OKaYO... i GOT MYSELF SICK AND WAS FORCED TO STAY IN BED, TAHT'S WHY THIS CHAPTER IS FAST.
alright, back to the business, let's answer some of the review, okay?
Let's start with...
Qhaq: Thank for your kind words, and I'll.
Neo Infinity: thank you and your welcome too ^~^
Xerzo lotCN: My friend, that was a great idea! about destabilize a country before he save it I mean. however, it won't come to it or now. because first, he need to be a little darker and more experienced than he currently is, and second, he would also need to have enough hate for that country in question... because let's just be honest here, our boy Naruto won't harm people just like that no matter how dark he become.
yeah, it bum me too about Kurenai... however, I can't just make her so suddenly experienced on top of the bed with a boy. it will probably explained later in the story, but Kurenai is lesbian, with Naruto being the only exception in her heart, so it came to no surprise if she was also didn't really know anything how to make him feel good.
as for cat... well, I have a plan for her. But it'll take a pretty long time before she can join...
FilthyCasual543: Yes thank you!
taiwoeretan1: thanks! I keep trying to make my story unique as best as I can.
MDM11: Uh... No, tenten will be like she is canonically. I'll add team samui and kurotsuchi enter chuunin exam tho, of course, it'll have explainable reason.
Borello: will be explained here ^~^
DRADX: Yes, it was explained by Naruto that love can come from any catalysts, be it love at first sight or just simple guilt. hate too of course, but there's no need to explain it. As for Naruto being beta male... yeah, he'll be mostly beta in this story. of course, there will be some time where he take charge or just 'no one take charge', but it will be mostly him at the bottom.
Okay guys, that's all for today. and thanks for everyone's support for me till now... I'm grateful for all of it!
oh, before I forgot, I haven't say this for a long time. but anyone who read this, can you go to my yt channel and give me a sub? the channel's is in my profile. thanks in advance!
good read, everyone!~
The charming gamer
Chapter 10, To Kiri! And… squabbles
XXX XXX (Start) XXX XXX
"Dear, everything's packed up in your side?"
As the client, Naruto's things of course would be different than Luka. And so, he's currently in the dining room, staring at the five scrolls in front of him with narrowing eyes.
Though ten or so seconds later, he nodded, satisfied, small smile on his face.
"Mnm, I think so, Luka-chan"
One scroll for daily necessities, one for his and Luka's camp, one contains all of his books about seals that he could buy in the bookstores, one for his weapon collections, and the last one is his blacksmithing tools.
"Good… I'm done with mine too"
Click
As his girlfriend said that, she came out from their bedroom…
And…
Fuih~
If she doesn't look professional, he doesn't know who.
Her long hairs tied down in a low ponytail, to make sure enemy doesn't grab it, she said. and no longer she's using those black qipao she usually wore, today, she's fully equipped in her jonin vest and the pants normally equipped by other shinobis.
Well, everything's normal and up to the standard of jonin's attire in war time… though she put her own add on in the shape of long pink scarf with small scythe tied at the edge.
Well… if other people see this, they would probably laugh. But Naruto already seen his girlfriend's sword dance. And it does have a lot of spinning, so the scythe will help her when the enemy dare to attack her when she spins.
How she trains using scythe tied to scarf, he doesn't know. And he never asked.
Oh… and that scarf is not one she usually wore, which is soft to the touch. This one is very durable and even thicker than rope, also fabricated by using ninja's wire weaved on its edge so anyone that think touching it is a good idea for them will get a surprise in their life.
Literally said, if they ever thought to pull it, their hands will be nicely cut.
Luka really took her job as Shinobi seriously. No wonder people sometimes compared her with some of the elite jonins.
"You look so beautiful, Luka-chan…"
Ah… yes, no matter how professional she looks, she's always a beauty in his eyes.
"Yes, I know dear… now… before we go out…" gently, sensually, the girl wraps her hands around him from behind, caressing and trailing every skin her fingers could touch… making him shivers in pleasure "… why don't we kiss each other for 'good luck'?"
Despite it was stated as question, she never gave him any chance to answer because not long after she said that, her fingers grasped his chin and force his face to tilt to her way… where she then began to kiss him like crazy.
Good luck kiss?
Yeah right… if it's not because of their mission, Naruto know that they probably will already end up in bed by now.
-later-
"Hey! Everyone's ready?"
Naruto said as he arrived in their meeting point along with Luka.
Everyone's already here, Mei with her bodyguards, also Yakumo and Kurenai.
And the air… is filled with awkwardness. But well… can't help it, after all, Yakumo hates Kurenai with every fiber of her being, so the air like this is already within his calculation.
He's so going to repair their relationship before they're home.
"You're late five minutes, Naruto-kun… I'm currently wondering whether are you really tardy or not here, hmm~"
Mei said teasingly, seemingly warming the air for a little bit. Though for Naruto himself, he cannot accept such words from her.
"Hey hey, I'm not late, okay? I was just getting this for Chojuro over there…"
"E-Eh, for me?"
