The Black Lion , the Golden fox and the Blue Raven Chapter 23: 2 months of calm, a Naruto + Fire Emblem Crossover fanfic

This is the longest chapter so far in the story. I said that in the previous chapter, but I really mean it this time. I've added multiple places where you could take a break. Yes, it's long, and some might consider it excessive, but there's a lot I wanted to happen in this chapter. If a chapter gets this long again, it's most likely going to be because a lot of stuff is happening in this chapter the amount of stuff that happens in the the span of 2 months.

anyway for those who enjoy the story I hope you enjoy what I wrote in this chapter.

chapter 23 The 2 months of calm

All of the classes have returned from their missions; things are about to go back to normal, though one of the professors is unable to teach at least until he is fully recovered. So until then, a substitute teacher will teach in Byleth's place. However, a new edict was added that made it so teachers must have at least one assistant.

The houses would get new students as well from other parts of the the five nations three of the students are from Sunagakure along with three new students from Konoha.

The golden Deer class who just came back from the Land of Waves would be on time to receive their new classmates.

Blue Lions classroom

Ashe was still shaken up by the mission he wasn't able to look at the documents that he had he didn't have the courage to yet he was afraid he was afraid that he could change everything that he thought at the Church what if he finds out that he was fighting for the wrong side. It was irrational he knew but he couldn't help it he couldn't stop thinking about it or Sasuke when he told him that from Lonato and how from his perspective the cause he was fighting for was just.

He just didn't know what to believe anymore, what was right, what was wrong? The world no longer made any sense."You're still thinking about that mission, aren't you?" asked Neji. It was difficult to read him and his emotions; he wasn't like his cousin Hinata, whom he thought was his little sister, but she wasn't the only thing he knew about them. All he knew was their fathers were twins, but nothing beyond that. Did he know?

"How can I not? After what I've seen, it's hard not to think about it. How can you just brush it off?" he asked Neji.

"I'm expected to brush it off because I'm a Hyuga and dwelling on the past or thinking about what could have been is unbecoming of a Hyuga." he answered as patiently as he could muster, explaining something that was obvious to him but not everyone else.

"Was our cause even just?" he asked Neji, as if expecting him to have the answers.

"It's hard to say from our point of view our causes was just from his point of view his was just our enemies are obviously going to think that they are in the right and we're in the wrong. History unfortunately is written by the winners. It doesn't matter how just or unjust a causes if the Victor that gets to decide what it's just and what isn't." Neji answered kinder this time.

"I suppose things were just easier before this mission." He didn't get a chance to say anything else, as the other Blue Lions entered the classroom. Everyone sat in their usual spots.

What he saw was something that caught him off guard. He saw a blonde woman with a strange hairstyle walking into the classroom. The way she carried herself was with an arrogant hindrance, but with the confidence to back it up. And the person next to her was a man with olive skin. His hair was strangely arranged, and he wore a headband on his forehead that had a symbol that looked like a leaf.

His attire was similar to that of Kakashi Hatake, the professor of the Golden Deer. The main difference between them is that this man wore darker clothes than Kakashi did.

"So these are the students I'm supposed to help teach?" he asked Manuela.

"Yes, class! For those of you who are not from Konoha, this is Sarutobi Asuma, son of the current Hokage of Konoha. Now, he's going to be my assistant because this class is getting too big for the number of students we have now. There's another student who's not a transfer from Konoha but from one of its neighbors; she is from Sunagakure, the Land of Wind."

She looked older than the other students who are transfer students from the five nations. Ashe could guess she was between 18 and 21.

"It's a pleasure to be part of this program, and I hope to get to know my fellow classmates in the Blue Lions. My name is Temari, and I'm the older sister of Gaara, the son of the current Kazekage."

The way she presented herself was unlike the other girls from Konoha; she didn't seem like the kind of person who would tolerate being pushed around.

"Why isn't he in your class?" asked Dimitri?

"My brother has joined the Golden Deer. I talked to the other house leaders. They didn't vibe with me. I kind of like it here, especially with all the handsome men." She winked.

"Wow, we have another goddess in our class" Sylvain said with his usual antics of hitting on pretty women.

"You better keep your eyes where I can see them, or you won't like the consequences." She said it bluntly

"Damn it's hard to get, but I kinda like it." Sylvain said with a trademark smile.

"We're not all like that," said Dimitri, who with his usual genteel manner escorted her to a seat.

What perplexed Ashe was the person she would sit next to Dedue who was caught by surprise."handsome this man is what is your name?"Temari asked Dedue.

"Dedue, is there anything you would need from me, Your Highness?" The girl chuckled. "No need to use 'Your Highness' with me. I may be the daughter of the current Kazekage, but I would rather be treated as everyone else here. After all, in Fodlan, it doesn't matter where we're from; we're still the same in rank." The woman said as if she were explaining something obvious.

Dedue was not used to being treated this way everywhere he had been he was treated as subhuman he wasn't used to this treatment especially from an outsider."you're really okay with talking to me?"he asked the woman."is there any reason why I shouldn't? I mean you're just like everybody else here, why would I want to treat you different?"the woman was blunt she didn't pull any punches.

"Surely you're familiar what had happened in Duscur? Me and my people are treated with hatred everywhere we go surely you can understand why I feel the way I do and I'm skeptical."Dedue really did want to know what this woman was up to what was her reasoning for wanting to sit with him?

"I'm familiar with it; it's a tragedy what happened, but I don't think it's fair to hold it against you or your people. I treat you just like everyone else it isn't a problem, right?"

He didn't want to argue with this woman, and she was treating him as human, which was more than he could ask for most of the people in the monastery.

Temari, it's going to take some time to get used to not calling you by your proper title."

The woman chuckled at that.

"I like you. I think I made the right choice choosing the Blue Lions. From what I can see so far, all the men here are polite and nice. Well, there are some exceptions (e.g., Sylvain, Neji, and Sasuke.)

"All right, class. Since you've started getting acquainted with our new student, me and my assistant are going to do something a little different today. For those of you from Konoha, this lesson won't apply to you because you already have this training; you'll be doing something else today."

Manuela looked at Sasuke, Neji, Sakura, and Tenten.

"Sasuke will be dismissed early because of his training with Catherine, everyone else from Konoha along with our new students will be showing our students how to use the abilities that they take for granted." The man named Asuma said he saw Sasuke bid his farewells to his friends and his poor attempt at hiding that Mercedes is obviously his girlfriend from everybody who already knows in the Blue Lions except Sakura, thank goodness.

He wondered to this day why she was even in this class, other than Sasuke, he disregarded that thought; he had no time for whatever lesson this teacher was going to teach, it had to be something important.

"Have you ever heard of chakra natures?" Asuma asked the class. Everyone but Dimitri and Dedue, who weren't from the five nations, shook their heads in confusion.

"I won't bore you with the details, just take this piece of paper and focus as much as you can on those who have magic. It'll be easier to discover your chakra nature. For those who don't use magic, we'll have other means of testing." Asuma finished his lecture, and Manuela started handing out the papers that are used to test people's chakra natures.

Everyone was handed a piece of paper, which, from what Dimitri can gather, was used to test students in Konoha by determining their chakra nature. If Dimitri touches it, he sees lightning go through the paper, which surprises him; he doesn't think he would even have the ability to use lightning.

"Interesting your ability is lightning, I guess that's fitting for the prince of Faerghus. It's too bad I'm not a lightning user; from what I can gather, you have an insane amount of chakra." Asuma said, amazed by the results.

Then he saw Annette who cut the paper just by touching it like invisible knife."Wind Annette San, a powerful nature you have definitely in need too bad you weren't born in Konoha, you would have made a formidable Konichi."the girl blushed at his praise.

When Dimitri saw Mercedes, the paper caught fire, shocking everyone but the instructor from Konoha was calm.

"Fire and lightning; it's very rare to find a user of fire whose fire is more dominant than lightning. It's usually the other way around." This confused Dimitri: what was he talking about?

"Mercedes, is your name? If you were an Uchiha before the massacre, you would have been the most powerful fire-user of your generation. You, Dimitri, and Sasuke, have the highest chakra capacities in this class." This caused Dimitri to be shocked that she had the third highest chakra capacity.

Then he saw Ashe, who, like Annette, was wind that didn't seem to shock their instructor. He saw Felix, who liked Dimitri's nature that didn't surprise him for some reason. Then he saw Dedue, whose Earth Sylvain was fire. All of the students were done testing themselves for their chakra natures. He wondered what the point was in this?

"You're likely wondering what is the point? for those of you who have never done such training. Considering you're my students and I want you to be as strong as I believe you could be I want to test your nature so I can figure out the best way to train you all for those of you who are wind it would be child play for me to teach you those who are fire Manuela could help you she's been trained in these things before."a professor said nothing.

"Those who have lightning in their nature will be trained by Kakashi Hatake. After school hours, you will train with him. This isn't something you can just walk away from. Everyone must learn about their chakra natures and how to defend themselves using them. You will thank us later; one day, this training can save your lives and the lives of the people you care about. Those of you who have earth as your chakra nature will be trained by a legendary shinobi who is the current substitute teacher of the Black Eagles. You'll meet her soon enough. You should consider this an honor; not many people outside of our countries are even allowed to be trained by someone so prestigious, let alone students of our own country." Asuma said to the class.

"Wait, you mean Tsunade is here?" Dimitri asked in amazement at the thought that one of the Three Sannin was in the monastery right now. Anyone who had ever heard of them would agree, they were legends—the greatest Shinobi alive today and the idea that one of them was there made him not want to believe it could be true.

"She's here consider it an honor to Dimitri. It isn't often an outsider gets to meet someone like Tsunade. You'll have a chance to meet her; she's going to teach all the classes eventually."Asuma said and then added."I word of advice don't anger her violent temper, it's not something anybody wants to be on the receiving end of believe me." Dimitri had heard about it; it couldn't be, it had to be an exaggeration.

Asuma asked his fellow classmates to go to the training grounds, which had a one that was specifically for the Blue Lions. It was crude how it was set up, Dimitri thought, but considering where they were at, they had to make do with what they had.

"For those who tested in wind, come forth", Asuma ordered. Annette and Ash came forward, and they were both wondering what the point of this exercise was. Annette was wondering especially. She was handed an axe. She wondered what the point of this was.

"You are probably wondering why I'm doing this. Your chakra nature, wind, is what mine is. You could use your chakra to enhance your weapons to a degree. Let's just say you have an axe or sword or dagger and you use your wind chakra on it; you can make the blades even sharper, but be warned: if you're not properly trained, you will either hurt yourself or kill yourself with your very weapon. So, until I feel comfortable that you could use it properly, you're only allowed to use this in the training arena. Do I make myself clear?"

Asuma asked Annette and Ashe

"What about jiu-jitsu will we be taught any of those?" asked Annette, interested in learning about something new.

Asuma chuckled."Do you wish to learn a jutsu? Sure, but first you need to learn chakra control. You can't learn basic chakra control; otherwise, it won't do you any good."Asuma answered.

"Then why are we having our chakra nature's being used to enhance our weapons, then what's the point in that?" asked Ashe.

"It'll teach you chakra control; there's more than one way to teach it, and considering how a little time I will have the teach everyone this is the most efficient way of doing so on a short notice." Asumo moved on to other students who had fire natures in order to assist them.

She wanted to learn a jutsu. She wanted to become stronger so she could protect those important to her, especially her friends.

Mercedes didn't know what the point was, so she didn't like picking up weapons. This wasn't what she was trained for.

As if he could read her mind, he handed her a dagger."Knowing how to use your chakra nature can be very helpful, and considering that you've been to the school of sorcery like your friend Annette, this shouldn't be a problem." He said, praising her for her performance back at the school of sorcery where she met her best friend Annette.

She concentrated all of her chakra as she was instructed. She felt like she was making no progress. She would rather her boyfriend show her how to do this, as he knew how to do it like it were second nature to him. But he was training with Catherine at the moment. She certainly didn't want to ask Sakura; she would not want to get anywhere near her with a ten-foot pole.

Then she noticed something on the blade, a fire started to appear on it. Asuma looked impressed." Most impressive, to think that you be the first one to do it?" She didn't know what made it so special." I don't get it. I've been trained in magic. What use is this to me?" Mercedes asked Asuma.

"Being familiar with your chakra nature and how to utilize it could be helpful someday it can save you from a life and death situation yes you've been traded magic and physical combat is not necessarily what your strong point is still it wouldn't hurt to at least give you the ability to defend yourself at close range should an enemy get close to you may just maybe powerful at long rage but in short range you're as good as dead especially against a Shinobi."Asuma answered.

"Surely you could just teach me a jutsu?"Mercedes said, porting out the obvious."Oh you mean a ninjutsu? Why should I you should ask Sasuke that because after all isn't he your boyfriend?"he teased which caused her to turn a deep shade of red."me and Sasuke Kun just we're just friends."she said scrambling to cover up that Sasuke was indeed her boyfriend but she didn't want it to be public yet.

"I was just teasing. Of course I can teach you ninjutsu, but first learn some basic chakra control."

Asuma advised and walked away.

"Does she have any idea how obvious it is that Sasuke is her boyfriend? I mean, who do they think they're fooling?" said Sylvain, who found it amusing that they were hiding an obvious secret. Felix didn't care.

"You could at least pretend to be happy for them sheesh"Sylvain jokingly.

"We are in a training session right now, and you are focusing on what our friends are doing when they're not in class. There's a time and place, and this isn't it."

Felix said irritably that he was bringing up something that wasn't really important or really anyone's business.

"Come on, you've got to admit it's a little strange that they're hiding something so obvious."

Sylvain couldn't help but point out as he continued with his training session that Manuela's new assistant was giving them."

These chakra natures are interesting. To think that we might have an opportunity to be trained by an elite ninja! I'll definitely use any opportunities I get from being trained by this instructor to make myself even stronger."

Felix said as he tried and failed to make lightning manifest itself on his sword.

"Damn, these Konoha students make it look so easy." Sylvain complained.

He looked around him and realized everyone in the class who wasn't previously trained was struggling. He wondered how the other students in his own class and in other classes were faring.

Either way, it would take forever to be able to do things like his Konoha counterparts have been doing for years. If he can add fire to his lance in battle, that would definitely be a victory in itself.

With Sasuke and Catherine

Sasuke was dismissed from Asuma lessons do to him already knowing about chakra nature is and already have been trained in his Catherine was waiting for him in their training room that was specifically for Catherine to train her students one-on-one. There was a light shining in the room. Sasuke removed his shirt like he was instructed and hung it above a hanger so would not get dirty.

He got to the center of the room with his wooden practice sword. Catherine looked at him with the same expression she had when he showed up as she was summoned."An extra training session? You may not enjoy this, Sasuke," Catherine joked.

Sasuke he got into his fighting stance, the stance that Catherine trained him to take. What she was teaching Sasuke first was defense. She wasn't teaching him anything about offense until he mastered the basics. He thought this was ridiculous at first until he was badly defeated by her. He never questioned her reasoning again after that.

He got into his defensive stance, and Catherine attacked, unlike the previous times when he had done poorly. Sasuke was doing a lot better at keeping up with her offensive attacks. He was being taught to react by instinct, through muscle memory. Every time he got hit, it was because he made a mistake. He paid more attention to the sounds she was making, rather than the eyes.

He was doing better than before, but then she smiled."Good Sasuke! You're doing better now. I'm going to go a little faster and see if you can keep up." She did exactly that; he was barely able to keep up. It was like he was fighting twenty Catherine's at once.

She struck him to his left, he blocked her strike to his back right, she barely missed blocking him. She then struck him to his lower abdomen, he was hit hard. She went to his left side of his upper abdomen, he successfully blocked her.

He ignored the pain, which was a lesson every time he felt pain when he got hit, was because he made a mistake. She went for his right leg; he moved out of the way. Another thing that was being taught was how to move properly at the right time during a sword fight. None of the Swordsman that he ever faced in Konoha could come close to Catherine compared to her; they were nothing but amateurs.

They continued in this manner for the next 10 minutes until she signaled him to stop for a break.

He went to where his bench was and drank from his bottle of water. She sat across from him, drinking from her own bottle. They were both sweating.

"You're improving quickly, Sasuke." Catherine praised him. Sasuke could tell she had something to critique.

"You need to rest your body more for better training results. It's good to train a lot to keep up your skills, but not to the point of exhaustion." How did she know he trained after their sessions?

"You're wondering how I know? It's what I did myself to try to get better faster. I know from experience, and the experience of training others. I'm telling you this so you don't have to go through a hard lesson later."

Of course it's to be expected from someone with such skill and renown. Catherine wasn't considered one of the greatest swordsmen in Fodlan for nothing.

"Training with you, I never realized how little I knew about swordsmanship. The swordsman where I'm from are complete amateurs compared to you." Sasuke said respectfully.

"I wouldn't go that far. The swordsmanship of your home country is different from that of my homeland. While I will say this about you as a swordsman: the fact that you've been mostly self-taught is a marvel; it's amazing how good you are as a swordsman without having a teacher be able to teach you. You, Sasuke Uchiha, are probably the most talented swordsman I've ever had the privilege of training. That's the reason why these training sessions are so tough. I know your potential and I want to bring it out." Catherine said respectfully.

"So if you want to get stronger you will follow my orders as your sensei. When I tell you to rest, you will rest after today. You will rest for two days, and then you will train only when I say you can train. Trust me on this; you will be a great swordman before you know it. You just have to be patient. Patience is an important lesson for any swordsman."

Catherine said in a way that left no room for argument.

"I would never question your wisdom, Sasuke admitted. I just feel like I'm not making enough progress fast enough."

Sasuke said, trying not to show his impatience, regarding how slow his progress had been.

"You wish to kill that bastard brother of yours I understand only too well."Catherine said as if she knew something about his brother.

"Your brother has tarnished the name of the Blue Lions to the point where we don't even mention his name; it's that much we hate him, it's personal for me too, and any Blue Lion who knows about Itachi Uchiha, I want him dead too. It's a slate on our honor to have someone from our house murder your clan with the training we gave him." Catherine said with hatred for his brother.

He wasn't aware that his brother was in the Blue Lions."That's not the only reason you want to become strong Sasuke. You want to protect those you care about, which is a reasonable reason to get strong, but you won't be able to do that if you don't rest." She said with a voice of wisdom.

"Itachi Uchiha is a Blue Lions problem, you're not the only one who wants vengeance against Itachi Uchiha. What he has done has tarnished our honor of our house and of the church. I'm training you because helping you get your vengeance against him would redeem our honor, know that you don't have to do it alone."

Catherine said, "Try to make him see that others also have blood debts against his brother." It was difficult for him not to look at things differently since he had come to the monastery. If others desire revenge against his brother, does he have a right to deny them vengeance against him?

"I don't want my friends involved in my revenge against him. I especially don't want them involved." He didn't want to mention Mercedes, his girlfriend; he wanted to keep their relationship under wraps.

"Sasuke, I know about you and Mercedes." This caused Sasuke to be shocked. How did she know it was only Naruto and Ingrid who knew no one else?

"I'm your sensei, of course, I would know. Don't worry; your secret's safe with me. I don't think your love life is anyone's business. Personally, that's an affair between the two of you to sort out yourselves." she respected his boundaries.

"I still don't understand the objections to Rhea Sama. What she has done for the people of this land is far more than I can say for any other kage where I'm from. I just don't get it. I've seen the good that the church does for the people here. Why are there so many people who hate it so much?"

Sasuke asked her

"I agree with you; I owe her my life. Without Lady Rhea, I would have no home to go to. She saved my life and gave me a place to go and a purpose. I mean: any enemy of hers is my enemy. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be who I am today."

Catherine said to Sasuke

"Rhea is the reason why I met Mercie. I don't know what I would do; I can't imagine my life without her."

Sasuke admitted not understanding why he was revealing such intimate information to his sensei, but she revealed something personal about herself to him. He felt it was only fair that he reveal something personal to her in return.

"You love her, don't you, Sasuke?" asked Catherine

Sasuke couldn't form the words. Catherine chuckled as if she already knew the answer.

"Your eyes tell me everything, Sasuke. It's all right; you don't have to tell me. She's a good woman; some would say she's too good for you."

She said honestly; he agreed she was too good for him.

"Well, it seems like lunch will be coming soon. Remember to come here two days from now after you've rested. Then we'll continue where we left off. Remember my lesson: train when I tell you to train and rest when I tell you to rest." Their conversation ended.

He put on his shirt and absorbed what Catherine had pointed out. He didn't feel worthy until he could become strong enough to protect her. The Uchiha you don't tell someone you love them until you are strong enough to protect them.

Golden Deer classroom

Everyone was shocked to say the least that Dorothea transferred Hilda was happy to have another woman in the class same thing with Ino who was a big fan of hers. Though they sold two new students too many for some of their tastes, two of which were people they were already familiar with, Gaara and a pale skin man who looked too much like Sasuke for Naruto's liking.

There was a white-haired man right next to Kakashi whom Naruto recognized immediately from what Claude could gather." pervy sage" Naruto said, happy to see him. The white-haired man was annoyed at being called "pervy sage" by everyone else in the class."For those of you who were with us on the mission, you're already familiar with Gaara. For those of you from Konoha and from my class, please introduce yourselves." said Kakashi.

He stepped to the center of the class and spoke in an awkward manner. Claude could tell he wasn't used to socializing." I hope we can all be friends later with each other. My name is Sai. Nice to meet you." He said to everyone in the class." Wow, he's kind of cute," said Hilda.

"Another weirdo, hopefully he's not a ruffian like the others" Lorenz

"Must you act like an asshole towards everyone new that comes to this class?" Leonie said, annoyed.

Sai was looking at Dorothea much to Naruto's annoyance. He went up to her and had an awkward smile, as if he didn't know how to even properly communicate with someone of the opposite gender.

"Are you the former diva, Dorothea Arnault?" asked Sai

"Um, yeah, why?" she answered awkwardly.

He looked at the other girls in the class and then looked at Dorothea."You're not as beautiful as they say." Sai said, which pissed off Naruto.

"What kind of thing is it to say you don't say that about a woman, what the hell is wrong with you?"

Naruto said angrily.

"Is she your girlfriend?" he asked Naruto.

"Yes, why?" Naruto asked him annoyed; he crossed his arms, not really wanting to be in his presence.

"How does someone with a small dick have three girlfriends?" This time, it was Dorothea who got angry.

"The nerve of this asshole", Dorothea said, almost leaping to strangle him but was held back by Ino and Hilda.

Dorothea took a deep breath after they restrained her, and she had a sharp response: "Are you sure that's not self-projection?" She asked; he had no response.

"That's what I thought." Dorothea said, annoyed at his presence. She sat back next to Naruto.

Then he turned his eyes towards Claude."Claude von Riegan. I hope you're more friendly than Naruto Uzumaki." He said awkwardly. He didn't know how to have a conversation; just who was this person? Claude couldn't put his finger on it. He felt guarded. He almost felt like he was part of an organization in Konoha and he was a spy. He would have to ask Kakashi about it later.

"As for my assistant, I will introduce you to Jiraiya, one of the Sannin from Konoha. You should be honored to have someone like him as my assistant; he is the teacher of the Fourth Hokage and he also was one of the teachers who taught Naruto Uzumaki everything he knew, along with myself."

Everyone looked at Naruto, including Claude, with interest.

"Wait, you mean he wrote Icha Icha? When are you going to write the next one? I know what happens next," said Hilda, excited that her favorite author of her favorite adult novel series was in the same class, causing everyone to look at her with surprise. Kakashi had a smile behind his mask.

"I have a fan in this class. I'm afraid I can't tell you Hilda San, that's your name, right? That's a secret I have to keep to myself. I'm sorry; I have to do a lot of research before the next installment can be published."

Claude had a hunch about what he meant by research; he rolled his eyes.

"As much as I would like to discuss the merits behind such amazing adult literature, we have a lesson we have to do since all of you have already done the chakra nature's training at least the basics. Anyway, we'll be doing something different. We're going to be focusing more on working together as teams in order to make us more effective in battle." said Kakashi.

"As you all know, the Eagle and the Lion are coming soon, and for us to win, Me and Kakashi are going to train you all to work efficiently as a team without communicating with each other verbally. But this also requires you to be able to use your jutsus together."

Claude should have known this was what they were going to do.

"What about those who have already been trained in Konoha?" asked Ignaz, worried about falling behind.

"They'll be helping you with your training Naruto Dorothea you're with me."said Kakashi.

Kakashi left the room with Naruto and Dora. While the rest of the students mingled, Jiraiya was the main instructor. Claude wondered what his teaching style would be like.

"All right for anyone who's winded, I like you to try hitting me with everything you've got." He looked at Claude as if he were challenging him.

"Are you sure about that, Gramps?"

Claude said challengingly, "It's your funeral."

Claude said as he took out his bow and fired his technique that he used in the Land of Waves. Jiraiya did nothing; Claude thought he hit him, but he didn't. He was right behind him.

Claude couldn't believe it; he didn't see him move.

"If this had been a real battle, you would have been dead, kid."

Jiraiya scolded him.

He thought he was a goofy old man, but he wasn't like that. He was far stronger than even Kakashi."Damn," Claude said, chastising himself.

"Now let's try that again, but this time you work with your team." said Jiraiya. Claude went to his assigned team and got started on his training.

It was a lot more difficult than Claude expected. He thought it was hard before Kakashi, who was easy compared to Jiraiya, whose teaching style wasn't one he was used to.

He wondered what the point of what they were doing was. He understood the importance of working as a team and learning how to communicate using nonverbal cues and combining jitsu with his teammates. But what was the point? There had to be more.

"Are you really going to give up already?" asked Jiraiya, disappointed with Claude's team's lack of progress.

"Give me a break, old man! It's not like we've been doing this for years like your Konoha students have! We're just learning." Claude said, annoyed.

"It sounds like an excuse to me." Jiraiya said Claude knew this was what he was trying to get Claude to make a mistake. He wouldn't fall for it.

"She'll cover my flank" Claude ordered.

She has gotten into formation, along with Hilda, if they can just land one blow on him, it will be a success.

"You know what I'm going to see if I can do that, what do you call it Jitsu?" Claude asked.

"Are you doing what I think you're doing?" Hilda asked in disbelief.

"Yes, I am" Claude said with a mischievous smile.

He saw Naruto do it a few times. Naruto did it as a prank, remembering all the signs he had seen. Naruto did and did the exact same stance in chakra.

Everyone in the class wondered what he was doing, and when he was done, he transformed.

Claude, who is now Celine due to the Harem Jutsu, has a slender figure, with long brown hair, and a perfect body, at least by the standards of beauty where are he is from was. Everyone looked at Celine in disbelief.

"How do you like my Harem Jutsu, Jiraiya-sensei?" Celine asked with a seductive smile as Jiraiya fell over, blood coming out of his nose.

Celine transformed herself back into Claude; everyone looked at her in disbelief.

"Seriously, Claude! What the fuck?" said Leone angrily.

"So, Naruto must have taught you that jutsu." Lee remarked.

"Such a disgraceful use of chakra," said Lorenz.

"I'm going to pretend I didn't see that." said Raphael.

"This is embarrassing. Of all the things Naruto had to teach Claude, it had to be that damn jutsu." Ino said, annoyed.

"Oh, another person who uses that jitsu." said Shikamaru, not caring either way.

"disgraceful", said Gaara.

"No wonder Naruto has such a small dick; maybe that's why he uses the Jutsu." said Sai. Everyone wondered why he was saying such stupid nonsense.

"It's shit like this that's why I'm glad I'm a lesbian." said Shez.

Everybody was looking at Claude with daggers in their eyes.

Jiraiya was still on the ground with a nosebleed.

Claude couldn't get himself out of the situation.

"Idiot" said Hilda, clearly annoyed that he used the Harem Jutsu.

"Someone, at least, back me up, please?" He asked; nobody was interested; he was outnumbered.

"For that, I'm going to make your training even harsher, and you have Claude to thank for that." said Jiraiya as he recovered.

Everyone has grown, and they are cursing at Claude during the training is even harsher; no one has any rest until it's time to go on lunch that teaches Claude a valuable lesson: "Never use the Harem Jutsu in front of anyone again!" If you aren't prepared for the consequences.

With Naruto and Dorothea

Naruto and Dorothea were in a room that was made specifically for a training ground for multiple people, about four at most, but why was he choosing this room in particular? Kakashi locked the door and put a seal on it to make sure no one could hear what they were saying, and cast it again with a jitsu seal near where the window was so nobody could see what he was about to show them.

"Things are more dangerous than I thought. Danzo has a spy in our class training. You will be a lot harder than I thought it would be," said Kakashi.

"What's going on, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked, confused.

"It would take too long to explain, but let's just say Donzo is part of a faction in Konoha that seeks to align closely with the empire." Kakashi answered.

"I'm at a loss, Kakashi-sensei. I'm not familiar with the politics of your home country. What do you mean?"

Dorothea asked him. Kakashi went into detail about the different factions in Konoha that seek to make closer ties with the Kingdom and the Empire. When he was done explaining, it clicked.

"I think Claude can be trusted, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said. Kakashi shook his head.

