickly sent him flying.
"Damn she's really into it," Naruto thought ti himself before he saw Anko under him. He smiled before he quickly weaved some handsigns.
Anko watched Naruto come down hard, but soon he vanished from her view making Anko widen her eyes. Suddenly she looked around to see the platform without any signs of her blonde student.
"Where'd he go?" She wondered to herself before she looked out to see five kunai falling. She raised an eyebrow before more came down. It was a massive amount for Naruto to have in his possession before Anko quickly dodged them all. She gasped before the platform turned upside down. She thanked Kami for that as it blocked all the strikes coming towards her, but she looked down to see a bottomless pit and gulped.
"Man, these guys don't play around, but where is that brat?" Anko wondered before she looked up to see Naruto holding her leg with his arm while she hanged just over the pit.
"You lose Anko-nee," Naruto told her and the Snake Mistress raised and eyebrow before chuckling. So her little brother did that huh?
"No so fast Naruto-chan. You have a lot to learn about me," Anko said making the blonde raise an eyebrow before Anko dispelled his genjutsu leaving the blonde shocked. He quickly backed away from Anko and cursed.
"So you realized it?" Naruto asked and Anko waved it off.
"I'm not so weak that I won't notice a genjutsu when I see it coming," Anko said and Naruto chuckled with a slight nod before he turned back to Ayane.
"Well sorry Anko-nee, but I've got my reasons for going to the finals and you aren't going to stop me. I'm going to make Ayane-chan go all-out against me," Naruto said keeping the last part to himself and Anko followed the blonde's intense gaze back to Ayane who was staring straight at him. The two seemed to be dueling each other rather Naruto keeping his mind on their fight. Anko chuckled and scratched her cheek.
"Well alright, if you want to fight your girlfriend then be my guest. I'm sure your fiance won't mind. In truth I only did this cause you signed me up against my will so I forfeit. Besides I would've won in the end," Anko said and Naruto looked at her in a shocked expression before al of her words registered.
"She's not my girlfriend dammit! And that fiance business hasn't been made certain yet!" Naruto yelled at his sister and Anko nodded while she patted his head.
"Sure sure little brother, whatever you say," Anko told him making Naruto blush while most of the crowd wondered what she could be talking about.
The Snake Mistress waved her hand to the announcer and the man nodded.
"Umm winner by default Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki," he yelled and Naruto watched Anko leave with a smile on her face. The blonde narrowed his eyes before turning back to Ayane. He saw the small smile on her face while Naruto gave a small grin. He could see the look for a good long battle in her eyes and strangely they had an attractive flare to them. Naruto walked off the field and sat back in his seat while Anko sat next to her students.
"Man Anko-sensei, you really know how to shock people. I thought you were never one to give up," Shikamaru told her and Anko chuckled as she rubbed the back of her head with a sigh escaping her lips.
"Well Shikamaru I did it for two reasons. One is simply because just like everyone else I want to see Naruto and that girl, Ayane, fight. Another reason is due to the fact that Naruto, more than anything, wants to fight her. You'll understand once you have your own rival one day. Same with you Hinata," Anko said to them both and the two merely nodded not having anything more to say to their sensei.
"Very insightful," Muramasa said to her and Anko smiled with a nod before glaring at him.
"So exactly who are you anyway?" she asked him and Muramasa merely stroked his beard while looking at the field.
"I'm simply your run-of-the-mill blacksmith. Hohoho," he said with an elderly laugh and Anko narrowed her eyes with a slight nod.
So with that being the case, other matches came and went. Everyone had their turns as the crowd roared for them all. The semi-finals went on without a hitch and just like they wanted, both Naruto and Ayane raced through the rankings of people. Near was willing to lose to anyone until they had the opportunity to fight with each other. It really astounded people the two youngest competitors could be so skilled. Granted Naruto still had his genjutsu so this was perfect to him and Ayane was one of the most gifted shinobi of the Mugen Tenshin Clan. No way would they lose that easily. The fights were exhausting and the time in the day dwindled, but finally towards the near end of the night only two people remained. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as they saw the last two come up. Due to the new conditions of the platform people had easily fallen off or had lost easily, but luckily there was still the finals.
"Has everyone enjoyed the Land of Iron festival tournament?" the announcer asked with a yell and multiple people screamed out their joy for the fun and the man chuckled while Mifune smiled.
"Well then don't go home yet cause you'll be witnessing a very splendid fight by two surprising people. The first is the unpredictable young warrior, Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki," He called as the blonde waved his hand making people cheer and some of the younger girls squeal at how cut the blonde could be.
"And the very deadly and very young Ayane Tengu," he finished and Ayane walked next to Naruto. The two glanced at each other and smiled before Naruto spoke.