The boy then threw something toward the teen, which he caught clumsily. And when he opened it, it was a rather small scroll… with 'great sword' etched in the front of it.
"Take it… it's not for fight, but for training, use it until we arrive in Kiri"
Naruto isn't blind.
His power may has slightly made him give more focus toward the female part of human population. But he knew a hard worker when he sees one…
And Chojuro? How can he miss the fact that the teen almost panting when they meet? Or that his arms sometimes would have some kind of spasm.
When everyone's not looking, the teen was training his arms by swinging the sword he brings every single night. And Naruto could respect such dedication.
"T-Thank you!"
The older teen bowed deeply in gratitude, which Naruto simply responded with a small nod while ignoring everyone's curious glances thrown at him.
Ehem!
"Anyway… we should go now. The clock is ticking"
Ao, Chojuro, Mei, and Kurenai nodded here and slinged their backpack over their shoulder.
Yakumo does it too, but hers is not as big as the other and probably only held some necessities and some paper for her to draw.
As for him and Luka? Well, why must you ask?
Seals rule~
.
..
…
Jump… jump…
Swish~
"Say, Naruto-kun… is this your first time getting out from Konoha?"
As the group jumping through tree's branches (Some did a double-take when they see that Yakumo has no problem following them, mainly Kurenai and Ao for some reason) Mei asked him suddenly, getting him nods a few times.
"Yeah… I mean, the farthest I go is the forest of death… and it's not beautiful there, not at all"
"I see… but why would the forest of death isn't beautiful? I mean, I heard every tourist spot in Konoha is very eyes catching and good"
Naruto hummed after that, thinking how to answer such question from Mei.
Help however, came from Kurenai that decide to put her own opinion in this discussion of them.
"Because forest of death isn't a tourist spot, Terumi-san. It's a battleground where even ANBU could die if they're not careful… sometimes the Chuunin exam is also taken place there, the death rate of such exam when it happened… it's high"
"Ah… I see, thank you for the information, Yuhi-san. So, what are you doing in such place, Naruto-kun?"
"…"
The boy however, doesn't answer and merely keep jumping… his expression cannot be seen because by the time Mei asked that, he already speed up slightly.
Not enough to leave them, but still enough to make him as the one in the front, giving everyone only the sight of his back.
"Naruto?"
Mei called once again, though still not getting any answer…
Just as she wanted to speed up herself and touch him, the boy turned his body and let himself jumping backward while smiling apologetically…
"Sorry sorry, I spaced out just now… what's your question again, Mei-san?"
"I said, what did you do in such dangerous place?"
The boy teasingly put a longer air by tapping his chin several times, then winked one of his eyes toward Mei playfully.
"it's secret~"
"… Bad Naruto-kun"
Despite Mei said that with a playful pout, there's a slight hint of confusion in her eyes. Since the first time she met the boy, he was always honest and never discrete over anything…but this… why would he choose to discrete this one?
And from the edge of her eyes… she could see that Kurenai is also look confused just like her.
As for Luka and Yakumo… they look uncaring about his past.
No… uncaring would be wrong, true, Yakumo looks as uncaring as she could be, but Luka? She has a look of someone who know something.
Oh well… maybe it's really a secret… a secret of those two that's it~
They must've been a childhood lover or something like that…
'Oh… how I wish to have someone like that…'
Mei thought inwardly, and the image of Zabuza crossed her mind for a very short moment. Where she immediately put the image into the trashcan within her brain…
Forget being a childhood lover, that stupid meat for brain cannot even be called as good soldier!
"Well, can't help it if it's a secret now, can't I? ah, woe me"
And with that, the group continues on their journey… sometimes, they would talk about something unnecessary to stave off boredom…
-Later-
One and half day have passed, and in the end, they reached the nearest harbor… and from here, they need to run across the sea to reach the land of water.
"Okay… from here, we're going to run across the sea until we meet the nearest island of the land of water, is anyone too low on chakra to run on the water?"
"Fine here"
"No problem"
.
..
One by one, the team member said their own approvals. All… except for the two.
Here… Naruto and Yakumo stares at each other.
And because they're the only two that haven't said that they can do it, slowly and surely, everyone's gaze went to them.
"Actually… me and Yakumo is yet to learn about it"
.
"I'm with you…"
Surprising everyone's else, while Naruto is talking, Yakumo already went to Luka's side and wraps her hands around the girl's neck from behind, with the teen in question merely blinked her eyes several times…
"Ah, you mean piggyback ride? I guess it can't be helped…"
In the end, Luka understood the girl's meaning and simply nodded, then let the girl has her way and clinging to her back.
She seemed to want to choose to have her boyfriend to carry at first, everyone could see this, but knowing that this mission of them is not even such as low as a B-rank (despite official is) mission in difficult, she chose to carry on with the clan's heiress request.
They've no time for a childishness in such mission.
Unknown to her, Kurenai nodded once to her way, happy that there's still some serious Kunoichi from Konoha.
"T-Then Na-"
"I guess, then you're with me, right, Naruto-kun?"
