KG: Hun, what's with all the food?
Wifey: I'm about to watch Rift Rivals! I don't want any disturbances!
KG: Hmmm.
Wifey: Wasn't wrong? Sad CLG isn't in it? Sad CLG didn't win in spring?
KG: Not really. Just wondering if I should play League or if I should continue to play Little Nightmares.
Wifey: You've played Little Nightmares like 6 six times already!
KG: IT'S GOOD DAMMIT!
Wifey: Sigh, whatever. You go…do whatever you do. I'm watching TSM clean house.
KG: FINE! At least my readers will appreciate me!
Music of the Week: Backroad Song by Granger Smith.
Quote: "Stay true to yourself, yet always be open to learn. Work hard, and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. These are not cliches but real tools you need no matter what you do in life to stay focused on your path," by Phillip Sweet.
Obito, Pain, and the Regent stared at the woman. She looked down upon them. Her pupil-less eyes looked over their forms. They were not beings that she was used to seeing. They had different attire when she compared them to what she was used to seeing. Her eyes narrowed. "Where is Kaguya?" She asked once again, patience wearing thin at the idea of even repeating herself twice. These three in front of her were lucky that she hadn't decided their fate just yet. She needed information and these were the closest that she got. It had been nearly a millennium since she had been freed. She was a little pissed off. For these men and their lives, she hoped they dared not try her patience.
Obito and Pain looked at the woman. Neither knew it, but the Regent had the widest smile on his face. He stared at this vision of beauty, strength, and power. How powerful were the men of old to be able to imprison such a woman as this? The Regent was trembling with fear and excitement at the very thought of these images.
Obito and Pain weren't sure of this woman's question, yet despite her regal, divine-like appearance, Obito took a step forward. Obito was not in a good mood. The three of them had wasted a lot of time trying to find this sentient blade/woman. He did not feel like being on the backend anymore. "Who is Kaguya? That said, it would be grateful if you gave your name as well. We went through great lengths to release you," Obito said. He glared at the woman in front of him.
The Regent resisted the urge to sigh. That…was not going to help his plans like he had intended. The Regent and Pain glanced up at the woman. She was silent. Her eyes stared over Obito's form. Obito found her silence rather unnerving, if irritating. "You. What is your name?" She suddenly asked. Obito raised an eyebrow, but he quickly found his voice.
"I am Uchiha Madara. If you don't wish for me to erase you from this plane of existence, then I suggest you do yourself a favor and…" Obito didn't finish. Pain and the Regent looked back at him with curiosity and caution. They watched as Obito clutched his chest through his Akatsuki cloak. Obito released mutterings of pain and discomfort. Obito coughed hard. The Regent and Pain were surprised when blood dripped from his mask through his mouth. Obito dropped to his knees and clutched his chest.
The Regent looked back and he noticed the woman slowly clenched her hand. The Regent watched her hand slowly close. It was almost as if she were strangling something that they couldn't see. The Regent looked back and he watched Obito writhe in pain and anguish. "Very well, Uchiha Madara, I shall take your heart and I will use it to feed to the Oroshī (The Dreadful). The Oroshī will take you for daring to raise your feeble concerns to my person. Understand your place you insignificant man," She said. Obito gasped for air. He couldn't focus! He couldn't use his Mangekyou to get him out of the area. His chest was in too much pain. He could feel the hard beats of his chest. He could feel powerful jaws snapping at the tubes of his arteries. Obito coughed out blood once again.
Pain frowned and he held up his hand. "Shinra...," Pain didn't get to finish his technique when the Regent held up his hand to stop him. The Regent cleared his throat and stood before the mysterious woman. "My Lady, Karura-sama. Please forgive this pathetic soul for speaking against you! Would you wish to shed blood unnecessarily if it did not fit your goals? Would a Queen eradicate her subjects for merely not knowing of her presence after so many years? I beg of you to place aside your anger against him this once. He shall not speak against you ever again, I assure you. Please reveal your benevolent nature," The Regent said. Pain glanced at the Regent and then at the woman.
She seemed to consider his offer for a moment and both heard Obito give a gasp of relief as he found himself breathing normally. Obito panted for air. Pain and the Regent noticed an ethereal being curled around Obito. Neither had noticed its presence before. It's tube-like body and firm, sharp-like teeth made it look even more menacing. Both could see blood surrounding its teeth. It hissed at them both before it vanished out of side. It was that ethereal being that had perhaps been giving Obito so much pain.
"You know my name despite us having never met. You, step before me. You and no other shall address me," She said. Pain quickly held up Obito and pulled him to the side. The Regent smirked to himself before he cleared his throat. "Truly, your benevolence as legend has come to state, My Lady Karura Otsutsuki. I regret to inform you that your sister, Kaguya Otsutsuki has been imprisoned. She had been claimed to death over the countless years," The Regent said. Karura narrowed her eyes.
"You would do well to speak not speak falsely to me. I sense Kaguya's power in nearly everyone who roams around this planet. She could not have birthed so many individuals with such chakra. Make sense!" Karura demanded. The Regent nodded. He took a moment to catch himself.
"Yes, My Lady. You see, it was about twenty years into your sealing that Kaguya bore her children, Hagoromo and Hamura Otsutsuki. There has been many genetical swapping the times you were gone. She is not here anymore, but her chakra exists within nearly all beings. I believe you can feel her more prominently in some people across this plane than others. You wish to meet with her again for her past transgressions, correct?" The Regent asked. Karura stared at him for a moment.
Karura could, indeed, sense some people in the world with chakra much more akin to Kaguya's than others. In some it was barely noticeable and in others it was so strong that it was almost alluring. Yet, Karura was confined to her bladed body. She could not move of her own accord. "You would be correct. I do seek to hold Kaguya under judgement for her betrayals. However, I am still sealed by my blade. I am unable to acquire what I need of my own accord," she said. The Regent nodded his head.
"Yes ma'am, would you do me the immense honor of wielding you before we find you a suitable host to resurrect you. That was indeed one of the ways that you could be free from your bladed body, correct? You require a chakra which is at least eighty percent similar to your own for you to inhabit the body for you to take over. With so many, we are sure to find you a host," The Regent said. Karura seemed intrigued at the prospect, but her reaction still had a stern look on her face.
"And what would you wish out of this? Whether you are aware of me or not, I find you to have nothing to gain in your assistance other than your life because I could definitely make you do so. However, I am feeling lenient. What do you want?" Karura asked. She was a woman of her word. While she might have liked it better if he merely allowed her to possess the one tending to the man who dared talk back to her, but she guessed this man's importance and didn't push bounds where she didn't need to. Just believe that she could if she were truly stretched for time.
The Regent smirked behind his mask. "Yes ma'am, what does man want from a god when the god grants him blessing? The Regent cleared his throat. "I wish for you to bear my child when your vengeance has been completed," The Regent said. Karura frowned. Pain and Obito watched silently. Obito, despite his pain, wondered just what the Regent was thinking. Both were prepared to fight the woman after that little stunt she had pulled, but they only watched her snort.
"You wish me to bear your child for my goals? Very well. I have no qualms with that. I will make it so as Karura Otsutsuki, heir to the Matriarchy of the Otsutsuki clan," She said. The Regent smirked to himself before he stood to his feet. He then held his hand into the air. "I follow my solemn vow to assist, My Lady Karura in her mission. Come to me thy bladed body, become my possession for a time, that we might welcome and open the gates of Hell," The Regent said. Soon, the light that surrounded Karura's body brightened even further. The light forced the others to squint. There was no heat from this light, but they could feel its power.
Very soon, that light dissipated. The three watched a sharp blade gently float down into the Regent's hands. The Regent felt its grip and smirked. The power of a god in the palm of his hands. He was sure that the Savior was going to be so pleased with this when he informed him. The Regent grinned. "I assume we have telepathic abilities as well?" The Regent asked. He was immensely pleased with the response. "You would be correct. Now, take me out of this unsightly place. Plus, inform me of all you know of the world and what has happened. No detail is too small," Karura said. The Regent agreed. He had no problems at all with that.
"Understood," He said. He then walked over to Obito and Pain. "Well then comrades, shall we venture off? We have work to do," The Regent said with a satisfied tone to his voice. He guided them out of the caverns, though Obito and Pain couldn't help suddenly being on edge with the addition of their...newest member.
-x-
Naruto groaned as he pushed himself away from his desk. He gave a small yawn before he pushed a stack of papers out of his way. "Ugh, this is boring dattebayo!" Naruto cried as he laid his head on his desk. In front of him were a stack of papers that needed signing. He couldn't even begin to believe this was actually happening. Since when was the clan head relegated to paperwork?
Naruto didn't remember much of it when his mother had come home. She had talked that they would have the Uzumaki ceremony in a couple of days or the end of the week, but she had decided to make Naruto the clan head for the clan effective today. Naruto remembered her saying something about the "perks" of marriage to a former clan head. Kushina had taken Naruto into the Clan Head study. Naruto didn't know what the place was meant to be, but he couldn't believe he had to be sitting in this chair actually signing off documents for the sales and distribution of the Uzumaki Clan's ink that so many members of society in the village were fighting over.
"Sheesh, so this is what Baa-chan does all day. No wonder she's bored out of her mind," Naruto said before he went back to signing. He hated that his mother forbade him from using his clones. She said something about "luxury", but Naruto hadn't entirely been focusing on that. He just wished that something would get him out of all of this work.
Naruto heard footsteps coming through one of the halls and soon came a hard knock on his door. "Oi Shithead! Open up!" Naruto heard the harpings of Tayuya. Naruto really didn't even want to answer the door. He felt like he couldn't even deal with Tayuya at the moment. Naruto now understood The Sandaime Hokage's pain. Naruto wondered if he could make a break for his window. Perhaps he could even use his portal to take him someplace far, far away for just a couple of minutes.