"Well I thought we'd never get to this part," Naruto told her and Ayane folded her arms before she turned her head from his view in a semi-cold way.
"Well at least you know how to fight, but your luck ends now," she told him, but Naruto could tell that she had a smile on her face even if she did have that cold facade going on.
"Well done both of you. You have shown excellent strength, skill and balance. Can you two conquer the other?" Mifune asked and Naruto turned to Ayane. He looked at the wristband he gave her and she looked at the small purple headband on his arm.
"I'll never lose to him/her," they both said to Mifune and the old samurai nodded with a grin on his face before Naruto raised his hand.
"Mifune, I have a request," Naruto yelled and the man raised an eyebrow. The people of the stadium suddenly got silent as they wondered what the blonde could want, but Ayane, Muramasa, Anko, Hinata and Shikamaru could understand what he wanted.
"Speak your request young one," Mifune told him and Naruto directly pointed to Ayane.
"I want to go all-out against her. I don't want to leave any regrets about it. Please, let us use ninjutsu," Naruto shouted and people widened their eyes. They all turned to Mifune who placed a finger on her chin.
"Mifune-sama, let them do it! Please Mifune-sama! We want to see them fight!" The crowd yelled out and the old samurai smiled while looking at Ayane.
"What do you say?" he asked and Ayane smiled before turning to Naruto to see his cheeky grin.
"I'll fight him with everything I have. I know I can improve myself if I fight him all out," Ayane said and Mifune turned to the announcer.
"I allow the use of ninjutsu for this match as the last and final fight. You may have your wish," He said and the two thanked him for accepting Naruto's request.
"Well how do you like that people? We're going to have a good ol fashioned shinobi fight. Are you both ready?" he asked and Naruto took out his shuriken, but Muramasa told them all to wait.
"Old man, what's the problem?" Naruto asked and the man smiled as he reached into his clothes. He held out two clothes and tossed them to Naruto and Ayane.
"If you want to go all-out young one, then you'll need these," Muramasa said to them both. Naruto put his Demon shuriken away and Ayane dropped the the Land of Iron kodachi. They both unfurled them and looked to see their own original kodachi in complete perfect. Naruto gazed at the exquisite metal and Ayane did the same. It was so neatly made and renewed, plus Naruto could even feel a sort of connection. It was like the swords were directly connected to his chakra. Oh he would have so much fun with these. They both smiled and turned to the old blacksmith.
"Thank you Muramasa-san," they both said with bows before they turned to each other. Naruto held his kodachi and took his taijutsu stand while Ayane did the same.
"Now is everyone ready?" the announcer asked again making Naruto and Ayane nod that they were ready.
"Then let the finals of the Land of Iron festival tournament, Begin!" he yelled and Naruto along with Ayane erased the distance between each other and clashed their weapons. They both smiled at each other before they backflipped away. The crowd roared for them both as they skidded away from each other. Ayane quickly jumped in the air and threw three incendiary kunai at Naruto making the blonde backflip from them all. He growled at the purple haired kunoichi while Ayane dropped to the ground. The blonde cracked his knuckles before he threw a kunai at her. Ayane easily parried the shot, but then noticed a string of wires fall around her before they tightened and constricted her body. Naruto smiled while he weaved his handsigns.
"Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu," the blonde yelled as he sent the raging fire towards Ayane as it traveled along the wires. Ayane narrowed her eyes before using her kodachi to cut herself loose from the wires and safely dodge the fire. She did her own handsigns and from his time fighting with her Naruto could tell what it was.
"Hijutsu: Rekkū Jinpū Satsu," she yelled and a quick flash of lightning escaped from her hands and shot straight for Naruto. She watched the lightning go to him, but Naruto wasn't having any of that as he crossed his fingers.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," he yelled making three clones. One grabbed his arm and flung him in the air while the other took the blast before dispelling. Naruto could sense what the clone was feeling and he knew it must've hurt like hell from the experience.
Ayane watched him go into the air before she quickly jumped after him. Naruto cursed before he took out his kodachi again and clashed with Ayane. The two did strikes faster than most people could watch as they only say the white streaks of light go over the entire stadium.
"There really into it," Shikamaru said looking up and Anko could agree with him.
"He's even more into it than with me. I sort of find it insulting kind of," she replied, but Muramasa lightly chuckled.
"For those who find worthy opponents, it is only then that they can enjoy the feel and rush of a good fight. Ayane, for the longest time, has only fought to prove herself. To her clan, her superiors and even to herself. She never fought anyone just because she might like it. This is the first time I've ever seen her truly smile while having a good fight," Muramasa said making Hinata and Shikamaru acknowledge the comment.
The two flashed against each other while Naruto smiled.
