Thanks for the reviews, Monster King, they help loads. Same for everyone else. It helps me think about how to do certain things. And my friend. Who shall be known as the P, he gives his approval of this one. Brother of us is a beta though so if one wants to try. Please leave a message
Konoha, Christmas day.
With everyone returning just two days ago, the four teenagers peeked out as they gulped. Having been punished in various ways by Molly for sneaking out and scaring her to death. They were wary of being caught doing anything.
Still though, they were happy. Especially Naruto and Harry, even though she scolded them too, Tsuade had smiled at their performance in rescuing Gaara. Ron and Hermione had even gotten commendations as in spirit, she put the two of them down as Harry's teammates. Putting Ron and Hermione both down as his teammates, the three got to share in the rewards and thank you from Suna.
Gaara had specifically sent extra money as well for saving his life, inviting all three to Suna to visit. Made Hermione pleased as punch for she had taken an interest in Kankuro's puppets and wanted to see how they worked. Having watched how GO was played, the one time he tried in Suna, the wizard had won against Baki. Having taught him how to play, the older man had sent him a set in exchange that next time he was in Konoha he could learn wizard chess.
Ron happily agreed.
Already showing Shikamaru how to play it. It turns out he was probably the only one to give the Nara genius a run for his money so to speak. Surprised both him and Shikaku who took an interest as well. The fact that not only the pieces move themselves, which was a fun fact, but also that whenever it came to take a piece off the board.
The winning piece would destroy it.
Worried about having to replace the pieces everytime, Ron just smiled. For after the game, the pieces would magically repair themselves and congratulate the winning side and scold the other. Both amused by that, they had given the redhead some money to buy a set for them. Of course Ron was happy as they were the first he could really play with.
Never really able to find someone to play at his level, both Nara's had actually challenged him. It made him eager to visit again. Same for Fred and George, their items having been given to some of Harry and Naruto's friends, it turns out some of their inventions could be useful to the Shinobi. For example items such as the Peruvian Darkness powder and the cloaks the first wizard team had worn. (Hermione, Ron, and Harry)
Some of the jokes they invented were pretty good too. She heard about the incident of Naruto leaving their bird candy in ANBU headquarters. Surprised as she was at the incident, the Hokage had to chuckle. It was pretty funny, seeing the ANBU turn into birds, she had to scold her favorite blonde for doing that. The ANBU were not happy save for some of the officers. He encouraged Naruto to have it, because if the blonde could do that. Imagine what others could, so he had free reign to prank.
That had made Naruto's day. So many targets and having roped Harry into a few of them over the past summer. It really made some memories for both. Also made the elite teams wary of what a wizard could imagine if provoked.
Having talked to the Weaselys about the clan, the fact that through the twins they could have a shop that was both useful and funny? It was fantastic. Not only would it bring more money for the village, but it could make things more lively. Finding out that the twins considered Naruto their protege, well that was the clincher.
So yesterday, she had a meeting with them both alongside Harry and Naruto. The former, already an investor in their business, Naruto as well, decided to invest via Tsunade. The blonde was shocked that he had a trust fund of sorts from his parents. His father having started it, Jiriaya over the years had made deposits into it on top of paying his bills.
Therefore, Naruto and the Toad Sage became their newest investors and thus the twins agreed to open a shop. Hence this Christmas day was going to be extra special for many people at the Uzumaki/Namikaze/Potter home, Both boys never really deciding what they should call their clan, it took Fawkes and Hedwig to decide it.
The latter having gotten the map and cloak. Fawkes had trilled a song that stopped both boys in their tracks one day. Somehow understanding the phoenix's words through song, they agreed with the bird.
They decided to call it the Marauder retreat. Jiriaya and Remus even approved it. Both men have told them stories about their parents to a degree that the Marauder moniker would have suited Minato and Kushina to a tee.
Thus Mr, Flash and Ms. Pepper were inducted into the Marauder clan. (Everyone was wondering how later on, their names were added to the infamous map of the school, while taking out Wormtail. Their names even showed up on the one for Konoha. Till this day no one knows how that happened and no one claims to have done it.)
So safe and sound in the house all the teens including Naruto were anxious, many people were due to come this afternoon including their friends and their families. There was a hectic rush in the kitchen to get things going. But unlike other days, this day was extra special for a certain blonde.
Only having received a few presents in his entire life, the fact as they were sorted he had several and in one day. Made him want to cry. Molly noticing that gives a warm smile as she hugs him
"There, there Naruto," she smiled, giving him comfort. The others looked warmly at him as he surrendered to the Weasley matriarch like a son needing a mother. With her help, the blonde managed to pull himself together and got set to opening them along with the others.
Sweaters for the cold, candy, cakes all spread out. Fawkes had even arrived with presents from friends back at Hogwarts. Books, scrolls, from their friends there, as well as weapons and better armor for the two should they go out again. So much given and done, they were unaware as what could only be two pictures in frames came into view.
