Today is Pippa's & my best friend's birthdays. (they're not the same age) I was trying to make an Obito AMV for Pippa because he's her favourite character, but I'm having the worst time finding a video downloader (I have something to make the AMV itself.) So, since I was on my computer, I decided to update this.

I have a new job. I'm an appointment setter for Blue Raven Solar. It's going to be strange not working in a warehouse/factory, but I''m thankful I''m away from that. I can make my own hours & once I get done with orientation, I can start training & can be in training as long as I need (which will be a while because this new job has my nerves torn up!)

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Naruto Shippuden. This is just for fun, no profit will be made from this (and I don't want to either). This is purely for my and the entertainment of Naruto fans.

Dedication: To my beautiful, amazing, intelligent, girlfriend Phillipa (Shadow Spirit Dragon-wolf) for being there for me through not only my writing (both fanfiction and my original story) but real life in general. You have been my inspiration and my support through everything.

Warnings: Violence, explicit sexual conduct (no rape!) homosexual relationship, relationship with a large age gap, struggles with belonging, self-hatred, obsession, self-harm, self-experimentation, human experimentation, mental disorders, a dark view of the "afterlife", (bonding of) pain and isolation, self-worthlessness, and male pregnancy.

Pairings: NaruOro, canon pairings (except, obviously, NaruHina).

Summary: Sometimes, the deepest scars are the ones no one can see, but in a world moving into the light even the oldest inner wounds can be seen

Enjoy! :)

Chapter Forty-six: Gradual

Sakura

"You want to do what?"

"I know it's a bit… unorthodox, but Maruta is a bit unorthodox," Iruka-sensei says.

I look at my old academy teacher then at the child in question lying in the infant/toddler table playing with one of his many snake plushies, gumming the tail.

"It's true, but…"

"Is there anything else we can do to help Maruta, Sakura?" Hinata asks softly.

I look at her and sigh. "I'm not sure. Maruta's case is so complex. Binding his arms would make him use his tail, but I'm not sure if we should force him to do anything."

"When do you suppose he'll start using it then? I don't want to cause him pain, but I'm sure all that chakra in his tail is painful," Iruka-sensei says.

He's right. We need to help Maruta, and sometimes that means putting him through a bit of pain temporarily to relieve him of the long term pain he's sure to experience as he grows older.

I close my eyes. "Hinata, will you help me do a full exam on Maruta?"

"Of course. He's due for a chakra therapy session anyway. I could perform it here after the exam. It may help him be more willing to use his tail."

I nod, and begin preparations for the exam. Hinata stands by, but out of the way. Iruka-sensei stands a bit further back as I check Maruta's vitals.

"His oxygen levels are low," Iruka-sensei frowns, looking at the monitor.

"It's to be expected. These machines are designed to test human vitals, not snake's and certainly not hybrids," I reply, walking over to the cabinet and pulling out the conversion chart Orochimaru and I worked on together.

"That's why you and Orochimaru made that chart, right?" Hinata asks.

I nod. "I figured if anyone knew how snakes worked it would be him."

"So Maruta's vitals are okay?" my old teacher asks concernedly.

It's honestly sweet how he and so many others care so much about a child that wouldn't exist without the strange relationship between one of my best friends and someone who put so many of us-especially Naruto, Sasuke, and me-through so much hell.

"Yes. Admittedly, I'd like to have him drink a bit more water though."

"I can try to give it to him more often."

"Thank you. He'll need more hydration to do his best on these tests after all," I say, setting the chart aside, and going to the computer, typing in Maruta's information.

"Makes sense."

I walk over to Maruta and begin my physical on him, charting the information.

"What did you find?"

"His muscle mass is improving and the spinal injection he's been getting has helped tremendously, but his bone density is low and his tail is weak."

"But it's better than before?"

I nod, and finish the exam. I enter everything into the computer. "Alright, Hinata, it's your turn. I have the page pulled up on the computer."

"Thank you, Sakura," she says, walking over to Maruta. He stares up at her as she activates her Byakugan. Iruka-sensei steps closer.

