'How can a simple grilled fish and rice taste so good…'

Kazuma thought as he and the others ate the breakfast Naruto had just served. He wasn't complaining, honestly… But just like the Cabbage Stir-Fry, this undeniably simple dish had absolutely no right to be so tasty.

'Thank you for this wonderful meal, master of mine. Your talent in the culinary arts is unmatched.'

Kiki expressed her gratitude with a bow upon finishing.

"You're very welcome, Kiki. I'm glad you liked it."

Naruto replied before standing up and stretching his arms and legs. It had been an interesting morning, but now it was time to get to work!

"Alright, I'm going to head into town to see if I can find someone to lift Sylvia's curse. I just hope I won't need to pay some kind of fee…"

"If you're that worried about money, then I suppose I can take pity on your situation and reduce my demands even after what you did earlier. The gracious me will purify that spirit, and in return, you only need to make me The Food of the Gods anytime I want, give me a nightly massage, and worship me three times a day. How does that sound? It's a steal, don't you think?"

Aqua offered while gesturing towards herself with a confident smile on her rice covered lips.

"No thanks. Also, your reduction doesn't add up."

Naruto responded with a flat expression and was about to walk out of the dining room when Kiki suddenly made a growling noise. Which sounded strange, but also adorable at the same time.

'By all that is sacred and pure, what unholy abomination is this!? Have you any comprehension of the monstrosity you have permitted to infiltrate this domain!?'

Fur on end, Kiki took a defensive stance near the doorway as a ball of black fur entered the room.

"Hah! It seems your monster has good senses, Naruto… Behold, Kiki! For that monstrosity is none other than my familiar! Chomusuke! Only those sensitive enough to sense her true form will notice the pure malicious intent that is buried deep within the confines of that cute cat. She takes that form in order to avoid eradicating us with her mere presence."

Megumin jumped up from her chair and declared while gesturing towards Chomusuke.

"It's just a normal cat, though."

Kazuma added, and the group laughed as the Explosion enthusiast's ears turned red from being called out right off the bat.

"Try to get along, Kiki. That cat is Megumin's friend."

Naruto said with a chuckle, and the fox reluctantly backed down by her master's orders.

'You may have fooled these humans, creature, but this one shall be keeping a watchful eye on you…'

Kiki growled in a low tone directly into the cat's mind.

"Mreow?"

Chomusuke tilted her head, seemingly confused.

"Hey, why don't you try asking Wiz for help? After all, Lich's are the lords of the undead."

Kazuma suggested as he and Darkness started gathering the dishes.

"Oh yeah, that's a great idea! I haven't brought her ramen in a while too! Wanna tag along, Yunyun?"

Naruto chirped and made his way towards the kitchen, with Kiki following along while keeping Chomusuke in her peripheral vision.

"Y-yes! I'll go get my things!"

Yunyun stuttered and quickly made her way towards the stairs.

Gurgle…!

. . .

"Okay. We're going on a quest."

Kazuma announced with finality in his tone, earning a collective gasp from his party.

"W-what!? Kazuma wants to go on a quest even though he has a lot of money!?"

"Are you feeling alright, Kazuma?"

"I can run to the market and get you medicine… Why don't you go rest in the special spot by the fire…"

When Aqua tried to tenderly guide him over to the couch, Kazuma slapped her hands and gnashed his teeth.

"There's nothing wrong with me! Don't you get it!? This house is about to become uninhabitable! Unless you really think that fish was enough to sate your hunger for you-know-what?"

As if to go along with the boy's words, a soft aroma filled the room.

The girls gulped.

Of course, there was always room in their stomachs for the Food of the Gods… But none of them had the heart to ask for some after Naruto had just made them breakfast.

"Let's go!"

"What quest shall we depart on?"

"Naruto-san~! I'm still hungry~!"

None of them except for Aqua, that is.

'T-that idiot…!'

Kazuma thought as he watched Aqua skip into the kitchen. They all watched with one foot out the door to see if she actually succeeded.

Aqua eventually returned with a plate in her hands, a hollow smile on her face.

They winced upon seeing the over-cooked fish and undercooked rice.

'Master of mine… There are powerful entities within this compound.'