"All for the sake of competition right?" Naruto asked and Ayane chuckled at him.
"Yeah, it ought to be fun once in a while," she said as they pushed away from each other. Naruto smiled as he hit the ground, but he noticed more of Ayane's kunai heading for him before he quickly maneuvered his body through the rain of kunai before they all exploded on impact. He was barely hanging on to anything as he dodged left and right, but soon he was kicked across the face by Ayane's heel and realized that the kunai were just a distraction for her to connect a hit to him. Most of the crowd winced at the kicked, but many cheered Ayane for the hit and the purple haired kunoichi was enjoying it, that is before Naruto poofed in smoke making her narrow her eyes.
"A Kage Bunshin? But he didn't have anymore did he?" she wondered before the real Naruto appeared behind her and slammed the ground.
"Ninpo: Shin no Otoshiana," He yelled out and the ground under Ayane crumbled at her feet making her slip and fall in the large hole that came into existence. Naruto smiled at his accomplishment, but little did he know that Ayane wasn't done yet.
Falling through the hole, Ayane slightly cursed before she took out her kodachi and stabbed them into the wall. She glared at the opening before she slowly started to crawl out.
"Oh when I get you for this I will get you for this," she said to herself.
Naruto calmly waited for Ayane to get out of the hole and before too long he quickly saw her emerge out of it while she dusted herself off. She glared her fiery, red eyes at Naruto's cold, blue eyes.
"Not bad. The Mugen Tenshin clan would be delighted to have someone like you," she said to him and Naruto smiled.
"And Konoha would love to have someone like you, but for now I'm just going to enjoy this fight to the fullest," Naruto responded to her and Ayane lightly chuckled before she threw up a large number of her kunai.
"Oh ho. She's going to go with that," Muramasa said making the others anxious before Ayane did a handsign. Naruto started to act fast to her attack as he did his own handsigns.
"Ninpo: Rakka Shinkunai( Ninja Art: Raining Death Knives)," Ayane yelled and all the kunai converged on Naruto making the blonde growl at her before they quickly exploded on him kicking up the dust making Ayane cover her eyes. She glared at the sight and before long the dust dispelled for her to see Naruto blood as the knives penetrated his body. She widened her eyes at the result as Naruto dropped to the ground. The crowd gasped out at the blonde while Ayane walked up to him.
"It' my win," she said to him and Naruto slightly snickered before he grabbed her hand. Ayane gasped before she saw something behind Naruto. It came closer and closer into view before she noticed the white robe of the shinigami behind him. Naruto smiled as he did his handsigns.
"A genjutsu inside a genjutsu. This will be great!" Naruto said to himself before he quickly smiled as he decided to not hold back this genjutsu.
"Genjutsu: Kokuangyo no Jutsu( Illusion Technique: Infinite Darkness Jutsu)," Naruto shouted bringing the entire darkness over Ayane as she couldn't see anything. The purple haired kunoichi looked around fast, but couldn't find anything in place before she felt a kick sending her to the ground. She coughed and got to her feet, but she was then slashed across her attire until she was sent flying by another kick across the field.
"Dammit I can't see," she said before Naruto appeared and behind him was the Shinigami. The death god pierced his stomach with his sword and it stretched all the way to Ayane's body connecting the attack. Ayane winced from the hit before she tried to dispel the genjutsu, but it wouldn't do her any good. She struggled to maintain her focus before she widened her eyes.
"Wait, if I'm in a genjutsu then my body isn't moving on the outside. It's worth a shot I guess," she said to herself before she closed her eyes and tried to drown out everything. Naruto watched her go through some handsigns before she focused all her energy again. She felt it all gather while Naruto widened his eyes before he canceled the genjutsu.
"She'd use that here? No way," The blonde said to himself, but he noticed Ayane open her eyes while her right hand glowed with power.
"It's not enough to shake this building, but it is more than enough to make you drop out if it hits you," she said as she aimed her fist at the ground. Naruto widened his eyes again while Ayane smiled.
"Ninpo: Hajin Shinzan," Ayane yelled as she slammed the platform. Immediately the ground shook violently for everyone as they braced for the earthquake. It wasn't as heavy as the last one, but the waved of energy were headed straight for Naruto as the blonde quickly crossed his fingers.
"Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," the blonde yelled and the arena was filled with clones as they protected the original. The force of the blow was staggering as they all braced from the impact.
"Damn she's serious," Naruto said to himself and before long the ground stopped shaking and Ayane looked up to see the blonde huffing while only three of his clones stayed with him. She raised an eyebrow before growling.
"What's it take to beat this guy?" she wondered before she noticed Naruto's attire which was significantly torn in some places. She huffed and wiped the sweat from her face. She dropped to the ground and huffed.
