Alright. So, starting a new story. Been quiet on here for a while but you can blame real life. Anyway, this story is an idea that's been bouncing around in my head for a little while and decided to give it a shot. A few stories gave inspiration for this, one Being Sealed Legacy by PsychoG (Well, the idea of dialogue that had innuendos) and of course Naruto Vs Sasuke: The Aftermath though PsychoG's story was actually the basis for this tale.

Few things up front. This story is AU. In it, Naruto was watched over by Jiraiya. In fact, they conversed through letters and an occasional meet up. Unlike in Cannon, Jiraiya actually acted like a Godfather though still stayed out of the village more often than not. Also, our favorite blonde is smarted than he is in cannon, Once again, inspiration from Sealed Legacy to a degree. Now, I don't get much time to write any more, being an over the road truck driver means I spend most my days running loads dang near every where. Any spelling mistakes are accidental (I pretty much have worked this chapter for the better part of two weeks during my spare time, constantly refining it and going over it as best I could to minimize any errors).

Anyway, this story takes place during Naruto's training trip and will carry on through most of the arcs in the show. Also, to clairify something on the timeline this AU is working wirth. The Movies, at least the Snow one and the one with Shion, are cannon and have already occured. For the Princess Yukie one, that one happened when Naruto was a Genin so not that hard to slip in. As for Shion, it happened in the first year of Naruto's training trip with Jiraiya. Don't worry, both those movie characters will show up and I'll have the Shion situation covered once we get there. So, enjoy and review if you happen to have a moment.


"Alright kid, let's make camp."

Namikaze Naruto, 15 year old Shinobi, eyed his mentor with surprise.

"You sure Ero-sennin?" He took a look around them at the dark woods lining the clearing they were currently standing in. "Not exactly a secure spot."

The older man, one Jiraiya of the Sannin nodded, his gaze directed towards the west. "Best bet kid. Any further at this point and we'd end up in the Kingdom of Azonia. And that requires very precise permission from the Queen herself."

Naruto gave the old man a curious look. He'd known the old sage for quite a while. Granted, it was a closely held secret. Most of Naruto's friends and teachers from Konoha were under the impression that he had grown up mostly on his own. The same people also believed Naruto was not the sharpest knife in the drawer as well. Though Naruto suspected a few of them had caught on to the act. And that's what it was. An act. He had initially not been happy when his Godfather, the same old man training him right now, had told him to hold back on his abilities. "It'll give you the advantage if the enemy thinks they are more skilled than you." He had written. "In the shinobi world, knowledge is truly the deadliest weapon. Don't give the enemy any chance to kill you with it". And only three people were aware that Naruto knew just who his parents were. Naruto mentally shook himself to clear those memories from his mind. Right now was not the time to dwell on past memories. The teen gave a shrug and unsealed his camping supplies and the pair spent the next fifteen minutes getting setup. Jiraiya sighed as he leaned back against his pack, letting the small fire warm him as his young godson seemed to be deep in thought.

"What's on your mind kid?"

"Well...you seem to know a lot about this place." Naruto paused, frowning as he looked to his Godfather. "Actually, thinking about it...didn't you spend almost ten years living in Azonia?"

Jiraiya's eyes seemed to unfocus, a sad smile on his face.

"Yeah. Yeah I did kid." He sighed before giving a sad chuckle. "But not necessarily by choice. Yet, I don't regret it nor would I change a single minute."

"What happened?" Naruto asked. Jiraiya had never really been open about his past. At least, not about the ten year period he had been in this land. The Old man looked to Naruto, seeming to debate something before nodding, mostly to himself.

"I got married." He laughed at the surprised look on Naruto's face. "Yes kid. Even I, the ever Gallant Toad Sage, found true love."

The Sage reached into his vest and pulled out a small photograph. His face once more adopted a sad smile as he ran his thumb over the picture he always carried with him. "Even have a daughter of my own. Here."

