Authors Notes: And I am back to this one, finally!
Again, I apologize for the delay in updating this story. In between things going on behind the keyboard, and then said keyboard acting up and dying on me, it's been a hectic year for me. But, here I am once again!
I know, I know. A lot of you are excited/curious to what Anko's reaction is going to be when she wakes up, so it is with glad tidings that I inform you all that this chapter will be starting off the morning after Naruto rescued her, and took her back to Nazerick.
Now, on with the show!
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Review Corner
Psudocode Samurai – Glad you are enjoying the story so far.
Well, as already mentioned in the previous chapter, pretty much all of the Nazerick girls are eyeing Naruto, so if I went with that route, it would be a short one sided pursuit, since I doubt Shino would pursue Etoma for too long when it would be clear she is uninterested.
As for Kiba, I have a rather interesting plan for him involving one of the Nazerick denizens.
Lastly, those within the Great Tomb still hate humans and are distrusting of them, with a few exceptions. Anko being one of them, though the idea of her becoming a monster is a very possible outcome.
Menydragon5 – True, but the drug was already in her system and was starting to take full effect.
As for how Naruto will be interacting with his fellow classmates, well, I will be dedicating at least a few scenes for that. Mainly to set up some one sided rivalries.
Yup, always liked Aura's character and tomboyish attitude. As for Mare, yes, someone wanted him in the harem. However, as you know, I have something else planned for our little cross dresser. Now for Tsunade, I will keep it in mind, but I make no promises.
Inritus – As of right now, and until further notice, all of the denizens of the tomb are loyal to Naruto. As of right now, I am planning on Demiurge being on the Council to represent Nazerick, as his shrewd intelligence will run circles around those like Danzo and the two other elder council members.
As for Hiruzen accepting Nazerick as a clan, Naruto will be appealing directly to the Fire Daimyo. Which I have something planned for why he will accept it so easily, which will essentially force the Hokage to accept them as an official clan within the village.
Now as for Danzo, yeah, he is going to be his typical war monger self. Too bad all his personal sex dolls that he sends into the tomb will never return alive. Though what is left of a few may be sent back to him as a warning.
Back to Hiruzen not noticing Naruto's changes in attire, well figured that most wouldn't notice if he just threw on a long coat, which is what he is wearing. It is modeled after Ainz's robes with similar color schemes, but not as extravagant that would attract too much attention. But, I would have to say the biggest reason that the old man has not paid attention to Naruto, is because there has been no complaints about him due to him simply teleporting where he wants to go and residing within the Tomb for most of his time.
It's not a perfect explanation, so sorry about that.
Now finally, onto Mare. To be honest, as a writer, I am not comfortable enough in my ability to write to feel I could really make it work with a main character. Which is why I am I will be attempting this kind of pairing with a side character. Kiba.
Yup, since I like to depict Kiba as a horn dog, I figured he would be the best one to try this out on when he first encounters Mare.
Elchabon – I may have to dedicate an entire chapter to Naruto hiding from all the girls within the Tomb once he gets added to the Clan Restoration Act. Because as you said, all the girls will be hunting for him, and sabotaging each other to win.
Harem - Albedo, Anko, Aura, Entoma, Lupusregina, Narberal, Shaltear, Shizu, Solution, Yuri
Possible Additions: Clemintine, Fem!Kyuubi, Hana, Ino, Koyuki, Renner, Tenten, Tsume, Tsunami, Zesshi, Tsunade, Kin, Tayuya
Alright, enough yapping, you've all waited long enough for this!
Special thanks to 12Ookami12 for helping me with a section of this chapter, you're awesome!
'Thoughts.'
"Talking."
'Kyubi/Erza Speaking.'
"Casting Spell."
"Communication Spell."
Heir of Nazerick
Chapter 4
Anko Mitarashi had expected a number of things when she woke up.
She had expected to feel dirty and violated with the tell tale aches and pains in her nether regions to taunt her that she had been taken against her will. She was expecting to feel nauseous and sick to her stomach. And, she was fearfully expecting to find herself bleeding in the alleyway she had passed out in, stripped of her clothing, while leaking out foreign body fluids.
What she wasn't expecting, was to wake up in a soft bed with heavy covers in what appeared to be a luxurious style bedroom. Sitting up, she checked herself over, surprised to see herself still fully clothed, albeit a little dirty. Slowly, she removed the covers and slid out of bed cautiously scanned her surroundings. Taking a moment to pat herself down, she was relieved to find that she still had all of her weapons and personal effects on her, and after a more 'personal' inspection, the snake mistress let out a sigh of relief to see that she had not been taken against her will.
'Now just where the hell am I?' She thought to herself. 'And who was that guy from last night?'
