Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing Naruko and Itachi arriving in Shuriken, getting their first look at the capital of the Land of Ninja, as well as several characters showing up. As for Shuriken and the Land of Ninja, imagine a mix of traditional and steampunk designs, while being intertwined with nature. So, without further ado.
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Naruko wasn't sure how long she and Itachi were on the train, though it felt like…she wasn't really sure, but that it did feel like a long time to the redhead with how long they were in the tunnel.
Though when they finally came out of the tunnel, her eyes widened in awe at seeing the Land of Ninja for herself. Seeing how different it was compared to the Land of Blizzards, from what little she saw of it before they got on the train.
"It's really green." Naruko stated, looking out at the view of the Land of Ninja with Itachi looking out over it as well, seeing forests, hills, mountains and plains as far as the eye could see.
"Yes it is. Like the rest of Yukiguni, the Land of Ninja is more technologically advanced than the Elemental Nations, utilizing thermal energy and steam-powered technology. They're able to keep the country lush and green, despite being right next to the Land of Blizzards." Replied Itachi, knowing the Land of Blizzards is the coldest and harshest country on the Yukiguni Continent, making it more impressive how the Land of Ninja can keep itself warm.
"Oooooh…is that where we're going?" Naruko asked while pointing towards a spot that looked different than the rest of the land, off in the distance.
"No, that's not our destination. While Shuriken is the capital of the Land of Ninja, there are other cities, towns and villages here. And you'll see for yourself that many of the buildings and technology are intertwined with nature, giving it a rather unique look." Itachi said, much to Naruko's amazement as she looked around at everything she could see.
The Uzumaki took in all the sights as the train continued onwards, until it soon entered another tunnel, much to her disappointment at no longer being able to see more of the Land of Ninja.
"What's Shuriken like?" Questioned Naruko, looking at Itachi curiously, with the Uchiha frowning in thought for a moment.
"It is…similar to the Hidden Villages in the Elemental Nations, from what I've heard. Only it's much bigger and, as I said, more technologically advanced. Blending the traditional village look with technology, which helps it look more like a city. It also follows the same ranking system as the Hidden Villages with Genin, Chūnin and Jōnin. Though I'm unsure if the leader has the title of Kage." Itachi explained what he knew of Shuriken.
"That's the leader of the Hidden Villages!" Naruko said, smiling proudly at remembering what Itachi told her about the villages and nations.
"Yes it is. It's likely we'll need to meet with Shuriken's leader to see about becoming citizens." Said Itachi, mentally frowning at having no idea what to expect from Shuriken's leader.
'I suppose it will depend on how much they know of what's happened in the Elemental Nations, especially if they know who I am.' Itachi thought, knowing it'll make things much more difficult if the leader of Shuriken knew who he is and what he's done.
Shaking his head at those thoughts, knowing it won't do them any good to think about what ifs when they haven't arrived in Shuriken yet. But while the ravenette did hope that things went well, he was also thinking of what to do should they be barred from staying in Shuriken and where they'd go afterwards.
'Let's hope everything goes well.' Thought Itachi, letting out a sigh as he sat back and waited for the train to arrive at Shuriken.
*Later*
It wasn't long before the train pulled into the station, allowing everyone to exit, with Itachi grabbing Naruko's hand to avoid her getting lost in the crowd. The two heading up the stairs back to the surface, getting their first real look at the capital of the Land of Ninja.
"Woah…" Naruko muttered in amazement as she looked up, seeing how tall the buildings were, with even Itachi willing admit the city was very impressive.
Seeing how traditional the buildings looked, with the curved and tiled roofs, walkways over roads connecting buildings together. Along with lamps hanging everywhere in addition to electric lights lining the roads.
While all around the city they could see mountains and rock formations covered in plants, with buildings built either along the slops or around them to preserve the natural look. Giving the look of there being different levels to the city, both above and below them. There were also a few rivers running through the city, with the two seeing several bridged built over them, as well as boats traveling across the water
Before Naruko let out an "Eep!" and quickly hid behind Itachi when a large metal object on wheels moved past them on the ground.
"What was that thing?!" Naruko said fearfully, not knowing what the thing was or if it was dangerous.
"It's alright, it's nothing dangerous unless you're standing in front of it. As for what it was, I believe they're called automobiles, I've heard the Land of Snow has them and they're called "trucks". Though the ones here seem smaller. Just think of them as smaller, faster trains." Itachi replied, assuring the Uzumaki they weren't in any danger.
