Do I Have A Purpose Anymore?
Chapter 20: "Fight for Control"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Naruto had to admit; he was rather impressed when he beheld the feast that had been prepared. He had expected a few hunks of meat here and there, maybe a turkey or two, but the banquet before him was anything but common, as delicious food of all varieties could be seen at many tables, which even had satin tablecloths!
Kenpachi however scowled, as he gazed at the elaborate setup of fanciness, the attire of the bandits being the only exception to the rule. Kenpachi silently wondered if the man who prepared and organized this banquet would have been better served in life to be an interior decorator or party planner rather than a Shinigami, as he openly grumbled in annoyance.
"Bah, Yumichika..."
Daisuke slapped himself on the forehead mimicking his leaders' exasperation, as he too did not appreciate the cleanliness of the atmosphere.
'He's always trying to make us look decent.' Daisuke thought to himself, as he eyed the effeminate man across the tent who was responsible for setting up this banquet and all that it entailed. However, if Daisuke had known the true origin of the man he was staring at, then he would be much more careful with showing any disdain about the man.
Once upon a time, before he became a high ranking member of the Crimson Blade bandits, Yumichika Ayasegawa was the 5th Seated officer in the 11th Division of the Gotei 13 under Captain Kenpachi to whom he still serves.
The former Shinigami still wore the standard Shihakushō uniform, but with some customizations. An orange piece of clothing sits on top of his uniform around the neck, which covers most of his chest that would otherwise be exposed by his uniform. This is connected to an orange sleeve on his right arm under the much looser fitting sleeve of the uniform. Yumichika has colorful feathers on his right eyelashes and eyebrow along with shiny skin, purple eyes, and jaw-length black hair, which, in conjunction with the feathers, gives him a somewhat feminine appearance. Before he joined the Gotei 13, he wore a simple kimono with a flowery pattern on it and did not wear any feathers on his eyes. Yumichika also kept his hair down his back and tied in a loose ponytail with shoulder-length pieces framing his face.
Yoruichi gave a small sigh, as she saw all the food laid out nice and neat before them, and then looked down at herself.
"I feel so underdressed..."
Yugito bit her tongue, refraining from sarcastically stating that the Neko's clothes barely dressed her at all.
Naruto glared at his fellow Jinchuuriki, with a look that clearly said.
'Dont'!'
"Oh, and who do we have here?" Yumichika asked.
"You look like a girl, are you a girl?" Nel inquired with curiosity.
Yachiru immediately giggled at the comment, as Yumichika scowled at them both.
"How rude!" The effeminate bandit and former Gotei 13 officer curtly snapped to the young girls, before he felt a small wave of killing intent being directed his way by both Naruto and Kenpachi.
Clearing his throat and quickly moving away from Nel and Yachiru, Yumichika then spied Yoruichi, and looked appalled at her tattered clothing before announcing with disgust.
"No, no, no! You cannot wear rags such as these at a feast! Come with me Yoruichi-sama, I have a dress that will make look simply gorgeous for dining this evening."
Yoruichi looked at him quizzically and opened her mouth to protest before pausing.
'Wait a sec...'
She kept her face blank, but now...now she had an idea.
She had promised Naruto she would earn his affections...
Dressing up certainly wouldn't hurt her anyway, and it could prove advantageous in garnering Naruto's attention over her competition.
Therefore, Yoruichi allowed herself to be escorted away, but not before giving a sly smirk to a now fuming Nibi container and one agitated Hyuga heiress.
It was then that both Hinata and Yugito asked if they too could be excused to get more properly dressed.
Kenpachi agreed and told Daisuke to escort the two ladies over to his wife Ayame's tent, as she was the best dress maker in the whole camp and would probably have something for them to wear.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After awhile, Daisuke returned to the tent, but without Hinata and Yugito. Naruto who had been talking with Kenpachi during their absence looked over to Daisuke and with slight concern and annoyance to his voice asked the bandit.
"Daisuke, where are Hinata-chan and Yugito-chan?"
"Umm yes, they are waiting outside and wanted to surprise you." Daisuke replied, before heading to the front of the tent and pulling the flap aside announced.
"May I present to you Ms. Yugito Nii and Ms. Hinata Hyuga for your viewing pleasure Naruto-sama."
It was then that Yugito and Hinata entered the tent and took the breath away from every male present.
Yugito was wearing a stunning fiery red halter evening dress with plunging neckline and draped cummerbund effect.
The long flowing sarong style skirt opened up at the left thigh showing off her long and supple leg. Meanwhile, the plunging neckline exposed a great deal of cleavage from the Nibi container's ample chest. The fiery red color of the entire ensemble contrasted beautifully with Yugito's blonde hair and gave the young woman a look of sultry hot sex appeal.
It was all Naruto could do to keep a geyser of blood in his nose from erupting. However, when his gaze traveled over to what Hinata was wearing, he nearly lost all control.
Hinata had chosen to wear a more traditional Kimono styled mini dress lavender in color, which matched her eyes perfectly. The dress was cut to a low v-neck style, which also showed a good amount of cleavage, as the dress seemed to be painted upon Hinata's body showing off all her womanly curves. The final touch to the dress was the gold and silver metallic foil print graphic flowers placed on the sleeve and mid-dress to hem line which stopped at mid-thigh showing off both of Hinata's long and toned legs.
All in all, the entire ensemble gave Hinata a look of both innocence and sexiness all mixed together into one sensuous package.
Naruto's eyes darted back and forth between the women like he was watching a tennis match. When Hinata caught him staring at her, she reverted back to her younger days and blushed furiously under his gaze.
'No, not the blush, it makes her look so damn cute and hot! I swear to Kami, it's my one damn weakness when it comes to her.' Naruto thought to himself, as he pinched his nose to keep a torrent of blood from rushing out.