"What do you see, Hinata?" he asks.

She doesn't reply for a few minutes. "Well, as I said the other night when I was over at your house, he has a lot of sage chakra, mainly in his tail. His upper body-the more human one-has very low levels of chakra that seem to be in "patches". His body can't regulate it and control it the way he needs to."

I put her findings into the computer. "Does chakra therapy help at all with this?"

Hinata deactives her ability and glances at me. "It was easier when he was younger. He's gotten a lot more sage chakra since his birth. He absorbs it so easily."

"What do you suppose we should do?" Iruka-sensei asks.

"Well," the Hyuuga says, looking at the snake baby, "Expelling that extra chakra would help. We can try that, and maybe it'll give him a chance to use his other chakra."

"So we're in agreement that Maruta needs his arms bound?" Iruka-sensei asks, looking between Hinata and me.

We look at each other then at Maruta.

"Let's try it. It'll take some time to make a seal safe enough for him. In the meantime, I'll talk to Lee-"

"I can do that, Sakura," Iruka-sensei says.

"Are you sure? You're already doing so much."

He waves me off. "Of course."

I look at him and nod. "Alright. Tell him what's going on and that Maruta needs more training with him."

"Alright."

"Hinata, why don't you perform your chakra therapy on Maruta?"

"Of course," she says, activating her Bykugan and putting her hands on Maruta's chest.

Iruka-sensei and I watch as she massages the two year old gently.

"That really is amazing, isn't it?" he asks me softly.

"Well, Hinata is amazing," I say.

Maruta stares up at her, curling his tail around her pinky.

"He seems to have decent strength in his tail."

"He has great grip strength, but the question is whether he'll have enough strength to move his body without the use of his arms."

Orochimaru

"What. did. you. do. to. my. baby?!" I hiss, rounding on Sakura.

"Oreo, calm down! Hear her out!" Naruto exclaims, moving between his teammate and me.

I glare at her. How dare she bind Maruta's arms!

"I didn't do it to hurt him. It's a temporary seal."

"I don't care! Get them off, or you're going to regret it!"

"Oreo, please. Sakura is only trying to help. Let's just hear what she has to say."

I don't respond. My chakra whips around me.

Naruto grabs my hand and squeezes it. "Shh. Calm down," he whispers.

I close my eyes. "Go ahead. Depending on your answer depends on how much I'll hurt you."

"Oreo!"

"Well, if you two are ready," Sakura says, walking over to the computer and typing in something. She turns it to us. Naruto and I walk over it.

I stare at the screen.

"Hinata and I both have determined that Maruta isn't using his tail as much as he should. His grip is excellent, but he's using his arms too much for his movement."

"So the seals are supposed to help him use his tail more?" Naruto asks.

"You had no right to seal his arms."

"Like I said before, it wasn't to hurt Maruta. He has too much sage chakra and if he doesn't use his tail then it'll only grow weaker. Iruka-sensei suggested-"

I turn around. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted him with my son," I spit.

"Oreo, be nice!" my husband chastises. He turns to Sakura. "What did Iruka-sensei say?"

"He just suggested that we prevent Maruta from using his arms for movement because he doesn't use them as he should," she replies. She looks at me. "Believe it or not, I wasn't too keen on the idea. I'm still not, but observing Maruta and talking to Hinata and Lee, I think it's necessary to force him to use his tail."

I look at my son curled up in the basket Naruto and I brought him here in. When I realized he couldn't use his arms, I knew I had to stop this nonsense. No one messes with Maruta! No one!

"I don't disagree that he needs to use his tail, but binding his arms isn't the way. It's cruel."

I feel their gazes on me. They don't understand. How can they? They've never had a part of their body forced away from them! I know my arms were sealed because of what I did, but Maruta is innocent! I don't want him to go through that pain! I refuse!

I feel a strong, gentle hand cupping the side of my face. I look at my husband.

Naruto looks at me. "Oreo, it's not the Reaper Death Seal."