"OI! SHITHEAD, DID YOU FUCKING CHOKE ON THOSE PAPERS?! OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!" Naruto heard. He couldn't stop irritation from showing on his face. He crunched up some of the papers and pushed himself out of his chair.
"GOD, YOU'RE ANNOYING DATTEBAYO! JUST OPEN THE DAMN DOOR, YOU ROTTEN TOMATO!" Naruto hollered back. His door was kicked open and he saw Tayuya glaring at him with a tray in her hand. She seethed at him and Naruto seethed right back at her. Heat burned in their eyes before Tayuya slammed the tray on the desk. She then grinned and jabbed Naruto's shoulder.
"That's more like you, my shithead cousin. I don't like it quiet in here. What the fuck are you working on?" Tayuya asked. She slid a cup of hot tea to Naruto's side. Naruto couldn't resist giving Tayuya a smirk before he jabbed her in the shoulder. Yet, he took the peace offering and gave it a sip. Naruto then grabbed one of the sheets of paper.
"Just some stupid papers on our sales and some other stuff. I have to order one of the groundskeepers to clean up the land because it's getting a bit messed up. Then there is the trade that we have with the Hyuga family. Hiashi was cool enough to send me some of the Hyuga clan's famed silk threads. I have Shizune and Ebisu working on the octopus and squids they caught today. I just need Risa-obachan to to have the carriers send it out. Then there's this some other shit. I can just feel Kaa-chan laughing at me," Naruto said. He noticed Tayuya's smirk.
"Well, if I'm laughing at your ass, then I bet she is too. I just came up here to let you know that the Uchiha's cocksucker came by. She wanted to talk to you about something or other, I don't remember. Go see her, I gotta complete my own fuckin' mission report. Tell me, was that snake lady always an asshat?" Tayuya asked. Naruto shivered at the thought of Anko, but he could help finding Tayuya irritation with the woman understandable.
"At least she didn't lick your blood before she sliced your cheek with a kunai," Naruto said. Sure, he healed it, but that fuckin' hurt. Naruto could still feel that sting from the Chunin Exams. He released a breath and pushed himself away from his chair. "I would like the bitch to fuckin' try. I'll fuckin' cut off those two water balloons for tits that she's got!" Tayuya said with a snarl that made Naruto laugh.
"I'd pay to see that, dattebayo," Naruto said. Tayuya grinned and jabbed Naruto in the shoulder before leaving. She had her own cocksucking paperwork to fill out. She was not taking responsibility for what happened to the client's daughter and those snakes.
Naruto watched Tayuya leave before he stretched his legs and his arms. He then removed himself from his study. He really hoped he would be back in that room for a long time. Naruto walked through the halls and then he walked down one of the stairs which was connected to the lower floor. His feet creaked on the wood of the compound before he came into the living area. Naruto noticed Yuna looked at some of the pictures that decorated the house. Naruto had to admit, Yuna definitely shared in Sasuke's taste of clocking. Her black overcoat with that Uchiha clan symbol, her long black hair, her black T-shirt, and those black, high-heeled shinobi shoes. The girl just oozed all of Sasuke's colors and his particular mood at times.
"Yo Yuna, how's it going?" Naruto asked. Yuna turned around and she gave a slight smile. "Good evening, Shikyō-sama. I wanted to come see you a couple of days ago, but I had some other business to take care of. I heard you returned, but I heard nothing about Sasuke. How is he?" Yuna asked. Naruto resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the mention of Sasuke, but for Yuna's sake he kept his mood to himself.
"Teme's fine. Still back in the Land of Eddies. He's resting from all the fighting. He's there along with Itachi and Mikoto-san. I'm sure he'll be back with that same snarky look on his face in a couple of days," Naruto said. Yuna found the thought rather funny in her mind's view of images of Sasuke. Yet, she found that rather charming in her own way of looking at things.
"I see. Well, knowing him, he'll be moaning about not being able to leave. That's like him, but I'm glad he's alright. So, how is the newest clan head of the Uzumaki Clan doing?" Yuna asked. Naruto's expression was a true sight to her. However, he decided to correct her by pointing out another situation. "Ha ha ha, very funny. Unofficially, I'm the clan head. Officially, I'm still Uzumaki Naruto for right now," Naruto remarked. Yuna didn't seem entirely convinced, but she let it go for the time being.
"So, other than Sasuke, what did you want to talk about?" Naruto asked. Naruto noticed Yuna's face turned a tad more serious. She sat on one of the couches in the living room. Naruto noticed the way her spiritual energy fluctuated around her body. He watched the way her eyes tried to find something in the room to focus on. She finally settled on his face.
"I felt your power those weeks ago. I'm sure you know the moment I'm talking about. I actually felt the full embrace of your power in that time. It rose higher and higher before I felt consumed by it. I'm sure the Kazekage would have said the same if he was here. I'm actually surprised that the whole world hadn't felt that power, but…I also felt something…else. I'm not sure what it was, but it felt…ominous. I just wanted to know if you were alright," Yuna said.
Naruto was surprised by Yuna's words. He could still remember that feeling when he had opened that door that the Shinigami had laid in front of him. Naruto remembered opening it. Yet, he wasn't thinking about how strong he was. He hadn't been thinking about any of those things. He just remembered facing Pain, protecting everyone else, and he felt like he could accomplish anything at that time. But, Naruto also recalled that time with Mōryō. He remembered when Mōryō had been trying to suck away his spiritual essence because Naruto and the ancient dragon had been connected.
Naruto remembered fighting those other shinobi. He remembered Shion almost dying, but he didn't remember much after that. His had been heavy and his mind had been in a haze. When he had awoken he had no memory of doing some of the things that Shion had said he did. "Yo Mōryō do you remember feeling anything?" Naruto asked. The large demon dragon swirled its multiple heads around. Its body gleamed with the bright light of Naruto's honshou. Its eyes roamed around.
"I had felt a couple of things during that connection. Naruto, there is a darkness there in you. It was what I had used to siphon power from you while we were in vicinity with each other. You had an irresistible darkness that made me want to take you over. What a success that was, I guess. However yes, there is something there in you. I actually still feel it, but it hasn't been active as of late," Mōryō said. Naruto did not have a lot of confidence in those words.
"'What about you Kyuubi? You and I have known each other the most," Naruto said. Kyuubi cracked open one of his eyes and stood on his legs. "You are human, Naruto. You have darkness just like anyone else. I have seen and felt your darkness many times. I have manipulated you around that darkness many times whether you were aware or not. You are indeed a good brat. However, it's because you are good that your darkness is much more dangerous. When you get upset, or angry, or you feel vengeful, your darkness will be so heavy that you might not be able to control it. Though, I imagine that would be the case if you didn't have me," Kyuubi said. Naruto's face tightened. He wondered what that meant, but he didn't know what he could say about it.
Naruto turned back to Yuna. She sat on the couch, waiting for him patiently. "How did you know that and why think I have to know about this?" Naruto asked. Yuna didn't know why, but Naruto felt a tad more…intimidating than a couple of minutes ago. Then again, Yuna did just tell him something that might have been a little disturbing, but she wasn't sure why his spiritual energy just felt tight suddenly.
"Because, I…I've been feeling stronger lately. I realized it in my last mission. I still remember when I was working with the patrol about four days ago. How…How much do you think I can lift?" Yuna asked. Naruto looked at Yuna's body. She wasn't overly muscular and he was sure that she didn't have Sakura nor Tsunade's level of strength. Hell, he doubted even most people had that level of strength.
"Erm, I dunno I guess since you can lift 90 pounds or something like that?" Naruto asked. Yuna released a breath and tapped her legs with her hands a couple of time. Yuna then turned her gaze back to Naruto. Naruto noticed how concerned Yuna looked.
"There was an incident a couple of days ago. Some children decided to take one of the horse carriages for a ride. Don't ask how they got away with that setup, but it was barreling down the street with the kids inside. This happened while you and the others were dealing with your mission. I had been move civilians out of the way. One person didn't move fast enough. So, I had to put myself between them and the carriage. Shikyō-sama, I will never forget the looks of the public's face when they saw what I had done. I stopped a speeding carriage that was perhaps over a thousand pounds with one hand. Shikyō-sama, that…should not happen. For someone like Hokage-sama, or Sakura-san maybe, but not me. I haven't met with anyone for a couple of days. Look!" Yuna said and Naruto gawked as Yuna lifted up the couch in their living room with one arm.
"Sasuke, you better not piss off your Yuna," Naruto thought to himself, but he then straightened his mind out. He couldn't believe he was actually seeing Yuna lift up their couch. Naruto didn't recall making anyone stronger or if he even could do that. Naruto did remember hearing from Sanbi about how hard Yuri had fought for him. Yuri had apparently gotten stronger too, but it was a power that not even Sanbi was able to identify.
"You're saying I made you guys do this?" Naruto asked. Yuna slowly placed the couch down and gave Naruto her agreement with a shake of her head. "Yes, I believe it was around that time. It lines up with the time that I felt you near the Land of Rock," Yuna said. Naruto folded his arms and tried to figure some of this out. If it was true that the others were getting stronger just from being close to him then he wondered if anything else was going to happen. Naruto did remember these things happening to the Kyuubi. He was no longer the big red furball that Naruto had known. No, he was now a glowing white-haired furball.
Yuna noticed how hard Naruto was thinking on the current predicament and she hoped to offer some words of clarity. She hadn't meant that this was necessarily a terrible thing. Yuna felt confident in her new strength. She was immensely pleased with her capabilities. Uchiha were not naturally gifted individuals in terms of immense physical strength like perhaps the Akimichi, but their physical prowess was nearly second to none. Yuna would have to say that perhaps the Uzumaki had the most physical prowess of any clan. Sure, they had no ocular dojutsu, or flashy kekkai genkai, but that supernatural lifeforce, known of Fūinjutsu, ungodly levels of chakra, unbreakable chakra coils were all traits that no other dojutsu could truly accommodate for. There was a reason Konoha had such an influx of income which was directed towards the Uzumaki clan's business of ink. Perhaps Yuna was getting off point. In her mind, she wasn't about to turn away this sudden increase in physical prowess from Naruto.