Kenpachi leaning over and whispering into his ear interrupted Naruto from his thoughts.
"You may be the luckiest man on the planet."
It was then when Yoruichi entered the tent with flair and said.
"Ta da!"
There stood Yoruichi, but now entirely transformed.
Before she was hot...
But now, she was drop dead gorgeous!
Gone were her tattered rags of before, but in her place was a lovely black dress.
It was long, flowing, and went down past her knees. A single strap that went around her neck as it and Yoruichi's ample assets seemed to be the only things holding up the dress. The fabric was cut out at the sides, exposing the tan, smooth, and flawless skin of her hips. Long gloved sleeves exposed her fingers, and ended at her elbows, still showing off her strong shoulders, and part of her chest, that the dress oddly did not strain against, as it had been custom made for one with such proportions as hers.
The obi that had held back her hair was now gone, leaving her rich hair to cascade down over the open back of her dress, her creamy chocolate skin, laid bare.
But she had refused high heels unlike Hinata and Yugito, and Naruto was amused to see that she was still wearing her sandals of before.
The corners of Yoruichi's lips tugged upwards in a smile, as she saw the look amazement etched upon Naruto's face. It was then that both Hinata and Yugito walked over to stand beside Naruto that Yoruichi's smile soon became a frown, as she got a good look at both of them. As much as Yoruichi she hated to admit it, both women looked as stunning as she did, much to her annoyance and displeasure.
Kenpachi leaned over once more and whispered to the Jinchuuriki.
"Now I know you are the luckiest man on this planet, because you ain't gonna find three hotter babes than these to warm your bed at night."
Naruto barely registered his host's words, as his head was currently darting back and forth between all three of the women surrounding him.
Kenpachi then stood up and made his way over to a large and long dining table and took the seat at the end, before gesturing for Naruto and his crew to do the same.
Naruto took a seat in the middle, with Hinata on Naruto's right, and Yugito on his left, as she stole the seat just seconds before Yoruichi could.
Shunsui opted to stand, lest he be caught up in what was about to take place.
Yoruichi frowned at Yugito, but instead took a seat next to the Nibi vessel, after shooting her a nasty glare, which was returned in kind.
"Bitch." The female Jinchuuriki murmured.
"Yugito." Naruto's cold tone made her look in his direction.
"Be nice." Growled the Kyuubi vessel, and there was malice in his tone, he would not stand to have his allies bicker, at least not while he was sitting right next to them.
Yoruichi wisely did not press her advantage, but instead leaned back in her chair.
Blissfully unaware of the potential three-way cat fight that was brewing; Nel's eyes sparkled, as she beheld the meal before her.
"Oooooh! Look at all the food!"
Yachiru giggled from her perch atop Kenpachi's shoulder, then with a swing of her legs, leapt down with grace and surprising agility for one her age.
"Yumi-chan usually doesn't do this much, but when he does, he makes some really sweet treats. We'll have some later, but right now do you want to play?"!
That got Nel's attention and she cast a pleading look at her father, a perfect puppy dog pout.
"Naru-kun, can I go play with Yachiru-chan?"
"You can go play, but stay close."
The blond Jinchuuriki then patted her head lightly before the little Arrancar complained.
"Naru-kun don't jiggle my crown!"
Naruto smiled as he watched Nel run off to join Yachiru for some playtime. Hinata with Ayame's help had dressed the little Arrancar in a cute blue and green patterned dress with ruffled sleeves and flower accents to add detail to the hem of the dress, which hit just above the knee. And while Nel liked the dress, she absolutely fell in love with a tiara crown made up of sparkling costume jewelry, which she now proudly wore upon her head covering her broken Arrancar mask. As Naruto watched Nel run around with Yachiru with glee, he was surprised at the warm feeling it produced inside of him.
"You big softie!" Kyuubi snickered inside of Naruto's mind.
'Shut up you damn fox!' Naruto fired back angrily within his head.
As for Nel and Yachiru, after a minute or two of giggling and chatting, the two girls promptly declared each other best friends forever. Then before anyone knew it, they were running about the servers and waiters in a game of tag clearly having the time of their lives, as they caused havoc amongst the dinner attendees.
Kenpachi laughed loudly, as they bowled over a bald man, who went by the name of Ikkaku Madarame.
"That Nnelliel of yours, she's a handful isn't she?"
"No more than Yachiru I suspect." Naruto replied with a grin.
Kenpachi smirked.
"True, true, I suppose I'm going to have to go out one of these and find Yachiru a mother or at least a female who is strong enough to help calm her down. Back in the Soul Society it wasn't a problem as there were several females who she could look up to and were powerful enough to keep her in check if needed, but here in the human world, pickings are slim. But you've done well for Nel though, as it looks like you've gone out and found three mothers for her, ha, ha, ha!" Kenpachi stated with boisterous laughter.
Naruto just rolled his eyes at the Crimson leader's statement, before he glanced at all three of the women around and silently wondered.
'What if?'
Despite himself, Naruto chuckled, as he looked up and saw both little girls darting about the large tent each being "it" for about ten seconds, before the other would catch up, and the chase would start anew once more.
"Nel seems to be a perfect match for her."
A strange light glinted in the leader's eyes.
"I wonder which one is stronger, Yachiru or Nel? They each have great power even if it's dormant in both of them right now."
Something about the way Zaraki was smiling made Naruto uneasy.
It was too feral, too bloodthirsty.
Naruto chose his next words carefully, but they were true.
"I'd have to say Yachiru is the strongest considering she did serve as your first Lt. doesn't-
"Owie! Ow! Ow! OWIE!" A sharp cry of pain suddenly filled the tent.