Blurry images of a young man dressed in a dark purple coat with deep blue eyes burned with restrained power, and six whisker marks adorning his cheeks came to the forefront of her mind. Not to mention, how firm his chest felt when he had picked her up and cradled her head against him just before she blacked out completely. Piecing together these bits of memories, the snake mistress couldn't help but allow a small blush to dust her cheeks.
The sound of the door latch softly clicking broke the snake mistress from her musings and alerted her that someone was entering the room. Out of instinct, Anko produced a single kunai from her pouch and readied it in a defensive position.
"Ah, you are awake I see." The woman states in a polite tone as she enters the room, remaining by the door way. Either to block her escape, or to make her feel at ease but not entering her personal space, Anko wasn't sure.
From what Anko could make out, the woman stood at about five foot eight inches tall, making the woman a good four inches taller then herself. Her black hair tied up into a low-cropped bun at the back of her head, with a single bang framing the right side of her face. A pair of thin wired glasses adorning her face, giving the woman a rather seductive instructor appearance. A blue collar like accessory adorned her neck. The rest of her attired consisted of a traditional maid outfit, with a few notable exceptions. First being a silver pauldron covering her left shoulder, and the second the spiked gauntlets that adorned her wrists. Lastly, there was the girdle that wrapped around her mid section, with two armored 'wings' at either side to protect the woman's hips.
"Who are you?" Anko found her voice, not relaxing from her defensive stance. "And where the hell am I?"
"I am Yuri Alpha, Vice Captain of the Pleiades." The now identified Yuri introduced herself in a calm, welcoming tone. As if she were greeting a guest, which wasn't exactly far off. "And you are within the great halls of The Great Tomb of Nazerick."
"Great Tomb of Nazerick?" The snake mistress repeated the words, her face scrunched in confusion.
"Yes." The maid replied. "Naruto-sama brought you here last night after you were attacked."
Hearing the name of her rescuer, her eyes narrowed as to where she had heard that name before. Almost as if it was a constant presence in the background where ever she went within the village. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she realized why the name sounded so familiar. Naruto, that was the name of the boy the Yondaime sealed the Kyubi inside thirteen years ago. While she had not been in the village at the time of the attack, having been dragged off by her sensei at the time. However, she had heard the ANBU that was assigned to watch over her talking loosely about it, when she was brought back to the village after Orochimaru had abandoned her in Umi no Kuni.
At the time, the whispering of the boy did mean anything to then twelve year old abandoned apprentice. Mostly due to the only stigma that surrounded her being the apprentice of a traitor, giving the abandoned prodigy her own issues with the ignorant villagers to deal with. However, now it all made sense as to why she recognized the name. The constant whispering of random civilians and shinobi alike sharing tales with one another of the things that had done, or conspired to do to the boy the next time they caught him. Though, most of those whispers ceased around three years ago.
"You may relax, Anko-san." Yuri spoke, breaking the snake mistress out of her musing for a second time, as the maid gestured towards the brandished weapon. "While you are a guest of Naruto-sama, you will not come to any harm, so long as you do not provoke any of those that live within these walls."
Frowning slightly, Anko slowly relented. Placing her kunai back into it's pouch. Normally the infamous snake mistress would brazenly defy any such request, but there was an aura about this maid, this woman that made her think twice of showing such brashness that she was known for. Not to mention the tone Yuri had used, while polite, had an underlying warning of pain and suffering unimaginable if not heeded.
"Very well, now if you will accompany me." Yuri requested, moving just enough out of the door way to invite the woman through. "Naruto-sama has asked me to escort you to the dinning hall for breakfast, and so that you can no doubt talk with one another. However, I will stress that you be respectful when addressing him."
"R-r-right." Anko nervously gulped as she stepped past the woman into the massive hallway. "I will do my best to remember that."
At this, Yuri couldn't help but let out a soft giggle at the snake mistresses antics. Bringing up her hand to cover her mouth as she did so.
'Naruto-sama is correct.' She mused with a small grin. 'It is rather entertaining to mess with others.'
Quietly, the two made their way through the massive corridors with Yuri walking just slightly ahead. Meanwhile, Anko was taking in the sights around her. Taking note of the elaborate statues, vases, and various busts that lined the corridor. None of which the snake mistress was able to identify, though it was clear that the figures the statues and busts embodied were held in high regard. As the two continued their trek, it wasn't lost on the snake mistress about the looks she was receiving from the other inhabitants of where ever she was.
Anko was no stranger to receiving such looks, but the ones these maids and butlers were sending her felt more like they were looking down on her. As one would look down upon an insect, making her shiver slightly. However, the snake mistress had to do a double take when the pair had walked past a small, stout penguin like creature barking orders at small number of maids and butlers that were lined up in front of him, all bowed at the waist in a show of respect for the small creatures station above them.
"That is Eclair." Yuri answered the silent question. "He is the assistant butler."
