Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto and may he never get a good night's sleep for what he did.

Warming: There is a lemon at the end, you have been warmed.

Authors note: Some seem to think that the girls are sweet little wall flowers that all want to work together. I guess you never had a jealous girl friend, lucky you.

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The Trials of Fate

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As their eyes adjusted to the dimly lit chamber, they discovered the remnants of those who had come before them. Broken bones were lying about the ground, the faint glow of torches illuminated the ancient walls, casting eerie shadows that danced in the corners of their vision. It was a realm untouched by time, a realm of forgotten secrets and hidden dangers.

High above, Lagertha observed their descent, her gaze focused and filled with a mix of pride and expectation.

"Good, you have emerged unscathed," Lagertha called out, her voice echoing through the depths. She reached for the blades strapped to her back and tossed them down into the pit with a resounding clatter. "Take these weapons, forged with the strength of legends, and carve your path to freedom, my young adventurers! I will wait for you on the other side with blood mead to listen to your adventurer's tail."

As the blades landed at Naruto and Sakura's feet, the opening was sealed shut with a grinding of stone. They were now left to navigate the treacherous catacombs, armed with their ninja skills and the sacred blades bestowed upon them by Lagertha herself.

"You know, I thought we were just going to have a simple fight or something, not end up spending the night in this eerie place," Sakura remarked, eyeing the blade with its intricate carvings that resembled ancient seals. The constant dripping of water and other unsettling sounds of rats running about only added to the ominous atmosphere.

Naruto attempted to scale the walls of the pit but quickly realized that the slimy surface made it impossible to climb. There was no choice but to move forward, no matter how uncertain the path may be.

"Do you have any ideas?" Sakura asked, her voice tinged with concern, She was beginning to question her choice of dress, it was far from suited for a mission. Sakura had broken off one of the heels of her shoes in the fall and had to limp behind Naruto, she wasn't walking barefoot in this hell hole.

"We'll go in that direction and keep going until we find a way out," Naruto replied, gesturing towards the only corridor leading away from the pit. He pulled one of the slowly burning torches from the wall, using it to light their path. Having the mighty power of the demon fox within him made it easier for Naruto to face the darkness without fear.

As Naruto and Sakura ventured further into the dark corridor, a sense of foreboding washed over them. The air grew colder, sending shivers down their spines, and a damp, musty smell filled their nostrils. With each step, they felt the stickiness of spiderwebs clinging to their skin, making them acutely aware of the unseen dangers lurking in the shadows.

The sound of scurrying rats echoed around their feet, their tiny claws scratching against the stone floor. It seemed as if the entire place was infested with these vermin, their presence intensifying the eerie atmosphere. Every now and then, a distant cry echoed through the winding tunnels, chilling them to the core and leaving them with a sense of unease.

The corridor seemed to stretch on endlessly, with no signs of an exit in sight. The only illumination came from the flickering torch Naruto held, casting eerie shadows on the damp walls. The constant dripping of water echoed through the labyrinthine passageways, its source elusive and disorienting. It seemed to come from all directions, leaving them with a feeling of being trapped in an otherworldly realm.

They walked for what felt like an eternity, their senses on high alert as they delved deeper into the heart of darkness. The dampness clung to their clothes, making them feel as if they were walking through a never-ending cascade of chilling mist. The cold, wet air blew against their faces, carrying with it a silent whisper of unseen terrors that lay ahead.

Time lost all meaning as they continued their descent into the unknown. The feeling of isolation grew stronger with each passing moment as if the corridors themselves were closing in around them, sealing their fate. The suffocating silence was broken only by the unsettling sounds of their own footsteps echoing through the desolate passages.

As Sakura walked behind Naruto, she couldn't contain the words any longer. The weight of her past actions and hurtful remarks weighed heavily on her conscience.

"Naruto, I'm sorry," Sakura said, her voice tinged with sincerity and regret. She glanced over his shoulder, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

"Sorry? Sorry for what?" Naruto responded, his voice laced with curiosity.

Sakura took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "I should have trusted you more. I should have let you handle the queen. You always find the right words, the right way to connect with people."

Naruto's eyes widened slightly, his gaze searching Sakura's face for the truth. "Oh, that's okay, Sakura. I understand. You were just looking out for me, right?" He peered into the darkness ahead, hoping to catch a glimpse of what awaited them.

Sakura's grip tightened on Naruto's arm as she turned him to face her. Worry and anger intermingled on her face, but this time her anger was aimed at herself. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she spoke.

"I never want to call you stupid again, Naruto. I promise, on my unborn children, I swear to you. You deserve so much more respect than that," Sakura's voice quivered with emotion.

Naruto's eyes softened, and he reached out to gently touch Sakura's cheek. "I understand, Sakura. Deep down, I know you don't mean it."

Sakura shook her head, brushing away his hand. "Naruto, please listen. I am truly sorry for the hurtful things I've said in the past. I worry about you, about what could happen to you. It's just that sometimes that worry comes out in the wrong way. But you are the strongest and smartest ninja I know, Naruto."

Naruto's expression softened, a mixture of gratitude and understanding. " Sometimes our worries and fears make us say things we don't really mean. You don't have to lie to me to make me feel better, Sakura. I know I may not be the smartest, but what matters now is that we face whatever lies ahead. We have to get out of here and save our village."

As Naruto's back turned to her, Sakura felt a new purpose. She couldn't let him face the darkness alone, not after everything they had been through together.

"Naruto, wait," Sakura called out, her voice almost desperate. She hurried to catch up to him, her hobbling footsteps echoing in the eerie silence of the corridor. "I'm not lying to you. I've seen your growth, your unwavering spirit, and your ability to inspire others. You have a kind of strength that goes beyond intellect. You see the world in a way that no one else does."

Naruto halted his steps, his body tense but his eyes searching Sakura's face for the truth. The weight of their past words hung between them, but Sakura was determined to break free from its grip, to start new and win him once again.

