Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.
Authors Note: The three main women in this story were in their 30s when they went back in time to take over the bodies of their younger selves. They all have a long history with Naruto that blinds them to the fact he is a confused teenager. I try to keep it "real" but if I stray I need you all to tell me. On with the story,
...
Jiraiya Awaits
...
Naruto was looking out the window of their room when he spotted Gamabunta in the center courtyard. Naruto looked closer until he fixated on Jiraiya dancing around Gamabunta's head as the chief toad stood his ground. The sound of the crowd cheering floated up to the window as a sense of restlessness gnawed at him, and he couldn't shake off the questions swirling in his mind.
The sound of the bathroom door opening drew his attention to Sakura, who had changed back into her dress. To his surprise, she looked unchanged from when the night began. Naruto couldn't help but feel puzzled. After sharing such intimate moments together, shouldn't something feel different between them?
"Jiraiya is here, look at him showing off on Gamabunta," Naruto said, trying to divert his thoughts from the lingering confusion. He pointed down at the white-haired eccentric, leaping around the giant toad, drawing cheers from the crowd below as more people streamed out of the castle to get a chance at seeing their hero.
"I can't believe it, How is that pervert so loved," Sakura said, possessively clutching onto Naruto's arm as if to claim him.
Restless and uneasy, Naruto couldn't shake the growing sense of fear and dread that engulfed him. Sakura's possessiveness, once a dream of his, now felt like a suffocating weight on his chest. He cherished their bond, but the thought of its complexities gnawed at him like a relentless beast.
His mind spun with worry about how Ino or Hinata might react if they learned what had happened between him and Sakura. They had each shown their desires for him, and he feared their reactions could lead to a disaster he couldn't control. The possibility of their anger loomed over him like a dark cloud, adding to his confusion. The fact that he was worried about how they would feel meant something didn't it? Did he have feelings for them and didn't know it?
Turning back to the window, he watched Jiraiya's antics outside, trying to find some escape from the turmoil within. But even the comic display of the white-haired pervert couldn't quell the fear that gripped him.
Watching the cheering crowd, he yearned for clarity in the depths of their feelings. He wanted to believe in the love they shared, but doubt clawed at his heart like a relentless worm. Sakura seemed filled with hidden agendas and lies, leaving him feeling adrift, just like when he was abandoned and kicked out of the orphanage. The things she would say, the things she would do confused him to no end.
How could all those years of Sakura yelling out her love for Sasuke vanish in one night? Was he to be a fleeting moment, a mere distraction, soon to be forgotten as she moved on to the next man? How could someone change so fast once and never again?
The realization of his fragile position made his head and heart ache as if he were caught in a cruel nightmare. The lovemaking they had shared felt like an illusion, and he feared that he might be left behind, lost in the shadows as she moved on.
Every thought was a searing pain as if the truth he longed for was too terrifying to confront. He questioned whether any of it was real, or if he had been led astray for a fleeting moment of passion as if she needed this before the world came to an end.
In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Naruto's heart cried out for something genuine, something he could hold onto amidst the chaos. But as he stood in the darkness of his doubts, he felt more lost and broken than ever before. The fear of her leaving him bubbled up and he started to breathe faster as panic set in.
"Naruto? What's wrong? You look like someone just told you all the ramen in the world was gone," Sakura said, trying to lighten the mood. But beneath her attempt at humor, she sensed something serious was troubling him.
"Sakura... I... Well, what I mean is..." Naruto stammered, struggling to find the right words to express himself. But before he could continue, the door burst open, revealing Jiraiya's unexpected entrance. Naruto's head whipped around, realizing that Jiraiya was still outside, entertaining the crowd in the courtyard.
"What? How?" Naruto managed to say, both surprised and confused.
"You're not the only person that knows the Shadow Clone Jutsu, boy. Now come, we have much to talk about and little time to do it in," Jiraiya said, his demeanor transforming from the whimsical hermit to a commanding figure.
Running after Jiraiya as he moved down the long hallway like a man possessed, Naruto yelled out, "Where are we going?"
"The Hall of Elders. I don't want to hear you repeat yourself," Jiraiya replied, not slowing his pace.
They turned left, then right, seemingly navigating through a labyrinth until they burst through a set of doors and found themselves in the Hall of Elders. The sudden location change puzzled Naruto; they were now two floors up from where they started but how?
In the dimly lit room, the elders stood, draped in long black robes adorned with the emblem of their house on the right breast. The atmosphere was tense, and Naruto could sense the weight of the occasion. All thoughts of Sakura and love were pushed aside as he was confronted by ten sets of eyes.
Jiraiya stormed up to the edge of the smoldering fire pit, his gaze locking with each elder until they all nodded in acknowledgment.
"I call this meeting to order. There is only one matter of business before us," Jiraiya announced, his tone commanding respect and attention.