"B-but...penguin….." Anko stammered, trying to process the rather odd scene she had just witnessed, and making a silent vow to ease off the sake for awhile.
"It may come as a surprise to you," The battle maid began. "But currently, only Naruto-sama and yourself are the only two humans within The Great Tomb of Nazerick."
This bit of information caught Anko by surprise, prompting her to take another quick glance around, noticing how those around herself looked human enough, though now she could see it. It was in their posture, how they walked, and above all. It was in their eyes. How they looked at her as if she were an insignificant insect with restrained hatred and mistrust.
"So, is that why they all look at me like that?" She inquired quietly.
"In a sense, yes. But don't take it personally." Yuri answered. "Those of us that reside within the Great Tomb of Nazerick hold little love for humans. And witnessing how the villagers have treated Naruto-sama, as well as your own incident last night has not helped to ease our disposition. However, Naruto-sama has encouraged all to not rashly judge all humans."
"I see." The snake mistress replied before turning silent as she mulled over what she was told. Though she could understand their point of view, opting not to question the existence of species outside of being human. Especially when the evidence was staring her in the face.
"Here we are." Yuri stated, catching Anko's attention as the duo stopped at a large pair of doors. With a smooth movement, the black haired maid fluidly opened the doors, allowing Anko to get a good view of the massive dinning room that was filled with various tables, with one long one in the center of the room. Filled with assortment of food of all kinds. At the center of the table, sat the young blonde teen that had came to her aid the previous night.
"Naruto-sama, our guest as awakened."
Hearing this, the young blonde had stopped what he was doing and stood from his spot at the table, before seemingly teleporting across the table, prompting the snake mistress to blink in surprise.
"Thank you very much, Yuri-chan." The whiskered teen smiled as he approached the duo. It was not missed that the maid in question was blushing at his praise. "You may return to your duties."
"Of course, Naruto-sama." Yuri bowed before turning to Anko, and bidding her farewell before disappearing out of the room again.
"I trust you slept well Mitarashi-san." Naruto stated as he turned his attention to the purple haired woman. "I hope you were not too seriously hurt last night."
Anko blinked for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Since this young teen was the first person, outside of her fellow 'Ice Queens' that showed any genuine concern for her well being.
"Eh, I've been through worse." She tried to brush it off, though the young overlord had caught just the tiniest hint of wetness in her eyes.
'She hides it well.' Erza spoke within the blondes mind. 'But she is truly touched by your genuine concern for her.'
'Indeed.' Naruto mentally replied. 'She has the same eyes I once had, before meeting Ainz-ji-ji.'
"Ah, forgive my lack of manners." The young overlord spoke, realizing he was starting to zone out with his short discussion with his tenant. "As you no doubt know, I am Naruto Uzumaki, Overlord of The Great Tomb of Nazerick."
"Overlord huh, that's quite the title to have." The snake mistress quirked a brow. "Anyways, as you may or may not know, I am the 'Sexy and Single', Anko Mitarashi. Famed Snake Mistress of Konoha."
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at the woman's eccentric introduction.
"A pleasure to meet you, Anko-san. Would you care to join me for breakfast?" Naruto offered as he gestured towards the table behind him. "Pestonya-chan tends to spoil me for breakfast, and I absolutely can not finish all that she has prepared."
Anko was about to refuse, when her stomach rumbled with hunger as the mouth watering armor wafted into her nostrils, causing her to unconsciously drool a bit. Quickly wiping the evidence from her mouth, the woman sheepishly smiled.
"Heh, you came to my rescue like a knight in shining armor last night, put me in a room that is far more luxurious then any of the fancy hotels in Konoha, and now you are offering me breakfast." Anko gave a teasing grin, before allowing her voice to drop to a more husky tone. "Are you sure you're not trying to butter me up for a special reward?"
Before the young overlord could respond to the snake mistresses jest, and explosion of killer intent from three separate sources erupted behind the woman, prompting Anko to quickly turn to face the on coming threat. Only to be greeted by the sight of three enraged looking women. One tall and two shorter.
The taller of the three, standing at five foot seven, was a woman of impeccable beauty with lustrous jet-black hair and the face of a goddess, or a temptress, depending on ones point of view. Dressed in a pure white dress with silky gloves covering her slender hands, and a golden spiderweb necklace that covered her shoulders and chest. Golden irises with vertically split pupils lit up with fury. On her left and right temples, two thick horns protruded crookedly, looking like a sort of tiara permanently fixated to her head. At her waist, a pair of black angel-like wings
To the left of the angelic beauty was a shorter woman, only standing four foot seven, looking no older then fourteen with pale and shiny skin with fine facial features, and seductive looking crimson-red eyes. Or they would look seductive, if they were not burning with righteous fury. Her silver hair tied up into a pony tail through a large red and purple ribbon on top of it all. Her attired consisted of a soft black Victorian looking evening dress with a big heavy skirt. Her upper body dressed in a lace embellished ribbon and a short tailored jacket, though it was clear to the snake mistress that the silver haired woman was using padding to fill out her chest. A pair of long lace gloves adorned her sleek hands, not exposing any bit of skin, a large contrast to the taller woman.