"You've faced countless challenges, Naruto, and you've come out stronger every time," Sakura continued, her voice filled with conviction. "I believe in you, not just as a powerful ninja, but as a leader who can bring hope and change to our village. You may not have all the answers, but your heart is in the right place, and that's what truly matters."

Naruto turned back to face her once again, a mix of vulnerability and hope in his eyes. Sakura could see the flicker of self-belief starting to ignite within him.

"You really think so, Sakura?" Naruto asked, his voice wavering slightly.

"Yes, Naruto," Sakura replied with a soft smile. "I've always believed in you, even when I didn't show it. And now, we'll face whatever lies ahead together. We'll save the village, and we'll do it as a team."

Naruto's features softened, a spark of gratitude lighting up his expression. They stood there for a moment, Sakura reached up and pulled him down into a soft kiss and backed away with a smile.

"Let's get out of here, OK.", she said getting a nod from him as they continued into the darkest.

Some time later they came to a fork in the tunnel, Naruto and Sakura stood at a crossroads, uncertain which path to choose. The air grew heavy with tension as they contemplated the risks of each route.

Sakura's eyes flickered with a glimmer of an idea as she proposed a plan. "Why don't you send a clone down each path? That way, we can gather information and figure out which way is safer."

Naruto nodded, acknowledging the logic in Sakura's suggestion. He focused his chakra and created two shadow clones, each identical to him. As the clones stepped away and headed down the tunnel, a swarm of large black beetles emerged from the walls, they were as large as a man's hand and they sent a shiver down their spines.

To their astonishment, the beetles ignored them and converged on the clones, greedily draining their chakra until they faded away. Naruto's brow furrowed with concern as he attempted to summon more clones, only to find that it attracted even more beetles. The relentless insects seemed to have an uncanny awareness of his shadow clone technique.

Sakura's eyes widened, realization dawning upon her. "It seems that whoever built this place was aware of shadow clones and designed a defense against them."

Naruto clenched his fists, frustration etched on his face. "We can't rely on shadow clones I guess. We need to find another way to navigate this maze." he looked around trying to come up with an idea when it hit him.

"Stay here for a moment," Naruto instructed Sakura, his eyes scanning the two tunnels before them. He took a dozen steps down one of the tunnels, feeling a gentle breeze brushing against his face. The air seemed fresh and inviting, but Naruto remained cautious. He returned to Sakura, his expression thoughtful.

"There's a gentle breeze blowing towards me," Naruto reported, his voice tinged with uncertainty. " Let me check the other tunnel."

Walking down the tunnel his torch flickering as he went he found the same breeze but this tunnel curved down while the other was going up. Returning to Sakura Naruto said, "There the same breeze but that tunnel is going down while the other one is going up.

Sakura listened intently, her brow furrowed as she considered their options. The breeze could indicate an exit or the presence of hidden dangers. Naruto's intuition urged him to choose the path of resistance, expecting the unexpected.

"What do you think?", asked Sakura not sure what path she would take, Logic said go up to get out but was that really the best way?

"If I wanted to trap people down here, I would make the easy path the one full of traps so I think we need to go down.", said Naruto pointing his drying torch at the tunnel. "As Kakashi said, You need to look underneath the underneath."

"You're right, Naruto. We can't trust the easy path," Sakura agreed, "Let's follow the lower tunnel. If it's too challenging, we can always double back."

Naruto nodded, "Yeah but we need to be prepared for anything that comes our way."

With their decision made, Naruto and Sakura ventured deeper into the chosen tunnel. The air grew colder, and the sound of dripping water echoed through the dimly lit passageway. They noticed that the endless sounds of the rats stopped as they went lower. It all created a sense of foreboding in the air, their senses heightened, and their hearts racing with anticipation for what was to come next. The torch flickered and almost went out with every other step.

As Naruto scanned the walls and floor for any sign of a replacement torch, a growing sense of unease settled within him. The dying light threatened to leave them in complete darkness, making their task immeasurably more difficult. Despite Kakashi's attempts to teach him the campfire jutsu, Naruto had struggled to produce a reliable flame. He wondered if Sakura possessed enough chakra to sustain a flame for any extended period.

Just as hope waned, Naruto's sharp eyes caught a glimmer of something shiny ahead. Moving forward they discovered the remains of two warriors—a haunting sight of aged skeletons clad in rusted armor. However, amidst the desolation, their gaze fell upon a valuable discovery: a handful of torches tucked within one of the fallen men's belts.

Sakura carefully examined the skeletal remains, searching for any clues about their fate. Her observations revealed disturbing details—the missing arm of one warrior as if it had been brutally severed, and the absence of leg bones on the other. It became clear that they had encountered a formidable adversary.

"Naruto, look at this," Sakura called out, her voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "The bite marks on this one's arm and the absence of leg bones on the other, cleaning cut from the body. Whatever they fought down here was massive."

Naruto lit two torches, handing one to Sakura. The flickering flames illuminated their surroundings, casting dancing shadows along the damp, cavernous walls. The eerie silence weighed heavily upon them as they contemplated the perils that awaited them in the depths.

"It could be a sign of scavengers lurking nearby," Naruto grunted, a tinge of bitterness tainting his words. He had witnessed his fair share of neglected and forgotten lives, their bodies discarded without remorse in the alleyways of the village waiting to be picked up and taken away. The disregard of the villages for those who had lost everything fueled his determination to protect everyone and bring about change.

With the newly acquired torches lighting their path, Naruto and Sakura continued their journey. As the tunnel turned, they entered a chamber where the light of the torches struggled to reach the far edges. Assessing the situation, Naruto boldly stepped out into the open, motioning for Sakura to stay behind. His plan was straightforward—he would lure out whatever awaited them while Sakura provided backup support from the shadows.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar shook the chamber as a towering figure emerged from the distance. Standing at a staggering ten feet tall, they could see a rock troll brandishing a colossal club that rivaled Naruto's own size. The ground trembled under its weight as it prepared to strike rising the club over its head.