Naruto accepted the picture and gazed upon it. In the still image, was Jiraiya, grinning as a young girl that looked maybe six or seven laughed as she sat on his shoulders. But what caught Naruto's attention was a beautiful, elegant looking woman with very dark hair leaning against the sage. He could see the happiness in her eyes as the small family had the photo taken. Naruto smiled and passed the picture back to the old hermit. "Your wife is very pretty. I'm honestly surprised a Super Pervert like you some how lucked out with her."

Jiraiya snorted in amusement as he tucked the image away. "Well, believe it or not, my perverted tendencies are actually how we got married."

"I have to hear this."

"About twenty years ago, I caught wind of what had seemed like pure heaven for me." Jiraiya began, leaning back with a wistful look. "A completely isolated land with minimal ties to anyone in the Elemental Nations. A land filled with the most beautiful women. Of course, I had to verify if the place existed. And if it did, I would have prime research material for my books. Of course, the first issue was finding proof it was a real place."

Naruto listened, smirking at the honesty of Jiraiya. Say what you will of the man, he was at least honest in his reasoning. The old man grinned as he thought back upon the old days.

"It didn't take me too long to get first hand accounts and at least a partial map of the land. Next was getting there. This land is nearly 4,200 kilometers from the Elemental Nations. A ship would be the obvious method but not doable. The crews that run supplies are actually Azonia natives. And they are exceptionally gifted at ferreting out unwanted passengers. And again, to even get permission to enter the boarders of the Kingdom is nearly impossible." Jiraiya paused and scratched his chin. "So a ship was out. And I knew damn well the toads weren't going to help me. Mostly as they are fresh water creatures and the ocean is salt water. Instead, I chose the next best option. I water walked all the way."

Naruto went slack jawed for several seconds before he looked at Jiraiya in astonishment, but also impressed. "Y-you walked 4200 kilometers just to be able to peep on women?"

"Damn right I did!" Jiraiya admitted proudly. "I thought I wasn't going to make it once or twice but a few soldier pills and a short rest period on an island midway, I made it with in seven days. Turns out, that was the easy part. I spent nearly three months staking out the borders. Learning the rotation plans and patrol paths. If anything, they have admirable security. I actually was almost caught on my infiltration but Kami was truly looking upon me with favor. I am not exaggerating when I tell you my life depended on not getting busted."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." Jiraiya closed his eyes breifly before continuing. "You see, Naruto. The Kindom of Azonia has extremely strict rules in regards to men entering their territory. If you are caught within their borders with out the express permission of the Queen, you're executed on the spot. Or, you are if you are deemed unworthy. I can see your confusion so I'll explain."

"Azonia has always had a skewed population. A native born male is very rare. Unfortunately, this caused instances of raids by slavers and such who figured they could make a quick grab of women to sell off." The old man's face darkened in anger for several moments. "I honestly can't blame the Azonians for their stance on foreign men trying to enter. Hell, I actually am in full support of their laws, even before my daughter was born. Anyway, eventually the population balance skewed even more. From one in fifty to one in five hundred for male births. It was decided that any male caught within recognized borders that they felt was worthy was given a choice."

"What choice was that?" Naruto was interested in learning about this strange culture. Well strange to him. He figured that any one from the west would think his culture was strange. He'd keep an open mind like Iruka-sensei had always cautioned them when he gave lectures over other societies around the world.

"The lead of the patrol would issue a formal challenge and either herself or one of her subordinates would fight the intruder. If the man won, he would be instantly married to the woman. In my case, Akane caught me peeping on her and challenged me." Jiraiya grinned at Naruto's shock. "I said they looked for those they considered worthy. The reason they challenge males is simple. If the man beats them, they know that any children they have will be strong and capable. Not to mention that should any attack occur against them, they know their chosen husband can defend them. Basically, they like a man that can dominate them."

The younger man blushed as Jiraiya laughed. "Seriously though, it's actually considered a point of pride for them to have a husband capable of handling themselves in combat. This doesn't mean they are subservient or anything like that. Far from it."

"So...if the guy wins, he has to marry the woman?"