The last of the trio was a tomboyish looking girl with dark skin and pointed ears, standing at only four foot four. Her golden shoulder length hair perfectly contrasting with her heterochromia, with her left eye blue while her right eye was green. Both were a lit with fury. She wears a reddish-black scale like armor, covered by a white and gold vest embroidered with the sigil of Nazerick. A matching set of white trousers and gold plated shoes accompanied her outfit, as well as an acorn necklace that emitted a golden light. At her waist was a coiled whip that her hands were itching to grasp.
Unconsciously taking a step back from the three, Anko couldn't help but to break out in a cold sweat by the sheer and unnatural amount of killing intent the three were exuding, forcing her to drop to a knee as she began to hyperventilate. Countless visions of her gruesome demise flashing before her eyes at the hands of the three before her, ranging from decapitation, dismemberment, and mutilation of her lady parts.
"Enough!" Naruto's voice boomed and echoed throughout the room as he allowed his power to pulse outwards, causing the three monster girls to cease their killer intent and each fall to one knee before him, allowing Anko to take in some much needed air that she had been deprived of. "Anko-san is my guest, and she will be treated as such."
"Bu-but Naruto-sama!" Albedo pleaded. "The vile words that she insinuated…."
"Are no different then what the three of you do." The blonde overlord pointed out, focusing on the pure maiden first. "Albedo-chan, you are extraordinarily vocal of the things you would do with me in such detail that the pervert frog fucker could write volumes of his trash books based on your words alone."
"Shalltear-chan," He turned his attention to the vampire. "You insist on joining me every time I take a bath."
"And Aura-chan." Now focusing on the dark elf girl kneeling before him. "You sneak into my bed every night."
Each of the three he had singled out had the decency to look embarrassed, suddenly finding the floor much more interesting.
"Now comparing her minor jest to all of your actions, she hasn't done anything that would warrant this type of reaction."
"B-but Naruto-sama, she is only human! W-we can provide you with so much more than this mortal!" Albedo countered, looking up at the blonde overlord.
"Looking down on others now, Albedo-chan?" The boy quickly replied with a raised eyebrow.
The succubus sputtered. "N-no! I-it's just..."
"Listen, okay." Naruto interrupted. "I understand how all of you feel about me, and I am honored to have three beautiful ladies such as yourselves feel that way about me."
The trio of monster girls couldn't stop the blush that crept onto their faces.
"Now, whether or not her playful flirting becomes something more in the future remains to be seen." Naruto continued, sending a playful wink towards the snake mistress when he saw she was about to retort with something. "And should that happen, I guarantee on my honor that given time, you will grow to like her as a valued friend, and perhaps even a sister."
"Why is that, Naruto-sama?" Aura inquired, adopting a curious expression.
"Because she has the same eyes I had before all of you came into my life." The Overlord responded quietly.
Silence hung over the four of them as the realized the weight of his words. Alebdo was the first to stand up and turn to the snake mistress and give a short bow at the waist.
"I would like to offer our apologies for our actions towards you, Mitarashi-san." The succubus spoke, her voice holding an air of seriousness to it. Prompting the other two girls to follow her example in a rare occurrence of the three of them not fighting amongst each other.
Anko blinked a few times, realizing she was being put on the spot right now.
"Hey, no skin off my back." She replied, albeit a little nervously. "I can't blame you for defending your claim, the gaki is handsome."
However, as soon as the words left her mouth, she felt a small chill run down her spine and wondered if she had said the wrong thing, without meaning to, since it just came out of her mouth. However, to her surprise, the one named Albedo merely stood straight and smiled at her.
"On that, we can agree on." She spoke. "Naruto-sama is quite handsome."
"Come ladies." Albedo instructed, turning her attention to her fellow rivals. "Let us return to our duties, and leave Naruto-sama to entertain his guest."
Bowing once more towards the snake mistress in apology, the three departed the room, closing the massive doors behind them.
"I do apologize for their actions, Anko-san." Naruto said, turning his attention towards the purple haired woman. "The three of them tend to get over zealous when it comes to me."
"So, in other words they're fan girls." Anko teased, feeling a bit more at ease after the whiskered overlord had come to her defense. "Like that Uchiha brat."
"Yeah, except his fan girls are more worried about their looks, what to wear and if they will break a nail." The blonde shrugged. "Mine will level an entire village in my honor."
"No arguments there."
"So, hungry?" Naruto inquired.