I shudder. Reapers…

"Maruta is going to be okay; please trust me."

"I…"

"He needs to be able to use his tail. He's two and he's so far behind all the other kids. Even the younger ones."

"I don't care! We can't expect him to develop like everyone else when he's not like everyone else!" I hiss.

"I know that, but if we can help him then I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

"As am I, but seals are not an option."

"Then how will we force him to use his tail?"

I look at Maruta for a while. "Let me handle it. I know what to do."

Sasuke

Aoda reverse summons me to Ryuuchi Cave. I never thought I would have to go here. The things I do for Naruto.

I ride my snake summons through the cave. I must admit, it's quite remarkable and beautiful. This must have been both a paradise and hell for Orochimaru. A large purple snake with yellow stripes and two sets of horns and a silver and black rattle on the end of its tail stops us in our path, rattle shaking.

"Zeikka."

"That's Lady Zeikka to you, Aoda!"

Aoda sighs. "What is it?"

"Why did you bring that murderer here?" she hisses, baring her fangs at me.

"I asked Aoda to take me to Lord Hebimaru."

"So you can kill him like you did my father? Not a chance!" she hisses, striking at me.

Aoda moves just in time. The spot we were just in eroding in a matter of seconds by the acid-like venom.

She hisses angrily and attacks again and again. Each time, Aoda manages to escape.

"She certainly has Manda's temper," I say, steadying myself on my summons.

"Yes, she and Manda were very close. She's his only hatchling left."

"What happened to the others?" I wonder aloud.

"Some died as hatchlings. Others were eaten by mongooses when they ventured out of Ryuuchi Cave too soon. Zeikka is the oldest."

"Mongooses?"

"I'll explain later. We need to do something to calm Zeikka down."

I nod and look at the snake throwing herself at us. It's sad. I remember being so angry I couldn't think straight. No matter what anyone said, I didn't want to listen. I just wanted the pain to go away.

I open the eye that has my Rinnegan. "Aoda, are you ready?"

"Always, Lord Sasuke."

Zeikka attacks again. This time, I use my powers to move Aoda and myself behind her by switching places with the tree Zeikka was partially wrapped around. Aoda wraps his body around the venomous snake.

I jump on Zeikka. She thrashes about wildly.

"Zeikka."

"Get off of me!" she hisses, striking at the air, venom spilling and melting the land beneath us.

"No. You need to listen. I never meant to hurt you. I honestly have no excuse for what I did to your father. I can't bring him back just as you can't bring my family back, but instead of fighting, why don't we work together?"

She twists a bit. Aoda wraps around her more so she can't bite me. "Work together? Why would I want to work with the human who killed Father?!"

She stares into my eyes. She's too angry and upset to remember just who I am.

Well then.

"I apologize for killing him. It was never my intention. I have changed, and I want to make it up to you, Ze- Lady Zeikka."

She flicks her tongue, her eyes hazed over. "Go on."

"I need to see Lord Hebimaru."

"Lord Hebimaru? Why?"

"It's about Orochimaru."

"Lord Orochimaru? He hasn't summoned me in a while. I assumed he was okay. Is he in trouble?"

"You could say that. Will you tell me what Manda told you?"

She relaxes, but Aoda still keeps his grip on her. "I was a young hatchling when Father first told me about him. He told me he was the only one left of the Yashagoro clan and that he had been able to summon him in the last clan fight with the Kokueiryoushi clan.

"The Kokueiryoushi clan?"

"They died out, but they were an enemy clan of the Yashagoros. They had a summoning contract with mongooses.

"I see. And after his parents' deaths, that's when Orochimaru changed?"

"Father told me he started experimenting.""

"Did he say what he was experimenting with?"

"He didn't know. I don't think it was anything too crazy though, but I''m not sure. Things changed when he found the white snake skin though."

"White snake skin?"

"White snakes are sacred. Lord Hebimaru is a white snake. They represent rebirth and renewal."

So it started there then.