"We know next to nothing about him other than his name. I'm sorry, Naruto, but this kind of information is not something I can trust him with; we don't know enough about Claude. I would trust Dimitri before I would trust him."

Kakashi said, voicing his honest thoughts about Claude.

"I think that's unfair. I think I have a better reason to trust him than I do to trust you at this point, Kakashi-sensei" Naruto said with barely controlled anger about the revelation about his parents and Kakashi telling him nothing about his father.

"What are you talking about, Naruto?" Kakashi asked concern about Naruto's hostility.

"Don't bullshit me, sensei. I know about my father, Minato, your sensei. Why didn't you tell me? You've been my sensei for five years before we came here, but you couldn't have told me anything about my own father or even my mother." Naruto said, on the verge of raising his voice. Dorothea placed her hand on his shoulder.

"We should hear him out first, Naruto, before we jump to conclusions."

Dorothea said calmly, looking at Kakashi with the same kind of anger as Naruto but a calmer anger than his.

"It's not that simple, Naruto," Kakashi said, his voice full of pain from what Naruto could gather.

"How is it not simple?" Naruto asked him.

"Your father was my sensei, but he was the closest thing I ever had to a father after my own father took his own life."

Dorothea gasped; Naruto couldn't even imagine such a thing.

"If I were to tell you, it would sound like an excuse. Those memories are painful of failure and how I just wanted to run away from it all. I have no excuse not to tell you none. I understand your anger. I will not tell you not to be angry with me. But know it wasn't with malicious intent. I wanted nothing more than to tell you, but I got cold feet. Everything I say will sound like an excuse for why I didn't tell you. I just didn't want to relive those memories. I'm sorry."

Kakashi said, barely able to say it without his voice breaking.

"You don't have to tell me right now, Kakashi-sensei. I'm sorry you brought us here to train, and I made it about me even though this is supposed to be about Dorothea-chan."

Naruto apologized and looked at his girlfriend, who looked at him understandingly.

"It's okay, Naru-chan. I understand. You would be angry too. Don't apologize."

Dorothea said with understanding.

"What is it about Donzo that makes him so dangerous?"

Dorothea asked, putting the conversation back to what it was before Naruto got angry about his parents.

"He's part of a faction in Konoha that opposes what the current Hokage and his predecessor, Hashirama, push as the 'will of Fire.' They believe the 'will of Fire' weakens Konoha; therefore, they are more of the militaristic faction that seeks to expand Konoha's influence abroad and protect it by any means necessary."

Kakashi explained like he was explaining it to a child, which she was due to her not knowing anything about the part of the world where her ancestor came from.

"Yeah, but there's something you're not telling us. Why is that student a concern?"

Dorothea asked Kakashi, who didn't budge on the issue.

"He's a member of what is called the Root, which is an organization that seeks to protect Konoha from the shadows. They do all the unsavory things in order to protect Konoha's security, assassination, espionage, and all sorts of things that I cannot disclose."

She had a feeling there was more.

"He have something to do with the Uchiha clan massacre didn't he?" Dorothea asked him, looking shocked.

"I cannot confirm or deny it"Kakashi said not answering her question completely dodging it.

"My Uchiha ancestry is the reason for all the secrecy. If you're concerned about my safety and it has to do with my ancestry, then it would make sense that Donzo and his organization had something to do with the massacre, whether it's directly or indirectly. Whatever you can answer or not doesn't change the fact that it makes sense why you would be concerned."

The more she learns about the ninja world, the more she hates it.

This be what her grandmother never wanted to talk about with her mother? She wishes she would have asked her mother when she had the chance but she never did she was murdered and to this day she doesn't know who did it.

"I cannot confirm or deny anything you're saying, but no, you shouldn't tell anyone outside this room, not even Hinata or Ingrid. The fewer people who know, the better." Kakashi warned.

She felt awful for keeping secrets from her friends, but if it protected them, she would do it.

"I'm willing to go to hell itself in order to protect the people I love, Kakashi-sensei. I'll do whatever is necessary, please teach me everything you know about the Sharingan." Dorothea said.

"These lessons will be hard; you will be exhausted by the end of them. I make no secret of the fact that the Sharingan is a burden. Until you can use it at will, you are forbidden to use it at all. Do I make myself clear? With that student in our class, it's even more dangerous to use it. You will not use it unless there is no other choice. Do I make myself clear?"

Kakashi asked her.

"Noted sensei" because he had finished and removed his headband, which covered one eye.

"Naruto, you will train in nature chakra while I give Dorothea her first lesson in Sharingan."

The lessons were the most difficult she'd ever and how did her life it was straining on her eyes mentally physically this was the most difficult training that she would ever do but she would do whatever it took. To protect the people most important to her, her friends in the Black Eagles, the women she loves, she will protect them by any means necessary even if it means going to hell itself.

Black Eagles classroom

Hubert was waiting for his classmates to show up, he had a lot to think about and a lot to consider. Edelgard was considering having Monica say nothing; he did not agree with this course of action. Her reasoning for citing was deception to be used against their enemy "Those Who Slither in the Dark". She was trying to use a tactic that was used in Konoha, but she knew nothing about how to use it in practice. It was a foolish decision and he would not allow Edelgard to make such a foolish move. He was hoping Hinata would show up first so he would have a chance to speak to her alone.

He wasn't disappointed she showed up as requested by Hubert." Is there any reason why you need to speak to me alone, Hubert San?"Hinata asked him respectfully. She doesn't like him he was okay with because working with someone did not require you to like them what he valued was results.

"It's an imperative that we speak and make it quick. We don't know how long we'll have alone, Lady Hinata. You're part of our inner circle now because you made the blood pact with Lady Edelgard, which makes you one of us."

Hinata didn't know what he was talking about.

"Are you familiar with Those Who Slither in the Dark?"Hubert asked Hinata, shaking her head."thought as much they are a secretive organization, barely anything is known about them. They have Roots deep in the Empire and they even have deep roots in your Homeland as well." This shocked Hinata."What do you mean?"she asked him.

"I have no time to explain right now a different time a safer location lady Edelgard is considering taking a foolish action that could endanger herself and the Empire as a whole. By having Monica not say anything about her kidnappers."Hinata wanted to say something Hubert signaled her for her to speak.

"Whatever her intentions may be, she should let them speak. They're our enemies; we should expose them. This shouldn't be a discussion."

Hinata said as if she already knew what he was talking about, but she knew nothing. Not that he could expect her to.

"It's not quite that simple. Yes, they are enemies, but we have an alliance with them. If we break it too soon, it could endanger everything that we're building."

Hinata almost shouted, but held her tongue.

"Why?"Hinata asked him.

"It would take too long to explain, but let's just say there are enemies of our enemies, and she thinks by playing them against each other, it would weaken them both." Hubert said, referring to the Akatsuki.

"Deception could be a great weapon, but it can also be used against us if we don't utilize it properly." Hinata said, as if she already knew what Hubert was thinking.

"Yes we are at a point where would do us no good. We could still deception to our benefit but I want your opinion Hinata. What course of action do you think is best strategically?"He asked her testing if she would be able to be a good advisor to Edelgard.

"Monica should reveal who kidnapped her. Use plausible deniability if the enemy needs us as much as we need them. Then it would actually be beneficial to let the church know, but don't take action unless we're ready to strike at them. If possible, let's use the other enemy that they have against each other when they least expect it. Strike." said Hinata confidently.

He wished she would have shown this confidence more often having the Hyuga heir on their side benefited them greatly. Hinata's confidence was higher since joining the Black Eagles Hubert is starting to respect her more.

She would make a good advisor if given enough time.

"Then I will tell Monica to stick to the plan,"Hubert said as the first of the class members showed up."I'd like to invite you for tea time lady Hinata. We have much to learn about each other."Hubert said as he left her with her friends.

He may have been disappointed months ago when it was Hinata in the Black Eagles instead of Sasuke Uchiha, but now that he's had a chance to see the kind of woman Hinata is becoming, having her in the Black Eagles benefits Edelgard more than Sasuke ever could as the potential of having the entire Hyuga clan on her side.

Should Edelgard play her cards right, Naruto Uzumaki, the carrier of the Nine-Tails, would also be a good ally to have in the future. She may not like thinking of Hinata or Naruto in that way, but when it comes to the future war against the enemies of Edelgard and the world that she wants to create, there is no price worth paying for her dream of a better dawn.

Bernadetta wondered who would be the substitute teacher until their professor came back. She was nervous, hoping it wasn't anyone scary because of her previous experience with the previous professor. She hoped it wasn't that mean man named Jeritza von Hrym. But what she saw instead was a blonde-haired woman who was taller than most of the girls in the class, even if she wasn't as tall as some of the men. She gave off a presence of someone who commanded respect and someone you shouldn't anger.

Then there was a woman right beside her with black hair and red eyes, who had a kinder look on her face. She was shorter than she was, and her skin was paler and complexion. She wondered who these people were and why they were here.

Then there was a silver-haired boy with glasses, along with a man who was one of the three people that came back with the golden deer class yesterday. He wore a black suit; when she saw him, he had spiky brown hair and no face paint. He looked less scary than he did when she first saw him.

The second one, however, she didn't like him at all. She felt apprehensive, as if there was something off about him. His smile was polite, but she sensed something sinister beneath it. She didn't like it one bit.

Her question would be answered soon as the woman started to speak.

"As you all know, your professor is too injured to teach for the next week, so I will be the one to teach you until then." said the woman.

"I am Tsunade Senju and I will be your substitute teacher for the next week, and this is my assistant, as well as the assistant of your professor, Kurenai Yuhi. For everyone else, this will be your Sensei; she will be teaching you about your chakra natures. I'll be doing my part simply because I'm already here." Tsunade said.

She couldn't believe it; she was one of the three Sannin. She wanted to bury her head in her pillow. She was scary, and then she looked at her like the older woman was looking into Benedetta's soul.

"Oh, please don't kill me. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." The scared girl said, terrified.

"I'm not going to hurt you," Tsunade said kindly.

"I'm sorry. I just... I heard you're really scary when you're angry." She admitted.

Tsunade laughed as if it were ridiculous.

"Well, unless you have a reason to make me angry, you shouldn't worry," the woman said reassuringly to her.

Then her attention shifted to the new students.

"As for the new students, introduce yourselves." The woman ordered.

"My name is Kankuro, the older brother of Gaara who is in the golden deer. I hope we can get to know each other." He said with a smile that seemed friendly on its surface.

"My name is Kabuto Yakushi. Many friendly faces here. I hope you can make me feel welcome here. This land is so foreign that I feel overwhelmed." He said politely.

Something about this Kabuto made her feel uneasy because of the way he carried himself, which wasn't real; it was fake. She wished she could voice that out loud, but everyone seemed to be happy and friendly towards him when he sat next to Ferdinand.

Kurenai looked at her former team and then looked at everyone else before she spoke.

"As Tsunade Sama has told you, we'll be training you all in chakra natures for those of you who have been trained. You'll be helping your classmates with any chakra natures that they may share." She said, referring to her former students.

Each of the Black Eagles was shocked that Dorothea wasn't here, except for Hinata and Ingrid; they already knew why she wasn't there.

"I'm sorry, but why isn't Dorothea here? Is she late?" asked Benedetta, wanting to know why her friend wasn't there.

"She transferred to the Golden Deer." Hinata answered. Quickly, so everyone wouldn't ask questions, Benedetta wanted to know why, but she couldn't ask right now because she had a paper on her hand.

She wondered what this meant before she could ask any questions. Kurenai explained what this lesson was about and how what happens to the paper depends on what type of chakra they have, which determines what their chakra nature is most closely attuned to.

Benedetta concentrated as much as she could, as instructed by Kurenai, and the piece of paper she held was soaking and burned to ash.

"Water and lightning like Hinata and Marianne interesting?" said Kurenai, with interest.

"It seems the shy girl squad shares a similar chakra nature, which is fascinating," said Kabuto with interest.

She has no ability to use magic well. That's not her specialty, but her chakra nature is water and lightning. It didn't even make any sense to her.

Something about Kabuto made her feel uneasy. She wanted to stay as far away from him as possible, but she couldn't explain why she felt this apprehension.

She didn't pay attention as her peers were being tested for their chakra nature, some of whom were obvious while others were not.

When everything was done, Kurenai spoke in front of everyone in an authoritative voice.

"All of you have been tested. I'm going to help everyone I can. I'm going to assign everyone into groups: Marianne, Bernadetta, Ingrid, and Hinata will be with me. Everyone else will be assigned to teams by Tsunade-sama." Kurenai said to everyone.

She approached her students and signaled for the four of them to leave the classroom with her. She wondered who this woman was and why Hinata was so happy to see her?

Marianne was wondering where Kurenai it's taking them until they were led to a room that was assigned to them. He was her training room it was enough for four to five people when everyone was situated. Kurenai talked to all of them.

"I never thought I would get the honor of being a teacher to the entirety of the shy girl squad I heard about your exploits I read about them deeply in your dossier the three almost single-handedly won a battle even if it was a simulation it was impressive."she looked at each and every one of them.

"And you Ingrid Brandl Galatea it is a great honor to be your instructor. Were able to fight a highly experienced man in the mock battle and almost defeat him despite your inexperience you did well to think that you have the same chakra nature as my former student Hinata Hyuga your chakra nature is unusual one all of you water and lightning go as well together as fire and oil but you all have it and that's what makes you dangerous potentially to yourselves and to your enemies if not properly trained."she looked at Hinata.

"You will be helping me in this Hinata since you have the same chakra nature as they do it will be far more prudent I'll be teaching you for to be able to spot and defend yourselves against genjutsu this is important because you never know when you encounter someone that has such a skill a lot of people underestimate the usefulness of defense against such a technique not many know how to use it properly but that's what makes it dangerous potentially if you don't know how to spot it or fight against it."

She explained to them patiently she was kind she could tell Marianne would feel comfortable around this teacher.

"What do we call you? Do we call you Sensei or professor?"asked Ingrid respectfully."whatever you feel comfortable with Ingrid San" Kurenai replied.

"Well it help protect the people that are important to me?"Marianne asked Kurenai."Of course it will Marianne I'm all about helping all of you you're all my students. I want you to all to be the best that you can be. I would like to see the shy girls squad win the Eagle and the Lion. I'm determined to make that happen."she said with a warm smile.

"I don't know why everyone continues to use that name, it's so embarrassing."said Bernadetta embarrassed.

"I like it but I think we should change it to a different name, something that will be taken more seriously,"said Hinata, who was serious about them winning the Eagle and the Lion.

"What would you rather have it be called them?"asked Marianne who felt the same way as Bernadetta.

"The Black lion squad, that's what I want us to be known as."Hinata said with confidence. Kurenai smiled in approval same thing with Ingrid.

"Byl would love that name. It sounds strong and fierce."Marianne said out loud." you mean the professor of your class?" Asked Kurenai curiously.

"Yes,"Marianne answered.

"Alright enough chit chat I will teach you all the basics with Hinata's help I will make the four of you the Black lion squad the squad that will lead our class to victory. It all starts with this training method I'm about to show you."

Marianne listened intently as Kurenai explained in detail about various different methods of chakra control and different ways of using water and lightning techniques.

By the time they were done lunch was on the horizon.

When lunch was about to start Kurenai wanted to talk to Hinata alone."you're not in trouble you're not I just want to ask you something in private if that's okay?"Kurenai asked Hinata in her language.

"I'll be there shortly" Hinata said to her friends and girlfriend. She was sure everyone was out of earshot her Sensei spoke.

"I don't know if I approve of that girl's relationship with Byleth Eisner. The relationship is not proper." Kurenai said to Hinata voicing her honest opinion.

"Whatever they do is none of our business sensei he doesn't take advantage of her if that's what you think he treats all of his students as equals."she said defending her professor.

"Hinata I know what you're saying but doesn't change the fact how different things are here compared where we're from. That wouldn't be tolerated. If This were after she graduated that would be different but they're doing it while he still teaching it's a conflict of interest on both of their ends" Hinata was about to interrupt her before she continued.

"At least that's what it would look like for those who don't know anything. I don't pretend to know why those two do what they do. I just have to voice my concerns from the outside. You got to understand people are very judgemental Hinata and will assume the worst. Asking you since you're Marianne's friend do you think he's taking advantage of her?" Kurenai wanted an answer.

"No he's not, he cares deeply for her he has a haunted look on his face ever since the mission. I don't Pretend to know what his life is like but what I saw when I first met him was loneliness Marianne fills in that void. I don't want to get between their relationship since I am sorry I won't do it even for you. I know what it's like to love someone and have them feel like they're completely out of your reach. I don't want to ruin anything for them."she said with conviction.

"Your dead set on defending their relationship even if it isn't proper for a teacher and student. You have a big heart Hinata and you care deeply for your friends. I had to ask you this because I don't know how to approach him about this."she was nervous of what she meant by that.

"What do you mean?"Hinata asked her.

"Don't worry about it, have lunch with your friends. I'll see you tomorrow." Kurenai dismissed Hinata for the day she went to with her friends in order to go to the cafeteria for the day Benedetta and Marianne looked like they had questions she would talk to them about it at lunch. along with her girlfriend who was with her.

The cafeteria

"Are you serious?" asked Naruto, not believing that Claude had used his harem jutsu.

"Yeah, I will. Everyone got pissed at me when I did. I'm not going to lie. I like that Jitsu you created. It's very good for pranks." Claude said.

"What kind of jitsu are you talking about?" asked Dimitri.

Naruto had decided to eat with the house leaders more often so that he could have more conversations with them.

Edelgard was with them; she was curious about what they were talking about.

"It's embarrassing that I can't believe you used it." Naruto said in disbelief.

"Hey, it's your fault for showing it it to me me."Claude said faking fake being offended.."

"It better not be some perverted jutsu."

Edelgard said angrily as she looked at Claude.

"It's not my fault; I'm not the one who invented it. It was him."

Claude pointed his finger at Naruto.

"Really, Naruto?" asked Edelgard, disappointed.

"Hey, give me a break! I was only twelve when I first used that jutsu." Naruto said defensively.

"Why would you have something like this?" Dimitri asked, disappointed that Naruto would have something so lowly as to be beneath his dignity.

"It's a kind of embarrassing story, and I don't really want to talk about it at the table."

As if on cue, Sasuke, Mercedes, Hinata, Dorothea, and Ingrid were sitting at the table.

"an interesting discussion you guys are having, is there anything we need to know?" Dorothea asked inquisitively.

"Nothing", Naruto said nervously, not wanting to talk about the embarrassing secret of his harem jitsu that Claude used on Jiraiya.

"There's a ruckus among the golden deer about Claude using some strange jitsu that transformed him into a woman. That made everyone in the golden deer have to train harder."

Mercedes said, and she had a look of disgust and disappointment.

"please not you too Mercedes San honestly I was 12."Naruto said trying to defend his actions.

"Hold up, what's this Harem Jitsu?" asked Ingrid, looking at Naruto.

"oh my"Hinata said blushing remembering all the things they did with his harem jitsu.

"wait why the hell does Claude know about the jitsu in the first place?"Naruto blurted out.

"You showed him, didn't you? Don't you remember that Claude isn't stupid; he obviously observed how you did the Jutsu and copied it. It's too bad the cat's out of the bag: your other two mates will want to know about the Harem Jutsu, there could be a benefit to this. Not only will you have the ability to have a four-way, but you could have a four-way and you get to experience the bliss of…"

Before Kurama could say anything more, Naruto cut him off.

"Damnented Naruto himself low enough enough so no one can hear them them.

"I want to know what this harem jitsu is" said Dorothea. She took Naruto by the arm, along with Ingrid. Naruto looked at Hinata, pleading for her to help him.

"Don't complain; you'll get to experience the wonders of a lesbian threesome."

Kurama laughed, saying as Naruto was being dragged by his two girlfriends.

Although Mercedes couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Naruto, she was a little disgusted by the jutsu she had heard about.

"Are you sure he's going to be okay?" Mercedes asked Hinata.

"Oh, he'll be fine, but unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to join in on the fun tonight." Hinata said with a hint of disappointment.

"part of the what?" Dimitri was oblivious to what Hinata was implying.

"Oh," Edelgard said, knowing exactly what she was talking about.

"How do you make it work?" Dimitri asked Hinata.

"We're trying to figure it out as we go along. it's not easy sometimes. We have to take turns, and no one wants to hear about Naruto. Well, there are things that are hard, but let's just say they're not conversations we should be having at the dinner table." Hinata answered.

Sasuke looked at Mercedes, knowing that they both knew exactly what she was talking about.

"As long as everyone is happy, that's all that matters." Mercedes said to her friend.

She looked at the corner of her eye, where Sakura was picking a fight with Leone.

"Are you the one who is seeing Sasuke Kun?" Sakura demanded

Mercedes was tempted to slap her again, but decided against it. Hilda and Leone could take care of it themselves.

"stupid bitch" Mercedes said to herself she would smile if only she knew that she was Sasuke's girlfriend, the answer was right in front of her but she didn't know it.

Earlier with Leone, Hilda, Raphael, Lorenz, and Ino

Leone wasn't bothering anyone; she was just eating her lunch in peace with her friends from the Golden Deer. She was disappointed in Naruto's Harem Jutsu, but she thought of Claude using such a perverted Jutsu, which disgusted her.

"Well, to be fair, Naruto wasn't happy when Claude used it"

"Hilda pointed out that they were overhearing Naruto's shouting in disbelief that Claude had used his jutsu."

"Whatever doesn't matter, regardless, it's disgraceful" said Lorenz.

"I'm disappointed, but I don't think it's a big deal" said Raphael, taking a bite out of the meal he was currently eating.

"the fact that he has three girlfriends despite having that jitsu is a miracle." said Ino

"It wouldn't shock me if Hinata and Naruto have used it to do all sorts of kinky things in bed, if you know what I mean." said Ino with a perverted grin.

"There's no way a girl like Hinata would do something like that." Lorenz said, not believing someone so modest and shy could be capable of such a thing.

"You underestimate the kind of kinky things shy girls are into"Hilda replied.

"Are you the one who is seeing Sasuke-kun?" Leone heard a screeching and annoying voice.

"Do I look like someone who would be interested in Sasuke?" Leone said, annoyed at Sakura's presence.

"You stupid bitch. I know you're lying." Sakura said, in her delusion. She looked at Sasuke, the woman he was next to. Was she really oblivious?

"First of all, Sakura, I'm not interested in Sasuke. I haven't spoken to him once during our time here. I don't even know anything about him except that he looks like and where he comes from." Leone dismissed her as if she were a pest.

"then it must be you"she pointed at Hilda obviously jealous of her looks Hilda looked even more annoyed than Leone.

"seriously fuck off I'm not interested in Sasuke we were having a peaceful lunch until you came here."Hilda said in the rare instances where she snapped at people.

"You're so insufferable," Lorenz said, not enjoying her presence.

"Seriously, can you just leave? We're trying to have a relaxing lunch, but you're always ruining it with your annoying screeching voice." Ino said, not caring if she pissed Sakura off.

"I'll find out who's seeing Sasuke Kun if it's the last thing I do."she stormed off.

"Is she really that oblivious?" Raphael asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, Sasuke had been crushing on Mercedes for the first two months he'd been here, and now they're officially dating; they spend a lot of time together; they're always together, almost every day; they're glued to each other like two pieces of tape. Everyone and their mother knows it, but Sakura is too blind to see it; she can't accept the fact that Sasuke would rather be with a nice and sweet woman like Mercedes than an annoying banshee like her." Leone said, annoyed that everyone's lunch was ruined by the banshee.

"Thank goodness she's not in our class," said Lorenz, and one of the few times she agrees with him, she replied.

"I agree I don't understand how the Blue Lions can tolerate that annoying banshee 24/7." Leone agreed.

The golden deer enjoyed the rest of their lunch in blissful peace, despite the brief interruption earlier.

When they were dismissed, everyone left the table, along with Hinata, Mercedes, and Sasuke. She saw Sakura storm off angrily and couldn't help but feel a little pity for her, but not much.

"That annoying banshee! How could she not see what's right in front of her? She'll never get it." said Sasuke contemptuously.

"I say mess with her, the bitch deserves it."Hinata suggested.

"I'll think about it." Sasuke said.

"We have homework to do, and we don't have much time." Mercedes told her boyfriend.

"Of course, we will get started right away." Sasuke replied.

She bid farewell to Mercedes and Sasuke, then headed toward the pond. She sat down, looking at the water.

she wondered what her role would be in the relationship that she had agreed to with Naruto.

She loves her partners, all of them. The one thing she was afraid of was becoming a third wheel. Despite Naruto's insistence that it wouldn't happen, because he loves them all, she can't help but feel insecure.

Dorothea knew something before she did about Naruto about Kurama being sealed inside of him no matter what she will always have that bond with Naruto that she will never have.

But then there was Ingrid, who had a bond with her that she didn't have with Naruto. She had told Ingrid more about her relationship with her clan thaneven Naruto. She felt guilty in a way, even though their relationship was equal.

She turned around and noticed a green-haired girl, who was looking at her with fascination.

"So, you're Hinata Hyuga, aren't you? You're shorter than I expected." the girl said.

"I'm sorry I've never seen you before. How come I haven't seen you until now?"Hinata asked.

"Oh, I'm the sister of Seteth. My brother is protective of me, so you haven't seen me until now." The girl answered.

She heard the girl's stomach growl. Hinata knew she was hungry.

"I really don't have much on me here."Hinata went inside her bag and gave her what was left of her lunch that she had made earlier.

"Are you sure?", the girl asked.

"I'm positive I don't like food going to waste." Hinata replied.

"Thank you, Hinata. You're as kind as they say you are." She said as she was sitting next to her. They were both looking at the pond.

"Is there a name I can call you by?" Hinata asked her.

"Flayn", she replied.

"Flayn, why are you here?" she asked, referring to the spot he wasn't sitting at.

"I like looking at the water and seeing the fish jump out of the pond. It reminds me of when my mother and I, along with my father, used to fish together. She said nostalgically."

"There's something soothing about this place, the monastery in general is peaceful here. I haven't felt this much peace ever, not even back home."

Hinata confessed that she didn't know why she was comfortable sharing this with a complete stranger, but this girl wasn't the kind of person who would tell anyone. She just had a feeling.

"Personally, I'm shocked you didn't join the Blue Lions. Why did you join the Black Eagles?" Flayn asked, struggling to use the chopsticks Hinata provided her.

"That's something very personal, and I don't think I want to talk about it right now." Hinata said, not wanting to elaborate.

"I'm sorry, Hinata. We just spoke. I'm just curious. I just want to learn about the people here, but my brother is reluctant to have me speak to anyone for any length of time." Flayn looked at the water sadly; she was lonely; she could see it in her eyes.

"Do you have any friends?" Hinata asked.

"I have a friend, but he's busy right now. We kind of have to keep it under wraps. We talk from time to time." She was curious who this friend was.

"What do you two talk about, if you don't mind my asking?"

Hinata asked curiously.

"Oh, he just asked us for advice on how to be more romantic with his girlfriend. Of course, there are other things, but it's kind of a personal thing between us." She wondered what this girl's friendship with that person was about.

"The rumors about you having 3 partners reminds me of people I once knew."Hinata was caught off guard.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm saying too much. Me and My brother traveled a lot. We once met a couple where the man had three wives. What made it unique was that the wives were also married to each other. It was beautiful. I never thought it would be possible."Hinata wondered what she was talking about.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know how to use these things." Flayn confessed embarrassedly.

"I'll show you that it's not a problem."

Hinata showed her how to use the chopsticks for the rice roll that she made when she was done Flayn managed to eat the food that she made easier.

"This is good, you're a good cook, Hinata. Is there any way you could show me how to make this?" Flayn asked her.

"Sure, no problem. Though some of the ingredients are unfortunately I had to order at the black market because they're not available here; it's from my native home."Hinata answered.

"It's quite a shame that this program doesn't extend to the food from where you live. Who knows what kind of amazing food exists at the other side of the world!" The girl said as she drooled over the tasty foods that existed.

"Oh, there's tasty food here too, but you're right; some people would die for the opportunity to eat it. She feels comfortable around this girl, so she couldn't help but notice how guarded Flayn is and she also couldn't help but notice that she had an overworldly presence about her.

"It's a shame I can't be in your class or any of the classes here; it sounds like a lot of fun." Flayn said with sadness.

"We can still be friends. I won't tell anyone. It'll be our little secret. Flayn-san." Hinata said with her warm smile.

"Your smile is as pretty as everyone says; no wonder Naruto fell in love with you."

Then it was back to him; she was sad, she shouldn't feel jealous, but she did.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go" said Hinata.

"Are you doing anything in particular tomorrow?" Flayn asked Hinata.

"No, I'm not." Hinata replied.

"If it's okay with you, I wouldn't mind doing this again. I have some more food I can make if you want to try some." Flayn smiled happily that she had another friend.

"All right, I'll see you tomorrow."

Hinata left without saying anything; she knew something was wrong.

Interfering in their love lives is something she shouldn't do; she feels like this is something Hinata has to resolve on her own, though she would keep close tabs on the situation.