Looking towards the sound of the cry, Naruto saw Yachiru sitting on the ground holding her arm with tears pooling in her bright eyes.
"Yachiru!" Zaraki shouted, as he and Naruto rushed over to the two little girls.
"What happened Yachiru?"
"Oh Kenny, I accidentally ran into this table and knocked over this pot of hot soup and it burned my arm, it really hurts bad Kenny."
"I can fix it Yachiru-chan and make the hurt go away." Nel declared.
Then before anyone could stop the little Arrancar, she stuck her hand into her mouth and began massaging her uvula, before vomiting onto Yachiru's injured arm. The vomit itself had a similar appearance to saliva.
"What the hell?" Naruto and several others exclaimed in unison.
However, Naruto was surprised, as he watched the severe burn wound slowly disappear and after a minute Yachiru jumped up and shouted.
"Thanks Nel-chan, it doesn't hurt anymore!"
And just like that, the wound was healed.
The missing leaf nin felt his jaw drop.
"How, how...did you do that?"
Kenpachi laughed out loud before proclaiming.
"Idiots, she's an Arrancar."
Yumichika hissed, and Ikkaku frowned, as both former Gotei 13 officers shouted, while drawing their zanpaktou's.
"Impossible!"
"They were all killed. How can this child be..."
In a yellow flash, Naruto was suddenly standing in front of the two former Squad 11 officers with his own zanpaktou drawn and exuding a massive amount of killing intent before growling out in a deadly tone of voice.
"I'm guessing you two fools must be like your leader and my two companions, so I'm going to let this slide…for one time only! But if either of you draw your blades towards that little girl again, I promise both of you will experience pain like you could never have imagined before you die!"
"Ikkaku, Yumichika, stand down, you two are embarrassing me. Look at her, does she really seem like such a threat that you two idiots needed to panic and draw your weapons!" Kenpachi angrily reprimanded to his former officers.
"Our apologies Commander Zaraki, we were just surprised and acted in haste."
"Well don't do it again, because if you had hurt my friend, Kenny would have been the least of your problems!"
Both Ikkaku and Yumichika paled a bit at hearing Yachiru's threat.
Naruto looked to Nel who had just been glommed by Yachiru, with a big hug in thanks for taking care of her injury. Seconds later, the two were at their antics again, and everyone sat back down.
The rest of the dinner was rather uneventful, but little did Naruto know that a couple of surprises were coming his way.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After the dinner had concluded, both Yachiru and Nel had talked Hinata into playing a game of hide-&-seek with them throughout the camp. The little girls were always amazed at how quickly Hinata would always find them thanks to her Byakugan. And once the girls were found, they always received a tickle attack from the Hyuga heiress that left them squealing in delight and laughter.
Naruto then looked over to see Yoruichi slamming glasses of ale with Kenpachi and Shunsui, as the old friend's reminisced about the good old days.
While Naruto watched Yoruichi interact with Kenpachi, a devious thought went through his mind.
'Heh, heh, maybe I can pawn her off onto Kenpachi or Shunsui?'
However, his train of thought was broken when he spied Yugito sitting alone in a corner of the tent...
Looking very forlorn.
It occurred to the blond that he had not spent near the amount of time with her as he had wanted.
Quickly, he rose to make his way over to his fellow Jinchuuriki.
"Yugito-chan, are you alright?"
The sound of Naruto's voice immediately brought Yugito out of her stupor, as she to stammer out a reply.
"Nar, Naruto-kun ….. I, I, mean Naruto-san, y-yes I'm fine."
"Are you not having a good time?"
"No, no it's not that, I'm just not much of a fancy dinner or party type of person. I didn't get invited to such affairs growing up and then what happened the last several years because of ….. well you know, so I don't really know how to act at them."
Naruto only had to think back to his own history growing up to understand and sympathize with the Nibi container.
Reaching down to grasp her hand, which caused Yugito to blush slightly, he pulled her from her chair with a smile.
"Let's go far a walk, shall we?"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As Naruto and a still blushing Yugito walked hand in hand throughout the bandit encampment, he felt completely at ease. After all, they shared many similar aspects about their lives to one another.
And although many of their experiences hadn't been pleasant ones, in an odd sense it felt good knowing that another person could truly understand what each of them had gone through in their lives growing up.
However, Naruto's ease was soon giving way to a feeling of irritation, as he noticed some of the looks the people were giving the pair of them as they walked along.
Many of the looks were the same one's they had received when they first arrived, glances of fear and apprehension. Now, many of the men were now casting lustful leering stares at his female companion.
This was not sitting well with Naruto.
Not at all.
The malevolent red-eyed glare and killing intent he sent back quickly caused said men to turn away in fear.
As the pair of Jinchuuriki's reached Yugito's tent, Naruto asked:
"Are you sure you don't want to return to the party Yugito-chan?"
"I'm sure Naruto-kun, I'm tired and would like to get some rest …un-unless you would like to join me?" Yugito replied, the last part in a seductive whisper to Naruto's ear.
A stunned Naruto began to stammer out a response when he suddenly found his mask being lifted and then his mouth covered by the Nibi vessels own, as she proceeded to give Naruto a very passionate kiss.
After a moment, Naruto wrapped his arms around Yugito and pulled her tightly to his body, while she ran her fingers through his hair.
After a minute, Naruto finally pushed his Jinchuuriki companion away, an odd look on his face.
"...I'm sorry Yugito-chan...I can't do this right now."
A small sigh escaped her.
"It's alright Naruto-kun. I just wanted to let you know that I've developed feelings for you, but if you don't have any feelings for me... I understand." Yugito softly replied, the hurt evident in her voice.
Naruto could feel Yugito's pain and before she could pull away, he wrapped her in a tight hug, whispering into her ear.