"Dammit, she said to herself before Naruto smiled and did his handsigns. He really had wasted a bit of chakra with that last jutsu and it was hurting him right now. Meanwhile, Ayane closed her eyes and breathed easily. She sighed before she felt her wounds heal.
" Mugen Tenshin no Hijutsu: Kaifuku Shōdō( Hidden Technique of the Mugen Tenshin Clan: Recovery Urge)," Ayane said as she felt her body get healed. Naruto looked at the strange sight before he smiled.
"Kyuubi, mind helping me out?" Naruto asked while Kyuubi opened on of his tired eyes.
"Fine, I'll heal you and loan you some chakra. You proven yourself well enough I guess," Kyuubi said and Naruto felt his wounds get healed while he felt an overpowering chakra come in through his body. Ayane stood to her feet and so did Naruto. The two smiled at each other before they started back up again with the cheering crowd right behind them.
Back in Konoha
Samui huffed as she dropped to the ground. She sweated up quite a mess before she stood to her feet and across from her was Kyoko who had her sword on the shoulder blade of her neck.
"Well that's this session," Kyoko said and Samui huffed while she glared coldly at the A-ranked swordswoman.
"Hmph that last attack wasn't cool. It really hurt," Samui complained and Kyoko waved her off.
"Oh come on. It wasn't that bad. Nothing anyone can't really handle," Kyoko said as Samui got to her feet. She quickly went to a bottle of water and drank the contents before Kyoko got a gleam in her eyes.
"Speaking of this session. I wonder where that brat is. He's supposed to be training with you," Kyoko said teasingly and Samui with a shrug of her shoulders, but honestly her mind had now wandered to that of the blonde genin. She found his lack of presence to be rather...unsettling. He was really an enigma to the blonde genin female, but she found his attitude to be upbeat and cool during lots of times. She still had Karui and Omoi around, but they seemed to be developing to Konoha life quite well. They had gone on a mission yesterday simply out of boredom and Omoi had asked what Samui's feelings for the blonde were and she just replied that they were mixed at best. She really did enjoy having him around as it was nice to have someone to talk to. She didn't really hang out with the other Konoha genin. It was simply the occasional hello, but with Naruto it was a lot more...relaxed and non-formal. He'd been gone for quite a while, but she didn't dwell on it long.
"I wouldn't know, but I heard he's in the Land of Iron. I guess it's a mission," Samui said without must enthusiasm even if she was trying to hid some sort of interest in the subject which Kyoko noticed.
"Hmm well that's fine with me. I'm not the one marrying the guy," Kyoko said making Samui lightly blush at the small thought. It wasn't long before Kyoko wrapped her arm around Samui and smiled.
"Just imagine Mrs. Yuhi-Uzumaki. I can just imagine all the kids you will have with him. That'll be nice to see," Kyoko said and Samui's eyebrow twitched. She wondered about the life of a family with her supposed fiancee. He could be a really good guy she often figured, but that was way down the line and they hadn't even been officially engaged yet; however that didn't mean she couldn't think about it.
"Well that's for another time. If you don't mind I'm going to go now," Samui said before leaving while Kyoko giggled while she placed a hand on her hip.
"Oh boy that was fun. Now I see why Anko does it. I should make a career out of this," Kyoko said to herself before leaving with a grin on her face.
With Samui
The Kumo genin continued to traverse the streets of Konoha as she pondered some things. It wasn't anything major, but it might have had to deal with the fact that she was being followed. She sighed before turning around to see a square shaped rock behind her. She sighed and walked a little further while the box shaped followed her she felt her patience thinning.
"You know there is no such thing as a square shaped rock. It's kind of an eyesore," Samui said to them and whoever was in that box smirked.
"So you saw through the disguise. Well that just great," They said before Samui saw a small explosion of gunpowder making smoke come out while Samui glared at them before sweatdropping. She saw three academy kids come out while they coughed.
"Man too much powder," they said while Samui rubbed the back of her head.
"Umm who are you?" she asked and they smiled before they each did a pose.
"I'm Konohamaru, the leader. I'm Moegi, the prettiest kunoichi in all of Konoha. And I'm Udon. Together we make, the Konohamaru Ninja Squad," They said making Samui sweatdrop even further.
"Umm okay. So what do you want?" she asked them and Moegi looked her up and down.
"Konohamaru, this one is really pretty. I can see why Nii-san is her fiancee," Moegi said and Udon agreed with her on that while Konohamaru sighed and folded his arms.
"I admit that she has a lot of appeal, but no one is good enough for the Boss," Konohamaru said while Samui raised an eyebrow. The only one she thought they could be talking about was Naruto since she was sort of his fiancee at the moment.
"Excuse me?" she asked and they all turned to her before Konohamaru pointed his finger at her.