"What is the business?" Robert, the oldest among them, asked, as it was his place to challenge Jiraiya on such matters.
"Come, tell us what is happening at the Leaf Village. Take your time, but we don't have much of it to waste," Jiraiya declared, his voice firm.
Naruto watched in awe as Jiraiya transformed before his eyes, shedding the facade of the eccentric pervert and donning the mantle of a strong and authoritative leader. The shift in demeanor sent a shiver down Naruto's spine, making him realize the gravity of the situation they were facing. This was one more lie in a world full of lies he had to deal with, nothing was as it seemed.
With every eye in the room fixed on him, Naruto steeled himself, ready to face whatever lay ahead. He would not back down, for he knew that the strength of their village lay not only in its leaders but in the bonds between its people.
As he began recounting the events during the Chunin Exams, Naruto felt the weight of responsibility settles on his shoulders. This was a moment that would define him, and he was determined to face it head-on.
Once Naruto finished recounting the events, Sakura stepped forward, surprising him with her poise and confidence. She gave a detailed and professional account of every action that had occurred during the exams and their aftermath. Her words flowed effortlessly, as though she had rehearsed this speech a hundred times before, knowing exactly what details were crucial for the elders and what could be spared.
"So this portal to other worlds is being held open by a Jinchuriki from the future?" Robert, one of the elders, inquired.
"Yes, but from a different timeline than ours," Sakura clarified, leaving Naruto confused about the intricacies of time and space.
The tallest elder spoke up, drawing parallels to a past event. "This sounds like the Tunguska event. We failed to stop it then, and what makes you think we can do it this time? I'm sorry, Jiraiya, but it seems like your realm is destined to be flattened."
Jiraiya's response was swift and vehement. "The hell it is! I won't let this world be destroyed like that. We have to find a way to stop it!"
"The task may seem daunting, but we must tread carefully," the white-haired elder, who had healed Sakura, interjected with a somber tone. "We have many realms to protect, and the loss of one, even this one, cannot be the end of our mission. It took us many, many years to recover from Tunguska. We cannot afford to lose so many lives again. Now is not the time to be reckless."
"You elected me as the leader, and I say we need to move to stop this," Jiraiya firmly asserted.
"We elected you because of your wisdom and leadership, but it is clear that this is cutting too close to home, Jiraiya. Your mind is clouded, and your thoughts are not clear," Robert responded, taking a seat as the weight of his age caught up with him.
"Then I will only ask for volunteers," Jiraiya declared, eliciting a few chuckles from the elders.
"You are Jiraiya the Gallant, they will all volunteer. Even the lowest acolyte will follow you to the gates of hell," Robert reassured, acknowledging Jiraiya's reputation as a leader and inspiring figure.
Naruto watched the exchange between Jiraiya and the elders, As he looked around the room, Naruto saw the faces of the elders, each one etched with years of experience and wisdom. Their concern for the safety of their people was evident, and he understood the gravity of the situation they faced but this was his village they wanted to abandon, he couldn't let that happen.
"What if we bring all the Jinchuriki together? Surely they would be able to stop this from happening," Sakura suggested, her voice filled with hope.
Jiraiya sighed, his expression grave. "The other villages would laugh in our faces or attack us outright. Even if we could somehow get them all to agree, we don't have the years it would take to assemble such a colossal alliance," he replied, his tone tinged with frustration.
Uniting all the Jinchuriki from different villages would make a formidable team, but Jiraiya knew the political landscape was too complex. The hidden villages had a long history of distrust and conflicts, making collaboration difficult. Negotiating alliances and building trust would take too long, and the threat demanded immediate action. They needed to find a solution from within their own ranks.
"Do we have any idea of how fast or how far the effects of the portal's genjutsu are spreading?" asked a short, red-bearded elder with gray lines visible zigzagging across his beard the only thing showing from under his hood.
"We stopped feeling the effects about a mile from the village walls, but that was about a week ago," replied Sakura.
"Working with week-old data will get you killed. I think sending a scouting party with one of your toads would be in order," suggested another elder.
"I agree, we need more current Intel," added Jiraiya. With a quick hand sign, he created a shadow clone to find and send a team of scouts from the many staying at the castle.
As the clone left the room, Naruto couldn't shake off his shock at Jiraiya's seamless use of the technique. Had Jiraiya been using clones all those times they had trained, or had he been solely focused on Naruto?
"If this is truly a demon from out of our time, then you will need a weapon that can fight a Demon. What about the Sword of Totsuka?" proposed Robert, seated near the fire.
"The Sword of Totsuka?" Naruto asked, having never heard of it.
"Those who are stabbed by the sword are drawn into a jar and trapped in a genjutsu-like 'world of drunken dreams' for all eternity. But due to its ethereal and otherworldly nature, the Sword of Totsuka is not something that can be obtained or found like a conventional weapon; it must be given to you by its current holder," explained the white-haired elder as she warmed her hands with the fire.