With Naruko peeking out from behind him, looking around warily for any sign of other automobiles, while Itachi tensed slightly when he felt something be put on his hand. Looking to see that someone managed to put a note in his hand, making the Uchiha look around warily. But couldn't find any sign of who could've given it to him, nor anyone that stood out as a Ninja.
'They're good.' Itachi thought, guessing that if there are Ninja walking around them, then they aren't dressed any differently from regular citizen, making it impossible to tell who's a threat and who's not.
Looking at the note, Itachi opened it to see it was directions, which he can only assumed was to where they can find the leader, which also meant they knew they weren't normal visitors.
"Come on Naruko, we have a meeting to get to." Itachi said, mentally sighing in resignation on the chance he'll have to convince the leader to let them stay.
"Okay… Itachi, it feels weird here." Said Naruko, looking up around them at the buildings, making the ravenette subtlely glance at the buildings while looking for any signs of movement.
For any signs that they were being watched.
But the most he could see were a few fleeting shadows that soon vanished whenever he glanced at them. Something Itachi couldn't deny was impressive, if they could sense they were noticed even from this distance.
'These certainly aren't like the Ninja I've encountered, I've only known Anbu capable of disappearing in such a way. Yet it seems any Ninja here knows the importance of remaining unseen and hiding in plain sight. But Naruko seems like she knows we're being watched, even if she doesn't realize it.' Itachi thought before looking down at the whiskered redhead, amazed that even without training her sensory abilities are that strong already.
"Don't worry, it's nothing bad. We're strangers here, so it's understandable that it'd feel strange, just relax and everything will be fine." Said Itachi, with Naruko hesitantly nodding but still looked around.
Moving through the city, the two saw how they were moving up to the higher levels, giving them better view of all of Shuriken. Until soon they reached one of the highest levels at the top of a waterfall that went down to one of the rivers. While at the top, built on a platform bridge over the waterfall, was a large tower-like building.
'Well if this was built with the purpose to keep an eye on all of Shuriken, then they certainly succeeded.' Itachi thought looking out over the front of the tower, where one could see all of Shuriken and even the surrounding area.
"We're really high up." Naruko stated while looking down at the waterfall, her eyes being wide open at how high off the ground they were.
"Yes, we are, so be careful where you step." Itachi said before motioning her to follow him inside the tower.
The first thing they saw when they entered was what looked like a reception area with a counter across from them, with two sets of stairs next to it. Leading up higher into the tower or to a lower level. Going up to the counter, Naruko and Itachi saw a woman sitting behind it.
She was an attractive and voluptuous young woman with pale skin, short platinum blonde hair and green eyes. With her wearing a low-cut black leather outfit with vertical whites strips down the front, long black gloves, and thigh-high heeled black boots. She also has several storage weapon holsters on belts around her waist, right arm and right thigh, along with a small red tattoo above her breasts.
Though she looked relaxed behind the counter reading something, Itachi couldn't help but regard the woman warily, not only from the weapons she blatantly had her person. But just from looking at her, despite looking relaxed, he could tell she'd be ready to fight and likely kill anyone that tried attacking her.
"He's upstairs waiting for you, Uchiha-san." Said the woman without looking up, making Itachi tense slightly that she knew his name.
"Thank you…and if you don't mind me asking who you are?" Itachi said, making the woman glance up at him.
"Irene Lew. Now upstairs, first door you see at the top of the stairs. And behave yourself." Irene replied before going back to what she was reading.
Nodding slowly, Itachi guided Naruko up the stairs, going up two flights before seeing the door they needed to go through and went inside, finding themselves in a rather large office.
It was scarcely decorated, only having a few scrolls with kanji painted them hanging on the walls, a rack with training bokkens on it, some plants in the corners, a table with a tea set. With there also being a large window to look out over Shuriken. And in front of it was a low desk with a surprisingly young man sitting behind it.
The man looked to be in his late twenties at most, with fair skin, brown hair held in a ponytail with a few strands of hair hanging over his face and vibrant green eyes that had a gold hue to them. With his attire consisting of a black kimono top, black hakama pants and black tabi boots.
While surprised that the apparent leader of Shuriken was much younger than he anticipated, Itachi also knew just from looking at the man, he's the most dangerous person he's seen in his life.
"Please, sit." Said the man, motioning to the cushions in front of the desk, with Itachi sitting on it while Naruko copied his position.
"Thank you for allowing us an audience, lord…" Said Itachi, bowing his head, only for the man to shake his head.