"Well no. The man has a choice. If he agrees, then they are officially married at that point." Jiraiya leaned back as he continued. "If he refuses, he is banned and never allowed to return. Refusing is a grave dishonor to the warriors of Azonia. Especially for the one who issued the challenge. I don't know what happens to the woman but I do know that if a man who was banished enters the borders again, then what happens to the unworthy happens to him."

"And what's that?"

"Death." Jiraiya replied simply. Naruto nervously looked off to the direction that Jiraiya had.

"A-and will we have to deal with that?" He cocked his head for a second in thought. "Well, you won't since you're married to one of them, but does that mean I'm fair game?"

"Relax kid. I made sure to contact the Queen well before we even began our training trip." Jiraiya explained before that sadness appeared in his eyes. "And I was married kid. My wife...she...she died. About four years ago. All I have left of her is our little girl"

"Damn, I'm sorry Jiraiya."

The old man waved it off.

"You had no way of knowing kid. Besides, it's not like we're going into Azonia just yet. There is a lot you still need to know about them and their culture anyway. My message was more of a formality in the extremely slim chance we'd run into one of their patrols or hunting parties."

"So...what happened to your wife?" Naruto asked as the old man took a swig from his canteen.

Jiraiya looked to Naruto and sighed. "I guess you deserve an answer."

The teen watched as the old man closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. Naruto saw an edge to them he hadn't seen before and it made him very nervous. "Orochimaru happened. About four years ago, Akane and I were discussing the choice of whether to bring you here with us or to go meet you as a family. She was interested to see the Village but more so to meet you. I really wish you could have kid. You'd have liked her."

Naruto smiled slightly as Jiraiya continued.

"Eventually, we decided it would be best for me to head out to the village and see if Sarutobi-sensei would okay you coming back here for a bit." Jiraiya explained. "But Akane insisted I bring along Yurika, our daughter. Akane wouldn't be able to come due to a council meeting she really couldn't miss. So I started getting everything ready."

"The day we were supposed to head out...he came." The old man's gaze darkened, "He and his forces launched a full scale invasion of the Kingdom. First thing I did was take Yurika to her mother and headed out to fight. Damn Snake and his troops had caused a lot of death and destruction before I even got to the battle."

"What was he here for?" Naruto asked, feeling anger boiling up at the Snake. The disgusting bastard just couldn't leave any one alone.

"Breeding stock. He'd heard about this place, just like me. But where as my reasons were for perverted joys, his was a stock of powerful women to be used in horrible experiments to create an inhuman army." Jiraiya looked up into the sky, where the stars had come out. "I managed to save a large number of Azoniain captives but...I couldn't save them all. I still blame myself."

He sighed and sat up, resting his forearm against his knee. "I caught up to the bastard at the council chambers once I heard he had been spotted heading there. I fought him to the point that I could have killed him. Should have killed him. But, I hesitated. Just like I did when I caught up to him after Sensei confronted him. And...and I paid for it. I didn't strike when I should have and turned my back to him."

"What...what happened?"

"He tried to stab me with that damn blade of his. Akane...my sweet beautiful Akane..." Jiraiya paused and wiped the tear that had escaped his eyes away. "She leapt between me and the snake and took the blade that should have impaled me. She was dead before she hit the ground. The Snake fled after that."

"And thats when you stopped writing." Naruto commented, understanding now why there was a six month break in letters from his Godfather. "We'll kill that Snake Jiraiya. I swear it."

"Sure kid." Jiraiya smiled before he looked back to the stars. "But the fact still remains. Everything that has happened since he left the village...It's my fault. I was blinded by the bonds I had formed with him. He had been my teammate and my friend. But because I could not see the monster he had become, the monster that was beyond saving...my wife and Kami knows how many have suffered terrible fates."

The old man turned his gaze back to Naruto, "I know this is damn similar to you and Sasuke kid. And I'm not telling you all this to influence your choices when you come across him again. But the Uchiha left the village for power and worse still, left to join that Snake. Maybe there is some chance it'll turn out different for you but take what I'm about to say in mind, alright? It's a lesson that I didn't learn till I lost my wife."

Naruto nodded.