Remus gave both boys a smile as they looked confused. The Inuzuka looking at one another with knowing grins, Tsume sits next to Remus as both unwrapped their gifts. Framed pictures of their parents grinned at them as they moved through the picture. The background being of the house they were currently in, the two couples were just looking around in awe in the painting as they ran through both frames to talk to the other.
Finally the four images settle down as they come close to the two boys holding their images.
"H…H...How…"
The former werewolf turned co-head of the Inuzuka head as Tsume had agreed to marry him, he couldn't help but smile.
"Well with my connections in England… I managed to get someone to paint this for you both. I had pictures of your parents, Harry, and Jiraiya and Tsume had contacted some people to bring up yours Naruto.
Both going to the wall, the frames side by side, it is then that both are shocked as the image of James spoke.
"Merry Christmas Harry, Naruto."
Startled to say the least, Naruto and Harry both were shocked at the pictures greeting them. Tsume chuckling along Kiba and Hana. The woman just smiled as Remus explained. "With the help of Albus, and of course Tsume here, I got just a little more of each to have them talking with you."
Both boys crying, run straight into Remus and Tsume. The couple smiles as the cries of thank you and you're the best coming out of their mouths. Even Kiba and Hana were tearing up as even though their dad had gone, Remus had done much of the same for them much earlier. "You are much welcome Harry, Naruto. And Naruto.?"
Wiping at his eyes, the blonde looked up at Remus with happiness. "Yeah?"
"Harry already knows about the spell, so the images of Lily and James know him and his existence. We managed to find something of your parents but it was before they knew they were having you. So you will have to talk to them and tell them about you."
Smiling, the blonde just ran into Remus again for a big hug. "I don't mind. Just to have them here with me is enough."
Harry echoing the statement, both boys looked at the pictures of their parents. The two couples waving excitedly at them, they find themselves conversing with Jiraiya. In a way it was a gift for him as well. Despite being Naruto's godfather, the Toad Sage missed his former student and his wife very much. Just to be able to talk with him again was something that he could not help but do.
"Oh and Naruto?"
"Yeah?"
"If he's not in the picture, he is at the Hokage tower."
"Huh?" Everyone looked shocked. It was Tsume who spoke up now. "Remus came up with the idea and pitched it to Tsunade. While previous headmasters at Hogwarts give advice and aide when he needs it why not due the same here?"
"Yeah you should have seen her face when the fourth spoke to her, Naruto." Kiba commented with laughter before getting slapped upside the head by his sister for the memory. "It was funny, I swear Hana had to pick her and Shizune's jaws off the floor."
"They are working on one for the third and the Hokage is going to see about the first and the second should she have the chance."
Multiple thanks and wonders at this news, people seem to light up even more. Now as they chat with the pictures, Harry and Naruto go and greet the others as they begin to arrive, Chouji and his parents, Ino and hers, Sakura and so on. Each of their friends brought family members. The celebration got into full swing. You could see that Mrs. Akimichi is going to aid Molly in cooking food alongside Yoshino Nara. Both women known as great cooks were eager to learn some of Molly's dishes as well as share their own with the women.
They were hard pressed to keep Chouji and Chouza out as everything smelled so good. But it helps that eventually Fleur joined the women with hexes ready to go. As far as they know they hexes were still going on as they heard the occasional yelp.
Even Ginny was getting in on it. Apparently, she had taken on Kiba much to Tsume's approval as she too had caught the hound ninja trying to sneak in. The girl was pulling him by the ear away from it, and well despite his cussing and such, he seemed to be smiling as they rejoined the others.
Maybe Kiba had finally found a girl who could tame him.
Most of the teenagers though were happy to hang out with one another. Wanting to demonstrate quidditch to the shinobi. Harry, Fred, Ron, and George and Ginny grabbed their respective brooms. The dark-haired wizard had pestered some workers to form the three hoops high enough to play with. Of course, confused, the boy simply promised to show them one day. Ron taking up the goalie. While Fred and George, went to beater hood and Ginny playing at chaser.
The wizards demonstrated quidditch as Arthur released the snitch and bludgers into the air. Considering they were big fans, the Weasleys had a practice set that, albeit old, was fun to play with. The balls heading for Harry right away, the shinobi were about to protest when they saw George dive to beat away from him. Ginny was throwing one of the balls as Ron kept her from getting it in the goal. It takes an explanation from the older Weasley brothers to explain what the teens were doing.
And as they listened, the shinobi present began to grow thoughtful. There never was much going on in the arena when it wasn't exam time. It was something to think about. Especially if they could figure out a way they can play as well. After the Weasleys return to their home, Bill would help them work something out alongside Charlie. The latter working on transferring to the Gringotts branch here from the sanctuary he worked at, he was being hired to look after the dragons they had.
Most having come from the reserves; he was also tasked to look at the animals that were in the surrounding forests as well by the goblins and his soon to be former bosses. Hana, having told him about the creatures and summons that the East dealt with, the wizard was immediately curious and reported it to his superiors. It also helped with her here, as the red head really liked her and wanted to get to know her even more.