"Thank you, Zeikka, you have been very helpful."

I move onto Adoa's head again, and he moves away from the other snake. I deactivate my sharigan.

As we move further in, I hear Zeikka hissing and cussing.

It takes a while to reach the innermost part of Ryuuchi Cave. A giant white snake that is coiled up several layers in a large chair wearing a turban with two pointed edges and a red orb on top along with an orange headdress with gold bands around the body. He has a chain around his neck with a green orb attached. Based on my knowledge of snakes, this is an overgrown Japanese albino rat snake.

Hebimaru blows out a puff of smoke from the cigarette holder and looks at me.

"Stand up, Sasuke Uchiha."

I stand up. Looking at him, something doesn't feel right.

"You did not come for sage training, so what are you here for?"

"Before I answer, I have a question for you."

He inhales. "Yes?"

"You're a female sage, aren't you?"

"Hmm. And if I am?"

"Why disguise your sex?"

The snake blows out the smoke and cocks her head. "Well, I suppose I could indulge your curiosity: why not? Not many humans come here and the last two did not seem to care. I asked them to keep my sex a secret. It is really no one's business. And yes, my name is Hebimaru."

"I see."

"Now then, what is it you wish to speak to me about?"

"It's about Orochimaru."

Hebimaru leans back. "What about him? He has not visited here since he failed my test. Is he still pouting?"

"I wouldn't call it "pouting" exactly, and he did learn another way to use sage chakra."

She chuckles. "Ah yes, the curse seal. Although, he still cannot use it himself."

"This isn't about sage or senjutsu though."

"Is that so? Well, why come to me? My knowledge is of sage mode. I cannot promise I know the answers you are seeking, Sasuke Uchiha."

"I'll cross that bridge if need be. I want to know about Orochimaru's clan and if there is-or ever was-a snake named "Shiromaru"."

Hebimaru looks at me for a while, flicking her tongue. "Very well. I can indulge Orochimaru's favourite student. I quite like him after all. Although, you will have to do something for me."

"What is it?"

"I would like to see Orochimaru again; tell him I wish to see him. It has been far too long and everyone here in Ryuuchi Cave misses him terribly. I would like to meet his son and his mate as well."

"I will send word about it."

The Snake Sage nods. "Where to begin? Well, I think explaining the Yashagoro clan would be the most ideal," she says, drawing in the smoke and slowly letting it out. "I assume you know that they were a clan of snake summoners who died out, yes?"

"Zeikka told me that they often fought with the Kokueiryoushi clan and in the last fight, both clans were wiped out except Orochimaru."

"Yes. The Yashagoro's summoned snakes and had a special contract with what they called "bond snakes", but only certain members of the clan were able to obtain and harness their powers. They were created to protect the clan heads after all."

"I see."

"The Hakate clan had a special relationship with the clan as well."

"Hakate? The clan Kakashi is from?"

She nods. "Although, that relationship ended with Sakumo Hakate."

""What kind of relationship was it?"

"A very complex one. They protected each other and the Hatake clan head would keep Kusanagi in a secret location."

"And Sakumo was Orochimaru's "protector"?"

"He was supposed to be, but it never came to pass."

"What do you know about the Hatake clan then? Why would they have a bond with a snake clan?"

Hebimaru blows out a puff of smoke. "The two clans have always been close. I cannot tell you very much on the Hatake clan, but I can tell you that long ago, the Hatakes were shapeshifters."

"Shapeshifters?"

"Yes. Although, it was a rare occurrence. They had a contract with wolves after all."

"Wolves?" Aoda gasps.

His leader looks at him and nods. "Yes. The last known to be able to summon these wolves was Sakumo Hatake."

"Why was this never brought up before?" I ask.

"How should I know? My only hypothesis is that Orochimaru and Kakashi Hakate do not know. They were young when they became parentless and clanless, no?"

"Fair enough." I'll have to ask Kakashi about his clan in greater detail. "So Sakumo was supposed to protect Orochimaru, but that never came to pass."