"No, you don't understand Yugito-chan. I do have feelings for you, but there are other …things I must consider."
"If, by other things, you mean Hinata, then everything is ok Naruto-kun." Yugito softly whispered back.
"Huh?" Naruto confusingly said.
Yugito looked up and saw the bewildered look upon Naruto's face and giggled slightly before saying.
"I know you love Hinata, and she loves you, but Hinata and I have talked Naruto-kun. And she doesn't mind sharing you with someone else, if you truly love that person as well."
"Hinata said that?" A clearly shocked Naruto asked, before adding.
"Wait a second; I didn't think you guys liked one another? When exactly did you two have this talk?"
The Nibi vessel rolled her slim shoulders.
"I'll admit Naruto-kun that I didn't like Hinata when she first showed up, but that was more out of jealousy than anything else. Once I got to know her, I can understand why you love Hinata so much; she's very easy to grow fond of. And to answer your question of when we had our talk, it was when you were going through your Bankai trials and we both were worried sick about you."
Naruto stood there trying to absorb everything before looking at Yugito's face and softly saying.
"I'm glad you told me about your feelings Yugito-chan, and I do have feelings for both you and Hinata. But, I'll tell you the same thing I told her I need time. You have to understand, I had given up on feelings of love for the past two years. So, it's difficult for me to find them once more with anyone."
Yugito merely bowed her before Naruto lifted her chin to look at him and softly said.
"But if you will give me the time Yugito-chan, I think I can grow to love you as much as I do Hinata-chan."
Yugito smiled before lifting herself up to place a small kiss on Naruto's lips before saying.
"I would like that very much Naruto-kun."
Naruto smiled as he watched Yugito begin to enter her tent, before she looked over her shoulder and said with seduction.
"I will be ready whenever you are Naruto-kun and just to let you know, Hinata and I are looking forward to all the fun the three of us can have together...
Yugito then closed the flap to her tent leaving Naruto desperately trying to pinch off his nose, as pictures of a very nude Hinata and Yugito doing various things to one another was being flooded into his brain by a certain fox demon who was currently cackling in his cage.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Naruto looked up into the night and sighed, the party had ended several hours ago.
He and Kenpachi had found this clearing several miles away from the encampment and Naruto agreed with bandit leader that this was where they would meet tomorrow for battle.
The two combatants had chosen this site for safety purposes, as they both knew the powers they would unleash between them would be enormous.
And neither fighter wanted anyone else hurt by their battle.
Naruto had stayed behind after Kenpachi went back to camp to train a little bit, as a red light faded from his form, one could see his skin was badly burned, but also healing and an incredible rate.
It was taking awhile, but he was learning to control the 4th tailed form...
"That's enough for tonight." Naruto announced, as he strapped Zangetsu onto his back.
"Oh, Naruto-kun...
Hearing the voice, Naruto caught a trace of something out of the corner of his eye, and turned to look before arching an eyebrow in confusion.
Standing before him in literally all her glory, stood the nude form of Yoruichi, with her hands on her hips and a seductive pout on her face.
Naruto pinched his nose, both in frustration and in response to the woman standing before him, as he silently thought.
'Damn it, first Hinata, then Yugito and now this, Kami, why are you doing this to me?'
As Naruto gazed upon Yoruichi, the moonlight seemed to dance on her exposed smooth, tan, and exquisite skin
Skin his body was aching to touch.
'Shaddap Kyuubi!'
"Kit, I didn't say anything. This is all you boy." Commented the fox demon, quite amused to see that his host was getting this attracted to a woman he had expressed near distaste for just the other day.
"Come on, stop staring at me and do something..."
Naruto grunted and looked away.
"What do you want Yoruichi?"
A small sigh escaped from her.
"Oh come on now, I get all dolled up for you tonight at dinner, traipse out here in my best suit, my birthday suit and you ask me what I want?"
"We've been over this Yoruichi. It'll take more than a fancy dress or your birthday suit to make me fall in love with you."
An exasperated hiss came from the Neko woman.
"For Kami's sake! What will it take then?"
He looked her square in the eye.
"Do you really wanna know?"
"Time." I need time-
"Are you kidding me? That Hyuga bitch of yours didn't do a damn thing, yet you and her suck face whenever she wants."
Big mistake, nobody talked about Hinata like that.
A low growl rose from throat, cutting her off. The sound was that of an animal, not a man, as his eyes glinted red, pupils becoming silted behind his mask.
A mask that was now pulled upwards with a sharp tug, exposing the deep scowl set into the chiseled features of his face.
A scratching sound was heard and she looked down to see Naruto's fingernails growing into rather sharp claws.
"First off, don't you ever refer to Hinata in such a way again, or you'll live to regret it, that I promise!"
He now pointed a serrated digit at the neko woman.
"Second, I kiss Hinata because I love her and have for most of my life, no matter how much I've tried to deny it. So don't you denigrate our expression of love Hinata and I have for one another in such an insulting manner with me ever again!"
Yoruichi nervously gulped, as each word he had spoken was laced with intense anger.
The Neko woman realized she had best watch her step here, lest he turn violent again and quietly said.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun; I just don't see what she's got that I don't."
"You want to know what she has Yoruichi-san."
"Yes!" She mumbled in a subdued tone, wincing at the formal suffix Naruto used to address her.
Yet for all his fury, Naruto spoke four simple words.
"Kindness, Loyalty, and Love."
Yoruichi blinked in confusion before demanding a more satisfactory explanation.
"C'mon, I need a better answer than that!"
"FINE!" Naruto roared.
"My life was a living hell growing up in my village. All I ever received from people were acts or expressions of cruelty, disrespect, and hatred. Hinata-chan was the only one back then who treated me with kindness, respect, and even love although I was too stupid to realize that, and I STILL to this day hate myself for not noticing her feelings!"