Without hesitation, Naruto sprang into action. He swiftly unleashed a flurry of attacks, utilizing his nimble agility and the assistance of his shadow clones. As the clones engaged the troll, beetles emerged from the walls, swarming over the clones and the troll draining chakra from both forms.

However, the troll fiercely shook off the swarm of bugs as the clones faded away, emitting another earth-shattering roar before charging straight at Naruto. Undeterred, Naruto evaded the brute force of the troll's attack through deft ducking and dodging. He retaliated with a powerful punch aimed at the troll's gut, but to his surprise, the massive creature remained standing, letting out a sound that could have been laughter.

As Naruto contemplated his next move, his attention was abruptly drawn to a swift motion behind him. A sword hurtled through the air, finding its mark embedded in the troll's forehead. The creature staggered backward and crashed to the ground, defeated. Naruto turned to find Sakura standing there, a triumphant grin adorning her face. In her hands, she held the second sword taken from the fallen warriors, with her hand on her hip while wearing that sexy dress ready to strike again. How she could look so good and be so deadly made Naruto glade she was on his side.

Naruto's gaze met Sakura's, a mixture of admiration and maybe something more shining in his eyes. It was clear that their teamwork made them a force to be reckoned with. With Sakura's inhuman strength that sword had almost gone completely through his head.

Picking up his torch, Naruto approached Sakura, her radiant grin still adorning her face. Her words filled him with a sense of pride. "Nice work, Naruto," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Returning her smile, Naruto's heartbeat quickened as their eyes locked. He found himself captivated by the mesmerizing emerald depths of Sakura's gaze. The intensity of their connection was palpable.

As the sword clattered to the ground, Sakura leaped into Naruto's waiting arms, their bodies melding together effortlessly. Time seemed to stand still as their lips met in a passionate kiss. At first, Naruto was taken aback by the suddenness of the gesture, but he quickly surrendered to the depths of her affection.

Wrapped in each other's embrace, Naruto held Sakura close, savoring the warmth and tenderness of the moment. He felt an overwhelming surge of protectiveness for her, knowing that he would do anything to keep her safe.

Breaking the kiss but still nestled in Naruto's arms, Sakura gazed up at him, her eyes filled with worry and adoration. Between their breaths, she confessed, "I was so worried that thing would crush you. I never threw a sword before."

Naruto's voice resonated with reassurance as he replied, "Don't worry, Sakura-chan. Nothing can stop me from getting us out of here."

Leaning back slightly, still held securely in Naruto's embrace, Sakura's radiant smile shone brightly. "We should go and get out of here then," she suggested playfully. "We can, you know, finish this later." With a wink, and a mischievous grin, she playful wiggled out of Naruto's arms, their connection still palpable.

"Whatever you say, Sakura-chan," Naruto replied as he led the way past the gruesome remains and into the only tunnel they could find on the far side. The chamber's dimly lit atmosphere still displayed a scattering of bones served as a chilling reminder that the troll had done its job many times before.

As they continued the tunnel began to move upwards, Naruto's senses heightened, attuned to every sound that echoed through the tunnels. They could hear eerie noises of unseen creatures reverberating around them, causing their hearts to race. Each step they took was met with caution, ready to face any unknown danger that lurked in the darkness.

Naruto glanced at Sakura, his eyes searching for reassurance amidst the uncertainty. "Do you sense them too? The creatures surrounding us?"

Sakura nodded, her expression serious and alert. "Yes, Naruto. I can hear them. They're all around us, waiting in the shadows."

As the sounds of scurrying and growling grew louder, adrenaline coursed through their veins. They moved swiftly, their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit tunnels, their fear of the unknown making them run without reason. Each turn brought them face to face with more darkness.

As Naruto and Sakura delved deeper into the labyrinth, an unsettling silence shrouded their surroundings. The musty air grew thicker with each step, carrying a foreboding sense of danger. They felt a thousand eyes on them making their skin crawl, cautiously, they pressed on, their senses on high alert.

"Naruto, I feel chakra in the air, I think we are in a genutsu.", said Sakura looking around at the fog-like mist.

As Naruto flared his chakra to dispel the genutsu, the darkness erupted with a cacophony of skittering legs. Dog-sized spiders emerged from the mist, their chitinous bodies glistening in the dim light as the fog dropped. Naruto's instincts kicked in as his reflexes guided him into swift action as he pulled the queen's blade from his belt and attacked.

Naruto leaped into the midst of the arachnid onslaught. His movements were a dance of agility and precision, as he deftly evaded the spiders' venomous fangs and swift strikes. His every step was taking him closer into battle, each blow executed with skill.

Sakura remained at the edge of the skirmish, her emerald eyes darting between the commotion and the approaching spiders. The tunnel was too tight for her to join Naruto so she readied herself to intercept any creatures that managed to slip past Naruto's defense to attack his back.

In the heat of the battle, Naruto ducked a leaping spider and it landed in front of Sakura causing her to scream as she faced off against a spider that had managed to bypass Naruto, hissing at her. She tightened her grip around the broad sword she had obtained earlier, its weight strange in her hands but her strikes were well aimed. With each swing, she unleashed a flurry of blows, severing the spider's legs with surgical precision. It was as if the gods knew she hated spiders and decided to send them all at her from the darkness as more did their best to bypass Naruto and attack her.

Naruto, aware of Sakura's screams behind him, fought to hold them all back. His movements became more frantic, his strikes more wild, as he kept the majority of the spiders at bay. He focused on protecting Sakura fueling his every action. Her screams reminded him just how much she hated spiders, in the same way, the idea of a ghost bothered him.

The battle intensified the clash of metal and the skittering of eight-legged adversaries filling the chamber. Naruto's acrobatics allowed him to evade venomous bites and strike back with swift, calculated blows. His attacks were like flashes reflecting the light from the many torches Sakura had lit and dropped on the ground, his blade seemed to illuminate the darkness as it picked up all the light in a mesmerizing display.

