Chapter 8:

Naruto returned to the palace as the first light of the day started to creep over the treetops. He squeezed through the open window to his room and plopped down on the wooden floor just as his body began to grow back to its human shape. Naruto gave his body a shake and looked at his hands. They were covered in dirt. Even his face had dirt on it. He really, really wanted a bath.

Naruto went straight to the bathroom and drew himself a hot bath. As the water was filling the tub, Naruto covered himself in soap and scrubbed himself down. Pieces of dead leaves fell to the floor by his feet and clumps of dirt soon turned the sparkling tiled floor brown. Naruto rinsed himself off and climbed into the hot tub. He sank into the water and relaxed.

The offerings stopped roughly two years ago for no apparent reason. Naruto had to figure out why. He had also promised to find out what happened to Reevo. Could they be related? According to the kitsune, Reevo left the group once he became a two-tails and never came back. That was years ago. Reevo was also cursing anyone who came close to finding out his identity.

Naruto sank into the water up to his ears. The sensation made him shiver and he lifted his head.

"Let's see..." he said to himself. "Reevo always wanted to live as a human because he thought they had a better life. He wanted to take things easy. But he is a fox by nature. It wouldn't be easy for him to become a human. Not live as one, at least. I mean, would he know how to live as one? Like cook for himself or clean or maintain a house? I don't think so. Hey, I can barely do that."

No. If Reevo was living as a human, he would have to choose carefully. He could only take on the form of an already existing human. He couldn't make up his own form. Then what to do with the real human he assumed the form of? He would have had to use his curse to get them out of the way. The question was, what human's form did he take? It had to be someone who wasn't easily missed. It also had to be someone who had an easy life. Someone who had things done for them all the time so there wasn't much left for them to do. Someone who had someone else taking care of them. An easy life...

"Wait a minute. What if...?" Naruto's eyes widened. "What if it's... the prince?"

Naruto nearly jumped out of the water.

"Of course! That has to be it. The prince has such an easy life. He has servants doing everything for him. He gets to live in a plush mansion with servants and guards and everything. He's got people doing everything for him. He gets waited on all the time. He doesn't have to do anything. Someone else makes him food and brings it to him, he gets to live in a huge house, he gets everything he wants! That has to be it. He has to be the prince. I knew there was something not right about him."

Now his biggest issue was how to prove it. If he just went up to the prince and told him that he knew, he would end up being cursed. Then again, he already was. Maybe the second curse would be even worse! He couldn't let on that he knew. He had to be careful and play it cool. He was good at bluffing. He could do that.

"But how do I prove it?" Naruto snapped his fingers with an idea. "I've got it. Foxes only appear at night. They're nocturnal. And if he's anything like me, he'll turn into a fox at night." Naruto gasped. "That must be why he goes to his room every night at sunset! He's assuming his true form. So, he is like me. He turns into his fox form at night. No wonder he goes to his room and orders that everyone stay away. No one, not even is servants, are allowed into his room at night. Not even in that wing. That has to be it."

He had it all figured out. Tonight, when he turned into a kitsune, he would sneak into the prince's room and catch him in his fox form. Then he would know for sure and have his proof.

Naruto finished soaking in the tub and climbed out to plan. He wrapped himself in a fuzzy robe and dashed into the hallway. He bumped into someone on his way out. "Oof!"

"Ow!" Neji jumped back, glaring. "That was my foot you just stepped on."

"Sorry."

Neji looked Naruto up and down. "You're up with the sun."

"Uh, yeah."

"Good. We're going to have an early breakfast and have one final meeting before anything else."

"Anything else what?"

Neji frowned. "Those men are coming here this afternoon to meet with the prince."

"What men...? Oh, those men!" Naruto had nearly forgotten. To be honest, he was still thinking about the prince. He couldn't care less about the men who were coming over today.

"We have to meet quickly and stay low, just in case they arrive early. We can't take any chances."

"Uh-huh, got it." Naruto hurried around him and went back to his room. As he fished around in his bag for some clean clothes, his shoulder throbbed. "Ouch..." Naruto gave his shoulder a rub. His body was starting to feel very sore from last night's adventures. "Maybe I should have soaked longer to ease this."