"Listen here lady. Just cause you're good looking and very beautiful doesn't mean that you can use the Boss anyway you please. When you're his wife, you are to treat him nicely," Konohamaru said to her and Samui felt a small amusement in this conversation somewhere.
"Well it was something that I would've done anyway, but I suppose I understand. So you three know Naruto-san?" she asked and they all nodded.
"Are you kidding? When the Boss becomes Hokage he said that we would get to be his personal guards so long as we train hard and do well in what we do," They all told her and Samui smiled.
"You'll also be my guards if I get married to him then right?" she asked and they all nodded not seeing the small joke that she was playing on them which she rarely did with others, but this seemed to be as good a time as any to try.
"That's right we guess. Tell us, what do you think of the Boss right now?" Moegi asked and Samui raised an eyebrow.
"He's a very strong person and I respect him for that. I consider myself lucky to know someone like him," Samui finished and the three academy students nodded.
"She's good. Really good. Alright you two, from now on we will work hard to protect the Boss and his wife. We mustn't fail in our mission. Understood?" Konohamaru asked and the two other nodded as they raised their hands in the air before walking off leaving Samui in the middle of the road with a blank expression on her face before Karui and Omoi came up to her.
"What happened to you?" Karui asked and Samui scratched the back of her head.
"I have no idea really, but for some reason I'm a little bit happier," she said walking off with a small, unnoticeable smile on her face which confused her two teammates.
Hokage Mansion
"Hokage-sama, what is this?" Kurenai asked in a semi-pissed off tone while Hiruzen gulped. Jiraiya smiled at the Genjutsu Mistress while Kurenai stared at him with distain in her eyes.
"Well Kurenai, this is Jiraiya. He was Minato's teacher and he's the godfather of Naruto," Sarutobi said and Kurenai narrowed her eyes at the pervert. He was a prime example of who she wanted Naruto to stay away from. To think that the number one pervert that wrote those books was her son's godfather was almost enough to send Kurenai over the proverbial edge.
"Well to think that Naruto got adopted by the Genjutsu Mistress is quite a surprise. Tell me, how has he been living with such a beautiful woman?" he asked in a perverse giggle while Sarutobi watched Kurenai ball her fists. She quickly raised it and slammed Jiraiya into the ground in a load of fury. The Sandaime sweatdropped while Kurenai turned to her Hokage.
"Hokage-sama please tell me this is a joke," Kurenai pleaded, but Sarutobi shook his head while Kurenai turned to see Jiraiya getting to his feet. Her hair showed the icy glare that she was giving him before she grabbed his cloak.
"Who do you think you are? You had the responsibility of Naruto-kun and you didn't do it? Do you know the hell he's been through? How dare you show your face after this many years! You never should've left," Kurenai growled and Jiraiya looked down at the ground. Sarutobi watched the incident go down.
"I couldn't raise him. I had the spy-,"
"Don't you dare bring that network into this. I know about it and I find it to be bull! Naruto-kun is in my care now and I'll decide when you see him. For now you will stay away from him. If Naruto-kun wishes to see you then I will let him, but you've got a lot of making up to do," Kurenai told him before she walked out the door and slammed it shut. Jiraiya winced before turning back to Sarutobi.
"You're lucky you got out of that alive. I thought she'd be much madder," the Hokage said and Jiraiya gulped.
"Man she's just as scary as Tsunade when she wants to be, but I can understand what she's saying. I really screwed up didn't I?" Jiraiya asked and Sarutobi rubbed his head.
"It's not your fault and Kurenai does know about your duties to the village, but to her Naruto is the one thing that she might put before the village itself. The acts of a mother I guess," Sarutobi said and Jiraiya nodded with a sigh as he thought over his actions and wondering if he made the correct ones.
"That being said sensei, please tell me why Naruto signed the Snake contract? Don't you know how dangerous that is?" Jiraiya asked and Sarutobi smiled.
"Oh come on Jiraiya. You should have seen how happy Naruto was with the snakes for his summons. At least we can take comfort in the fact that Manda is no longer the Boss summon," Sarutobi said and Jiraiya rolled his eyes.
"That doesn't make me feel any better actually. I can't believe he won't want the contract that his father had," Jiraiya said looking at his own scroll and Sarutobi nodded with a sigh, but he could understand.
"Yes, but I hear Naruto-kun is quite the ladies man amongst the girls of the academy," Sarutobi said and Jiraiya chuckled with a light nod.
"Just like his father. Kushina had to beat them all off with a stick," Jiraiya said and Sarutobi nodded as he looked at the picture of the Yondaime on the wall.
"So where is the brat?" Jiraiya asked and Sarutobi rubbed the back of his head with a sigh.
