Chapter 14: Shadows of the Past
Author's Notes:Thank you all so much for your support. We're finally getting to some of the fun bits, and I can't wait for you to see what happens next. Things are about to get intense, and I'm really excited to dive into the upcoming chapter—it's going to be a blast! I appreciate your patience with the updates, and I'm sorry for the delays.
As always, please feel free to leave a review! Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps shape the story as we move forward. Thank you again for sticking with me, and I hope you enjoy what's coming up next!
Stay tuned, and thanks for everything!
Naruto, Fu, and Fuka sat around the clearing, the tension palpable. The air was thick with unspoken words, especially between Fu and Fuka, who both remained seated with determined expressions. Anko strolled back from the nearby woods, a casual grin on her face, her arms loaded with freshly caught rabbits.
"Hey, little fox boy, how about you cook these for us?" Anko tossed the rabbits toward Naruto, who caught them deftly, sighing as he stood up. "I've got a little chat I need to have with your girlfriends." She winked playfully at Naruto, causing Fu and Fuka to both shift uncomfortably. Fu's eyes darted to the ground, while Fuka's lips twitched into a confident smirk.
Naruto sighed, heading off to the small kitchen area in the shrine, his tail swishing behind him. "Girlfriends? Yeah, right…" he muttered to himself, rolling his eyes as he began skinning the rabbits, focusing on the task to keep his mind from the awkward tension outside.
Anko sat cross-legged with her trademark mischievous grin plastered across her face, watching the tension between Fu and Fuka escalate. "Alright, ladies," she said, her voice teasing. "Looks like you're both in love with my little fox boy. How about you two fight it out and see who gets his heart?"
Fu's cheeks flared up, her fists clenched at her sides. "I'm not going to lose!" she declared, her voice fierce. She shot a glare at Fuka. "I've been with Naruto the longest! I've had his back in battle! We've trained together for years!"
Fuka, seated gracefully beside her, waved a hand dismissively, her eyes half-lidded as she shot a coy smile in Fu's direction. "Oh, sweetie, you're so adorable," Fuka purred, leaning slightly closer to Fu. "But does any of that really matter when I've already taken his first kiss?" She grinned, sending Fu into a silent rage, her fingers twitching as if she was ready to throw another web.
Fu stomped her foot down. "That was a cheap shot! It means nothing!"
Anko leaned back, enjoying the scene like it was some sort of romantic drama. "Oh man, this is gold! Seriously, Naruto's got himself two girls fighting over him, and neither one is backing down." She let out a wild cackle. "Naruto's either the luckiest guy in the world or he's in the middle of his worst nightmare."
Fu's green eyes narrowed as she pointed a finger toward Fuka. "Naruto's heart belongs to me. I've been there through thick and thin! We've trained together, fought together. I know him better than anyone!"
Fuka, ever composed, simply smirked. "You're cute, Fu," she said, her tone silky. "But why get so worked up? We can share him. There's no need to fight. Naruto is a powerful man—there's more than enough of him to go around." She giggled, watching Fu bristle even more.
Fu, who had been standing, suddenly lunged forward, her hands balling into fists as she shouted, "Not a chance! I'm not sharing him with anyone, especially not some wandering girl who thinks she can swoop in just because of a kiss!"
Fuka met her glare with a playful gaze. "Well, sweetheart, maybe you should've kissed him first if it meant so much to you."
Anko burst out laughing again, doubling over as she watched the two girls go at it. "You two! Oh, this is too good! I swear, I haven't been this entertained in years. Seriously, though, Fu, Fuka's got a point—if you wanted that kiss, you should've moved faster!"
Fu's eyes widened, her anger bubbling over. "Anko! You're not helping!"
"Oh, I'm not here to help," Anko replied, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye as she continued to laugh. "I'm here for the show!"
Fuka shot a glance at Anko, her smirk deepening. "Anko's right, Fu. Why stress so much? Naruto's a catch, but stressing out won't win you any favors."
Fu crossed her arms over her chest, her face red with both embarrassment and frustration. "I'm not letting anyone take him from me. I'm not losing him to you."
Fuka raised her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. But you'll have to deal with the fact that I'm not backing down either. Whether you like it or not, we're both here."
The bickering continued for a while, each girl throwing comments and digs at the other. Fu's determination was as fierce as ever, and Fuka's playful, teasing attitude only stoked the flames of Fu's temper. Anko watched it all with amusement, making sarcastic comments and egging them on.
"Honestly, I don't see why you two are fighting," Anko said, a wicked grin on her face. "Naruto's got enough love to go around, doesn't he? Why don't you two just...share?"
Fu blushed even harder, her fists trembling. "No way!"
At that moment, Naruto emerged from the kitchen, carrying a plate of cooked rabbit. He froze at the sight of Fu standing red-faced, Fuka leaning against him with a sly smile, and Anko, who was practically rolling on the ground with laughter.
"Uh...what's going on?" he asked hesitantly, setting the plates down. His tail twitched, and his ears flicked nervously, sensing the tension in the air.
Anko, wiping tears from her eyes, stood up and stretched. "Nothing, nothing! Just having a nice chat with your lovely ladies here."
Fu and Fuka shot each other one last glare before settling down, though Fu was still clearly fuming.
Naruto sighed. "You guys...seriously."
Anko grinned at him, snatching one of the cooked rabbits off the plate. "You know, Naruto, you really do have your hands full. Anyway, this rabbit's cooked perfectly. Good job!" She took a big bite, chewing happily while winking at Naruto.
Naruto, still unsure of what exactly he'd walked into, sat down beside Fu, who refused to look at him. Fuka, on the other hand, leaned against his arm, resting her head on his shoulder. "Thanks for cooking, Naruto," she said sweetly, giving him another quick kiss on the cheek.