"The sword is held in a jar of Sake, its form is liquid, and it is the will of the user that turns it into a blade. Last I knew, the Eight-Tails had swallowed it," added Jiraiya, dismissing the idea.
"Then we ask the Eight-Tails to give it to us," said Naruto, ever optimistic.
"The Eight-Tails Jinchuriki is Killer B, and he is not going to let you just talk to his partner," replied Jiraiya. "Besides, Killer B is in Kumogakure, and we don't have time to talk with his brother, the Raikage, to let us have one of their legendary weapons."
"What if Killer B came here?" suggested Sakura with a sly smile. "He loves to sing, Why don't we invite him here or to any of the clubs in Hot Springs."
Jiraiya burst into laughter at Sakura's idea. She glared at him, but he waved his hands in surrender. "No, no, it's not you. Your idea is brilliant. That egomaniac will come running here if he thinks he has an audience, and there's no way the Raikage can stop him."
"We will send a messenger hawk in the morning for him to be here in two days. That will give us time for the scouts' mission to start and time to plan our next move," said Robert, rubbing his hands together in glee. It had been so many years since his last adventure, but now the adventure was coming to him.
Letting out a long yawn Sakura covered her mouth and apologized but Naruto took her arm saying, "It's been a long day and night for us. Can we meet in the morning?"
"Naruto I don't need to rest.", said Sakura as she yawned again blushing a nice shade of pink.
"You two go, there is nothing for you to do here until Killer B's arrival.", said Jiraiya grinning at the way Naruto was holding Sakura telling him everything he needed to know about what happened between them. As they walked out the room he pulled out his trusty notebook and jotted down some notes for later.
….
The sun was due to be up in a few hours as the exhausted Sakura allowed Naruto to carry her into the hotel room. They had been lucky to find a ride back, but those last hundred steps down the hall had been too much for her.
As Naruto walked in with sleeping Sakura in his arms, Ino popped up off the sofa to stare at them. It was clear from her viewpoint what Sakura was wearing and, more importantly, was not wearing as Naruto walked by. He gently placed Sakura in her bed, and she was fast asleep before he had a chance to close the door. After her mission at the race and then everything that happened at the castle, he wasn't surprised that she was so exhausted.
"So? What happened?" asked Ino as Naruto dropped into a chair across from her. Giving her a glance and then a second look to make sure he wasn't dreaming, Ino was in a small baby-doll nightie that didn't hide her ample chest or long legs. The sight caught him off guard, but he quickly regained his composure.
"What's the meaning of this, Naruto?" Ino demanded when he didn't answer her, her voice sharp and laced with hurt.
Naruto looked taken aback by Ino's sudden outburst, but he knew he couldn't avoid this conversation any longer. "Ino, it's not what you think. Sakura and I had to face some intense situations today, and she needed my help."
Ino's frustration boiled over, and she couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. "Help? It looked like a lot more than just helping! You carry in a barefoot half-naked Sakura right past me and then say nothing happened? Don't you dare deny it!"
Naruto sighed, realizing that there was no point in denying the truth. "We had a moment, Ino. But it's complicated. I'm still trying to figure things out."
Ino's eyes welled up with tears, and her voice wavered with emotion. "A Moment? Complicated? Naruto, I've loved you for so long, and now you're telling me you're into Sakura? After everything we've been through together?", It was late and Ino's mind filled with images of her past with Naruto back before they were married and then the wonderful life they had together. It was all a blur with the old and the new mixed together.
Naruto, not knowing what was going on in Ino's mind reached out to comfort her, but Ino pulled away, hurt written all over her face. "I care about you, Ino. You're more than a friend to me, and I don't want to hurt you. But Sakura and I have a history too, and I can't just ignore my feelings."
Ino's anger turned into desperation. "Isn't there anything I can do to change your mind? Anything to make you see that we can be great together?"
Naruto hesitated, torn between his feelings for Sakura and his newly formed bond with Ino. "I don't know, Ino. This is all so confusing, You're wonderful and I loved spending time with you today but things happened."
Ino wiped away her tears, her resolve hardening. "Fine, Naruto. But don't expect me to give up anytime soon. If you really want to be with Sakura, then so be it. But I won't give up without a fight."
Naruto nodded, his heart was heavy with the weight of his choices. "I understand, I do want to be with you, and I don't want to lose that. Please, give me some time to sort things out." Ever the peacemaker Naruto didn't want to close any doors, losing even one friend when you have so few was never an option for Naruto.
Knowing that if she stayed she would say something hurtful Ino stood up from the sofa and walked away, The soft fabric of her silky nightie swayed with her every step, the alluring curve of her hips drawing Naruto's eyes involuntarily. The dim light in the room played tricks on the fabric, creating an ethereal glow around her figure, making her look like a goddess descending from the heavens.