"I may be the leader of the Land of Ninja, but I am no lord, merely one who seeks to defend his home and his people from those that threaten it. My name is Ryu Hayabusa, and I already know who you are Itachi Uchiha. Though I don't know your young companion, only that she's clearly an Uzumaki." Ryu said, looking at Naruko for a moment, with the Uzumaki grinning.
"I'm Naruko! And I'm five-years-old!" Naruko introduced while holding up five fingers, making Ryu's lips twitch up for a moment in amusement.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Naruko." Said Ryu, nodding at her, before turning back to Itachi.
"So, you know who I am then. What I've done." Itachi stated while mentally preparing himself.
"I do, I knew who you were the moment you boarded a train to come to Shuriken." Ryu replied, wanting to always know who's entering his land in the event they're a threat.
"And it's quite surprising, a Missing-Nin of you infamy and status, seeking refuge here of all places. Normally you would've been detained and imprisoned the moment you stepped off the train, the only thing that stopped this is your young companion here. I would ask why the infamous Uchiha Clan Killer is traveling with an Uzumaki, as well as your actions just before leaving the Elemental Nations. All of it paints a very different picture of who you are, Itachi. So I won't ask any of that, as the answers would be irrelevant. I will not ask why it is you did what you did, but I can only guess that there's more to the Uchiha Massacre than the rest of the world knows. Am I correct?" Ryu questioned rhetorically.
While Itachi wasn't surprised at his explanation and reasoning, or that he knew of his actions after leaving the Akatsuki.
"Before I answer, will my presence in Shuriken cause any problems?" Itachi asked, first wanting to make sure him being here won't be a problem.
"As long as you behave yourself, then you are welcome in Shuriken in the Land of Ninja. After the destruction of Shangri-La at the hands of your former associates, the Land of Ninja has become the last true safe haven for those of the Shinobi Continent that wish to escape the persecution and politics of their homeland. Any who seek sanctuary here are welcomed, so long as they respect the laws and don't seek to cause trouble." Explained Ryu, with Itachi nodding at this before sighing.
"Then…yes, there was more to the Uchiha Massacre than the rest of the world knows." Itach said, making Ryu nod in response.
"I see. I will not ask you to reveal how it came to pass, as those seeking refuge here usually prefer to leave their old lives behind them, so you have no fear of anyone seeking information you don't wish to share. That being said, you and young Naruko wish to become citizens of the Land of Ninja." Said Ryu, much to the Uchiha's relief that he didn't have to reveal the truth.
"Yes, Ryu-sama, we would very much appreciate the chance to stay in the Land of Ninja and Shuriken." Said Itachi, relieved that they'll be able to stay.
"Then there's much we need to discuss." Ryu stated as he and Itachi began discussing the details for him and Naruko to become citizens of the Land of Ninja.
Meanwhile, Naruko had begun nodding off during the discussions, fidgeting slightly at how long it's felt like they've been here, feeling like it's even longer than the train ride.
Looking at Itachi and Ryu to see they were still discussing things, Naruko turned towards the door before looking back at the two men. Seeing that neither of them were looking at her, Naruko got up and headed over to the door, turning back to see if they noticed only to see they were still talking. The whiskered redhead opened the door and exited the office.
Going back down the stairs, Naruko saw Irene wasn't at her desk anymore leaving the area completely empty, allowing her to walk outside without anyone stopping her.
Exiting the tower, Naruko looked out at the view of Shuriken in shock and awe before she began heading back down into the city, feeling an urge to see more of it, to see everything she could in it.
As she wandered around the city, Naruko took in the sight of everything around her, from the architecture of the buildings to the people walking the streets. Though she still jumped back whenever a vehicle drove past her, feeling unnerved at the sight of the metal contraptions.
'Those things are freaky.' Naruko thought while moving away from the roads, not wanting to see any more vehicles.
Exploring more of the city, Naruko couldn't help but begin holding her stomach as she felt a growing pain in it, along with an empty feeling. Having felt it during the train ride, but thought that it'd eventually go away, only for it to get worse the more time passed. Even more so that the longer it went on, the weaker she felt, feeling tired and moving slowly.
'I don't like…I really don't like it! Why won't it go away?!' Naruko thought, also getting a bad feeling the longer the pain and emptiness lasted, not sure what it was only that it made her want to scream.
The whiskered redhead unaware that she's currently feeling hunger, having not eaten anything since being taken out of her test tube incubator. Not helped with how much she's traveled since being released, taking away what energy she had, leaving her hungry and exhausted. As well as irritated at the pain and empty feeling inside her.