Fu glared. "You don't have to hang all over him like that," she muttered.
Fuka simply smiled. "You'll just have to get used to it."
Naruto groaned, already feeling like he was in way over his head.
They decided to turn in for the night,and Naruto was nervous for tomorrow.
Naruto woke up the next morning, his body still somewhat stiff from the training and tension of the previous day. As his senses slowly returned, he felt a weight on both sides of him. Opening his eyes, he blinked rapidly, trying to focus on the scene in front of him. Fu was curled up on one side, her face buried into his shoulder, while Fuka had wrapped herself around his other arm, her head resting on his chest. Both girls were sleeping peacefully, unaware of the turmoil stirring inside Naruto's head.
He gulped, trying to process the situation when suddenly, a faint clicking sound reached his ears. He turned his head to see Anko standing over them with a devilish grin, holding a camera. The soft flash of the camera clicked again as Anko snapped another picture, clearly enjoying the scene.
"Oh, don't mind me," she whispered teasingly, her voice dripping with amusement. "Just getting some memories for the scrapbook."
Naruto's eyes widened as he realized what she was doing. "Anko-sensei! What the hell are you doing?!" he whispered angrily, trying to avoid waking up the two girls.
Anko chuckled quietly, completely unbothered. "You know, Naruto, I never pegged you for the type to handle two girls at once. But I gotta say, I'm impressed."
Naruto blushed furiously, wriggling to free himself, but Fu and Fuka clung to him like barnacles. "It's not like that! This... this just happened!"
"Sure it did," Anko teased, raising her eyebrows knowingly. "Still, this'll make for a fun story later." She winked, tucking the camera away before stepping back and allowing Naruto a moment to think.
Carefully, Naruto freed himself from the embrace of both girls, managing to sit up without disturbing them. His mind raced as he thought about the situation. The last thing he wanted was to offend either Fu or Fuka, especially with how attached they both seemed to be getting. As he sat on the floor, thinking, Fu stirred, blinking sleepily before sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
"Morning..." she muttered, yawning and stretching before freezing as she realized what had happened. Her face turned crimson as she saw Naruto sitting so close. "Oh! Sorry, Naruto! I didn't mean to—"
Fuka stirred next, her arms still lazily wrapped around Naruto's waist. She yawned with a cat-like stretch, casually resting her chin on Naruto's shoulder. "Morning, handsome," she purred, planting a kiss on his cheek.
Fu immediately narrowed her eyes, feeling a surge of jealousy. "What do you think you're doing, Fuka?" she muttered, her voice dripping with irritation.
Before the tension could escalate, Naruto decided it was best to cut it off before things got out of hand. "Okay, okay, enough of this," Naruto said, waving his hands between them. "We need to talk about yesterday."
Fuka giggled, leaning in closer. "What's there to talk about? We had a lovely moment, didn't we, Naruto?"
Fu, however, was not amused. "You were all over him, Fuka!" she said, clearly annoyed.
Naruto sighed, feeling like he was caught in the middle of an awkward situation. "Look, I've got an idea that will settle this," Naruto said, trying to calm the rising tension. "How about this: I'll take both of you out on separate dates, one at a time."
Both girls paused, thinking over the offer.
"Fine," Fu finally agreed, crossing her arms, though she still looked a bit irritated. "But I get the first date."
Fuka smirked, satisfied with the arrangement. "I'll wait my turn, then," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear and leaning casually back.
Naruto sighed with relief. "Great, that's settled."
As the trio began preparing for the day, Anko leaned against the doorframe, her arms crossed and a mischievous glint still in her eyes. "Aww, how cute. Little Naruto's already a ladies' man," she teased. "But remember, I'm still your sensei. Don't let these girls distract you too much, got it?"
Naruto shot her an irritated glance, but he couldn't deny that he felt a strange sense of excitement and nervousness. Things were getting more complicated than he expected.
Once they were dressed and ready, Fu leaned in closer to Naruto, looking a bit hesitant. "So... when is our date?" she asked softly, her voice almost shy.
Fu's face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "Okay! I'll be looking forward to it."
Fuka, meanwhile, leaned in closer from the other side. "Don't keep me waiting too long, Naruto. I'll be thinking about our date the whole time," she whispered into his ear, causing him to blush once again.
Naruto and Fu walked side by side under the soft glow of the moon. The night was calm, with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the nearby forest. Fu glanced at Naruto from time to time, her face still slightly flushed from their earlier encounter. Naruto, on the other hand, seemed calm, though his fox ears occasionally twitched, betraying the excitement and nervousness he tried to hide.
Fu held the picnic basket tightly in her hand, filled with food she had carefully prepared for their night together. "So, where are we going?" she asked, her voice soft and almost shy.
Naruto smirked, "I found a nice spot not too far from here. It's quiet, and the view of the stars is amazing." His voice carried a bit of excitement, knowing that tonight would be special.
As they arrived at the spot, a small clearing near the edge of a cliff, the view of the stars was breathtaking. The sky seemed to stretch on forever, with stars twinkling brightly against the inky darkness. Below, the village lights flickered like small fireflies.
Naruto set out a blanket on the ground, and Fu began arranging the food. They sat down, close but not too close, the silence between them comfortable yet charged with unspoken emotions. As they began to eat, Naruto couldn't help but steal glances at Fu, noticing how peaceful she looked under the moonlight.
"So…" Fu began, breaking the silence. "What's on your mind?"
Naruto chuckled softly, "Honestly? I've been thinking about us."
Fu blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "Us? What do you mean?"