She saw Sasuke and Mercedes laughing together.

"Wow, I can't believe he did that." Mercedes laughed.

"Yeah, well, that Jiujitsu move made the Third Hokage fall over. It was so embarrassing that the Hokage threatened to kill anyone who mentioned that embarrassing episode."

She was laughing really hard at what was so funny. Flayn wanted to know.

"I appreciate you cheering me up Sasuke-kun. These tests have been very stressful. There's so much we have to study under a short amount of time. I'm not really good at these." Mercedes admitted.

"Don't worry, my angel. I'll help you like I promised. Your smile is the most precious thing to me. If I can make it possible, I'll make you smile every day."

She leaned on Sasuke's shoulder.

"You're so sweet, Sasuke-kun. You're nothing like those people say you are." She had her eyes closed as Sasuke put his arm around her.

Flayn had seen this scene so many times before, of two people in love. Sasuke took her advice to heart; it was the first time she'd sold them to interact.

She walked away, knowing it wouldn't be right. This was a private moment between them; she shouldn't have seen it.

She wishes her father wouldn't be so protective, and let her be friends with people. The world she had once known is gone. The world she's currently walking in feels alien. How long will it be before she falls asleep again? She hopes it won't be any time soon. Part of her wishes it wouldn't happen. She wonders sometimes if this long life is really a blessing or a curse.

With how little of their people that exist and sometimes feels more like a curse.

To give anything, having friends is not living a lonely existence. Hinata could be that friend she needed.

She had to get into her room before her father, who everyone thinks is her brother, would freak out. She understands why he's protective of her because of what happened to her mother and how they had to flee from place to place for many years because no place was safe.

She hopes to meet the new professor of the Black Eagles. It'll be far less lonely if she talks to someone like him. He doesn't know his origin, but she knows he's one of their people.

She enters her room and lies down, looking at the ceiling, thinking of what she would do with her new friend Hinata Hyuga the next day.

5 days later

Byleth walked around the room, testing every part of his body to see if he could move without hurting himself, even though he wasn't hurting in his wounds that were almost completely healed. He wasn't allowed to return to teaching, and he was going crazy.

He couldn't lift a sword, and he couldn't do anything but read the same damn thing over and over again. The one thing that didn't drive him insane was Marianne's visits. She didn't visit until the end of the day because of her classes, but today was different. He would return the next day and it was her day off.

He wishes he could speak to his father and ask him the questions that have been on his mind regarding his mother. It still doesn't make sense to him after two months, and he's in love with Marianne. He's been told not to rationalize it, but it's hard not to considering how fast it has happened.

Before he could indulge in his thoughts, he heard a knock. He got up and opened the door, and it was not who we expected to see. It was a raven-haired woman with red eyes. He did his best to hide his disappointment because he didn't want to see anyone at the moment, but Marianne.

"I'm hoping I'm not disturbing you. I know you won't be returning to teach until the day after tomorrow, but I feel like it would save us both time if I introduced myself now. I'm Kurenai Yuhi, your assistant." She gave him a detailed notebook of everything that had been taught in the past week, which he would have to look at later, and what he would be teaching when he came back.

"I was told by Tsunade that I would get one. I didn't expect to meet you so soon." He admitted.

"I won't take too much of your time. I wanted to ask you something in a one-on-one setting before we work together. What is your relationship with Marianne?"

He didn't know how to respond.

"I'm not here to judge you, Byleth. I'm not going to condemn or condone your relationship with her. I'm just speaking as a teacher concerned about my student. Kurenai voiced her concern."

"Do you think I'm not concerned? Do you think I haven't considered what others would think? I cannot control my feelings towards her. I don't even understand them fully. I didn't understand emotions in general until I met her; I can't explain any of it." he said honestly.

"She was right; you are in love with this girl, as I said. I won't condemn or condone what you're doing, but be careful: there are those who would use this against you, and they don't like the fact that you're teaching here." Kurenai warned.

"I don't care what they think of me; I'm concerned about her, not myself," he said sharply.

"I understand, but she's not the only reason I'm here. I'm also here regarding Hinata Hyuga. She's gotten more confident since the last time I saw her. At first, I was concerned when I found out she chose the Black Eagles, but those concerns were put to rest when I saw what kind of woman she's becoming. She's more confident than she was before. Is this your doing?" she asked him.

He was glad the conversation was shifting away from Marianne to something he was more comfortable talking about.

"I can't take all the credit; Edelgard played a part too. I just showed Hinata what she was capable of and how strong she truly was. I didn't want someone like her to not have her full potential squandered. I saw what she was capable of and I wanted to bring out that potential in herself. I wanted her to see herself as strong as I saw her." He answered with pride of how far Hinata has come in the past few months

"I see that I wish those back home could see what I always saw in Hinata, a strong capable girl whom her father wouldn't believe if he saw what Hinata is now." He wondered what she meant by that.

"Then there's the other girls who were a lot like Hinata when she was 12. Now that they're in your class, they're more confident than they were before. I read the dossier on Benedetta, who Hinata has befriended. She was scared of everyone and reluctant to talk to anyone. Even though she goes out of her room more, she's still scared. I could talk about the other students as well, but it would take up too much of our time. You have a way to bring out talent in people. Byleth, who don't see it in themselves. It's a shame we don't have people like you back home. You would have made a great instructor." Kurenai said with respect.

"I've taken enough of your time, your secret girlfriend is going to be here any minute, and I don't want her to know that I know. Just keep in mind what I've said about her and yourself. Be careful."

Kurenai said as she opened the door and left.

"You should be more careful, and more people are starting to know about you." Sothis advised

"I know", Byleth replied.

It would be 10 minutes before he heard another knock. He would open the door, and it would be Marianne with unbraided hair. Her hair was down to her back.

She closed the door behind her, wearing a casual white dress with a long skirt.

"I'm sorry I was late. I couldn't find anything I felt comfortable wearing with in such a short notice." Marianne confessed, embarrassed. By her reasoning for being late. It doesn't matter; you look beautiful in anything you wear, Mari.

Byleth said to his shy girlfriend.

"Thank you" she blushed at his compliment.

She sat down on his bed, and he sat next to her. They had done this for the past week; he didn't know what to say or talk about. This time, he looked up at the ceiling as he lay on Marianne's lap. He could look at her eyes for hours; he got lost in their beauty.

Things were silent for 10 minutes before Byleth asked Marianne a question.

"How Sora?" he asked her.

"She misses you and wishes for a swift recovery." Marianne answered."So how are your new instructors treating you?" He asked, wanting to know what was going on with her since he had been forbidden to do anything for a week.

"Kurenai is nice; she's patient and understanding. I can see why Hinata speaks so highly of her." Marianne said."Has she talked about her sensei?" he asked Marianne, hoping to know more.

"She's an important person to Hinata. She hasn't really told me much, but I pick up on the fact that she was one of the few people back at her home who believed in her besides Naruto. She's caring towards her students. If I were born in Konoha, she would have been my ideal teacher."

She finished

"I can't wait to finally be able to leave the monastery again. I can't stand the stone walls; it's suffocating in here." Byleth said to Marianne.

"I know that feeling," Marianne replied.

"Are you really okay with someone like me, Mari?" Byleth asked his girlfriend.

"Of course I am," Marianne said. "Why would you ask such a thing?"

"I don't feel worthy. I feel like you have better options than me." Byleth confessed his deepest insecurities.

"There's no one else I would rather be with than you, if anyone isn't worthy, it's me." She replied.

He had no response to that, wanting to protect both of them. What would be the right thing to say to ask?

"Why not just make a promise to each other," said Sothis.

"Can we make a promise to each other Mari?"he asked her."of course Byl"he got up and his face was inches from hers.

"I'll protect you, I promise from everything that would do you harm and most of all what I want to protect the most is your smile." Byleth knew it was corny what he just said, but he didn't care.

"That's so sweet of you, Byleth. If there's one thing I promise, it's that I'll protect you from your nightmares in the best way I can. And I don't care what anyone says; nothing or anyone will get in my way. I love you, Byleth Eisner. I don't care how irrational it is; I'll protect you from your nightmares." She said softly.

They kissed with more passion than the last time he didn't fully understand his love for her; all he could think about was making her happy.

"There's one thing I would like to do when you're able to leave this room again next time we go out of the monastery. I want to make love outside in the field around nature."

Marianne confessed.

She didn't care how it came out; that's what she wanted. She didn't want to date him in the monastery; she wanted to go outside, where they could be open about their love and not have to hide it. "Anything for you." Byleth said softly.

He started to remove her dress, fully exposing her chest. She didn't bother wearing anything underneath; she didn't see the point: if she was going to make love to her boyfriend, she was going to do it with as few obstacles as possible.

Even though he had already seen her fully naked, he admired her body, gently touching her as if exploring her for the first time, even though he'd done so before. Though the circumstances were different, she was lucky to have cast a sound seal jutsu that Hinata taught her.

"You're beautiful, Mari" he said to her as he gently played with her breasts. She didn't hold back her moans; she saw no reason to because of the seal.

"Please be rougher, I'm not a delicate flower." Marianne gasped as he did exactly as she commanded: he sucked her right breast with his mouth, then played around with her left, squeezing it.

"An An An" She wasn't able to get the words out, but the pleasure was I'd like anything that she experienced the first time. Her priority the first time they made love was to stop the nightmares; this time it was all about pleasuring herself and her lover.

"Your moans are like music to my ears, God." Her lover said to her as she continued to feel him play with her breasts with his mouth and his hands. He even sucked on her neck on her right side and then went down her shoulder. It was as if his mere touch could cause her to moan in pleasure.

There was one thing that bothered her, even though she felt amazing; it was the fact that he was fully clothed while she wasn't. She would have to rectify this.

"By it's not fair that you're still fully clothed." She struggled to get the words out, then he realized what she meant and in self-awareness he stopped; she was disappointed because of the sudden pleasure stopping, but she wanted them both to be fully nude before they got to do what Marianne had in mind.

"Sorry about that. I'm still new at this."

He said as he removed his clothing and placed them deeply on the side where her dress was, before resuming what he was doing previously.

This time he was even rougher; he was hungrier like a beast. Her nipples hardened even more than they already were.

"Oh, God, Byleth, please don't stop." Marianne said as he continued to play with her chest. She continued to be loaded with pleasure as he got rougher with her chest. She felt liquid come out of her breasts and screamed. She had heard about it before from Hinata when she talked about her experience with sex but it was nothing like this; it felt incredible.

She wanted him to do more."Can you lie down on your back?" he asked her.

He did exactly as he was asked. She spread her legs, looking down at where he was and wondering what he was going to do. She hoped it wouldn't get to the main event too soon. The thing she saw was his face near her vagina and realized what he was about to do.

Said nothing as he placed his mouth at her crotch and started to eat her out.

She jerked her head as he played around with her entrance with his mouth it was nothing like she could imagine. Tears were falling through her eyes not because she was crying because of how intense the pleasure was how could someone be this good?

She never experienced anything like masturbation in her life but what she was told from those who did do it like her friend Hilda it was nothing like what he was doing to her. Then she felt his tongue inside of her"fuck oh God fuck Byl oh goddess oh yeah right there is oh"she felt liquids come out of her lower region and she didn't hold back when she screamed.

"Ahhhhhhhh" it was difficult to believe things could get even better, but she knew it could be based on her experience the first time she had sex.

"Your moans are like music to my ears", her lover said to her as he got up, but Marianne wasn't going to allow him to get to the main event; she wanted to be the one to pleasure him as well.

"Please let me do it; it's my turn." she said, taking control; he didn't resist her.

"Sit down", she ordered. He did exactly as she instructed and sat down, wondering what she was going to do.

She had no idea what she was going to do; she had no experience doing any such thing before. She looked at his fully erect member, how much she would like it in her vagina, she could just insert it in there right now, but that's not what she wants to do yet.

She wondered what it would feel like in her mouth.

Without thinking without even say anything she stroke his rod playing around with it."fuck"she heard her lover mode which only emboldened her to continue."how much do you want this cock inside of my mouth?"she asked him in her dirty talk she couldn't believe she had the courage to do so.

"I'm at your mercy, my lady" he said, struggling to get the words out as she sucked on his testicles. "Oh fuck!" She loved it when he moaned and she was the one responsible.

A simple touch on her lips was enough to make him moan with pleasure. She looked forward to putting the whole thing in her mouth, playing with it like he does with her.

After she was done playing with his balls, she slowly inserted his cock into her mouth. She started at the tip, just to give him a taste of what it would feel like.

"Oh my God are you a goddess fuck."he wasn't able to hold back his moans not that it mattered. She put more of it in her mouth and started to suck it like a lollipop. She was given tips by Hinata on how to make her lover feel even better. She took her friends advice and started to take it out spit on His cock and put it back in just hearing him scream her name was satisfaction enough she felt wet at her lower region she wanted this inside of her she couldn't wait to have it inside of her but she wasn't going to until he cummed on her face.

It would be another 10 minutes before she would get what she wanted. Her lover looked at her with lust and love unlike the last time pain would not be a problem.

"You're incredible", he said to her, complimenting.

They changed positions, and she lay on her back, with her head on his pillow. He wasted no time; he inserted his gigantic rod into her pussy. She grabbed his back, holding him there for dear life.

The room was full of the lovers moaning in pleasure as Byleth moved his rod in and out of her vagina.

"Fuck me harder," Marianne moaned.

"You're so tight; it feels oh fuck!"

Their bodies were pressed hard against each other; skin mashed against skin. It didn't matter to Marianne.

"Oh fuck, fuck, fuck" she heard her lover moan; the pleasure was even greater than the last time. The feel of his rod felt like it was made specifically for her. She wanted him to go deeper.

"Go deeper, please! Oh fuck, fuck!" she didn't care if what she was doing was out of character for her. she was having an incredible time with him nothing mattered except Byleth making love to her and making her feel like she's in heaven.

"Your pussy feels amazing, oh fuck, oh God!" Byleth said as the bed shook from how hard they were fucking. They were screwing like rabbits; they switched positions and she was riding him like a stallion. Her breasts were bouncing.

He used her hips to increase his momentum; she felt herself orgasm at least once. She didn't want him to stop; she wanted him to thrust even deeper. She wanted him to make her forget everything that she had experienced in her life involving her crest.

"I love you", Byleth said to her as he pressed his lips against hers, the passion of their lovemaking was nothing like last time; his arms were around her, she knew he was about to reach his limit, he was about to cum inside of her. They removed their faces; he was about to say something, but she didn't need to hear his words."Do it!" he screamed as he thrust it deep inside of her and released his seed inside of her womb. She was fortunate that she had learned an anti-conception jutsu from Hinata.

Otherwise she would get pregnant not that she would mind carrying his childshe wasn't ready yet not at this stage of their relationship.

They both collapsed after their intense love making.

Byleth played with her hair, looking at her no matter how many times he saw her like this, she was beautiful to him; it was as if he was seeing her for the first time. They said nothing, their faces were inches from each other."I still don't know completely what love is; will you be patient with me and help me find it?" he asked his lover.

"Of course, my Love. I'll help you however long it takes. Because that's how much I love you. Even if it's been a short time that I've known you, I feel like I've known you a whole lifetime."

Marianne said as if she knew him from before, which couldn't be true.

"Thank you for being patient with me," he said to the girl who giggled.

"Thank you for accepting me for who I am. My teacher, my love, you are all these things to me and more; don't shut me out, let me protect you from whatever nightmares you may have because I can't do anything else; I can at least do that." She drifted off to sleep; he felt her bury her head in his chest. "I Love you" she said softly as she fell asleep.

" Wow to think that a visit would turn into a 2-hour love making fest"His companion inside of him joked.

"Please don't joke about something like that Sothis I take this seriously this girl isn't just some object I will disregard she's nothing like that."he said defensively.

"You say you love her, but you don't fully understand why and how. I keep telling you there is no reason she makes you feel better when she's around you; you just stop trying to rationalize love and try to understand it just by learning its ups and downs. This relationship is not going to be easy for either of you, considering that she's your student; you're going to have those who will look at you differently and her. So you will have to respect her her choices, whether you like it or not, regarding this relationship."

Sothis said

"I don't want people to think less of her because of me," he responded.

" You two are both useless romantics. I don't know why I bother sometimes. I guess that's why you two fell in love you two are a lot alike. Though the main difference between the two of you is Marianne at least knows how to make friends while you still struggle to do so. I think you should make friends outside of her it would be healthier for both of you if you did so you'd have other people to confide in. That would be my advice." Sothis advised.

She had a point, but who would he start with? There was one person he could think of: his house leader, Edelgard. Would it be such a bad thing? It would be a start; she had shown interest and wanted to talk to him more. Why not start there? He thought.

"Edelgard is definitely a good place to start. She's your house leader, and not to mention she could use a male friend; it'd be perfect for both of you. Plus, I think it would be a good idea to do it to Hinata as well, but that's completely up to you. Anyway, you should get some sleep." Sothis suggested.

He struggled to keep his eyes open would he fell asleep build at peace in the arms with Marianne the woman that he had grown to love.

One day later Mercedes' birthday

Sasuke was beyond nervous; he had just stayed up all night trying to make the earrings that he had worked hard to make. Annette and Felix helped him get the materials needed, with some additional assistance from Hilda who Sasuke reluctantly accepted help for the materials whatever required. They went along their way, and Sasuke spun the days making the earrings that he wanted to make. He wanted to make them perfect.

The first pair of earrings he didn't even get past the first stage of making it because it wasn't up to his standards; he threw it in the trash. The second he was almost done, but he screwed up a key area and tossed it into the trash.

He was on his third attempt it wasn't quite what he wanted but he did have at any time to make another one or the materials he was extremely careful this time he made sure to get every detail right. He was done he looked at the earrings he wasn't proud of them he wanted to make them absolutely perfect but he did have the time due to the limited amount of time he had available.

He was on his way to class when he ran into the professor of the Black Eagles, who had just returned from his duties. He didn't have time to do anything but get to his class, but before he did anything, he heard Byleth call him."Sasuke, I think you dropped these." Byleth said. Sasuke turned around and found out the earrings that he had worked so hard to make, which were in a case of leather, he felt stupid and foolish.

"Thank you, Byleth. I'm sorry; I didn't get enough sleep last night." He said embarrassed. "Where did you spend all night doing anything?" he asked Sasuke curiously.

"Made a birthday present for a special friend, that's all." He said, hoping that he would ask no more questions.

"You mean your girlfriend."

He corrected.

"How did you?"

He asked, not believing it.

"It's a lucky guess; I won't tell anyone, but you should be more careful with that. You wouldn't want all that hard work to go to waste, would you?" He asked him.

"I owe you one,"Sasuke said to Byleth.

"It's not a problem Sasuke, you may not be my student but I will look after everyone all the same, especially if I'm able to help."the man said kindly.

"You know Sasuke if you want you could be assisted student for the month. If you wanted to have a chance to train with me I would even allow your friend to come with you if you know what I mean."Sasuke was tempted to take his offer but he had to ask Mercedes about it first.

"Well, if it gets me away from that banshee for a month, that's definitely tempting." Sasuke said, thinking about his offer.

"You should get to your class before you're late, just consider what I offered." Byleth headed to the Black Eagle's class while Sasuke headed to his class, hoping he wasn't late. He made sure the earrings were safely in his pocket. He had a special plan for their date today and he wasn't going to let anything ruin it.

When Sasuke getting to his class, everyone was in their usual seats. Everyone was taking their lessons, regarding the history of the monastery, which was given additional commentary by Asuma, the new assistant who helped Manuela relieve the burden of teaching what he had explained about the history but not all outsiders were aware of it.

It was interesting to say the least Sasuke thought learning about the history of the monastery from the perspective of those who don't live on Fodlan. But the one thing that was on his mind most of all was his girlfriend and the gift that he had made only Dimitri, Felix and Annette are the only ones that know about it.

Sakura ever since she was humiliated in front of everyone by Mercedes she had kept her distance from everyone which was fine by Sasuke. He couldn't stand Sakura the way he treated his girlfriend in front of everyone. He was looking forward eagerly for the class to end so he can give her his gift. He asked Catherine for one day off of training in order to be able go on his birthday date with her to give her the gift that he had wanted to give her since he found out about her birthday 2 weeks ago.

It wasn't going to be lunch for too long. He wouldn't be able to give her his gift until after class; he felt nervous, but he still did. Would she like his gift? No, an Uchiha has to be confident if their partner doesn't like their gift; they've failed as a partner.

The bell rang, and lunch arrived. Sasuke ate with his friends, while Mercedes spent time with hers. This was her day; he'll have a chance to give her his gift. He just has to be patient.

Mercedes couldn't believe it the food was better than normal which was good for her she never particularly liked her birthday because of what it reminded her of. The collapse of her father's house running away from her stepfather at the age of Ten all these things happened on her birthday she doesn't have a pleasant memory when it comes to birthdays at all. Despite her outer appearance of her smiling and being happy today she was anything but happy but she couldn't ruin her friend's day especially Hinata who was with her girlfriends laughing at a story Annette told them about what happened at the school of sorcery.

"Wow, I wouldn't want to be that person" said Dorothea, laughing at Annette who told her about how a girl used a spell in the wrong way, causing her hair to look like it was completely smoked.

"I kind of feel bad for the girl," said Hinata.

"She was kind of a bitch, so I don't know if I would really feel bad for her." said Mercedes in her rare instance where she cursed.

"At least she's not as bad as the banshee." said Hilda, who had personal run-ins with Sakura recently.

"How is your new class, Dorothea?" asked Annette.

"The people of the Golden Deer are really nice, except for one asshole named Sai who always pisses everyone off. Dorothea said she was disgusted with talking about him."

"I don't know, I think he's kind of cute if only his personality wasn't so weird." Said Ino.

"So how are you three sharing Naruto? I just find it weird" said Mercedes who still couldn't go over that Hinata had two girlfriends and a boyfriend.

"We haven't completely figured that out yet, but we're working it out as we come along." Dorothea answered.

"Well, I do know one thing: the guys at the monastery want to murder Naruto."

Hilda smiles, knowing that two of the most popular girls in the monastery are out of reach and Naruto has them both.

"I don't know, but Mercie still has a lot of admirers." said Annette.

"well Sasuke will cut them down if they even look at Mercedes the wrong way." Hilda added.

"I don't know what you mean," Mercedes said, playing dumb, not really wanting everyone except Ingrid to know that she and Sasuke were dating.

"Cut the crap, Mercedes. We all know Sasuke is your boyfriend. It's pretty obvious." said Ino bluntly. Causing her to blush crimson, how did so many people know? Could it be that they weren't covering their tracks?

"Me and Naruto said nothing."said Ingrid.

"Is it really that obvious?"Mercedes asked her friend's .

"Well, considering that I have two girlfriends and a boyfriend, Ann-chan also has one. It's kind of obvious, but don't worry; your secret is safe with us. I understand why you would want to keep it under wraps."

Hinata said supportively.

"Well, is he at least good in bed?" Dorothea joked.

"Dorothea, of all the?" Mercedes was deeply blushing.

"Can we not talk about our sex lives while we're eating?"

Annette, who was obviously the only virgin in the group, requested.

"Yeah, I think we should stop this conversation before more people come in and it gets awkward."

Hinata suggested as if on cue; Sasuke was approaching their table.

She wondered what he was going there for."Mercie, are you busy after class?"

Sasuke asked nervously. She didn't know why he was nervous?

"I'm not busy why do you ask?"Mercedes asked him.

"I just want to know there isn't anything getting in the way."Sasuke answered.

"well I am available after class I'm not doing anything but what are we doing?"she asked him

"Can't tell you it's a surprise."Sasuke said with a smile.

She wondered what it was.

"See you after class, Sasuke-kun," Mercedes said to him affectionately. He went with his friends Dimitri, Sylvain, and Felix. Her affection wasn't unnoticed, along with Sasuke. "Wow! I didn't think Sasuke could be romantic." Ino said, disappointed that it wasn't her.

"What do you mean?" she asked. "Sasuke back home was a loner. He lived alone with no one to greet him home, no mother, no father, no sibling. He lost his entire family at the age of 7; most of the fangirls back at home don't even look at that part of Sasuke; they just see a good-looking guy and nothing else. You broke the ice with him; you're one in a million. You're like his sun."

"I pray for the goddess to give him peace, to protect him from those nightmare-filled nights."

Mercedes confessed to everyone.

"You were the last person I would expect Sasuke to ever have his eyes on like I said you're one in a million all the fangirls back at home would be jealous if they knew you were the one that was dating him and not them." Ino was telling her how the village looks at Sasuke the girls didn't even see him as anything but a trophy.

"The more I hear about these fangirls, the more I despise them." Mercedes said with fury.

"I like you, Mercedes. I really do, even though I once liked Sasuke. I think you are better for him than I will ever be, and I'm okay with that." Ino said with a smile.

"You know it's really nice all of us here; it's been 4 months since we came here, and I feel like I'm not the same person that I was when it first started. I feel like I'm the best version of myself that I've ever wanted to be; it's all thanks to everyone here. You Marianne Chan, Benedetta Chan, Dorothea Chan, Ingrid Chan, Edelgard Ann Chan, Dimitri, Byleth, and Naruto Kun. I became stronger in the past 4 months because of all of you. Thank you." Hinata said to everyone at the table.

Mercedes had no idea that she played a role in Hinata's confidence boost, but she was happy to play any part to help her friend."I'm happy to help my friends Hina." Mercedes said with her warm smile, which everyone had grown to love. Though she was disappointed when she heard the bell.

"You know we should really do what Naruto suggested one of these days." said Dorothea.

"forehead would definitely have a field day knowing her it'll be another four or five months before she figures it out I say fuck with her for as long as possible Mercie Chan I think it's kind of funny." Ino said laughing while everyone else chimed in.

Mercedes was tempted to do such a thing."If I were petty, I wouldn't mind doing that, but you know what it involves the banshee, so I think a little petty fun wouldn't hurt." She said with a smile of mischief.

Mercedes and Annette said goodbye to their friends and attended their last classes of the day.

Sasuke was anxious, he was at the bench where he normally meets Mercedes. He truly wanted to make this perfect, wanted to make her happy. He had to make this right; it was a day like this that he was grateful that Sakura stayed away from him. He wouldn't let anyone ruin this day, even if it was under a short notice, he wanted to make her the happiest that he could make anyone.

Before he could indulge in his thoughts, Mercedes showed up. She looked exhausted; she barely slept.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke. I'm tired." She said apologetically.

"It's okay. I barely slept myself." Sasuke confessed. She sat next to him on the bench and leaned on his shoulder.

"I just want this day to be over with." She said with a tone of sadness. "Are you alright?" He asked worriedly.

"I just don't like birthdays because they remind me of bad times." Mercedes confessed.

"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked her.

"On the day I was born, my father died. I never knew him, but what I was told by my mother, she was sad; she truly loved him, but out of necessity, she was forced to marry another man."

He did not like where this was going.

"A year later, my mother gave birth to my little brother Emile. For a time, we were a happy family, but then one day we both found out that what my stepfather truly wanted was a child with a crest he saw us as expendable." This made Sasuke fume with anger; he saw tears fall.

"My mother and I were forced to flee. We had nowhere to go; we lost everything. Everything that I knew, friends that I had, I had to leave behind. I wasn't a devout follower of the goddess then, like I am now. I didn't know many things when I was a girl, but I do need one thing. I hated Crest. I hated the very thing that I was born with."

He stopped, patiently waiting for her to continue.

"I was an angry child. I wanted my little brother back. I wanted to go back home, but we couldn't ever go back because of that man my mother married. We went from church to church to find a place to live until we ultimately ended up in eastern Fayrghus. The only thing I had was the Goddess Herself. I never prayed as much as I did until the first night I entered that Church I prayed for my mother and I too had a home, a place to live, where we didn't have to flee, and we didn't have to be scared of who we were, where nobody would ask about me or my crest."

He had no words.

"My sweet little brother Emile, I haven't seen him for over 10 years. I sent him letters, but I never received anything back. I feel like a terrible sister. I feel like I abandoned him."

Sasuke hugged Mercedes as she buried her face in his chest.

"All this on my birthday. Every single birthday I've had, I can think of. I go back to that day. I hate this day. All I can think of is what I've lost."

He continued to listen; he didn't say anything.

"You're the first person who has ever looked at me and seen me as myself, without asking about my crest. You're special to me, Sasuke-kun." she admitted.

"There's something I want to give you, my angel." Sasuke said with love and tenderness. He took out a case that held the earrings he had made for her.

She realized what this was: "Sasuke-kun". She was speechless as she opened it. The earrings he made were perfect. He thought they were ugly, but he couldn't stand the way they looked. However, they came out the best he could under the circumstances and the time he had.

"I'm sorry that they aren't as pretty as" he didn't get a chance to finish as Mercedes kissed him fiercely. She pulled away and then smiled despite the tears that were falling." I love them Sasuke-kun," Mercedes said in Sasuke's language." I will treasure these through my most precious possessions; you make me happy."she continued to say it in his language, he was surprised that she was able to speak it fluently despite only being taught it in a few months." This is my way of thinking you for all you have done for me, Mercie -even if it's a small way- I want to protect your smile. You give my life purpose outside of revenge, thank you." Sasuke replied.