Just as Mei wanted to call on the boy to ask whether he want her to carry him, Kurenai already cut her words off. Not only that, she's also already knelt in front of him… her backpack placed in her front. And seeing this, Naruto can only sweatdropped.
"Yeah… I guess so, Kurenai-san"
Calmly, Naruto wraps his hands around Kurenai's neck from behind, with her taking his thighs on her own arms and stand up.
"Are you comfortable?"
"Yeah… I guess, I am"
He would be more comfortable if he can run by himself though. Still, her help is appreciated, and he tries to show it by gently squeeze her neck with his arms, which she responded by tightening her hold on his thighs.
And when he felt it, Naruto let out a little smile.
"Well… if everyone's ready, let's start"
A little bit disheartened, Mei doesn't show such feeling and simply said that to everyone, which they replied with their own nods…
And then, they start their run… again.
-Tomorrow-
It took time… and Naruto learned something new about ninja that day.
He had noticed that even though they're in hurry, Mei and the others keep their chakra stable and didn't run as fast as they could, unlike when they ran on the ground or tree hopping…
He asked "why?" yesterday…
And Mei was the one answered his question.
"It's because we're running on water, Naruto-kun… firstly, you need to keep a stable balance of your weight and always stabilizing the chakra you use every second, this takes focus, which limit our speed. Secondly, because most of us here doesn't know anything about each other's chakra level, if, say… if I were to speed up, it would be inconsiderate of me because I'm not sure about, say for example… Luka-san, and that she doesn't have enough chakra to burn for such speed… thus, she would be forced to stay still with her speed because burning chakra faster than you can regain, more so in water is simply stupid. She could drown, and worse of all, because I already sped up, I won't notice until I stop…"
In a normal word, the speed they're using now is the most normal speed ninja should be able to run normally after they've learned water-walking…
Efficient, they are… and the one makes it more amazing is, Naruto never heard any of them talking about such condition before they start this run.
Anyway… it took time. Around one day and half, if he could say it himself. And after a day and half, in the end, they've arrived in the nearest island of the water country.
And after they arrive… Mei immediately turned serious and told them to wear something to cover up.
.
..
…
Cling cling
Two robe-clad figures enter a rowdy bar calmly, one tall and one short. And the short one is holding the hand of the taller one as she's (anyone could see that the tall one has 'curve') pulling him/her to a bar.
Of course, the sight of a mother and their child entering a bar to ask for some job is not a strange sight. And so, the people there simply continue their routine after their small of second observation.
And the two sat in a stool after that…
.
..
There's no one could hear the words exchanged between the mother and the bartender, of course, except the 'child'.
"Mei-san… I see you've returned from Konoha. The trade is success I believe?"
The bartender said after a small, uncaring glance toward Naruto. Though the boy himself also doesn't seem to care that much as he merely folds his hands on top of the table and looking at them as they're talking.
"Yes, I've met the FOX's leader and we've agreed to trade. He's pretty easy-going person, so it was easy to made a deal with him. Now, we should be able to use the money to rebuild Kirigakure after the war end…"
"That's some good news…" One glass of some drink slide of from the bartender's hand toward Mei, and after that, the man stare at him with a blank look "… now, what's your drink, kid?"
"Apple juice, please"
And the man simply nodded after that… hands moving to make the order.
Why he looks so cold and empty, Naruto doesn't know. But he must've his reason.
"Now, can you give me some new information? I need something in a line of Yagura's line of defense and their schedules"
The man was silent for a little bit, focusing on to make the juice rather than answering the woman's question. Strangely, Mei doesn't look too offended and merely let the man do his job and drink her own drink…
Five or so later, a sweet looking drink slide into the boy, which he drinks calmly. And the man, after his order's done, he wiped out his hand with a rag and once again focusing his eyes to Mei Terumi.
"Okay… first off, I have some bad news. The rebel's west base has been taken out… Yagura went there himself and wiped out everyone cleanly in one night"
"W-What? This is the first time I hear about this…"
"Of course… it happened last night after all"
Mei is devastated, Naruto could see this even without any skill or any technique. After all, there's nothing he need to search when the woman herself is already on the edge of the breakdown…
Gently, he took her hand in her palm.
"Some of the surviving members ran to the north base… along with all of the east after they heard the news. Their intention is to make their last stand, I believe…"
Here, the man paused, eyes look a little melancholy as he stares into faraway nothingness… and strangely, it looks more natural than his empty face just now.
"But… Mei-san… I think you should leave it. There's no point to fight the losing fight, it would be better if you just ran away and never came back… find some life…"
Here, the woman wiped her eyes and shook her head. Hairs moving along from her gentle movement…
"No… I'll fight. If my men were fated to die in later night, then I will accompany them to the pure-land…"
After she said this, she stands up and turn around, face look as resolute as she could be as she walks away from the bar… of course, behind her, Naruto blinked several times.
She just leaves him… well, can't fault her after she heard such bad news.