Sakura, her battle with the spider nearing its conclusion, delivered a final blow that sent her opponent sprawling to the ground. With a triumphant exhale, she turned her attention to the remaining spiders, the sight of them sending a chill down her back.

Amidst the chaos, Naruto came face to face with the queen spider, the largest and most formidable of monsters. His eyes locked onto the creature, pushing down the fear that swelled up in him. Shaking off the queen's genjutsu he moved to engage the queen in a fierce battle.

Blows were exchanged, and Naruto's agility and swift strikes pitted against the queen's brute force and lethal mandibles. The clash between them was a testament to Naruto's resilience and skill, his movements driven by instinct. If he was out in the open he could use some of his more powerful jutsu but here in this tunnel, he could cause a collapse trapping them underground or worse hurt Sakura.

As the fight reached its end, Naruto seized an opportune moment. With a burst of speed and a leaping strike, he dealt a devastating blow to the queen spider, driving his blade deep into her head between the eyes, he held her down until all eight of her legs stopped moving. With the queen down the remaining spiders ran back to where they came from to grow a new queen and await their next victim.

With the threat of the spiders gone, Naruto and Sakura stood looking around, their chests heaving. The eerie silence replaced the scuttling of spiders, and a refreshing breeze hinted at an exit nearby. Naruto glanced at Sakura, who appeared remarkably composed except for the one broken heel on her shoes. Extending his hand, he suggested, "I think it's time for us to make our way out of here."

Sakura nodded, accepting his hand. Together, they continued down the winding path until they reached an iron gate. On the other side, they could see Lagertha, accompanied by a gathering of warriors from different lands.

"I told you," Lagertha exclaimed, leaping to her feet. "I knew they had it in them. The spirit of mighty warriors dwells within them."

With a gesture, Lagertha commanded two of her men to open the iron gate. As Naruto and Sakura emerged, she presented them with a large horn brimming with liquid.

"Drink, drink! By the blood god, I honor you," declared the Queen of the North.

Sakura, unwilling to consume blood, smelled her horn and smiled at Naruto. "It's red honey mead," she explained, as Naruto didn't want to be tricked into drinking blood.

As Sakura enjoyed her mead, Naruto joined her, raising the horn to his lips. They drank in unison, their actions met with cheers from the surrounding adventurers until they turned their horn upside down to show they finished.

"Welcome, great adventurers! You are the first in many years to complete the trial," proclaimed the queen's men, giving Naruto a hearty pat on the back. They maintained a respectful distance from Sakura, recognizing the remarkable feat of navigating the castle labyrinth and emerging with only a broken heel to show for it. A woman of such strength was to be feared or fallen in love with, maybe both.

"Queen Lagertha, is Jiraiya at the club yet?" Sakura asked, casting aside her remaining shoe and approaching the imposing figure barefoot. The queen's commanding presence loomed over Sakura as she stood before her.

Lagertha raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "No, my dear. Word has it that he is currently indulging in the company of three alluring contestants from the bikini contest. He shall join us once they have exhausted his energetic pursuits," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of mirth knowing that three girls would never be enough for the great Jiraiya.

Sakura turned back to talk to Naruto and noticed the dumbfounded look on his face. He had been watching as she confidently approached the queen, who stood head and shoulders above her. Dressed in a captivating, backless gown, Sakura resembled a graceful, pink-haired elf conversing with a Norse god. It was a mesmerizing sight, even to Naruto.

"Naruto? Are you okay?" Sakura snapped her fingers in front of his face to regain his attention.

"Yeah, Sakura-chan. I was just lost in thought," Naruto replied, his mind returning to the present. He still couldn't fully comprehend the situation with the three girls he was traveling with, but ever since Ino's flirtatious display on the beach, and Hinata's action from the night before, he found himself entertaining forbidden thoughts.

Suddenly, an elderly man pushed his way through the crowd, using his walking stick to nudge aside the mighty northern warriors. They all quickly stepped aside, showing deep respect for the oldest adventurer among them all.

"Out of my way, you big buffoons!" the man exclaimed, his voice loud and commanding. "We are honored, Sir Peary. What brings you to our humble gathering?" Queen Lagertha asked.

"Dammit, woman! I told you to call me Robert. 'Sir Peary' is for when I'm dead," Robert Peary bellowed, hard of hearing as always. "Now, I heard there was someone who made it through the catacombs. Where are they?"

"That would be this young couple," the queen replied, gesturing toward Naruto and Sakura.

Robert Peary circled around them, examining them closely. After three rounds, he finally came to a stop.

"Spiders and trolls, I see. You must have taken the lower route. Good, good. The upper route is nearly impassable with the undead horde," he commented, his gaze lingering a little too long on Sakura. Feeling a bit uneasy, she instinctively moved behind Naruto, seeking his protective presence.

"Come with me. It's time, it's time!" Robert Peary shouted, walking away.

Uncertain of what to do, Naruto and Sakura followed him into the castle, passing numerous halls filled with revelers and even encountering a room with half-naked dancers dancing to a jungle beat. It felt like a surreal journey, at times it felt like they doubled back only to discover a new room. Eventually, they arrived at a chamber with a large fire pit at its center. Eight other elders and a colossal blacksmith stood around the fire, awaiting their arrival.

"Names, names, we need names!" Sir Peary exclaimed as they entered the room.

One of the other elders stepped forward to intercept them. She was a woman of great stature, dressed in long robes and with a long gray braid cascading down her back.

"What that dear old fool is trying to say is that we need your names, my dears," the elder explained glaceing over at the scribe behind a large book.

"I am Naruto, and this is Sakura," Naruto introduced, giving a small bow after Sakura discreetly kicked his shin as she also bowed.

"We are honored, Elder," Sakura added, understanding the importance of this gathering.

"Oh, how sweet of you, my dear. Now come, the smith is almost ready," the elder said, leading them toward the fire.