"The moment will come when you will have to decide if Sasuke is redeamable. A moment where it will come down to either those you hold most precious to you and Sasuke. In that moment, you'll need to act." The old man said sadly. "The moment for me came when I made the choice to let Orochimaru live during that fight in the woods outside Konoha. For that, fate was sealed."

"I understand sensei." Naruto responded, bowing his head.

"No kid. No you don't." Jiraiya corrected with a sad smile. "But you will one day. One day you'll face that moment and you'll have to accept the consequences. Now, let's get some rest. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow and I need to send off a messenger toad to let the Queen know we have arrived."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The Next Day...

Jiraiya and Naruto were heading south, passing through a lush forest as they talked. The Old Sage was explaing a lot of the culture of the Azoniaians that Naruto was finding very interesting.

"So these hunting parties you mentioned are looking for guys that snuck in?" Naruto asked.

"Yup. As I said, they are very strict on the laws." Jiraiya grinned. "Good thing you're in my company. As a citizen, it's easier for me to get approval for another. Hey, who knows? Maybe we can get you married off!"

"Piss off you old perv." Naruto snarked back, amused. "Still, it sounds like its a pretty great place. Speaking of which, how far from the kingdom are we?"

"Oh a few hours still. I wouldn't sweat it kid." Jiraiya commented, ducking under a branch. "As I said, odds are slim we'd run into any kind of patrol this far out."

"You're sure about that? As accepting as they sound, I don't like how the Queen's reply she sent you sounded." Naruto said nervously. "I'd almost say she was saying you will be fine without any challenges, but it sounded like that didn't apply to me."

Jiraiya frowned and came to a stop, eyeing his apprentice. "You do have a point. But I think you're looking into it to much. Tell you what, once we get to the Kingdom, we'll clarify with the Queen. Last thing I want is some misunderstanding and you getting us killled or worse...exiled."

"You think I'd risk death?"

"Kid, one thing you have trouble doing is keeping your mouth shut." The Old sage retorted. "Kami know's it's gotten you in a few fights. Now come on. If you want to have piece of mind you're not fair game for every woman in the village, we should keep moving. The odds of bumping into the Queen way out here in the woods is pretty low."

"And yet, you have."

Naruto and Jiraiya both lept to backwards in surprise, heads turning to the sound of a female voice, full of mirth. Jiraiya gasped and bowed to the one who spoke. Naruto on the other hand, was frozen as he looked upon what had to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. She was a few inches shorter than him, that much he could tell. She also didn't looked older than him. Hell, she looked like they might even be the same age. Her body reminded him of his sexy jutsu form though with a bust at least a size or two larger with slightly wider hips. Her green eyes were locked upon him, amusement sparkling with in them. But the feature that caught his attention the most was her long brown hair that had streaks of red. The young man simply stared, frozen before Jiraiya yanked him down.

"Keep your mouth shut kid." Jiraiya hissed, panic in his voice. "Don't say a single word until she specifically speaks to you. Unless you want a free trip to the after life."

Naruto gulped in fear and bowed like his mentor. He didn't dare stop until he was told.

"Rise, both of you." Her angelic voice commanded. Naruto didn't know what was happening or why she seemed to have the same effect on him as his sexy form did on people like Jiraiya. "It has been some time since you were last here Jiraiya."

"Queen Azumi." Jiraiya greeted respectfully. "You honor us. I admit I had not expected to cross paths with you again so soon after our arrival."

"Ah, but one should always expect the unexpected." The Queen responded, a coy smile crossing her lips. "Your daughter is very excited to see you again. You were planning to spend time with her, were you not?"

"Of course. I am looking forward to seeing her and introducing her to my Godson."

The Queen turned her gaze to Naruto, her eyes looking him over. He could see her interest as she sent him a friendly smile. The teen felt his cheeks heat up.

"Oh? And what is your Godson's name Jiraiya?" She crossed her arms over her ample chest, an eyebrow cocked in amusement. This confused Naruto as the old man had said she'd approved them to enter the area. The Sage glanced towards Naruto, his aged face showing an uneasy look before he returned his focus to the Queen.