However, she could tell Naruto these things before both heard the door open. Naruto noticed Kushina and Yuri come through the door with a couple of bags in their hands. Naruto also noticed how beaten up Yuri looked. Kushina took note of Naruto and Yuna's faces. "I have a feeling we interrupted something, Yuri," Kushina said. Yuri brushed a hand over her face.
"Yo, Yuna-chan! I didn't know you came over!" Yuri said. Yuna gave a chuckle and gave Yuri a greeting as well. "Hai, I was just speaking with Shikyō-sama about some things. On the other hand, you look like you were put through the rigger. What happened to you?" Yuna asked. Yuri snickered sheepishly as she looked at her torn clothing.
"Yeah, I was busy training for the chunin exams. Kushina-san really liked to kick my ass through the afternoon, but I'm so gonna kick ass at the Chunin Exams!" Yuri replied. Kushina gave Naruto a look. She wondered if that was how Naruto had acted when his first Chunin Exam had started.
"Though you're still supposed to be recuperating from the mission. The fact that I'm training you at all is going to get the doctor mad at us," Kushina said. Yuri gave a cheeky grin and waved it off. She then passed Naruto with a kiss to his lips and went to go put the bags away. A shower sounded very good to her.
"So, what were the two of you discussing?" Kushina asked. Naruto and Yuna shared a look that Kushina didn't necessarily like. So, Kushina quickly left to set the groceries down and turned to the living room. Needless to say, but Kushina was rather surprised at the topic at hand which had been going on between Naruto and Yuna.
Kushina sat on the couch and looked it over. "So, you think Naruto's making everyone around him stronger through his aura?" Kushina asked. Yuna quickly made an agreement to that claim. Kushina then turned to look at her son. Nothing about Naruto seemed out of the ordinary…well, not on the surface anyway.
"Hai, I do believe so. I don't think its everyone. I just think its people who have been around him for prolonged periods of time. I'm sure if I could see Sasuke or Mikoto-san then I would be able to see the signs in them as well. I don't believe this is a bad thing. I just fear that if we're not aware of it then everyone's going to be in for a surprise once they figure out what I did as well," Yuna replied. Naruto turned to Kushina
"I could just bring it up to Shin. Kushina and I are going to that meeting in a day or two. I could see what's going on. If anyone's got answers then it's going to be Shin," Naruto said. Kushina and Yuna really liked that suggestion. Kushina agreed with Naruto's choice.
"Kushina-san, have you not noticed yourself getting stronger?" Yuna asked. Kushina seemed surprised at her mention. She hadn't felt any different. Kushina tested out her body with a couple of stretches and a few flexes of her muscles. She didn't feel any of this power that Yuna was talking about. Granted, Kushina's view of this situation was a little unreliable since she spent the most time with Naruto and she was sure that she would be spending A LOT more time with him as his soon-to-be wife. Kushina couldn't help the mentally smirk at the thought. Kushina couldn't believe that she was actually making wedding arrangements with her own son. She wondered how her past self would view her present self right now. Probably not well, but Kushina wasn't too concerned about that. Just a sample curiosity.
"I can't say that I have. I still feel like myself, but I will make sure to keep an eye on the team. We have actually got a rather good medical facility on Uzushiogakure and we can have them work for later on in their recovery. I'll send out a messenger bird in the week. I'm sure Kakashi, Sasuke, or Yugao can take control of the situation.
"Yeah, that sounds good. Yuna can also keep us up on any changes if she feels it's worth mentioning," Naruto answered. Kushina and Yuna agreed. No one had anything else to speak about. As for her, seeing that her point was made, Yuna walked for the door. Yuna opened the door and she was surprised to see Sakura Haruno in front of the door.
Sakura and Yuna gave each other a frown. Yuna said no words. She just walked down the steps of the compound and passed Naruto's former teammate. "If you go in there and cause trouble. I will make you regret it!" Yuna said. She then gave a flip of her long, black hair before she continued off. Sakura gave Yuna a harsh glare as she heard Yuna's sandals kick off the dirt of the ground. Sakura gave a snort before she walked up to the door. Sakura banged on the door.
The door opened, and Sakura noticed Kushina standing in front of her. "Ah Sakura, how can I help you?" Kushina asked, a polite, yet armed smile on her face. Sakura gently bowed. "Good afternoon, Kushina-san. I came here to see Naruto. I heard he's back in the village?" Sakura asked. Kushina raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Naruto-kun's home. What did you want to see him about?" Kushina asked. Sakura gave a nervous laugh Kushina had noticed. Kushina wasn't stupid. Of course her words to Koharu would have sparked up everything. Kushina never did like Koharu growing up. The woman just couldn't let things go at times. Kushina stared at Sakura as she spoke.
"I just want to dispel some rumors going around about him, that's all," Sakura said. Kushina hoped that Tsunade would teach Sakura how to lie better as well. This girl really was way too jumpy to lie to Kushina correctly. Yet, Kushina didn't turn Sakura away. She was sure that Naruto could handle it. Kushina pushed open the door.
"You can find Naruto-kun at the backyard to the left. He should be helping Shizune-san and Ebisu-san currently. Try to be careful. They're handling some of our supplies of ink along with some of the other workers we've hired. I don't want to hear any complaints. Naruto, while not on paper, is in the process of becoming the Uzumaki clan head. Just keep that in mind, dattebane!" Kushina said before she walked off.
Sakura walked into the house. She walked around and she found herself a little turned around at times, but she finally made it to the backyard. Sakura had never had the chance to actually look at the back of the Uzumaki Compound, but it was really beautiful. She actually wondered when this place had gotten so big. The last time she had been over here it had just been a house. Now there were storerooms, garden houses, training areas, walkways and pathways, there were even a couple of shops. Sakura was sure that there weren't THAT many members of the Uzumaki clan. She almost thought she could mistake them for the Hyuga, or the Uchiha.
Sakura heard talking and she noticed a number of people surrounding a river. "Good, now put that over there!" Sakura heard Naruto shout. Sakura saw Shizune and Ebisu covered in ink with baskets of the black liquid filled to the brim. Naruto, Risa, and Yura were seen guiding people around. Sakura saw Yura drawing some unidentifiable seals on her own hands, but Sakura then turned to face Naruto. She frowned, but she watched him work. It was about time he learned some responsibility.
"Naruto!" Sakura called. Everyone stopped their work for a second. Yura and Risa seemed surprised to see Naruto's former teammate in the compound. Naruto gave her a glance. "Yo Sakura, what's up? Sorry, we're a little busy right now," Naruto said.
"Sorry Naruto, but this is important. I have to talk to you. It's about some rumors floating around that I want to get to the bottom of," Sakura said. Naruto raised an eyebrow. The firmness in Sakura's eyes made him give pause. Naruto felt he had a feeling what this might have been about. Honestly, he knew it was something he would have had to deal with eventually. Naruto wasn't expecting Sakura to be happy for him. He was honestly expecting NO ONE to be happy for him with what he was doing, but it was his decision and Naruto was going to see it through. It didn't matter what anyone else thought to him. Naruto had lived his life caring about what people thought of him, forgive Naruto if he was going to be a bit selfish this once.
"Fine, Sakura. Just for you," Naruto said. He turned around and clapped his hands getting everyone's attention. "I'll be gone for a few minutes! Make sure you all follow instructions. Also Shizune-neechan, Ero-oji, don't you both drop those caskets! You're both still being punished! Keep standing! I'll be watching!" Naruto said. Shizune and Ebisu sighed as they continued to hold heavy caskets above their heads. Neither Shizune nor Ebisu liked this, but did not question their punishment.
Meanwhile, Naruto and Sakura made it to a secluded part of the forested area. Naruto released a sigh and ducked his head as a punch from Sakura went sailing over him. Sakura slammed her fist into a tree which effectively knocked it over. It gave a might crash and kicked up some dust. Naruto was not amused for once. "What the hell was that for?" Naruto asked. He saw Sakura shaking her fist angrily, or maybe she was just being Sakura. He didn't know.
"I thought you had matured since you came back to the village, but you're still pulling these stupid pranks! This isn't even a good one! It's just sick, Naruto. Now tell Tsunade-sama you were just kidding about marrying your own mother! Sometimes you take your jokes too far! That's so disgusting!" Sakura said. Naruto's face straightened. He then stood straight up. He watched Sakura rant off. Naruto sighed.
"It was no joke, Sakura. It's also none of your business what I do," Naruto said. Sakura stalled in her rant. She turned to Naruto in utter shock. Sakura tried to wrap her mind around what Naruto had just said to her. It didn't make her happy. "Naruto, have you lost what little mind you've got? This is your mother you're talking about here!" Sakura said. Naruto wasn't fazed.
"And?" Naruto asked. Sakura stuttered for a moment. Naruto waited for his former teammate to make her point. "That's sick, Naruto! Do you even know what will happen if you go through with this? People are going to be disgusted with you! This will hurt your chances of being Hokage! This…this is so damn immoral! No village is going to what a Kage like that!" Sakura panted.
Naruto rolled his eyes and that wasn't a sight that Sakura wanted to look at. "Okay, fine, say you marry her! The thought is revolting on its own! But have you ever thought about your kids? Not even you would want to make your kids suffer through their genetics! Plus, the scrutiny! They will be ostracized! I can't believe I'm hearing this!" Sakura said. Naruto sighed.