Curious, Naruto couldn't help but ask, "What is going on?"

"You are the first in many, many years to have passed through the horrors. It is a sign from the gods that you have great things to accomplish," one of the other elders explained.

"Enough with your mystic mumbo jumbo. The token, the token! We need to apply the token," Sir Peary interjected as he hopped around the room.

As they saw the burning red irons in the fire, Naruto and Sakura recalled the brand the queen had shown them. It wasn't just a seal; it was a mark burned into the flesh.

"I'm not so sure about this," Sakura voiced her apprehension, knowing all too well how much it would hurt.

"It is an honor for those so young," a black-robed elder commented. "Once you have the mark, I would be honored if you joined my house."

"No, no! They are mine! They are mine!" Sir Peary exclaimed, clearly possessive.

"Robert, please. Your days of adventure are over. These young ones need someone more in their prime to teach them," the woman countered clearly meaning herself.

As the elders began to argue over whose house Naruto and Sakura should join to be trained in the arts of adventure, Naruto approached the edge of the fire, gazing into the flames.

"I have a master to follow. His name is Jiraiya," Naruto declared, his words directed at the flickering fire.

Sir Peary threw his arms in the air and stomped around in circles, cursing Jiraiya, while the black-robed elder simply turned and walked out, an air of disgust around him.

"So be it. The house of Jiraiya shall be your home. May you live to tell your tales," the woman stated, nodding to the smith, who retrieved a glowing iron.

"Front or back?" the smith asked, giving them the choice.

Realizing this was not the time for childish theatrics, Naruto steeled himself and, staring at the glowing end of the steel, replied, "Front."

The smith moved swiftly and with precision, pressing the glowing iron into Naruto's chest before pulling it back. The smell of burning flesh filled the air as the iron was tossed into the middle of the fire, they watched in melt never to be used again. Then, the smith took out the other iron and turned his attention to Sakura.

Grumbling under her breath at Naruto for getting her into this situation, Sakura turned around and said, "Back." She braced herself for the pain, and as the smith's touch was light, the white-hot iron seared into her skin, causing her to let out a scream.

The pain was overwhelming at first, but it soon began to fade as Sakura felt the cool touch of the old woman's hand covering the burn, infused with healing chakra.

"We don't all have a fox god in our gut. Be proud of yourself; you didn't scream as loud as that northern queen," the woman whispered in Sakura's ear, ensuring only she heard the mention of the fox.

"How do you know?" Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued, as she turned to face the woman.

"From the outside, this may look like a club of drunken fools running around the world for fun and honor, but the truth is far more interesting. We are guardians of the world, searching out the evils before they grow. We snuff them out or bury them deep, so they are never seen again," the woman explained.

Sakura's eyes widened, absorbing the gravity of the woman's words. The adventure they had embarked on was far more than a mere competition. It was a noble mission to protect the world from malevolent forces.

"Our role may be hidden in the shadows, but it is vital," the woman continued. "The mark you carry on your back signifies that you are one of us now, a guardian of the realms of men."

Naruto, who had been listening nearby, joined the conversation. "So, you mean you all are not just here for the adventure?"

The woman smiled at Naruto's innocent question. "The adventurer club is but a front, a way to attract brave and skilled individuals like yourselves. Only those who prove themselves worthy in the catacombs or study under an elder for years can join our ranks and learn our true purpose."

Naruto's eyes gleamed with excitement. Being a part of something bigger than himself, protecting the world from unseen threats, resonated deeply with him.

"I didn't think our journey would turn into something like this," Sakura admitted, still trying to process the revelations.

The woman nodded, her eyes filled with wisdom. "Life has a way of leading us to unexpected paths. Embrace this calling, for you both have the potential to become formidable guardians."

As the conversation came to a close, Naruto and Sakura felt a newfound sense of purpose. They had entered the adventure contest seeking Jiraiya but they had unknowingly become protectors of the world—a responsibility far weightier than any accolade.

"But what of Jiraiya?", asked Naruto, not seeing how the master spy and super pervert fit into the picture.

"Jiraiya," said the woman, looking around as most of the other elders had wandered away, planning their next adventure.

"He is the guardian of the five lands of the shinobi, keeper of secrets, master of spies, and I must say, a master lover," she replied with a hint of admiration in her voice, implying that the last part was from her own experience. "He is also the head of the elder council. Although he may not be the oldest—dear Robert holds that distinction—his wisdom is held in high regard. And you must know one thing, his word is law in this house, do not cross him."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, still unsure how Jiraiya's reputation as a perverted hermit connected to the esteemed role he played within their ranks. Nonetheless, he trusted that there was more to the story than met the eye.

"Now go, you are full members of the Adventure's Club, wanderers of the world, none may block your path. Enjoy the night; this house is yours," With that, she left them to find their own way.

"Do you remember how we got here?" asked Naruto, looking at the four doors exiting the room, one on each wall. The design of the room was such that each wall was a copy of the next.

"No, but I am sure we can figure it out," said Sakura with a smile as she took Naruto's hand and headed for a random door. If they had to wait for that pervert to show up, then she had other plans for the night.

Naruto and Sakura stepped through one of the doors, finding themselves in a long corridor adorned with intricate tapestries each a story of some grand adventure, The hall was lit with flickering torches adding an extra touch of wonder. The sounds of laughter and music drifted from the rooms below, indicating that the festivities were still in full swing.

As they strolled down the hallway, Naruto couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The events of the day had been overwhelming, from battling spiders and trolls to being branded with the mark of Adventure. Now, they were in the heart of a place filled with legendary figures, and Naruto wondered how he and Sakura would fit into this grand tapestry.

Looking out one of the windows Naruto could see they were on the third floor, "Do you remember climbing any stairs? How did we get up here." he asked.

"I know, Isn't this place amazing, Naruto?" Sakura said, her eyes sparkling with awe as she admired the decorations on the walls. It felt like some of the doors were portals to other places if not other worlds.