Before Naruko groaned at feeling a sudden pang in her stomach, now feeling worried if something is wrong with her.
'Maybe I should go back and ask Ita-' Naruko thought, believing Itachi would know what's wrong with her and how to make the emptiness in her stomach go away.
The Uzumaki's thoughts were cutoff when she sniffed the air, gaining an amazed look when she smelled something, not sure what it was only that it smelled good.
"Oooooohh…what's that?" Naruko said, wandering off in the direction of where the smell is coming from.
Only for her to notice where she was walking, focused only on reaching where the good smell was coming from, before bumping into someone, knocking herself and the person to the ground.
"Watch where you're going you fool!" Someone said, with Naruko shaking her head and looked to see who knocked her down, seeing two girls in front of her.
The first girl, the one who bumped into her, looked to be nine-years-old with dark skin, gold-colored eyes and short purple hair with chin-length bangs framing the sides of her face. While her attire consisted of a black long-sleeved undershirt that went down to her elbows, an orange vest with two purple straps on each shoulder, a large beige sash around her waist, black stretch pants and a pair of lightweight brown shoes.
While the second girl looked like she was five-years-old too, with fair skin, gray eyes and short black hair. With her wearing a dark pink kimono with a white undershirt, an orange obi with light blue petals along the sides around her waist, as well as tabi sandals and socks.
Naruko saw the first girl stand up and dust herself off, while the second girl was glaring at her.
"Relax Soifon, it was just an accident." Said the older girl, not seeing any harm done, with the now named Soifon looking at the purplette.
"Yoruichi-sama, this girl dared to walk into you and knock you down! Such an insult can't be forgiven!" Soifon said, feeling incensed that anyone would dare do such a thing to the Clan Heiress of the family her own was sworn to.
"And I'm perfectly fine." Yoruichi said while holding her arms out, showing there wasn't a scratch on her.
"Even so, I can't let such a thing go. You! Apologize to Yoruichi-sama this instant!" Soifon demanded while glaring at Naruko, only for the Uzumaki to return the glare as she stood up.
Her previous irritation at her hunger, combined with now being shouted at by some stranger over an accident, made Naruko feel something ese she hasn't before.
Anger.
"No! You can't tell me what to do, stupid!" Retorted Naruko while glaring back at Soifon, much to her indignation.
"You…I can and will! You insulted Yoruichi-sama, now you dare talk back rather than beg for her forgiveness! You've done nothing but proven what an undisciplined savage you are!" Soifon said, not believing she has the nerve to talk back to them.
"And you're nothing but a stupid head, stupid head! Why don't you say sorry for being a jerk?!" Naruko said, making the ravenette scoff.
"And clearly you're unintelligent if you can't think of anything beyond childish insults!" Said Soifon, much to Naruko's anger.
"I am smart! You're the one that's dumb, thinking you're better!" Said Naruko, feeling angrier at Soifon's attitude.
"I know I'm better than you." Soifon stated as the two glared at each other with lightning sparking between them, before Yoruichi got between them pushing them away.
"Alright, come on, that's enough. There's no need to fight over a little accident, let's all just relax." Said Yoruichi, not wanting a fight to break out between them.
"Why don't you butt out, dummy?!" Retorted Naruko while glaring at Yoruichi, getting angrier that she's getting in her way.
"How dare you!" Soifon shouted, lunging at Naruko before slamming her fist into the whiskered redheads face and knocking her to the ground, now refusing to let her get away with insulting Yoruichi.
"Soifon!" Yoruichi said sternly, frowning at her friend in disapproval for striking like that.
While Naruko grit her teeth as she was knocked to the ground, before clenching her fists in anger at now being attacked by Soifon. Causing the Uzumaki to unconsciously begin absorbing Natural Energy as she tapped into the Kekkei Genkai she gained from Jūgo, causing black markings to begin appearing over her body. As well as her eyes turning blood red with slit pupils, her whisker marks becoming more pronounced and jagged, as she tapped into the Kyūbi's Chakra.
Then before Yoruichi or Soifon could react, Naruko vanished in a burst of speed as the ravenette gagged as the wind was knocked out of her from Naruko burying her fist in her stomach. Launching Soifon back where she crashed and skidded across the ground.
"Soifon!" Yoruichi yelled, only now being shocked and worried as she rushed to her friends side while Soifon was gasping and wheezing from the blow, having trouble catching her breath.
Looking at Naruko with wide eyes, Yoruichi was upset at how she hurt her friend, but at the same time is shocked and intrigued at how she did that.