"Thanks for the apple juice, Jii-san, I'll repay you somehow sometimes~"
He didn't see Mei pay for their drinks, that's why he didn't have resolution to stand up and followed her just now. But with her already leaving him? he can only say that to the man and dashes away, leaving only a trail of dust behind him…
… and yes, he doesn't bring any money with him. and in the middle of so many people, it would be no funny if someone began to get suspicious if he were to be the one paying for their drinks.
"…"
As for the man, he let out a small sigh of sadness after he saw them running away like that… running to their dying moment.
"Two lovebirds… dying together in the hand of a tyrant…huh, wished that I die along with you years ago, Akiko"
How can he not realize when the two is touching hand just now? It's simply impossible. And knowing Mei for years, he knows that she's not a person who let someone else touch her just like that.
But, what can he say… he's but a normal bartender, didn't know anything about ninja things and isn't able to do their magic wumbo wumbo…
"… life, must go on"
His wife once said, and when the man stares into the glass used by the boy just now… he blinks.
… It has some cracks.
-Later-
"Mei-san, that was bad of you to leave me there~"
When Naruto arrived at the place where everyone from his and Mei's group gather, Naruto said that to the slightly distresses looking Mei. While everyone is looking at them with some raised eyebrows…
"A-Ah, sorry Naruto-kun… please forgive me for that. Ao, Chojuro… hear me out…"
.
..
As the woman retell the words said by her informant to her bodyguards (along with everyone from Konoha because they're within hearing range) she looks obviously in distress that she's no longer able to think straight…
"That's… a very disturbing news, Mei-sama. If Yagura himself is the one moving, it means he mean business this time. And if he were to use his 'power' in the north base, then we'll have no place at all to shelter our soldiers"
Now, even Ao and Chojuro look distresses… and in the end, Naruto choose that he needs to ask the question that has been haunting him all this time.
"Say… I've been wanted to ask, but from the conversation between you three for these few days, I find the problem is less about rebel and Kirigakure and more like the rebel and Yagura the third Mizukage. Care to tell me what make everyone so scared about him?"
For the others from Konoha, they raised their eyebrow questioningly when they heard the boy's question. After all, Yagura is the current Mizukage, his power basically has no equal within the water country, so it really came to no surprise that his villagers are afraid of him now that he starts to kill people with bloodlines indiscriminately like some sort of maniac.
Naruto though… has some interesting theory after Kyuubi told him about some of the other tailed-beast few days ago.
"… Actually, let me just ask this directly. He's a Jinchuriki, isn't he? Or more specifically, the Jinchuriki of third-tail"
Here, not only the Mizu side that's froze from the boy's words, but also the girls from Konoha (except Yakumo) after they heard him. Of course, the Mizu side broke free from their shock faster than Konoha… as here, Mei nodded grimly.
"Yes, Yagura Karatachi is the Jinchuriki of third-tail… but let me tell you the full story as we go. There's no time to waste, we need to reach rebel's north base before Yagura does"
Naruto nodded and dashes, following Mei that run first after she said her words… behind him, the others following. Though with nervous look in the Konoha side (Again, except Yakumo).
.
..
…
"Yagura Karatachi was a kind man…"
Mei started as she ran, Naruto already beside her while the others is behind her and him…
"Kirigakure is called bloody country for a reason, we trained the children in a school just like other countries. However, our graduate exam is different… within one class, only three can graduate, and that is by killing the other students. Only then the three would be taken by a Jonin and became a team"
The boy simply let out a small nod, already heard of this from some merchants and did read about it in the library. So, it came to no shock for him.
Anger, however?
It's different matter altogether… he's so going to kill the one who came out with that idea if he were to meet with them.
It's a little bit impossible though, Kiri already does this tradition for so long, so the one who came out with the idea should be dead already for years.
"Yagura was no different at first. He kills, and he let the tradition control his every movement, and in no times, he was nominated to be one of the seven swordmen of the mist… of course, he was ecstatic, for years treated harshly by the villagers just because he's a Jinchuriki made him crave for any kind of attention and recognition, and by being seven swordmen will give him all of it… or so he thought at first"
Mei paused for a little bit here, eyebrows knitting together in both anger and confusion…
"He was just a glorified killing machine… after a year or so being one of the seven swordmen, Yagura thought like this. He said to me that he felt like nothing but animal… and after that, he locked himself for a few weeks"
Naruto raise one of his eyebrows when he heard 'he said to me' part.
Is that mean Mei know the Mizukage personally? Oh well, he'll ask her later. For now, let's just keep hearing her…
"The day he came out of his house, he rushed into the previous Mizukage's office and started to massacre everyone there, elders and the Mizukage himself, with no one was able to stop him. And after everything was said and done, he claimed the seat of Mizukage for himself…"
Here, Mei smiled in eyes of proudness… like a little girl watching her big brother doing something heroic.
"Everyone though he would start the new, worser version of bloody Mist than the previous Kage… simply because they thought he was going to get the revenge for everyone's treatment on him"
"But he didn't, right?"
"No, he didn't… oppositely, he made the Kirigakure even better as country after he destroyed the previous tradition and start to trade with other, smaller countries"
The smile slowly turns into a frown as her mind went deeper into her own memories. And maybe because she's doing this, she doesn't notice when the boy beside her looking at her with something akin to pure, honest empathy and a soft, gentle smile.