"Uzumaki DNA, Sakura, is more concentrated that regular DNA. I can't think of all that complicated science stuff, but I know the general stuff. You're right, no matter how concentrated our DNA is there is always a chance that it can be corrupted. That is just how humans are made. If our DNA was perfect then we would be able to withstand any illness that came at all. I can't do that, but you are forgetting one thing. It's chakra and that is one of the reasons why that happens. Karin told me that." Naruto paused. Sakura waited for him to speak.
"There is not a single bit of chakra in my body anymore, Sakura. As for me being ostracized by society, I think you've forgotten that I have ALWAYS been ostracized by Konoha. I've even been ostracized by you," Naruto said. Sakura widened her eyes at this accusation. Naruto could tell her had caught her off guard. Naruto tightened his gaze.
"Yeah, you didn't know or you weren't aware of it yourself, but you've done that to me more times that I can count Sakura. Times when we weren't even a team yet. You, of all people, don't get to lecture me about my morality Sakura. Now if you're done. I have work to do," Naruto replied. He walked past Sakura and made his way back to the others. The leather from Sakura's gloves tightened from the way she clenched her hands.
"Is that what this is about? Because I didn't give you your damn dates? Because I hit you? You would risk your whole future just to get back at me?" Sakura asked. Naruto paused in his step. Sakura took that chance that she saw. "Fine, I'll go on a date with you! But if you just wanted a girl that badly then why didn't you ever look at Hinata? She's been absolutely crazy about you for years!" Sakura claimed.
Now that surprised Naruto. Naruto admitted he never really looked at Hinata. She was always so quiet. Then again, that might have also explained why she was so nice to Naruto. Naruto did recall that Hinata did things for him that almost none of the others did. Yet, she never told him anything. Granted, Naruto did wonder. Would he have chosen Hinata if he didn't have the current feelings that he did? Naruto wasn't sure. "Okay, Sakura, let's say you're right, that Hinata likes me, it's too late for that. Hinata was never outward about her interest in me like the other girls, including you, were with Sasuke," Naruto said. Sakura stalled.
"So that means you don't care about how she feels?!" Sakura asked. Sakura saw the ground crack beneath Naruto's feet. The air suddenly grew heavy. Sakura noticed some of the green trees and grass around the area slowly start to whither and die. The life in their green leaves grew brown and started to snap to the ground. Naruto turned around and Sakura shivered when her friend faced her, his eyes took on a silver color from their regular blue.
"I. Am. Not. A. Mind Reader! I'm not a part of the Yamanaka clan, Sakura. I never will be. Do you know what that means? I need to be TOLD things! I grew up not having real experiences with affection! My ideas of affection were pretty damn warped, I'll admit that. I'll call it now, I'm dense. I feel like that was the only accurate judgement you've EVER made about me. I didn't notice the subtle things which, as a shinobi, is unacceptable, but don't you dare put Hinata's lack of initiative on me for not noticing," Naruto shot back. Naruto turned around and was ready to walk away, but he gave one more pause when a thought came into his head.
"As for that date, despite what you might think Sakura my entire world doesn't revolve around you and what you think. I have three of the most amazing women at my side. Three women who love me and I love them. I don't need a date with you to be happy like I originally thought. Now, if you're done I should get back to work. You can see yourself out of the Uzumaki Compound, Sakura," Naruto said. Sakura was at a loss for words while she watched Naruto leave. Sakura took in a deep breath and sighed. She watched Naruto leave. She had no words left and it seemed that Naruto wasn't going to listen to anymore of her reasons. Sakura just frowned and turned to leave. She was going to make Naruto see reason, one way or the other.
Meanwhile, Naruto returned to the rest of the group. He noticed Shizune and Ebisu still holding the caskets filled with ink. Naruto gave a slow nod. He then turned and he noticed Yura covered in ink. Yura gave Naruto a smile and tried to shake most of the ink. "Messy business, isn't it?" Yuri asked. Naruto chuckled before he walked up to Yura. Yes, he loved these ladies. Kushina, Yuri, Yura were all Naruto needed. He had the loves of his life. He would do anything he could to protect them.
Naruto couldn't stop himself from wrapping his arms around Yura. Yura gasped as suddenly all eyes were on them. "N-Nii-san, what are you…Mmph!" Yura felt her breath leave her body as Naruto sealed her lips with his own. Yura's eyes glossed over the pleasant feeling. Naruto even caressed her back and bent them over. Yura could feel the pressure of his chest on her own and she couldn't resist gently touching his cheek. She was surprised Naruto didn't mind the ink on her face, but the way he gently showcased his affection for her.
Naruto and Yura's lips smacked away from each other and Yura couldn't stop the blissful sigh that rocked her body. Naruto pulled her and himself up. "I love you, Yura-chan. Now and forever, dattebayo!" Naruto said before letting her go. Yura couldn't even find the words to reply to Naruto. She honestly wanted to sit down because she felt like her legs were going to fail her at the moment.
Naruto smiled at her before he turned around. He noticed people looking at them in utter shock. "You want ink in your mouths?! Get back to work!" Naruto called to everyone. People gasped and got back to work. Naruto smiled as he felt the sun on his face. Maybe he would talk with Hinata about those events that Sakura spoke of, but that wasn't Naruto now. Naruto, now, had a future with three lovely Uzumaki females. He wouldn't trade that for anything.
-x-
Night fell over Konoha. All the work that Naruto and the others had done had been laid to rest. However, within the Uzumaki Compound, Naruto and Kushina were given no sleep. Naruto and Kushina dressed in their Hinoken garbs. Naruto strapped his sword to his back and Kushina did the same. "Ready?" Naruto asked. Kushina gave a nod. Naruto gave a small nod as well.
Naruto and Kushina walked out of the house. It was in the dead of night so most in the Uzumaki Compound were resting for the next day's events. The only one not at home was probably Yukimaru as he was out with his team. Naruto hoped Yukimaru was alright. Perhaps Naruto was just having C-rank mission jitters for Yukimaru. Uzumaki luck was kind of scary that way.
Anyway, Naruto and Kushina stepped outside. All of the workers had gone home which left them in front of the house. Naruto closed his eyes. "Alright Shin, we're ready!" Naruto said, making sure that the Shinigami had heard him. The two stayed in the field for a moment. The soft night air was flowing peacefully.
"Very well. Stand still and close your eyes," The Shinigami said. Naruto and Kushina were confused on this order, but both did as they were told. Naruto closed his eyes and so did Kushina. Darkness was their field of vision. Neither could see it, but they could feel the Shinigami standing…floating behind them. His yellow, demonic eyes stared at the two Uzumaki members. His long, jagged teeth sat menacingly in his mouth, ready to consume any soul he could find.
The Shinigami grabbed his robe and opened it. Inside of that robe laid the countless souls of the ruined who dared make their contracts with him, betrayed him, or even angered him. Their cries and screams filled Naruto and Kushina's ears, but they stayed still and kept their eyes closed. The Shinigami wrapped the two in his robes and without a word the three were gone from their regular plane of existence. There was no trace of them to be found.
"You may open your eyes now," The Shinigami said. Naruto and Kushina opened their eyes. In front of them was a massive temple. It was one that neither had ever seen before in their life. The temple was very tall, surrounding it were five massive pillars of flame. Two were at the back, two were at the front, in that case behind them at the bottom of a massive staircase, and one was on the very top of the temple. All of them burned brightly. Naruto looked up at the entrance of this massive temple. There was a symbol that Naruto couldn't identify.
"Shin, what is this place?" Naruto asked. Kushina seemed interested in the answer to this question as well. Unfortunately, the Shinigami did not answer them, at least not in the way that they hoped. "I cannot tell you the name of this place. Even if I chose to, you would never find this place. It exists beyond a realm of your understanding. Uzumaki Naruto, you said you trusted me before, correct?" The Shinigami asked. Naruto narrowed his eyes. He turned towards his summon. Kushina stared at the two and Naruto chose to answer.
"Hai, you've never steered me wrong before, Shin. I know you won't start now," Naruto said. The God of Death nodded as he looked up at the temple. "Then do not speak. Do not ask questions during this meeting. Merely listen, observe, and make your own thoughts. Allow me to handle all potential matters. You have definitely grown and I am very proud to have offered you my contract, but learn to curb your anger and your hatred. These are not beings that you can contend with, yet." The Shinigami said powerfully.
Naruto swallowed a hard lump in his throat, but he nodded. He verbally promised that he would allow Shin to handle all the matters, though Naruto was not sure what matters they were. Yet, Naruto couldn't help but worry. Still, Shin always had a knack for those stupid proverbs or vague lessons. The Shinigami nodded. He then turned to Kushina. "You chose to be designated as his valve. Limit the output of his spiritual energy. As much as you can will be helpful," The Shinigami said. Kushina agreed as well. The Shinigami nodded. He then grabbed their wrists. Their skin burned for a moment, but they noticed an odd symbol on it. Naruto glanced back at the temple and noticed that the symbol on their wrist was the same as it was on the temple.
"This symbol will keep you safe. You will also be masked by its power assuming you can keep your power in check. I do understand you are both confused, but you must be confused and trust in my judgment." He said. Naruto frowned as did Kushina. Doubt was heavily in their minds, but both remembered how amazing the Shinigami had been to them. Both couldn't believe how much their lives had been changed by the God of Death. Nothing that they had currently could not have been done without the God of Death, and they remembered that. Naruto agreed and so did Kushina.
"Good. Let's go inside. Stick close to me and do not wander off. There are other beings here besides you," The Shinigami said, ominously. Naruto and Kushina followed after the spirit and into the temple. Once they were inside, Naruto had to hand it to whoever designed the place. They would have loved the Uchiha clan because there was fire everywhere. The floor that they stepped on was an odd material. Naruto wondered if it was marble, but he wasn't sure. It looked a lot sturdier than that. He also couldn't identify the columns that supported the temple. Yet, he and Kushina could see large bowls of iron filled with fire-burning ashes. The snap and crack of the flames resounded in their ears.