Kiki warned as Naruto and Yunyun walked up to Wiz's magic shop, which appeared to be closed as there was a sign on the door that said "On Lunch".

"Ah, it's just Wiz and Vanir. They're mostly harmless. Mostly."

Naruto reassured as he walked up to the door, preparing to knock. While Wiz was ironically an angel, Vanir was just as his title implied. A devil.

Yunyun gripped the hems of her skirt in anticipation. During her last conversation with the store owner, Wiz had insisted that she and Naruto were nothing more than friends and proceeded to avoid the topic any further.

That was so suspicious!

'But I've seen the way she looks at Naruto-san! I can't be mistaken here! They just need a little push, is all…'

The Crimson Demon thought with a firm nod as the door opened to reveal a suspicious masked man.

"Hm? Ah, well if it isn't the unfortunate boy who seems to have attracted an unwanted guest via… soul penetration? Fuahaha! Thou hath experienced the utmost diabolical method of violation! If only thy luck with men could be transferred over to thy luck with women! Fuahaha!"

Vanir cackled with laughter upon laying eyes on the boy, and the shinobi's ears burned red as he entered and placed the package that contained the ramen on a table.

'You dare humiliate mine master in front of me, devil? Though you may be a Duke of Hell, the power that I have acquired through my bond will be more than enough to smite you…'

Kiki growled at the former Demon King Army General, her black tipped tail glowing ominously.

"Oh my, a Kitsune with nine tails? Perhaps thy luck stat attracts more than just lucky pervert moments with men after all. How art thou, moi comrade? Moi trusts that the local pest in that mansion isn't giving thee trouble?"

Vanir's amused face turned from Kiki to Naruto's abdomen, and a ball of golden chakra manifested soon thereafter in the form of the ninja's other nine-tailed fox companion.

"On the contrary, comrade. The pest has actually put my host in a rather peculiar situation. Though I do not feed off of the negative emotions of humans in a literal sense as you do, I am finding them, and by extension your sense of humor to be rather… Entertaining."

Kurama replied with a feral grin on its spectral features, and this pushed Naruto over the edge.

"Alright, let's take this outside! Since you're apparently such good friends now, you can both get beaten to a pulp together!"

Naruto barked and cracked his knuckles while glaring daggers at the two devilish pranksters.

'M-mine master truly keeps the company of formidable entities…'

Kiki thought to herself with a shiver as Yunyun jumped in to try and calm the shinobi down.

"Peh! Always quick to violence, moi sees. Just like a certain uncouth noble woman whose toned naked body enticed thee."

Vanir spat with a disapproving tone, causing both teens to freeze.

Upon feeling Yunyun's cold stare, Naruto dropped the subject and walked further into the shop.

"A-anyways, where's Wiz? It's been awhile, so I brought her some ramen."

The blonde stuttered as he searched for the store owner.

"Oh, that useless store owner is resting in the back from another one of moi's Vanir Style: Death Beam. Honestly, moi just cannot fathom what goes on in that skull of hers."

Vanir idly said while pinching the bridge of his nose, prompting the ninja's eyes to widen.

Naruto rushed to the back room, and sure enough, Wiz's smoking corpse-like form was laying in the center of the room.

"Wiz!"

–After a quick dosage of mana via Drain Touch, Wiz was sitting at the table happily scarfing down her ramen.

"Phew… I can't decide what's better... Naruto-san's enriched mana, or Naruto-san's ramen! But if I had to choose between this ramen and certain death…"

Wiz chimed upon finishing her first bowl and moving onto the next one.

"Please don't finish that sentence."

Naruto raised his hand and said with a flat expression, causing the Lich to giggle into her napkin as she dabbed her mouth.

Yunyun watched with unblinking eyes from behind the counter, making note of each person's facial expressions after every sentence was said, as well as where they were looking.

"So, you wanted to ask me something, Naruto-san?"

Wiz asked in between bites when she finally noticed Kiki, who was sniffing some of the ware in a corner of the room.

"Oh my goodness…! Is that a Kitsune!? She's so cute! I've only ever seen one other Kitsune during my time as an adventurer; they're so rare!"

"Hehe… Right? Her name is Kiki, but she doesn't really like to be touched by other people."