The girls behind him noticed this, however. And this put frowns on their beautiful faces.
They feel their hearts bubbling with jealously.
"However, one day, Yagura started to kill everyone with bloodlines. There's no warning at all, everyone was in panic, and in the middle of this, we split between who still loyal to Yagura, and who chose to rebel after one of us found out that Yagura is being controlled by some sort of powerful genjutsu"
This put a shock in Naruto's eyes, as the twin of cerulean widen slightly and the boy stop in his ran. And because of the suddenness of this, everyone stops too, confusion in their eyes…
"So… he's being controlled?"
"Yes, someone out there is controlling Yagura from afar… this is known fact by everyone within rebel rank. Outside of our rank, no one know this fact… while Yagura's army won't believe anything we say, we tried"
Here, Naruto threw his face away and nodded. No one could see his expression because of this.
"I see… I'll help as best as I can then, I promise"
He waited for no one's answer though, and after he said this piece of mind, he merely continues their run that he paused just now.
"Uh… okay? Thank you, Naruto-kun"
While at first Mei was kinda confused about his sudden 'melancholy' air, in the end because she sensed nothing but honesty in his words, she chose to let out a small, thankful smile toward him… and then start to follows him and lead the way once again.
However, something changes… and only Luka and Yakumo sensed this from their boyfriend.
They don't know whether it was a good thing or bad thing though.
All they hope… is that he's alright.
-Later-
It took them at least half a day before in the end, they arrived in the Kiri's rebel north base.
And Naruto, seeing the grand fortress on top of the small island can't help but to open his mouth in 'o' shape from awe.
It's impressive… well, this is the first time he sees a man-made fortress, so his shock is pretty understandable.
"HALT! State your name and affliction!"
From on top of the gate, a man screamed that while pointing an arrow toward them. which make Naruto unconsciously raise his arms in surrendering manner.
… Behind him, his girlfriend let out a small titter of amusement.
"Oi! It's me, open the gate! I've no time for this!"
Mei however, maybe thought that his action is because he's feeling threatened, instantly feel annoyed at her subordinate action.
"O-Oh! Mei-sama, we've been waiting for you. Please come in!"
The large gate soon opened slowly as the group can now enter the fortress. And when they're standing in front of the entrance, Mei turned around gently and stares at them…
"You four is my guests, there's no need for you to help in the war… I'm going to go to my office and make some plans with my generals. Please, take a rest in nearby tent… Ao, please help them to find a vacant tent"
"Hai, Mei-sama… you four, please follow me"
As Ao walks away to lead them, Naruto paused for a little bit and turned around, his eyes looking at Mei that immediately gives him her most beautiful smile…
"If you're in need of some other weapons, just say it… I'll give it for you. It's the least I can do to thank you after you let me take a ride on this journey of yours"
"Of course, I'll take that offer later, Naruto-kun. Thank you"
The boy nodded, then walks away to follow Ao that's already few meters away from him… behind him, Mei stares at his back with gentle smile.
Really… he's such a good boy.
Smile turn into a frown not a second later as Mei also walks away to her office… beside her, a ninja suddenly appears like some sort of shadow, walking along with her.
"I believe you already got the information, Mei-sama?"
"…"
A menacing glare is what the man got after he asked such question, and despite not showing it, he do feel threatened by such glare from her…
"I-I'm sorry… I merely asked just in case you haven't heard about the situation"
A lie, a white lie exactly, but still a lie. But for now, Mei will let it slide because she has something much more important to discuss.
"I believe everyone is ready for this last battle?"
Yes, there's no need to sweet words this situation. They're in a pinch situation from sudden aggressive attack from Yagura, and if they were to lose in the next battle, then it'll be the last for them.
"… Yes, Mei-sama. Everyone's ready to make this last stand. We're going to save Kirigakure, or die trying"
"Good… gather all commanders, we're going to make some plans"
"Hai!"
Again, the man disappeared just like a shadow, leaving Mei that only stares into the horizon after she paused her walk for a little while.
"… Big brother, I'll save our Kiri, I promise"
-Years ago-
"Oi! What're you doing there!?'
A young Yagura voice said toward a little girl trying to steal a piece of apple for herself.
Like a deer caught in the middle of kunai rain, the girl' froze, eyes widen in fear as she's staring at whoever screamed at her just now.
It's the monster… or at least, that's what everyone on the street said.
Tears coming out from her both eyes from fear of being eaten, and when the young genin monster catch her hand, she can do nothing but to cry like a child she is…
"Waaaaaahhh!"
"W-Wait, oi kid, why are you crying now?"
The genin was definitely confused, and the muttering people around him doesn't help at all.
"Oi! Where's the seller now!?"
The apple seller has gone to bathroom and is yet to come back. That's why she was brave enough to try stealing some fruit for her hungry stomach just now.
"Geez, no answer at all… guess I'll just put this money here and grab some"
Just like what he said, the genin put a bunch of cash on top of the table and began to bag some piece of fruits for himself, all the while ignoring everyone's stare on him, including the girl's curious stare, her cries stopped after he released her hand…
And when he's done… he knelt in front of her and give her the bag of fruits.