'Just who is she?' Yoruichi thought, given she and Soifon were both very advanced in their training, despite their young age, with her being her clans heiress and Soifon training to be her bodyguard.
So it's shocking to see someone that didn't look like they have any training at all take Soifon down with a single blow, let alone with how fast the whiskered redhead moved.
Though Yoruichi tensed when Naruko growled at them, looking ready to attack again, only to be stopped when they heard someone shout.
"Naruko!"
Pausing at hearing her name, Naruko looked only to see Itachi approaching them, with the Uchiha not looking the least bit amused at what he saw.
"What do you think you're doing?! First you not only wandered off alone, going off in a place you don't know anything about or the layout of where anything is! Now when I find you, you've assaulted someone!" Itachi said looking at Naruko, causing the markings to begin vanishing while the Bijū Chakra dissipated.
"What were you even thinking?! We haven't even been here for a day and you've already caused trouble! You can't just wander off alone like that, let alone in a city this large with how easy it would be to get lost in! And you certainly can't just go around attacking people either! Not only will it get you into trouble, but you could end up seriously injuring someone or getting hurt yourself if you pick a fight with the wrong person, not even counting the repercussion should you attack someone who could retaliate! You have to think of your actions before simply doing whatever you want to do!" Said Itachi, not believing the troubles she's already gotten into and they've only just arrived.
With Naruko flinching at Itachi's words, feeling bad and not liking the way he's talking to her compared to all the other times. Making the whiskered redhead sniff and rub her eyes, getting a strange feeling from them, like they were getting wet.
The sight making Itachi pause and soften, seeing Naruko looked like she was about to start crying, making him sigh.
"I'm not saying this to make you feel bad Naruko, but it's for your own good. You simply can't wander around by yourself in unknown territory, as you'd only be putting yourself in unneeded danger. And you can't simply attack anyone you see for whatever reason. Do you understand?" Itachi said while remaining firm with her.
"Y-yes." Naruko said lowly while rubbing her eyes,
"Good. But don't think you can get away with this, when we get to our new home, you will be grounded until further notice." Said Itachi, not wanting to think she can get away with doing stuff like this without being punished.
"Wh-wh-what…wh-wh-what's g-gr-g-g-gr-gr-grounded…m-m-me-me-mean?" Naruko asked, not knowing what being grounded meant, if it had to do with being on the ground.
"It means that until I say so, you'll be confined to our new home, you won't be able to leave or spend time with anyone, nor will you be able to do anything fun. That's what being grounded means." Itachi said, with Naruko nodding while keeping her head down.
"Good, now apologize to these young ladies." Said Itachi while motioning to Yoruichi and Soifon, the latter having gotten up after recovering a little from the punch, making the Uzumaki go over to them.
"I'm…sorry for being mean to you and telling you to butt out. And for bumping into you." Said Naruko to Yoruichi, with the purplette waving it off.
"It's fine, really." Yoruichi replied in understanding, being able to see that they're both new to Shuriken so it makes sense they don't know anyone here.
"And?" Itachi said, motioning to Soifon as well, with Naruko shuffling on her feet.
"I'm…sorry to…you too…for being mean…and for…hitting you." Naruko said reluctantly, while Soifon crossed her arms stubbornly only for Yoruichi to nudge her and give her a look.
"…F-fine…I…accept your…apology. You…are…f-fo-forgiven." Muttered Soifon, before lowering her head when Yoruichi patted her on the head.
"See, that wasn't so hard?! And it's fine, since Soifon did strike her first, and she's also very sorry." Yoruichi said, looking at Soifon, who grumbled lowly.
"Y-yes…I am…also…very s-s-sorry…for st-striking…you a-as well." Soifon added reluctantly.
"And everything's fine, you both apologized, so let's just put this behind us! We haven't even properly introduced ourselves, I'm Yoruichi Shihōin and this is Soifon." Yoruichi introduced, with Itachi nodding in greeting.
"It's nice to meet you both, Yoruichi, Soifon. I am Itachi and this is Naruko." Replied Itachi, making Yoruichi look at them curiously.