She draws in more smoke. "Correct."

"What can you tell me about Orochimaru himself?"

Hebimaru chuckles, smoke escaping into the air. "You know him better than I. I have only met him once and that was years ago."

"Yes, but you are the snake sage. Did you notice anything off about him?"

She looks at me for a bit. "I found it odd that he could not absorb my sage chakra despite being a Yashagoro."

"That is odd."

"Maybe it's the body he was in? I heard he was doing that crazy immortality jutsu before he came here," Aoda says.

"Father said he had perfected that jutsu and talked about being immortal to "save them"," Zeikka says as she enters.

"I see that you made it," I can't help but smirk.

The rattlesnake rounds on me, baring her fangs. "I ought to kill you for tricking me!"

"My apologies," I say half-heartedly.

She hisses.

"If the two of you are going to fight, at least make it entertaining, and do it after I am done sharing my divine wisdom."

Zeikka and Aoda bow.

"My apologies, Lady Hebimaru."

"I'll behave."

She looks at the three of us and nods. "Getting back to the topic at hand: yes, the body he was in was not fit for my power."

"What about his original body?"

She draws a large amount of smoke and exhales slowly. "Most likely. Being the next clan head would certainly give him a better opportunity to learn sage mode from me."

"I see. I heard that you eat those who don't pass your test?"

"I do."

"Why didn't you eat Orochimaru?"

"He passed the tests."

"Yet, he couldn't obtain Sage Mode."

"Correct."

"Father said it was frustrating and embarrassing."

How disappointing for the purple overgrown worm with an attitude problem.

"I would think it would have been more so for Orochimaru."

"He was pretty upset if I recall."

"Did he say anything?"

"Not much. Although, there was something that he said that piqued my curiosity."

"Which was?"

"He said he would master senjutsu another way and stop the "curse of death"."

"Curse of death'?" Zeikka asks.

"Orochimaru has this insane idea that death is suffering. According to Naruto, he has stopped experimenting on living humans and has moved to white zetsu so he can have stronger "bodies" in order to "save people"."

"You mentioned Manda said Orochimaru changed when he found the white snake skin, Zeikka?"

She nods. "Yeah, that's what he told me, but he didn't understand why."

"When he was pregnant, he attacked Captain Yamato and mentioned "reapers"."

It's amazing he didn't lose Maruta flipping out the way he did.

It's been a while since he's had such a freak out moment. Naruto told me Orochimaru's eyes glaze over and there are times he doesn't respond as fast as he should, but he can calm him down pretty quickly.

"Reapers?" Aoda asks, cocking his head.

"I don't understand it either, Aoda. Naruto told me Orochimaru keeps talking about a "Shiromaru"," I say, turning to the Snake Sage. "Do you have any idea what he could be talking about?"

Hebimaru looks at me, blowing smoke. "He should not know who Lord Shiromaru is."

"What? He's real?!" Zeikka gasps.

"Why would he tell Orochimaru to bring people back to life?" Aoda asks.

"He did not. Lord Shiromaru has not seen humans, and they, him in over thousands of years."

"Who is he?"

"He is the ancestor to all snakes and sage knowledge. He is the Dragon Sage."

Orochimaru

It's been a week since Naruto and I returned from our honeymoon, and Iearned that I can't trust anyone with Maruta. I ought to kill Iruka for even thinking of something so ridiculous! But Naruto would be upset, and I do see his point.

It wasn't as if the seal was harming the boy. He could still use his arms, but if he tried to use them to move, his arms would become slowly numb and Maruta would be forced to use his tail. Such a complex seal with chakra manipulation without harming a baby with the body structure and chakra network the way Maruta does, would need to be created by an Uzamaki.

Did Naruto? No, he wouldn't have. He knows how much that would upset me. Karin? There's absolutely no way. Sakura isn't skilled in seals, so then who?

Well, I suppose I'll have to ask Naruto if he knows anything. Regardless, it's time.