"Yeah, it's something else," Naruto replied, trying to keep up his usual bravado. "But I still can't believe we made it through that labyrinth. I mean, spiders and trolls? Who comes up with that stuff?"

Sakura chuckled. "I guess this castle has seen its share of daring challenges over the years. But we did it, Naruto. We made it through together."

"You're right," Naruto said, a warm smile spreading across his face as he looked at Sakura. "We do make a great team."

Arm in arm they continued to explore the winding corridors, getting lost in the festivities along the way. They met other adventurers, each with their remarkable tales to share. Naruto and Sakura listened in wonder, feeling a sense of camaraderie with these seasoned explorers.

As the night wore on, the two of them found themselves in a grand hall filled with dancers swaying to the rhythm of lively music. The atmosphere was infectious, and before they knew it, Naruto and Sakura were caught up in the dance.

Naruto spun Sakura around with a laugh, and she twirled gracefully, her pink hair catching the light. At that moment, they weren't ninjas or adventurers; they were simply young souls lost in the joy of the present. Even with all the exotic beauties all around them Naruto still had eyes only for Sakura as she laughed and danced with him.

Hours passed like seconds, and eventually, the midnight bells rang out causing the dancers to all run to get a drink. "To all that have come before, may their adventures never end.", yelled out one in the crowd, "To the Adventure!", the crowd yelled and downed their drinks before the music returned them to the floor.

Naruto and Sakura found a quiet spot on a balcony, overlooking a starlit sky. The night was filled with a sense of magic and they couldn't help but feel the excitement in the air.

"This has been quite the day.", said Sakura leaning against the balcony railing as she looked down at the courtyard below, the hem of her short dress gently swaying in the breeze as it pulled up giving Naruto a hint of what was hidden. Naruto couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her long, toned legs and the curve of her hips. The sight of her in that red dress ignited a fire within him, and he felt his heart racing.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight," Naruto said, his voice full of admiration.

Sakura's cheeks flushed with a mix of delight and bashfulness. "Thank you," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of seduction. Looking over her shoulder, her eyes locked on his, sending a magnetic pulse of attraction between them. Knowing his eyes were not on her face she wiggled her hips a little to see his reaction.

"It sure has been an Adventure," Naruto laughed, a hint of mischief in his voice. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to be standing there with her, surrounded by all these incredible people, and yet feeling like the only two souls in the world.

"I never imagined we'd end up here, that is for sure," Sakura continued, her voice soft as she turned around to face him. Naruto's eyes couldn't help but be drawn to her, his heart skipping a beat at her beauty.

"So you like the dress, huh?" she asked playfully, knowing full well that he did. The red dress she wore complemented her figure, leaving Naruto momentarily at a loss for words.

"I would have never dreamed you would wear something so... so..." Naruto stammered, trying to find the right words, but Sakura didn't let him finish. She looped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"Go on, say it. Sexy," she grinned, her playfulness captivating him. Before he could respond, she pulled him into a passionate kiss. The world around them faded away, and all that mattered was the warmth of her lips against his.

The music blared in the background, but the melody of their hearts beating together drowned out all other sounds. Under the moonlight, they lost themselves in each other's embrace, cherishing the tender moments they had stolen from the bustling party. Naruto's hands roamed her bare back, her soft skin under his hands.

As they finally pulled away, a spark of something deeper passed between them, unspoken but felt. Naruto's heart swelled with affection for the amazing woman in his arms, and Sakura's eyes held a mixture of love and excitement.

"You're incredible," Naruto whispered, holding her hips

Sakura smirked, running a finger playfully along his chest. "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet," she whispered, her breath brushing against his ear in the most intoxicating way.

Breathless and flushed, Sakura looked around and spotted a door leading into the castle.

"Let's find someplace more private," she suggested her voice husky with desire. Naruto nodded in agreement, his heart still pounding in his chest.

Hand in hand, they quietly slipped through the door running down the long hall they found themselves in a cozy room with a fireplace and a soft, inviting sofa. The warmth of the fire embraced them, and the flickering light danced in their eyes as they gazed at each other.

With a playful smile, Sakura led Naruto to the sofa, and they sank into its comfortable embrace. The room was dimly lit, and the crackling of the fire added to the intimate atmosphere.

They resumed their passionate kiss, savoring each other's taste and touch. Naruto's hands gently caressed Sakura, sending shivers of delight through her body. She ran her fingers through his hair, deepening the connection between them.

As the fire crackled in the background, their kisses grew more heated, and the desire between them intensified. Naruto leaned in, running his hand up her leg making Sakura's heart race even faster. She responded with soft sighs of pleasure, completely lost in the moment.

The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving them in a bubble of their own making. Time became irrelevant as they explored the depths of their feelings, cherishing every stolen moment together.

Eventually, they pulled apart, their breaths mingling in the warm air. Sakura's cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled with desire. Naruto couldn't help but smile, his heart overflowing with joy.

"You're amazing, Sakura," he said, his voice filled with genuine affection.

She blushed and looked down for a moment before meeting his gaze again. "And you, Naruto. You make me feel like I'm flying."

In the dim light, Naruto's eyes seemed to shine, and Sakura couldn't help but be drawn to him. With each passing moment, the magnetic pull between them grew stronger, like two souls irresistibly drawn together.

Their gazes locked, and Naruto's hand gently cupped Sakura's cheek. His touch sent shivers down her spine, and she leaned into his caress, savoring the tender moment between them.

"I've dreamed of this for so long," Naruto confessed, his voice full of emotion.

She could feel his hand on her thigh as it moved up under her dress onto he hip he paused not knowing what to do. "Don't stop.", she whispered looking into his eyes.

Naruto's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. "Uh, w-well, Sakura-chan, I, uh..." he stammered, feeling flustered under her intense gaze.

She giggled a sound that sent shivers down his spine. "It's okay, Naruto. I like it. In fact, I like it a lot," she said, her tone hinting at something more.