Red billowed from the seal.
I ignored Hinata because I was too busy chasing after a girl I had spent my entire life in love with and one who I foolishly believed loved me back. Yet it was Hinata who helped bring me back to life after the girl I did love and was going to marry, betrayed me by having an affair with my best friend. Hinata helped me to overcome that pain, and she didn't do it for selfish reasons like the hope of gaining me as a boyfriend, she did it because she truly cares about me and hates seeing me in pain. Well, eventually I did fall in love with her, and it was wonderful and we were happy...
One tail.
Unfortunately, we were forced to part three years ago by outside forces we had no control over and it nearly destroyed me. After that I started to change. I became cold, distant, and withdrawn from the people around me. I began to care nothing about myself, or the people I once cared for anymore including Hinata. However, before I spiraled completely into the abyss, another ….. friend was there for me to help bring me back from the brink of despair, as Hinata once did...
Two tails.
But when that relationship also ended in pain for me, I vowed no more! I shut my emotions down and I welcomed the darkness my life had become. I completely changed from the man I once was, into an unfeeling bastard no one could even recognize anymore. I either shunned or lashed out at all the people I once cared about and who cared about me, and for the last two years I've lived my life devoid of any feelings or emotions, because as far as I was concerned they only brought me misery and pain."
Three tails and now the ground was quaking.
Naruto took notice of this and taking a deep breath, to compose himself, banished the chakra.
"But even after what I've become these last two years, Hinata still came looking for me and she still loves me."
He gave her a pointed glare.
"Is that enough of an answer for you?"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Naruto was still fuming over his encounter with Yoruichi, as he stomped his way back into the bandit encampment and made his way to his tent. All Naruto wanted to do now was get some rest and forget about the Neko woman for the time being. Naruto also hoped that Yachiru wouldn't be her usual fussy self, as she slept like she normally is.
But when he pulled aside the flap to enter his tent, Naruto was greeted with such a sight that his anger for Yoruichi immediately vanished at the beauty of the scene before him.
There, lying on her side on top of Naruto's sleeping bag with her arms wrapped protectively around Nel was Hinata soundly asleep. Naruto looked over to his adoptive daughter and noticed she too was asleep and was snuggled up into Hinata while hugging Hyuga heiress tightly to her.
Naruto took notice of a half opened children's book next to them and surmised what had happened.
Apparently, Nel had cajoled Hinata into reading her a bedtime story, which during the process they both fell asleep. No doubt the game of hide and seek had taken a physical toll on the both of them.
Naruto turned his gaze back to Hinata and noticed she was still wearing her Kimono mini dress, as his breath hitched in his throat. Naruto watched as the moonlight that was filtering into the tent seemed to glitter off of Hinata's face, chest, and legs. While adding a luster to Hinata's pristine porcelain skin making her look even lovelier, if that was even possible?
Naruto knew he should probably wake Hinata and escort her back to her own tent. But by doing that, Nel was sure to awaken from the process, and Naruto did not want to deal with his daughter's fussiness and stubbornness of going back sleep. Naruto simply didn't have the time, as his battle with Kenpachi was only a few hours away and he needed to rest.
This is the reason Naruto told himself, as to why he let the two women remain asleep.
Never mind the fact that Naruto simply didn't have the heart to disrupt such a pleasing and beautiful sight before his eyes. Leaning forward he placed a kiss on Nel's forehead, before turning to place a soft chaste kiss upon Hinata's lips.
Naruto then snuggled in behind Hinata in a spooning position and draped his arm over both them. This action caused Hinata to murmur "Naruto-kun" in her sleep, which brought a small smile to his face, as he rested his chin upon her shoulder and drifted off to sleep as well.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was a little after dawn when Kenpachi quietly arrived to the clearing he and Naruto had chosen the night before.
As usual, Yachiru sat upon his shoulder, but her trademark smile was not present this time, in truth, the little girl looked worried. A few minutes later, Naruto and his party arrived; Nel perched upon his shoulder and Naruto holding hands with both Hinata and Yugito as they approached. Trailing behind them was a very hung-over Shunsui and Yoruichi who seemed to be glaring at the two young women currently in Naruto's company.
With a nod, both Naruto and Kenpachi ordered everyone to take a position quite far away to watch the battle, as the two of them did not want anyone else hurt from their fight.
Of course both Yachiru and Nel screamed and protested the loudest, as the two little girls were forcibly carried away from their respective fathers to watch the fight from a distance.
As Kenpachi watched Naruto unsheathe his Zanpaktou from his back he silently pondered.
'I need to see what he's really capable of before I go all out...
"All right, let's go!" Naruto spoke, breaking the bandit leader out of his thoughts.
Kenpachi chuckled and sounded dead serious as well.
Indicating his eye patch, he spoke in a serious tone.
"Okay kid; let's see if you're good enough to make me take this off."
"What, an eye patch?"
Naruto held his sealed blade with one hand.
"Screw that, I'll just take your other eye!"
Then, in a swirl of leaves, he was simply lost from sight.
Naruto's voice came from all around Kenpachi, all at once, echoing simultaneously, as he mimicked what Zabuza had said on his very first A ranked mission.
"My, my, so many vitals...Which one should I strike?"
As he said this, he appeared next to the man and swung Zangetsu at his head.
Kenpachi simply caught the blade with his hand, though the earth shook beneath the strike, and made everyone wince, Yoruichi included.
Then, despite the cut he received, Zaraki proceeded to yank Naruto off his feet towards him and then lunged at him in midair clearly intending to impale him.
Naruto saw this and pushed off the blade with his feet and spun in the air, before landing a vicious kick to the man's face.