As he got dressed, he thought more about how he was going to expose the prince for the kitsune he was. He had to be very careful so the prince wouldn't know he was on to him and curse him and his teammates. He had to be subtle. Maybe if he tempted the prince with a fox's favorite food, he would give something away. Then again, foxes ate just about anything so that might not work. Maybe a behavior trick would do something.

"Hm. Well, foxes don't like dogs and neither does the prince, so maybe if I made barking sounds... Nah, that's stupid."

Everyone met for breakfast in the dining room and went over the plan while they waited for their meal. Naruto had to put these thoughts on hold while the meeting was going on. That was easier said than done. Throughout breakfast, Naruto kept a watchful eye on the prince, waiting for him to give something away.

"So, Sakura will pose as a maid and eavesdrop. In the meantime, Sai, Naruto and I will keep watch from afar. You have guards posted everywhere, don't you? Even during meetings?"

"All the time. Even during meetings," said prince Akio. The servants arrived carrying trays of food and drinks. The prince sat back as the servants placed their meal on the table. "Thank you very much. It looks wonderful."

Naruto looked down at the dish set before him. His mouth opened at the familiar sight and delicious aroma. "Ramen?"

The prince smiled. "Sakura's request. It seems she was troubled by you not enjoying many of our meals so she asked for this to be made for you. How thoughtful."

Naruto looked across the table at Sakura who met his eyes for a moment then looked down at her bowl not even trying to hide her grin. Naruto smiled and picked up a pair of chopsticks. He started with the noodles as he often did and slurped them up. The noodles were well made and the broth was flavorful.

"Are you enjoying it?" asked Akio.

Naruto had to give him an answer. "It's good." And damn it, it was. It would have made everything easier if the ramen was bad. Still, it wasn't the best he ever had. For that he was thankful.

The prince raised his glass and looked to Sakura while he addressed the whole group. "A toast to your mission and good fortune. May you all be safe and successful."

"Uh, sure." Sakura held up her glass. "Cheers."

Human and fox touched their glasses and a soft clink rang out, sending ripples through the water. Sakura drank without hesitation. The prince watched her for a moment before taking a sip from his own glass.

"So..." said Naruto. "Akio... if you're an animal lover, what's your favorite?"

He kept his eyes locked on the prince, hunting for any changes in his expression or posture.

Calmly, the prince answered, "There are many I like. It's very hard to pick just one favorite."

"Well, if you could. I mean if you really had to, what would you say?"

"Hmm. Well, I do like birds. Cats, as well. And horses. Oh, and-"

"I said if you could only pick one." Naruto was hoping he would say fox. That would have given the prince away in Naruto's opinion. He wasn't saying it. Did he know it was a trap?

"Oh, but I said it's impossible for me to pick just one animal. I love so many."

Naruto moved on to his next idea. "What's your favorite hobby?"

"I enjoy reading. Tending to plants as well. It's very relaxing."

"How fast can you run?"

"Not very, why?"

"No reason. So, what were your parents like?"

Akio chuckled. "Oh, my parents were very kind. I loved them so. I miss them every day of my life."

"You don't say. What kind of things did you do with them?"

"They were so busy, it was rare for me to ever get a moment with them but when we did, I didn't care what we did. I was just happy to be with them."

Sakura smiled. "That's so sweet."

"Yeah, uh-huh. So, what did you do with them?" Naruto pressured. A kitsune wouldn't know the answer to these personal questions. He knew the prince wouldn't answer. Not without fumbling for an answer or a possible lie.

Without missing a beat, Akio answered, "My mother read to me when she could and my father would teach me about our family's work. He didn't do much playing with me. But when he did, it was mostly sports or board games. He taught me how to play chess. I could never beat him, not once. He was very good."

This wasn't the answer Naruto was hoping for. Then again, he could be making this stuff up.

"What about-"

"Naruto, stop bothering the prince with these questions. We have work to do," said Neji.

"I was just-"

"Not now." Neji looked at the time. "We have to make sure everyone's in place. Those men will be here in a matter of hours and we need to take into account that they might be arriving early. We can't take risks with this. We have to stay out of sight and Sakura needs to get changed."

Naruto was hoping to exposed the prince for the fox he was quickly, now it would have to wait. Maybe he could let a dog loose in the palace and see how the prince reacted. Or maybe he could use a transformation jutsu to change into one himself.