With a small chuckle, the snake mistress accepted the invitation, blushing slightly when the whiskered overlord insisted on pulling out a chair for her and pushing it in. After sampling a few of the dishes, she had to admit that the food served was better then anything she had had before. Even her sacred dango couldn't compare.
"And you get to eat this every day?" Anko inquired.
"Pretty much." Naruto nodded. "Will even have a lunch delivered to me at the academy, made fresh."
"Damn, must be nice." She muttered to herself, though just loud enough for the whiskered blonde to hear her.
"What, dango everyday not good enough for you?" He teased, earning a playful glare from the snake mistress. "Tell you what, I will have someone drop some lunch off for you too, everyday. How about that?"
"I couldn't possibly…."
"Relax, Anko-san. I insist" He interrupted her with a smile. "Besides, what kind of friend would I be if I let you starve?"
"Alright, alright. You win." Anko smiled, having a feeling that the whiskered teen could be as stubborn and as hard headed as she was when she set her mind to something. Though as a comfortable silence fell over them, one thing was bugging the snake mistress.
"What did you mean, that I had eyes like yours?" She asked, looking to her host.
"Exactly that." Naruto replied after a few seconds of silence. "When I look in your eyes, I see myself a few years ago. You are lonely and desperate for reliable companionship. To be acknowledged as yourself, and not live in the shadows of the sins of others. You have those you consider friends, but you keep them at arms length, unsure if they are worthy of your trust. Your boisterous personality, and 'don't give a fuck' attitude is a front you put up to scare people away so you don't get hurt again. Similar to my mask of being an idiotic prankster. In you, I see a kindred spirit."
Anko didn't know how to respond to how painfully accurate the whiskered blonde had described her. Slowly tears began to form in her eyes, feeling completely exposed and vulnerable before the young teen as she broke down and began to cry. However, she was snapped out of her stupor as she felt a pair of arms wrap around her racking body.
"I didn't tell you this to expose you and leave you bare before me." Naruto whispered into her ear as he comforted her in a hug. "I told you this, because I know how it feels first hand to be alone. For the first eight years of my life, I had barely anyone, and those I did have couldn't watch over me all the time. At the age of seven, the orphanage the old man trusted to look after me, kicked me to the streets. Leaving me vulnerable for the villagers looking to get their pound of flesh for the Kyubi attack."
"To them, I was never Naruto Uzumaki." He continued, his hand rubbing her back gently. "To the mindless masses, I was just the Kyubi in human form, powerless and unable to defend myself against the mobs that formed. While the old man passed laws to protect me, there was little he could actually do to ensure they were followed, especially when some of his own trusted ANBU would allow such things to happen under their watch. Only stepping in to prevent actual death, and even then, they would take their time getting me to the hospital."
"Damn gaki," Anko sniffled slightly, composing herself as she wiped the tears from her face. Slowly peeling herself from the blondes arms, albeit reluctantly, but she had a reputation to upload. "Why the hell would you stay in the village after all that?"
"While few in number, there are people here I care about." Naruto replied as he leaned back in his chair. "The old man, Ayame-chan and her father, Tsume-dono, and now, you."
Anko couldn't help but smile at that, because she knew that he had meant every word he said. The years she had toiled in the Torture and Interrogation branch of Konoha under Ibiki had her well versed in reading ones body language and tone to gauge if a person was sincere or not. A sense of joy, a mostly foreign feeling for the famed snake mistress, swelled up inside her, that she had at least one more who saw her as Anko, and not the traitor's apprentice.
However, she was quickly reminded just why the feeling of joy was a foreign sensation for her as a burning pain flared up at the base of her neck, where her shoulder and neck met. Causing her to lurch forward and groan in pain as she grasped at the spot where the curse mark was located.
"Anko-san?" Naruto asked, his voice full of concern as he immediately leaned forward to support her. Seeing her hand clasped firmly over the base of her neck, he gently moved her hand away so he could get a clear look at what was afflicting her, allowing her to grasp his own hand to stave off the pain she was in.
"Tha-that bastard Orochimaru pu-put th- ahh – is on me, bef-before he abandoned me." Anko grunted out through the pain, squeezing the blondes hand as hard as she could, though the blonde showed no reaction to her grip, instead he was focused on the cursed mark.
"Scan." Naruto called out the spell as his eyes began to glow with a blue radiance, allowing him to see the inner workings of the seal.
'It appears the snake has implanted a small piece of his soul into the curse mark.' Erza observed, growling slightly.
'So it appears.' Naruto frowned, but allowed a smirk to visit his lips. 'However, this just made it easier to deal with. But for now, let's do this.'
Dispelling the scan spell he had used, Naruto channeled his magic into a fourth tier Seal Evil spell to isolate and restrain the soul fragment, giving the snake mistress a much needed reprieve as her breathing began to steady.
"Wha-what did you do?" She asked, catching her breath.