"Queen Azumi, allow me to introduce my Godson. Namikaze Naruto. Son of Namikaze Minato, the Yodiame Hokage and son of Uzumaki Kushina, the last Princess of Uzu No Kuni." Jiraiya turned to his godson. "Naruto, this is Queen Azumi, ruler of the Kingdom of Azonia."

Seeing Jiraiya give a short nod, Naruto bowed once again. "It is an honor to meet you, your Majesty."

"Likewise, Namikaze Naruto." Queen Azumi bowed in return. "I am most pleased to finally meet you in person. You are well known in these lands."

"I am?" Naruto blinked in confusion, making the Queen laugh.

"Indeed you are. We first heard of you from the merchants in Nami no Kuni." She explained, walking around the young man. "You are hailed as a hero there. In fact, Tazuna's bridge is named in your honor."

Naruto smiled softly and felt appreciation to the old bridge builder for that. "I'm honored. But it wasn't just me that helped them out. It was all of us on Team 7."

"Very humble of you." The Queen said with appreciation. "Yet, from the tale, it was you who brought hope back to the heart of a young boy that had lost such a thing. Through him, the people of Nami no Kuni rose to face the one who would choke the land of it's wealth. You, Namikaze Naruto, reignited the one thing that can see us through the darkest of times. And that is hope."

Naruto bowed his head in thanks for her words. But apparently, she wasn't done yet. "You also did the same in regards to Queen Kazahana Koyuki in Haru no Kuni. Though perhaps you remember her as Princess Gale. Once more, you saved a people from a tyrant and restored hope for the future to them. And what of Shion? The Priestess of Oni no Kuni?"

Naruto was speechless. He hadn't really thought that even his exploits as recent as Shion had spread so far. But Azumi was not finished.

"I have an interest in you, Namikaze Naruto." She said simply, standing before him. "And I have done my research into what kind of man you are. In fact, my interest in you went as far as traveling to your village to watch your match in your chunin exams. You handled the Hyuuga boy quite impressively. And your battle with the host of the One Tailed Guardian truly showed you are a strong shinobi."

Naruto felt embarrassed at the praise and shuffled his feet awkwardly. "I-I'm just doing what I have to. But...I am proud to know how much good I've done for those I consider precious to me."

The Queen smiled and nodded before a mischievous grin appeared on her face. "Well, I'm glad to hear that. If you would be so kind Naruto...would you be willing to have a friendly sparing match? I wish to see exactly how skilled you are."

Jiraiya started to open his mouth, alarmed, before one of the guards that arrived with the Queen shook her head and placed her hand on the hilt of her weapon. Jiraiya closed his mouth and sighed. While he could take on the guards with quite a bit of effort, he would effectively condemn Naruto to death and his daughter to exile for the dishonor of interfering with a match called by the queen herself.

"Damn it!" He thought tiredly. "I thought we were well outside their hunting grounds! And now...Well, I suppose it could be a lot worse. But just what the hell are you playing at Azumi? You promised I wouldn't have to worry about any challenges. Wait...oh you little sneak."

Naruto was surprised by her request, but readily agreed. "I mean, sure. Guess you just want to make sure I'm not gonna cause any problems, right?"

"Of course." She let her cloak fall from her shoulders, making the teen go red as he could now see she really wasn't wearing much under the elegant cloak. Yeah, he'd been able to see her features when she was wearing it but now he realized she wore a very tight fitting outfit that displayed quite a bit of her cleavage. If he was honest, it reminded him of the wrap like top Tsunade wore under her green jacket. "Dear kami! Is that even long enough to be considered a skirt?! I can damn near see everything!" It seemed to take all his will power to tear his eyes away from such a sight and return his focus to the task at hand. She seemed to be enjoying his reaction to her. Naruto cleared his throat and turned serious.