But if the prince was going to be in a meeting for most of the day, when would he have the chance to do this? It was a good thing Naruto could think on his feet. He would have a new plan in no time.

Faster than expected, noon came and with it an expensive-looking wooden carriage pulled by two large well-groomed horses. Naruto watched from the window, crouching down so only his eyes were visible. The carriage rode up to the front gate and stopped. Five men came out of the large carriage and were welcomed by the servants and brought into the palace. Naruto moved away from the window to look at Neji who was positioned in the doorway. He was as still as a statue and just as silent. Naruto returned to the window. One of the five men remained behind and left with another servant. They pulled the horses away from the carriage and out of sight, presumably taking the horses to the stable.

Neji made a sharp but quiet whistle and Naruto came running. Neji bent down and gestured for Naruto to do the same. They sat by the door, peering through the tiny gap between wood and wall. They heard voices in the hallway. One belonged to the prince, the others could only be from the other men. It was nothing worth mentioning. It was mostly small-talk. They seemed to be catching up with each other before their meeting. Even so, Neji paid very close attention.

The men and the prince went on their way down the hall. Once their voices faded away, Naruto and Neji left their hiding spot to get closer. Keeping out of sight, they followed the men around the corner and hid themselves behind suits of armor and large stone carvings mounted on expensive marble pillars. The men stopped in front of a large door and a servant opened it for them. The prince welcomed them into the room, walking in first. The men followed and the servant closed the door and walked away. Neji moved first, crouching down behind the door, trying to listen to the people inside.

"Can you hear anything?" Naruto asked him

"How can I when you're whispering in my ear?"

"So, what are they saying?"

"I don't know. You keep talking."

Naruto moved away and sat with his back against the wall. There must have been another way to do this. He could always try to sneak inside the meeting room and spy on them that way. Sakura had that covered. She was disguised as a maid, cleaning the room that very moment. She had a front row seat to the action. Sai could be anywhere he wanted. When Sakura was no longer able to use cleaning as an excuse to be in that room and would therefore be asked to leave, Sai's drawings would still be there. At the moment, they were lurking in various places in the meeting room. Some in potted plants, some on the ceiling, and a few concealed under the table. Sai wasn't too far behind. He, too, was hidden somewhere in that room where no one, not even the prince, knew where he was hiding. They wanted it to stay that way. In fact, the prince wasn't even told that Sai would be hiding in the room as well. They feared he may give them away if he knew where everyone was located. The slightest motion or sidewards glance in the same location too many times could tip off the other men. In the meantime, Neji and Naruto would be positioned out in the hall.

Naruto's mind was on other things, however. He still had to expose the prince for the two-tailed fox, Reevo. He didn't think he could wait until tonight to see him in his fox form. He wanted to do it now. But how?

After a few minutes, Sakura came out of the room. She ducked around the corner to speak with Naruto and Neji without the men inside hearing them. Naruto had to admit, Sakura looked pretty cute dressed as a maid.

"What did you hear?" asked Neji in a hushed tone. "What's going on in there?"

"Not much to speak of," she admitted. "None of the men seem very hostile at all. Not one crossed word or glare or anything. So far, they're talking business. They're going over trades and negotiations. So far, the only complaint they had was over how bad a year it was for strawberries. Nothing toward the prince."

"We still can't rule them out."

Sakura nodded. "I know. But still... It may be too soon to tell, but they don't seem like the kind of people who would try to hurt him. But yeah, we should keep an eye on them. Just in case."

"That's right. Just because we don't see it, doesn't mean it's not there. Good work, Sakura. You did great. Now Naruto, if you and..." Neji turned around but Naruto wasn't there anymore. "Where...?"

Sakura looked up and down the hall. "He just disappeared. Where did he go?"

Neji used his byakugan to steal a peek around the building. He looked like he had just tasted something very bitter. "Oh, no."

Prince Akio continued with the meeting even after Sakura left without missing a beat. The men seated at his table continued to push papers forward and ask him questions. He answered and asked some questions of his own. So far, the meeting was going quite well. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Then there was a knock at the door and in came a girl Akio had never seen before. She was dressed in a maid's uniform, however, it was a lot more provocative than the rest of the staff wore. She had big blue eyes, long blond hair and whiskers on her face which looked very similar to someone he had seen before. She came over to the table, carrying a large tray with several dishes with large silver covers and a tea pot with many teacups stacked up in a leaning tower. The tray rattled with every step she took as she bounced her way over to the table in her four-inch heels.