Naruto leaned back, resting his weight on his hands as he looked up at the sky. "I mean… I've been hiding how I feel for a while now, and I think you've been doing the same." He turned to face her, his eyes soft but serious. "We've been through so much together, and I guess it made me realize how important you are to me."
Fu's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head slightly. "I… I didn't know you felt that way," she admitted quietly. "I mean, I've always thought about you, but I wasn't sure if you saw me like that…"
Naruto reached out, gently placing his hand on hers. "I do. I've been afraid to say it, though. With everything going on, I didn't know if it was the right time."
Fu looked at their hands, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She squeezed his hand gently. "I've felt the same way, Naruto. Ever since you saved me… you've been the only one who really understood me. I didn't know how to tell you either."
Naruto's heart raced, hearing her words. The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their confessions hanging in the air. Naruto then pulled her a little closer, their shoulders touching as they both stared out at the horizon.
"So, what now?" Fu asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Naruto smiled, "Well, I think we should stop hiding how we feel for each other. We deserve to be happy, Fu."
Fu's heart fluttered at his words. "Do you really think we can have a future together?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Naruto turned to her, his eyes full of determination. "Of course. We've been through worse, haven't we? I don't care what anyone thinks. I want a future with you, Fu."
Fu's eyes shimmered with emotion, and she nodded. "I want that too," she whispered, leaning into him.
They sat there, wrapped in the warmth of each other's company, the stars watching over them as they spoke about their future.
"What about our careers?" Fu asked, a bit of seriousness creeping into her voice. "Do you think we can balance being shinobi and… well, having a life together?"
Naruto shrugged, a grin spreading across his face. "We'll figure it out. I mean, sure, being shinobi is tough, but we're tougher. Besides, we can always watch each other's backs."
Fu laughed softly, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Yeah, I guess you're right. And what about… you know… having a family someday?"
Naruto's eyes widened a bit at the thought. "A family?" He hadn't thought that far ahead, but the idea didn't scare him. In fact, it made him smile. "I think I'd like that. A little fox running around, huh?" he teased, nudging her lightly.
Fu giggled, her face turning bright red. "Stop! You're embarrassing me!"
Naruto laughed, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "I'm serious, though. When the time's right, I'd love to have a family with you."
Fu lifted her head, looking into his eyes. She saw the sincerity in them and smiled, her heart swelling with happiness. "I'd like that too… someday."
They sat in silence for a while longer, enjoying the peace and the feeling of finally being honest with each other. The night stretched on, but neither of them wanted to leave. They were content, knowing that no matter what the future held, they had each other.
As the night grew colder, Naruto wrapped his arm around Fu, pulling her close to keep her warm. "We'll take it one day at a time," he whispered. "But whatever happens, I'm glad I have you by my side."
Fu nodded, closing her eyes as she rested against him. "Me too, Naruto. Me too."
They stayed like that, watching the stars, both of them filled with a newfound sense of hope and belonging.
The next morning, Naruto found himself waking up with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today was the day he would be going on a date with Fuka. He had spent the night thinking about how fast things had moved between them. Despite the sudden physical attraction, he wanted to get to know her on a deeper level.
As they walked through the village, Naruto glanced over at Fuka, who wore a playful smile. Her presence was magnetic, and her beauty only heightened the tension between them. She seemed just as interested in him, and that was hard to ignore. Every few steps, Fuka would lean in to steal a kiss from him, teasing him with her touch. Naruto tried to focus on their conversation, but the constant physical contact was making it difficult to keep his composure.
"So, what do you want to do with your life?" Naruto asked, trying to steer the conversation toward something more meaningful as they wandered through the quiet streets of the village. His hand brushed against hers, but Fuka, as usual, took it a step further, pulling him in for another kiss.
After pulling back, Fuka smiled mischievously. "Honestly, I've been wandering for a while now. After my mom died a few years ago, I didn't have much of a direction. I thought I could make something of myself, but... I've been failing at every turn. So, I ended up in that old temple." She laughed softly, though it was tinged with sadness.
Naruto frowned, feeling a pang of empathy. "I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I know how it feels to lose someone close." He hesitated before continuing. "But you know, it doesn't sound like you've failed. You've survived. And maybe that's something you should be proud of."
Fuka looked at him, her expression softening as she reached out to cup his cheek. "You're sweet, Naruto. Maybe you're right. Meeting you... it feels like a new beginning." She leaned in for another kiss, her lips brushing against his.
Naruto felt a warmth spread through him at her touch, but this time he pulled back slightly, wanting to know more. "Why did you end up staying in that temple for so long? What were you looking for?"
Fuka shrugged, her green eyes searching his. "I don't know. Maybe I was looking for a place that felt like home. Somewhere safe. But when I found you, I felt something different. Like I belonged with you." Her voice was sincere, and the weight of her words lingered between them.
Naruto's heart skipped a beat. He wasn't used to hearing such things from someone, especially not so soon. But Fuka's presence felt comforting in a strange way. He didn't feel the need to be on guard with her, and he found himself drawn to her vulnerability.
As they walked through the village, they made their way to a quiet spot near the riverbank. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow across the water. Fuka pulled Naruto down to sit beside her, resting her head on his shoulder. For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, watching the sunset.
"You know," Fuka began, her voice soft, "I'm not sure what the future holds for me. But I do know I want to spend more time with you. I want to figure things out together."
Naruto felt a flutter in his chest at her words. He didn't expect this level of connection so quickly, but the way she spoke made him feel at ease. "Yeah," he said quietly, "I'd like that too."
They stayed there for a while, wrapped in each other's company, their conversation flowing between playful teasing and more serious discussions about their pasts and futures. Fuka told him more about her struggles, and Naruto opened up about his complicated history with the village and his desire for strength and belonging.