"Can I sleep with you tonight?" she asked him. "Of course, anything for you, my angel." Sasuke said lovingly. He loves Mercedes deeply he would do anything to protect her smile.

He can't tell her right now, although he doesn't have the courage. But he would protect her and her smile, because that was more precious than anything back home.

He picked her up gently, like a prince in a fairy tale, and carried her off when he placed her on his bed. She wrapped her arms around him and placed her head on his chest; he fell asleep. When he looked at her, she was at peace, holding the earrings he had made for her.

"Good night, my angel"

Sasuke said as he kissed her on the forehead and fell asleep.

Monica knew about the plan. It was over 2 weeks since they returned and she was about to be debriefed since all of the rebellions have been crushed. The moment of Truth was approaching she saw Hubert and Hinata along with Edelgard they were going to discuss their course of action.

"we have to make a decision tomorrow they're going to debrief you and there's no way we could go on without making a decision one way or the other what will it be?"Hubert asked Edelgard.

"I've considered multiple options I've heard yours and Hinata's about how we should approach the exposure of our enemies. What do you think we should do Monica? Edelgard asked her for her opinion; she didn't know if she would be able to contribute. She wasn't like her beloved when it came to planning out long-term plans nor was she like Hubert when it came to strategy or Hinata when it came to giving advice.

"I think revealing the identity of my kidnapper would go a long way of undermining our enemies. We have to tread carefully if we make a move too fast too soon we can endanger everything that we have built up into this point."Monica gave her opinion.

"What about you?"Edelgard asked Hinata.

"I've been told everything that how about our enemies, how deep they are rooted within the Empire and even in konoha they are dangerous there are those in the Konoha council that are members of them, Donzo being one of them. Which I was shocked to say the least."Hinata said still trying to wrap her head around everything that she was told.

"Yes those who Those Who Slither in the Dark dangerous enemies they are but arguably are more dangerous enemies are the Akatsuki who we know even less about then Those Who Slither in the Dark the only thing I do know from my spies is they do not like each other."Hubert said in this is obvious information tone while those who know nothing about the Akatsuki wouldn't know.

"I do think deception still a useful tool of pitting the Akatsuki and those who Those Who Slither in the Dark against each other though it isn't without its risk. So what's the course of action that we're going to take Edelgard Sama?"Hinata asked her in a formal tone.

"I don't like it, there's no choice though we will stick to the original plan and have Monica expose Thomas the librarian. Remember tell them as little as possible, don't tell them more than you absolutely must Monica."Edelgard warned.

"understood my lady."Monica about before she left tomorrow would be a game changer she hoped it would not backfire badly

After Monica left Hinata couldn't help it feel apprehension about the choices that Edelgard and Hubert were making. She knew what she got herself into when she signed the blood pact lying and hiding things from her friends and loved ones was not something she reveled in. Edelgard knew she was troubled.

"Hina, are you okay?"Edelgard asked her.

"These people that we are forced to have an alliance with are you sure we should be working with such people? The kind of things they have done the experiments I."she couldn't get the words out when Hubert gave her all the paperwork of all the atrocities that was documented she had almost threw up in disgust. She truly despises them and could understand why Edelgard has a difficult time trusting people.

What disgusted her more was learning that her own clan for collaborators and some of them were even members. They were like cockroaches, they were everywhere it seemed.

"I know how you feel but we cannot break our alliance with them too soon you said yourself it was too dangerous."said Edelgard reminding her of what her position was.

"I know we have to do what is necessary to tear down this irrational world but how much blood do we have to spill to make that happen?"Hinata asked her friend.

Edelgard turned away ashamed.

"I don't know I will do whatever it takes to destroy this irrational world to tear down the crest system that holds people down and the system that enables it."Edelgard said with conviction she couldn't be talked out of it Hinata knew that but she had friends would she have to kill them one day?

"There has to be another way, Edel Chan. I can't bring myself to kill Dorothea Chan or Naruto Kun. I couldn't bear thought of ever doing such a thing."Hinata said to her friend, revealing how she truly felt.

"I don't intend to kill unnecessarily. I will minimize the casualties as little as possible if there is another way. I will pursue it if anyone could offer me a viable alternative that doesn't involve a full-scale war. A revolution Hina Chan is a bloody process knowing this are you still willing to follow me?"Edelgard asked her.

"I'm your Black lion I made a blood pact I cannot go back on that I don't go back on my word that's not my Shinobi way I'd betray everything that I am if I did you're one of the people that made me who I am now I will not betray you Edel Chan."Hinata said with sincerity.

"I believe Naruto is loyal, he would never want to raise his hand against you Hinata. I don't think you have anything to worry about." Hubert said and one of his rare instances where he wasn't hostile to a potential traitor.

"I don't trust Kabuto I don't know why but I feel like he's here to spy on us."Hinata said to Hubert."very observant I agree he is very suspicious the way he acts how polite he tends to act. It seems to be nothing more than act. He's very guarded, I don't trust him and I think your instincts are correct. I know Shino feels the same way and Benedetta . He is suspicious but he isn't the only one Sai in the golden deer is another suspicious individual. I don't know if one or both of them are spies from the Akatsuki or Those Who Slither in the Dark they both need to be watched."

Hinata said to Hubert with suspicion in her tone.

"Our enemies are getting bolder,"Edelgard said.

"I'm going to teach both of you the sound seal jitsu so you'll know how to use it it's useful especially to prevent eavesdropping."they looked surprised that she's willing to teach a technique like this and A rank technique.

"Such an interesting jitsu will definitely become useful."Hinata showed him the hand signs and Hubert copied in exactly and managed to do it on his second try.

"Such an interesting technique lady Hinata I hope you can serve lady Edelgard well in the future. We should get going we don't want anyone to be suspicious over us being here for too long." he left her and Edelgard alone.

"Did you really mean that when you said you're my Black Lion?"Edelgard asked her serious about what she said earlier.

"I am your Black Lion Edel Chan I don't go back on my word you know this about me."Edelgard reluctantly nodded.

"I know it's your Shinobi way you don't go back on your word neither do I my friend"the women had nothing more left to say not to left Edelgard and to steal her heart hoping she would not have to one day fight against her friends.

"Are you sure about this?" Asked Rhea

Monica had revealed her kidnappers identity was Tomas. It was ridiculous he served the church for over 40 years. there's no way he would do such an act that's what she wanted to say but she couldn't dismiss an accusation like that.

The girl Monica had a really good memory she's able to recall anything that happened with such detail that it was impossible to refute it she had to investigate."I will summon him at once and I'll have my knights interrogate him and I will know one way or another whatever say is true." the archbishop dismissed her she wish Jeralt was here he would know what to do.

Couldn't depend on him though she had to find out she had a bad feeling that a potential enemy was in their midst and she had to find out one way or another if it was true. Girl was captured and wasn't captivity for months it's possible she could be delusional or imagined it but she couldn't disregard something like this especially now that she's having issues in abyss with Soria and not to mention Byleth she had to protect them both by any means necessary.

Knights approached her they gave their salutes.

"He is here"they informed her.

"Good apprehend him immediately"she ordered they left her presence she was hoping that she was wrong that this wasn't a bad omen.

Shez was on her way back from class, she couldn't help but think about what happened in the Land of Waves. The battle with Zabuza, the sword she had, which she hadn't had a chance to use in combat yet, was a powerful blade.

She felt as if she had made little progress when she noticed a commotion and saw a man who looked like an elderly person, possibly in his late sixties or early seventies, being surrounded by knights.

"You're being taken in for questioning by the Archbishop's orders." said one of the Knights men, in his early 30s.

"You beast, keep your hands off of me."

He said, with hatred she saw a dark aura in golfing; she was almost blinded by it and what she saw she couldn't believe her eyes: it was exactly like the power she had.

Then she saw a pale-skinned man who didn't even look human and he looked at them all with an inhuman hatred.

"Damn him," he said, looking at her and smiling sinisterly. "One of us is in their ranks." She wondered what he meant by it; she was about to rush towards him to get answers, but he disappeared almost as soon as he appeared.

She heard footsteps, she couldn't move. The words he had said: "What did it mean?" "What did he mean?" She had no idea; that's what terrified her more than anything. What was that thing she saw? It didn't even look human. Then she looked at herself. Was she human? That thought terrified her more than anything. She brushed those thoughts aside. She couldn't think of that power she has as something she was born with.

She had to get away; she ran, not even caring if she bumped into anyone. She wanted to get whatever it was that she had seen out of her mind. She didn't want to even consider the possibilities about her possibly not being human at all.

She wasn't paying attention when she accidentally ran into Lysithea, who had been knocked over. She fell over, with Lysithea falling over as well, on top of her. She wanted to move to get out, but the girl wouldn't let her go."Are you going to apologize for not paying attention? What the hell happened?" Lysithea said angrily to her.

She had nothing to say, what was she going to say; she's going to talk to anyone, know about what she saw and what that man said to her. She was trying to breathe, but she failed to try to appear strong. The girl noticed immediately something was wrong."What's wrong with you?" the girl asked annoyed.

"It's nothing," Shez said, denying her inner turmoil.

"You look like you've since or heard something you didn't want to hear what's going on?" Lysithea asked her.

"You could never understand" Shez said, trembling.

"Well, at least explain why you ran so much that you didn't even pay attention as you knocked me over." Lysithea pointed out.

She got up and offered Lysithea her hand. She took it; it felt soft, but he looked at her face; she couldn't help but admire it. No, she disregarded that thought."Can you please not tell anyone what happened just now?" Shez said embarrassedly."I certainly don't want to talk to anyone about this episode. Can you at least tell me what happened?" Lysithea asked her."Not here; somewhere in private." Shez replied.

"We will do it in my room then", said Lysithea. She followed the younger girl into her room. She had no idea why she was even doing this, but she at least owed the girl some explanation for why she ran into her. She didn't realize she was holding her hand.

She opened the door to her room and when she was done she made sure to use a seal to prevent anyone from hearing what they were about to say.

"Can you let go of my hands, please?" asked Lysithea, embarrassed. When she became aware of what she was doing, she let her hand go and turned away, blushing fiercely. She took a deep breath, out of all the people she had to do this with, it had to be with her of all people, damn it.

Why does it have to be with her?."well I'm waiting."said Lysithea impatiently. Then she realized why they were allowed in her room and she scrambled quickly in order to save face.

"I don't know how to explain it." She confessed. "What do you mean?" Lysithea asked.

"I have a power that I don't know where it came from or what it is, but when I saw the man that is named Thomas, who the church was trying to apprehend earlier, I couldn't help but see the similarities between his power and mine. It was inhuman the way he looked. It terrified me, and I questioned myself, 'Am I human?' She asked aloud."

"Oh"Lysithea had no response.

"I don't want anyone to think that I'm one of them. I don't know if I am, and even if I am, does it really change who I am? I don't know anymore. I don't want anyone to think that I'm a monster because of my powers."

She didn't like being vulnerable to anyone in her time as a mercenary; she always had to be guarded. She had little time for friendships or anything that people who don't live that way of life can truly appreciate.

Opening up to others has been difficult for her. She had no idea who to confide in or who to talk to. She started to make friends in Golden Deer, but it wasn't enough. She couldn't open up to them about this."Whatever power you have doesn't change who you are. It's how you use that power that matters." Lysithea grabbed her hands and made her face her.

"Thank you," she said, not knowing what to say. She didn't think this girl of all people would give her the words she had just heard.

"It means a lot it's shame we're not in the same class Lysithea I think we would have made good friends." she said quietly."Who says we still can't do that nothing stops people from being friends if they're in different houses. Naruto has three girlfriends for crying out loud." Lysithea pointed out they both laughed at that.

"Naruto and Hinata are quite something compared to them. I feel so insignificant."

Shez said, looking down.

"You have your own accomplishments; you defeated one of the Seven Swordsman. That's no small feat; you should give yourself more credit." Lysithea said to her.

This girl may be harsh with her words, but she told the truth as she saw it. "Thank you, Lysithea, for your words. Do you think we could just keep this between us?" she asked her. "Yes, as long as you don't get reckless and pay attention." The girls laughed.

"I gotta get going; I don't want to disrupt your studies." Shez got up and before she left, Lysithea asked her a question." I was wondering if you could forget it." The girl said, embarrassed.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Could you sleep here tonight? I don't want" the girl seemed embarrassed when she was about to ask.

"You're not scared of ghost are you?" Shez asked her bluntly.

"Ghosts don't exist," Lysithea said, trying to hide her fear of ghosts."I won't let anyone hurt you, Lysithea." Shez said with a warm smile, and the girl wanted to bury her face in her sheets, not wanting to show Shez her embarrassment.

This is the kind of distraction she could use right now after all that has happened; she's near the door, in a guarding position, as if she were going to protect the younger girl from a threat.

"You owe me for this," Shez said to Lysithea.

"What do you want in return?" The girl asked, as she tickled herself in bed.

"How about a date?" She joked.

"Who's a date that you think I am?"

Lysithea almost shouted, but realized where she was and buried her face in her blanket.

"It was just a joke", Shez said to Lysithea.

"You would have made a great fit in the Black Eagles. Almost everyone is either bisexual or gay." Lysithea said, embarrassed, was she really hitting on her?

"I don't hide being a lesbian, but that was just a joke." She said to the younger girl.

"Oh, so you think I'm not good enough because I'm too much like a child for your taste?" She challenged.

"Come on, don't do that" Shez said, embarrassed, trying to hide the red on her face.

"I mean we're only two years apart in age." She said, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"You're 17. I have difficult time believing that you look like you have the body of a woman in her twenties." Lysithea pointed out at her mature body.

"I went through puberty early, unfortunately a lot of lustful men who are old enough to be my father often mistaken me for a woman instead of a underage girl and actually sickens me." Shez said to her.

"I see I still find it weird."Lysithea replied.

"I still want to know, am I not good enough for you?"she was bringing the conversation back to that.

"It has nothing to do with that you're cute and."she couldn't say anymore it was embarrassing how did she get herself in the situation?

"So you're attracted to me?" Lysithea pointed out.

"Yes,"she answered.

"Why was that so hard to answer," she asked, curious.

What was she going to say that she had a crush on her with she first laid her eyes on her?

"I can't explain it; you know how attraction works. You can't explain why someone is attracted to someone else; it just happens." She felt like she was digging herself into a deeper and deeper hole. How the hell did this happen?

"Sure, I'll go out with you as long as you don't treat me like a child." Lysithea said seriously about what Shez was asking in return for her doing this task that she wanted her to do.

"We'll discuss it later. I need to get some sleep." She said, closing her eyes and drifting off to a dreamless sleep.

She welcomed the distraction, for now anything was better than the Revelation that was floating around in her mind, the possibility that she could not be human at all, that she's connected to those people with those strange powers.

She struggled to keep her eyes open as she fell asleep, thinking of the white-haired girl from the Black Eagles.

Byleth knocked on Kurenai's door; it would be a few hours before they had to go to class and teach their students, but this was the best time otherwise he wouldn't be able to ask what he truly needed.

He heard the door open and saw Kurenai wearing a nightgown. Then he couldn't help but notice a man on her bed, shirtless, whom he assumed was her lover.

"I'm sorry, but maybe I should come at a different time." Byleth said, embarrassed.

"It's not a big deal; we'll both have to get dressed, so what brings you here?" Kurenai asked Byleth.

"I'll go straight to the point because we don't have much time. I want you to help train me and learn anything from your homeland. I don't want to be helpless again." Byleth said, determined to learn anything he could from his peers from Konoha.

He saw her go back into her room, and he received a piece of paper.

"First, we need to know what your chakra nature is." He didn't understand what she meant by it, so he took the paper.

Then he noticed that the piece of paper had been burnt to ash, but not until water put it out.

"A rare combination of fire and water, which are complete opposite elements. Your chakra capacity rivals that of Naruto Uzumaki." This shocked him; he had no idea what it meant.

"Well, that's not important now; you want to learn Genjutsu, right?" She asked him.

"So, I won't be defenseless against it again. There's a raven-haired man with a black cloak and red stripes. I feel like my senses were being messed with. I can't protect anyone if I cannot protect myself from genjutsu, especially if I don't recognize the signs when I'm being affected." The woman took everything he said as if she were thinking about something.

"This is going to be weird. It'd be more effective if I taught you with the Black Lion Squad and Ingrid, but on the other hand, we don't have a teacher." He was wondering what she was getting at.

"Perhaps, until you are good enough at protecting yourself from genjutsu, it would be best to train one-on-one before classes, so you could at least get the basics. We can't have both teachers away from the class at once." Kurenai explained as if it were obvious.

"What about water and fire jutsus?" he asked.

"I could teach you water, but fire is something I'm not necessarily the best at teaching. Kakashi would likely be a better person to go to on that front." Kurenai answered.

"I will do whatever it takes to train with multiple teachers to become stronger than I'll do it." He was determined to never be helpless in front of anyone again.

"Will start training tomorrow and be here by 6:00." Kurenai ordered.

"Thank you. I won't disappoint you." Byleth left feeling better than he did previously. At least, he would get something done. At least, he would know how to protect himself against that man if he ever fought him again or any enemy with genjutsu.

"I think it would be wise to teach every student of yours how to fight against it in case you're in a situation like you were against that raven-haired man." Sothis advised.

"I don't attend to just do this for myself. I attend to have every one of my students be prepared. None of them will be helpless. I refuse to let any of them die." Byleth said with determination. He wasn't going to be helpless anymore. He wasn't going to pity himself.

He failed, but he was alive, and as long as he was alive, he was able to fix his mistakes. He will protect his precious students next time he faces the raven-haired man. He will be dead at his feet.

Haku couldn't help but admire the architecture of Garreg Mach. It was peaceful, especially where he was standing. There were two horses in the stables, as if they were talking to each other. He could understand them; however, he didn't understand animals in general.

Though he found it peaceful here when he wasn't out on missions with the knights, he stayed here to center himself. It has been a month since Zabuza has died, a month since his purpose had changed; he had no idea what his purpose in life was now; he was a weapon but a weapon without a master.

He wishes he could just have let himself die, but that would dishonor Zabuza's last wish his wish for Haku to find another reason to live, a reason that was his own and not for anyone else. He had no idea what that would be; he heard footsteps and then turned around and saw a blue-haired girl with gray eyes and hair down.

He knew about this girl. She understood animals and talk to them but she had a sad look on her face unlike the usual time she came at this spot.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you." The girl asked him politely.

"You're not it's just no other place as peaceful as this one. You understand?" Haku said to the girl named Marianne.

"Animals are easier to talk to than people."

She walked next to him, wondering what he was doing.

"How do you do it? How do you talk to animals? How do you understand them?"

Haku asked Marianne, happy to have a distraction.

"It's hard to explain. I can just understand them. It's something that I've been able to do since I was little."

The girl explained like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Horses are beautiful creatures"

Marianne walked towards her horse, the one named Dote.

"They are, but my favorite animals are rabbits. I haven't seen them here."

Haku admitted.

"They're cute and innocent creatures, but unfortunately many of them are hunted as prey." Marianne said with sadness.

"You hate when animals are harmed, don't you Marianne San?" Haku asked, wanting to know more.

"I hate it. I don't think we have any reason to eat animals unless there's no other choice. I just can't do it knowing that they have thoughts of their own. They may not be as complex as humans, but I would never eat an animal if I can help it. I never will."

She said, "Killing an animal is a barbaric act." Haku never thought of that before.

"When I've ever hunted animals, I made sure their suffering was quick and painless. If we have to eat one, we shouldn't prolong their suffering." Haku said, giving his own opinion about animals and killing them for food.

"I understand what you're saying, but I believe if I must kill an animal to survive, then I believe you owe it to them by looking them in the eyes as you do it, so they know why they're dying. I don't want to do it, but that's the least you can do." Marianne replied.

"You and I are more alike than I thought." Haku remarked.

"How is Haku?" Marianne asked him.

"You wish to get strong to protect someone important to you, that's why you train, that's why you come here when you're done training to rest." The girl did not rebuke what he said because he was spot on.

"I want to protect him, but with this power that I have, I don't know how to use it. I haven't been able to call upon its power since that mission. It terrifies me, but I would at least like to know how to use it." Haku wondered what she was getting at.

"What kind of power are you talking about?"he asked her. The girl was reluctant; he couldn't push it; he knew it's something personal.

"I was told that I have something called a kekkei genkai. I don't know what it is myself; it's a special ability that only those who are born with can have." Marianne explained.

"Describe the power you have?" Haku asked her.

"When the most precious person to me and all my friends were about to be killed, I felt something in me snap; a power that I never knew I had. I unleashed a huge wall of ice, freezing everything around it, and it shattered like glass when I was done. I had no idea what it was. I still don't, and it terrifies me."

She looked at her hands, which were shaking, and wondered if it could be Haku.

"Can you show me?" Haku asked her. She turned away, frightened.

"I'm not going to hurt you," Haku said reassuringly to Marianne.

"Okay", Marianne said. She felt an icy chill around him, and she saw a body of water form around her hand. It was exactly like his power before it turned into ice. She had his powers, though they were different in some ways because of her having something called a crest, but it wasn't mistaken; she had the power of someone from the Yuki Clan. There was no mistake about it.

Haku effortlessly performed the same feat as Marianne, who surprised the girl.

"You have the same power as me?" Marianne asked him, surprised.

"Yes, although I wish I didn't have this power, it feels more like a curse than a blessing," Haku admitted.

"I understand only too well, but I have this power. I could protect one that's most important to me; I never want to be helpless again. Please, Haku, teach me what you know."

Marianne begged, with no fear in her eyes. She was more afraid of being powerless than this power they both possess.

Could this be his purpose in passing on what he knows to this girl? It would be a start, but he must test her resolve first. He can't teach this girl until he tests her resolve.

"What would you do for your most precious person Marianne San? How far are you willing to go to protect him?"Haku asked her, testing her to see if she was someone he could teach.

"I would burn the entire world down if it meant to protect him. I would become a demon, a weapon. I'll do whatever it takes to protect him. My friends. If it requires me using my curse to protect them, then so be it. I beg of you. Take me as your student, Haku-sensei." Marianne bowed as a form of respect.

He was conflicted this girl she wasn't the kind of person that reveled killing but she desires to protect those important to her. Would teaching her condemn her to the same pain that he has gone through? This girl has something that Haku never had friends a purpose in life. What if he ends up creating a monster assassin and someone more dangerous than him potentially could he really take that risk?

It was a huge responsibility. She is one of the last surviving members of his clan. Does he really want their legacy to be death and destruction? No, he wouldn't do things differently and find a different purpose. That's what Zabuza wanted him to do, and this student he would train her to protect, not to kill unless it was necessary.

"Marianne, I don't want you to become like me. I want you to use these abilities that you have to protect those important to you. We are the last of our clan, and I want our legacy to be that of those who protect others. Marianne, this is our chance for our clan to have a second chance at standing for something other than death and destruction. What I'm teaching you, I want you to use these skills not as a weapon to be disregarded when you're no longer useful, but as a protector for those that you love. That is what I'm going to be teaching you with these abilities. I will not teach you to become another weapon."

He stopped to let Marianne absorb what he had just said before he continued.

"I don't want you to lose your humanity like I almost did. Learn from me. I have nothing back home. You have friends, and someone who loves you very much. If you don't accept these conditions, I won't train you at all. I won't unleash a monster on the world."

When he was finished, he waited for her response. This would be his final test to see if he would teach her.

"I agree to your terms, Haku-sensei" Marianne said respectfully, as if she understood what he meant.

"Meet me here at 6 AM in the morning, that's when I'll be teaching you. It's the only time that I'm available during the day. I'll teach you 3 days a week - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. When you're not on a mission."

The girl looked at him and nodded in agreement.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Sensei." Marianne bowed and left."

Training that girl would be his purpose. He was determined to do something good, or else he would never be able to face Zabaza.

Month 2

Naruto was looking at the ceiling with Dorothea and Ingrid beside him. They had just finished another round of lovemaking.

Having a threesome with each other was frequent, but Naruto couldn't help but feel like he was neglecting Hinata even though they still made love regularly. He felt like she felt inadequate.

"We've been neglecting Hinata. It isn't right. I know she doesn't voice it, but she feels like she's inadequate."

Dorothea said voicing what Naruto was thinking.

"I feel bad I really do I tried to talk Hinata into just being me and Dorothea but she declined."Ingrid said feeling the same as everybody else.

"I'm such an asshole even now, damn it." Naruto said, feeling ashamed of how Hinata has been treated lately. He feels like a fuck-up; he told Dorothea that he loves her deeply, but he keeps screwing up Hinata; he causes her pain. Why is he such an idiot?

"About time you felt bad, what the fuck, seriously? I'm not going to lie; I was getting really pissed off. Hinata is a good woman, and you haven't been treating her well. Even your mates are noticing this."

Kurama voiced what Naruto was feeling.

"It's hard, I know, this relationship, the four of us (Naruto), you're not the only one who has been doing this, we've all been."

Dorothea said as she made him face her.

"A few months ago, you were rightfully angry with me because of how I've treated Hinata before we got together. Now that I have both of you, I feel like it's gone back to square one."

Naruto looked away, ashamed that he couldn't face them; they loved her just like he does.

Ingrid was there for Hinata when Naruto wasn't around; he was the least deserving, and they all treated Hinata better than he did.

"Naru Kun me and Dorothea will talk to Hinata and resolve this. I promise."

Naruto turned around and saw Ingrid. He loved this woman in a different way than he had before, but he truly did.

They said nothing for the rest of the night. Naruto couldn't help but feel horrible; little did he know, Dorothea and Ingrid felt the same.

Naruto fell asleep feeling guilty on how Hinata has been neglected.

Dorothea was determined to make it right, she felt like a hypocrite for chastising Naruto for doing something she was guilty of herself. She was so overjoyed that she had a chance to be with her beloved once again, to be with Ingrid. But she had forgotten that Hinata was part of their relationship. Dorothea also felt guilty that, in some way, she felt she was closer to Naruto than Hinata was, even though she had known him her whole life.

The growing feelings for Naruto she couldn't deny them it was hard to not feel what Hinata and Ingrid feel she had spent time with him extensively more than even they have ever since she transferred to the Golden Deer.

She noticed Kurama, in his mini-fox form, walking towards her and Ingrid. Naruto was asleep, so he couldn't be too loud to not wake his host up.

"The way the kit has treated Hinata has been disgraceful."

Kurama was disappointed with how Naruto has treated Hinata, feels Dorothea feels she deserves the same scorn because she feels like she's been neglecting Hinata as well.

Kurama continued.

"I could say the same for you and Ingrid, but it was Naruto's idea in the first place for this relationship; he is useless without you and Hinata. This surprised her to hear this from Kurama."

"I highly doubt that."Dorothea replied.

"Hinata is too nice for her own good sometimes; you need to push her to be more assertive. She hasn't been happy with the way things have been going; she's been feeling left out, and she doesn't feel like she's able to satisfy her lovers. That's the heart of her insecurity."

Kurama answered something that was obvious on his mind as well as Dorothea's.

"Then, what do you suggest I do?"

"The next time you have a three-way, include Hinata but don't include Naruto yet. At least until Hinata and Naruto feel better about themselves in this relationship, he answered."

Having a three-way without Naruto would probably be the best idea at least this time.

"Thank you for your wisdom, Kurama. Now I know what to do, though I'll need Ingrid's help with this. Thank you." Dorothea said gratefully.

He disappeared almost as soon as he appeared. She would make things right, even if they had to do the most difficult thing. Their relationship couldn't be like it is now. Hinata was a third wheel, and she couldn't allow that to happen.

Ingrid wondered what Dorothea was thinking about; Naruto left his room early as he had to get to his class, but Dorothea had yet to leave.

They said nothing, they both knew why their girlfriend Hinata felt left out when they found out Naruto had a harem jutsu. They got excited and wanted to do some sexual experimentation, but did not take it into consideration on how Hinata was feeling. It was so caught up in the moment that they forgot about her.

She felt awful. Hinata is so kind to her, but she has neglected herself. She couldn't face herself, so she felt ashamed.

"I think we should include Hinata tonight; I don't want her to feel left out, even though it hurts me to do this, I don't think we should include Naruto this time."

Dorothea said, which caused Ingrid to be shocked.

"but why?" she asked him.

"Because we've neglected her too, it wouldn't be fair to blame it all on Naruto. Bless his soul, Naruto is kind of an idiot when it comes to Hinata's feelings."

Dorothea said she felt guilty about how Hinata had been treated her in the past month.

"It's perhaps for the best at least this time." Ingrid agreed.

"When are we doing this, Ingrid asked curiously."

"Tonight, and we'll do it in my room" Dorothea replied.

She didn't like this, but she knew it had to happen. She didn't want the woman she fell in love with to feel inadequate or feel like she wasn't good enough.

Ingrid felt this way, and she doesn't want Hinata to feel this way either.

"I'll bring her to my room, and you'll come in afterwards." Dorothea said.

"Okay, but what should I tell Naru-kun?" asked Ingrid.