"I scanned the mark and was able to identify why it was afflicting you so." Naruto explained as he casually opened up a small portal in front of her and reached in to pull out a small, purple colored gem of some kind. "Turns out, the bastard injected part of his soul into the mark and from what I was able to determine, it feeds off of negative emotions. So, when you feel anything joyful or happy, it responds aggressively."
"Fucking figures." Anko spat, cursing her traitorous former sensei. "Always fucking up my life."
"The good news is, is that I can remove it." The blonde simply stated. "Soul, mark and all."
Hearing this, Anko froze and looked over towards the blonde teen.
"How?" She ventured to ask, not wanting to get her hopes up. "I've tried almost everything to get rid of that damnable thing, even completely slicing it from my neck, but it just kept coming back. Even approached that fucking pervert, only to get told that he would only look at it after I had slept with him."
Naruto scowled upon hearing this, but shook it off for the time being. Making a silent vow to make that perverted bastard pay down the road, when his sorry excuse of a godfather would try and enter his life in order to manipulate the prophecy that was supposedly around him. Oh yes, he was well aware of the vague prophecy the perverted sannin was obsessed with. The one that stated he would supposedly would shape the shinobi world in his image.
"Now, you're going to feel a small burning sensation, but it will be significantly less then it was before." He explained, receiving a nod in confirmation from the snake mistress. Bringing the purple gem closer towards the woman's neck, it began to glow and pulse with energy.
"Soul Trap" Naruto cast the spell, causing Anko to hiss as a burning sensation came from the place where her curse mark was. Though true to the whiskered blondes words, the pain was far less then it had been earlier, making it far more bearable. And then, there was nothing. Pulling back, Anko could see that the once purple crystal like gem was now a sickly black color.
"Is that…."
"Yes." The blonde answered before she could finish. "This is the snake bastards soul, or rather, the part that was within you."
Tentatively reaching up, the snake mistress rubbed the spot where the curse mark once was, surprised to find her skin completely smooth and unmarred. No raised marks, indentations or scaring. Just smooth, unblemished skin.
"It's gone…." She whispered. "It's actually gone."
Tears of happiness pooling in her eyes as she launched forward and embraced the whiskered teen in a firm hug, inadvertently smashing his head between her mounds of flesh on her chest. All while repeating her thanks in hushed whispers.
"I swear, for freeing me from that bastards mark, I am yours." Anko vowed. "You want someone killed, I'll do it. You want someone to disappear, I'll do it, no questions asked. Hell, if you want to knock me up and use me as a sex slave, I will give myself to you. Just…."
"How about, you just be my friend." Naruto offered as he gently removed himself from her arms, hiding the blush that was creeping up on his face due to where it was just seconds ago. "And hey, if it becomes something more later, all the better, right?"
"Friends….I like that." The snake mistress smiled, a rare, genuine smile.
"Unfortunately, we have to cut this short. I have to get to the academy, and I trust you have your own duties to attend to." Naruto informed the snake mistress, noting the time. "How about dinner tonight?"
"Are you inviting me to a date, Na-ru-to-kun?" Anko grinned, her teasing nature coming back. After all, she did have a reputation to uphold, regardless if the whiskered teen before her had laid her bare and exposed.
"Well, I was merely being polite and extending an invitation to get to know my new found friend. But I would be remiss if I were to turn down a date with such a beautiful woman as yourself, so a date it is then, Anko-chan." Naruto responded fluidly with a foxy grin.
'Damn gaki, able to match me at my own game.' She couldn't help but think.
Wordlessly, Naruto moved his hand in a circular motion, opening a portal in front of the two that showed an empty alleyway. Though from the trash bins, the snake mistress could see that it was the one that was located directly behind the ramen stand.
"Shall we?" He asked, gesturing towards the portal.
Taking the hint, Anko stepped through the portal unsure of what to expect. Only to find her immediately in the alleyway she had just seen. Turning around, she saw her new found friend stepping through as well before the portal closed behind him.
"Normally, I would teleport to my apartment I am suppose to be staying in, but I figured it would look suspicious and lead to some rather unwanted rumors to circulate if we were seen leaving at the same time." Naruto explained.
"Not like I don't have enough of those kinds of rumors going around about me, anyways." Anko grumbled, though thankful for the young overlords consideration for her diginity.
"At any rate, this is where we part ways for now." Naruto stated, "It was a pleasure to meet you and I am looking forward to our 'date' this evening."
"Yeah, yeah." Anko chuckled. "Just don't get all sappy with the flowers, chocolate, and music and shit."
Chuckling to himself, Naruto departed the alleyway and disappeared down the road towards the academy. Leaving the snake mistress behind to tend to her own duties.