Fuka leaned in closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "You know," she began, her voice carrying a soft edge of vulnerability, "I'm not the type of girl to take things slow."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, curious yet unsure where she was going with this.
Fuka continued, "I've always been the kind of person who just... rushes into things. Gets them done quickly. I don't like dragging things out." She paused, her fingers tracing patterns on his arm. "It's probably why I've messed up so many times before... rushing without thinking."
Naruto listened intently, sensing that this was important to her. "Messed up?" he asked, his tone gentle but probing.
Fuka sighed, her lips curving into a soft, somewhat self-deprecating smile. "Yeah. I've rushed into relationships, decisions, everything really. I guess you could say it's a flaw of mine." She chuckled lightly, but it didn't hide the weight of her words. "I always thought doing things quickly would get me what I wanted, but all it's done is spill everything before it even had a chance to grow."
Naruto nodded, understanding what she meant. He had seen people make rash decisions, especially under the pressure of loneliness or uncertainty. He had felt that way too, many times. "So... why are you telling me this?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Fuka hesitated before answering, her voice dropping to almost a whisper. "Because I don't want to mess this up. I don't want to rush things with you and end up ruining everything. But at the same time..." She lifted her head, her green eyes meeting his. "I don't know how to slow down. I'm used to pushing forward without thinking. I just... I want this to be different, Naruto. I want us to be different."
Naruto felt a strange mix of emotions. He hadn't expected this level of honesty from Fuka, especially not so soon, but it made him see her in a different light. She wasn't just the flirty, playful girl she often appeared to be—there was something deeper, more fragile beneath the surface.
Naruto gently squeezed her hand, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "We don't have to rush anything, Fuka. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. We can take our time and figure things out together."
Fuka blinked, her expression softening as she leaned in for a kiss, this one less rushed, more meaningful. "Thanks," she whispered. "I needed to hear that."
A week had passed, and the temple where Naruto had been staying with Fu, Anko, and Fuka had settled into a strange rhythm of quiet moments and intense training. Naruto waited patiently by the door, his mind wandering as he thought about everything that had happened over the last few days. The temple was a sanctuary of sorts, far away from the chaos of the outside world, and Naruto found himself strangely at peace, though he knew that wouldn't last forever.
Suddenly, the sound of the heavy wooden door creaking open echoed through the hall. Naruto, Fu, and Anko turned their heads just as a figure strode in, her posture tense and her red hair a striking contrast against the dim lighting of the temple. Karin entered the room with a look of irritation plastered on her face, her glasses slightly askew from what looked like a long journey.
"Alright, freeloader, I'm back," Karin announced loudly, her voice cutting through the quiet atmosphere. "I managed to shake off those ninja who were chasing me." She pushed the door shut with a forceful thud, scanning the room quickly. Her eyes immediately landed on the unfamiliar faces of Naruto, Fu, and Anko.
Naruto blinked, surprised by the sudden stood in the doorway, her gaze sharp and her stance ready for a fight, clearly on edge. "Who are you?" Karin asked, her tone suspicious. "I don't know any of you."
Naruto stepped forward, his expression calm yet curious. "I'm Naruto," he said, his voice steady. "Naruto Uzumaki. The last of the Uzumaki clan."
Karin's body tensed at his words, her eyes narrowing as she took in his full name. Her heart skipped a beat, but she kept her guard up. "Uzumaki?" she repeated, almost disbelieving. "No, I'm the last Uzumaki."
Naruto and Karin stared at each other for a moment, both equally confused. The tension in the room was palpable as their eyes locked, trying to make sense of each other's existence.
"How is that possible?" Naruto asked, breaking the silence. "I always thought I was the only one left."
Karin's hands clenched at her sides, her posture stiffening. "That's what I thought too," she replied cautiously. Her gaze lingered on Naruto, taking in his appearance for the first time—his orange jumpsuit, the way he held himself. "But... I've never met another Uzumaki. Not until now."
Naruto frowned, his thoughts drifting back to the memory of when he had learned about his lineage. "I didn't meet one ether, well until now," he admitted, his voice quieter now, more thoughtful. "I have a question: did you receive knowledge from touching a mask and a ghostly figure transferring knowledge into your head, and speaking to an old man?"
At his words, Karin's eyes widened in shock. Her breath caught in her throat, and she stepped forward, her body language shifting from defensive to intrigued. "Wait... that's the same thing that happened to me," she said, her voice filled with sudden understanding. "I found an old man—a ghost, really—who told me about my heritage, about the Uzumaki."
They both stood there, staring at each other with a shared sense of bewilderment. The realization hit them at the same time.
"Interesting," Naruto muttered.
"Yeah," Karin agreed, nodding slowly. "Very interesting."
Her sharp eyes flicked down to his orange jumpsuit, and she scrunched her nose in disapproval. "But I gotta say... I don't like your outfit. It's too modern." She gestured to her own attire—simple yet traditional robes that seemed more fitting for a clan of old.
Naruto grinned, brushing off the remark. "Not much of a fashion critic," he joked before pulling out a talisman from his pouch, feeling the familiar energy flow through him as he activated it. "But I can do this." A faint glow surrounded the talisman as it hummed with chakra, its power steady in Naruto's hand. The light pulsed softly, a subtle display of power, but enough to make Karin's eyes narrow in response. She mirrored his movement, pulling out a talisman of her own, infusing it with her chakra. The two stood there, the glow of their talismans reflecting in each other's eyes.
"So, we're basically the same," Naruto remarked, his grin fading as he focused on the energy they both wielded.
Karin raised an eyebrow, lowering her talisman but still wary. "Seems that way," she muttered. Her posture relaxed slightly, but the tension didn't leave her entirely. She wasn't used to lowering her guard so easily, especially around strangers, no matter their bloodline.