"If I don't mind me saying, but you're Itachi Uchiha aren't you. And she's an Uzumaki, isn't she." Yoruichi stated, with Soifon tensing slightly and looking at Itachi with narrowed eyes, while the Uchiha was surprised the purplette knew that,
"You're…from the Elemental Nations aren't you." Itachi said, not expecting to meet others from the Elemental Nations so soon,
"We aren't, but our families were originally from there. My clan originally hailed from Kumogakure, but they left some time after the Nidaime Raikage died and the Sandaime took over. They went up north through the Land of Thunder, then through the Land of Wolves and Land of Polar Bears where they got a boat across the Amado Sea, from there they traversed through the Land of Steel, the Land of Iron and Land of Metal, getting another boat across the Kesshō Gulf to the Land of Ninja. All of this was before the underground railroad system was finished, so the journey was a lot longer than it'd be today." Yoruichi explained, with Itachi nodding in understanding.
"And it was during the journey they met Soifon's ancestors, they had been members of the Kamizuru Clan who fled Iwagakure after their clan's status had begun declining. They swore their loyalty to the Shihōin Clan after my we helped them locate the Shodai Tsuchikage's secret techniques and gauntlet, the Suzumebachi. And Soifon here is so determined to be the next one to wield it." Yoruichi said while smiling and patting Soifon on the head, much to her embarrassment and secret excitement at the gesture.
Only for them all to look at Naruko when her stomach began rumbling, while the Uzumaki jumped and looked around for where the sound came from.
"What is that?!" Naruko said, wondering if it's another vehicle, jumping when she heard the sound again but couldn't see where it's coming from.
"Your stomach…idiot." Soifon muttered in annoyance that she didn't realize she's making the noise.
"What?! Why's it making that sound?! Is there something in me?!" Said Naruko as she looked at her stomach, freaking out at the idea that there's something inside her, much to Yoruichi's amusement.
"I'd say it's more like your stomach wants something in it, if it's that loud." Yoruichi said, laughing lightly as Naruko looked at her stomach in confusion.
"If you want, then I can get you some Taiyaki, I'm sure that'll settle it down fast." Offered Yoruichi, with Soifon looking scandalized at the offer.
"Yoruichi-sama, you can't possibly think of getting anything for…for this…ruffian?!" Soifon said, not wanting Yoruichi to buy anything for Naruko after what she's done and said.
"It's fine, we'll eat at our new home, we don't wish to bother you any further." Said Itachi, not wishing to bother Yoruichi or Soifon any further, especially after Naruko attacked the latter.
"Don't worry about it, I'd say Naruko probably flew off the handle like that was because she's hungry. Come on, I know a stand nearby that sells some great Taiyaki." Yoruichi said, going over and grabbing Naruko's hand before leading to her to a stand, with Itachi and Soifon left to follow after him.
Reaching a stand, Naruko's mouth fell open as she caught the good scent she had been smelling earlier before bumping into the purplette. Watching as Yoruichi pulled out some money after ordering some Taiyaki, handing a small bag of them to the Uzumaki.
"Here you go, they're chocolate filled ones, since I'm sure you'd really like them." Said Yoruichi, with Naruko taking the bag before looking inside at the fish-shaped cakes in confusion.
"Don't worry, they don't taste like fish. Try them, they're really great." Yoruichi assured, making Naruko look at her before back to the Taiyaki.
Picking one up, Naruko looked it over, sniffing it a few times, before opening her mouth and hesitantly took a bite. Though the moment she did, Naruko's eyes widened as they sparkled in amazement at the incredible, sweet tasting treat.
"Oooooohhh, it's really good!" Naruko said, taking another bite while smiling happily, making Yoruichi giggle at her expression.
"You're just too cute, you know that." Stated Yoruichi, patting Naruko on the head, much to Soifon's chagrin.
"Yoruichi-sama, we do need to return soon." Said Soifon, not liking that Yoruichi thought Naruko was cute.
"Alright, let's go Soifon. See you Itachi, Naruko, maybe we'll run into each other again!" Yoruichi said while waving at the Uzumaki and Uchiha, with Naruko eagerly returning the wave.
"Bye-bye Yoruichi! Thank you for the fish!" Said Naruko, hoping she did run into the Shihōin Heiress again with how nice she was.
"It was nice meeting you two as well, farewell." Itachi said, waving at the girls as they left, before looking down at Naruko as she happily ate her Taiyaki.
"Enjoy it while you can Naruko, because don't forget you're still grounded and you won't be getting any Taiyaki again for a while." Said Itachi, making the whiskered redhead paused before she began eating her snacks much more slowly
*Later*
After parting ways with Yoruichi and Soifon, Itachi took Naruko to where they'd be living in Shuriken, soon arriving at a more open area of the city with fewer buildings and more trees and plants everywhere. With them arriving at a two-storied building with a wooden fence built around it.
"What is this place?" Naruko asked, looking at the building in confusion.