Naruto is in the kitchen preparing dinner. Maruta and I are in the living area. I watch Maruta use his arms to pull himself about a foot to grab his Kurama plush. Observing him, I notice that he flicks his tail slightly when he moves.

"Oreo, is Maruta gonna eat too?!" Naruto calls.

"Yes, but no mouse tonight. He also needs his spinal shot, so be sure to draw that up while you're in there."

"Will do!"

I'm glad Naruto finally got over his fear of giving Maruta his shot. We found it easier if I held Maruta as Naruto gave him his shot. Maybe I'll have him administer medicine to any sick snakes in the future.

I find it odd that Naruto's shadow clone didn't try to stop the cruelty that transpired while the real Naruto and I were away. Knowing Naruto, he would have only gotten involved if he felt it necessary. It seems I react too strongly to things too fast these days. I suppose I must have gotten that side of me from my mother. She was always the one who "flipped out" if anything happened with me especially.

Mother, Father…

I close my eyes. I have to make sure Maruta is okay first. His safety, health, and happiness are my top priority. I know I'll get hell for this later, but...

Maruta wraps his tail around the toy. It's true that he has great grip strength, but he does need to slither.

"Maruta," I say softly, gently taking the toy away.

He reaches for it, tears in his eyes.

"You may have it back, but we need to get you to use your tail. Will you do that for Mama?"

Maruta bawls, reaching.

"Maruta."

He continues to sob.

"If you don't stop I won't give it back until another day."

He sniffs.

"Now then, it won't be long. This is important, Maruta. You need to use your tail. They're your legs after all."

He looks at me, waiting.

I close my eyes and shift my body into a half snake. "Now I have a tail like you do. Being a snake and a human is difficult, but not impossible. Watch Mama," I say, slowly moving. I let him watch me move back and forth. "Keeping your body upright is crucial, little one. You don't want so much pressure on your arms after all. You'll need them for other purposes after all."

Maruta points to his tail and mine, wiggling his.

"Yes. You want to sit up and use your tail to propel your body forward. Depending on the force depends on how fast and far you'll go, but we will worry about that anon. I want you to try now, Maruta."

He chews on his tail, saliva coating his toddler onesie.

I wait patiently for him. I know he understands what I'm asking him.

He pushes himself up so he's periscoping. He looks at me.

"Good, now try to slither over to Mama."

Maruta babbles and flicks his tail. He uses too much energy, and he falls flat on his face. He bawls.

"Oreo, is he okay?!"

"He's fine, Kit. Don't let the food burn," I say.

"I'm not, Oreo!"

"Get up, Maruta."

My son is lying on the floor on his stomach, looking up at me with tears in his eyes.

"You're fine. You can do this. Don't give up, little one."

Maruta pushes himself up and is able to move just a bit closer before falling over.

"Dinner time!" Naruto exclaims from the doorway. "Wow! Look at you, Maruta! You've gotten so far in such a short time! I think you deserve some ice cream!"

Maruta attempts to slither over to his father.

Naruto catches him just as he's about to fall over, scooping him up.

I let go of my naga form, and follow my family into the kitchen.

Maruta points to the freezer as Naruto puts him in his special highchair.

"You can have some after your dinner and medicine, okay?" he says.

Maruta looks at his father then me, pointing to the plushy.

I hand it back. "You did well, Maruta."

"You sure did!" Naruto beams.

I set the table and put Maruta's food out for him along with a sippy cup of juice.

Naruto and I sit. I let Naruto feed Maruta. We take turns doing so if he wants help that is. Here lately he's been fussy about doing everything himself.

"Did you see Sakura today?" Naruto asks, eating his spoonful of curry.

"This morning, yes," I say, setting my glass of water down.

"And?"

I look at my husband and shake my head.

"Oh. I wonder why… I mean…"

"Getting pregnant isn't as simple as having unprotected sex, and in our case especially. We still don't know what caused me to become pregnant in the first place."

And, there is the obvious solution. I wonder how excited my husband will be when I reveal my surprise for him.