"That his girlfriend has a private matter that they need to discuss." Dorothea replied that it wasn't a lie really.

She hopes Naruto doesn't view it as a punishment. She sighed,She got dressed, and went to her class for the day.

Hinata wasn't paying much attention to the lesson; it was hard to concentrate. She felt so inadequate compared to her other lovers: was she really a good lover for Naruto, Ingrid, and Dorothea?

She knows she should focus on things that are more important than being Edelgard's Black Lion. It was difficult for her to concentrate because Ingrid was next to her, noticing her discomfort. She was listening intently as Byleth gave instructions on how to draw up a battle plan in case the need arose.

It was a good distraction. If there's one thing Hinata is good at, it's battle tactics and coming up with good ones on the spot. That's what caused her to almost single handedly won the mock battle four months ago.

Everyone was listening. Byleth showed an example of what a good and bad battle tactic looks like by taking a map and showcasing a tactic that was used in ancient battles, some ending in success and others in failure. This would be on their next test.

Hinata writes it down if there's one thing she thrives at, which is her grades being some of the best in the Black Eagles.

When class was over, everyone was dismissed. When she was at the cafeteria, Edelgard noticed something was wrong because Hinata touched her food.

" Hina Chan what's wrong?"Edelgard asked her.

"It's nothing", Hinata replied.

Monica noticed that something was wrong as well.

"Are things going okay with you and Naruto?" asked Petra, who could see right through Hinata. She couldn't admit it out loud that things weren't going as well as she wanted or that she felt inadequate.

"Making a relationship with four people work is hard it's a struggle."Hinata admitted the closest thing she said that resembled the truth.

"Hinata, you should voice your feelings. No offense, but you're too nice sometimes." Lysithea said bluntly.

"I don't want to talk about it," Hinata said harsher than she intended. Then she realized that she had snapped at her friend.

"Sorry, I have to excuse myself." She walked away from the table and left her friends.

Mercedes was angry, seeing what just happened, she knew that Hinata was upset over what has been happening. Naruto was neglecting her; she didn't say anything when she was on the table, because she didn't want to put her nose where it didn't belong, but she had to do something.

"Mercedes", Ingrid said, but she didn't get a chance to say anything more.

"You have neglected Hinata, you and Dorothea are both guilty; how could you? I know Naruto is guilty too, but not holding him accountable angers me because you're better than this." Everyone at the table recoiled; she never gets angry, but when it comes to her friends, she can't just sit and do nothing."

"Where is Naruto?", asked Mercedes.

"He is where Dimitri and Claude are." Ingrid answered.

"I'm sorry, but I have to visit Naruto." Mercedes told her friends as she left them.

Naruto was talking with Dimitri and Claude, and her boyfriend.

Naruto didn't feel like eating; he felt like shit because he wasn't his usual self. He wanted to talk to her and make it right before he could do anything. Dimitri and Claude were at the table, along with Sasuke, who noticed that Naruto was upset.

"What's going on between you and Hinata? You two have barely spoken." asked Sasuke.

"Things are going fine," Naruto lied.

"No offense, Naruto, but you're not a good liar." Claude pointed it out.

"I don't want to get involved, but Hinata is a friend of mine. What's going on? I thought things were working out so well, but it seems to be the opposite. Ever since that harem jutsu incident, I feel like Hinata has been ignored by you, Ingrid and Dorothea."

Dimitri was rubbing it in; he felt even worse, even if he did make love to her and still went on dates with her, she was still miserable.

"Naruto", he heard it from Mercedes behind him. He turned around and then felt a hard slap on the face, shocking everyone except Sasuke, Claude, and Dimitri.

"You deserved that," Kurama said.

"Naruto, how could you treat Hina the way you have? She loves you, and you took advantage of her love and ignored her, and haven't even asked what was wrong. I said I would support your relationship as long as it didn't hurt my friends and I truly mean that. But to be fair, all of you are guilty. Hina feels inadequate; the very fact that you have neglected her at this point makes me extremely angry. She is my friend; she doesn't deserve someone like you."

Without saying a word, he left the table, not wanting to see the look on his friend's face, who looked at him with disgust.

Sasuke knew this would happen eventually; Hinata and Mercedes have become good friends since they met each other at the start of the year. His girlfriend rarely shows anger, and when she does, it's a sight to behold. He actually wanted to do that himself, but someone else beat him to it.

"They'll set him straight" Mercedes said kindly this time.

"To be fair, Dorothea and Ingrid are also guilty. It's not fair to blame everything on Naruto."

Claude spoke kindly, unlike Dimitri, who had a similar outlook as Mercedes. He heard Dimitri's voice, filled with anger at how Hinata was being treated. Hinata was like Mercedes to Dimitri; it was understandable why everyone who ever befriended Hinata would be defensive of her.

"That'll make the idiot more considerate." Sasuke said, voicing his honest thoughts on the situation.

"Maybe I was a little too harsh." Mercedes admitted.

"No, you told him what he needed to hear." Sasuke disagreed.

He couldn't help but notice how similar Mercedes and Hinata were in temperament, with the exception of Hinata's shyness. They were both kind and gentle people, but they got really angry when pushed.

"Are you two dating?" Claude asked, a smirk on his face that caused Sasuke and Mercedes to turn away and blush.

"Whether we're doing it or not is none of your damn business, Sasuke replied to Claude."

"No offense, but you two dating is pretty much an open secret, except to the banshee, of course." Claude remarked.

As if he had the power to summon Sakura, she appeared much to everyone's annoyance.

"How fitting that Naruto turns out to be not only neglectful of that loser, but also that his girlfriends would be the same."

Sakura smiled, reveling in Naruto and Hinata's relationship troubles.

"Whatever goes on with my friends' love lives is none of your business, banshee." Mercedes said with hostility, refusing to hide any pretense that she disliked her.

"Figured you'd be friends with Hinata after all, you're both pathetic losers. Though Hinata is royalty, you're nothing more than commoner trash. And Sasuke Kun's whore."

Sasuke stood up, glaring at Sakura. He wouldn't let Sakura insult his girlfriend in front of everyone.

"I'd rather be with her than you; she's not a rude, insensitive bitch like you. Keep her name out of your mouth." Sasuke said, on the verge of exploding.

"Way are you defending her?"

Sakura is now getting angry for the first time at Sasuke.

"Because she's my friend, I won't allow you to insult her."

Sasuke said angrily

"A friend?" Sakura laughed at the very idea.

"There is no one who understands you like I do, Sasuke-kun. We are meant to be together. You are mine, and nobody else's." Sakura said in her delusion.

"Sakura, I've never been interested. I never will be. You're a stalker who won't leave me alone. Whatever I do with my own personal life is nobody's business but my own. I'm not playing hard to get. I don't want to be with you. I never want to, and you insisting on getting involved in other people's business makes me want to have nothing to do with you even less."

Sasuke was trying everything not to explode.

He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. It was Mercedes.

"I'll take care of this Sasuke-kun", Mercedes said.

Then he knew she had an idea.

"You want to know, Sakura, who's been seeing Sasuke? Who's Sasuke's girlfriend is?"

Mercedes said, smiling one of those smiles that indicate she's about to pull a prank.

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked, shocked.

She did something out of character, kissing Sasuke hard on the lips, shocking everyone in the cafeteria. Sakura looked completely shocked. Sasuke returned the kiss with the same passion. After they were done they pulled away and Sakura's face was full of rage and denial.

"That changes nothing." Sakura said in denial.

"It changes everything. Sakura, Sasuke Kun is my boyfriend, not yours."

She knew this would reveal their secret, but it had been 2 months she would find out eventually anyway.

Sakura looked at her in disbelief. Sakura didn't want to believe it; she still didn't believe it.

"That's bullshit," Sakura said and exploded.

"Is it so shocking that Sasuke would rather date Mercedes the kind and sweet woman than you, who's loud and annoying?" Ino said with a smile as their secret was out.

"It's not true that Sasuke would never date someone like her, unless it was to get me jealous." She rolled her eyes at the stupidity of that comment; Sasuke was doing the same.

"Seriously, everyone and their damn mom knew Sasuke had a crush on Mercedes; how could you be so blind?" asked Hilda, who was with Ino.

"This is really sad" said Edelgard, who was right beside her girlfriend, Monica.

"How fitting the useless banshee is in denial over Sasuke rejecting her useless ass.", said Lysithea.

"Fuck all of you," Sakura said spitefully.

Then she looked at Mercedes with the most hatred she had ever seen. Sakura had never looked at anyone like that in her life. She was filled with jealousy and rage.

"I'll make you pay for this, all of you, especially you, Sasuke. You'll be mine in the end."

Sakura said it possessively, and she stormed off.

"Wow, I've heard rumors about Sakura being a bitch, but this doesn't even come close to the rumors." said Monica in disbelief.

"I am glad she's not in our class, I don't think I'd be able to stomach her; she would probably disappear under unfortunate circumstances." Hubert said, thinking about the many ways he could dispose of her. From what Mercedes gathered.

"Well, the cat is out of the bag." said Dimitri.

"Well, it's not a secret." said Claude.

"You knew?" Sasuke asked in disbelief.

"No offense, but everyone knew you two were infatuated with each other and you two were interested in each other; it wasn't that complicated. I mean, come on! You two spend so much time together outside of class; people put two and two together. Well, you're official now; everyone knows, and that's that."

Lysithea said, not really caring one way or the other.

" Lysithea are we doing what we promised?" Shez asked.

"Of course we are." The girl said, embarrassed.

The atmosphere got lighter in a way she was relieved that their secret was out, as much as she enjoyed messing with Sakura's head; it felt good to rub it in her face even though she isn't a spiteful person for Sakura's case, she made an exception.

"You know, I was thinking about a way for us all to have some fun together. It's going to be in a few days. How would you feel about us all going on a date together?" Dimitri asked everyone who was currently in the same vicinity.

"That doesn't sound so bad. Where would we go?" asked Claude.

"Outside the monastery, it's a nearby village. They have a festival at least once a month regarding couples. I've been there a few times; you don't have to have a date to enjoy the activities they have there. I feel like it would be a good way for us all to relax."Dimitri said.

"That sounds like fun. What do you think?" Mercedes asked Sasuke with a warm smile that always caused Sasuke, even on his worst days, to not resist.

"Anything that makes you happy, my angel, makes me happy." Sasuke said he forgot that people were watching them.

"They are so cute together," said Ino.

Sasuke realized immediately that they weren't alone and then blushed so red that he had to cover his face.

"My angel, how cute and romantic! I didn't think Sasuke had it in him." said Ino teasingly.

He couldn't take the embarrassment; Sasuke took her by the hand, and they both left in order to have privacy.

"Are you embarrassed by my nickname, Mercedes?" ask her?

"Never I forget we had an audience my angel." despite her earlier anger at Naruto, she smiled warmly and prayed to the goddess to watch over Hinata and her partners.

"Would it be so bad if we went with them?" Mercedes asked Sasuke.

"Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. If you want to do it, I'll gladly go. Mercie."

Sasuke said with a warm smile.

As much as she would like to watch the sunset, today, they have homework to do because of a test in a few days.

"It's unfortunate we can't enjoy the beautiful sunset." Mercedes said, looking at the sun.

"I think we can enjoy the sunset, and then get to our homework." Sasuke replied.

They sat at the bench at their usual spot; their secret was out, and the whole monastery knew they were officially a couple. Now it didn't bother her or Sasuke.

"You know, it's the small moments that make me feel at peace, and it's because of you. I don't deserve you, Mercie."

He leaned on her shoulder; she didn't think about the inevitable that could or would happen right now. What mattered was the present and what it would bring.

Despite two months passing since she realized she was in love with Sasuke, she can't tell him her feelings. She doesn't have the courage; she lacks the courage.

They watched it together in silence, saying nothing.

Naruto felt like shit, not that was an understatement; he felt so awful that he had no words. He was sitting where people normally fish, near the mark where Mercedes slapped him, which was still visible. Everything she said was right, and he couldn't rebuke any of it.

He felt like a horrible boyfriend, Hinata deserves better than a wretch like him. So much better it hurts; he had loved her for so long, but as soon as he got two girlfriends, he tried to satisfy everyone. Yet he felt like he had failed them all.

He didn't deserve any of them; they all deserved better than Naruto. Then he thought about it; he felt inadequate as well. Was he really a good lover to his partners? If they left him, would it really matter? Part of it felt like Hinata had a bond with Ingrid that he would never have.

She confessed her love for Ingrid before confessing her love to him. He shouldn't feel jealous; he feels horrible and dirty. Kurama said nothing.

The dirty looks he got from Dimitri and Sasuke, even Claude, made him feel even worse than Mercedes's slap.

He wasn't going to be included this time, in their lovemaking a fitting punishment.

He noticed there was a green-haired girl looking at him sympathetically.

"You're sad, what's bothering you?" The girl asked. He didn't notice that he was crying. He wiped the tears.

"You wouldn't understand." Naruto said, trying to appear not rude.

"You and Hinata should work things out; it's not good for you both to keep things to yourselves." How did this girl know about Hinata?

"Naruto, Hinata is my friend. She and I speak from time to time. She may not say it with words, but her body language and her demeanor say more than words ever could. She feels inadequate; she feels like she isn't good enough for you or your partners. Naruto, the only way you're going to resolve this is if you talk it out and voice your insecurities to your partners. This relationship won't work otherwise." The green-haired girl said with a voice full of wisdom, as if she had a lifetime of experience.

"This girl speaks the truth so wise for one so young."Kurama said.

"Do I really deserve them?" Naruto asked, unsure why he felt comfortable talking to her.

"It's hard to say, only you can decide that. Naruto, I know you're a good person at heart; you don't need to do harm. But you're not saying anything, which does more harm than any words could. I don't like to see my friends in pain."

This girl, no matter how much he wants to deny it, she speaks the truth.

"I feel even worse; she was the first one back home to treat me as a person, and here I am back to square one. When I first came here, I truly am an asshole."

Naruto said, looking down at the water.

The girl sat next to him. Naruto wondered what she was thinking.

"The fact that you are acknowledging that you've done wrong is a good sign that you can still fix this situation. Talk to her, communicate with your other partners as well. Communication is important and essential for any relationship to work. Otherwise, you'll just have trouble. I wouldn't want to see anything bad happen to either one of you." The girl said kindly.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your name? Naruto asked her.

"Flayn", the girl answered.

"I know what to do, even though it was obvious. I feel like an idiot, Flayn. But I feel like I need to give Hinata space at least today. I'll talk to her tomorrow along with Ingrid and Dorothea as well. Thank you, Flayn, for taking the time to speak to me."Naruto said gratefully.

"Sasuke and Hinata have told me a lot about you. You're exactly what they said. All three of you are kind people. I wish the girl could finish."

"It's not a problem, we could be friends if that's what you wish, Flayn."

Naruto said, not allowing her to have the train of thought he suspected she was having.

"Brother wouldn't like it, but what he doesn't know won't hurt him." She remarked.

"That girl is a lot older than she looks. The way she carries herself, the way she speaks, don't take her lightly." Kurama warned.

"I have to go, Naruto. Just remember what I said." Flayn bid Naruto farewell and left.

He would resolve this, and he wouldn't allow any of his girlfriends to be miserable in this relationship, especially Hinata, his first love.

Dorothea saw Hinata storm out of the cafeteria. She excused herself from her peers in the Golden Deer and went after Hinata. She wasn't going to allow Hinata to feel inadequate anymore.

She caught up with Hinata quickly. Hinata had tears in her eyes as she sat on the bench. "Hinaa" Dorothea said as she sat next to her.

They said nothing; she had to make it right. She had neglected her girlfriend; she didn't even consider her feelings and how much her being left out of the lovemaking that her and Ingrid, Naruto do together or how inadequate she felt.

"Is there anything you need?" Hinata asked, trying not to show that she was upset.

"Hinaa can we go to my quarters alone?"Dorothea asked her.

"We have homework, and we need to take care of it at another time." Hinata said dismissively. Dorothea couldn't have that.

"No, you're in pain. I don't want to put it off any longer. Please."Dorothea pleaded with her.

"Why do you need me, Naruto-kun, and Ingrid-chan? They can fill all your needs." Hinata said sharply.

"Please," Dorothea said more forcefully this time, with tears falling.

"Fine", Hinata said softly.

They walked in silence until they reached Dorothea's quarters. She opened the door and then closed it.

They said nothing for almost 10 minutes until Dorothea broke the silence.

"I'm sorry, Hina, for being insensitive and not considering your feelings."

Dorothea said, barely able to speak without her voice breaking.

"I've treated you horribly, I got angry at Naruto for the way he treated you, and look at me; I'm such a hypocrite. I don't deserve you, Hinaa. I didn't even consider your feelings. I'm so sorry."

Dorothea wanted Hinata to truly know that she was sorry.

She heard a knock, and then she saw Ingrid enter. Hinata looked at her and then looked at Dorothea. She looked down, and more tears fell.

"I'm not good enough for either one of you. I can't please Naruto-kun like you can, Dorothea-chan, nor can I please him as well as you, Ingrid-chan. I don't see the point of being in this relationship; I'm just."

Hinata broke down crying. Ingrid and Dorothea both embraced her.

"That's not true," Ingrid said while crying.

"We've been awful to you, and we didn't consider your feelings about how our actions affected you. We don't deserve you, Hinata. I'm so sorry."

Ingrid buried her face in Hinata's chest, not wanting to face Dorothea.

"What about Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked reluctantly.

"We are not including him tonight." Ingrid said.

"What are you talking about?" asked Hinata.

"Will show you how much you mean to us, our beloved princess." said Dorothea.

Hinata felt Ingrid's and Dorothea's hands on her as they kissed her on the neck.

"We will show you how much we love you," Ingrid said, and Dorothea started to remove Hinata's dress; Dorothea was doing the same.

Time passed quickly before he didn't know it. She was completely naked when her lover Dorothea removed her clothing. This wasn't the first time she had been with her, but this was the first time she was doing it with both of her lovers at the same time.

Dorothea kissed Hinata, who returned it. There was more passion than before. Hinata was on top of her. She felt Ingrid groping her breast. If it weren't for Dorothea pressing her lips against hers, she would be moaning.

She felt Dorotheus' hands on Hinata's womanhood. She stopped when she moaned her name.

"We will make you forget about the pain we've caused you over the past month." Dorothea said as she placed her index finger on Hinata's lowered region.

Ingrid sucked her breast.

Hinata wanted to do her part in anything to satisfy her lovers, so she allowed them to play around with her for now.

They switched positions while Hinata was on her back. Dorothea spread her legs.

Hinata felt Dorothea aggressively putting her mouth on her womanly region, she moaned in pleasure but she didn't have a chance to indulge in it completely for long until Ingrid, without saying a word, Hinata did the same to Ingrid who moaned in pleasure.

"Go deeper, oh God!"

Hinata had difficulty pleasuring Ingrid, as Dorothea was too aggressive.

She wanted to scream, but she didn't want to disappoint her lover.

So she held back and focused solely on pleasuring Ingrid.

She didn't care about the depravity of the situation; the only thing on her mind was being a better lover to Ingrid and Dorothea. She stopped momentarily, as she couldn't hold back any longer; when she released on Dorothea. Ingrid wasn't too far behind; they both screamed.

Hinata looked at both of them with a hungry look; she went towards Dorothea like a hungry animal bent on claiming its mate, starting to roughly play around with her breasts.

"Oh, fuck!" Dorothea moaned.

"I'm not done with you, my dear diva."

Hinata said lustfully, she was rough, extremely rough with her.

Dorothea didn't mind; she moaned the rapper who wasn't with her breast and her body, the more turned on she was.

A beast was unleashed by Hinata, who was dominating her.

"You've been a naughty girl; you need to be punished."

Hinata spoke in her dirty talk.

Hinata, who had been transformed from a shy girl into a dominant beast, wanted to dominate Dorothea. She was extremely rough, which was unlike anything they'd experienced before.

She stopped and went lower, not to where her womanhood was, but to give herself time to prepare Hinata didn't want to put her tongue deep into Dorothea's pussy.

Hinata couldn't hold back she was like an animal with like hunger to claim her mate; it wasn't gentle like it normally was when Hinata pleasured her in that area.

She felt herself having an orgasm, like never before with Hinata. It was incredible she thought.

"You don't think I'm done yet do you, my beloved Diva and Knight?"

Hinata did hand signs; the first one she did, she saw a smoke puff, and the second one another Hinata appeared.

What Dorothea saw, she couldn't believe it. She didn't know how it was even possible.

"How much do you want it inside of you?" Hinata asked Dorothea in an aggressive tone, which turned her on, hearing her to talk this way.

How did you?

Dorothea didn't get a chance to ask, so she was silenced.

"You don't get to ask how much you want this cock inside of you." Hinata asked seductively.

She felt it at the tip of her lower region, which was torture. Why was she doing this? Was this payback for leaving her out?

"I don't just want it inside of me; I want you to dominate me." Dorothea admitted.

"so you want your shy little girlfriend to dominate you I'll do that I'll do that to Ingrid Chan as well."she licked her ear it brought shivers down her spine.

Hinata was never this aggressive she shoved her rod deep inside of her she would like to know what jitsu was this and who taught her it? it felt nice and incredible it was bigger than even Naruto's cock and she would never admit this to her boyfriend that it felt even better than his.

She humped the bed, which rocked, and she heard Ingrid moan as Hinata dominated them both.

Was this built out of anger and sexual frustration? Dorothea couldn't help but wonder if she wasn't overcompensating, even though she did enjoy the pleasure she was receiving from Hinata. Hinata was trying to prove to both of them that she was a good lover.

She would allow her to have her way this time, it's what she deserved at the moment. This was about Hinata, not her or Ingrid.

"Fuck me harder," she heard Ingrid say.

"You're both sluts for my cock, aren't you?" Hinata asked them.

"Oh God, fuck!" Dorothea moaned.

She had no idea how it was possible. Hinata was gently biting her neck, which was part of her fantasy she once had.

They switched positions, and She made Dorothea and Ingrid face each other. Hinata had no words; he commanded them both to face each other as his shadow clone and the real Hinata fucked them both.

"Oh, fuck!" Ingrid moaned.

"Play with each other's breasts as I fuck you."

Hinata commanded, and they did exactly what she asked. It was difficult to play around with each other, but they managed to do so to their entire satisfaction. Hinata was shoving her rod inside of them both; she loved the feeling of her pussy being stretched by their hard cocks. She knew she was doing this because Hinata felt inadequate, but she didn't mind. She felt fulfilled in that moment.

abruptly they stopped touching each other while the shadow clone and the real Hinata made dirty and Ingrid kiss her on the lips as they cummed inside their womanhood and just like that it disappeared.

The three women collapsed.Ingrid was on Hinata's left, while Dorothea was on Hinata's right, they were both breathing heavily. They were covered in sweat; they had been doing it for at least an hour and a half to two hours. She didn't keep track.

Nothing was said until Hinata spoke first. "I'm sorry." She said.

"Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong." said Ingrid.

"We neglected you, Hinaa. We should apologize to you, not the other way around." Dorothea said.

Hinata was going to admit her greatest shame, but she had to admit it why she didn't join in with them.

"I'm sorry, but I'm horrible I'm jealous of my own boyfriend. Naruto-kun doesn't deserve a wretched person like me." Hinata admitted with shame

This caused them both to look at her in surprise.

"What are you talking about? Why would you be jealous of our boyfriend?"

Dorothea asked, surprised.

"Because I don't feel like I'm a good lover compared to him in this relationship, I feel like I'm the third wheel, and if I were included in your sessions with with you, I would just be the least."

Ingrid interrupted.

"You're wrong, Hinata. That is not true at all. You were incredible tonight. You were amazing."

Ingrid said as she kissed her on the neck.

"You don't give yourself enough credit, Hinata. That was incredible! It was exciting. I'm pretty sure Naruto would love what you had in mind." Dorothea said.

"I don't know, I just feel like when we make love, there's something off about it. Another thing she didn't want to admit: Naruto loves her; she knows that, but their passion lately is nothing like it was before they started the four-way relationship.

He did it the same way he had before, but she knew something was off.

"Why not talk to Naru-kun about it?" Ingrid asked her.

"What do you mean?" Hinata asked the blonde woman.

"Naru Chan doesn't feel like he's good enough for you, he doesn't say it out loud, but I can tell by the way he looks at you. I think you both need to talk; I think there's insecurity on both of your sides, not just you."

Dorothea said what she honestly thought.

"Why would he feel inadequate when he has you two?" Hinata asked them.

"Hinaa, if I have to be honest with you, Naru-chan loves you more than anything. Whatever love he may have for Ingrid or me in the future, it will never compare to you."

Hinata didn't want to believe it.

"We're okay with that, and we accept that it will never be like that with us like it is with you feel about him means everything. It's why he was scared to approach you in the first place, and before he came here, he felt unworthy and still does. This insecurity never completely left; in fact, I think he's more insecure than you are. The months that I've known him since we've been the Golden Deer, I've gotten to know him better. You both need to talk; it won't do any good if I tell him this; it has to be you."

"Do you love him, Dorothea?" Hinata asked her.

"I don't know what my feelings for Naru-chan are, they're complicated. He's not like any of the other men I've met; he's a good guy, but he's insecure too, but I can understand because of his upbringing. I wish I was worthy of him, unlike you and Ingrid. I'm the least deserving."

Dorothea admitted.

She was in love with him, Hinata wasn't surprised but decided not to push it; she would come to terms with it herself in time.

"I agree with her that you should talk to Naru Kun, and you need to overcome your insecurities, which are an obstacle for both of you. You both need to be honest with each other."

Ingrid said.

"I'm going to talk to him tonight; I can't put it off."

Hinata said as she got dressed and left them both alone.

Ingrid wondered if it was a good idea for Hinata to go to Naruto's room that night. She was too tired to move.

"I am so tired; I don't think I can move." Ingrid admitted.

"That was amazing! I didn't think Hinata had it in her."Dorothea smiled, thinking of the amazing jutsu Hinata used.

"Who taught her that jutsu?" Ingrid wondered.

"I have a feeling who it was I'm going to ask her to teach me that jitsu it'd be a lot of fun imagine the kind of amazing things we could do."Dorothea thought.

Ingrid imagined the amazing things they could do with it. Getting gangbanged by her lovers was something she relished in it, which turned her on at the very thought of it.

When did she become such a pervert? she thought to herself.

"I can't imagine what my father would think if he knew the kind of things I'm doing." Ingrid said it aloud.

"Who cares what he thinks? The only thing that matters is your happiness, not what he wants." Dorothea replied angrily when she thought of her father.

"He's not a bad person, Dorothea. He's just trying to take care of his family." She said it defensively.

"Yes, he may care about you in his own way, but he doesn't think about your happiness or what you want. Face it: the crest system is dying one way or another; it will have to be replaced, and having a system based around those with Crest and those without it is repulsive to me. We were forced to break up because of this damn system; I will never do it again. I will fight for us, Ingrid. Nothing will get in my way this time."

Dorothea said with determination.

Wrapped her hands around her lover's fingers.

"You know, maybe next time I'd like it to be just us. Would that be alright, Dorothea?"

Ingrid asked her, referring to the next time they make love one-on-one.

"Course you're my first love, you always will be. Nothing will change that." Dorothea replied.

The two lovers fell asleep in each other's arms before she fell asleep; she wished Naruto and Hinata luck, resolving their insecurities.

Naruto couldn't sleep because of his friend's angry looks on their faces. The shame he feels makes him not care about the test that's coming tomorrow.

He had been a bad boyfriend to Hinata, treating her horribly. He felt so inadequate. He felt like she would be better off without him. And he felt like his girlfriend would be better off without him.

"This is really pathetic, Kit, you fucked up. Yes, you have the facts. You both haven't communicated with each other. You and Hinata both need to voice your insecurities to each other and sort it out. This isn't healthy for either one of you. Both of you feel inadequate. I hear a knock; I'll leave you alone now. Just take what I said into consideration." Kurama said.

Naruto wondered who was there at such a late hour. He opened the door and saw Hinata, whose hair was a mess.

He had an idea of what she did; he wasn't going to comment on it.

"Is it a bad time, Naruto-kun?" asked Hinata.

"Of course not," Naruto said as he sat down next to Hinata, not being able to face her because of the shame he felt.

There was an awkward silence. He had no idea what to say or do.

"I'm so sorry," Naruto said, barely able to say anything without his voice cracking.

"Naruto-kun, I'm sorry I haven't been a good girlfriend to you." Hinata replied.

"Nonsense you've been amazing Hinata Chan. You're kindness and sweetness woman I've ever known. I've taken you for granted, I've been awful to you. Even before we started dating, I didn't even consider your feelings. I was afraid that I wasn't good enough, that I couldn't possibly be good enough. I never could have known how much time would prove me wrong."Naruto felt a tear fall down.

No matter how much he says he would like to love Ingrid and Dorothea equally, Hinata will always be his first. He loves her more than anything; her happiness is everything to him.

"That's not true; you've been wonderful, Naruto-kun. You make me feel loved and wanted. But."

Naruto was wondering why she was pausing.