Her golden hair cascaded down her back like a shimmering waterfall, catching the faint light and adding an enchanting radiance to her presence. The delicate straps of her nightie revealed just enough of her smooth shoulders to tease Naruto's imagination, leaving him yearning for more.
Though Naruto's heart was a whirlwind of emotions, he couldn't help but be captivated by Ino's beauty and allure. The gentle sway of her hips and the subtle movement of the nightie as she walked created a mesmerizing rhythm, one that threatened to distract him from his thoughts.
Ino's eyes remained focused ahead, masking the vulnerability she felt deep inside. She wanted to appear strong and confident, not letting her feelings show too much. Yet, the slight furrow of her brow betrayed the inner turmoil, and the set of her jaw spoke of her resolve.
As she reached the doorway, Ino paused for a moment, glancing back at Naruto with a mix of longing and uncertainty in her eyes. It was a silent plea, a question she dared not ask aloud, but one that hung in the air between them. Would he dare follow her into her bedroom as her eyes begged him?
Naruto's heart clenched at the sight, torn between the friendship they shared and the possibility of something more. He wanted to reach out to her, to take her in his arms and promise that he would figure things out, that he would give them a chance. But he knew that it wasn't that simple.
Ino took a deep breath as if steeling herself for what lay ahead, before finally turning away and continuing into her room. The soft rustle of her nightie echoed in the silence, fading into the distance as she walked away, the click of the door ending any hope of more.
Naruto's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He couldn't believe what had transpired with Sakura at the castle. The intimacy they had shared was both exhilarating and terrifying. He cared for Sakura deeply, but he also couldn't deny the feelings he had for Ino. Now, he found himself in a complicated situation where he didn't want to hurt either of them, but he also couldn't ignore his own desires.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. Ino had been on his mind during the encounter with Sakura, and he knew he had betrayed them both somehow. He didn't want to be a player in some love triangle, but it seemed like fate had other plans for him.
But for now, all he could do was sit there in silence, grappling with the weight of his own emotions and the consequences of his actions. He knew that he had a lot of soul-searching to do. But he was determined to find a way to make everyone happy even at the cost of his own.
….
"Naruto? Why are you sleeping out here?", said Hinata her voice breaking into his dream world of pink and blonde hair.
Naruto's eyes fluttered open, and he was met with the sight of Hinata's gentle and concerned expression. The dim lighting of the room seemed to enhance the softness of her features, making her look even more radiant. She was standing holding a cup of coffee as the sun began to shine into the windows, announcing the start of a new day. Hinata was in a short hotel robe that she hadn't bothered to tie, As it hung open, he noticed the bandages around her middle, but it was the revealing orange bra and panties that really caught his eye. Her figure was that of perfection, declaring years of hard training and as she swayed from foot to foot, the robe teased him with glimpses of her body igniting a burning desire in his chest.
Naruto's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to find his voice. He was both captivated and embarrassed by the sight before him, unable to tear his gaze away from Hinata's alluring form. Images of that night at the bar flooded his mind and after Sakura had shown him what that night could have led to he went blank thinking of Hinata's skin under his fingers.
"H-Hinata, I..." he stammered, feeling his cheeks flush with heat. His wild dream of Sakura and Ino fading away to be replaced by a live Hinata.
Hinata's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, but she didn't look away or cover herself up. Instead, she held his gaze with confidence.
"Naruto, it's about time you woke up," Hinata said assertively, her voice laced with authority. "You've got a lot on your mind, don't you?"
Naruto's heart raced at her directness, but he appreciated her candidness. He was used to the shy and gentle Hinata, but this new version of her intrigued him in a whole new way. Naruto managed to nod, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He appreciated Hinata's boldness, but he also felt guilty for his inappropriate thoughts as he stared at her.
"Thank you," he finally murmured, accepting the cup of coffee she offered. The warmth from the cup mirrored the warmth he felt in his heart, but he couldn't shake the desire that still coursed through him.
Hinata hesitated for a moment before taking a seat across from him, the robe still partially open, revealing more of her curves as she crossed her legs. Naruto tried to focus on sipping his coffee, but he couldn't help glancing at her from time to time, his mind a whirlwind of confusion.
"Um, Naruto," Hinata said softly, breaking the silence. "I wanted to talk to you about what happened at the castle... with Sakura, I heard you and Ino talking."
Naruto's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Sakura's name. He knew this conversation was bound to come, and he felt a knot forming in his stomach.
"Hinata, I... I don't know what to say," he admitted, his eyes darting away from her. "It was all so confusing, and I... I didn't mean to hurt anyone, I just want to make everyone happy."
Hinata reached out and gently placed a hand on top of his, causing him to look back at her. Her eyes were filled with understanding and compassion even when his eyes wandered down to look down her open robe, he was a teenager after all.