"That's true. It's just you really want another baby, so it makes me sad I can't give you one…"

"If it's meant to be, it'll happen, Kit. It's not your fault. We have time. In the meantime, I'm going to work with Maruta and talk to Nagi."

"Oh yeah! She'd have some insight!"

I nod, swallowing the mouthful of curry. Naruto has certainly gotten better at cooking. It's not the best, but it's better. "That was my thought at least."

I also need to talk to Shiromaru to see how the suffering has escalated. I haven't given up on them after all.

Naruto

I sit on my and Oreo's bed flipping through the pages of drawings of my family Sai drew as a wedding present for Oreo and me while Oreo takes a shower.

Maruta has been put to bed. Guarded by Gamatsuri and Sabiniji. She isn't a summons, but rather one of many snakes Oreo likes to keep around.(I still can't believe little snakes came out of her!) He feels at peace with them, and as long as they don't eat my toads or frogs, I'm perfectly fine with them. We usually have Sabiniji and Gamatsuri guard and protect Maruta together at night. They get along pretty well.

I stare at a drawing of Oreo holding Maruta when he was but a few days old. I have my arms around them both.

I look up at the door that leads to the master bathroom. What's he doing in there? He told me to be in our bedroom, but that I wasnt allowed to go into our bathroom.

I sigh, putting the book away. "Oreo? You okay in there?" I shout.

"I'm fine. I'll be out soon," he says.

He sounds different, but not sure why.

"Alright, Oreo."

A few moments later, Oreo comes out in a purple bathrobe. I put the book away and stare at my lover. Something is strange, but what. He looks different somehow. Like he's " softer" and "curvier".

I jump up, pointing at him with a grin. "Oreo! You're trying put the sexy jutsu too?! Well, you gotta take the robe off! I mean-"

"Naruto," he says. His voice is soft and musical. He stares at me with his eyes half closed.

I swallow thickly.

"Naruto, I already told you I despise that jutsu."

"Then…?"

"Did you forget? I told you I can become a woman."

The robe slips off slowly revealing beautiful Oreo cream skin. Much softer than I'm used to.

He, no rather, she has such perfect breasts. Not too big or small.

I walk over to her. Oreo stares into my eyes. I shiver excitedly. My lover kept those beautiful eyes!

I stop, reaching up, and touching her face.

A soft hand with slightly longer nails touches the hand on her face. "I thought it'd be easier to conceive if I were female, and you could experience making love to a woman at the same time."

"So will you have to stay like this if you get pregnant?"

"Until the child is weaned, yes."

"Huh?" I ask, cocking my head.

Oreo laughs softly. "It means when the baby stops drinking milk."

"Wait; so since you're a woman now then you can…?"

Oreo nods.

"And the baby will come out of?"

"That is the plan, unless a C-section is necessary." She grabs my hand, guiding it under the robe, between her legs. "Go on and feel me, Naruto."

I do. Instead of a hard, leaking cock, my fingers touch soft wetness. I move a finger between soft folds and rub gently.

Oreo gasps, both of us staring into each other's eyes.

I take my hand off of her face and finish removing the robe. Oreo is a sight to behold. No matter what gender, my lover is beyond anything I've ever seen.

I remove my hands and take off my own clothes. I move closer to my lover, wrapping an arm around her curvier than usual hips. With my other, I put two fingers inside deep wetness.

Oreo gasps, resting her head against my neck.

"Does that feel good, Oreo?"

"Y-yes."

I smile, continuing. I can't say I'm skilled in pleasuring a woman, but I trust Oreo to guide me.

I gently pull her back a bit, and kiss my lover. Her lips are much softer and fuller. Delicate, yet strong arms wrap around my neck. She moans into the kiss as my thumb gently rubs against her special spot.

We pull away, panting slightly.

Oreo grabs my cock with her tongue, licking and stroking it.

"You and that tongue of yours," I moan, bucking my hips.

"Will you show me what your tongue can do?" she gasps, clenching around my fingers.

"Absolutely, beautiful," I gasp.