"I feel so jealous of you; how easily you're able to please our lovers is the reason why I never joined, as they already have 'you're' everything that I'm not."

Naruto had to face her, no matter how painful it was.

"I feel inadequate Hinata Chan. I love all my girlfriends, but no matter how much I tell myself that I love you all equally, it's simply not true. I love Ingrid. I do. I truly do, but it can never compare to you. Dorothea. I don't know. My feelings for her are complicated. I care about her greatly. You. I have loved you for so long. I didn't realize how long I loved you until we got together. You make me feel warm and wanted. You were one of the few people growing up who supported me. Everyone else ignored me or looked at me like I'm some sort of demon."

More tears started to fall.

"I love you, and I don't know what I would do without you. I'm completely useless; I feel like if it weren't for you, I would have given in to the hate that I've had inside of me for so long. You keep my darkness at bay, Hinata-chan, Ingrid, and Dorothea will always be precious to me, but you will always be my first love, and that will never change."

Naruto had no more words to say.

Hinata had tears in her eyes too.

"I never knew you felt that strongly about me, I thought it was recent."Hinata admitted.

"It wasn't I who was scared, that's why I chased after Sakura for all those years. You're so out of my league. I thought I would never have a chance. Ever. I'm a fool, Hinata Chan. I truly am. I've treated you horribly in the past month, and I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?" Naruto said, their faces were inches from each other.

"Will you forgive me, Naruto-kun, for being jealous of you?" Hinata asked him back.

"There's nothing to apologize for, Naruto said as he kissed her on the lips.

The passion was more intense than it had ever been before. the way he told her that he loved her just now was different that then what he said to her 2 months ago. He was telling her that he loved her from the depths of his soul.

The honesty between them, Hinata was on top of him. Neither of them paid attention as they stripped each other of their clothes.

No matter how many times he saw her body, it was always beautiful to him, but it was different this time; it was as if he was looking at her for the first time ever.

"Let me show you how much you mean to me."

Naruto said, playing around with her body. He knew they both had a class later, but they didn't care. They both needed this.

They changed positions.

Naruto is on top of Hinata. Normally, they would take their time and enjoy their lovemaking, but they had a class to attend the next day and couldn't stay up until 3 AM.

He looked her in the eye as he inserted his rod into her womanhood. It wasn't the safest day to do it without an anti-contraction jiu-jitsu, but that wasn't important that night was to show how much they loved each other.

She begged him to go faster, and he did exactly as she commanded. It didn't matter what the potential consequences of their actions were.

She continued to beg him to go even faster, which was rational; they both knew what they were doing was potentially dangerous.

This wasn't just another round of sex; it was love-making.

Naruto played with her body as they switched positions and he set up, thrusting inside her.

He wanted to claim her. He wanted her marked as his mate.

He was reluctant to do so because of his other girlfriends, who didn't want to feel left out.

But he cannot control how he feels about Hinata; he loves her and always will in a way that he can never love anyone.

"Naruto-kun, make me yours."Hinata was sad as Naruto continued to thrust inside of her. It didn't matter what they were doing; it could potentially get her pregnant. But it didn't matter even if that happened; he would take care of her and her child (or their child).

He pressed his lips, thrusting deeply into her, releasing his seed. Hinata released not too long after him. They were both silent; Hinata collapsed and placed her head on Naruto's chest.

"That was amazing, it was different than usual, even though we did the same thing we normally do." Naruto admitted.

"No, it was different. This is love-making. The rest of our sessions have been sex; nothing more." He looked at her in the eye and then realized she was right: this was what was wrong with their relationship. When they make love, it was about sex; it isn't about anything else.

"What if you get pregnant as a result of this?" Naruto asked Hinata.

"Then we'll get married, and I'll have your child. As simple as that. To hell with the clan." Hinata spoke as if the matter were already settled.

"Would you really want to marry someone like me?" Naruto asked her.

"Of course, I would! There's no other man I would want to marry; you're the only man I'll ever marry. You're the only man I'll ever want as my husband. As for those other suitors my father wants me to marry, he can go to hell. There's only three people I will marry: only three, and of all of them, you. You're the only man I'll marry. I love you, Naruto-kun. I always have and I always will." Hinata finished, nothing more needing to be said.

"I'll be a better boyfriend to you, Hinata-chan. I promise." Naruto said.

"I promise to be a better girlfriend and to voice any problems that I'm having."Hinata was falling asleep.

Naruto was as well.

"Tomorrow, I'll be really tired, but it was worth it." Naruto admitted.

"It was truly my love"Hinata replied with a smile.

The two lovers fell asleep, both of them relieved that the conflict between them had been resolved. Naruto and Hinata would spend another night alone together when Dorothea and Ingrid did the same; the next day the four-way couple would make love at the same time for the first time, which would be the most passionate lovemaking they'd ever had.

Dimitri would invite them to have some fun together and relax for the day. It's a fun event for friends.

2 Days later

Mercedes felt two arms wrap around her when she opened her eyes, she saw Sasuke; he had his eyes open. It was their day off.

Underneath the sheets, she was completely naked. This was a regular occurrence. She didn't even think about it anymore. It had been almost a month since they celebrated her birthday. She had his earrings on her ears, which she wore proudly and openly.

She didn't care what anyone said about them; they came from a Sasuke, they were made by him, and to her, that's all that mattered."Last night was an amazing night." Mercedes said dreamily, remembering how Sasuke and she sexually experimented with suggestions from her friends Hinata, Dorothea, and Ino; some would call what she did with her boyfriend depraved, but he was someone she loved; it didn't matter her faith as long as you love someone, it isn't sinful to make love to them outside of marriage.

"You're absolutely amazing, I'm completely powerless by your touch, my angel."

Sasuke said as he kissed her back; she moaned. It was so tempting just to stay in bed and allow him to have his way with her; it would be the first time they made love in the morning.

It took everything she had to resist they couldn't make love not right now they had a date that they had to show up to they agreed to go on a date with Naruto and his girlfriends along with Annette and Felix there were a few other people that were coming like Claude, Hilda, Ino, Edelgard, Monica,Shez,Lysithea and Byleth and his not secret girlfriend Marianne it was a day off for all of them just to have fun.

"If I don't get dressed, we'll be late for our date." Mercedes reminded him.

"They can wait a little bit." Sasuke said in a seductive tone.

"Oh" moaned as Sasuke pressed himself against her; she felt his rod inside of her.

"Oh, I can't win", Mercedes confessed.

"Our friends can wait a little bit."Sasuke said again as he thrusted faster she begged him to go faster she under normal circumstances would want to take her time with her lover but she wanted what he wanted at the moment.

"Fuck me faster, fuck me harder, Sasuke-kun! Oh God, fuck!" She moaned his name as well; it was lucky that the anti-conception jutsu was still in effect otherwise she would have been pregnant by now with the amount of times he cummed in her.

The bed rocked hard when Sasuke made love, he wasn't gentle; she continued to scream louder as he continued to thrust. It was unfortunate they couldn't get to the best of it due to them having to show up for a date." Mercie fuck, you're so tight! God, if we weren't having a date today, I would show you a new technique that I've come up with." He whispered in her ear as he licked her neck; he went even rougher, fucking her like a savage animal. It didn't matter how many times he did this to her, it never got old; he managed to make it feel new every time.

"Cum in me, oh fuck" she screamed as they both came at the same time. The two lovers stopped breathing heavily.

"I have to head back to my room, unfortunately we'll have to cut this short." She said, disappointed that their lovemaking was already over.

"That's just a taste of what we'll do tonight." Sasuke said, with a seductive smile.

"If I don't get out of here, we won't make it to our date. I'll see you in a bit." She kissed her boyfriend on the lips and got dressed before leaving.

Byleth had no idea how he was talked into this; he was trying to keep his relationship under wraps, but it was under the insistence of Hinata, his student, to have fun and lighten up. Edelgard agreed, and with assistance from all of his students, he relented; it was his day off, normally he would spend it with his girlfriend, but considering that this was a chance for them to do something different and have fun without hiding their relationship outside the monastery, it felt relieving.

He felt a pair of arms around him, and then he looked and realized it was Marianne in her naked form against him. Then he blushed and realized what they had done, even though they had done it so many times before.

"You are helpless; that girl has you wrapped around her finger, and she doesn't even have to try. I mean: it was easy for her to talk you into making love with her last night, despite having a date today; you two are lucky you have that anti-conception jitsu; she would have been pregnant by now if you didn't." Sothis said teasingly.

Then he heard a knock. Now aware that his girlfriend and he were not in the best position, he scrambled quickly to get dressed. He was done. He opened the door and saw his father. He hadn't seen him so much since he became a professor. He couldn't help but smile when he glimpsed Marianne, who was struggling to cover herself because she hadn't brought anything but her pajamas last night.

"I could explain," Byleth said, trying to come up with any reasonable excuse that didn't sound like a teenage boy covering up something he shouldn't have done.

"I know what you did, kid. It's not a problem. Though, I would be more careful in the future." He said with his fatherly smile.

"Thank you, I was hoping we could have a chance to talk, but we barely have any time; every time I try, you're summoned on another mission."

Byleth wanted to ask something about his mother, but right now, what concerns him is his feelings for Marianne and he wants to talk to his father about them because of his experience with his mother.

"I'm free tomorrow," his father said.

"What are you doing today, kid? If you don't mind my asking." Jeralt asked, curious.

"I'm going out with my girlfriend on a date with our friends." He answered, which made his father smile.

"Have a good time, kid! We are only young once."

His father bid him farewell and left them alone.

When he looked at her, she was putting on her bra and underwear. He could gaze at her body for hours and not get tired of looking at it. He couldn't help but notice the marks on her neck. He smiled when he thought about what they did last night.

"By the way, I thought it was one of the instructors." She said nervously as she put on the uniform that was worn for the summer, which was white and exposed her legs. He couldn't help but admire her in that uniform. He felt it brought out the beauty in her, but a lot of shy students hated it, especially Hinata and Benedetta.

"You look absolutely stunning." He said as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Of course you would say that." Marianne smiled. "You look absolutely sexy and beautiful." He whispered in her ear, if they weren't going on a date, he would make love to her right now, but he knew it wasn't the time or place.

"Last night if we didn't have a date I would have done what I read about in Lord Jiraiya's book. It would have blown your mind maybe tonight if we're not too tired."she whispered in his ear seductively.

" You are at her mercy. I don't know what happened. How does a shy girl become such a vexin probably because of Hinata and Dorothea's influence" Sothis said to him with amusement.

He felt Marianne's hand on his crotch.

"Who's the teacher, and who's the student?" he said with a dirty look on his face.

"Who's to say I'm not both?" Marianne whispered.

"Mari," he whispered.

"I've gotten into more appropriate clothing for our date with our friends, something more comfortable." Marianne said, returning to her shy demeanor.

"I wonder where we're going," he said out loud before she left.

"We'll know soon enough. Bye. See you in a bit." She kissed him before leaving.

He placed his hand where she kissed him at which was at his lip, no matter how many times he felt it, it never felt new to him.

"You're so helpless. Get dressed already; this is embarrassing." Sothis said to annoyed.

Then he realized with self-awareness that he was barely wearing anything other than his shorts. He went to his closet and took out casual clothes. He put the first set of them on, which were a pair of gray pants, and then put on the second, which was a blue button-down shirt.

Then he put on the shoes he usually wears when he's on his day off. He made sure to get every part of them right because he didn't want to look like a fool in front of everyone. He looked at himself in the mirror.

"Perfect", he said as he left his room and headed to the entrance where he would meet his girlfriend.

Naruto opened his eyes and saw three pairs of arms around him. He looked at who was there: Hinata, Dorothea, and Ingrid. He remembered what they had done the previous night. Hinata was on his left; Dorothea and Ingrid were on his right. Ingrid was lower than Dorothea, so he didn't understand how they managed to fit four people on one bed, but they had made it work.

He remembered last night vividly when he saw his girlfriend having a threesome with each other; it was quite a show. This wasn't the first time they had done it, but it was the first time they had done a foursome.

Naruto thought that normally he would hear a comment from Kurama, but he was nowhere to be heard. Part of it was grateful that the last thing he wanted was for him to say something perverted.

"I really don't want to get up," said Dorothea, who was the first one of his girlfriends to wake up when he looked at her body; he couldn't help but admire it. "Last night was an amazing night, wasn't it, Dorothea?" Naruto said with a perverted smile.

"An amazing understatement is having three Shadow Clones fuck all of us, making four-way (or eight-way, if you want to be more accurate) even more fun than it would have been normally." She said dreamily.

"How often do you use your shadow clones with Hinata and Ingrid alone? Because I'd like to be gangbanged by your shadow clones." Dorothea whispered in his ear seductively; he felt something down his crotch.

"Fuck" he whispered in a low voice.

"We just got up, and you can't help but subdue our boyfriend. You don't even have to try." He heard Hinata say.

He felt Hinata's hand on his member.

"It's already hard. We can't have that on our date. Can we? I'll have to help bring it down." Hinata said seductively.

"Our little angel is so hard to resist; I can understand why you two can't keep your hands off each other."

He heard Ingrid say.

"As much as we would like to join in, we have to get dressed or else we'll never leave. We'll see you in a bit, Naru Chan and Hinaa."

Dorothea said as she kissed Hinata and Naruto on the cheek. Ingrid did the same. They got dressed and left, leaving the two alone.

"God, you look so sexy and beautiful, Hinata-chan." Naruto said as he played with her breasts.

"Fuck I don't know if this is the right time but I could use a quick fuck right now."Hinata said as he continued to play around with them.

"Last night's four-way was amazing!" Hinata moaned as Naruto continued playing with her breasts.

Hearing your moans is like music to my ears." Naruto whispered in a low, seductive voice.

"Just shut the fuck up and fuck me, Naruto-kun! Hinata said impatiently."

Naruto stuck his dick inside of Hinata's vagina. Normally, he would like to take his time, but considering they have a date, a quick fuck would have to do. He was on top of her as he thrusted hard, like a hungry animal.

"You love my cock inside of you, don't you, Hinata? You're a slut for my cock!"

Naruto said it was dirty talk; her breasts were bouncing as skin touched skin, mashing against each other. Normally shy, this girl who didn't exist when they were having sex was like a different person altogether.

"Oh yes I love your fucking cock inside of a I want it so deep inside of me fuck me harder faster."she moaned unlike his other girlfriends Hinata was able to keep up with his Pace far better due to her stamina.

He felt himself reaching his limit; it was too soon for his taste, but he knew because of their day together they couldn't do it for long. Though he didn't want to cum before Hinata, he held off as long as he could while resting inside of her deep inside of her. He felt her insides tighten around him.

They were moaning each other's names; it was only 20 minutes, but he was determined to make her cum. He felt her hands grab his back, and he knew what was going to happen before she said anything.

"Naruto Kun fuck"he heard her scream as she cumed hard. He thrusted a little bit longer went until it was his turn he released his seat inside of her if it weren't for the anti-conception jitsu she probably would have gotten pregnant he screamed and they both collapsed breathing heavily.

They stayed there for about a minute before Hinata got up for the bed."I'm going to have to shower." Hinata remarked, as she noticed how much sweat she was covered in.

"I'll have to, too, but I don't think we should go in the same shower." Naruto joked.

"I agree that we'll never get out." She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.

"I'll see you in a bit, my love." Hinata said to Naruto.

"I'll see you in a bit, my Hime"

The two partners held hands away from each other, and Hinata left.

"So much for a quick fuck that lasted for almost a half hour", said Kurama.

"You didn't watch that, did you?" Naruto asked him suspiciously.

"I keep telling you, Kit, I don't intrude on something sacred like lovemaking, especially when it's your mate's. If she were just a random person, maybe, but no, I draw the line there."

Kurama said defensively.

"Though you have a four-way kit, I didn't think you could talk your mates into doing that. How did you do it?" he asked curiously.

"It was Dorothea's idea for us to get closer together," Naruto told him.

"Dorothea and Hinata, together, probably pressured Ingrid to agree, after all, they're both sex-crazed. You're fortunate to have three busty females. All the men in the monastery want to be you and wish they could. It seems like you and Sasuke aren't liked by most of the men in the monastery" Kurama pointed out.

"Well, we have the most popular girls as our girlfriends, so of course." Naruto pointed out.

"Not to mention the sexiest," Kurama pointed out.

"I don't know, I wouldn't count out Hilda, Shez, Leonie, Marianne, or Ino." Naruto remarked.

"So you can acknowledge other attractive females even if they aren't your mates. That's progress. Then there are others, but they are more cute. For example, Edelgard and Monica (though only three of them). I would give them about five years, and they will definitely be sexually desirable. Benedetta and Lysithea are unlikely to get together with a man; possibly because they're gay. Annette, on the other hand, is definitely off-limits; she already has a mate."

Kurama pointed this out.

"Well, I think three girlfriends are plenty for me; I don't think I need any more." Naruto said with a cocky smile."

"Very wise, three mates is a challenge. If you want to continue pleasing them, you should stop standing there like an idiot and bathe so you can get dressed for your date." Kurama advised.

Naruto realized he was right and put on his bathrobe and headed to the bath in order to wash himself so he wouldn't smell on his date.

Hinata was waiting for her boyfriend near the entrance of Garreg Mach. She was wearing a long, dark navy blue dress. The dress was modest because she didn't want anyone but her boyfriend and her girlfriends to see her body. She had her hair tied back and was waiting for her friends as well when she saw the first among them, Mercedes, show up.

She wore a red dress like Hinata. She dressed modestly. Her dress was long and she had her hair completely down not tied to a ponytail like she normally does.

"I almost didn't recognize you, Mercie Chan," Hinata said, barely able to get the words out.

"I wanted to look my best for Sasuke Kun. I couldn't really find anything on a short notice so I just wore this what I felt the most comfortable with."her friend answered.

"I don't know, but I think it's a great choice of clothes. The red especially brings out your sexiness. I'm jealous." said Hilda as Ino just arrived.

"I'm not going to lie about Hinata and Mercedes, your men; it doesn't really take that much to please them. You can dress in anything and they'll find you beautiful; you don't have to try too hard." Ino pointed out.

"It's easy for you to say when you don't have a boyfriend," Hinata retorted.

"I have a girlfriend, and I really don't see the problem. I don't have to try; Hilda will find me beautiful no matter what, isn't that right, Hilda?" Ino said to her girlfriend.

"Well, I think you're beautiful in what you wear," Hilda replied.

Then Marianne showed up who, like Hinata, dressed modestly. Her hair was down to her back she wore a long dark blue dress. She doesn't normally dress like this unless they're outside the monastery due to the amount of attention she would get from Men. She is an attractive woman Hinata had to admit.

Then three more girls showed up: Annette, Dorothea, and Ingrid, who much to her annoyance was wearing a dress. Dorothea wasn't afraid to show off her figure; she wore a brown dress that showcased her cleavage, but unlike the other girls, it was more like a skirt than an actual dress.

Ingrid looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, a princess and Hinata could tell she hated it. It was a green dress. It looked beautiful. Her hair was down, but she disliked wearing dresses in general. Annette wore nothing special; she wore a skirt that exposed her thighs and her arms; she had the most revealing outfit of all the girls' except for Dorothea.

Though they came late, it was Shez and Lysithea who started dating recently. Much to the shock of everyone, some people thought she was too old for Lysithea, but the age difference was only two years. Although it was hard to tell that she was 17 due to how mature her body looked.

She, who is being, wears a casual shirt that is orange and black.

Lysithea, the shorter of the two, wore a white shirt with a blue skirt. It was a combination that Hinata had never seen before.

They did things from time to time, but they didn't do anything of note when they went out on dates. However, she could probably ask her friend Lysithea, but she decided to keep her distance. That's not something Hinata really wants to get involved in regarding other people's love lives.

The last of the girls showed up, and it was Edelgard and Monica. Edelgard didn't wear anything particularly special; she wore a short white dress, while Monica's was more modest in its dressing; it was a long pink dress that exposed her upper chest.

Now that all the girls were here, she wondered where all the guys were.

The first to show up was Claude; he wore nothing particularly, it was just a yellow shirt and green shorts. Claude.

Dimitri wasn't too far behind him; he wore a blue shirt with white pants. It looked comfortable to wear like Claude, but he had no date.

"So we're the first ones to show up," remarked Claude.

"I wonder what Sasuke and Naruto were doing last night, or should I say morning, because it might explain why they're late."

Dimitri remarked, looking at Hinata and Mercedes, who both blushed red.

"Oh my" said Annette, blushing herself thinking about what they had done.

"Wow, how typical! Again, I'm not surprised you can't keep your hands off each other? It's a miracle you can even leave the rooms at all." Lysithea said jokingly, which caused Hinata and Mercedes to blush even more because what she said wasn't too far off the mark.

Shez had nothing to say add to the conversation.

"What are you guys talking about? When will those idiots show up?" asked Felix, annoyed like Dimitri. He wore nothing special. His clothing was pretty similar to Dimitri's, except it was black instead of blue.

"Sorry for being late," said Naruto, who was in his orange and black casual clothes that he normally wears on his days off in Konoha. He went towards Hinata, Ingrid, and Dorothea.

"How do you make it work?" asked Dimitri.

"We've been figuring it out as we come along, we're learning step by step. It's not easy, I will admit, but that is part of the fun, isn't that right, Naru-chan?"

Dorothea said in his ear. Out of all the times, why did it have to be here?

She had to resist the idea of another potential four-way.

"Sorry I'm late." said Sasuke, who finally showed up and went towards Mercedes, 3 days ago ever since the seeker was out that they were officially a couple they were freely expressing themselves as a couple. She thought it was cute.

Then the last one showed up. Byleth, her professor who went to Marianne, held his hand. She could see it in their eyes how much they loved each other and how they couldn't express their love openly because of their circumstances. Nobody was shocked by their relationship; it was basically an open secret, just like Sasuke and Mercedes' relationship prior to them revealing it openly a few days ago..

"So everyone is here, so where are you going?" asked Claude.

"I know a place nearby we can go to where we can have fun without being in the monastery. It isn't far from here. I've done it plenty of times."

Dimitri led the way, and everyone was free to be together without judgmental eyes.

Sonia was glad to be away from the abyss, even if it was for a day. She hated staying in that place. It was like a prison. Sneaking out of the monastery was not something that was encouraged, but she had to do it every once in a while to at least see the outside world. She couldn't stay out for long because the archbishop would eventually look for her, and the last thing she wanted was to be hunted.

She was dressed like a normal village girl. She had green-blue hair and blue eyes. She wore glasses because of her difficulty seeing. She was once told that she resembled her late mother by the man who had raised her, but she didn't want to hear about that. She just wanted to see the outside world, even though she did have friends like Yuri. It was still lonely. It felt more like a prison than an actual home. She wanted to be free to walk where she wanted and do what she wanted. The small act of defiance was her way of escaping the monastery, even if it was for a day.

At the age of 20, she had always wondered who her father was. She was told that she had a twin brother, but he died right after she was born. Part of her didn't believe that it couldn't have been her brother; her twin. She knew he was alive. She just couldn't put her finger on it.

She could help it look at that town that she was walking through with a sense of wonder everything felt alien to her. Eager to look at the new scenery that she had never seen before, the foods that she had never tasted that she was smelling it was overwhelming to her.

She didn't know where to go. She didn't ask Yuri this she bumped into someone who looked at her irritated at her presence."stupid girl watch where you're going. A men said she was not afraid of him by any stretch of the imagination. She wasn't defenseless though she did not want to attract attention."Please I'm not here to cause trouble." Sonia said beggingly not wanting to attract unwanted attention.

"you could make up for it with your body"said a man to her left with a look of a beast looking for prey."keep your fucking hands off of me." Sonia said with disgust as she pushed the man away who was trying to make his advances on her.

"Do you see this girl? She's new around here and she thinks she can deny our advances?" The men laughed. She hated these people; she wanted to wipe that smile off his face. Before she could do anything, a tall blonde-haired man tapped him on the shoulder.

"I suggest you leave the lady alone, as her advances are unwelcome." The man said politely.

"What are you, Prince Charming? This is not your business," said the man behind him.

"Unless you want to be in pain and have your friends leave, this is not worth the trouble." said the man warningly.

"This prince charming thinks he's a hero, let's teach him a lesson."

The man wasted no time as he lunged at the man he had easily dodged. He then chopped him in the neck, which made the second man try to hit him by surprise. However, he kicked him in the chest, knocking him down. The third man was about to hit him with a club, but Sonia kicked him in the groin instead.

Others tried to charge at him, but they were no match other than the one that Sonia took down. The tall blonde-haired man took out all of them. He was strong; she had to admit she couldn't see his face.

"I thought we were here to relax, Dimitri, not to start a fight." said a brown-skinned man with brown hair.

"A woman was in need. I couldn't just let them have their way with her."

The man, named Dimitri, defended his actions by saying, "She needed help."

"Are you okay?" Dimitri turned around, offering his hand to her. She looked at him and blushed.

"I'm fine," she said, stuttering. She never did this before. It wasn't like he was the first man she saw; she was around Yuri and Balthus on a near-daily basis.

"You'll have to excuse Prince Charming; he can't help but help a woman in need, especially a beautiful one like that." said Claude, causing Dimitri to blush.

"I would do it for anyone." Dimitri said, defending himself.

"You don't need to fight over me. I just wanted to go out, but apparently I don't know this area at all." Sonia said, embarrassed.

"That's not a problem. I've been in this area many times. I could show you around."

Dimitri turned his face away to hide the pink on his cheeks, saying, "I've been in this area many times. I could show you around."

"There you are, Dimitri! Everyone's been wondering where you and Claude have been." said a blonde-haired man with whiskers on his cheeks.

"Naruto, I was just helping; you know how I am. I can't ignore someone in need." said Dimitri

"I'm sorry for causing you an inconvenience." Sonia apologized, saying she was sorry if she had caused any inconvenience to the people around her.

"It's not a problem; we're all just having fun today, aren't we?" asked Naruto curiously.

"I guess you could say that," the woman said nervously.

"I could show you around, as I said: all of us came here with dates, except me and Claude." Dimitri said embarrassedly.

"Do you mean boyfriends and girlfriends?" Sonia asked bluntly.

"I guess you could say that," Dimitri replied.

"My name is Dimitri. What's your name, my lady?" he asked her.

"My name is Sonia", she replied.

"I could show you around town if you want, Sonia." Dimitri said, embarrassed.

"I would appreciate it if you could Dimitri thank you." she replied.

"Well, it seems we have another person on our date. If only I had a date." said Claude, complaining.

Dimitri held her hand to prevent her from getting lost. She liked the feel of his hand. It wasn't soft or hard. The feeling was so right to her that she blushed. She didn't know what this feeling was. She would ask her friends in the Abyss later about it; it was a pleasant feeling, but one she had never experienced before.

"The damn boar, what's taking him so long?" Felix said, annoyed.

"He probably found a village girl who needed help. It's so much like Dimitri, such a gentleman," said Hinata.

"I don't mind; I mean I'm not in a hurry to explore this place. I want to take my time. I have never been here before." said Hilda.

"This is the first time we're all out on a date together. It's alright, and I don't have to hide that I'm with Sasuke-kun." She said warmly as she happily wrapped her right arm around Sasuke's left.

"It's refreshing not having to hide our relationship I'm in no hurry."said Marianne who was holding Byleth's hand

"I don't know how I let you talk me into wearing this damn dress, Dorothea. I hate it."

Ingrid complained, saying despite having a smile on her face.

"You do look great! It doesn't hurt to wear a dress every now and then. It suits you. It makes you look like a princess from one of those stories you love to talk about so much."

Dorothea pointed out.

"You forgot that in those stories, the princess was a warrior and a knight. Yes, she dressed like I am now, but those were just stories; I wouldn't want to dress like that in real life." Ingrid complained, hating wearing dresses.

"I think you look stunning in it, Ingrid Chan. I think you should wear them more often. I think it brings out your beauty more." said Hinata, who kissed her on the cheek.

"How do you make it work with two girlfriends and a boyfriend? I don't see how that can work honestly." Felix asked Ingrid.

"We all love each other; that's all that matters. That should be enough." Ingrid answered as if that were the end of it.

"Felix, I don't think it matters if they're happy together; that should be enough." Annette said, coming to her friend's defense.

"I can't see myself ever sharing you with anyone like Annette. That's why I'm asking these questions." He said, embarrassed.

"You two are so cute." said Ino

"I can't help but agree; I cannot see myself ever sharing Edelgard with anyone but it's none of my business what Hinata does. All parties love each other - that's all that matters." Monica said, giving her own opinion.

"If I were honest, I don't know if I would ever be involved in a four-way relationship. It sounds like more than one person is too much. No offense, Hinata, but I couldn't do what you're doing." Lysithea said, not realizing she was holding Shez's hand.

"I have to agree, Naruto. No offense, but I don't see myself ever being faithful to more than one person. I don't think I'd ever be able to do it." Shez added that she ignored Byleth's existence despite her dislike of him; she went on a date with everyone anyway because of Lysithea.