"It's called the Izumo Inn and it's where we'll be staying, here in Shuriken. Come on, let's meet with the owner to let them know we'll be staying here." Itachi said before leading Naruko inside the inn, entering into the foyer once inside where they saw a woman.
She was a slender yet shapely fair-skinned woman with waist-length purple hair, featuring shorter bangs styled in a hime cut and brown eyes. She wears the traditional attire of a miko being a purple hakama, a white haori with a sash-like belt, wooden sandals and a white ribbon to partially hold her hair in place.
"Hello there, you must be Itachi and Naruko. I'm Miya Asama, I was informed of your arrival, it's a pleasure to meet you both and I hope you both get settled in nicely." Said Miya while smiling kindly at the two, with Itachi bowing slightly, which Naruko copied as best as she could.
"Thank you, Asama-san, for letting us stay here. I promise we will be on our best behavior." Itachi replied, making the purplette nod.
"I'm sure you will, and please, just Miya is fine. Everyone, come here so you can meet our new tenants!" Miya called out, with them hearing footsteps before seeing two girls come out from another room and a man coming from upstairs.
The first girl looked to be nine-years-old like Yoruichi, with fair skin, long dark brown hair and brown eyes. With her wearing a white shirt with pink trimming, dark blue shorts and was barefoot, leaving her shoes off while in the inn.
The second girl was much older being twenty-one-years-old, with fair skin, long burnt orange hair with long side plaits and orange eyes. She was wearing a loose-fitting white dress which resembles a cheongsam and glasses, along with being barefoot while inside as well.
And the man looked to be in his early twenties, having fair skin, messy ashen grey hair and orange eyes. With him wearing a loose-fitting white button-up shirt and black pants, and like the girls was barefoot.
"Everyone, these are Itachi and Naruko, they'll be our newest residence, I hope you'll make them feel welcomed." Miya said, looking between them all.
"Of course Miya. It's nice meeting you both, my name is Matsu, I work in the Land of Ninja's Intelligence Division." Introduced Matsu pushing her glasses up, while Itachi was surprised at her admission of her position.
"I'm Homura, a Jōnin of the Land of Ninja, I specialize in using Fire Style Ninjutsu." Homura said while holding out his hand, which Itachi slowly accepted.
"That's…rather strange you'd admit such a thing." Itachi stated, wondering why they'd tell them, complete strangers, their profession and abilities.
"I work in gathering information, sometimes that means giving a little to get what you want. Besides, the fact that Ryu-sama allowed you to stay in Shuriken shows that you aren't a threat." Said Matsu, along with knowing it doesn't really do them any good knowing what she does.
"And I find that by giving a hint of you're capable of, that's all anyone focuses on, rather than what else you could do." Homura added, while leaving out he's actually an Anbu Captain and just how good he is at using fire.
Nodding slowly at their words, Itachi looked to the third one only to see her missing, before hearing a squeal and saw the girl hugging Naruko tightly.
"Yes! I finally get to be a big sister, and to such an adorable little cutie! I'm Uzume, your new big sister! So please call me Uzume-chan, Uzume-nee or Nee-chan! Whichever one you prefer!" Said Uzume, smiling happily as she hugged Naruko with the whiskered redhead being surprised at her gesture.
"O…kay…Uzume-nee." Said Naruko, much to the brunette's joy.
"Oooooh, you're so precious! Don't worry, Nee-chan will teach you everything you need to know and make sure nothing bad happens, okay Imouto-chan! I'll be the best sister you could ever want!" Uzume said before she began planting kisses all over Naruko's face, excited to have a little sister she can spoil.
Before Itachi pulled Naruko back, much to Uzume's disappointment.
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait on that, as Naruko is currently grounded." Said Itachi, confusing the landlady and residents.
"For what?" Matsu asked in confusion at Naruko could've done to be grounded after just arriving in Shuriken.
"She wandered off while I was meeting with Ryu-sama about us becoming citizens, and then got into a fight with another girl." Itachi revealed, with Matsu and Homura nodding in understanding, while Uzume smiled brightly at knowing her cute little sister can be a troublemaker too.
Only for everyone to suddenly shiver when they felt a dark presence wash over them, with Matsu, Uzume and Homura immediately backing away. Cowering in fear in a corner when they saw Miya smiling with a dark aura around her and a Hannya mask appearing behind her. With even Itachi being on edge at the sight, realizing that she's no ordinary innkeeper.