Naruto and Kushina didn't tarry behind the Shinigami. They kept moving. Naruto didn't know how long they had been walking in this temple, but they soon came to a door. The door was colored in dark material along with small sparkles of gems never seen by Naruto and Kushina's eyes. The Shinigami turned to them one last time. Naruto stared into the spirit's eyes. Naruto gave one last firm nod and the Shinigami opened the door.
Naruto and Kushina widened their eyes as there sat a large table in the middle of a massive room. Naruto and Kushina noticed about four or five people sitting around that table with one vacancy. Two or three women and two male…Naruto assumed. "You are both relieved. Sit," The Shinigami said a little coldly, Naruto noticed. All eyes were on them, even the occupants at the table. Naruto grabbed Kushina's hand. Both bowed to the Shinigami and made their way up another flight of stairs towards some seats where other beings sat. Neither said a word.
The Shinigami kept his eyes on the five beings at the table. His eyes flared with annoyance at their faces. He gave a small glance to the left and he noticed Naruto and Kushina take a seat apart from everyone else. He then turned back to the others. "Wow, I wasn't actually expecting you to show up," Amaterasu said. Light engulfed the Shinigami. Naruto and Kushina squinted their eyes for a moment, but the light didn't stay for very long, only a couple of seconds. Once the light dissipated, Naruto and Kushina were surprised to no longer see the spectral form that they had seen all their life. No, now they noticed a rather youngish man. He still retained his long white hair, and those strange demonic horns on his head. Yet, both noticed the soulless look in his eyes. Not a single pupil could be seen in them. Naruto noticed how his bangs slide down the side of his face.
He was wearing some dark pants, a light full-length kimono. Naruto and Kushina noticed six black magatama surrounding his high collar of his kimono. Both also noticed the blade on his left hip. Naruto wondered if that was the same blade that he had kept with him for so many times that Naruto had seen. "He's…so different," Naruto thought to himself. He was not sure what to make of this new…appearance. Yet, Naruto and Kushina continued to listen without disruption.
Shin looked over all of his siblings. He noticed Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, Susanoo, and…Jashin. He also noticed their mother…Kami sitting at the head of the table. The Shinigami softened his gaze at the sight of his mother. It truly had been too long since he gazed on her beauty.
"Do not flatter yourself, Amaterasu." The Shinigami said before he walked around the table. He passed everyone at the table before the Shinigami stood before Kami. Naruto and Kushina watched him hold the lovely, white-haired woman's hand. He then kissed it. "You are still beautiful as ever, mother." The Shinigami said. Kami smiled at his affection.
"You have done very well for yourself, son. How long has it been since I have seen you without your divine form?" She asked. The Shinigami merely kissed her hands once more. "Too Long I fear," Shin said. He then stood up and walked over to one of the open chairs. He didn't give anyone else a fraction of his attention. He sat in his own space. The God of Death tapped the table for a couple of seconds.
"Alright, you brought me here, Amaterasu. What matter could be so important that it would require my attention. Granted, seeing mother's face is always a pleasant feeling, seeing the rest of you wastes more of my time. Speak," Shin said. Naruto and Kushina found themselves surprised at his irritated tone. Naruto had never known his own summon to be irritated. This was Naruto's first time hear the disdain leak out of Shin's voice.
"Watch it, little brother. A portion of this meeting is about your own incompetence as well. You're actually like that Fujin, Suijin, and Raijin couldn't attend to the meeting. They all had something to say about the things you've been up to," Tsukuyomi said. Naruto noticed the woman had amazing silver hair. It kind of reminded him of his mother's hair when she had tried using that mode that Naruto had been learning as well.
"Hmph, don't act like you've ever valued those three and their opinions, Tsukuyomi. So how is the protection of that tomb going?" the Shinigami asked. Tsukuyomi gave Shin a heated glare, but she didn't rise to his taunt. She just folded her arms and decided to let him speak his mind for now.
"Right, well I don't care about all of your concerns! Hurry on with the meeting. I have other things to do than be around you lot," Susanoo called. Naruto noticed a dark-haired man which matched up with his black eyes. Naruto just watched Kami sighed to herself. It was really embarrassing to have your own children act like this in front of you. Naruto and Kushina gave another silent glance at each other. Their restriction to speak still solid in their minds. All they had were their thoughts on the matter.
Naruto was confused as to this meeting of the gods that he was watching. Naruto had never been…that into religion or anything dealing with the gods, but he could say that he had never expected these guys to act so…human-like? Naruto didn't know what he had been expecting, but this constant bickering of siblings wasn't it. Still, Naruto wondered why Shin felt the need for Naruto to be here. There wasn't even a lesson Naruto thought to have here. At the very least, Naruto assumed he was supposed to be looking for something else than what was in front of him.
"Heh, what's wrong Susanoo? Don't tell me you're still upset about that mortal my followers killed. I told you it was an accident. How was I supposed to know she was carrying your child? I mean, that's taboo anyway so it works out for you not to have to deal with the consequences, doesn't it? Imagine if Kushinadahime found out," Naruto heard another say. A mop of red hair covered a man's head. Naruto frowned when he saw the near maddening smirk on the man's face. Everything about the man's posture angered Naruto for an odd reason. This…god in front of him, Naruto did not like him.
Kushina turned a gaze to her son. She could feel his anger rising. His energy rose in portion to that anger. Kushina gently placed a hand on her soon-to-be fiancé, calming him. She relegated as much of his power as she could through her back and back into his own unwilling to lit it spill out into the atmosphere. Kushina wondered if this was what the Shinigami by her being here. She was so full of Naruto's energy. This would be a battle continually for her to help her son.
Everyone in the room shivered as they felt a blast of energy. The table creaked and Naruto stilled at the sheer amount of power and pressure that rolled off Susanoo's body. Naruto wasn't sure why his body froze the way it did. He couldn't even move. All the anger than had accumulated in his body had quickly began to diminish itself in the presence of this immeasurable source of strength. All of the opponents Naruto had ever fought, even the Akatsuki leader, Pain, paled in comparison.
"Watch yourself, Jashin. The only reason you even have followers is because of the smile I had on my face when I saw a certain god's little toy rip the soul out of one of your most devoted followers. Yeah, I was watching that scene. That Hidan bastard makes a really interesting scream when he got his soul ripped out," Susanoo said, a challenging smirk on his face. Surprise, for anyone looking, was easy to spot on Naruto's face when he saw the scowl on the face of the God of Destruction and Hatred. Even Kushina could not hold her surprise at seeing the god of the Jashinist that her son had dealt with. The same god of the man who killed Asuma Sarutobi. Naruto's anger returned, unthwarted by Susanoo's power. He fought to control his breathing and he was thankful that Kushina was helping him with that.
Jashin said nothing towards the slight against him, but it was easy to see his irritation, his anger, and his madness in that corrupted smile on his face. Susanoo just snorted and glanced back to the others. "Now then, since I have said enough to the problem child, how about we resume this meeting?" Susanoo asked. Amaterasu nodded as well. She was wondering when the kids would stop with their insults. The other minor gods watching, along with Naruto and Kushina, watched as Amaterasu stood to her feet.
"Well said, Susanoo. Very well then, we have three things to discuss with each other. The first matter, which is something we all feel needs addressing, is a certain little brother neglecting his duties as where assigned to him. Namely in the taking of one particular soul which has continued to escalate the scales in the realms of living and death. Namely, Shinigami, your apparent closeness and involvement in mortal affairs via the human, Uzumaki Naruto. This topic will now be discussed," Amaterasu said.
When attention wasn't on him initially, Shin gave Naruto a side glance. He found the stupefied look on Naruto's face humorous even for someone like him. "Yes, Naruto you must understand that there would be discussions about this and that you would be discussed. Pay attention and observe. This is how gods conduct themselves." Shin said before he gave his full attention to the meeting. He noticed all eyes were on him and the Shinigami raised his robed arms and folded them.
"Shinigami, you have refused to take the soul of Uzumaki Naruto, despite the fact that his connection to The Realm has run out entirely, yet he still walks the plane of existence. Explain yourself," came the voice from Tsukuyomi, who seemed mighty displeased with the situation. To his own credit, Shin was hardly fazed by her displeasure nor did he care about it either way. He merely sat in his chair, allowing Tsukuyomi to get angrier and angrier. Naruto had no idea what Shin's goal was, but he couldn't deny that he found the God of Death's uncaring approach to be funny as hell.
"My actions do not need to be explained to any of you. All you need to know is that I have invested interest in Uzumaki Naruto. It is an interest that warrants him staying alive. Besides, I currently have him on some assignments for me fixing some of YOUR problems. I don't think I have to explain to anyone why there are certain…mortals who have learned how to live without that energy source that most of the planet works off of," The Shinigami said. Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo were silent for a moment. Naruto could see the look of irritation on Tsukuyomi's face. Naruto wondered if Shin was referring to those guys he and the others had fought a little while ago. Naruto didn't have the full luxury of ripping that bastard Regent's soul from his body. Yet, he had escaped and Naruto didn't know where to.
"In case you've forgotten, we do not directly engage with mortals! You, in your role, are the very limit of that restriction!" Tsukuyomi said. The room was still as the sound of laughter filled its halls. The laughter was rough, dark, and a little…hollow-ish? Naruto and Kushina watched the Shinigami laugh in amusement of Tsukuyomi's comment. Even Jashin was kind of weirded out by the action.