"Shez, I can understand from an outsider that it's impossible and maybe too much, but I cannot control what's in my heart. Yes, it can be hard, but that's why I do it; they're precious to me, and the people that are the most precious to me are the people that I am the most dedicated to. I think they're worth it, and nobody will convince me otherwise." Naruto replied.

Byleth was starting to get impatient along with everyone else in the group who just want to get to the main event already.

"I'm still wondering where Dimitri is." asked Edelgard, worried about him and Claude and Naruto potentially leaving them while they're on their day off.

"I see them now and I see a blue-haired girl with them." said Byleth, confused.

"You wouldn't have picked up a date while I wasn't looking, would you, Dimitri?" asked Felix.

"I was just helping this woman who was being harassed by the locals here." Dimitri answered.

Byleth looked at the woman, and the woman looked at him. He couldn't help but feel as if something was familiar about her.

"Are you aware that you are holding her hand?" asked Byleth, not realizing what he said made them both blush.

"Seriously, what is wrong with you, Dimitri? You're acting like a blushing schoolboy. You're lucky Sylvain isn't here or he'd be having a field day." said Ingrid teasingly

"I guess it wouldn't be so bad to have another girl on our date. What's your name?" Hinata asked.

"Sonia, I'm kind of new around here, so I don't really know my way around." The woman confessed.

"None of us really does, except Dimitri, of course." Naruto pointed it out.

"Well, it looks like you're the only one without a date, Claude. That sucks."

Naruto joked as he walked beside his girlfriend's.

Byleth couldn't help but notice the girl with Dimitri, was still holding his hand. Did they not realize what they were doing?

"So where are we going, Dimitri? What are we going to do for fun today?" asked Claude, trying to shift the conversation.

In the town square in the evening there is a dance that everyone attends. We all dance with the locals and switch partners." Dimitri answered.

Byleth wasn't sure if he liked the idea of anyone but him dancing with Marianne, but it was part of the customs around here, so he would do anything to make her smile.

"There are also other activities we do around here. I mean many of the monastery residents come here to have fun, so we might run into some of our classmates here." Dimitri said.

"As long as we don't run into that banshee it should be good."said Mercedes, making it no secret her dislike of Sakura.

"I doubt she'd come here, only those who've been to the monastery for a long time know about this place." Dimitri answered reassuringly."

"Does he not realize that he is still holding her hand?" Dorothea asked Ingrid.

"I don't know, but it's kind of cute." remarked Hinata, who was holding Naruto's hand.

"Are you telling me that this is another one of those red threads Hinata?" asked Felix.

"I don't know," Hinata said. Only Dimitri and Sonia would know." Hinata replied.

"The two are talking as if they were in their own world. Ingrid pointed this out."

"You've been known to Ingrid Chan for a long time, haven't you, Dimitri?" asked Naruto.

"We've known each other since we were kids. I know he's had crushes before, but this is different." Ingrid said aloud.

"Well, he had a crush on Hinata once," Edelgard said.

This shocked Hinata, learning this."I never knew." she heard laughing by Dorothea."Oh My Sweet Angel you don't know there were people who had a crush on you? You're cute and you're adorable; of course you have someone who has a crush on you! Mean Dimitri, he had to be no older than 10 or 11." She pointed out.

"Well, I had a crush on Monica."

Hinata's confession surprised Monica.

"I have no words for that." Monica said in shock.

"Are we going to spend all of our time talking about past crushes, or are we just going to do something?"

Felix asked, annoyed.

"Look"Annette pointed at a game where someone uses a hammer to get a high score, and if they do, they win a prize.

"I don't know about you, but I'd like to try it." said Claude, smiling.

He asked for the hammer from the person in charge of the game. He asked for money, but Claude paid what was agreed. He didn't go very far; he only got the ball slightly off the ground.

Naruto did a little better, but not by much. Annette did better than anyone else. Edelgard did her part next. She almost won the prize, but she fell short, much to her disappointment.

Everyone else tried, and they all failed. Hinata came close, but she fell short.

Then she noticed the girl, Sonia, who was with them, looking at the prize, which was a teddy bear, with fascination.

"I'll win that for you," said Dimitri with determination. Everyone watched as Dimitri was determined to win. He was compelled to; he wanted to bring a smile on the face of the girl he had saved earlier. It wasn't rational, but Dimitri couldn't explain these feelings he was having.

He just wanted to see her smile; nothing more. He took the hammer in his hands, and decided he was going to try out a technique that he had been taught by Asuma. He put some chakra into his arms to give himself more body strength, and smashed it, which caused the ball to hit the bell, which shocked everyone.

He was given the teddy bear that he had been waiting for from Sonia. Dimitri handed it to her, and the girl embarrassedly and reluctantly took it and held on to it as if it were her most precious possession. "Thank you, Dimitri." The girl said, smiling though she buried her face in the teddy bear to hide her blush.

"Wow, the day has barely started and he already wooed a girl you just meet! You have a lot of charm; you should utilize it more." said Naruto teasingly.

"I just want to do what's right and help those in need." Dimitri said, covering his blush.

"This girl is cute. I don't see any reason why you should pretend otherwise." Naruto insisted.

"Naruto, you should stop teasing Dimitri. He may end up dying of embarrassment." Claude joked.

Naruto went to his girlfriend's place, which relieved Dimitri. He and Sonia were alone as long as they could be. She was walking next to him. She was looking around at the world like it was her first time. She had a childlike wonder as if she had never left the outside world.

This perplexed Dimitri, just who was she exactly, and why was he drawn to her?

"Is this your first time around here?" he asked, trying to start a conversation.

"Yes, I'm not allowed to leave my home, but I wanted to see what the outside world looks like. I'm honestly overwhelmed." The girl confessed.

"You've never been outside?" Dimitri asked her.

"I'm not allowed outside. I was told the outside world is too dangerous. I've been curious for years what the outside world looks like. It feels like a different world from the one I live in. It's not the same in books, like it is when you physically look at it with your own eyes." Sonia said with a sense of loneliness.

"Aren't your family worried?" Dimitri asked her.

"I don't have a mother or a father or siblings, for that matter. The closest thing I have is my friends who live with me." She confessed that she wasn't volunteering any information about the people she lived with. He wouldn't push it; she must have her reasons.

"Well, as long as you're with me, Sonia, I'll make sure you have a good time. I don't have a date myself," he confessed.

"Then why are you with your friends if you don't like them?" the woman asked him.

"It's because I wanted to be there with my friends, and to increase relations with those outside my house." Dimitri answered.

"Must be nice, I wonder what it would be like to go to a school like yours," the girl said with sadness.

"I wish there was something I could do about that, but at least for today, I'd like to help you have a good time, my lady." Dimitri said in a gentlemanly manner.

"I would appreciate that Dimitri very much." Sonia said, smiling, not paying attention that she was holding his hand; he didn't fight it. It felt soft and nice when he looked at the blue-haired woman's face; he thought she was beautiful.

"Careful at this rate, you may end up falling in love with her."

Claude joked, which caused him to turn around, and the woman blushed in embarrassment.

"Damn it, Claude! What a ridiculous thing to say!" Dimitri said with embarrassment, the girl holding his hand reluctantly letting go and turning away to hide her own blush.

"You always have a way to ruin romantic moments, Claude." Hilda said, annoyed.

"I don't know, but I think they're kind of cute together." Ino added.

Dimitri ignored them and continued on with Sonia.

Mercedes could help but notice the look in Dimitri and Sonia's eyes; she disregarded it, thinking it was for Dimitri to deal with. Sasuke and her were dancing, even though it was traditional for them to switch partners, but she didn't really want to; in fact, the idea of another woman dancing with Sasuke made her full of jealous rage when she thought about it.

She knows it's harmless, and the women who would dance with Sasuke would only do it because it's tradition, but she doesn't want to. Some may call her possessive, but that's not how she sees it. She is fully committed to Sasuke both physically and emotionally, and she doesn't want to share him with anyone, regardless of who they are.

"I'm sorry I'm such a terrible dancer, Mercie," Sasuke apologized apologetically.

" it's okay dancing with you, is enough."she replied with a smile." Sasuke hold her hand. They weren't doing anything fancy when it came to dancing not that she wanted that, she just wanted to dance with him and him alone.

"I know it's tradition for us to swap partners, but I don't want to." Mercedes admitted to Sasuke.

"Neither do I. The idea of another man dancing with you makes me ill."Sasuke confessed.

"Those earrings I made for you, I'm glad you love them. I'm not proud of how they look; I think you deserve better." Sasuke said.

"I love them because they were made by you. I don't care what they look like. I'd rather have the earrings I'm wearing now than some fancy earrings made by someone who doesn't love or care." She said, revealing how she felt indirectly.

"You are like my sunshine, I'm lost without you." Sasuke admitted as he leaned to kiss her; she returned it. He thought of her as his sunshine. He doesn't even have to try to be romantic.

"You say the most romantic things, Sasuke-kun. I have no words. I'm speechless."

Mercedes didn't care if the whole world watched them. It had been 6 months since Sasuke entered her life, and 4 of them were on speaking terms. She wanted to do something for his birthday, like he did for her.

Despite it being an appropriate occasion, she wasn't ready to tell him "not yet.

"Those two are deeply in love aren't they Dimitri?" asked Sonia, observing.

"It's kind of an open secret actually in the Blue Lions. I mean everyone was surprised that Sasuke was infatuated with her before they started talking. What I know about their past, they deserve happiness, but I don't know what the future holds for them due to the program." Dimitri told her.

"What are you talking about, Dimitri?" she asked him. He was good, but he enjoyed being in Dimitri's arms. She generally wanted to know more about the outside world; she could get lost in his eyes or in his arms as much as she wanted to. That's not why she snuck out her main reason was to learn about the outside world nothing else.

"There's a program that involves foreigners from lands like Konoha to learn about our continent and do a cultural exchange. It's been done for generations ever since the founding of the five nations, but it has been less frequent in recent years, and some have considered stopping the program entirely."

Dimitri answered

This fascinated her, she was sure the program went both ways; she wanted to ask more.

"Does it involve you going to this place called Konoha?" she asked him.

"Yes, I've been there before, but that was a long time ago, and it's not something I really want to talk about." She could tell it had to do with something terrible from his past.

"Enough about me, what about you, Sonia? Where are you from? Why haven't I seen you around here before?" Dimitri asked her, wanting to know generally.

"I'm not really allowed to tell you or anyone for that matter. The only thing I can say is I'm not allowed to venture out. I've been told it's too dangerous. The world outside is hostile and scary. I know she means well but I feel like I'm a prisoner of my own home. I want to see the outside world. I want to meet people outside. I want to experience what others experience: the sun on my skin, the feel of sand on my feet, the cold wind on my face. They're small things I know it's just me. I'm sorry I'm not very good at explaining this, am I?" She asked awkwardly

"Nonsense! I think you're doing good. You're too hard on yourself, Sonia. It's a relief actually to be outside the monastery to meet someone like you. I feel like I met a kindred spirit."

She wanted to bury her face in his chest. She didn't know why she felt safe when she was with him; she felt like she could trust him.

He was kind, she could feel it but she could see a deep darkness inside him. What was this feeling she had?"I wonder if I'd fit in your class, Dimitri?" Sonia wanted to ask, but she couldn't.

They continued to dance in silence as the sun set. She knew she'd have to return soon; she didn't want it to end. She felt like she and one of the stories where she met a prince in a ball and that her very godmother's magic would wear off by a certain time.

Her heart was beating. She didn't know what it meant, and she wanted to ask her friends, but would they understand? Now that she had a chance at a little taste of freedom, she was dreading going back, but she had to.

"I'm sorry Dimitri, I have to go; it's getting late." She said sadly that it was over. "Wait when can we meet again; where can we meet again?" Dimitri pleaded, he didn't want to let her go.

"I" she couldn't get the words out. "I know a place where we can meet," Dimitri said with a smile.

"Really?" she asked in disbelief that he wanted to see her again. "Meet me at the cathedral on Saturday. It's a free day for me. Let's meet in the morning. I know where we can leave from there; nobody will disturb us." Dimitri said, hoping she would say yes.

"I would love that." she said awkwardly. She has no idea how to communicate with Dimitri. Not well; he's a prince far above her station. Why would he have any interest in her, some nobody in the abyss? It's too good to be true: a friend outside the abyss, a way out.

"I have to go." She said sadly, it took all of her willpower; she didn't want to go back there, but she had no choice. She couldn't have Rhea expect anything.

She will likely let go and run away, leaving Dimitri perplexed about what happened.

Felix was enjoying himself; he took Annette, by the hand, and started to dance with her. It was customary for people to switch partners, though it wasn't required, it was encouraged, but he couldn't see himself doing that even if it was part of the tradition. He always found her beautiful, but rarely saw her hair down. They had been dating for almost a year; people made bets when they first dated that it wouldn't last more than a week. They were silent once they started dating for 6 months.

He didn't care about their opinions; in fact, the only person whose opinion mattered to him was Annette. She made him feel at peace; he could be himself, and he didn't have to be someone he wasn't.

She was one of the few people who were able to bring out the softer side of him. The side of him that he doesn't show, despite what others think who don't know him. He does care for Dimitri. Dimitri is his friend. He's concerned about him because of the eyes he had when he put down a rebellion.

He was initially apprehensive about Sasuke, thinking he was the same, but like Dimitri, he was far more complicated.

"Can we just focus on dancing now," asked his girlfriend."

"Of course," he said. They weren't doing anything fancy; he never cared for those sorts of things. Dancing isn't something he'd ever cared for; he held his girlfriend's waist on her right side with his right hand.

"It'd be nice to hear you sing," Felix remarked.

"Here?" she asked him, embarrassed.

"Why not while we're dancing? I'd love to hear your beautiful voice. I don't care what you say or if you believe that your voice is terrible to me. There is nothing more beautiful than your song."

He rarely voices how he feels about her. He believes you don't tell anyone how you feel unless the occasion is appropriate. He never likes people who constantly tell others how they feel about them. He feels it loses meaning the more people say it.

"As long as you love it, that's all that matters." She smiled and started to sing.

He closed his eyes as she sang the song, which she was singing at that time. It had no meaning, but it didn't need a meeting to him; he just enjoyed hearing her lovely voice.

It brought him peace, and for him, that's all that mattered. Anyone who had anything negative to say about her singing voice would have to deal with him personally.

"They look lovely together, don't they?" Annette asked, referring to Sasuke and Mercedes, who were lost in their own world.

He had never seen Mercedes so happy and content with the idea of her being the one who dims the darkness and Sasuke. It was absurd when he thought about it at first. Then he saw Naruto and Hinata dancing, even though he now has two girlfriends, he knows the woman he loves more than anyone is Hinata.

Even if Sasuke isn't sharing it with anyone, Naruto and Sasuke are alike in the sense that Hinata and Mercedes are like their own suns.

Annette, when she looks at him, the closest thing he can think of to compare her to would be the Sun.

"Whatever he better not hurt Mercedes, or they'll be held responsible." Felix said Annette giggled and didn't know what she found when he said it was funny.

"That's what everyone said about you when we started dating. Funny, how that turned out to be. I don't believe he would ever do that. Sasuke would rather harm himself than ever hurt Mercie." She said, looking at the couple.

He feels the same way about hurting himself as he would before telling Annette he loves her. He doesn't have the courage to tell her that she's the most important person to him.

One day, he would tell her his feelings, but until then, he would enjoy their company and their status as boyfriend and girlfriend. He would express his love for her in different ways.

"Haven't I told you how beautiful you are, Annette?" Felix asked her.

"I did it for you, I want to look pretty for you." she said with a smile.

Nothing more was said by the couple as they danced, and they didn't pay attention to what other people were saying or doing. To Felix, it didn't matter; what mattered to him was Annette. Today, he was going to make her happy, and he was going to focus on her. Whatever was going on in the future didn't matter at that moment.

Shez was terrible at dancing; she was never good at it, and she hated it. Lysithea was looking at everyone dancing; she felt bad because she didn't want her date to be bored or not have a good time. But she didn't want her to think less of her because she can't dance.

"I can't dance either", she confessed.

"but you look like you want to." She pointed it out.

"Maybe", Lysithea said in denial.

"There are other partners you can dance with, you know." She pointed out, even though she hated the idea of others dancing with her, she was willing to do it if it made her not bored.

"Would you like to dance with me if that's okay?" She turned around, blushing.

She took a deep breath, no, she agreed to one date, and that was it. She wasn't going to think about it, but then again, that's what she said on their first date. This is their third.

She really liked Lysithea. It made her nervous, making her feel intense anxiety. She has been involved with other girls before, but it was never serious. Most of them were just one-night stands before she moved on and forgot about it.

"Well, I guess we'll have to learn as we try and fail to dance" Lysithea said with a red face.

She took her by the hand. She looked at how the other people were dancing and tried to copy them. They didn't do anything fancy; they were just dancing slowly.

Despite not being able to dance, they were able to be in sync with each other. They knew what the other was thinking without speaking. She didn't know why or how they stopped paying attention to their dancing. Instead, they did more erotic moves. How was she able to do that? She didn't know.

They were both in their own worlds. She loved her eyes, she thought they were beautiful, but they had a look of sadness in them.

"wow" Lysithea was said, unable to believe that they were both dancing like this.

"you know this reminds me of a story I once read you know Cinderella?"the girl looked at her her rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, well, I don't remember Cinderella dancing with a girl." Lysithea pointed out.

"Well, I could tell you this much: she isn't as cute as you." This made her blush.

"Are you hitting on me?" Lysithea asked.

"What do you think?" Shez said sarcastically.

"Why me?" Lysithea asked.

"What do you mean? Specify" Shez replied.

"I'm asking why me, you can have any woman who's bisexual or a lesbian; you have a better chance with bisexuals than anyone else; yet why me?" Lysithea asked, generally wanting to know.

"Because you're my type," she answered.

"In what way?" The girl asked.

"I think you are smart and hardworking, which is not the only thing I like about you. I also think you're cute and beautiful. Most of the girls at the academy are stupid bimbos who are spoiled little shits who are spoon-fed, but you're nothing like that. You're special, unique, and I don't know why or how, but I'm drawn to you." Shez admitted.

"oh"the girl said.

"I take it you haven't had luck with girls?" Lysithea asked.

They continued to dance, she held her waist along with her hand. They were like a romantic couple in a story, except it was two women. Their faces were inches from each other; she wondered what her lips would taste like.

She pulled away, resisting; they stopped dancing and decided to sit on the bench, looking at the stars.

"I never had any luck in any relationship in my line of work there was no room for things like relationships it was always the next job. It's been that way as long as I can remember. I have very few memories of my mother, none of my father. All my life, I just went from job to job. I've been a mercenary for as long as I can remember."

Shez close her eyes and thought about the memories of all the people that she once now we're cut down Byleth should an intense look the nerve of him dancing with Marianne smiling at her acting as if nothing was happening nothing happened.

Before she can indulge in her thoughts, she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Lysithea.

"We should go somewhere else. There's something I want to try." She took Shez by the hand and pulled her. Her hands were so warm and small. Any lingering thoughts and hatred that she had felt in her heart faded almost as soon as she touched her.

No, her priority was making her date happy, whatever her problems she has should put them aside for now. Lysithea is who matters now, not Byleth Eisner the man she wants to defeat.

She could deal with him another day, but the priority was making Lysithea happy and bringing a smile to her face. What mattered right now was nothing else.

Feeling his warm hands, she forgot at least for the moment, the harshness of Haku's lessons and the pain of the past. She felt like a princess in a storybook, and the man she was dancing with was her prince. Her king

This reminded her of a story she had once read about a servant girl who went to a ball in order to meet the prince of the land. She had awful step sisters who made her life hell but, with the help of her fairy mother, she was able to look like a queen for at least a night. She knew it was childish thinking of that story. It always brought her comfort when Hilda used to read it to her as a girl.

She never thought she would experience it for real in the four months since Byleth had come into her life. Things had changed; she almost didn't recognize the woman she was becoming. She was more confident, yet she was still scared of her Crest and even more scared of the power she had awakened two months ago. However, she was able to get through it by thinking about what she could do with it.

Even if it was a curse, she could at least use it to protect the man she loves and to protect her friends. Hinata she has a lot to thank her for; without her encouragement, she would have never had the courage to tell him how she felt. It was happening so fast; it was like a fairy tale. She didn't want it to end.

They were lost in their own world, oblivious to the lights around them, the fireworks being lit, none of it mattering but him; the look in his eyes was like looking deep into his soul. Most in the monastery wouldn't understand; they couldn't comprehend she's going against what her adoptive father wants for her.

This man, who has given her nothing but happiness, she knows she would love nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with him; however, it has happened so fast that it's only been four months. But she cannot see herself with anyone else; she never could. She dreads the time when her time at the academy will end, as she knows things will go back to the way they were before: going back home to her adopted father and her uncle, who hate her and look at her with hatred because of what happened to their sister.

"Are you okay?" Her boyfriend asked, concerned that she couldn't stop crying. This was supposed to be their happy time together.

"I'm fine because I'm with you", she said with a smile.

"You don't have to lie to me; I know something's bothering you."

He can see right through her, but what can she say?

"I don't want to ruin our time together, Byl" she said in a low whisper.

"No matter where we are, my ears are open; please, whether we're on our date or at the monastery, you don't have to hide anything from me." he said lovingly.

"Do you think we could sit down and talk?" Marianne asked him.

"Of course" they stopped dancing and walked to a place that wasn't crowded, so they sat on the bench. He looked at the sky along with her. They could stare at it for hours. She was once told that if a shooting star appeared and she made a wish, her wish would come true. She knew it was a baseless superstition, but that didn't matter.

She laid on his shoulder and closed her eyes; they didn't have to say anything to enjoy each other's company, but she knew she couldn't do it this time. He wanted to know what was on her mind; she couldn't lie or tell him half the truth.

"I don't want this to end. The reason I was sent here was to find a suitable husband. A husband that would benefit the family name."

He looked shocked.

"I had no idea." he said, not understanding that she had to explain it in a different way.

"When I come of age, I have to find a husband, or my father will choose one for me. He wouldn't approve of me being with you. That's how things work when you're born in the nobility: you don't marry for love; you marry for whoever benefits the family the most." She didn't know how he would take it.

"I don't like the idea of anyone marrying you, Mari. I hate the idea." He said, upset.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have said anything." Before she could do anything, he made her face him.

"I don't want anyone to marry you. I find the idea unacceptable."

Her shoulders tensed as she felt his hands tighten around her own. Their faces were inches from each other.

"You should be able to marry who you love, not who your father says you should Marrying the idea makes me sick, another man touching you you bearing another Man's children. It makes me disgusted with the very thought"The jealousy in his tone and the insecurity she could feel it.

"There is no one I would want to marry, and I wouldn't want to condemn another child to my curse." Marianne said, looking down.

"You're not a curse, Mari" Byleth made her face him, their foreheads touching each other.

"I would do anything for you, Mari. I'd give you the entire world. I would do anything just to see you smile; to protect your smile. Those things are precious to me. I'm not good at it and expressing it; I don't fully understand it myself."

She knew what he was going to say without him saying it.

"I love you, but thank you for being patient with me. I don't deserve you." She said, her voice cracking.

"If anything, I don't deserve you, but I love you, Mari." He replied, kissing her without caring if everyone watched. She didn't care either, returning his kiss.

"We still have a lot of time left. Would you like to dance once more?" he asked her.

"In a bit, I wouldn't mind looking at the stars for a little while." She leaned against his chest.

His jealousy over another man being with her made her feel relieved knowing that he loved her that much. Even if he doesn't fully understand it or know why she doesn't care what anyone thinks about her, the only person whose opinion mattered regarding her relationship with the man she loves was Byleth.

The two Lovers remained silent and paid no heed to the comments being passed by people walking by them.

"One of these days, we'll figure out a way for all four of us to dance together." Naruto said with determination.

"You could use your Shadow clones, you know?"Claude suggested."are you kidding me the idea of another man dancing with my girlfriends forget it."Naruto said dismissively.

"They're your clones, and they're technically you. Is it really another man?"

Felix didn't understand.

"No, not really. Shadow Clones have aspects of your personality, but there are differences here and there. And I just don't want them to dance with my girlfriends. It's simply because I want it to be the real deal." Naruto said, wanting to end the discussion.

"Would you like to bet that it will be Mercedes who confesses first?" said Claude to all the guys.

"No, it's going to be Mercie Chan" Hinata said confidently.

"Where's our antisocial professor and Marianne?", Dorothea asked jokingly.

"Over there, they are lost in their own world."

Hilda pointed, with a hurt expression on her face.

"Excuse me," Hilda said as she left everyone.

"Is something wrong?" Naruto asked, not understanding why Hilda looked upset and on the verge of tears.

"Should we talk to her?" Naruto asked his girlfriend, Hinata.

"I'll do it" Ino dismiss herself from the rest of the group.

"Either I'm imagining things or"

Naruto was going to say it, but he was silenced by Dorothea.

"It's best that we not discuss it, Naru-chan" Dorothea suggested.

"But they could simply" Hinata interrupted him as well.

"Not everyone is as fortunate as we are, Naruto-kun. I don't see Marianne or Byleth being able to work things out with all parties being happy like we have; it's just not realistic."

Hinata said she was sad about what Hilda was going through.

"I don't know, I don't like seeing my friends in pain; it's just not right." Naruto finished.

"Not everyone can have Happy endings Naruto as much as I hate to say this it's better that she goes through this now then bottle her emotions up and ruin her friendship with Marianne over it." Edelgard said as if she was speaking from experience.

"You too, weren't you once?" Naruto pointed it out, causing Edelgard to tense up at the mention of her past relationship.

"There was a point where we did, but it's complicated. Things got in the way of us, and it didn't work out."

Edelgard said, not really wanting to elaborate.

"It's unfortunate, but that's how life works: not all relationships work out, and not all of us are fortunate enough to have the people we love return our feelings. That's possibly the worst thing that could ever happen."

Monica said, thinking about what would have happened if it had happened to her.

"Let Ino help her. She's been through something similar in the past." Hinata answered.

"What do you mean?" Edelgard asked.

"She once told me she loved me, but I told her I couldn't return her feelings." Naruto never knew that Ino was once in love with Hinata."

"I thought she was bisexual?" Ingrid asked.

"Ino is though like me, she's more attracted to women." Shocking everyone but Naruto, who already knew that.

"I wish we could help her," Naruto said, feeling awful.

"She'll get through it; she's stronger than she seems." Claude said, believing in Hilda.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I don't sit here. We came here to have fun and relax; let's do that." said Monica, who got up with her girlfriend and everyone else, taking their places.

"Now how are we going to all dance?" Naruto said aloud.

"We'll have to be creative," Dorothea said.

"We'll just switch partners." Ingrid suggested.

Naruto danced with Dorothea first, while Hinata was dancing with Ingrid.

Hilda couldn't watch them anymore. She thought she could accept it, but the pain wouldn't go away with time. It was hard; it was so hard. It was painful for her to see Marianne dancing with someone who wasn't her. She was lying when she said she was happy, but in fact, she wasn't.

She hates Byleth, but she shouldn't. She knows it's not his fault, but she can't help it; he did what Hilda couldn't: make Marianne smile. She was so happy; she always thought it would be her who would do these things.

She put it off; she'll do it tomorrow. She said "every time" and then, when she was about to tell her, it was too late. Her eyes wouldn't look at her lovingly like she does for him; they've only known each other for 4 months, while Marianne and Hilda have been friends for over 10 years.

She thought I was a mistake to go with them. She thought she had gotten over it; she was only fooling herself. She heard footsteps behind her and turned; it was her girlfriend, Ino. She tried to wipe the tears from Ino's eyes. Ino said nothing as she sat next to her.

"I'm pathetic, I'm crying, I should be happy for her, I'm a terrible person."

Hilda couldn't say anything. More tears fell.

Her girlfriend said nothing.

"Nobody says you can't be sad; you love her, don't you, Hilda?" Ino asked. Hilda turned away. "What good will it do? She will never return my feelings." Hilda said, our hands to cover her face not wanting Ino to see her cry.

"How do you know how she feels? have you even talked to her." Ino asked her.

"No and what good would it do? I'd only ruin their relationship, I'd only ruin her happiness. Her happiness should be all that matters."

Hilda's girlfriend didn't buy it.

Don't bullshit me; there's nothing wrong with how you feel, damn it! Hilda, be honest with yourself.

She looked down, not wanting to face her.

"It's ridiculous; it wouldn't work. Our situations aren't the same."

Hilda argued against what she was proposing.

"Let's face it, we will never work with Hilda. You and I are too much alike." She noticed her girlfriend looking at Hinata longingly and then it clicked.

"I have been through the same thing. I fell in love with someone I was too late to tell her and I regret it and I don't see her wanting to include me cuz I wouldn't share her with anyone." Ino said with regret in her voice.

"Marianne still cares a great deal about you you two need to talk, you have barely talked since she joined the Black Eagles. What is stopping you?" Ino said pushing it.

"I'm not sure if I want to share her with anyone." Hilda admitted.

"Well the least you can do is talk. You've known Marianne most of your life. Are you really going to let her slip from your fingers because of fear?" Asked Ino what she was proposing was ridiculous sharing Marianne with Byleth?