"Here, take it… next time don't steal, okay? It's bad"
Rendered silent, the girl can do nothing except to receive the bag given to her… and after the young genin is sure the bag is secure in her hands, he stood once again and patted her in the head.
"There, good girl"
And after he said that, the monster in human skin turned around and walks away, leaving a round of speechless people.
Of course, crowd is always unpleasant, because not a second later, they began to mutter once again, saying that he's probably just trying to look nice so they would lower their defense or something like that.
But… to one young Mei Terumi, all she saw is a lonely hero.
-With Naruto-
The tent isn't that good… but Naruto understand that Kiri is in the middle of civil war and has no time to place their focus in such small detail.
And so, after Ao is gone, he wasted no time and immediately unsealed a desk and some pieces of papers. All the while, Luka and the two others settled in and placed their futons around because this tent doesn't have any bedding to rest except some well-placed leaves that could act as bedding.
Books of seal open, Naruto began to write something in a piece of paper while his eyes focus is in the books…
"Amusing… you've such low skills currently, and yet you're planning to face off against the vessel of my sibling"
'Yes…. So can you please tell me any details you can give out about three tails, Kyuubi-san?'
"Fufufu, of course… I've promised you that I'll give you all of my support here, after all"
It's pretty reassuring that Kyuubi can be trusted to not to back out on its words, and Naruto gave a small, inward nods of gratitude here.
.
..
With Kyuubi's knowledge about three tails, the time for Naruto to create counter seals for Yagura was cut considerably.
Of course, while staring at the three glowing seals in front of him, Naruto still feel uneasy… this… this won't be enough.
Just as he went to grab his brush once again, a warm hand gently grabs his hand.
"Dear… what're you doing? What're these seals for?"
It's Luka, with worries etched in her beautiful face… she probably already guessed what's on his mind.
"… It's for Yagura, I'll join Kiri's war"
"Wait wait… Naruto, I never heard anything about this, isn't your plan is to help Kiri's refugees… like, you know, cook some foods for them? that's why you brought some ingredients, right?"
This time, Kurenai cut into their conversation. Though Luka also nodded after the woman's words, fully agree of what she said.
"Yes… change of plan. I'll save both rebel army and Yagura"
They're not agree, Naruto can see this easily from their faces. A mix of worry, fear, and slight anger is so visible that he can see all of it with his nude eyes.
"No… No! Naruto, I won't let you go and put yourself in danger like that"
And there goes the usual 'dear' from Luka. But then again, it can't be helped. Her rising anger of course will make her… well… angry at him.
Naruto shrug his shoulders inwardly here.
"I'm sorry, Luka. You can berate me after we get home… but this, I already made up my mind"
"… You… You…"
Maybe never expected resolute eyes from her boyfriend, Luka has become speechless. Of course, her heart isn't calming down… if nothing else, he can feel it as her anger began to rise even more.
And he decides to let her have her own alone time after he sensed this.
"…"
Just as he wanted to walk out from the tent, Kurenai already in front of him with narrowing eyes.
"You know as senior jonin here, I can decide to cancel this mission and forcefully bring you home, right?"
Yes, Kurenai-san… you can cancel this mission. But even if you do, there'll be no one going home except you girls. I'll fight… that's a final"
Once again, Naruto tried to walk out from the tent… and again, his walk is stopped by the last girl.
Yakumo…
Though unlike the others, she has a face of full understanding and a gentle smile.
"Yakumo…"
"Don't mind me, Naruto-kun… I just want you to know that I'll support you fully. No matter what's your decision"
"… Thank you"
The boy's bangs cover his eyes, though he still gave out small nod of gratitude before he goes out to get some air.
.
..
"Yakumo Kurama, I know you don't like me, but that's no reason for you to agree on Naruto's plan!"
A minute after Naruto went out, Kurenai is the first one raged, behind her, Luka also give the girl her most patented cold glare.
Of course, the girl in question merely raises one of her eyebrows questioningly while using her sleeve to cover her mouth in lady-like manner.
"Oh my, are you perhaps thinking that I'll risk the life of my best friend just to spat on you, Kurenai sensei?"
That made Kurenai speechless for a brief second… best friend? She has no such information about such a thing. And because of this, she simply thought the girl's words as a lie.
"Stop lying… let's just talk about fact here. No matter what, Naruto cannot meet with the Mizukage, not only it will be a threat to his life, he also may find out about his own situation"
"Situation…" gently, Yakumo walks to the desk used by her love and start to touch the chair gently, her mind conjuring the image of him few minutes ago, sitting here with a charming, yet serious look on his face "… Jinchuriki thing, I believe"
"Yes, as the Jinchuriki of nine tails, his emotion needs to be controlled or he'll lost his mind! And if ever to find out about his situation, forgot about three tails, Kiri will have to fight against the nine tails too"
It was a sound fact, or at least, to Kurenai and Luka, this is a sound fact…
To Yakumo?