"Honestly, Tsukuyomi you are the absolute last one who would dare lecture ME about engaging with mortals! Jashin has granted his most loyal followers freedom from my reign which I will not allow, Susanoo continues to have his ridiculous affairs with mortal women. 'We don't interact with mortals', or Tsukuyomi do you not remember appearing before a certain Sage assisting in the sealing of a certain proclaimed 'Rabbit Goddess.' No, let me assume that this was the sole exception towards the rule correct? Heh, if I recall you still keep watch on the civilization up there, correct?" The Shinigami asked.
From their seats, Naruto turned to Kushina. Kushina could see the unspoken question forming in Naruto's mind. Neither was aware of a so-called Rabbit Goddess and what made her so dangerous than a god had to get involved with them to try to seal her away. Even more, what did Shin mean about a civilization? Naruto wondered if this was so much more than he was aware of. He couldn't understand it. Those stupid science classes had taught him that there was no life on the moon that they were aware of. Naruto wondered if Shion or any of the scrolls from the temple could help. It had been a while since Naruto saw Shion.
"That is not the problem here and you know it. The Realm has been distorted due to Uzumaki Naruto's tampering with the Life Pool. Just his actions alone have rewritten destiny. Never mind that even when he was alive BEFORE your meddling his body was even more in tune with the Life Pool. He needed to die. Yet, you in your selfishness have continued this problem!" Susanoo said. Naruto had no idea what a Life Pool was either. So many terms went through his head as to what that could be, but the fact that even these…gods claimed Naruto needed to die because of his affinity to this…pool was worrying.
"You all seem to realize that our mother saw fit to not connect me to the Life Pool like the rest of you. Given my role in our wonderful structure of our…divinity, I do not need to be connected to Life Pool like the rest of you. You four and the others have always been afraid of change, just like mortals. I have dealt with change all of my existence. You fear the chance I am invoking in Uzumaki Naruto and you should. What I will have Uzumaki Naruto accomplish while break everything we know. How do I know? Because all my existence I know one thing, those who have chosen to stare at death and shout back at it…have led the most amazing and world-breaking lives. I will not change my decision on this matter regarding Uzumaki Naruto. You can attempt as you like to mess with him, but I am the final arbiter in whether he truly lives or dies. He will continue to live as I have him," The Shinigami said, having said his piece.
The entire room was met with silence. Naruto was stunned at the Shinigami's proclamations. Kushina couldn't help looking at Naruto under new observations. She would have to keep a close eye on her future spouse from now on. No one, mortal or god, ever made claims like that and didn't back them up. Kushina wondered what Naruto would be accomplishing, but she couldn't stop this swell of pride that blossomed in her chest. Kushina always felt Naruto was special, both as his lover and as his mother, and now a god was acknowledging that specialness as well.
Kami didn't speak. She couldn't recall seeing her youngest son ever enthusiastically speak about a mortal before. Kami had seen everything Naruto had performed. He was an interesting young man. He definitely had a life of hardship, but Kami saw that this is what slowly forged him into a man capable of granting the interest of a god. Kami couldn't help looking into the stands. She eyed the two members on the side. Kami didn't know when the Shinigami got so bold, but this wasn't her meeting. She was just the mediator. If the rest of her children couldn't see through that little trick then obviously they still had much to learn. There was a reason Shinigami was her favorite son, even if he was most of the time a loner.
Kami brought her attention back to her children just in time to see Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu trying so hard for Shinigami to see their 'reasons' about this. Kami couldn't deny she was kind of interested in what Naruto would become as well and what this meant in the Shinigami's eyes. "Heh, well there's a simple solution to all of this. The little brat's right after all. Then, how about this? How about a compromise," Jashin said. Shin was instantly on edge. Jashin was a murder god. He did not make compromises and he most definitely didn't care about the order of their structure.
"Oh? And just what could your tiny little brain come up with?" Susanoo asked. Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi seemed interested as well. Jashin just gave a large grin to them before he stood up to his feet. "Simple. We just have to equalize out the Life Pool. The boy recently revived his maternal parent correct? Well, all we have to do is take one of his living ones! Simple. I have already put the plan into effect, why don't we observe?" Jashin said. Kushina bite her lip as she forcefully pushed her son's energy down. She couldn't even register her shock.
Kushina turned to Naruto and she could see him with his hands bleeding against each other as he balled them into fists. His hair quickly gained that silvery color that Kushina saw him try to perfect. His eyes were flaring with anger as Jashin pulled open a portal. Naruto and Kushina watched as their Uzumaki compound came into view. Both heard some of the minor gods muttering to themselves. Naruto and Kushina then watched the portal open up into a room and Shin gave Naruto a look. He was the closest to Naruto. The others were most likely not used to sensing Naruto's power and Shin was probably masking it with his own, but Shin could feel the anger rolling off Naruto's body. Shin understood Naruto's anger very well.
The portal showed a masked male, madness set in his eyes, as he held a scythe over Yuri's body. Yuri slept soundly without fault. Naruto's anger and, in portion, his power continued rising. The portal then showed another room and everyone watched another portal open. Then there was a masked female holding two large daggers over Yura's body. Yura slept in her own bed just as peacefully as Yuri. Naruto's body placed his hands over his face. He could feel himself trembling. "See? Easy! Now then, tell me…Shinigami, how many people has Uzumaki Naruto revived?" Jashin asked. Shin said nothing. He was no pleased with Jashin's tomfoolery and Shin was going to make sure that there was compensation for his, but right now he was concerned with trying to cover Naruto's rage. Kushina was doing what she could, but Shin wondered if perhaps he had been wrong earlier. Naruto was progressing even faster than Shin had realized.
Jashin chuckled upon Shin's silence. Obviously, Uzumaki Naruto was not just a 'passing' interest for the Shinigami. "Well if you don't want to tell us that's fine. We do know that it was more than two. So, I think these two will suffice. That seems fair, wouldn't you all say? The Life Pool can be evened out soon enough and Uzumaki Naruto will have done nothing wrong," Jashin said. All eyes were on the portal. Kami gave one last look to her lone son before she turned around as well. Shin didn't glance at the portal. He turned around and made Naruto's eyes focus on him. He could see the anger and rage in Naruto's eyes. Shin's gaze hardened.
Naruto stared at Shin. He wanted to go down there. He wanted to shout at those fuckin' gods for even daring to think about that suggestion, but the look in Shin's eyes stopped him. Naruto could feel his power rising. He could feel he was going to get them all in a deep pit of trouble, but watching those weapons so close to Yura and Yuri was nearly too much for him to handle. Naruto sucked in a breath and closed his eyes. Kushina kept her grip on her son's hand forcing down his energy as much as she could.
"Uzumaki Naruto, how much do you trust me?" The Shinigami asked. Naruto stiffened. He stared up at the God of Death. The way the godly being floated in the sky almost made him even more divine than Naruto remembered. His summon, the God of Death, was asking if Naruto could even trust him. Truthfully, Naruto would have said no, if he was just starting out, but Naruto, in an odd way, found himself a better guidance in the God of Death than he probably pictured. This being guided him, helped him, strengthened him, and disciplined him time and again even when Naruto didn't have all the answers. Naruto wished those eyes were so cold-looking, but Naruto could feel beneath that gaze. He needn't ask why.
"Hai. You haven't steered me wrong before. I don't think you're going to do it now, dattebayo!" Naruto replied, a firm nod to confirm his thoughts. Shin's eyes hardened and he closed his eyes.
Naruto tightened his grip against his hand even further.
"Uzumaki Naruto, you said you trusted me before, correct?" The Shinigami asked. Naruto narrowed his eyes. He turned towards his summon. Kushina stared at the two and Naruto chose to answer.
"Hai, you've never steered me wrong before, Shin. I know you won't start now," Naruto said. The God of Death nodded as he looked up at the temple. "Then do not speak. Do not ask questions during this meeting. Merely listen, observe, and make your own thoughts. Allow me to handle all potential matters. You have definitely grown and I am very proud to have offered you my contract, but learn to curb your anger and your hatred. These are not beings that you can contend with, yet." The Shinigami said powerfully.
Naruto swallowed a hard lump in his throat, but he nodded. He verbally promised that he would allow Shin to handle all the matters, though Naruto was not sure what matters they were. Yet, Naruto couldn't help but worry. Still, Shin always had a knack for those stupid proverbs or vague lessons. The Shinigami nodded. He then turned to Kushina. "You chose to be designated as his valve. Limit the output of his spiritual energy. As much as you can will be helpful," The Shinigami said.
Kushina felt Naruto's grip on her lessen. She turned to him and she watched Naruto give a calming breath. Slowly, she could feel the strain of trying to keep Naruto's power under control lessen as his eyes steeled forward. "Yeah, you've never let me down before. I know you'll keep them safe, Shin!" Naruto thought. The silver flow of his hair settled as Naruto took another calming breath. Naruto watched, listened, and he observed.
Shin now recognized. Shin recognized Naruto's level of trust. To entrust what was most dear to him into the hands of the Shinigami while the gods played with the lives of mortals made Shin truly have no regrets about the path he had taken with Naruto and would continue to guide him down. Shin turned back to the portal. Everyone heard Jashin snap his fingers. The sound ran through the room and as if by some innate instinct everyone watched the two servants of Jashin raise their weapons into the air. "For the Life Pool, right Shinigami?" Jashin asked.
Naruto never imagined those weapons going down slower than he had ever seen them before. Everyone watched with bated breath. Jashin's smirk grew wider and wider. The blades came down further and further. Suddenly a massive clash resounded through everyone's ears. The blades struck, but they were instantly repelled. Naruto and Kushina were still as the Jashinists widened their eyes. Jashin was stunned into silence before the two tried again. Stab and stab they tried to do, but they could not hurt any part of Yura nor Yuri. It was then that a massive light showed between the Jashinists and the two Uzumaki females. A sealed barrier erected itself between them, and it prevented both young women from being harmed.