"Well he's in the Land of Iron with his team. Their competing for some tournament stuff so I just let it go, but when they come back then I'll give Naruto-kun a little mission to do with Samui-san. It'll be good for them to get out of the village together," Sarutobi said before Kyoko came through the door.
"Hey old man," she said and Sarutobi sighed at Kyoko's attitude towards important figures, but he couldn't really care about it.
"Ah Kyoko-san, how was training with Samui-san?" Sarutobi asked and Kyoko gave a thumbs up.
"She's doing very well and when the brat gets back, then I'll be drilling him also," Kyoko said before she felt the stares of someone on her body. Jiraiya giggled before he lightly touched her breast making Kyoko's eyebrow twitch.
"Oh yes that's really nice. We have a perfect ten here," Jiraiya said while multiple tick marks appeared on Kyoko's face. She balled her fists before slamming Jiraiya in the chin as she rocketed him through the roof.
"Who the hell do you think you're touching like that!" Kyoko yelled while Sarutobi sweatdropped at the hole in the ceiling before Kyoko slammed the door. He sighed and looked at his paperwork.
"It's okay, I was trying to redo the roof anyway," Sarutobi thought to himself before getting back to his work.
Land of Iron, tournament
The platform was battered with strikes and the people were in awe. Naruto and Ayane had been going for a good two hours and the two were huffing like mad. Naruto breathed heavily while his face was littered with cuts, slashes and burns. His clothes were nearly destroyed and his chakra was gone.
Meanwhile Ayane was in the same boat. Her hair was a mess and her body was very injured. She could feel the dwindling chakra in her body as the two saw their swords on the ground.
"I've never fought anyone for this long since Sasuke. You really are something else Ayane-chan," Naruto managed to say and Ayane smiled with a nod.
"I agree. By my standards, you are a fantastic shinobi Naruto. That fight against Ronan showed it and this fight confirmed it. I realize my limits, but I;ll get better," Ayane told him and Naruto could agree with her.
"I really hope to see you again someday," Naruto told her and Ayane smiled with a nod.
"Me too. I believe we just might," Ayane said before she fell to the ground and huffed. Naruto managed to stay to his feet while the crowd gazed in silence and as much as it pained Ayane to say it she still needed to since their was no point in continuing.
"I...forfeit," she said two separate breaths while the announcer stood to his feet.
"The winner of this tournament is Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki. Congratulations!" he yelled and the stadium roared in excitement while Naruto trudged over to Ayane. He smiled before he dropped down next to her and the two young shinobi huffed while multiple people clapped for them both.
"That was a splendid fight you two. I learned so much," Hinata yelled which was rather out of character, but that just proved that she was happy and Anko was glad to see her express herself. Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head, but he smiled at them.
"Troublesome blonde," he said and Muramasa stood to his feet.
"Looks like he doesn't have to pay after all. How nice is that for him? Still his power is quite admirable. He'll have to meet with you one day as well as your clan," Muramasa thought before Naruto slowly got up and grabbed Ayane's arm. He flung it over his neck and the two walked to the platform.
"Tired?" he asked and Ayane gave a simple nod.
"Very," she said to him making the blonde laugh at her before Mifune stood to his feet.
"Congratulation Naruto Yuhi-Uzumaki for winning this tournament. Please come to my building tomorrow along with Ayane-san for your rewards," Mifune said walking off while Naruto raised an eyebrow along with Ayane.
"Why do I get a prize? I lost," she thought, but she decided to leave it alone since the blonde carried her away.
Later that night
The whole town was in a celebration over the tournament that was taking place. It had been one hell of a tournament to remember and one that no one would forget anytime soon. It was such a fun experience for people, but Naruto and Ayane were no where to be seen.
The blonde was in the hotel with bandages on his face and the same could be said for Ayane.
"Come on little brother. We have a party to go to," Anko insisted and Naruto rolled his eyes. Shikamaru and Hinata giggled at him before Naruto leaned up.
"Are you kidding? I'd love to, but I'm tired. You guys go without me. I've never been more exhausted in my life. Man she dispelled so many of my genjutsu that it wasn't even funny," Naruto said with the last part more to himself than anyone else, but no one seemed to mind it in the least.
"Well if you want to join then you're welcome to," Anko said as she, Hinata and Shikamaru left the room. Naruto sighed as he laid in his bed for a few minutes. That fight with Ayane was more fun than he could possibly imagine. He had to admit that the girl really knew how to fight and that was an understatement. Fighting against Ayane felt like Naruto was fighting Samui in some way. That cold glare that attracted him to the both of them. Samui's eyes were blue like his own while Ayane's were red just like his mother's. It was a rather nice feeling to have won against someone like her.