"Uh..."

"Who is this?" asked one of the men.

"I'm Naruina!" the girl announced cheerfully.

From his hiding place in the ceiling, Sai gave an exasperated sigh and shut his eyes to the horrors below. "Oh, God."

Down below, the maid started to serve the men drinks. "Come on, gentlemen! How's some nice hot tea sound? Perfect for this important meeting, don't you think?" She began to pour from the full, heavy teapot and slid the teacups across the table to each of the men.

Several of the men looked outraged. "Is this a proper service? This isn't a bar!"

The maid bent forward to serve the man closest to her, her large breasts jiggling in his face. "Oh! I'm sorry. I thought you liked it hot."

The man in her cleavage turned his head away to hide his nosebleed. "Is this any way to behave?!"

"Prince Akio! Is this the sort of staff you employ?"

"Uh..." It seemed the prince was at a loss for words.

Naruto grinned. He knew this maid idea was a good one. Now it was time to tempt the so-called prince with some of a fox's favorite foods and see his reaction. "Oh, my prince! You look too thin! Here, have something yummy to eat."

"I'm fine."

"Oh, but you must!" The maid shoved a dish in front of him, pulling off the silver cover. It was a bowl of fruit. Plums, apples and blueberries to be exact. Foxes loved fruit and they seemed to love these ones the most. If the prince went for it, Naruto would have his proof.

"No thank you, I'm fine."

That was no good. Time for the second dish. "Then at least try some of this! It's so, so yummy! Yum-yum good!" Naruto uncovered the second dish. On this plate was a dead snake and some mice. The men at the table jumped back, along with the prince. This wasn't the reaction Naruto was hoping for. According to the kitsune, they loved mice and snakes. Hares, too, but Naruto didn't have time to catch one of those. He barely had enough time to snatch up these before bursting into the meeting room.

"Throw that away at once!" shouted the prince. He looked disgusted. The other men shared in his disapproval.

This only further puzzled Naruto. Didn't foxes like snakes? Why would a fox act this way?

The door behind him opened and Sakura came running across the room and wrapped her arms around Naruto's waist. "I'm so sorry about her! She's not right in the head. She missed her meds today, heh heh...! Let's go!"

"But I-"

"Now!" Sakura dragged Naruto out of the meeting room, tray and all. Once outside, she clubbed him hard over the head, breaking the transformation jutsu. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"I was just-"

Sakura grabbed him by the ear and dragged him down the hall. "You are such an idiot!"

She dragged him back to Neji who also gave him a stern talking to. "You could have jeopardized the mission, Naruto. What is the matter with you?"

He couldn't tell them the truth. If he revealed his true motives and told them that the prince was really a fox, he couldn't do so without also revealing that he was under a curse which would then give them the same curse. He couldn't tell them.

"I was just trying to help."

"Help by doing that?!"

Naruto didn't say anything. He knew Sakura would only beat him again if he told her the next steps of his plan, which involved him morphing into a sexy fox girl in an attempt to force the fox into its natural form or at the very least reveal in some way that he was really a fox. A reaction was all he was hoping for at this point. For example, if the prince ate the snake or at least gave it a hungry look, Naruto would have his proof.

"Sorry. I won't do it again."

"You better not."

Naruto was being reckless. He had to do a better job if he really wanted to expose the two-tailed fox.

One more shot. He wanted to give it another try before tonight. Otherwise, he would have to wait until sunset and see the prince change into his real form.

After the meeting, Akio showed his guests to their bedrooms where they would spend the night. While Akio was doing that, Neji and the others met up with Sai in the meeting room. "Well?"

"Other than Naruto's outburst, nothing. None of the men showed any signs of malice and none of them threatened him. They didn't even seem to signal to each other or use code. Nothing strange."

"Where will they be staying?"

"According to the prince, they all have separate rooms on a different floor. They'll be far away from the prince and away from where we sleep as well."

"Do you still have something tracking them?"

"Yes. One of my snakes is following them. I have a couple of bugs nearby as well."

"Good."