"I know, Naruto," she said firmly, her voice exuding strength. "Love can be complicated, and it's okay to feel conflicted. But you don't have to figure it all out right now. I just wanted to tell you, well, when I thought I was going to die and Sakura was frantically running around the hospital tent, it all came to me. I know you're not Menma, but I want you to know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what." Her eyes bore into his, a determined glint reflecting in her unwavering stare.
Naruto felt a sense of comfort wash over him, and he managed a small smile. Hinata's support meant the world to him, and he knew he was lucky to have her in his life.
"Thank you, Hinata," he said sincerely. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Hinata leaned forward, her eyes locking onto his. "Then you need to be honest with yourself, Naruto. Figure out what your heart truly desires and go after it. Don't let fear hold you back."
With those words Hinata's hands found their way to his, giving his hand a strong squeeze. "If you ever need to talk or need anything else "anything' I'm here for you, Naruto."
He looked at her, her small pink tongue licking her lips before she smiled at him, a feeling of warmth spread through his chest. Hinata had supported him without any baggage, there had been no drama that night with her, only an unspoken need to be together. And now with everything he was going through, he realized how much he valued her presence and understanding.
"Thank you, Hinata," Naruto whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.
Hinata's smile widened, and her cheeks faintly flushed. "Of course, Naruto. You mean so much to me, and I want to be there for you."
At that moment, Naruto felt a sense of clarity amidst the chaos in his heart. While he was torn between Sakura and Ino, Hinata was a constant pillar over these past weeks. He remembered her being steadfast and unwavering, and he couldn't ignore the genuine connection they shared. For him that time she tried to kill him happened a lifetime ago, the fear replaced with the feeling of total acceptance she granted him.
As the morning light began to filter through the window, Naruto realized that he needed to confront his feelings and make a decision. And perhaps, in Hinata, he had found the answer he had been searching for all along.
"I… I… I need to go change, this shirt is ruined.", said Naruto showing her his shirt had no buttons and using it as an excuse to not talk about his feelings.
As Naruto ran into his room Hinata wrapped her robe around her body and tied it tight, Her plan had almost worked, he had almost taken the bait but the next time after she was healed completely he wouldn't be running away so quickly.
…..
"That's the plan they came up with?" Ino questioned, her eyebrows raised skeptically as they all sat around the kitchen table, finishing their breakfast. Room service had been a blessing since none of them possessed any real skills in the kitchen.
Naruto glanced at the food on Ino's plate, his stomach growling in response. Without a word, she pushed the plate towards him, and he gratefully accepted the offering. "I don't see anything wrong with it," he replied between bites. "When Killer B gets here, I can talk to him. I'm sure he'll want to help."
Hinata, now dressed in her standard black top and shorts, spoke up, "The B I remember was a fool and a drunk," she said, sipping her coffee carefully. Keeping an eye on Naruto through the steam.
"But the B I remember was a great shinobi, willing to do anything for his people," Ino added in a more positive tone, hoping to avoid any tension.
"The B I remember was a great warrior and shinobi that would never back down.", said Sakura stirring the food around her plate.
As the discussion continued, Sakura mischievously ran her foot up Naruto's leg under the table. His eyes widened in surprise, and he pulled back slightly, still holding Ino's plate in his hand. Her playful gesture sent a wave of conflicting emotions through him. He cared deeply for Sakura, but her actions made him question the nature of his feelings. Was it Lust or Love that burned in him?
"Come over here Hinata let me see your bandages,", said Sakura as she moved over to the sofa seeing that Naruto wasn't in the mode to play games.
Watching their interaction Naruto knew deep down, that he wanted to be with all of them, but he didn't want to hurt any of them. The complexity of love left him feeling unsure and conflicted. However, for now, he decided to focus on their current mission, and finding a way to stop the impending threat was first and foremost on his mind.
As the morning sun shone through the windows, casting a warm glow over the kitchen, Naruto couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him and his feelings for Sakura, Ino, and Hinata. He had always been one to follow his heart, but now, it felt like his heart was leading him in multiple directions at once. Watching Sakura unwrap Hinata and run her hands over her skin made him remember what Hinata felt like under his hands.
Ino noticed the thoughtful expression on Naruto's face and nudged him gently. "Hey, you okay?" she asked, her concern evident in her eyes, last night's drama forgotten.
Naruto gave her a small smile, trying to push his conflicting emotions aside for the moment. "Yeah, just thinking about, well everything," he replied vaguely.
Sakura returned to the table after finishing healing Hinata, and Naruto's attention was momentarily drawn to her. He admired her strength and skill, but he couldn't deny the growing attraction he felt towards Hinata as well. It was like a tug-of-war inside his heart, and he didn't know which side would win.