She merely continues touching the chair her love used just minutes ago… all the while humming gently, as if humming for his own person, despite he's not being there.
Though… after few seconds of humming, in the end, Yakumo gave out her own response…
"I think, both of you need to think about this situation in reverse… you keep talking about how Naruto-kun is a Jinchuriki and cannot know about his burden. But what if… what if he knew from the start, that he's a Jinchuriki all along?"
Words can be sharper than any blades… and here, this proofed because both Kurenai and Luka has their eyes widen as if blades had pierced their mind and heart.
Of course, because she already got her momentum, Yakumo keeps talking.
"I think, what if, because he knew this, he feels a strong kinship toward Yagura? So much that Naruto-kun will do anything to save him…"
Another blade, and it keep coming as the clan heiress continue…
"But kurenai-san… I think I would like to see you force Naruto-kun to go back to Konoha. I mean, that feeling of failure to save his own kin, that feeling of failure to do something's right… It's not Kiri that you need to worry about, but Konoha, Kurenai-san"
With that as her final… Yakumo took a single scroll that has 'Ingredient' word in front of it, then walks away. Leaving two speechless females…
"Oh… another thing that I can think of…"
Right before she went out, Yakumo turned around and smiled at both of them.
"I think, none of you are worthy for his attention"
-Later-
There's no high cliff with kages face etched on it here, but there's still a cliff, one that has raging sea under it.
And here, Naruto sat, thinking…
"Say, Kyuubi-san… with my current strength, how much chakra can you lent to me?"
With no one's around, Naruto let his voice heard outwardly as he talking to the beast inside of him.
"Hmmm… with your current strength and your few perks, I think it should be safe for you to go for one tail, but if you touch second tail, your mind will start to lose control"
"… Only one? But we're going to face three tails"
For some reason, Naruto feel Kyuubi shrugged its shoulders.
"I told you to fuck around… but you didn't, it's on you kid"
Geez, that was cold.
But if his current body can only channel one tail of Kyuubi's chakra, it can't be helped. He needs to take the chance and also tries to think of some other ways to increase his power quickly.
.
..
Sex?
No no, with such thick air and nervousness feeling the people, there's just no time for such act.
Such act only happened in a novel, where the mc gain a death flag.
How the original writer channel such plot, Naruto doesn't know… but there's so many writers copied the same plot now. But even then, it still feels the same nonetheless and doesn't make people tire of it.
Channel…
Channel…
"!"
Naruto stood up suddenly and unsealed some batch of back up ink and paper from his hand and begin his newest work.
.
..
…
It took him longer than intended. But as the sun began to set, new six seals are now in front of him, each holding the future and history he's going to create…
Of course, because he's still intermediate sealer, this is still mostly a beta and not complete.
The plan already inside his head though, so all he need now is to keep his life in the next battle so that he could live on and create even more seals to complete these six.
"Heh, now… what should I call you six?"
.
..
He can't think of anything good.
Oh well… can't help it then. Let's just call it the [Armor of the six heavenly stars that protect the user from evil and any other matter] for now.
"In the name of the six paths, no!... Boy, you've no naming sense at all!"
'W-What? But it's good! I mean, my enemy would tremble when they heard the name!'
"YES! they would tremble because they will hold their LAUGH!"
g-geez, what's with Kyuubi all of sudden. This is the first time the creature opposing his decision with such fervor.
Though in the end, Naruto relent and scratch off the great name he created just now from his mind.
'Okay okay… so what's your suggestion, Kyuubi-san?'
Of course, Naruto doesn't believe that the creature could create a name much more amazing than what he did just now, so he's pretty sure the one he create just now will be the one he'll use in the fu-
"Heaven's armor… or [Ten'noyoroi] to simplify it"
… Okay, that's pretty good actually.
"Stop lying to yourself, it's perfect"
Okay, okay… maybe a little bit more than pretty good. And because Naruto respect the creature pretty much, lets use its idea and use [Ten no Yoroi] for this original work of his.
Anything is better than to have the creature pout after all.
Anyway… with the name already decided, Naruto placed the six seals on his body.
Two on the back of his hands.
One in his forehead.
One in his chest, specifically the left side of it, where his heart resides.
And the last two on his feet, left and right separately.
"Are you going to test it now?"
"… There's no need. I already know that it'll work"
Naruto said that simply, all the while shrugging his shoulders as if uncaring of the chance it could fail in his battle with Yagura.
"Heh, getting cheeky now, are you?"
"… Uh, no. it's just, it felt like the seals spoke to me… that they'll work no matter what"
The creature simply let out small hum after that… and because Naruto feel that everything he need to think is finished by now, he stood and patted away the dust on his clothing, then stares forward into the raging sea.
The sun set of Kiri is pretty today…
Now… when are you going to come… Yagura?
-With the girls-
"Yes… yes, please get a line, everyone! And don't shove each other, it's enough for all of you!"
Within the central side of Kiri's rebel base, Kurenai and Luka walked together until they see the sight of the clan heiress of Kurama clan with apron giving out foods to the refugees.