"What are the rules?" He asked, causing Jiraiya's eyes to bulge. The old Sage realized what was going on though was ashamed he'd been tricked. The reason for Jiraiya's reaction was because Naruto had inadvertently turned this into a challenge. He cursed himself for not having explained how things worked here on the boat trip. The old man sighed before smirking. Well, this would be amusing to watch and he did admit that this would indeed bring the brat the happness and love that not only did he wanted but that he deserved. There was also a sense of pride knowing that he and the kid would have this in common. "Show her what you got brat!"

Azumi wore the most adorable smile Naruto had ever seen as her cheeks reddened slightly. "Anything goes. As long as it is your strength and yours alone. I can sense you carry the Nine Tailed Guardian with in you. But everything else is acceptable."

"Fair enough." Naruto agreed. "But a question before we begin. Why do you called the Fox a guardian?"

"Beat me and I'll tell you anything you want to know." Azumi smirked, settling into her proffered stance. "I do hope you're ready...Naruto-kun. Because I fight dirty. Very dirty."

Naruto blushed at how she used such a suggestive tone. "Good to know Azumi-chan. I'm known to play rather roughly and can go for hours."

"Oh is that so? I'm looking forward to putting that stamina of yours to work." She retorted, her own cheeks warming from the unexpected reply.

"Just remember. The only fair fight is the one you lose."

Azumi's gaze hardened as she tensed. "The fight goes until one of us either yields or is knocked unconscious."

With out any further words, the pair moved. Azumi started off, leaping up into a spin kick towards the blonde's head after feinting a leg sweep. Her foot connected with Naruto's jaw, but the hyperactive nin used the twist from the impact to bring his heel across and returned the favor. Both combatants landed on their feet and launched in again. Jiraiya was filled with pride as he watched his student send the Queen into a nearby tree. Not too mention his verbal jab back with a not too shabby innuendo. The fight ramped up in intensity as the pair came together in a vicious tai jutsu battle. The Queen gave a vicious grin as the fight seemed to become even more intense. The blonde man saw she had kicked it up a notch. He'd had a slight edge at first but now the odds had swung to the Queen. He narrowed his eyes and smirked. So that's how she wanted to play it.

Off to the side, the six guards and Jiraiya watched as the fight went on. The old man winced as Naruto was flug into a tree with enough force to crack it in half. His student recovered quickly and launched a flurry of strikes that seemed to catch the Queen off guard, forcing her to pull back long enough to ready a counter attack. It looked as if the two were evenly matched.

"Something's up." The nearest guard spoke. Jiraiya looked to her.

"What do you mean?"

The guards looked to each other before the nearest spoke again. "Apologies Jiraiya-sama. You see, Queen Azumi had planned to challenge your student from the start. We were merely here to ensure you'd not interfere before they started. As you know, until the first attack is initiated, the challenge can be called off."

"Which is why she wanted you to believe we'd execute you if you spoke before they started." The second spoke, bowing her head in apology. "In fact, you and your student were never in any danger from us."

"She always was one for dramatics." Jiraiya sighed, getting back to his feet now that he knew he nor Naruto would be harmed. "But she did fool me. Honestly, the Gaki couldn't ask for a better fate. I just want to know why. And what do you mean something is up?"

"Quite simply Jiraiya-sama. Queen Azumi has been holding back until a few moments ago."

"She intended to lose?" Jiraiya asked, skeptically. The guards nodded.

"She had planned to yield after letting him get the upper hand. But now she's going full out."

As if to confirm this, Azumi unleashed a flurry of attacks that sent Naruto sprawling to the ground. The Queen smirked as she pinned the blonde man, his hands above his head and his lower body straddled. "Do you yield?"

"I'm sure you love being on top of me, but that's only because I'm letting you." Naruto grinned back, really enjoying this fight. With a suddenly surge, he bucked upwards causing Azumi to gasp in surprise. That split second was all Naruto needed to get himself out of the pin and roll away from the kick aimed right at his face. Jiraiya meanwhile was becoming more and more amused at what was fast coming off as foreplay between the two.

"You said she was holding back just enough to give him a slight edge, right?"