Naruto, sensing the shift in her mood, took a step forward, his tone turning serious. "Hey... I know you've probably been through a lot, but I'm trying to rebuild what's left of the Uzumaki clan. You have scrolls with techniques and history that I never knew existed. Could I maybe make copies of the ones you have?"
Karin's eyes immediately hardened, suspicion flaring once again. She crossed her arms, her lips curling into a sly smirk. "What's in it for me?" she asked, her voice sharp, trying to mask the weariness behind her words. She was used to people wanting things from her, always looking to gain something at her expense. This situation felt no different—at least at first glance.
Before Naruto could answer, Anko, who had been leaning casually against a pillar, chimed in. "Well, if you're interested, we could arrange something with the Leaf Village," she suggested, her tone smooth and calculating. "We could put you under our protection. You'd be safe, no more rogue ninja hunting you down or trying to capture you. You'd have the backing of one of the great five nations."
Karin's eyes flicked to Anko, considering the offer. She had been running for so long, constantly looking over her shoulder, dodging the relentless pursuit of ninja—especially from the Cloud Village, who seemed hellbent on capturing her because of her Uzumaki lineage. The idea of protection, of finally being able to breathe without the threat of enslavement hanging over her head, was tempting. But trust wasn't something she gave easily.
She stared hard at Anko, her voice cold and calculating. "And what's stopping you from using me like the Cloud ninjas tried to? What guarantee do I have that your village won't turn around and betray me?"
Naruto stepped forward, his voice firm but sincere. "We're not like that. I don't know what you've been through, but we don't use people. We protect them. You're an Uzumaki, same as me. If anyone tries to hurt you, they'd have to go through me first."
Karin studied Naruto for a long moment, her crimson eyes searching his face for any signs of deceit. The earnestness in his expression caught her off guard. There was something about him—his honesty, his determination—that made it hard to doubt him. Her tense stance loosened just a bit, but she wasn't ready to fully trust him yet.
"Fine," she said finally, her voice measured. "I'll consider your offer. But let's get one thing straight." She pointed a finger at Naruto, her tone deadly serious. "If you or your village try to backstab me, I'll make sure the Leaf regrets it. Don't think for a second that I can't."
Anko let out a low whistle, clearly amused by the threat, while Naruto simply nodded. "Fair enough," he replied. "But you won't have to worry about that."
Karin sighed, running a hand through her red hair. "Alright, then. We'll see how this goes." She turned toward the others, noticing Fu and Fuka watching the exchange with curiosity. "So, you're all part of this crew?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yep," Fu piped up, stepping forward with a smile. "I'm Fu."
Karin gave a small nod in return, though her posture remained guarded. "We'll see about that." She glanced back at Naruto, a glint of curiosity returning to her eyes. "So, Uzumaki... you think you're up for rebuilding our clan? It's not gonna be easy."
Naruto grinned, his confidence shining through. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready for whatever comes."
Karin couldn't help but smirk at his enthusiasm, though she still held onto her doubts. "I guess we'll find out, won't we?"
As the room settled into a more relaxed atmosphere, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that meeting Karin was the beginning of something bigger. He had always thought he was the last Uzumaki, but now, with Karin by his side, it felt like the pieces of a long-lost puzzle were starting to fall into place.
There was still a lot to figure out, a lot of danger ahead. But for the first time in a long while, Naruto felt like he wasn't alone in this journey. And that made all the difference.
Naruto sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by scrolls spread out before him. He carefully made copies of the intricate symbols and ancient formulas, his brow furrowed in concentration. Each stroke of the brush was precise, as if the weight of the Uzumaki legacy rested in his hands. The dim light in the temple flickered as he worked, the soft rustling of paper the only sound in the quiet room.
As he studied the scrolls, one particular section caught his eye—a series of seals and symbols specifically designed to remove cursed marks. His heart raced as he realized the importance of what he was reading. The knowledge was ancient, powerful, and exactly what he needed.
"Anko," Naruto called out suddenly, his voice firm with determination.
Anko, who had been lounging nearby, perked up at the sound of her name. "What is it, fox boy?" she asked, her tone teasing as always, though there was a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Naruto's eyes met hers, filled with an intensity that made her sit up straight. "Show me the curse mark on your neck," he said, his voice steady but urgent. "I can remove it."
Anko's breath caught in her throat. For years, she had lived with the curse mark Orochimaru had placed on her, a constant reminder of her painful past. The thought of finally being rid of it made her heart race with hope. "You... you can remove it?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly, as if afraid to believe it was possible.
Naruto nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I found something in these scrolls. It's an ancient Uzumaki sealing technique. I'm confident it will work."
For a moment, Anko was silent, her emotions swirling inside her. Then, without hesitation, she shrugged off her coat and pulled down the collar of her shirt, exposing the dark, sinister mark on the back of her neck. The sight of it always made her stomach twist in disgust, but this time, there was something else—a flicker of hope.
"Do it," she said, her voice filled with resolve. "Get rid of this thing once and for all."
Fu, who had been quietly watching, shifted nervously. She glanced at Fuka, who was equally puzzled. "What's happening?" Fu whispered, her voice filled with concern.
Karin stood off to the side, her sharp eyes watching every move Naruto made. "He's going to try to remove a curse mark," Karin muttered, her arms crossed. She didn't entirely understand the sealing techniques, but she knew enough to recognize that what Naruto was about to attempt was dangerous.
Naruto grabbed a paintbrush, dipping it in ink and beginning to draw intricate sealing formulas on Anko's neck, the black ink flowing with precision and purpose. Each stroke of the brush was deliberate, the symbols pulsing faintly with his chakra as he concentrated.