And from the pouring sweat from her face, it's simple to say that she has been doing this for a pretty long time.
Of course, some rebel's chuunins also helping her by now after seeing so many people lined up.
.
..
"Say, Kurenai-san… do you think what she said is true? That my boyfriend probably already knew about the Kyuubi?"
Here, Kurenai is silent, her face shows her conflicted feeling toward this matter. But, in the end, she chose to say what her heart truly feels.
"I… think its possible. Naruto did show us some out of character attitude every time Mei-san told us about Yagura… and he also didn't even consider anything before he concluded that Yagura is a Jinchuriki, it as if… he already made the deduction before he asked the question"
"Then… why?"
Luka bit her lips here, fist trembling from her painful heart.
"… Why he didn't tell me?"
"Well, in his defense… I guess he's thinking about your feeling. Its not a secret that your father was killed by Kyuubi… my father was too. Many people died that day, even his own parent"
"W-What?"
Blue eyes snapped into Kurenai's form when Luka heard this. Though seeing this reaction, the ruby-eyed woman merely stares at the girl with confusion.
"Why are you so shocked? He's born in the day Kyuubi attacked… and yet he's an orphan, what does it mean to you?"
.
..
"I'm sorry… I… I always thought that his parent abandoned him"
"Well, I guess some people said that too… but no, Hokage-sama said to us that Naruto's parent also died, killed by Kyuubi on that night… they died protecting him"
The two fell into silent after that, with no one tries to start any other conversation… they simply stand there, watching as the girl called Yakumo giving out foods to the refugees with kind smile on her face.
"You know… I'm curious about your relationship with my boyfriend"
They no longer have heart to keep talking about their love's sad past. And so, Luka said another big elephant between them.
Though Kurenai merely blinked a few times after she heard this.
"Relationship? I don't have any relationship with Naruto… we just met a few times when he came to visit Hokage-sama"
"Don't lie…"
Narrowing dangerously, Luka stares once again toward Kurenai, which she replies with her own stare.
"… I'm a woman too. I know the eyes of a woman in love when I see one… but not only one, I saw it when I looked at you, Yakumo and that Mei woman. So, let me tell you here… don't touch him. even the smallest hair of his is mine and mine alone"
After she said that, Luka turn around to walks back to the tent…
.
"He's a kind person, you know…"
Kurenai said suddenly, stopping Luka in her track.
"… I don't know what he did for Yakumo. But for me, he stopped me before I can fall even deeper into the darkness, his stretched hand… even now, I still remember that day when he accepted me for who I am, despite my faulty past. And for that, I'll always love him"
.
..
"I will kill you… mark my words, after we finished this mission and we arrived in Konoha, I'll kill you"
Luka said after she heard Kurenai's words, her shoulders trembling so hard from the fury she currently feels, pink bangs covering her blue eyes.
"I know… after all, despite Naruto-kun has such a large heart, yours is petty and small… in that account, you're not that different than your sister"
"No… you misunderstood. I left my family for him… I let myself be disowned for him… I even no longer care for my sister. All is for him, my love for him has no equal, unlike your flimsy one"
"And do you think he wanted that? For you to lose yourself in this 'love' of yours? For you to ignores everyone who once loved you just for him? he has no family ever since he born, I wonder just what he thought after you left your family just like that for him…"
Each word pained Luka. Each word is like a spear stabbing her right in the heart.
But even then, her resolution never wavers as her cold eyes glaring into Kurenai's own glare.
"He loves me, that's what he said and what he feels even now"
"Yes… and just like he loves you, he loves the world all the same. He loves the Konoha that hurt him again and again, he loves the people there despite their spat and glares… Don't ever use your analogy on him, Naruto-kun is an angel, that's what he is inside, in my eyes"
Lightning exchanged between the two woman's eyes as they're growling at each other.
None seem to have any intention to back down.
Of course, that is until Naruto himself popped out nearby…
"Oh, Kurenai-san, Luka-chan… what're you two doing? Is it staring contest? Can you two not doing such a thing in the middle of street, please?"
When they heard his words, both Kurenai and Luka broke free from their 'staring contest' and in the end notice that they've made some ruckus with their flailing chakras that they released unconsciously just now.
"Hmp!"
"Tch…"
Uuhhh…
Not understand the situation, Naruto can only scratched his head several times in confusion. Though, before he can say anything, Luka already take one of his hands and began to drag him to their tent…
"L-Luka-chan… what is i-it?"
"Silence, dear… I'll allow this stupid decision of yours this once. However, I'll punish you… and I'll do it after we're in the tent"
"W-Wait, wait, Luka-chan… I-I won't be a-able to fight if you p-punish me, right?"
"Silence, this is non-negotiable! Take it like a man, because tonight you're fucked!"
O-oh dear…
For some reason, Luka is angry… very angry.
For the love of gods… let's just hope she won't 'punish' him too badly. After all, it would be too cliché if he were to come late in his battle just because he was being punished by his own girlfriend, right?
w-well… then again, hope is all he can do right now.
So, let's just hope that his hope is enough to face this 'punishment'.