'I don't think she's even an ordinary Ninja.' Itachi thought, looking at Miya cautiously, getting the feeling she's not someone to trifle with, not if you valued your life.
"Naruko, while I know children can be rather rambunctious, understand that fighting isn't allowed in the inn. So if I catch you fighting here, there will be consequences, okay." Miya said while smiling at Naruko, with the Uzumaki looking at her with wide, curious eyes.
"Okay…how did you make that face appear behind you?" Naruko asked while walking up to Miya, not affected by the Hannya Technique, much to everyone's shock that she wasn't reacting to it.
"Oh, it's just a technique that helps me keep troublemakers in line." Replied Miya, making Naruko look up at her before smiling in awe.
"You're cool, Miya." Said Naruko, with the purplette giggling as the Hannya mask and aura faded before rubbing Naruko's head, finding it rather adorable she's not affected by her Hannya Technique.
"Thank you, sweetheart. Now if you and Itachi will follow me, I can show you your rooms." Miya said, only for Uzume to quickly grab Naruko's hand.
"She can bunk with me! Come on Imouto-chan, I'm in room 203 and there's plenty of space for both of us!" Uzume said, wanting to have her little sister stay in her room.
"Ah, ah, ah Uzume. You can't have Naruko stay in you room, especially when she's grounded." Said Miya with a chastising tone, only for the brunette to stubbornly hold Naruko's hand,
"Come on Miya, please! It's my duty as her Nee-chan to look after Naruko, and the best way I can do that is if she stays in my room with me! Please let us share!" Uzume said as she looking at her hopefully, with Miya looking at Itachi, knowing Uzume can be pretty insistent when she sets her mind to something, as the Uchiha sighed after a few moments.
"I…suppose it couldn't hurt. But only after Naruko's no longer grounded, until then she'll stay in her own room." Said Itachi, not seeing any problem with Naruko bunking with Uzume, but only after her grounding is over.
"Yes! See you soon Naruko, I'll get my room ready for when you can move in with me!" Uzume said while smiling happily, giving Naruko another hug, something the Uzumaki returned.
"Okay, thanks Nee-chan." Said Naruko as she smiled at the brunette, beginning to like her with how nice and warm she was.
Before she and Itachi followed Miya to the rooms they'd be staying in to get settled and some rest after the long day they've had.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruko and Itachi getting their first look at the Land of Ninja, much to Naruko's awe at everything she sees, while Itachi thinks of what they'll be doing when they arrive in Shuriken, hoping that they'll be able to become citizens without any trouble.
Then we go to Shuriken as they saw what it's like, with Naruko's shock and awe growing over everything in the city, as they make their way to where the leader is, where they meet Irene Lew and the leader of the Land of Ninja Ryu Hayabusa (both from Ninja Gaiden). With Ryu being able to deduce there's more to the Uchiha Massacre than what's known, which Itachi confirms. While allowing them to stay, so long as they don't cause trouble.
Only for Naruko to grow antsy during the discussions and wanders off to explore more of Shuriken, before she begins feeling hungry, though not sure what it is only that she has a pain and emptiness in her stomach. Which leads to her bumping into Yoruichi Shihōin and Soifon, much to the latter's anger that she knocked Yoruichi down, despite Yoruichi's efforts to defuse the situation.
Leading to Naruko and Soifon butting heads until Soifon strikes Naruko for shouting at Yoruichi, leading to Naruko unconsciously tapping into Jūgo's Kekkei Genkai and the Kyūbi's Chakra, knocking Soifon back, much to Yoruichi's worry, shock and intrigue. Before Itachi arrives and begins chewing Naruko out for wandering off and assaulting someone, making her understand she can't do such things and she'll be grounded when they get to their new home.
Before they're properly introduced to Yoruichi and Soifon, learning their ancestors originally came from the Elemental Nations until they left and settled in the Land of Ninja. With Yoruichi then offering to get Naruko some Taiyaki after seeing how hungry she is, despite Itachi's and Soifon's protests, while Naruko takes an instant liking to the fish-shaped treats before they part ways.
Finally we see Naruko and Itachi arrive at their new home Izumo Inn, where they meet the landlady Miya Asama and the other tenants Matsu, Homura and Uzume, the latter taking an instantly liking to Naruko as her new little sister. Before they learn Naruko's grounded and why, with Miya making it clear fighting in the inn won't be tolerated. Only for Naruko to be more curious and amazed at her Hannya Technique, rather than scared much to everyone's shock. With Miya then showing them to their rooms, with Uzume wanting Naruko to bunk with her once she's no longer grounded. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out