Naruto chimed while gesturing towards the fox and Wiz visibly deflated, having wanted to pet the fluffy critter.

'I know how you feel, Wiz-san…'

Yunyun thought with teary eyes as she too looked at the mythical monster longingly.

"So… I was hoping to get your help in extracting an evil spirit. I've been possessed, you see, and-"

"Oh my goodness! Naruto-san has? But what about Kurama-san? Aqua-sama?"

Wiz balked at the revelation and upon further inspection, it was true. It was being suppressed by magic, but there was in fact a vengeful spirit inhabiting Naruto's body.

"Kurama can't do anything about it, and Aqua… Well, let's just say her price is too steep."

Naruto admitted while scratching at his whisker marks sheepishly.

"Ah, I see… Well, I'll see what I can do!"

Wiz chirped and moved her empty bowls to the side and gestured in front of her. Naruto grabbed another chair and placed it next to the woman before taking a seat. She took his hands in hers and closed her eyes.

Naruto blushed at the contact, even more so when she began to lean forward until their foreheads were nearly touching. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and she was frowning as she continued to concentrate.

'Ah, Kiki's magic is probably interfering.'

The shinobi suddenly realized and nodded towards the Kitsune.

Kiki was hesitant at first, but eventually did as instructed and lifted her seal.

Sylvia's spectral hands burst out of Naruto's body, latched onto Wiz's cloak.

"Back off, Wiz! This is my man!"

Sylvia screeched while shaking the startled Lich with a vengeance.

Naruto started panicking and was about to tell Kiki to suppress Sylvia again when Wiz's face suddenly smacked into his.

"...!"

Yunyun gawked at the sight she was beholding. This was exactly what she'd been waiting for!

Because Naruto and Wiz were now kissing!

As Kiki managed to successfully suppress Sylvia, the room fell silent.

Naruto and Wiz hastily turn away from each other, the shinobi's face is beet red.

"I-I'm sor-"

"No, I'm sorry Naruto-san. I don't believe I have the means to extract Sylvia-san, who seems to have taken a deep position in your soul. Why don't you try asking Cecily-san? She is a powerful Priest, if I'm not mistaken."

The shinobi began to apologize, but the shopkeeper interjected with an unreadable tone.

"O-oh, right… Thanks anyway for trying, Wiz. S-see ya!"

Naruto ran out the door with Kiki in tow.

Yunyun was gushing with excitement.

The circumstances were rather unfortunate, but maybe this would finally push something to happen between those two!

That is, until she noticed the expression on Wiz's face. There was that look again… The older woman was smiling, and yet, her eyes filled with a certain emotion that Yunyun was all too familiar with.

Loneliness.

Yunyun was about to confront her friend when Vanir cleared his throat.

"Moi has some confidential matters to discuss with the shop owner, Crimson brat who has been worried about the recent developments between her party member and certain women inhabiting this town. Wouldst thou mind vacating the store for the time being? Moi can see a certain Axis Cultist making a bold move on a clueless hero in the not-so-distant future with moi all seeing eyes."

Vanir said while making a twirling motion in front of his eyes, causing Yunyun to jump with a start.

"I-I'll be back later to talk, Wiz-san! I promise!"

Yunyun stuttered before running out the door after her party member.

"Interesting… Though thou art undead, moi can see that thou still has the heart of a human maiden. Moi wonders how this will turn out."

Vanir mused as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"How very kind of you, Vanir-san… But can't you already see what is going to happen in the future?"

Wiz asked as she stood up and started walking towards the back room.

"Ah, please do not mistake moi's interference as kindness. Moi simply does not prefer the taste of anguish, much less from that of an undead such as thyself. Moi's platter consists of only that of the most exquisite sort of human emotions. As for thy question, moi has trouble peering into the future of that brat due to moi comrade, whose presence makes even moi's all seeing eyes a bit hazy the further moi peers."

Vanir says before a delish smile crawled on his face.

"But that simply makes things more interesting."

"The Axis Church is at the top of one of the hills, right? Yeah, that's right. Oh, would you look at that... They're having a sale at the armory."

Naruto mumbled as he distracted himself while running down the streets of Axel.