Anko sat still, her body tense but her mind filled with a mixture of anticipation and fear. She had dreamed of this moment for so long, but the uncertainty gnawed at her. "You sure about this, Naruto?" she asked, her voice low.
Naruto nodded without looking up. "Trust me," he said softly, his focus unwavering. "I've got this."
Once the formulas were complete, Naruto placed his hand over the curse mark, his chakra flowing through the seals. A surge of energy passed from his hand into Anko's body, and almost immediately, her muscles tensed. Her body began to convulse, her eyes widening in shock as she felt the curse mark react violently to the seals. The dark energy of the mark seemed to fight back, writhing under Naruto's touch.
Anko clenched her teeth, gripping the ground beneath her, her entire body trembling as the curse mark began to loosen its hold. "Damn it...!" she hissed, the pain coursing through her like fire. But despite the agony, she could feel it—the curse mark's grip weakening, the tendrils of dark energy that had burrowed deep into her body slowly being pulled away.
Naruto's expression was strained, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he concentrated, his chakra fighting against the curse mark's resistance. "Hang on, Anko... almost there," he muttered, his voice strained with effort.
Anko gasped, her body shaking as the curse mark's presence began to fade. The roots of dark chakra that had been embedded in her for so long were finally being torn away. "I... I can feel it... it's leaving," she whispered through gritted teeth, her voice trembling with pain but also relief.
With one final surge of chakra, Naruto ripped the curse mark free. Anko let out a strangled cry, her body collapsing to the ground as the last remnants of the mark vanished from her neck. She gasped for breath, her arms trembling as she pushed herself onto her hands and knees.
"It's... it's gone," Anko panted, a smile breaking across her face. "It's really gone..." She felt lighter, as if a weight she had carried for years had finally been lifted from her shoulders. But just as she began to catch her breath, Fu's scream cut through the air.
"Naruto!" Fu cried, her voice filled with panic.
Anko spun around just in time to see the curse mark—a dark, sinister shape—suddenly latch onto Naruto's neck. The black formulas spread like wildfire across his skin, crawling down his neck and wrapping around his body. Naruto's eyes widened in shock as the mark surged through him, its corrupt energy burning into his flesh. His mind went blank, and he collapsed to the ground, convulsing violently.
"Naruto!" Anko screamed, rushing to his side, her heart pounding in her chest. "No! What are you doing?!"
Naruto, barely conscious, struggled to speak, his voice weak and strained. "I... I couldn't remove the curse mark... not completely," he rasped, his eyes flickering with pain. "But you... you deserve some peace, Anko. So I... I transferred it."
Anko's eyes widened in horror, her heart dropping into her stomach as Naruto's words sank in. "You... you transferred it to yourself?!" she cried, her voice breaking with emotion. "Why would you do that?!"
Naruto smiled weakly, his breathing shallow as the curse mark continued to spread across his body. "Because you've suffered enough... I couldn't let you carry this anymore," he whispered, his vision beginning to blur as darkness crept in. "It's okay... let go, Anko... I'll take on your burdens now."
Anko shook her head furiously, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed his shoulders. "No! No, you idiot! You can't—!" Her voice cracked with desperation. "I never wanted you to take this for me!"
But it was too late. Naruto's eyes fluttered shut, his body going limp in her arms. The curse mark had taken hold, and its energy continued to pulse through him, feeding off his chakra.
"Naruto! Please... wake up!" Anko sobbed, clutching him tightly. "You can't do this! Not for me... not like this!"
Karin, who had been watching the entire scene unfold with a mixture of shock and confusion, stepped forward, her eyes wide with disbelief. "He... transferred the curse mark to himself?" she muttered, struggling to comprehend the sacrifice Naruto had just made.
Fu rushed over, her face pale with fear. "Is he... is he going to be okay?"
"I... I don't know," Anko whispered, her voice trembling as she held Naruto close, her heart breaking with every second that passed. "But he did it for me... and I didn't even know... I didn't want this." Her tears fell onto Naruto's still face, and she screamed at the cruelty of the situation.
Naruto lay unconscious, the curse mark pulsing faintly on his skin, a burden he had taken on willingly—for Anko, for her peace, and for the chance to free her from the chains of her past. As the darkness claimed him, his last thoughts were of the relief in Anko's eyes, and he smiled, knowing he had done what he believed was right.
But Anko couldn't let go. Not like this. Not ever.
As soon as Naruto collapsed, Karin wasted no time. Her sharp eyes scanned the scene quickly, and without hesitation, she pulled out several talismans from her pouch. "Move!" she ordered, her voice cutting through the panic.
Anko and Fu stepped back, their faces a mix of fear and confusion as they watched Karin work with intense focus. Karin carefully placed the talismans on Naruto's body, her hands moving with precision as she infused them with her chakra. The symbols on the talismans began to glow faintly, flickering as they clung to Naruto's skin. The dark energy from the curse mark was still pulsing violently, but with each talisman, the flow slowed, as if Karin were putting a barrier around the cursed seal.
"It's still spreading," Karin muttered under her breath, her forehead slick with sweat from the effort. "But this should suppress it for now… slow it down." She glanced at Anko, her tone grave. "It'll give him a better chance."
Anko, who had been on the verge of breaking down, felt tears spill freely from her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely holding together. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, but they kept falling, her heart aching as she looked at Naruto lying unconscious on the ground. This wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to take on her curse. "You idiot," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.
Fuka stood nearby, her face pale, clearly out of her depth. "Is there anything else we can do?" she asked softly, her usual calmness replaced by worry.
Fu, on the other hand, was sobbing openly, her hands shaking as she knelt beside Naruto. "Please wake up… Naruto, please!" she cried, her voice filled with desperation as she gently shook him. "You can't leave us! You can't leave me!"