Ino glanced between Naruto and Sakura, sensing the tension in the air. She decided to change the subject to lighten the mood. "So, once Killer B gets here, how do we plan to convince him to give us the Sword of Totsuka?" she asked.
Naruto perked up at the mention of the legendary weapon. "Well, I'll talk to him, tell him about the threat we're facing, and ask for his help," he replied confidently.
Hinata smiled softly at Naruto. "I believe in you, Naruto. You have a way of bringing out the best in people," she said, "But do you really think your talk-no-jutsu will work on him?".
Sakura nodded in agreement. "Don't worry Hinata. Naruto has always been able to inspire others to do the impossible," she added, looking at Naruto with pride in her eyes.
The support of his friends filled Naruto's heart. Despite his complicated feelings, he understood his responsibility to protect them and everyone he cared about. Their safety was his priority, their happiness was above his own and he wouldn't let his personal struggles hinder their mission. With the trust they shared, Naruto knew they could overcome any challenge.
….
"Why are we shopping, again?" Naruto questioned, a hint of confusion in his voice as he followed Ino into yet another store.
Ino flashed him a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with playful intent. "Well, you didn't want to go to the library with Sakura to study how best to use a mystical sword on a trans-dimensional time portal, and you didn't want to go soak in a mud bath all afternoon with Hinata. So, lucky me, you ended up here with me," she replied, teasingly.
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at Ino's light-hearted response. Spending time with her was always enjoyable, and he appreciated her efforts to take his mind off the mission as they waited for B to show up. However, deep down, he couldn't ignore the flutter of conflicting emotions within him. As he navigated through the shopping trip, Naruto found himself thinking about his feelings for both Sakura and Hinata, unsure of how to navigate the relationships. Little did he know that Ino had her eyes set on winning his heart, and one little shopping trip was all that was needed.
Naruto chuckled, fully aware of Ino's flirtatious and daring nature. She had never been one to shy away from showing off her figure. As they continued through the store, Ino made sure to pick out outfits that accentuated her curves and drew Naruto's attention.
Her bold approach had an undeniable effect on Naruto. He couldn't help but be captivated by Ino's self-assured demeanor and her willingness to be alluring. Her openness about her feelings left him both flustered and strangely wanting more.
Staying together with Sakura, Hinata, and Ino in the same hotel room certainly complicated things, but it also provided a unique opportunity for Naruto to explore his emotions. As he watched Ino try on different outfits, he found himself torn between his growing attraction to her and the deep connection he had with the others.
Naruto followed Ino into what he hoped was the last store, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. Ino had always been a master of playful charm, and he wondered what she had in mind for the end of their shopping trip.
"So, what's the plan, Ino?" Naruto asked, trying to keep up with her quick pace through the store. The sign outside had said "Doll House" and he didn't see any dolls in sight, mostly women that looked like the dancers on stage at the clubs he and Hinata had visited that first night.
Ino shot him a wink and a sly smile. "Oh, you'll see, Naruto. I thought we could have some fun looking at some of these outfits," she replied, her voice tinged with mischief as she waved at the skimpy outfits and rows and rows of lingerie.
As they wandered through the racks of clothes, Ino couldn't resist teasing Naruto. She would hold up revealing outfits and ask him what he thought, knowing exactly how to push his buttons. Every time he said he liked it, she would drape it over his arm, adding to the pile.
Naruto blushed and was at a loss for words as Ino kept the playful banter going never giving him a chance to ask what was going on. Her boldness was exhilarating as he found himself running after her, and he soon found himself drawn to her in a way he hadn't fully realized before. With Ino he didn't have to worry about what she was feeling as she would just tell him and unlike Sakura he didn't have to jump if he made her mad as she would more likely than not laugh it off and not take a swing at him as Sakura was known to do.
Once his arm was full and she started to drape more over his other arm, he couldn't help but wonder if she was planning on trying on all of these outfits or if this was just some show to distract him.
Running along the racks of cloths Ino took every opportunity to flirt and tease, making Naruto feel both flustered and excited to see what she would pick out next. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and he couldn't help but wonder did she had a plan or was this just some playful game to pass the time.
One thing was true, Naruto couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. It felt like she was focused on him and him alone, filling a void inside him he didn't even know he had.
This time as they reached the back of the store, Naruto found himself with an armful of clothes, and Ino had a big smile on her face. "Okay, let's see how they look," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief and excitement. Naruto couldn't wait to see what she had in store next.
Stopping at the door Ino held up a sheer, lace babydoll and teased, "What do you think of this one first, Naruto?" She had to snap her fingers to get him to speak.
Naruto's cheeks flushed as he struggled to find the right words, "It's... um, really nice!", Not knowing how to answer such a silly question, Ino could wear a rag with a rope and look good.