"Their meeting went on for a while."

"Well, those things tend to go on, Sakura. The prince did say that they traveled far for this meeting which is why he offered them a room for tonight. They may try to do something then. We must be prepared. We'll keep an eye out. I want everyone in position tonight. Naruto should use some of his clones to keep watch over..." Neji turned his head. During their conversation, Naruto had sneaked away again. "Really? Again?!"

"Where did he run off to now?" asked Sakura looking more annoyed than worried.

"What the hell is that idiot thinking?" Neji seethed.

Down the hall, Naruto was putting his next plan into action. This time, he was sure to get a rise out of the prince. This transformation was perfect. He hid beside a suit of armor which had its head tilted upward, staring straight ahead. When he heard the prince's footsteps, he sprang out of his hiding place and stood before the prince.

Akio looked down at the dog standing in the middle of his hallway staring up at him. Akio was completely alone. No servant was near him and the men were stashed away in their rooms. It was just him and the dog.

The animal he, and the kitsune, hated.

This had to work. He was sure to get a reaction out of the prince this time.

Akio looked down at the dog without a word. Naruto waited. Any real kitsune would attack a dog or run from it. He was waiting for one of those reactions from the prince. Or at the very least a twitch in his face, a frown, a look of fear, something.

To his surprise, the prince grinned and spoke to the dog gently. "Hello, there. How did you get in here?"

What? Naruto thought the prince hated dogs. He said so himself. Why was the prince acting this way? Naruto had to do more than just stand there and wait for something to happen. He had to give the prince something to fear.

"Bark! Bark!" Naruto started growling and showed his teeth.

The prince backed up. "Easy, easy, doggy. Don't be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you."

Naruto growled again, trying to look as ferocious as possible.

"Did I hear a dog?" A maid came up the stairs and over to the prince. When she caught sight of the dog, she jumped. "Oh, dear! How did that dog get in here?"

"That's what I would like to know," said Akio. "Could you please find out to whom it belongs so it can go back to its owner?"

"Of course, sir. Right away. So sorry."

Akio gave the dog another puzzled look. "However you got in here... Oh, never mind. Either way, I cannot keep you. I am in no condition for any sort of pet."

"Do not get so close, my lord. It may bite you. It could have rabies."

"Not to worry. I know better. It growled at me, after all. I know when to stay away."

This was ridiculous! Was there no way to get the prince to expose himself as a fox? This was not the reaction he wanted. None of this was.

"You moron!" Sakura came up behind the dog and clubbed it over the head with her fist. The jutsu broke and Naruto changed back into his human self yelling in pain. "What part of stay out of sight do you not understand?!"

"That's why I was a dog!"

The prince and the maid looked very confused. "What is going on?"

"Sorry, Prince Akio. Naruto's just being really, really stupid. Even for him." She gave Naruto another punch.

"Ow!"

"Why a dog for crying out loud? You know the prince doesn't like them."

"That's exactly why I-" Naruto shut his mouth before he could say anymore. "I mean... I was just trying to keep an eye on him just in case those guys were... you know."

"Then try a cat or something next time. We've been through this. Stick to the plan, you idiot." Sakura picked Naruto off the ground and apologized to the prince once more. "I am so sorry about him."

"It's fine, Sakura. I was just surprised to see a dog in my home. I never have before. They really are very cute... although... I was a bit worried he would bite me. I mean, he was growling at me."

Sakura punched him again. "You tried to bite him?! What is wrong with you?! I'm so sorry, Prince Akio. I'm sure he has a few screws loose. You are an idiot, Naruto!"

"Quit hitting me!"

This was not working out at all the way he wanted. Now his teammates were angry at him, the staff kept giving him strange looks whenever they saw him pass by and whispered to each other. Not only that, but he still didn't have any proof that the prince was really a fox. He thought he would have some evidence before sunset tonight. At least he still had that. The prince would turn into a fox tonight, just as Naruto did. He was sure of it. Why else would he hide when the sun went down?

Since they had to stay out of sight, Naruto's team had to eat their meals either in their rooms or in the kitchen. The kitchen was easiest because there was no chance of a guest seeing a servant carrying a plate to a room and then have to explain where they were taking it. Sai and Neji were keeping an eye on the prince as he ate his meal with his new guests in the dining room. Naruto was stuck eating in the kitchen, hunched over a plate of food on the counter.