Shaking her head, Anko couldn't help but smile. Not even a full day with the whiskered teen, and he has already done more for her then the entire collective of the village combined. And the only thing he had asked for in return was companionship. True, and honest companionship with no ulterior motives. A kindred spirit as he had called her.
'Friends, huh?' She mused to herself. 'Maybe something more in the future.'
With a slight skip in her step, the snake mistress stepped out onto the main road and proceeded to make her way towards her place of work. She was in such a good mood, that the usual glares and whispers behind her back she typically received daily couldn't even dampen her spirits. Hell, Orochimaru himself could appear in front of her, and she would merely laugh at him and continue on her way.
"Anko!" A voice called out from behind her, prompting the snake mistress to turn around. Only to be greeted by the sight of two of her fellow 'Ice Queens' swiftly making their way towards her in the form of Hana Inuzuka and Kurenai Yuhi.
'Shit.' Anko mentally cursed, not really looking forward to the questions she was about to be asked. Especially regarding the events that had happened the night prior and where she had disappeared to. While Naruto had not out right said it, it was clear to her that the whiskered teen wanted to keep Nazerick a secret.
"Uh, hey girls." Anko nervously greeted the two once they reached her. Earning a glare from each of them in response.
Academy
Naruto let out a bored sigh as he leaned back in his assigned seat and pulled out a tome full of high tiered spells that he had borrowed from Nazerick's library as he waited for the class to officially start, casting a subtle illusion spell over it to make it look like a run of the mill textbook. Just in case someone got too curious for their own good and attempted to read of his shoulder, not that they would be able to understand any of the gibberish that was scrawled on the pages, since it was written in runes rather then words.
Slowly, the rest of the class began to filter into the classroom and take their assigned seats. Only a scant few sending a glare his way, most of which were among the Uchiha fan girls and random civilian boys who were looking to impress the aforementioned girls. As for the rest of the class that comprised of more notable civilian families, such as Sakura Haruno, the daughter of one of the civilian council members that over saw the villages economical flow, and clan heirs.
While she was one of the more vocal of the Uchiha fan girls, Sakura had managed to balance her love obsession with her studies, allowing her to float around the top of the class in academics and was a sure candidate for Kunoichi of the Year come graduation, despite her civilian heritage. While she had initially butted heads with the whiskered overlord, trying to fit in with the rest of the civilian kids by attempting and horribly failing at bullying the young blonde, the two had come to a silent agreement to just let one another be.
Next was the clan heirs. Hinata Hyuga, Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka, and Sasuke Uchiha.
Ironically enough, the only one Naruto had any issues with was the Inuzuka heir with his constant claim of being the alpha male of the class and trying to flirt and assert his male dominance over his female class mates. One of his primary targets was the Hyuga heir, Hinata. Normally, she was a reserved girl and as shy as a wall flower, but on more then one occasion had the teenage girl laid the Inuzuka heir out with precise and painful Jyuken strikes.
It also didn't help that Tsume's youngest 'pup', as she called him, felt intimidated by the overlords mere presence and acted brash to hide his insecurity. There had been one instance when Kiba and tried to intimidate Naruto in a staring contest and had attempted to head butt him, only to render himself unconscious when the Uzumaki's head didn't even budge.
As for the Nara, Akimichi, and Aburame heirs, they were mostly neutral when it came to the blonde. Never really going out of their way to interact with him, while at the same time, not taking part in any of the shenanigans that the more foolish of the class would engage in when it came to him. For Shikamaru, it was too troublesome. Choji was steadfast at his best friends side, which mostly consisted of laying down and watching the clouds with the Nara. Where as Shino was an introvert, choosing on to speak when spoken to.
Ironically, the two he got along with the most were the Yamanka and Uchiha heirs.
With Ino, a rival for the Uchiha with her best friend Sakura, the two would engage in deep discussions about psychology, mental ailments and treatments, as well as practical chakra theory. It also wasn't a surprise that the Yamanka heiress was in direct competition with Sakura for the Kunoichi of the Year achievement. While he didn't consider her a precious person just yet, she was at least a valued classmate and future comrade. Maybe a friend in the future.
Lastly, was the Uchiha himself.
Currently, Sasuke and his mother, Mikoto, were the only two surviving Uchiha within the village after their clan was massacred four years ago by Sasuke's older brother, Itachi. Supposedly to test his own strength, if the 'official' story was to be believed. However Naruto had his suspicions that there was more to it then what was officially stated. Mainly because there were too many holes in the cover story, and it appeared that Sasuke had similar thoughts, since his primary goal was to chase down his older brother and get the truth from him.
As for the Uchiha himself, he mostly viewed the blonde as a rival to test his skills against. Being one of the few students that wasn't afraid to engage in a full contact spar with the Uchiha. Though what Sasuke was unaware of was just how much Naruto was holding back in their spars, nor the illusion spells he would cast on himself to fake damage done.