Karin finished placing the last talisman and stood up, her expression grim. "That's all we can do for now," she said, glancing at the group. "The seal will keep working its way through his body, but I've slowed it down. Normally, it would only take a few hours, but with these talismans, we might have a couple of days. It's the best chance he's got."
Anko clenched her fists, her emotions swirling between gratitude and rage. She looked down at Naruto's peaceful face, tears still falling down her cheeks. "We need to get him to the Leaf Village," she said, her voice filled with determination. "Maybe Tsunade or someone there can help."
Karin nodded. "Agreed. We can move him, but the seal's still active. It's going to be touch and go."
They wasted no time. With Karin leading the way, they gently lifted Naruto's unconscious body and began their journey back to the Leaf Village. The trek was tense and quiet, each of them lost in their own thoughts, hoping against hope that Naruto would wake up before the curse consumed him entirely.
The day before they reached the village, Naruto's body stirred. His eyelids fluttered weakly, and he groaned as a sharp pain pulsed around his neck. His hand instinctively reached up, feeling the strange burn of the seal. For a moment, he lay still, trying to make sense of what had happened, before he began to regain full consciousness.
"Naruto…?" Fu's voice was the first thing he heard. Her eyes widened as she knelt beside him. "Naruto! You're awake!"
Naruto blinked, his vision coming into focus. "Yeah," he muttered, his voice hoarse. "I'm… awake."
Before he could say anything else, Anko's furious voice cut through the air. "Naruto!"
Naruto barely had time to sit up before Anko pounced on him, her fists slamming into his chest, then his face, over and over. She was straddling him, her face twisted in a mixture of rage and grief. "Why?!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face as she hit him again. "Why did you do it? Why would you take that damn curse mark for yourself?!"
Naruto grunted as her punches landed, but he didn't resist. He just lay there, letting her take out her anger on him. "Because…" he said softly between punches, his voice strained but calm. "You… treat me like a human being."
Anko froze, her fist raised in the air, her eyes wide with shock. For a moment, she couldn't speak, the weight of his words crashing over her like a tidal wave.
Naruto's lip curled into a small, weak smile. "You've treated me like a person… not a monster. And after everything you've been through, Anko… I couldn't just stand by and watch you suffer anymore. You deserve peace. So I… transferred the curse to myself."
"Transfer it back!" Anko screamed, her voice breaking. "You can't do this! It was my burden to bear, not yours!"
Before she could hit him again, Fu quickly wrapped her in her webs, restraining her movements. "Anko, stop!" Fu pleaded, her voice shaking. "Please, calm down!"
Anko struggled against the webs, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she glared down at Naruto. "You idiot!" she spat, her voice full of anger and heartbreak. "You had no right to take this on! No right!" Tears filled her eyes as she thrashed, trying to break free.
Naruto looked up at her, his eyes soft but filled with resolve. "Because you've always treated me right," he whispered, his body still weak from the effects of the curse mark. "You've been kind to me. This… this is the least I can do for you."
Anko's anger melted away in an instant, replaced by an overwhelming sense of sadness. She broke free from Fu's webs, collapsing to her knees beside Naruto. Her arms wrapped around him tightly as sobs wracked her body. "You idiot… You absolute idiot," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Why… why did you have to do that? Why did you have to take this from me?"
Naruto weakly lifted a hand, placing it on her back, offering her whatever comfort he could. "Because you've suffered enough, Anko," he said softly. "I couldn't let you keep carrying this. Let me carry it now."
Anko clung to him, her body shaking as she cried into his chest. "I hate you," she whispered, her voice full of pain. "You stupid fox boy… I hate you so much."
But even as she spoke, there was something else in her voice—something softer, something grateful. As the tears flowed and her anger ebbed away, she buried her face in his chest. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Thank you for freeing me…"
The weight of the curse that had haunted her for years was finally gone. And despite the pain, despite everything, Anko felt lighter than she had in a long time. She held onto Naruto, her emotions raw, her heart full of a strange mixture of anger, gratitude, and something else she couldn't quite name.
Naruto chuckled weakly, resting his head back. "Anytime," he whispered, closing his eyes as exhaustion overtook him. "Glad I could help."
And as Anko held him, calling him every name under the sun, she realized that, for the first time in years, she could breathe again. The curse was gone. And though Naruto had taken it upon himself, she knew in her heart that somehow, they would find a way to make things right.
Orochimaru lab
Orochimaru sat in the dimly lit chamber, the flickering candles casting long shadows on the stone walls. His serpentine eyes narrowed as he felt the faint ripple of chakra—his chakra—being disturbed. A low, sinister chuckle escaped his lips as his long fingers traced the edge of the armrest.
"Interesting," he muttered to himself. "It seems someone has dared to tamper with my curse mark."
He leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with possibilities. He had felt it—a disruption, something unnatural. It wasn't one of his usual pawns. The Sound Four were all away on missions, save for one.
"Orochimaru-sama," came a voice from the shadows.
Tayuya stepped forward, her red hair glinting in the candlelight, her sharp gaze fixed on her master. She had been lurking nearby, waiting for his command, as she always did.
"You called, master?" Tayuya asked, her voice cool and disciplined.
Orochimaru didn't turn to look at her but instead flicked his wrist, summoning a faint glow from one of his cursed scrolls. "Yes," he said, his voice smooth and laced with menace. "It seems that someone has been meddling with my seals."
Tayuya's brow furrowed slightly, though she kept her expression neutral. "Meddling with your seals?" she repeated, clearly intrigued.