"First you have to admit it to yourself out loud: Do you love her Hilda?" asked Ino, but she wouldn't let it go.

She thought about it all the times they had spent together throughout their childhood. Her smile, when she ever did smile, brightened up her day.

She would just listen when she talked about her problems that she was having. When she ever got in a fight with her brother or when she displeased her father or mother, she was not judgmental. She enjoyed her company.

What hurts more than anything is her smile, which isn't for her. It's not her waking up next to her or her dancing and smiling for her.

She had known the feeling she had felt for years, promising to tell her the next day. She had told her so that she would have the courage to leave the Golden Deer House for the Black Eagles after almost three years.

"I love her" Hilda admitted, a huge weight lifted from her shoulders admitting what she had been feeling for her childhood friend for years.

"Then talk to her." Ino took her hand.

"I guess this is how our relationship ends." Hilda said.

"It's fine Hilda, it was fun while it lasted." she said with a smile.

Hilda had no idea what the future had in store for her, but she wondered if she really had a chance. She didn't know if she could share Marianne with anyone else. But she knew her ex was right; she needed to talk to Marianne. They hadn't spoken since she transferred, and she didn't want to think her friend hated her.

For tonight, she would let Marianne and her boyfriend enjoy themselves. Tomorrow, she would talk to her and tell her how she feels, regardless of the outcome. At least Marianne would know.

This was the first time Dorothea danced with anyone other than Ingrid, which was the first time she was dancing with a man in general who wasn't some snob. It was amazing how different things were in the past few months. In two months her feelings had changed too; it was difficult for her to put into words.

"Did I mention you're beautiful?" Naruto complimented.

"All men say that." She replied, even though she had been dating Naruto for two months, it was still difficult for her because of the complicated nature of her feelings for him.

"I do mean it, though, when I say it; I'm not just saying it to compliment you; I mean it in the depths of my heart. You are beautiful, my diva."

Naruto said affectionately.

She felt her heart beat with just a touch. She felt weak. This wasn't the same as Hinata or even Ingrid; it was something different entirely. What did Naruto have that made him so lovable? It was difficult for her.

"I know I've said this before, but I don't think Konoha deserves you, Naru-chan! The more I learn about that place, the more I hate it."

She couldn't help but voice her feelings, which were based on her interactions with Kakashi and her classmates from the Black Eagles and Golden Deer. She saw Naruto in a light that most hadn't.

"I don't know how I feel about my village at this point."

They were dancing, even though they tried to focus on relaxing. Naruto couldn't help but voice his feelings.

Has he told Hinata any of this?

She asked him.

"I don't want to burden her; she's already gone through enough. The way the clan treats her is enough of a burden. I don't want to add to that. She has enough on her plate." Naruto said, not really wanting to elaborate further, but Dorothea pushed.

"She was the first one to believe in you and the first one to love you. Surely she deserves to know Naru-chan, me, and Ingrid. We have known you for only a fraction of the time that Hinaa has known you. You should tell her you grew up in the same village."

Dorothea insisted that Naruto consider what she had said.

"You're right; I just don't want to appear weak in front of her." Naruto admitted.

Naruto Hinaa isn't judgmental; she is the kindest and gentlest woman I have ever met. Goddess bless her soul; she's everything that I'm not; there isn't that many Hinata's in this world who don't have their kindness and gentleness beaten out of them by the time they become adults; she's one of the rare exceptions."

They continued to dance; Naruto was speeding up as the music got more and more intense.

"I'd be useless without you, Dorothea." Naruto admitted. She didn't know how to respond to that. Naruto is a complicated person; the more she spends time with him, the more she understands him.

"Naru-chan, I'd be useless without you and Hinaa without the both of you; I wouldn't have another chance with my first love. I will forever be grateful." She felt her heart beating whenever she ever spoke about Ingrid, Naruto, and Hinata giving Ingrid and her more space.

It was a strange feeling for her to love two women, but what were her feelings towards Naruto? It was complicated. It wasn't that long ago that she hated him because of Hinata and Ingrid, but the mission in the Land of Waves changed her outlook on him. He was a good person who cared greatly for his friends, and if she saw a man like Naruto, she couldn't help but feel like he was one of the rare men she wouldn't mind spending her life with.

She could see in a different scenario that hadn't been her, Ingrid, who had met Naruto first. She might have fallen in love with him, just as Ingrid did. Was this what she felt towards him? She would have to ask Hinata later.

"What we do together in private isn't just sex to me. I've grown fond of you, Dorothea Chan. I don't want you to feel like a third wheel."

Naruto said the passion with their dancing continued; this wasn't like how she danced with anyone before; this was different. It was as if she and Naruto were perfect for each other as dancing partners. It was like Dorothea was in a story that she read as a little girl called Cinderella.

Except Cinderella didn't have two girlfriends and a boyfriend, but the scenario felt similar to hers and even a few other fairy tales she had read. Before she met Naruto, she couldn't imagine loving anyone else but Ingrid. No man she even came close to capturing her heart; most of them were vain, and the ones who weren't weren't the kind of man she would want to be with.

Naruto was kind and considerate, even though he had aspects that irritated her sometimes; he had a good heart. He cared deeply for those he cared about.

He placed his right hand on her cheek, their faces being only inches from each other.

"I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy, Dorothea-chan."

Naruto said with love and affection, the kiss that she was feeling from him this time was different than others; she rarely kissed Naruto on the lips unless they were having sex, but this wasn't the same.

There was love and passion, which she returned with the same passion that he felt for her, and she felt for him. He pulled away; they were both breathing heavily.

Then they both saw Hinata and Ingrid, who were lost in their own world.

Despite her earlier complaints, she looks really happy.

Naruto couldn't help but comment on Ingrid, who was smiling, even Hinata.

This feeling she was feeling towards Naruto, she looked at him and he looked at her; she felt so inadequate compared to Hinata. Even though Hinata loves her and has almost as long as she had loved Naruto, it wasn't the same. She had never felt this way about another man before and she was scared.

She only agreed to this relationship for Hinata and Ingrid's happiness. She didn't expect it wouldn't be. She was just lost in the moment, but she couldn't help having these feelings for Naruto, more than a friend but not a lover. She doesn't know what her feelings are towards him. It's confusing.

She continued to watch Hinata and Ingrid dance, everyone was cheering who were watching in the audience.

Edelgard wasn't into dancing with crowds; in fact, she didn't like dancing in general. She was terrible at it, but her lover wasn't judgmental. He instructed her step by step on how to properly dance. Almost made her forget what she had to do: the role she had to play as the Flame Emperor. The amount of people she could trust she could barely count on one hand (Monica, Hubert, and Hinata).

She dreaded the future that was to come, the amount of blood that would have to be spilled, how many of the people she goes to school with, how many of them would have to die for her dream to become a reality? She shouldn't have doubts, but she did doubt her goals; could there be another way?

"You shouldn't be thinking about that right now. Let's just have a good time. El we don't have many moments like this alone."

Monica said, as if she could read Edelgard's mind.

"I don't know what I would do without you Monica."Edelgard confessed she was one of her few sources of comfort during those years when she had lost her siblings when she had to look over her shoulder when she was forced to deal with the people that have destroyed her family.

Monica was the one person she could 100% trust, and she had almost lost herself had everything not gone right."Whatever you're thinking, don't I don't have any regrets over what we're doing, El. I was prepared to die, and I wouldn't hold it against you if you had let me die." Edelgard did not like that Monica had such low self-worth.

"I couldn't let you die; I've lost too much." Edelgard responded.

"It would have been the strategic thing to do. I know what I was getting myself into. Even if there may be times when you have to sacrifice close friends for your goal, and even people you love. There is no price that's too high to pay to make your vision come true."

Monica spoke with conviction.

"Yes, it would have been, but it would have shattered my heart to pieces. I couldn't lose anyone. I won't sacrifice any more people. I don't care, Monica. I will not sacrifice people unnecessarily unless there is no other option. I won't do it." Edelgard argued, not caring.

"I'm with you till the end, I would gladly sacrifice my life for you because I love you. I always have."

Monica's face was inches from Edelgard's.

Her kiss always felt soft on hers; they have been in this relationship since Edelgard was 16. She felt Monica's hands on her back, the passion they both felt at the moment; it didn't matter if the whole world ended.

Nothing else mattered at that moment; nothing if she could live the fantasy even a little bit longer of her friends in the monastery before the inevitable heartbreak when she eventually has to break ties with those who would not fight alongside her.

"Let's focus on the moment, not the future." Monica reminded herself that she brought her thoughts back to the present. They focused only on each other. Monica and Edelgard didn't care what the world thought of them. Even if she went to hell itself, it would be worth it to have Monica by her side.

Hinata and Ingrid were in their own world. Ingrid hated the dress that she was wearing but she was willing to deal with it because it brought a smile to Hinata's face.

They did not pay attention to anything in front of them; the main focus was on each other; she couldn't help but feel inadequate, though compared to Hinata, she was nothing. She can wear anything and be beautiful, whereas Ingrid has to wear the dress she's currently wearing to be considered beautiful by people.

"I know what you're thinking, please don't think that about yourself."

Hinata said, knowing what she was thinking.

"I'm sorry, but compared to you, I don't feel beautiful at all." Ingrid said. She she was holding her waist with her right hand while holding Hinata's right hand with her left.

"You are beautiful no matter what you wear, Ingrid. Please don't think that about yourself." Hinata said to her softly.

"I'm like a helpless girl in your presence; it feels like a dream. I don't know if it's even real; it's too good to be true." Ingrid admitted it out loud, even if this was a chance for them all to have fun, she couldn't help but think about some of the thoughts that were in her head. Was she good enough for Dorothea, Hinata, and Naruto?

"You don't have to dress like you are now to be beautiful, Ingrid Chan. You're fine as you are." Hinata said reassuringly to her.

"I want to look beautiful for you, Dorothea and Naru-kun." If anyone had told her that she would fall in love with two people seven months ago, she would have laughed in their face, but here it was now."

She was with two women whom she loves and a man whom she loves. It was almost too much.

Her father would not approve, nor would her siblings, but that didn't matter at the moment; it was enough to be in Hinata's arms at the moment.

"Are you worried about Naruto and Dorothea?" asked Ingrid.

"It will take time, but I believe it will work out between all of us. It is what we are doing that many would consider impossible and absurd and impractical. Call me greedy if you want. I don't care. Ingrid, I can't choose between the three of you. It would destroy me if I did."Hinata leaned closer.

"I couldn't bear the thought either. I'm still getting used to the idea even if it's been 2 months. It just happened so fast that I feel like I'm getting everything I've always wanted. There is one thing I do want, but I don't know if it's within your power." Ingrid admitted.

"What would that be?" Hinata asked her

"I want to be your knight. I know it's not possible, considering you're from a foreign land with different customs, but that's what I want." There was no turning back from voicing what she'd always wanted to be.

"Are you sure that's what you want?" Hinata asked of her.

"I can still be your lover and be your Knight. I wouldn't be the first Knight to have a lover be with the person I'm serving nor would I be the last."

Ingrid hoped Hinata would listen.

"Do you have any idea what you're saying? You cannot make an oath like this lightly. Ingrid Chan, things will change between us. It will never be the same as before. You will be honor-bound to be in my service until your death or I release you. Is this really what you want?" Hinata asked, hoping she would consider what she was saying.

"If you swear yourself to me you would swear yourself to the Hyuga clan. Would you really want to serve my clan knowing what you know about them?"Hinata asked her.

"I would pledge myself to you, not to them. You would not just be my lady; you would be my lover. Your enemies will be my enemies; it's what I want, Hinata. I've always wanted to be a knight since I was a little girl. But if I could be a knight and serve someone I love, that would be preferable." She had to show her how serious she was, but she knew this wasn't the time because of where they were at.

"Let's discuss this more later; let's just focus on enjoying ourselves." Hinata said, wanting to drop the subject.

"Okay." Ingrid said, knowing that it would upset Hinata if they discussed it further.

Despite the situation earlier, Ingrid was happy just being in the arms of one of the people she loves. She knows what she's asking could change their relationship. They wouldn't be able to be as open because of how the dynamics work but that's what she wants.

Being with Hinata in private was enough, and knowing that she loves her is enough.

"No matter what your decision is, Hinata. I will always love you." Ingrid said to her, not caring if the whole world saw them.

Hinata kissed her with a passion that was different from before.

They pulled away and Hinata spoke to her softly."No matter what my decision is, I will always love you, my beloved knight."

They danced in silence, saying nothing, no more words were needed."I have a selfish request, Ingrid." She paused. Ingrid wondered what Hinata was going to ask her.

"What would that be?" Ingrid asked her.

"Tonight, I wanted to be just us."

Hinata was surprised when Hinata wanted her to herself ever since Dorothea left for the golden deer.

Hinata and Ingrid got a lot closer; they spent more time together, and the fact that Hinata wants her to herself for tonight, she didn't know what to think.

She loves Naruto and Dorothea, but Hinata it was something different.

They have a bond that she would never have with Naruto or Dorothea; it's something special, but she can't explain it.

"Anything for you, my beloved." Ingrid replied, the shorter woman smiling. They said nothing as they continued to dance for the rest of the time that the festival was ongoing. Ingrid couldn't help but think about the future.

Serving by Hinata's side as her Knight, if she swears herself to her own fate will be tied to hers.

She feels like one of those heroes, and stories; except from the heroine who swears herself to a king and is his secret lover but, unlike the story she was doing it to a princess instead.

They said nothing for the rest of the night.

Lysithea was looking up at the sky with Shez it was almost midnight; they had been friends for quite some time now, so they decided to start heading back, but neither of them wanted to leave yet. They wanted to stay just a little bit longer.

"I really enjoyed these dates, but he didn't have to agree to more than one. You know?" She said the first thing that she said in almost 2 hours.

"Well, maybe I like you, or maybe I just enjoy your company." Lysithea denied what she felt and denied having an obvious crush.

"I wouldn't mind going on another one if you're okay with it." She said, looking Lysithea in the eye.

"I wouldn't mind it, but at this rate, the monastery will think we're girlfriends." Lysithea said, not being opposed to the idea, but she doesn't think someone like her would be interested. She has so much she needs to accomplish and so little time to do so.

"I really like you, Lysithea, and I mean it's not just a physical attraction; I want to spend more time with you. Every single person I've ever gone out with has been nothing more than an idiot for the first time. I could relax and not have to be something that I'm not. Whether it's a creeping man lusting over me or women refusing to even look at me because they think I'm older than I am, it's relieving knowing that I've met you. Maybe I said too much." Shez said, blushing.

"Why would you like someone like me? I look like a child. There are other people who." She was silenced by the older girl, getting closer to her. Their faces were inches apart.

"They aren't you, why would I want a stupid bimbo when I have a smart and beautiful girl right here?" She kissed her; she had never kissed another girl before, in fact, she had never kissed anyone in her life.

She thought her lips would be rough, but they weren't; they were soft. She wanted more after pulling away from each other in order to give each other a chance to breathe for a bit. She couldn't believe that she had just done it.

"that was incredible" Shez said the kiss the second time was even more passionate than the first all rational and reasoning told her to stop, but there was no reason for this; she felt the older girl's hands on her chest.

But then they realize where they both were, and they stopped, both blushing, realizing what they almost did.

They turned away, not knowing what to say, until Shez spoke.

"Do any of the other girls compare to me?" Lysithea asked, genuinely wanting to know.

"No, they were one-night stands; nothing more. You're not like that; I don't see you as a piece of meat." There was an awkward silence between them.

"Okay, I'll agree to be your girlfriend, but on one condition." Lysithea said the older girl was waiting for her to give her her condition.

"What would that be?" She asked.

"Don't treat me like a child," Lysithea said, hoping she wouldn't think it was unreasonable.

She offered Lysithea her hand, which she took. They looked at each other under the moonlight that shone on both of them.

"I would never treat you like a child because I never saw you as one."

For the third time that night, they kissed again. This time, with more passion, and the others she didn't know what was coming over her. She shouldn't even consider being in a relationship, but this girl treated her like an adult, like an equal.

Even if it was superficial, she had a nice body; it wasn't known that Lysithea was a lesbian. She never announced it, she never thought I was important, she never found anyone that she took an interest in until she met Shez. She didn't know what this feeling was, but she didn't mind it. She liked it.

"I'll escort you home, Lys" Shez said, giving her an affectionate nickname.

She wasn't going to fight it; she liked it. Marianne gave one to her boyfriend, and she let her girlfriend do it. There was nothing wrong with it.

"So, what would you like to do for our next date?" Shez asked Lysithea.

They were on their way home. She didn't want this night to end, but unfortunately it did. She thought about it.

"I don't know what I want to do," Lysithea admitted.

"Well, let's go to the nearby bakery." She suggested referring to where all the sweets are sold.

"That's not much of a spot to go on a date." Lysithea pointed out.

"No, but there are places nearby where we can just sit and relax." She pointed it out.

Something simple, why not on her day off, when she's unwinding from her intense studying and keeping her mind off the ticking time bomb that is her life. What it really hurts to have small moments of happiness? She will not live to be 30; she may not live to be 25, even so. This girl is offering her a chance to do something to take her mind off of it.

She doesn't know that she doesn't want any of her friends to know that she doesn't want them to pity her or treat her as if she were fragile.

She knows she'll die young, and she doesn't want to be reminded of it. Would it be such a bad thing? She thought. If she had found love before the end?

She put aside such foolish thoughts as to what she's doing with her girlfriend, it probably wouldn't materialize into anything serious like love. They like each other because there was a mutual attraction that was enough. She told herself.

She escorted her to her quarters, where she looked at her girlfriend one last time and smiled at her before closing the door. She didn't know what she was thinking; however, she wouldn't talk to anyone about it because it was ridiculous. She lay down and closed her eyes, dreaming of a future that could never be.

Sonia was back home, it felt so strange after being out for a whole day; it was like a different world. She was making sure nobody was around before she snuck back in. Nobody in the abyss noticed her as she walked past the residence there and went to her room. She hoped Aelfric didn't find out that she had snuck out. The last thing she needed was to be in trouble and for her friend Yuri to get in trouble for helping her get out.

She heard footsteps and saw her friend, Yuri.

"Did you have a good time, Sonia?" Yuri asked her, just wanting to know.

"Yes, I met someone. It was nice and charming and." Red was on her cheeks when she mentioned Dmitri she wanted to see him again."

"Do you know where I could get out of the cathedral unseen?" She asked him.

"I know plenty of ways to get out without being seen. Why?" Yuri asked, wanting to know why she wanted to leave again so soon.

"I can take you to one of the passageways. What day do you want to leave again?" Yuri asked, generally wanting to know.

"Saturday", she answered. It would be a week from now; she knew, but she could wait a week. It would be worth it.

She wishes she could leave this place and go to the outside world, but she's forbidden to leave."I hate it here"she says aloud.Yuri looks at her with understanding.

"I understand why it feels like a prison, you've been here longer than any of us." he said sympathetically.

"There's another favor I need to ask of you. There's a man with greenish-blue hair. His name is Byleth. I need to know who he is. I cannot explain it, but he seems familiar."

When she looked at him, he felt familiar, but she couldn't explain why.

"Sure, my contacts in the monastery might be able to figure out who he is, but why do you want to know?" Yuri asked.

"Because I think he's my brother, my lost brother, the one that I was told was dead." she answered.

"You want me to find out if you two have the same last name?" he asked.

"Yes, there's another thing I want you to investigate. My father, Jeralt. I want to know if he's here. If he is, I want to know why I haven't been able to see my family." She was on the verge of yelling; she had to keep a cool head.

She would find out one way or another soon about who her parents are, who her father is, and why the church is keeping such secrets from her, secrets that she has a right to know about.

She will find out about her family. She will find out who her father is and who her brother is. She has had enough of the lies.

Marianne woke up usually her boyfriend was by her side but he wasn't here today he woke up early she looked at it the table and she got up and read a note that he left.

"I'm sorry Mari. I am talking to my father today I don't know if I'll ever have another chance I'll see you at class later."

Love Byleth it said.

In order to not draw attention she made sure the coast was clear before she left her boyfriend's room and headed to her quarters which don't really feel like her quarters due to how often she sleeps in her boyfriend's bedroom. She goes to her room to change her clothes to what would be appropriate for her class.

She couldn't help but think about last night; it was an amazing experience. But she couldn't help but feel sad whenever she looked at Hilda. They barely talked since she transferred. Was it really fair for her to be happy while her friend was miserable? She couldn't indulge in her thoughts when she heard a knock. When she was done dressing, she opened the door and saw it was Hilda.

The look on her face; she knew that look; she wanted to talk.

"After class, would it be alright if we talked to Marianne?" asked Hilda.

"Course", Marianne replied.

"We'll meet at my quarters." Hilda said, and she left, leaving Marianne wondering why she was there.

Something it had to be serious. Hilda's eyes were the way she was looking at whatever she wanted to talk to her about it. It was something serious.

Marianne knew she was putting this off for too long, and she hadn't spoken to Hilda in months. It wasn't fair to either of them; Hilda had been her friend when no one else was there for her, and Marianne felt terrible.

Was it really fair for her to be happy when her friend wasn't? What was this feeling she was having? Hilda is an important person to her, and she never thought about her feelings towards her up until this point.

She had to put that thought aside for the time being. She couldn't be late for her lesson with Haku, as they wouldn't have much time. She left her room and headed to where her teacher would be to teach her the Ice-Crystal Mirror Technique, a technique that would help her be able to protect her friends from enemies who would do them harm.

Class starts at 8 AM, but that doesn't matter to her. She agrees to attend the training and will honor the commitment.

Byleth wondered where his father was taking them. They had not spoken much since he became a professor; they were both busy, but his father was even busier. They would not stop walking until they saw a grave with the inscription.

Here lies Siri Eisner.

Beloved mother

The grave said these things, then he knew what this grave was: this woman was his mother."I figured having the conversation you would want to have would be more appropriate here. I recall when I first met your mother; she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life. There was no person who could compare. She was the one woman who was able to bring a smile on my face. Her smile was the most precious thing to me; I gave her flowers because that's what she loved and that's what caused her to smile. I told her stories. I can go on for hours about how much I loved that woman." His father said, remembering fondly of their days together.

"What does this have to do with my situation?" Byleth asked his father." You want to give me advice on love, kid? It's not an emotion that I can explain; love just happens. I fell in love with your mother when I first saw her. Like you, the most important thing about Siri was her smile. When she was pregnant with you, it was the happiest I'd ever seen her." He looked at his father, wondering what was going through his head.

"Are you alright?" he asked his father.

"It's nothing", he saw a tear fall down his eye.

"This Marianne lass you love, doesn't she?" he asked Byleth.

"It's happened so fast; how do I know what I feel about her?" Byleth asked him. He heard Sothis sigh in annoyance.

"Describe your feelings towards her." His father asked.

"When I'm around her, I feel like I could be myself completely. I don't have to be anything I'm not. Before I met her, I thought I was a freak, able to talk to animals and understand them. My difficulty in understanding emotions is less noticeable when I'm around her. It feels so much clearer. I feel lost when I need someone to talk to about anything; I can trust her unconditionally. My heart feels warm when she's present, and when she's in pain, I'm in pain. I want to protect her. Part of me feels like she would be better off without me, but when I think about it, the very idea is suffocating."

He finished describing his feelings; his father smiled proudly at him.

"What you're describing is love, kid. There's nothing wrong with it. Love is not something you can rationalize. I'm telling you this as your father. Don't make the same mistake I did. I took your mother for granted, and." He looked at the grave where his mother was.

"I never had a chance to tell her how much I loved her, and how much she meant to me.

Cherish her whenever you do; don't become like me."

He wondered what his father meant by that.

"I was told by a friend to discover love's ups and downs for myself and to stop rationalizing it." His father smiled.

"They're right stop rationalizing it. Love is an emotion that is natural to all of us. We all feel discover its ups and downs for yourself, kid and if you need anybody else for help don't hesitate to ask your friends in the Black Eagles." he knew he had to get to his class soon.

"Thank you, Father. I feel like I know what to do now."

He walked past him and went straight to his class.

Talking to his father had only strengthened his resolve to protect her and everyone in his class by any means necessary.

Hilda knew this was the last chance she would tell Marianne her feelings if this ended their friendship, then that would be that. It was already painful knowing that she was with somebody else and not her, but she couldn't go on like this; she had to tell her about her feelings for her; she couldn't lie to herself anymore.

It felt like an eternity to Hilda, but in actuality, it was only 20 minutes before she heard a knock. She took a deep breath, as this was the moment of truth.

She opened the door and saw Marianne. It felt like an eternity since they'd been this close, but she held herself back. She wasn't hers; it was about her telling her her feelings. They had to talk about this; she couldn't go on like this any longer.

Hilda sat down on her bed, and Marianne sat next to her. She remembered all the times they slept in the same bed when they were children. When she ever spent the night at Marianne's, and when she ever slept over at her house. But this was different; there would be no more of those after this.

"We haven't spoken much lately." Hilda said the first thing that came to her mind.

"I'm sorry, Hilda." Marianne apologized apologetically.

"How's your class going?" Hilda asked, knowing that she was delaying the inevitable, but she wanted to at least know how she was doing in her new class. She just wanted to know if she was happy there so she could feel confident about her decision.

"Everyone's nice, well maybe one person is hard to be around. They're nice people Hinata, Benedetta, Ingrid, they're all good people but they're not you."Marianne said.

"What do you mean by that?" Hilda asked.

"You were there for me when my parents died, and I had no one. My uncle saw me as a curse and a burden. My father kept himself at arm's length after he adopted me. I was scared of befriending anyone, but you persisted. I don't know if I would have been able to get through those years without you, Hilda."

Marianne spoke with more emotion than she had ever shown before.

"I didn't know", Hilda admitted she didn't think she was that important to her; she was angry and jealous of Byleth, despite only knowing her for a fraction of the time he couldn't possibly love her like she does. Marianne doesn't know how she helped her either; she brought out the side of her that she didn't believe existed.

"I'm selfish compared to you, Marianne. I'm a bad person. I don't like doing things for others unless it's for someone I care about. I don't really have much loyalty to anyone else unless it's important to me. I'm jealous; it's not fair. It's not fair."

Tears were dropping; she couldn't hold it anymore.

"Hilda" buried her face in Marianne's chest, crying, not caring how she looked. Everyone assumes that she's a gold-digger, that she's selfish, that she cares about nothing but herself. The pain of holding her feelings for so long suddenly drove her from the Golden Deer to the Black Eagles; she wanted this moment to last forever, but she knew she would have to pull away.

She would have to know the truth, either way.

"Marianne, you are the most important person to me among all the people in the world. I would give the whole world to you if I could. I wish I could be like him. I wish I could be in your heart like he is, but I can't."

Hilda tried to speak, although her voice was breaking.

"You don't need to say any more, Hilda."

Marianne said she was so kind, but she couldn't do that. She couldn't back out now. She removed her head from Marianne's chest and had to face herself. She had to be strong.

This was the moment she had to tell him her feelings and deal with the consequences one way or another.

"I love you, Marianne." Hilda said without hesitation; it was out now.

No matter what the outcome, she said it didn't matter. At least she knew.

Marianne was speechless; she had no idea what to say or how to reply. Her heart was pounding. What was this feeling? It couldn't be. She couldn't know that what she'd say next would change everything.

She needed time to think. She needed to talk to someone. She didn't expect this to happen. She never expected it to happen.

She needed to talk to Hinata about this, and Hinata would know what to do because it stands, she cannot give her an answer not until she can sort out her own feelings.

"Aren't you going to say anything, Marianne?" asked Hilda, her voice breaking.

She could break her heart into a thousand pieces with her next words. She was getting cold feet, so she couldn't just break her heart. Why did this have to happen?

She couldn't say anything; she turned around and looked at Hilda in a sad expression before walking out of the door. She couldn't have known what she may have done, which gave her the wrong message that she can't just tell her her feelings. How could she, when she doesn't even know her own feelings?

She headed to her room, and for the first time in her life since Byleth entered, she had no idea what to do. She couldn't possibly love two people, could she?

Even though I wasn't originally considering it I couldn't help but consider a polygamy with Byleth, Marianne and Hilda. Personally I prefer Hilda with Marianne over any other character and considering this is my story I can do what I want. This was a really long chapter I will admit that longer than what I would normally do this was originally going to be five chapters of content but I didn't want to spend too many chapters on borderline of soap opera chapters.

Regarding the character of Soria she is not an OC she is female Byleth I just chose a different name for her so that is what she is though I've pretty much have made it pretty clear who she was the but for those who haven't been paying attention that's who she is.

The next chapter is going to be a loose adaptation of chapter 4 of 3 houses mixed with aspects from Naruto. The next few chapters is going to be based off chapters from three houses rather then what I did in this chapter.

The Hilda and Marianne situation will not get resolved until after the next Arc. Expect the chapters to be from this point onward to be 15,000 to 30,000 words these aren't short chapters nor do I intend to make them short with the amount of characters that exist in this story. I cannot do it with any less words than that.

See you next time in the chapter the sacred sword.