'You are flustered, mine master. Why is that?'

Kiki asked as she casually kept pace by the shinobi's side, and Naruto remembered the fox could feel his emotions through their Beast Bond.

"Well, the thing is… I've been thinking about asking Wiz out, and what just happened really made that thought a lot harder."

Naruto admitted as he slowed his pace, not really expecting the fox to understand. But one thing he discovered was that it felt good to say such things out loud without fear of judgment.

He really did need to have a conversation with Yunyun regarding this topic again… Revealing his past and his plans just took precedence is all.

"Why does it make it more difficult?"

Kiki asked with an innocent tilt to her head.

"Because… What if she says no?"

Naruto looked up at the afternoon sky, and at the puffy clouds that lazily moved with the wind. If Shikamaru were here, no doubt the guy would deem this situation as "troublesome".

"Forgive this one for being so bold, but that should not matter. From my understanding of the emotions that I have been sensing through our bond, you seem to care deeply for this Wiz person, and it is clear that you fear damaging your relationship. If she does not reciprocate such feelings, do you think she is the kind of person who would discard your friendship in turn?"

"Well…"

Naruto began, but upon thinking about it, he found that he really didn't have a way to respond. He and Wiz were friends, and admittedly, he was scared of losing that friendship.

"I guess you're right… Wiz isn't that kind of person. I don't know why I was getting all worked up!"

Not to mention, he was only going to ask her out on a simple date. It wasn't like he was declaring his undying love or proposing or anything like that!

If she wanted to stay friends, then he would be satisfied with that. He cherished their friendship, after all.

Now feeling silly, Naruto opened his mind again and imagined himself and Wiz at the Golden Chalice.

'There, that's not so bad…'

Naruto thought before his imagination took a sudden turn. Sylvia's arms burst out of his chest and pulled Wiz towards him into another kiss.

The shinobi shook his head, his face steaming once more.

'Okay, maybe it was still a little embarrassing…'

Having ascended the hill where the humble Axis Church was located, Naruto walked up to the wooden shack and knocked on the door. He then heard a yelp and a crash inside, so he quickly opened the door and went inside to investigate.

Cecily was sitting on the floor, covered head-to-toe in a clear substance.

"Ugh… This was the last of my Tokoroten Slime! Now it's all wasted!"

"I would feel bad, but I can't take you seriously if you keep licking your arms like that…"

Naruto retorted with a flat expression on his face as he watched the girl make short work of the mess on her limbs with a propeller-like tongue.

"Oh, did you want to try licking some off of my body, darling? How bold…"

Cecily cooed and looked away all shy, her licks becoming subtle.

"N-no! Also, aren't you engaged? Or were you serious about breaking things off with that poor fellow…"

Naruto barked while looking away since the moisture of the gelatin was making the girl's already snug robes stick to her proportionate figure.

"Who's engaged?"

Cecily asks while tilting her head innocently, causing the shinobi to falter in his stance.

"Oh, that! Yeah, that was all a ruse to make you jealous. I bet it worked, huh? You couldn't bear the thought of someone else eating Tokoroten slime on my voluptuous figure! Aren't you glad you don't have anything to worry about?"

The priest cooed as she walked behind a wooden screen and began to undress.

"Why am I not surprised… Also, are we still on the Tokoroten slime?"

Naruto replied while pinching the bridge of his nose. Not even a full conversation with this woman and he already felt mentally exhausted.

"No peeking~!"

Cecily chirped from behind the screen.

"I won't. Anyways… I was hoping to ask you for a favor, Cecily."

Naruto asked to get the ball moving. While he didn't necessarily have other plans today, he wasn't keen on the idea of a prolonged conversation with the crazy nun. His mental state was already fragile enough as it was.

So, the sooner he could get Sylvia out of his body, the better.

"What kind of favor? Ah! Do I sense ulterior motives? You dirty boy…"

Cecily asked while poking her head out to stare at her fellow blonde mischievously. That was when she finally noticed Kiki standing by Naruto's side.

"No. I was wondering if you could-WHAT ARE YOU DOOOING!?"

Naruto suddenly shouted and covered his eyes when Cecily charged straight towards him in nothing but her slimy underwear.