Ino chuckled at his flustered response and continued into the changing room. Dropping the babydoll on the pile she first tried on a revealing two-piece body suit set that left little to the imagination, even covered from hand to toe its sheer lace made her feel naked. Walking out she gave Naruto a little twirl and then with a wink ran back inside. Her next choice was a silk kimono that ended above the knees and accentuated her curves in all the right ways. Once again she danced around Naruto ending her show with a formal bow before leaving him to wonder what was next. With each outfit change, Naruto's heart pounded louder, and his thoughts became increasingly scattered. He had seen Ino nearly naked on the breach but somehow this was more revealing, more intimate.
Next, Ino emerged in a form-fitting corset, lace stockings with a garter belt and high heels, The outfit really emphasized her figure and made her look much taller. When she turned away a dumbfounded Naruto was thinking were did she get 5-inch heels? The teasing glint in her eyes as she looked over her shoulder made it clear she was enjoying every moment of his reaction. Naruto's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions as he tried to keep up with Ino, he didn't even notice that he stopped thinking about Sakura or Hinata.
Ino's playful demeanor didn't waver as she slipped into a daringly high-cut bodysuit that left him breathless. Naruto could feel the intensity of her gaze on him, and he found himself captivated by her as she did a slow turn as if she was dancing to a hidden beat. Her long hair was free of its pony tail and covered he bare back down to her waist as looked at he tongue in surprise.
Finally, Ino emerged in that first captivating black lace teddy that left Naruto utterly mesmerized. The way she moved and the way the fabric clung to her every curve made it hard for him to concentrate on anything else. His heart pounded, and his mind was filled with desires he had never felt before. She acted so natural around him no matter what she was trying on, it felt like they had been together for years, and unknown to him this was a game Ino used to play with her Naruto all the time.
Ino grinned playfully, knowing the effect she was having on him. "Well, Naruto, which one is your favorite?" she purred, her voice sending shivers down his spine as she leaned forward almost falling out of her top.
Naruto could hardly form a coherent response. Each outfit was sexier than the last, and he found himself speechless in the wake of Ino's display.
She moved closer and closer until she placed a finger on his lips saying, "It's OK, I have one more to try, wait right here.", she said slowly walking back into the dressing room with the high heels she had added to the black lace teddy making little clicking sounds. The smell of wildflowers in the air.
With his mouth dry and his heart beating Naruto was staring at the dressing room door, his mind devoid of any worries for the first time in days, as the only thing on his mind was one thought, Ino.
"Naruto? Can you come in here, I have a zipper stuck.", said Ino from inside the dressing room before she opened the door and waved him in.
…..
In her search for clues on how to use the Sword of Totsuka, Sakura had scoured the local library, only to find it disappointingly lacking in the information she sought. However, an intriguing encounter with the librarian piqued her curiosity. The librarian had seen the brand on her back shoulder, a telltale sign of her membership in the elusive adventure's club.
Following the librarian's cryptic advice to find the Library of Lore, Sakura arrived at the castle, but to her surprise, it was deserted. The remnants of the lively party from the night before were nowhere to be found, as if they had vanished into thin air.
As she wandered the now silent halls, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The rooms were pristine and neatly arranged, as though they had been waiting for someone to enter them after years of abandonment. The castle's eerie silence and mysterious atmosphere sent shivers down her spine.
Determined to unravel the secrets hidden within the castle's walls, Sakura pressed on, her heart pounding with excitement. Little did she know that her quest for knowledge would lead her deeper into worlds of ancient shinobi lore and unforeseen dangers.
Sakura's footsteps echoed through the silent castle as she ventured deeper into its mysterious halls. She had come seeking answers in the library of lore, the librarian had said it holds ancient knowledge about shinobi artifacts and techniques. Hopeful she navigated the maze-like corridors when she was suddenly stopped by an elder she had never met before.
"Why are you here?" the elder inquired, his voice carrying an air of wisdom and a touch of danger.
"I'm looking for the library of lore," Sakura replied, her voice steady but tinged with excitement. She had a feeling that this elder held the key to unlocking the secrets she sought.
"Ah, come with me, child," the elder said, using a term that Sakura knew wasn't entirely accurate, but she decided to follow him nonetheless. He could call her what he wished if he would take her to the library. As they walked through the ever-changing hallways, Sakura couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion as they turned randomly here and there as if they were walking the same halls over and over.
Finally, they arrived at a grand chamber, and Sakura's eyes widened in awe at the sight before her. The room was vast, its walls lined with ancient tomes and scrolls, books and scrolls floated elegantly on invisible shelves, and the air was filled with the scent of aged parchment. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows not from one or two but three suns in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the ancient tomes. Sakura couldn't help but marvel at the sheer magnitude of knowledge contained within those walls.
"Welcome to the Library of Woozoo, here we have gathered the knowledge from all the realms, search wisely as some knowledge can alter the soul.", said the Elder.