I gently pick her up, setting her on her back on the bed. I crawl over her, kissing her deeply.

Once we part, Oreo returns to pleasuring me with her wonderful tongue.

I kiss my way down my lover's new body. I stop at her breasts, sucking hard on her left breasts and pinching the nipple of her right then switching.

Oreo moans and slithers her tongue against my cock.

I gasp.

Slowly I kiss, nip, lick, suck and touch every inch of skin as I make my way down. I finally reach my destination. I look up at her.

"Oreo, why don't you lie back and relax? I want you to fully enjoy this."

She looks at me for a moment then nods, retracting that long tongue back in her mouth.

I settle between her legs on my stomach and gently lick her clit.

Oreo grabs my arms, digging sharp nails into them.

"Feel good?"

Oreo nods. She stares at me, pleading for more.

I comply, and gently lick her.

The sounds coming out of Oreo are beyond beautiful. Pleasing my lover makes me so happy!

I close my eyes, focusing and letting go all at the same time. I slip two fingers inside her as I continue licking.

"C-close…" Oreo gasps, shaking.

I continue, encouraging Oreo to let go.

She calls out my name in perfect ecstasy. I sit up. Oreo pants heavily.

"Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah. It just was… intense."

"Do you need a break then?"

Oreo shakes her head. "No, I'm fine. You can be inside me now. Although, you'll have to make sure to get the right hole," she smirks, eyes flashing in mischief and teasing quality I've come to love from my once over serious enemy.

Enemy… how could we have gotten so far?

I shake my head. There's no time for that.

I blink, realization hitting me. "Hey! What do you mean "make sure you go in the right hole"?! Don't you think I can tell a vagina from an ass?!"

"Well, you have trouble telling a log from a ninja still, so one can never be too careful when dealing with a scatterbrained, unfocused kit," she smirks.

"You're such a mean Oreo Snake! I don't make dumb mistakes anymore!" I pout.

Oreo chuckles, licking my face. I blink, and before I have a chance to respond, she pulls me down close. Her lips gently press against mine. Sharp fangs gently nip my bottom lip, and she licks the blood. She presses her forehead against mine.

"Make love to me, Naruto," she whispers.

"Of course, Orochimaru," I whisper, sliding into my wife gently and completely.

It's different from what I'm used to, but it's not a bad feeling. In fact, it's much better than bad; it's wonderful! I stay lying on Oreo and gently rock into her.

Oreo moans, digging her nails into my shoulders. She bucks her hips as soft velvet wetness clenches and squeezes my cock.

"Shit, Oreo, this is…"

"I know," she moans.

I sit up and steady myself by grabbing Oreo's breasts. I thrust into her deeply, moaning and gasping.

Oreo hisses, bucking her hips and slithering her tongue.

"Feels wonderful, doesn't it, Orochimaru?" I whisper breathlessly. I feel myself becoming lost and undone.

"Yes," she moans.

And the way my lover moves and sounds, she's already undone.

I lean down and kiss her deeply, threading my fingers through her hair. Oreo kisses back, bucking up against me.

"Orochimaru," I whisper against her lips as I release deeply inside of her.

Oreo stares up at me, touching the side of my face with a delicate hand. "Naruto," she whispers, releasing as well.

A few more thrusts then I pull out. I roll beside Oreo and pull her close. She snuggles into my chest, curling up beside me.

I pull the covers over us and kiss the top of her head.

Can you see it, Pervy Sage? How happy Oreo makes me? I can't explain it. The way he makes me feel. Did you feel it too? When you looked into those gorgeous eyes? I want to know your side of things. You never told me you ever loved Oreo.

It'll take time, but one day, I'm going to save your best friend. That's a promise!

I hope the confusion about Maruta's arms being sealed has been cleared up. He was never in danger. It was just for him to use his tail more. Although, it's a moot point now :D

Preview

Kakashi

"Daddy! Mama has gone crazy! He attacked Maruta with his sword and Boruto is gone!" Mitsuki yells through the door.