It was a beautiful kitchen, though. It was huge and there were many servants hard at work, even now that the meals had already been served. There were twelve burners and six large ovens which left the room smelling hot and smokey. Instead of casual dinner conversation, Naruto had to listen to the clattering of dishes and the powerful running water from the sink and the orders being barked from the chefs as they ran around the kitchen. The servants cleaned around him, scrubbing the counter with soapy sponges and rags. He felt like he was in the way but continued to eat as if it didn't bother him.

Sakura came down the stone staircase into the kitchen and stood in front of Naruto. "How you doin'?"

He shrugged.

"I'm not mad at you anymore. But you have to be smarter now to realize that what you did was so stupid. What were you thinking?"

"I thought I could get them to expose their plan," he lied.

"Just stick to the plan we made, alright?" Sakura sighed and she seemed less annoyed. "So far, things are going ok. No one's done anything. Maybe the prince was right thinking that we're being too paranoid. No one's made any attempts to hurt him or anything."

"Uh-huh." Naruto stabbed his food.

"Neji thinks something may happen tonight so be ready."

"Got it." Naruto stopped and looked down at his plate realizing something that made his heart sink. If they were expecting something to happen tonight, he wouldn't be able to help them. He would be a fox. He had to remain hidden from his friends. He also expected to expose the prince tonight. Actually, he may not have to if his friends were going to be around. They would see it for themselves.

"Naruto?"

He looked up. "I was just thinking about some stuff."

"Get your head in the game. We need you tonight, Naruto."

He nodded his head. "Yup."

Sakura smiled and touched his shoulder. "Great." She turned around and went back up the stairs.

Once she was gone, the chefs started to coo and snicker. "What?" Naruto asked.

"Isn't that cute?" said one of the chefs. "Her coming all the way down here to check up on you? She must really care about you."

Naruto's eyes brightened. "Really?"

"Sure," said another chef. "You really think she came all the way down here just to remind you about your mission? Please. It's obvious she cares about you. You know, you're lucky to have her."

Naruto looked at the stone stairs, though Sakura was already long gone. It made his chest feel warm knowing that Sakura must have really cared about him the way these men thought she did. It was true. When they were first placed in the same squad together, Sakura never showed any concern for him at all. She would have never come to check on him if he was upset. Over time, she started to become more considerate of his feelings. She started to care more about him. She had really changed from back then. Naruto was thankful for that. Sure, she punched him with a lot more force than back then, but that was different. Maybe he was focusing on that more than he was the positive. Maybe he should be more considerate of her, too.

Even when he was upset when the prince was flirting with her and he yelled at Sakura as if she were to blame. What she said never registered to him until now. She told him that she would like it very much if someone spoke to her the same way the prince did. He brought her gifts and treated her like a princess.

"No wonder she likes him..." Naruto finished his meal and stood up from the counter. He began his long walk back to his room. "I guess Sakura does have a point."

To avoid being seen, Naruto took the long way back to his room, which involved climbing through his open window rather than using the door. He looked at the orange and purple sky. Sunset was fast approaching. He had to hurry. He climbed and jumped across the roof and landed in the yard where his room was located. The men were staying in another part of the palace so there was no reason for them to be anywhere near his room. There was no danger of someone seeing him climb through the window or even be in the yard. Maybe that was why he was less alert, devoting his energy into thinking rather than looking around for enemies.

He couldn't stop thinking about the prince or his plan to expose him. Now he was also thinking about Sakura. Was he really being unfair to her or was he just over-thinking this? Why did the chefs have to open their mouths? Now he felt conflicted. He was also thinking about his mission. He couldn't stay here if he was going to change in a matter of minutes. He was also thinking about the kitsune in the forest. He wasn't able to sneak food out to them tonight. He also missed his nap today. Maybe he wasn't thinking straight. He had pulled all-nighters before. He could handle this. He just had to focus on what needed to get done and do it. He just had to organize his thoughts so he wouldn't feel this way.

Naruto devoted his last thought to mapping out his plan. He knew what to do now. He had it all figured out. "I totally got this. No problem."

Naruto was so distracted, he didn't notice the hand clamp over his mouth until it was too late.

GASP!

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