The women nodded but looked to the Old sage as he gave a dry chuckle. "Boy is she in for a surprise. The kid never shows his full strength outside of our training sensions. Once he gauges where an opponent is, he uses just enough to ensure he wins. If she's already going full tilt then I can tell you with certainty, he's more than twice as powerful as her."

The guards were shocked to hear this but that quickly changed to excitement. This man was most definitely worthy of their queen. As the guards and Jiraiya spoke, the match was still going on. Azumi was panting as the pair took a brief pause, with Naruto also breathing heavily though no where near Azumi's state. She smiled brightly at him, wiping sweat from her brow. "Not bad Naruto-kun. I've never fought with any one that could match me."

"You're pretty good yourself, Azumi-chan." Naruto smirked. "But to be honest, I'm still holding back."

Azumi blinked in surprise. "W-what? That's not possible."

"Believe it or not, it's the truth." He cracked his neck as he readied himself to continue the fight. "I told you. I can keep this up all day."

"I really wonder if that stamina of yours translates to other activities." She asked with a seductive tone, making Naruto go red. "I do admit, I'm glad to be facing such a handsome and powerful warrior."

Naruto, in one smooth motion, deflected her fist and moved his head out of the way of her attempted surprise attack. He frowned as he leapt away from her. "Not very nice to try to trick me with a false compliment."

Azumi frowned for a moment, halting the fight for a moment as she stood before Naruto, completely relaxed as if to show him she was being sincere. "That was no false compliment Naruto-kun. I truly did mean that. I apologize if it seemed otherwise."

Naruto was taken aback and rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Um...well thank you then. I'm sorry I overreacted."

Azumi nodded with a smile that quickly went vicious as the two resumed. As the fight progressed, she realized that he really was holding back. She had originally intended to throw the fight, but having gotten a taste of his abilities, she wanted to really enjoy it and see just what he could do. She knew that she would lose. And that made her happy. She had been right and he truly lived up to and exceeded her wildest dreams. But that didn't mean she wasn't going to make him work for it. Azumi managed to pin him again, this time making sure to wrap his legs with hers in a way that meant his little bucking bronco trick wouldn't work out so well this time. She leaned close to him, barely an inch from his face, her eyes locked on his.

"Do you yield, Naruto-kun?" She breathed out, making sure to press as much of herself against him as possible, partially to show him what she has to offer though mostly as she found it endearing when he got flustered.

Naruto turned a shade of red that perfectly matched his mother's famed red hair. The young man sputtered before composing himself. She saw his sad look and felt her heart stop. No. No, he can't be about to quit. She would not allow him to take the cowards way out. She was planning to roll them both over and yield the second her back was on the ground but froze when Naruto gave a devilish grin. "Three things first Azumi-chan. One, I never give up. You're tough as hell and I'm very glad I've gotten this chance to face some one as skilled as you. Two, I never fight fair."

"And three?" She asked, a mixture of elation and confusion that he wasn't taking the cowards way out and was fighting to win.

"Shadow clones."

The Naruto she had pinned beneath her vanished in a cloud of smoke. She rose to her feet, coughing from the smoke when she felt herself swung around and pressed to the tree, not exactly roughly but it was not gently either. She felt the wind knocked out of her as her right cheek was pressed against the trunk of the tree. Jiraiya giggled pervertedly at the scene as Naruto was behind the Queen, his legs placed to keep hers spread and he had her hands above her head. Jiraiya knew that Naruto hadn't planned anything beyond basically keeping her off balance and at his mercy but the old pervert couldn't help the swell of pride for his student. Azumi was shocked. She couldn't move. Naruto was fully supporting her body and he had her hands pinned, which meant if she tried to move, she'd lose her balance. And she was very aware he was pressed right up behind her. She could feel his breath on her cheek as he whispered into her ear, he face just barely out of sight. "Do you yield?"

Azumi fought down a wave of happiness and her own arousal as she realized just what position she was in. For an Azonian Woman to be bested to this degree...add in the fact that she had been bested even after she had given her all. Naruto truly had earned this victory.

"I, Azumi, Queen of Azonia do yield to Namikaze Naruto."