"TAKE THAT!"
He gloated as he saw his Zaraki's head snap back from the blow.
However, his taunt was short lived...
When Kenpachi started laughing?
For indeed he was, and when he lowered his head, he showed no signs of injury, minus a small scorch mark upon his right cheek.
"That all ya got?"
The blond could only blink, and then the mountain of a man was upon him.
The air wheezed out of him, as Kenpachi's leg lashed out, catching the Jinchuuriki in the gut. Time seemed to slow and everyone was stunned to see Naruto's face, or rather his eyes reflect intense pain.
Naruto was just as amazed by the sheer power of the kick as they were, perhaps even more so, as it drove him into a tree, which splintered behind him, before it came crashing down-
Only for him to catch it with one hand, then nudge it aside.
He rose with a smirk.
"You weren't kidding. I better stop holding back, or I'm-"
He looked round, aiming to continue the battle, but the spiky haired man was gone.
Eyes narrowing Naruto looked around frantically.
'Where is he? I can't find him anywhere...'
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of his neck began to bristle.
His instincts told him to look up.
And it was a good thing he did.
Kenpachi was lurking above him, and his sword was aimed at his head!
'CRAP!' Naruto managed to bring up Zangetsu in time to block him, but the sheer force of the impact nearly knocked him to his knees.
His eyes narrowed, as he held the flat of his blade with his free hand, whilst the other gripped tightly the hilt.
Slowly, he was forced down.
Clearly, Zaraki outmatched him in terms of strength.
'Okay that's it! Time to get serious!'
He knocked Kenpachi's sword hand up giving him just enough time to escape via rolling to the side, just as the jagged blade split the earth beneath him
Kenpachi was grinning like a maniac; his voice was laced with excitement as his target's spin got him upright, and back on his feet.
"Nice! It's been a while since I've actually had to work for a victory!"
Naruto grinned, thrusting the giant cleaver before him, and then placing on hand upon the tip of the guillotine sword.
Immediately, it began to glow a bright blue, as did his eyes.
"Good, I'd hate to disappoint you..."
Even from a distance, Yugito swallowed nervously, as the ground suddenly began to tremble.
"Oh crap-"
Hinata clasped both hands to her chest and softly pleaded.
"Please be careful, Naruto-kun."
Yoruichi just smirked.
"Here we go."
Naruto abruptly, pulled his hand back over the blade.
"Shout: ZANGETSU!"
A wave of blue power coursed past Zaraki, and cut a large swathe into the earth.
When the storm had died away, Naruto hefted Zangetsu over his shoulder, the cloth from its hilt swaying in the breeze his power had created.
"Now, now I'm serious."
Kenpachi leapt to his feet, eager to continue.
Naruto shook his head and popped his joints.
"Ah there we go!"
He still spoke in psychotic distorted voice, but Kenpachi noticed that now Naruto's chakra had tripled in power, and he also seemed calm.
Kenpachi was so busy wondering what Naruto had done when suddenly said teen appeared behind him.
"Come on, let's continue already!"
"GLADLY!" shouted the leader, as he went on the offensive.
Naruto's sighed as Kenpachi blurred behind him and swung at his head once more.
Naruto simply blocked with his sword hand and used his other hand to form wave of black chakra on Zangetsu.
"Getsuga Tenshou."
Kenpachi barely got his sword up in front of him before Naruto swung Zangetsu toward him and he was blown backwards by the intense blast.
Naruto then appeared above the still airborne bandit leader and slammed into Kenpachi feet first driving him into the ground with immense force.
Kenpachi grimaced as he was driven into the ground by Naruto's impact, and spat up a bit of blood.
But he still got up!
"Good Naruto very good! THAT ACTUALLY HURT!"
His chakra then increased even more.
Kenpachi chuckled, and then the chuckle grew into insane laughter.
"This is great! I've never enjoyed myself like this!"
With one hand, he reached up to his face and grabbed his eye patch.
"With you, I think I can fight at full power!"
Naruto frowned.
"Full power?"
Zaraki gripped it tightly, his grin practically demonic.
"PREPARE YOURSELF!" Zaraki shouted, before ripping his eye patch away from his face.
The result was instantaneous.
Like a hurricane had been let loose, his chakra skyrocketed past Naruto's. Yellow chakra blazed around Kenpachi who had an insane grin on his face, as his chakra was like a violent storm, lashing out at anything within reach, and shredding it to ribbons.
"So what do you think brat? How do you like fighting me at full power?" Naruto paled, but he raised his blade and braced himself for the onslaught that was soon to come.
"Bring it on! Show me what you can do!"
"Don't think you can win just that easily kid-
No sooner had the words left his mouth did a hail of kunai rain from the sky, heading in his direction.
Amazingly, the man somehow managed to deflect or dodge all but one of the projectiles, and Kenpachi let loose a grunt of pain, as the weapon slid into the flesh of his thigh.
He quickly yanked out the kunai and turning his gaze to Naruto he chuckled.
"Nice move kid ... but you'll need more than that."
The two of them blurred forward and their blades met. Then Kenpachi noticed that although Naruto was barely holding him off with the one blade, he still had a free hand.
Naruto smirked, as said palm was literally humming with chakra.
Hinata's pale eyes went wide, as the energy took a distinctive shape before she shouted.
"Everyone get down!"
Naruto wore a vicious smirk; time seemed to slow, as his hand came forward...
"Rasenshuriken!"
The attack hit Kenpachi right in the chest, and the dome of chakra spread outwards, getting them both
Dust and dirt billowed about the clearing, and when the debris had finally settled...
There stood both combatants...
Both of them entirely unharmed, minus a few scorch marks on their outfits.
They paused for a breath, and then waged war anew!