"SHINIGAMI! What is the meaning of this?!" Jashin asked. He turned around and quickly found a blade at his throat. Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi and Susanoo watched the long blade in surprise as Shin sat in his chair. "You truly have some nerve, Jashin. I have already made arrangements with Uzumaki Naruto concerning the Life Pool, yet you would dare threaten my domain that has been placed under my protection is truly interesting. I had no idea you suddenly grew up the nerve to battle me," the Shinigami said as he stood to his feet.
Jashin snarled. "Your protection? You would protect mortals?! You, the symbol of death would protect life?" Jashin asked. The Shinigami was not fazed by this comment. Instead he pulled back his blade and stabbed it into the table. "Only by experiencing death, do you realize how precious life is. From the most violent atrocities that result in death to the humblest acceptances that one has lived their life to the fullest without regrets, I am present. For all under witness, the Uzumaki clan and all clan affiliated with them on nonlethal terms shall be under my jurisdiction. If you feel the challenge my authority on this matter, I am more than willing to make arrangements, if mother agrees to it. So, Jashin I suggest you call off your members immediately. I might be the youngest here, but I am still the strongest of all present at the moment, aside from mother," the Shinigami said.
Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi were silent. Susanoo was as well. Jashin growled, but Naruto and Kushina noticed that both Jashinists were nowhere to be found. Naruto was completely remodeling the sealing matrix when he got back. For now, Naruto just content to watch two of the Uzumaki girls continue to sleep without alarm. Naruto felt just a tad bit happier.
"You overstep your bounds, Shinigami! If you want to fight then you are more than welcome to…," Everyone in the room was instantly silence by an overwhelming aura. It silenced Susanoo's speak and drew everyone's attention to it. Everyone turned to Kami. She had the brightest smile on her face, yet immeasurable power dripped from the lines of her body forcing all to respect its authority. Kami placed her hands on the table gently. She then glanced at her five children who surrounded the table that could be there for the meeting.
"I do believe we have spoken upon this issue long enough, Susanoo. Do keep in mind that you are all very busy as am I. Now, as the mediator I feel we have gotten off-course from our objectives. Therefore, I grant Shinigami his authority provided his agreement with his mortal continues. No matter what I believe none of us which for the Life Pool to be done away with. I have made my decision. Move towards the next matter unless you wish to take a visit towards the Daikerin Realm. I'm sure you may argue there," Kami said, peacefully, which had everyone on edge.
None of the gods made a motion to speak about the current matter. No one talked back to Kami and got away with it. While they were all a bit egotistical, everyone knew better than to try and test her patience. So, Amaterasu released a breath and grumbled. "Shinigami will be allowed to continue in his affairs. We have spent a considerable amount of time on this subject. Time is moving faster than we perhaps anticipated so we will pick up this discussion at another favorable moment. I will call the intermission of this meeting until the past of one mortal month. I will just leave everyone with something to think about. Someone knew the Word of Unsealing. The Calamity has been unraveled," Amaterasu said.
Most of the minor gods gasped in utter disbelieve. Some couldn't resist speaking with each other while the Shinigami frowned. That did not bode well for either them nor for what he had planned for Naruto. Yet, Shinigami wondered if telling Naruto this significance would wind up deterring him. So far, the Calamity was still bound to its original form. So, there was no real need to absolutely go looking for her just yet. Plus, Naruto wasn't strong enough to face her just yet. A shame, Shin was sure that if Calamity were not so…herself then Shin was sure that she would have liked Naruto. Shin perished the thought.
Soon enough, the gods filed out, Susanoo with a passing threat to Jashin, who looked exceedingly irritated with the events that had transpired. Neither Amaterasu nor Tsukuyomi said a word to each other and left to get back to their duties as did Susanoo. Jashin filed out too.
Naruto and Kushina watched the minor gods vanish without a trace. Nothing was left in the room except for Naruto, Kushina, the Shinigami, and Kami. "When did you find out?" Shin suddenly asked. He was looking at Kami and her illuminous smile. She leaned forward for a moment. "Now son, do you really believe that is beyond my power to sense others? There is more than one way of sensing others besides their innate power. Bring them down, and take off that silly cloak of theirs. I would like a good look at what has interested you so," Kami said. Shin frowned for a moment, but turned around. He motioned for Naruto and Kushina to present themselves.
Naruto and Kushina seemed unsure, but they made their way down the steps. Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat while Kushina straightened herself up a little more. Soon both were in front of the god of all gods. Shinigami dropped the cloak covering them which allowed for Kami to have an unhindered look at Naruto Uzumaki and Kushina Uzumaki. Her eyes roamed every corner of their bodies. Neither was sure what to say or if they were even allowed to say anything. Naruto, especially after all the hardship he went through to keep from trying to break his sword into that damn Jashin's skull, didn't want his mouth ruining anything for Shin.
Kami looked over them both as Shin stood off to the side. For once, Shin wished Naruto would have said something. He didn't have to act so stiff. Yet, Shin could understand their thoughts. His mother could…be an imposing figure for first-timers. Kami chuckled which brought everyone to her gaze. "Shinigami, as I said, there are many ways to sense someone besides their innate fighting strength. It's something that all of my kids have struggled with. One of the very reasons I noticed them right away…was the love this young man has for his mother. Yes, I sense a deep familial love there, but I also sense the love of an eternal partner and supporter. It's a very deep love, one that I find to be fading out as this world grows more and more violent. You can tell from his posture. Just look at the way he is slightly in front of her. Though he understands my position, he has still put himself in such a manner that if I did do anything…untoward them he would not hesitant in immediately protecting her," Kami said. Naruto choked on his own words for a response much to Kushina's amusement.
"Then look at her next to him. She fully supports him and she fully acknowledges his decisions. She has learned that while life takes you in different directions, all that truly matters is the idea in the end the choices that you seek to make are your own. If my untowardness did happen, then I do not think it so farfetched that she would rush to his support. Shin, look at the way her body naturally leans to his dominant side. She sees him as the dominant figure and she is happy about it. Her posture tells that she is looking forward to a long-lasting adventure with this person next to her," Naruto gazed at Kushina in almost utter shock. Kushina, turned to the side, a little embarrassed. She hadn't known she was doing those things. It was just instinctual.
Kami chuckled at their bodily responses. "Why would you two be embarrassed? Stand up straight and be proud. Though I admit your affection is vastly different and most, even I, would consider it inappropriate, I respect your decision to do so. So be proud of the decisions that you make because others will not do it for you," Kami said. Naruto couldn't resist and he took Kushina's hand. She felt so warm. Naruto truly loved this woman next to him.
Kami gave another smile and pointed it at her son. "Do you also know how I found out? Shinigami, I won't lie to you. It probably makes me a horrible mother, but you are my favorite child. You have always been the most responsible, the most mature, the most understanding, and the most dutiful in your role. I have missed you, but I do see your reasons of why you don't come to these meetings. Shinigami, my son, how I found them out is because none of my children have a love that connects these two together. Everyone bickering and arguing with each other. That is not something I like to see," Kami said. Naruto noticed how silent the Shinigami had become. His eyes mellowed out as he listened to his mother's words. She stood up.
"Uzumaki Naruto, Uzumaki Kushina, there are more than you know watching you. Shinigami, you might not realize it, but you have helped them cultivate that love that I sense. Continue to do that for them. I feel down the road, they will need it," Kami said. She then stood before Naruto, towering over him and Kushina. Naruto underestimated just how tall she had been. This lady was a giant! He and Kushina watched Kami lean down. What she did next surprised Shin, Naruto and Kushina when she lightly brushed her lips over Naruto's forehead. Naruto gasped for a moment as something he couldn't explain soared through his body if only for a moment. She then proceeded to do the same thing to Kushina. Kushina felt that something as well, but she couldn't grab a hold of it fast enough.
"You have found yourself two wonderful mortals, Shin. Continue to teach Uzumaki Naruto, and help Uzumaki Kushina. You are dismissed," Kami said. A massive array of lights forced Naruto and Kushina to cover their eyes. It was just so bright that neither dared open their eyes for that time.
Soon the light faded enough to allow Naruto and Kushina to open their eyes. They could feel grass on their feet. "We're…back at the house?" Naruto asked. Indeed, they were in front of their clan's compound just outside the front door from when they had left. Naruto and Kushina turned to face the Shinigami. He was looking down at them. That demonic form of his had returned. Neither was sure when that happened, but oddly enough they were even more comfortable with this form than the previous one.
"You both have questions. It's very obvious that you do. I will answer these questions, but at a later date. I can understand just how confused you are, especially you Naruto. I also see you are still very upset at these most recent actions. Still, you have done exceedingly well as I had instructed you. For that, I will offer my gratitude. I have to see toward other matters currently, but the next time we are able I will grant you the answer you wish. Continue in your progression, Shikyō," The Shinigami said. Naruto wanted to argue, but it was so late and Naruto was kind of tired. All his rage had left him tired of the day when he was done.
"Got it, you know what you're doing Shin. I'll just ask later," Naruto said. The Shinigami's gaze lingered on Naruto for a moment. Honestly, still an interesting young man that the Shinigami still wasn't fully figuring out. He couldn't help being amused by these thoughts. He slowly faded out until he could no longer be seen which left Naruto and Kushina alone.
"Weird night dattebane," Kushina said a little embarrassed suddenly. Kushina didn't hear Naruto give a reply. She turned to her son and Kushina gasped as Naruto covered her lips with his own. Kushina was overwhelmed by the sense of pleasure that Naruto suddenly shot at her. Naruto kissed her with such force that she leaned back and both of them fell into the grass. Kushina could feel Naruto's tongue strike her own. Naruto brushed her soft red hair. He loved the way it glided through his hand just like silk.