So these holidays were proving to be something special. Their home and this particular holiday resonated with many in the village as many had come to look at the Marauder's retreat. Constantly asked about why everything was so bright and warm, Molly and Arthur had explained what Christmas meant.
They liked it. Civilians and Shinobi liked it, some even although late had celebrated on their own. Receiving gifts of the heart from loved ones was a blessing. Tsunade who was running late even smiled as Spiketop the goblin had stopped by with a bottle of their finest firewhiskey as a present. The two have bonded much over their dislike of Danzo. The goblins seem to keep catching his agents trying to bust into the vaults.
The dragons on guard for the valuable ones were not stupid in the slightest and were unaffected by many things that tried to get by them. Charlie had to actually explain that short of attacking them dead on, that the dragons were indestructible. Known to have the hardest hide in the world, the giant creatures were a force to be reckoned with. Even if attacked from a distance they would have to deal with the fire breath.
But the old council member still insisted on trying…
His root agents were slowly being decimated one by one.
It was one of the reasons Charlie was asked by the goblins to work with them. Having seen some of the giant snakes and other creatures in the forest due to their own explanation. They wanted to catalog their existence for their records and that of the schools. But perhaps catch one of the giant snakes and see if they could be used alongside the dragons if possible. Between him and Hana, it could be done with the proper tools and people.. Both would teach the other and help them find what they need to know and then they would show others what to do.
The wizards and goblins of Konoha were providing jobs to Konoha. And to the citizens of the village that was a powerful gift this holiday from these newcomers.
Christmas was a wonderful new day for the people hidden in the leaves, but for others not so much.
Sound…
Slowly getting worse now, Orichimaru was not a happy camper. He could still do many things before he switched bodies, but news from Konoha was steadily beginning to irk him.
He had just received news that three of these wizards had aided Kakashi, Gai, and their teams against Sasori and Diedara. Although they were not as strong as they were here in the east, they were more creative so to speak. Not having to fight like they did here in the east, in the west they were allowed to grow, to invent and do many things.
According to their spies in the sand, they had cloaks that could render them near invisible from sight, potions that could restore their energy, and much much more. Many things he wished to figure out over the years, and which apparently had already been done by people far weaker than him.
Perhaps he should find a way to get his hands on one of them…. hmmm.
It was something to think about to say the least. Right now though he was working on keeping his newest prisoner in tip top shape. He was actually considering taking the man's body instead of Sasuke's when the time came. But that idea did have its drawbacks. One he would need a wizard to teach him this magic. Considering he was a wanted man, that was simply not possible at the moment. Two he still wanted his chakra power to be involved with this body exchange.
He needed to see if the two could work together before he decided. Therefore, he had to find a way for it to work. The man just became a bit more useful for his experiments. Right now though, he wanted to see how Sasuke was blocking the Sharingan's mind affects
This the snake sannin decided to watch. Going towards the jail, he could see Sasuke gritting his teeth. Curious as to why, he observes as he relaxes for a moment, before being hit again as the other says the word Legilmens.
Some bright light hits Sasuke once again, the boy clenching his fists as if in intense pain. Orichimaru can see the teenager fighting something off, as he cries out.
That's good Sasuke, you pushed me out that time.
Hn…
He could hear the man chuckle, as for the first time, the sannin saw Sasuke give a hint of a smile. Considering the teenager never smiled save in the presence of his former team. The Uchiha may have just found someone to kill for the Mangekyou.
Ready, you have to do it a hell of a lot more before it becomes natural to you. I figure we can do it two more times today before tomorrow.
Yes
Of course the Snake knew about the Sharingan. He wasn't stupid to say the least. When he was with the Akatsuki, he found out about its ultimate level. Sasuke would have to kill someone he cares about. The way he was acting with the man in the cell. He was forming another bond, whether he realized or not. Perhaps he could encourage the boy later to do it, he wouldn't mind the power when he takes the body.. Plus using Sasuke's form he can always see about getting his hands on a couple of wizards. One to teach and one to take over if his prisoner dies. Perhaps the cousin of that fox brat.
So many ideas, so little time...
Hissing in delight at the many theories popping into his mind, the snake left as he thought through the pros and cons. After all, he may have a tendency to kill his experiments, but he did get every ounce of work out of them in the process. He was an ethical man, when it came to his supplies…waste not want not.
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Okay starting next we are going to have a chapter devoted strictly to Harry or Naruto for a bit. We still got the whole second half of the year for our favorite wizard and a couple of things for Naruto. We are also going to include Sasuke's story more often.
Before anyone asks, I am not a basher. I have my own beliefs about the characters in each universe and that is what I will express. Oh, the extra pairing I decided on will be Ginny/Kiba. Yes there is a lot of pairing in this and I will allude to them. If someone using what I wrote wants to tell their stories. I do not mind. Just give me a heads up. I want to look. But the ones I am going to focus on will be Harry/TenTen, Naruto/Hina, Sasuke/Sakura, Hermione/Ron, and Kakashi/Tonks.