Before Naruto could respond, Sakura slid a little closer, her eyes never leaving his. With a playful glint in her eyes, she gently pushed him backward until he landed on his back on the sofa.

"Wha-What are you doing, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, his heart pounding in his chest.

Sakura climbed on top of him, straddling him, her fingers traced a path down his chest, causing Naruto's breath to hitch. "Relax, Naruto," she said softly, her voice a soothing melody. "I just want to have some fun."

His eyes widened, not entirely sure what she meant, but he couldn't deny the excitement coursing through his veins. Sakura leaned down, her lips hovering just above his, and Naruto's heart raced even faster.

In a daring move, Sakura captured his lips in another kiss, more intense than before. Her hands ran through his hair as she deepened the connection between them. Naruto felt a mix of surprise and delight, his inexperience making him uncertain of what to do with his hands.

But Sakura didn't seem to mind. In fact, she seemed to relish taking control of the situation. She shifted her position, leaning closer to him, and Naruto felt his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

Her playful side emerged as she gently nibbled on his bottom lip, causing him to let out a soft gasp. Sakura grinned against his lips, enjoying the reaction she elicited from him.

Naruto's hands rested tentatively on Sakura's back, feeling the smooth and bare skin exposed by her backless dress. His heart was pounding in his chest as he tried to figure out what to do, his inexperience making him unsure of how to proceed. This was so different from Ino or Hinata, he wasn't drunk or overwhelmed, This was something he had dreamed of all his life, Sakura-chan in his arms but now what was he to do?

Sakura noticed his hesitation and couldn't help but smile at his adorable naivety. She leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his earlobe, and whispered, "Relax, Naruto. Just let yourself enjoy the moment." She squeezed her legs around his hips sending a jolt of fire up his spine.

Encouraged by her words, Naruto let out a nervous groan and allowed his hands to trace light patterns on her back, feeling the warmth of her skin under his touch. Sakura let out a soft moan in response, her breath hitching slightly as his fingers explored the exposed areas of her back.

Emboldened by her reaction, Naruto's touch grew bolder, his fingers trialing down to the small of her back but feeling the cloth of her dress not daring to go lower and then back up to her shoulders. Sakura arched her back slightly, pressing her body closer to his, and Naruto couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence.

Their lips met again, this time with more urgency and passion. Sakura took the lead, her tongue playfully teasing his, and Naruto responded eagerly, his hesitancy with her giving way to pure desire.

Sakura's hands roamed over his chest and shoulders pulling open his shirt, igniting a fire within Naruto that he had never felt before. As their kiss deepened, she pushed him gently down keeping him lying flat on the sofa, her body still pressed against his.

"Naruto," Sakura whispered between kisses, "you're everything to me, you have to understand that." The memories of her past life with him flooded her mind blinding her to the here and now. She had wanted her Naruto back for so long she could see no difference between the two. She was blinded by her grief and desire to have her old life back the way it was, fueled by lust there was no turning back.

Looking down she could see he was blushing furiously, but there was a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. Sakura's playful side had brought out a newfound sense of confidence in him, and he reveled in the feeling of her lips on his, her hands exploring his body.

"Naruto," she said softly, her fingers tracing delicate patterns on his chest, "I've loved you for so long, and I want to be close to you in every way." The line between past and present blurred as she could only see the man she had loved, the father of her children returned to her.

His eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of adoration and uncertainty. "I... I love you too, Sakura," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't think…", she stopped his word with her lips as she kissed him once again.

Sakura smiled, a tender expression in her eyes. "It's okay, Naruto. Just trust me."

With those words, Sakura took the lead, guiding Naruto with a gentle touch and loving reassurance. She pressed her body against his, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. His heart pounded in his chest, and she could feel the excitement building in him.

As they kissed, Sakura's hands explored his body, caressing him in all the right places, making him shiver with pleasure. She marveled at how innocent and sweet he was, and yet, at the same time, how passionate and eager he became under her touch.

She gently guided him to lie still on the sofa, and with a playful grin, she straddled his lap pressing her hips into his. Naruto blushed even deeper, but his eyes held a mixture of awe and admiration for her. Sakura felt her desire turn into lust, knowing that she was the one he had always wanted, the one he trusted.

As their bodies entwined, they lost themselves in each other, their needs and desires intertwining in a beautiful dance of innocence and passion. As Sakura's hands gently roamed over Naruto's body, he felt a surge of electricity shoots through him. His own hands, initially unsure of where to go, found their way to her hips, pulling her close, savoring the feel of her against him. With each passing moment, Naruto's uncertainty began to melt away, replaced by newfound confidence in their shared intimacy.

In the warmth of the fireplace and the heat of their desire, they lost track of time. It was as if the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them in their private sanctuary. Sakura's playful grin never left her face, as she reveled in the joy of taking the lead, of showing Naruto just how much she loved him.

She felt her cheeks flush as she remembered that, in her eagerness to remove Naruto's shirt, she had not taken any care with the buttons. Sitting on his lap wearing her tight and backless red party dress, reminded her of why she chose not to wear underwear so there wouldn't be any unwanted lines but now it allowed her to do so much more.

But as their lips met again and again in a wordless dialogue, she focused on the rising heat inside her. But as the voice's whispered accusations grew louder, Sakura found herself pausing, slowing her hand's sure movements, focusing her mind back reminding her that this was not the same Naruto but she didn't care, he would be hers once again.

Still sitting on Naruto's lap, she leaned forward to whisper in his ear.

"I want to make you feel good," she whispered, her hot breath causing Naruto to shudder slightly.

"But, Sakura-chan...you are making me feel good," he replied, his eyes closed, his lips tingling from her kisses.

"I want to make you feel really good," she responded, setting her gaze onto bright blue eyes as he looked up at her.

Naruto could see the lust in her eyes, a hunger he had never seen before, who was this person he wondered, his Sakura-chan as never so bold, so forceful.