As the black blade descended, Kenpachi did the only thing he could.
He head butted Naruto in the face and quickly rolled out of the way, holding his bleeding leg as he rolled to his feet.
For now, he needed to regroup and tend to his injury before their battle could continue. As he got to his feet, he saw a mob of blonde hair rushing towards him and he sighed.
'This kid isn't gonna give me a break.'
Suddenly all of the Naruto's stopped, as the real one came forward.
He looked at Kenpachi's injury and shook his head.
"Take care of that before you bleed to death."
Kenpachi immediately tore of his sleeve and had the wound bandaged in an instant.
Naruto and his clones smiled and Kenpachi noticed that all of them had Zangetsu in each hand.
"Ready? HERE WE COME!"
All of them blurred forward.
Kenpachi snarled and began making hand signs.
"Ninja art: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
Suddenly the area was covered in a dense fog. Blinded, Naruto was unable to see a thing, but upon hearing several poof's, knew that he had lost over half his shadow clones.
He took a deep breath and focused.
'Calm down, all I need to do is focus my chakra and spread it out...' The blue chakra surrounded Naruto and with a grunt of effort, he forced it away from him dispelling the mist.
He looked around and saw Kenpachi finish of the last of his clones before turning to face him.
"Ah, there ya are."
He blurred forward and Naruto felt his fist impact on his skull. But just before he went flying, he swung his blade forward twice and was rewarded by leaving a bloody x slashed across Kenpachi's chest.
Naruto still went flying back, but this time he spun in midair and rebounded off a tree.
Momentum with him, he shot at Kenpachi like a missile.
Holding Zangetsu before him, he twisted his form and then started to spin, before he shot forward ready to skewer his target
Kenpachi brought his blade up to block, but at the last second, Naruto brought his blade low striking Kenpachi's sword hand aside.
With not a moment to spare, he thudded past him, embedded the blade into the ground.
"Got ya."
Pushing off its massive form, he sprang away, a Rasengan already whirling in his hand, having used his Zanpaktou as a literal springboard.
He aimed for his chest but Kenpachi sidestepped with ease, disappointment reflecting upon his chiseled features.
"That won't work twice!"
Everyone winced in anticipation, as he grabbed Naruto's arm, then with an earthshaking quake, slammed him down into the soil, face first.
He waited for a moment, but when no reaction came from the limp form of the warrior, he brought his blade down,
Hinata covered her eyes, but at the last second-
She saw him!
POOF!
The clone vanished into smoke, and just like he had in the Chunin exams...
Naruto struck!
Not wasting a second, he erupted from the loosened terrain, and dealt Kenpachi possible the hardest blow in his life, one that would have broken the neck, of any ordinary man.
The strike carried them both into the air.
Hinata wrung her hands in apprehension, as she watched the two combatants fly into the air.
Naruto flapped his wrists, lashing out to shove Zaraki upward, while exposing bandages on his arms.
Then he twisted and lashed out in a kick, one that pushed him to the ground, but knocked Zaraki even higher.
Naruto landed in a crouch, and undid the binding of the scroll.
He bit his thumb, and ran a line of blood down it.
A red aura shimmered about him, pain exploded in his body, but power came with it, and he grit his teeth, as everyone gasped at the transformation.
'Tainted art-
But he sprang up!
'Kaioken!'
Within a second, he was behind Kenpachi.
Naruto thrust his arms around the man, and when that didn't hold him fully, the bandages upon his wrists snaked around them both.
"I learned this one from bushy brow!"
Their ascent halted, it soon became a descent, as Naruto made the spin.
The ground screamed up to meet them!
"PRIMARY LOTUS!"
At the last second, Naruto wrapped himself in the Kyuubi's cloak, and three tails surrounded him, whilst the fox struggled to keep its bloodlust at bay.
The two hit the dirt like a bomb.
Naruto flung himself off Kenpachi immediately, and then limped out of the hole in the ground.
He was in pain, as the technique had taken its toll.
Hinata wanted to run to him so badly, as she saw how much effort it took for Naruto to stand.
'Naruto-kun, why did you use that move?'
Kenpachi also got up out of the small crater, but now he too was limping.
Yachiru swallowed nervously.
"Ken-chan!"
"Oi!" Bellowed Zaraki, scowling darkly, as his former first officer took a step forward.
"Don't even think about Yachiru! I ain't lettin' you help me! This is a one-on-one fight between me and him!"
"The same goes for you Nel!" Naruto snapped, perhaps harder than he should have, as his daughters eyes began to water.
Pain flashed across his face, and he felt like scum, as tears rolled down her face.
He couldn't live with himself if the worst happened, and those were his last words to her.
He placed his hands in the universal 'time out gesture'.
"Okay, hold it!"
Then he bolted over to his daughter, scooped her up in his arms, to hold her tight.
"Nel-chan."
"H-Huh?" The child sniffled.
He took a deep breath, patted her on the head.
"I didn't mean to yell at you, I love you very much."
Her eyes went wide.
Then she hugged him for all she was worth.
"Nnelliel loves Naru-kun too!"
He set her down, tickled her under the chin, and then marched out to the field again.
After all, he had a heart.
He pulled Zangetsu out of the earth, and then allowed Zaraki to do the same with his own blade.
"Now, where were we?"
As one, they charged, steel flew through the air, as they struck, hard and low.
Then it was a contest of strength, with Kenpachi pushing down and Naruto pushing up.
Seeing that this was going nowhere, he lashed out at the youth face in another head butt, but Naruto responded in kind, his face contorted with effort...
CRACK!
Both warriors staggered Kenpachi staggered back; giving Naruto the time he needed to dodge the downward slash that split the earth in two.