"Indeed." Orochimaru's voice became a low hiss. "I felt a disturbance in one of the curse marks I created. This isn't an ordinary interference. Whoever it is... they're skilled. Perhaps even knowledgeable in sealing formulas."
He turned to face her finally, his golden eyes gleaming with malice. "I need you to investigate. Go to Konoha and find the source of this tampering."
Tayuya clenched her fists, eager to carry out his orders. "Understood," she said firmly, her body language tense with readiness.
Orochimaru stood and moved toward her, pulling a small object from his cloak—a compass, intricately designed with strange symbols carved into its surface. He handed it to her with a slow, deliberate motion. "This compass will lead you to the chakra signature of the tampered curse mark. It's infused with a trace of my own chakra. It will guide you directly to Anko. Then investigate who tampered with her mark."
Tayuya took the compass, feeling the weight of it in her hand. She glanced up at him, awaiting further instructions.
"You are to find them," Orochimaru continued, his voice darkening, "and bring them to me. Alive. I want to know who dares to manipulate my creations. And if they have knowledge of sealing formulas... well, we'll make sure to put that knowledge to use."
He smirked, the malicious grin sending a shiver down Tayuya's spine. "This is your mission. Fail, and you know the consequences."
Tayuya nodded, her expression resolute. "I won't fail, master," she said confidently.
"Good," Orochimaru replied, his voice soft but dangerous. "But before you go, meet with Kabuto. He may have gathered some intelligence on any recent disturbances in Konoha. See if he knows anything about who might have tampered with my curse mark."
Tayuya bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment. "I'll find them and bring them to you," she vowed.
With that, she turned on her heel and vanished into the shadows, her mind already racing with the mission ahead. The path to Konoha would be swift, but Tayuya knew that this wasn't just any retrieval mission. Whoever had the knowledge to tamper with one of Orochimaru's seals would be a formidable opponent. And that only made her more determined.
As she moved silently through the corridors, heading toward Kabuto's chambers, she couldn't help but smirk. "Whoever you are, I'm coming for you," she muttered under her breath.
Orochimaru, now alone in the chamber, leaned back in his chair once more, a predatory smile playing on his lips. "Let's see who dares to challenge me this time."
Back with Naruto and his group
As Naruto and his group walked through the gates of Konoha, the familiar sight of the village brought a wave of relief. The air was cool, the streets bustling with life, but despite the comforting atmosphere, exhaustion weighed heavily on them—especially on Naruto. The talisman on his neck pulsed faintly, doing its job to suppress the curse mark, but he could still feel its dark energy trying to push through. He had the copies of the scrolls safely tucked away, knowing that it would only be a matter of time before he found a permanent solution to remove the cursed seal.
"I'm going to take a few days to study the scrolls," Naruto said, turning to his companions. "I'll figure out how to get rid of this mark for good. Or at least, how to stop it from getting any worse."
Karin, who had been walking in silence, nodded as the group approached the Hokage's office. She had a different task ahead of her. The process of becoming a Konoha citizen, and then eventually a ninja, would take time. She didn't trust easily, but for now, this was her best shot at survival. The Leaf village was offering her protection—something she hadn't had in a long time.
"Good luck," Karin muttered, more to herself than anyone else, as she was taken into custody by the village officials to begin the formalities of her citizenship process.
Anko, standing nearby, smiled warmly at Naruto, her usual playful demeanor slightly softened by the recent events. She stepped forward, brushing a lock of hair away from his forehead before planting a light kiss on it. "Take care of yourself, fox boy," she said, her voice gentler than usual. As soon as she pulled back, her face turned beet red. "Um, no! I didn't mean it like that!" she stammered, clearly embarrassed by the gesture. "Just… be careful, okay?"
Naruto, equally flustered, blinked in confusion, his face heating up as he rubbed the back of his head. "Uh, sure… thanks, Anko," he mumbled, watching as she quickly turned and hurried away, muttering under her breath about how awkward she was.
Before Naruto could fully recover from the moment, Fu stepped up to him with a soft smile. Without warning, she pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss, her lips lingering against his in a way that made Naruto's heart race. When she finally pulled back, her green eyes sparkled with warmth and care. "Stay safe," she whispered. "I'll come visit you every now and then." With a final smile, she turned and walked away, leaving Naruto standing there, dazed and still blushing.
Before he could fully process what had just happened, Fuka approached with a playful smirk on her face. She didn't waste any time, grabbing Naruto by the collar and pulling him into an intense kiss, her tongue dancing with his as she teased him with her touch. When she finally broke the kiss, her eyes glinted with mischief. "Well, looks like I'm going to your place," she purred, her voice dripping with playful intent.
But before anything more could happen, Fu reappeared, dragging Fuka away by the collar. "No, you're not!" Fu said, her voice exasperated but amused. "You're staying with me, Fuka, so don't even think about getting out of my sight."
Fuka pouted, her bottom lip sticking out in an adorable manner. "Aww, you're no fun!" she protested, but she didn't fight back, accepting her fate with a sigh.
Naruto, his face red and his mind spinning, watched as the two girls walked off together.
Naruto made his way home. His body was worn out, his mind overloaded with everything that had happened, and the weight of the curse mark still lingered on his neck. He trudged up the stairs to his apartment, dragging his feet as he reached for his keys. But just as he was about to unlock the door, he noticed someone standing there.
His heart skipped a beat as he took in the figure—a boy his age with a familiar haircut. The dark, spiky hair that fell like a duck's tail, the cold, intense eyes that stared back at him.
Naruto's breath caught in his throat as he whispered the name, almost as if he didn't believe it himself.
"Sasuke?"
The boy with the duck haircut turned to face him, his expression unreadable, but his eyes bore into Naruto's with a quiet intensity.
Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, shock and disbelief flooding his system.