Their rivalry of sorts, was the primary reason the civilian fan girls hated him, since he dared to be as strong as their beloved Sasuke. If only they knew.
After a couple more minutes, one of the instructors finally entered the room. Sending a mild glare towards the whiskered teen before taking his place before the class. While the glare was nothing new, since Naruto was well aware of the fact that the man blamed him for his parents death, the fact that he was alone was. Usually he had a partner that would aid in the classes instruction. It was then that he realized that one of the men that had attempted to rape Anko the night prior was none other then the silver haired instructor.
'Mm, I thought he looked familiar.' The whiskered overlord mused with a slight grin. Remembering the mans face contorting in pain when the blonde had crushed the would be rapists heart.
'Looks like he abandoned his idea to ambush you at your apartment and instead went to have some other fun.' Erza added with a slight growl, as her thoughts were similar to Naruto's when it came to rapists.
"Iruka-sensei, where is Mizuki-sensei?" A purple haired civilian girl asked, Ami if the blonde recalled her name correctly. "Is he sick?"
"Unfortunately, Mizuki-sensei was found dead this morning." The now identified Iruka informed the class, earning a series of gasps of shock. "An investigation is being launched to find the demon who murdered him."
It wasn't lost on the young overlord that even with no evidence, the man was blaming him for his partners death. Though at least this time, he would correct. Not that it mattered, since the investigation would turn up nothing that would point to him. If anything, they would find incriminating evidence to condemn the bastards.
'I wonder what Anko-chan is doing right now?' He mused, as he tuned out the starting lectures.
'Oh, so it's Anko-chan already huh?' The Kyubi teased. 'You've bonded with her quickly.'
'Like I said, she's a kindred spirit.'
Dango Stand
Said Snake Mistress sneezed as her two friends were 'interrogating' her about what had happened the previous night. Fortunately, Ibiki had given her the day off, due to being light on those requiring to be cracked open. Since dead men couldn't scream and spill secrets.
'Great, now who the hell is thinking of me?' Anko groaned.
"So, let me get this straight." Kurenai phrased, as she was trying to picture what her friend had told her. "Mizuki had some how managed to spike your drink with something, and then lead you to an alleyway where two of his friends were waiting and then attempted to rape you, and then some one came and killed them and took you to his place after you passed out."
To the genjutsu mistress, it made no sense. She had known the silver haired man for years and had gone on several missions with him before he became an instructor at the academy, and had trusted him with her life. But to hear someone she considered a trusted friend accused of such a crime, but another friend made her feel conflicted.
"That's what happened." The snake mistress shrugged, taking a bite out of her dango, though compared to the earlier breakfast she had, it paled in comparison.
"It's not that I don't believe you." Kurenai sighed. "It's just that I find it hard to believe. Mizuki-san was a trusted comrade that I went on countless missions outside the village with. Someone I could trust to watch my back."
"Believe me, or don't believe me." Anko sighed, dropping the now empty stick. "No skin off my back."
Kurenai frowned at the dismissive nature of her friend.
"And are you sure your 'rescuer'," She emphasized the word. "Didn't have anything to do with your attack, and framed Mizuki-san?"
Immediately the ruby eyed woman realized that this was the wrong thing to say as killer intent leaked out from the snake mistress and a raging fury burned like a wildfire within her brown, pupil-less eyes as she leveled a glare at the genjutsu mistress.
"Don't." Anko hissed dangerously. "Don't you even dare consider making that pathetic wannabe rapist a victim. As far as I am concerned, that bastard got what he deserved."
Pushing off the bar stool aggressively, she tossed some money on the counter top to pay for her meal and stormed out of the stand, leaving behind a gobsmacked Kurenai.
Meanwhile, Hana was sniffing the air curiously, trying to identify the familiar scent she smelled wafting off of the snake mistress. Her eyes flickering as she tried to identify the scent, so far coming up with a complete blank. Mentally racking her brain as to just where she had caught that scent from before.
'Why?' She mentally asked herself. 'Why in the name of Kami does that smell so familiar?'
Additional Author Notes: And done!
Alright, this chapter went on longer then I was expecting, especially the part with Naruto and Anko. Well, technically this entire chapter revolved around Naruto and Anko. Which is a good thing, lots of character development and bonding in this chapter, which is a win in my book.
Also, another shout out for 12Ookami12 for helping me with the dialogue part when Naruto was chastising Aura, Albedo, and Shalltear, real life saver there!
Now, as you noticed, I changed up a few times.
The obvious, is that Sasuke's mother, survived. This alone has a huge impact on Sasuke, since he would actually have someone to help him through that difficult time, hence why he won't be as arrogant moving forward and also why he genuinely views Naruto as a rival, instead of a loser.
Anyways, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, and once again, I do apologize for the delay in updating this story.
Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments in the reviews!