Naruto back flipped landed a few feet away breathing heavily, while Kenpachi seemed as fresh as a daisy.
Sighing, the blond closed his eyes, and then pulled the mask over his face.
"I guess it's all or nothing."
He smirked, as red chakra gathered around him, kyuubifying his body up to three tails.
"Prepare yourself, Kenpachi Zaraki!"
Now Naruto's chakra skyrocketed as well.
He stared at Kenpachi and got into a stance.
The man was quite surprised by this.
"Well Naruto it looks like your strength came back. Tell me, how did you do it?"
Naruto stared at him emotionlessly.
"Sorry. No time to explain."
He disappeared and Kenpachi knew...
He was coming.
He just barely got his blade up to block when Naruto appeared in front of him and slammed his black sword down on Kenpachi's. He drove the man's blade back till it was mere inches from his face.
'He's pushing harder!'
They wavered there for a moment, but Naruto clearly had the power advantage again
"Getsuga Tenshou."
Kenpachi's eyes widened.
But it was too late as the red chakra slammed into him.
When it cleared, Kenpachi was covered in blood and was breathing raggedly.
Then he saw Naruto on the other side of the field, and there was blue chakra mixing with his red.
Kenpachi laughed, summoning all of his remaining chakra.
'This next one will decide it!'
Naruto looked over his shoulder at Zangetsu.
Are you ready Naruto?
The blonde smiled.
"I'm ready."
Zangetsu smiled and looked down on the youth.
This boy will go very far in this world.
Naruto gasped as pure blue light flood through him, the voice of his sensei ringing through his ears
"Okay then gaki, take his power and show your sensei who is the strongest one here today."
'Ero-senin?'
But he got no answer.
But he knew the voice of his former mentor anywhere.
Master and apprentice had just conversed, even through death.
'Fine then'.
Naruto nodded and he felt power course through his veins.
'You better watch this, sensei.'
Kenpachi's power flared so much that it shredded off his long black sleeves.
"Okay Kenpachi...
"Get ready kid here I come."
A blue fox/mask roared above Naruto, as he pushed himself to his limit.
I'm at the limit of holding your body together.
A cackling yellow skull appeared above Kenpachi as he summoned all of his energy.
We will end this with one blow. Zangetsu intoned solemnly.
They stepped forward as one, a walk at first, then faster, faster, and faster!
Like lighting they sped towards one another, Naruto was glowing with blue and red energy, while Kenpachi was glowing yellow.
Their run soon became leaps and bounds, as each opposing force was determined to reach their target first!
Time seemed to slow down, as they neared each other.
Grinning wickedly they pulled their blades back!
"THIS IS IT!"
They roared as one!
Together they slammed their weapons forward!
Steel met steel!
Blue met yellow!
There was a massive explosion as the two titans, collided head on...
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Author Notes: Hello my faithful readers, here is chapter 20 ready for your enjoyment, I hope? There was a lot of editing I had to do this chapter and I've added about 500-1000 words that the original chapter didn't have, mainly in the banquet scenes. Now, the Kenpachi/Naruto fight which does take up the majority of the chapter I kept intact. I did this because 99% of that scene was written by NeonZangetsu and quite frankly I think he did a stellar job in creating it. As always, I'm curious to see what everyone thought about the chapter. Once again, my thanks to everyone for your continued support, now something that is of vital importance to all of us who write or read on FFnet.
Important News:
As many of you already know, FFnet has decided to go through a massive upheaval and potentially remove thousands of stories from its library resulting in some of the best fanfics ever written to be deleted and never to be read again. They are removing anything involving sexual situations, or violence, or inspired by a song, the list goes on and on. And we as both writers and readers see this as a gross waste of talent and incredible material. Also for some people, that means the permanent loss of a story. As there are those out there that are never able to recover a story in its original form
FFnet has always been a place for writers to 'Unleash our Imagination' as the tagline states, and now we are having that right to freedom of speech and expression taken away from us. Since when are they allowed to dictate what goes into our stories? They are OUR pieces of work. What if the violence or sexual content is part of the plotline? This whole situation is absurd. There are better ways to deal with 'inappropriate' content' than to remove it altogether. There are so many other options.
The most obvious and easy option would be for FFnet to reestablish an MA rating, which they once had years ago. To further protect themselves, FFnet could institute additional filters such as adult or age verification filters. If FFnet is concerned about falsification of a registration then have an appropriate disclaimer and then there can be no dispute filed against them. In short, there are several avenues that FFnet can take that don't require the arbitrary deletion of thousands of exceptionally written stories by amateur writers.
This is why I'm asking all of my readers to please do the following.
Please contact FFnet via email and voice your complaints about this story removal policy and request that FFnet reestablish or create a "MA" rating to which stories can be rerated. If enough emails flood FFnet, then they have to address the issue. It's very easy to email, just click the "help" feature at the bottom of any FFnet page and it will direct you to the URL to contact FFnet.
Also I would ask that you go to and sign two online petitions fighting against this story removal policy. The first petition already has over 32,000 signatures and is still growing.
www. change (dot org) /petitions/fanfiction-net-stop-the-destruction-of-fanfiction-net#
(Just close in the spaces at the beginning to use and input dot org and dot com correctly)
www. ipetitions (dot com) /petition/lemons-for-fanfiction/
I know many people who visit this site are casual readers who don't write stories, pm's, reviews, etc. However, I strongly urge you this one time not to remain silent and to take up the keyboard to express your concerns to FFnet about this story removal policy. Because everyone runs the risk of some if not all of your favorite stories disappearing, unless you allow your voice to be heard demanding otherwise.
Any other authors who wishes to send out a similar plea to their readers are welcome to use this.
I wish to thank everyone in advance for your help on this matter.
Sincerely,
Kingkakashi