"Who is that lil cutieeeeeEEK!?"

The Axis Cultist yelped when her foot slipped on the trail of Tokoroten slime that had been left behind.

Kiki readily jumped towards safety as Cecily crashed right into Naruto who had shielded his eyes.

"N-Naruto-san! W-wait! It's a trap! It's a… Ah."

Yunyun barged into the Axis Church and came across an amazing sight.

Naruto and Cecily, both covered in what appeared to be a clear substance, were laying on the floor with limbs entangled. The boy's face was completely buried in the girl's bust, with both hands gripping her butt.

"Oh nooo~! Yunyun discovered us, darling! I guess she has to join!"

Cecily cooed while making strange hand gestures towards the Crimson Demon, a dangerous gleam in her blue eyes.

"S-stop it, you! You're making it worse! Y-Yunyun! This isn't what it looks like! S-she just slipped! That's all… Hey! Wait! Why are you closing the door? Yunyun? Yunyuuun!"

A Few Minutes Later…

After a scolding session from Yunyun, Naruto and Cecily were kneeling on the floor seiza-style. Although the priestess didn't seem to be showing any signs of regret, which irked the shinobi to no end.

But Naruto let it go for now and filled her in on his situation.

"So, can you purify me?"

"Sure."

Cecily simply replied with a shrug, causing the boy to blink.

That was it? Just a "Sure"? No unreasonable demands like a certain bratty goddess?

"...Who are you and what have you done with Cecily?"

"Why are you questioning it, Naruto-san? I can understand your surprise, but questions like that always raise a flag!"

Yunyun barked but it was too late, and just as she feared, Cecily's face shifted into a genuine smile.

"Because you have done so much for me and the Axis Order, Naruto-san. Whatever I can do to return the kindness that you have bestowed upon me and my Sect, I will gladly do without hesitation."

Cecily replied and positioned herself into a slight bow. With the afternoon light shining in from the cracks in the roof, it gave the woman a serene and graceful appearance. She looked like a proper priestess.

Naruto's mouth opened slightly, the image tugging on his heartstrings. If only this girl always acted so genuine. Then maybe he'd…

"Of course, if you would prefer I repay you with my body, then I have very little leverage to deny you!"

Cecily continued with steam coming out of her nose, and just like that, the graceful image was shattered into a million pieces.

Naruto's face turned flat, an expression that he now shared with Yunyun.

"I'll stick with the purification, please."

"Oh, that's too bad. Ah! I hear purification is more effective through skin to skin contact-"

"Just a normal purification, please."

"Tch…!"

Did that girl seriously just click her teeth? To think his heart moved for this hopeless person even in the slightest bit.

"Give me back my thoughts of admiration just now."

"Me too."

Both Naruto and Yunyun said while sticking their hands out expectantly.

"H-how cruel! To think that not just my beloved, but even the sweet Yunyun would treat me so coldly! Ah… Now my emotional battery is too drained to perform the Purification! Only the energy we Priests gain from cute lolitas like Megumin will be able to recharge this poor Onee-chan…!"

Cecily moped while leaning back in a dramatic fashion, wiping a lone tear from her eye.

What nonsense was this girl saying now? Also, Megumin would be angry if she heard that.

Naruto sighed and was about to grab a towel for the nearly naked girl when Kiki hopped down from the table next to Cecily.

'This one doesn't quite understand, but this unstable priestess requires the Crimson Demon Megumin in order to perform the exorcism? Then, I shall be of use to mine master.'

"Ah, no, that's okay Kiki. That girl is just-"

Naruto began to say while scratching at his whisker marks, but Kiki's form exploded into gray smoke. When it dispersed, the fox appeared to have transformed into an exact replica of Megumin.

"T-this adorable creature just transformed into an even cuter lolita!? Am I dreaming!?"

Cecily asked, her gleaming eyes bulging out of their sockets as she slowly reached towards the now disturbed Megumin(Kiki).

'M-master… This one failed to notice before, but this woman's mind is full of unspeakable things…!'

"Oh dear god… Run, Kiki!"

Naruto warned and lunged forward as Cecily pounced on the transformed Kitsune.