"Do you have something in mind?" he asked not understanding the undertones of her words.

"For starters, yes," she replied, her fingers moving to push along the hard rod beneath his pants.

Naruto's eyes widened as Sakura stroked him through his pants, her delicate fingers teasing him. She continued to sit on his lap, her hips gently grinding into him as she worked his manhood. As he felt his pleasure mounting, Sakura opened his zipper and pulled him free.

Naruto gasped as his hardness came into contact with the cool air of the room.

"I see you're ready so let me show you what I have in mind," she whispered as she slid back between his legs, taking him in her mouth.

Naruto threw his head back, moaning out loud as Sakura's mouth slid up and down his shaft. As her head bobbed in time to her hand's ministrations, Naruto felt his pleasure surge in his loins. His hands moved to her long pink hair, guiding her mouth onto him. In his wildest dreams, he had never imagined Sakura would do this to him.

With each passing moment, he chook with the pleasure of Sakura's mouth, Naruto's head began to spin as the pleasure built up inside him. This was a feeling he had never had before in his entire life.

"Sakura-chan...I'm...I'm," was all he managed to get out before he exploded in her mouth. She didn't pull back but worked harder to draw out everything he had as he sank his fingers into the back of her head.

Even as his spent member fell from her lips, Naruto felt the surge of heat, not fading, but growing inside him. He felt his whole body quiver under her touch, he was hers to do with as she pleased.

With an almost dreamlike slowness, he opened his eyes to meet Sakura's gaze. She smiled at him, a look of satisfaction on her lovely face as she licked her lips.

"Sakura-chan, that...that was..."

"Shhhh," she whispered, placing a finger on his lips. "Save your strength."

Naruto blushed a bit, not knowing what she meant.

"After all, we still have a long way to go," she said.

"A...ways to go?" he asked.

"Of course," she said, pulling his pants and boxers off to display his still-swollen member. "I'm going to make you feel really good now."

With those words, Naruto felt her shift her weight, putting a hand on each of his knees. He didn't understand what she meant until he felt her spread his knees apart.

"Sakura-chan, I...I'm not sure...I think I'm..."

He was unable to finish his sentence. His eyes widened as Sakura slid up his body kissing, nipping, and licking as she did so. She stopped when she felt his erection brush against her inner thigh. Slowly, she reached down between her legs under her dress, grasping him, and guiding him up against her moist core.

Pulling her legs up she wrapped them around his waist as she pressed him into her. At the same time, she leaned forward, her lips finding his once again. As their tongues entwined, he felt her warmth envelop him, sliding down into her depths.

"Naruto-kun..." she whispered softly remembering all the hundreds of times they had done this before in her past life completely forgetting this was all new to him.

He moaned at the feeling, that she was truly his, his Sakura-chan, and he was hers. She wanted this, wanted him. And so did he.

Naruto began to move, thrusting up into her, feeling her warm wetness surround him. He reached up, wrapping his arms around her as she moaned with abandon. He didn't know what to do but this felt so good he couldn't stop if he wanted to and he sure doesn't want to.

"So tight," he whispered, his eyes closing as the heat started to build up again.

Sakura could see his eyes start to glow orange, she could feel her desire building with each thrust. She could feel him growing inside her, heat rising in her loins as she neared her climax. Pressing her hands into his chest she moved her hips faster and faster matching his every move.

She could feel her pleasure rising, feeling the mounting heat build-up, feeling the pressure.

"Yes..." she whispered, "more..."

Sakura felt her pleasure increase with each gasp of breath. He could feel her body heat radiating around him, beckoning him toward her depths.

He stared up at her with burning desire as she sat atop him. The strap around her neck had come undone, exposing the beautiful curves of her breasts, the small jewel between them swaying like a hypnotic pendulum with each motion she made. But her skirt remained firmly in place, as if it were an iron cage, trapping all that lay underneath. A single lock of pink hair gracefully draped over his face and tingled his skin with every powerful breath she exhaled. Her emerald eyes sparkled brighter than ever before, filled with blazing passion; her lips parted invitingly as need and longing took control.

"Sakura-chan..." he groaned as the sweet warmth of her pussy enveloped his member when she ground down on top of him. For months maybe years, a moment like this had been on his mind but nothing prepared him for the sight as she moved atop him, thrusting her hips forward and back in an age-old rhythm.

Naruto was unable to control the rapid upthrusts of his hips as she reached her climax. Her warm, wet heat squeezed and caressed him as he plunged into her one last time before his own orgasm overtook him. Their cries were joined in a cacophony of pleasure that rolled away like thunder.

Sakura's heated breath fanned across his neck as she undulated her hips in slow circles, arousing something inside him he'd never before experienced. Pushing herself up with both hands on the sofa, her perfectly formed breasts were but an inch away from his face, and a lustful grin stretched across her lips, igniting a passionate desire within him that begged to be fulfilled.

She could feel him inside her, still hard and ready for more.

"Naruto? Do you want me?" she asked in a teasing voice, her words dripping with a seductive charm that sent shivers down his spine. "Tell me you want me, tell me what you want to do to me, tell me you will be with me forever. You're mine now, right? Mine forever."

Her words echoed in his mind, and he felt a sense of desire was this fear? Naruto struggled to resist, to break free from her grasp, but the hold she had on him was relentless both body and mind. How, How could he fight back against everything he had ever wanted? To feel wanted, and accepted for who and what he was by the one woman he had loved for as long as he could remember. But why does he feel trapped, caged even, imaged of Ino and Hinata flashed before his eyes each in their own way giving him what he longed for as Sakura kissed him into the submission?

May love bind you to that which you most desire.

Every touch a burning embrace, every kiss a cutting blade,

Yet, you're drawn to the torment love has laid.

The more you seek to fill the void,

The more you find yourself destroyed.

The question is should I have him have a chance with each of the girls or let Sakura be the queen bitch. I could go either way. I will await your comments. ;-)