"I really hope I see her again. Hmm now that I think about it maybe not. I doubt Samui's like that and Karui will just plain kill me if she even thought I was cheating. Wait, I'm not even involved with Samui-chan so why should I be guilty?" Naruto wondered before he got to his feet and used a kage bunshin to pack up his clothes since he knew that they would be leaving tomorrow. He sighed as he got to his feet and noticed that it was completely dark outside. Not surprising since it was probably midnight.
"Maybe I'll go to the roof," Naruto said as he got to his feet. Soon there was a poof making the blonde cough before he looked to see a two snakes in the room. He gasped out before he smiled.
"Mikata!" he yelled as he knelt down. Mikata smiled at her friend before she slithered up his arm and draped around his neck.
"Hello Naruto-sama. It's good to see you," she said with a correct S in her voice. Naruto smiled with a nod while he gently petted her on the head.
"Naruto-sama, Mikata has really worked hard for the snakes. Keep in mind that she is still wearing an advanced henge. She undergone all her training with the snakes and we know that she's really to completely be your familiar. Just know that when you drop her henge then you'll have a big surprise," The snake said in a perfect voice and Naruto turned to Mikata who rubbed her head on his cheek.
"Thank Kako. I owe you a lot," Naruto said and the snake waved it off.
"All for the betterment of the snakes Naruto-sama. Well I'll be going," the snake said and Naruto sat down.
"How have you been Mikata?" Naruto asked and the snake forked her tongue.
"I've been doing well. Where did you get those injuriesssss," she asked extending the S out of a force of habit. Naruto chuckled as he told her all about the things that went on while she was away and Mikata was surprised to learn of all the things that Naruto had done in her absence, but she was happy that he had fun in the competition and Mikata told him how her gruesome training when and how a year passes differently in the land of the snakes from the humans. Just like the other summons the time differentiated from the locations which Naruto was surprised to learn.
"That's great for you. I'd drop the henge, but I'm afraid that you'll destroy the place if I do," Naruto said and Mikata snickered before she yawned.
"Tired?" he asked and she nodded before Naruto took off his jacket and furled it on his bed before Mikata settled into it.
"We'll talk tomorrow. I'll be right back Mikata," Naruto said and the snake familiar curled up into a ball before going to sleep making Naruto chuckle at her.
The blonde left the room and went to the rooftops. He saw the snow falling and enjoyed its cool embrace. He looked out to see the town still partying the night away and sighed. It'd take a miracle to get them to calm down, but then the blonde turned his head to see someone standing on the railing and looked up to see Ayane on it while she folded her arms. She had on a few bandages and some new clothes as well.
"I figured you'd be knocked out," Naruto said and Ayane turned her head to see Naruto gazing at the town.
"Heh it'll take more than that to knock me out. You might have gotten me to forfeit, but getting me to get knocked out is totally different," she stated to him while Naruto rolled his eyes.
"Whatever you say," he told her and Ayane slightly frowned at the way he wrote her off like that, but she could deal with it for some other time.
"I really learned a lot from this place," Naruto told her and Ayane agreed with him on that. She had learned a lot also and even found somewhat of a small friendship in the blonde.
"I can see what you mean and I understand. When I came to this place from the sea I knew I would find something here, but to think that I found you of all people," Ayane said letting the thought hang while Naruto smiled.
"Yeah, so what are you going to do when you leave?" Naruto asked her and Ayane smiled.
"Well I'm going to go work for Murai-san like I planned in maybe a year or so. Plus I'll go up to the Hayabusa village," she said and Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"What's the Hayabusa village?" Naruto asked and Ayane smiled while she turned to Naruto.
"You and the others nations wouldn't know of the village. It quite a long ways from this place at least two or three weeks away depending on transportation, but they are a clan like mine. The leader is Joe Hayabusa-sama and his son the last of the Dragon lineage is Ryu Hayabusa. He's probably the best shinobi I know besides Hayate," Ayane said and Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm I wonder what it would be like to fight him," Naruto said more as an after thought making Ayane chuckle.
"I suppose that's right, but be careful there a plenty of advanced placed where we are and they're quite different from the villages that you hail from," Ayane said and Naruto wondered what she could mean by that, but he didn't say anything more and settled for looking at the village down below.
"Hey you think we could stay in contact?" Naruto asked and Ayane raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" she asked and Naruto gave a cheeky grin to her question as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Well shouldn't friends stay in contact with each other from time to time?" Naruto asked sheepishly and Ayane thought over that word.
"Friends huh?" she wondered before she nodded.
"I suppose that's fine," she said and Naruto snickered. While he grabbed her hand making her jump to the ground.
"Alright then Ayane-chan. Please give me your hand," Naruto told her and Ayane showed her hands. Naruto drew a small seal on it and smiled.