–After restraining the crazy nun and calming the now traumatized Kiki down, Naruto and a fully dressed Cecily sat at the worn table in the center of the shabby church.

A magic circle had been drawn around them, and it glowed as the priestess finally began her purification ceremony.

'Reminds me of Aqua… Oh, are you going to be okay Kurama? The purification hurts you, doesn't it?'

Naruto asked when he remembered the past instances when Aqua purified him. Something about energies being transmuted and whatnot…

'Peh… This human's purification won't even tickle me.'

Kurama scoffed at the idea that its host would even humor the thought of a normal human being strong enough to bring harm to the great nine-tail fox.

'Huh… Was that an indirect compliment to Aqua? Color me surprised.'

Naruto mused, and the nine-tailed fox bristled.

'Watch it, brat… Or I might just do some sleepwalking one night. You won't see it coming'

Kurama growled in annoyance, but its host's only response was a smirk.

"Okay, the Purification is ready."

Cecily stated as the light intensified, drawing the shinobi's attention.

"In the light of the Goddess, Aqua-sama, I hereby sentence this spirit to the afterlife…"

As she continued her prayer, Naruto turned towards Kiki and nodded his head. No matter what happened, even if Sylvia caused another "accident", he wouldn't falter.

"...may this restless soul find peace and salvation. Turn Undead!"

Cecily finished and cast the purification spell just as Kiki loosened her grip on Sylvia.

The room was consumed in a flash of holy light before falling into silence once more.

Yunyun held her breath, fearing a repeat of what happened with Wiz. But when nothing happened, she let out a sigh of relief.

"How do you feel? Great, right? After all, the beautiful priestess of the Axis Cult purified you."

Cecily stated while brushing her hair over her shoulder confidently, and it was honestly like watching a blonde version of Aqua talking big game.

Unfortunately for the confident nun, the upper half of Sylvia's spirit fully emerged from Naruto's body and grabbed Cecily by the collar.

"HAHAHA! Did you really think your pitiful purification spell would be enough to separate me from my beloved!? I saw everything, you hussy! Stay away from my man!"

Sylvia bellowed with aggressive laughter as they lifted the Priestess into the air.

Naruto panicked. Sylvia was even stronger than before! He needed to tell Kiki to restrain-

"Hah!? Your man!? Get in line, you harlot! Not even the Demon King himself could get in the way of the greatest power a woman has! Dibs! And I. Called. Dibs! Turn Undead! Turn Undead! Turn Undead!"

Cecily defiantly roared and fired off purification spell after purification spell, prompting the evil spirit to screech in pain and lash out by throwing the nun.

Naruto's form burst into golden chakra, and a limb made from pure energy shot out to prevent the priestess from crashing through the wall. Nine chakra tails formed and latched onto Sylvia to restrain the spirit's movements.

But to Naruto's surprise, the chakra harmlessly phased right through them.

'I see… So that's how it is.'

Kurama muttered with a hint of annoyance as Sylvia turned to face the shinobi, and their eyes glowered with a lust so powerful he could almost physically feel it.

Luckily, Kiki sprung into action and Naruto felt a wave of relief as her light magic washed over him.

Sylvia's expression turned regretful as they retreated back into Naruto's body, causing the ninja to shiver as the golden chakra dissipated.

"N-Naruto-san! Are you alright!?"

Yunyun asked as she ran up to the blonde, checking him over for any signs of injuries.

"Yeah, I'm fine… Cecily too."

Naruto replied and the two looked at the other side of the room to see Cecily leaning against the wall, her eyes spinning from the sudden movement.

'What the hell was that!?'

'It seems that former general is using magic to fuse your souls, which allowed them enough control over my power to prevent me from interfering.'

Kurama revealed, causing the ninja's face to pale.

...Maybe being Aqua's butler for a week wouldn't be so bad.

A/N: Seeing as I was unable to uphold the weekly update tradition due to personal time constraints, I have a proposition for you folks:

Would you rather have shorter chapters but retain the weekly updates, or keep the chapters longer with biweekly updates?

There are merits to both, as I can probably post once or even twice a week if the chapters range from 1500-3000 words a pop. Or if they're 5000 words on average, I could potentially have a good week and write ahead of schedule.

The choice is yours!

Spirit out!