Kushina panted when Naruto parted. "I love you, Kushina Uzumaki. I love you so much, dattebayo!" Naruto gave Kushina the widest grin she had ever seen him give. She was surprised that he literally threw his desires in her face. Naruto then kissed her again. "I know we can't have sex because of the Uzumaki wedding thing, but I tried so hard not to smile when I heard her say those things about you. Thanks! Thanks for being one of the best things in my life!" Naruto said happily.
Kushina huffed her chest. She fired back a smile. "I love you too, Sochi." Kushina said. Naruto grinned at the smooth tone of her voice. Naruto leaned forward and kissed her one more time. Kushina was much more reciprocating of this one as she gently wrapped her arms around Naruto's hair. Kushina panted lustfully as Naruto as Naruto sucked on her lower lips. Honestly, she loved this young man on top of her. This young man, her son, she truly loved him.
Naruto and Kushina resisted every urge to not consummate their latest affection for each other. With much disappointment, they tore from each other and Naruto allowed Kushina up. "So, what happens now?" Kushina asked. Kushina watched the lovely smile on her son's face quickly vanish. It was replaced by a hard frown and an angry glare. Naruto stood to his feet.
"I'm going to go have a talk with Baa-chan, you go get some rest. I'll be back later," Naruto said. Kushina watched Naruto spin on his heels and make his way back towards the village. Kushina watched Naruto leave. She wanted to go with him, but Naruto had such a presence that Kushina felt she could give absolute trust to. Kushina sighed and made her way back into the house. Now she had to find some way of dealing with this obvious arousal. Right now, Kushina hated this damn Uzumaki engagement ritual.
-x-
Naruto hopped across the rooftops of houses in the various districts around Konoha. He couldn't get that image of those two Jashinists standing over Yuri and Yura. He had no idea how they even managed to get into the compound. Naruto and Kushina had worked tirelessly on that sealing matrix. It shouldn't have been possible for them to have gotten close to those two, let alone inside the compound. Honestly, Jashin and his dumbass cult were starting to piss Naruto off.
Naruto came to the Hokage Mansion. Luckily, the lights were still on. Naruto bashed the doors open and didn't bother with the receptionist nor the staff which looked at him like he had lost his mind. Naruto ran up the stairs. Naruto quickly came up to the door that housed the Hokage behind it. Naruto wasted no time with the pleasantries and banged on the door. "Baa-chan! Baa-chan! Open the damn door!" Naruto called. Some of the people actually cowered in fear of the possible repercussions that would face Naruto for acting in such a way.
The door was blasted off the hinges and into the wall behind Naruto. "STOP SHOUTING YOU DAMN BRAT! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT TIME IT IS?! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!" Bellowed Tsunade loud enough to rock the whole mansion. Tsunade stared so hard into Naruto's eyes that Naruto almost wondered if she was trying to get him to burst into flames. Still, Naruto didn't pursue those thoughts. He stared at Tsunade.
"Sorry Baa-chan, but we have a problem," Naruto said. Tsunade, still mad, raised an eyebrow. She really hoped this wasn't one of Naruto's stupid antics again. She had to put in double overtime for this damn job and it wasn't making her happy in the slightest. "Oh really? And just what problem do we have?" Tsunade asked, very irritated. It was then, for that moment, Tsunade almost thought Minato was staring at her when Naruto gave her a glare that stilled her range.
"There are…Jashinists in Konoha. Konoha's been compromised," Naruto said. Words could not explain what was going through Tsunade's mind once those words left Naruto's lips.
-x-
Jashin snarled as stood on top of one of his temples that his followers had founded. "Damn you, Shinigami! You piece of shit! You can't protect that damn brat forever! I'll make sure you regret challenging MY authority. That damn seal protected those mortal's mates. I suppose a little revenge isn't so bad every once in a while," Jashin thought to himself. He paced himself back and forth for a little while. Pretty soon, he felt his power increase if only steadily. Someone had been offering him praise. Jashin glanced down from one of the open crevices of the hidden temple. Jashin snorted. So, that old man was offering praise again. Jashin sighed. He hadn't intended for the old guy to survive as long as he did, but call Jashin what you wanted, but he a god who did not leave his followers unaware of his appreciation for their loyalty to him. The old man had been an even bigger devote Jashinist than even Hidan.
Jashin actually had to admit that even by his standards Hidan had enjoyed killing even before Jashin took notice of him. Jashin knew Hidan used his religion to perform whatever debased acts he wanted that involved killing. Jashin was fine with that. He didn't care if people didn't take his religion as seriously as the probably said they did, but this man below him had done it so much. Jashin forgot how many years this man had been alive. Jashin doubted he cared for the decrepit-looking mortal, but he wasn't about to let him die until he got all the use out of him that he could.
Jashin clicked his tongue for a second. He stared at his supposed 'priest' and he suddenly got an idea, a great idea. Jashin suddenly grew the evilest grin on his face. He found a wonderful way to deal with the brat and the Shinigami at the same time. Jashin quickly channeled his energy into the statue that had been made of his symbol. The priest widened his eyes as the symbol bursted in dark purple fire. The fire flew into the air and swirled around just over the old man's head. The fire then scored the ground around him until it formed the same upside-down triangle of his symbol. The old man seemed joyful to at Jashin's antics. Jashin grinned. Sorry, he always had a flair for the dramatic.
Jashin manifested his will into the fire and stared at the priest. "Your will be done, Jashin-sama!" He said. Jashin smirked to himself. "As always should be the case. Hear me, priest, your role is most crucial," Jashin said. The old man listened to every single word that spilled out of Jashin's mouth. His eyes grew wider and wider, but he couldn't stop the maddening grin on his face. The old man agreed without hesitation.
Once that was finish, Jashin left from the fire and the room returned to normal. Jashin watched the priest walk off. Jashin slowly nodded. "Just you wait Shinigami. I'll make you and your little project pay for daring to come against me!" Jashin said to himself. His dark laughs echoed through the darkness.
-x-
"You have taken us here. What purpose could you have in being here?' Karura asked. She hated still being contained, but she couldn't do much until she gathered up the remains of her chakra that had been scattered during her combat with Kaguya and those troublesome beings that she hadn't accounted for.
The Regent grinned underneath his mask. "Have no fear, Karura-sama. I am merely instilling a plan where we can recover some of your chakra. There are large concentrations of your chakra within this particular area. Once we find you a proper host that you can take over then we'll continue forward," The regen said. Karura frowned, but merely sighed and decided to listen to the man, though she still found him insufferable.
"And you believe that this 'arrangement' that you have with these contacts of yours will achieve this?" Karura asked. The Regent gave her a nod as he continued walking through the darkness towards the meeting point. His thoughts were his own and he entertained Karura's questions about what he was hoping to achieve.
The Regent was a little amused when a kunai sailed by his mask. He gave a small chuckle as it lodged itself into a tree behind him. "Hostile, hostile. Has anyone told you that it is rude to throw things?" The Regent asked. From the darkness, the Regent's grin underneath his mask widened further, as he noticed Shimura Danzo come out of the shadows.
"You might not be aware, but you have accrued a massive bounty from Konoha. Had you not been the once to call me out here then I would have used your bounty for more of my research. I still have my shinobi working where they need to," Danzo said. The Regent chuckled to himself for a moment.
"Yes, I can tell, but why not tell our other friends? You are not the only person I invited to our little meeting. Isn't that right…Tsuchikage-dono?" Danzo and the Regent turned to the left and both were not surprised when the Tsuchikage along with two shinobi at his side came from the darkness as well. The Tsuchikage glared at the both of them fiercely.
"I try to make it a habit of not conversing with criminals, but I suppose anyone can make an exception. This better be good, Akatsuki. In case you have forgotten, but you are still on Iwagakure's list for the deaths of Han and Roshi," Onoki said with a hard frown. Danzo and The Regent could see that both shinobi on the side of the Tsuchikage were ready to engage as soon as the man gave the order.
"Do have some measure of belief in me, Tsuchikage-dono. What we will discuss here today is a matter of much more significance than two simple Jinchuuriki," The Regent said. Onoki definitely didn't like how this man just disregarded two of his shinobi, but he curbed his hate for the greater issue. He had bothered to show up to this meeting and he didn't feel like getting into a fight if he could avoid it.
"Oh? And just what could this issue be that would be much more impactful than two 'simple' jinchuuriki?" Danzo asked curiously. The Regent slowly gave another smirk behind his mask. How funny, the thing about humans, they were too interested in things out of their control for their own destruction.
The Regent reached for his mask. "Simple, gentlemen, the world will be torn asunder. No living thing will walk its grounds. No human, no animal, and no greenery. The only way we can make sure that this doesn't happen…," The Regent said, and he took off his mask. Danzo nearly lost all breath in his body while Onoki widened his eyes.
The Regent glared at them. His blue eyes flaring in power. "…is to burn the current Konoha to the ground." The Regent said with a sharp grin. His words blew chills down Danzo and Onoki's backs.
KG: Sigh, I guess I can stop there. Hey babe, is dinner ready?!
Wifey: SHUT THE FUCK UP! TSM IS PLAYING UOL!
KG: PSH! They're going to lose! UOL's too scrappy.
Wifey: Fuck off!
KG: So…on the off-chance…what is for dinner?
Wifey: Has it ever occurred to you to make your own dinner? You know how to cook.
KG: Obviously I do, but I love your cooking the best!
Wifey:…that doesn't make me happy, you idiot. We're having meatloaf with mashed potatoes.
KG: Awesome! I'ma go grab a cream. You want one?
Wifey: I'm not answering that.
KG: Huh?
Wifey: You got me in a good mood. Don't ruin it.
KG: What'd I do that time? Anyway, that's all folks. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review, and SEND ME CREAM SODA! Also YOU BETTER RESPECT THE FUCKIN' CREAM!
Wifey: How do you even…respect a drink?
KG: Erm…well….bye.