"There, now when we exchange messages with my snakes then we'll always be in communication," Naruto said and Ayane rolled her eyes.
"You're weird you know," she said and Naruto shrugged his shoulders.
"Meh, I like to think of myself as one of a kind dattebayo," he told her before walking off. Ayane looked at the seal on her hand and smiled as she closed her eyes. It might not be so bad to have someone to talk to besides Hayate. She could say that much for sure, but for now she'd have to pack and be ready to go.
Next Morning, Mifune's office
Naruto and Ayane stood apart from each other as they waited for Mifune to arrive. They had gotten up early for whatever he wanted from them before Naruto yawned.
"Ugh where is this guy?" the blonde wondered while Ayane brushed a hand through her hair.
"Who knows, but I guess we shouldn't complain," she said and Naruto could agree with her on that as they waited a little longer. Soon Mifune came through the door and sat down with a smile on his face.
"Sorry about that. I had some business to take care of, but now I know you both need to go so I'll make this fast. I know that you two stopped Ronan for the Land of Iron and I express my sincerest gratitude. You didn't have to, but you did it anyway out of concern for the people and so I thank you for that," Mifune told them making Naruto rub the back of his head while Ayane merely nodded with a slight smile on her face.
"You're welcome sir," they both said to him and Mifune nodded as he held out a box and handed it to Naruto and Ayane. The blonde opened it while the two looked inside. They saw two jeweled crystals and gazed in awe of them while Mifune smiled.
"In there is two crystal pieces of the Land of Iron. They are a perfect source to power weapons with unimaginable chakra. All that matters is how you view the weapon to use it correctly," Mifune told them making the two nod and then Mifune took out some money and placed it on the table.
"It's a little reward for his capture. In here is exactly eight hundred thousand yen for his capture. Please divide it amongst yourselves," Mifune told them making Naruto and Ayane nod with smile on their faces while the man turned to Naruto and took out a scroll.
"For the winner of the tournament. Here in this scroll is a year supply of the precious metal that makes the Land of Iron famous," Mifune told him and Naruto grabbed the scroll into his hands and Mifune took a scarlet necklace and handed it to the blonde.
"This stone is forged from an ancient smith and I think it belongs with you. Meanwhile Miss Ayane will receive this," Mifune said handing Ayane a sword handle made out of a beautiful leather. It was really hard to get this material were she came from and the girl was grateful for it.
"Thank you Mifune-san," They said to him and the man stood to his feet.
"No, thank you both. I hope to know how well you two do in the future. Consider the Land of Iron to be in both your debts," He said and they quickly left the room. Naruto and Ayane traversed the halls as they spilt the money for Ronan's capture right down the middle. Once that was done they turned to see Naruto's team waiting for them along with Muramasa.
"You guys have everything?" Naruto asked while Mikata slithered around his neck.
"Boy, they are ready. Just know that the road you walk is tough," Muramasa said to him and Naruto smiled.
"Nothing I can't handle," he said while Ayane snickered.
"Except that ego," she said and Naruto pouted at her words while they all walked out. Naruto shook Ayane's hand and smiled.
"Meet you again?" he asked and she smiled.
"Sure, I'd like that," she said and the two went in their different directions as Naruto looked at all his stuff that he took from the Land of Iron. He then ran ahead of everyone and smiled.
"Well come on guys. We're not getting any younger and I have a dream to accomplish," Naruto said smiling like mad while Hinata and Anko ran after him, but Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head
"Troublesome," He uttered before running off after them. Meanwhile Ayane was walking with Muramasa and smiled.
"It was an experience Muramasa-san, but I have to go I hope to see you soon," she said and the old man nodded.
"Remember Ayane, the heart is never wrong. Just keep that in mind," he said and the girl wondered what he meant before running off while she looked at the wristband on her wrist.
"I guess I'd better talk to Kasumi one of these days. Man this is going to be the end of the line for me," Ayane thought as she headed off to her destination while Naruto and the rest of Team 8 left the Land of Iron to go back to Konoha, but no one would forget the experience. Not at all.
KG: Alright people I have some news. One, you all know that school is starting up again and I also have my job to worry about so I regret to inform you that I can't update like I have been. I'm sorry to say that but it's the truth. I love writing very much and I thank you all for reading. No I'm not dropping my stories. NEVER in hell, but I just want to tell you that now the updates will probably happen on the days most free for me which are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It'll be two story updates each week. One week will be the Ultimate Dojutsu and Contract of the Shinigami while the other will be The Fox Loves The Cat and The Ice Fox of Konoha. Just think that it's two stories every alternating weekend. I hope you all can agree with something like that. That's all I have. Stay cool and Godspeed dattebayo :).