Under the elder's watchful eyes, Sakura began her search, running her fingers along the spines of countless books, each promising untold secrets, many in languages she had never seen. She was drawn to the section full of tales of legendary shinobi and fabled artifacts, hoping to find a clue about the Sword of Totsuka.
Hours passed like minutes as she lost herself in the captivating stories and hidden wisdom. The elder remained to hoover by her side, offering occasional hints and sharing fragments of forgotten history as if they had lived all those many years ago. As Sakura continued her exploration, the library seemed to come alive, revealing its secrets to her as if it recognized her insatiable thirst for knowledge.
As the elder gently closed the ancient book Sakura was engrossed in, a tinge of disappointment washed over her. The library's mysterious allure had captivated her, and she yearned to delve further into its hidden secrets. "But why?" she protested, her eyes locking with the elders in a daring challenge.
"The third sun of Wu is setting; it is time for you to return," said the elder gently but firmly, holding closed the ancient book Sakura was engrossed in.
"But why? I need to learn more," Sakura protested, daring to meet the elder's gaze with a hint of anger.
"The library will soon shift, and the path back to your realm will close. Now come, child, before you become one of the lost souls I warned you about," the elder insisted, his grip on her arm firm and unbreakable guiding her towards the door even as she dragged her feet.
Once they were outside the library's entrance, the elder released his hold on Sakura, allowing her to turn around and face him. "I was so close! That last book held only a hint of the sword's power. Let me back in!" she pleaded.
"The shifting of the realms is never-ending," the elder explained calmly. "The alignment will return in a day or two if you wish to continue your search for knowledge."
Determined not to give up, Sakura couldn't resist the temptation to challenge the shifting library once more. With a gleam of anger in her eyes, she marched back to the library doors and pulled them open, expecting to find the same mysterious room she had been exploring moments ago. To her astonishment, she was now face to face with a small room filled with cleaning materials.
"What?! But how?" Sakura stammered, confusion clouding her thoughts. She turned to the elder for an explanation.
"The library's nature is enigmatic and ever-changing," the elder replied, his voice tinged with ancient wisdom. "What you witnessed before was only a fleeting glimpse, a part of the library for your eyes only for it guards its secrets very well."
Once the Elder was out of sight Sakura turned back to the doors once again to check, but still seeing only cleaning supplies she turned down the hall to find a way out. As Sakura wandered through the labyrinthine hallways of the castle, her mind buzzed with all the wonder and curiosities she had read. The shifting reality of the place was a puzzle she couldn't quite understand, but she couldn't help but find it amusing when she remembered opening the doors once more, half-expecting them to lead her back only to be shown cleaning supplies again.
With a bemused smile, she decided to keep that part to herself. After all, who would believe that the grand library of Secrets had a sense of humor? Instead, Sakura focused on finding a way out to share what knowledge she had gathered.
Spotting Jiraiya in a small courtyard at the end of one of the endless hallways, he was engrossed in his notebook in his lap, Sakura rushed over to him. Her excitement was palpable as she began recounting her adventure, sparing no detail about the elusive library's strange nature and her brief encounter with the elder.
Jiraiya listened intently, nodding at the intriguing story she unfolded. When she mentioned the part about the doors leading to a closet, Jiraiya smiled, "Yes, William has a sense of humor doesn't he."
"William?" Asked Sakura
"The library's guardian, the Elder that showed you to the door, he is as old as this castle maybe older no one really knows.", said Jiraiya as if that was common knowledge.
Seeing the look of confusion on the pink-haired girl, Jiraiya's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, you see Sakura, the library has its own way of testing those who seek its secrets. You've certainly faced its challenges and come out in one piece, Well done."
Sakura blushed slightly at the praise, grateful for Jiraiya's encouraging words. She knew there was still much to learn and uncover about the Sword of Totsuka, but she felt more determined than ever to pursue its power.
"I wish I could spend more time in that library, Jiraiya-sensei. The possibilities it holds are endless," Sakura admitted, her eyes glimmering with a mixture of excitement and longing.
Jiraiya placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I understand, Sakura. But remember, the library will always be there, waiting for you to return when the stars align once more. For now, focus on what's in front of you."
Sakura nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She understood Jiraiya's wisdom; there was no use dwelling on what she couldn't control. Instead, she needed to focus on the present and make the most of the opportunities before her.
As they continued their discussion, Sakura's will to save the village strengthened. She knew that she would need to harness the power of the Sword of Totsuka to face the impending threat.
…
I wrote a whole lemon scene with Ino but deleted it, I need to know if that is what the readers are looking for as I got zero feedback on the Sakura scene. I have the storyline lasting for 5ish more chapters and could do a sexy flashback in the coming chapters if that is what everyone wants.
I added some more foreshadowing than normal to see if that is more interesting or if a straight-line story is better, Thoughts?