Chapter 8: Romance and Decorum

Review Replies

Vongola Ninja: Man, I REALLY wrote a lot, I'll try and pull backnon that, Anyway good to see things becoming official with our Blonde boys, Though I still suspect they'll have their rough moment like with Orochimaru and Hinata's moon stalker, As well as the girls out their looking to get with our Namikaze boys.

Speaking of Namikaze or Namikage in this sence and I hope you don't take issue with this but it felt like Haku was WAY to open with thigs between her and Zabuza, Especially considering Naruto and the rest are strangers.

But for Wave itself, I see it becoming the Village for those who are looking for a second chance, I don't expect any major involvement till Shippuden timeline but that fine.

For Arthur other half, I'm suggesting Ayame, A proper The Prince and The Pauper situation only with romance and not switching lives

ThermalsniperN7: I suspect rough moments are likely to come afoot in some way or another. As for the thing with Haku, well, they were going to become allies, so it felt pertinent to have them trust one another. I hope that makes sense.

Dragon Emperor0: As far as having Namigakure play a bigger role in Shippuden and Arthur ending up with Ayame… I guess you'll just have to wait and see.

hitsdifferent: you're disgusting. I don't care what you say Minato and Kushina are forever

ThermalsniperN7: Oh, so thinking people shouldn't stay single forever after their significant other dies makes us disgusting, does it? Thinking Minato deserves to be happy after Kushina died makes us disgusting, does it? Unbelievable…

Dragon Emperor0: In the words of the Sopranos: Get outta here!

TheWateringWizard: Really interested in a Minato-lives-and-cares-for-Naruto story but come on… Minato struggling against Mizuki ? Don't try to tell me it's because he has to hold back to keep him alive, that's bull.

Minato would've ABSOLUTELY WIPED the floor with Mizuki even if he needs to be kept alive. He's a fucking chunin going up against a fucking Hokage who can teleport INSTANTLY to any kunai or Hiraishin mark he's left. I don't believe Mizuki would be able to catch him off guard by throwing a shuriken at him, in front of him.

Please don't dumb down or power down characters to enhance your vilains. It's bad writing.

You can have a character who's way stronger extend the fight without him struggling. He could be toying with his enemy or getting him to monologue to gather more info… that's just some ideas but you get my drift ?

That aside, and please take this as constructive criticism for future fights, I'm interested to see the changes in your Hinata and Sasuke and how they all fit as a team

ThermalsniperN7: It's my first time actually helping write a Naruto fic, okay? In regards to the thing with Mizuki and MInato, why is it considered "bad writing" to have weak people get a few hits in on stronger people? There are plenty of examples of this happening, and it played out fine. Just look at Guts from Berserk; he takes on demons leagues above his abilities every day, and he still kicks their asses.

Dragon Emperor0: I think it's a power scaling issue, mainly. But seriously, enough with this critique, guys. It's getting old.

ThermalsniperN7: Yeah. We know you guys mean well, but hearing about the flaws of one fight constantly can grate on a writer's nerves.

-Hidden Leaf Village-

Naruto yawned as he started walking down the street of his home village on his way to where he usually went to go eat when not at home, that being Ichiraku Ramen, his face ever so slightly buried in the small book that his sensei had given him after he and his team got home.

That book was Makeout Tactics, first book of the Makeout romance novel series and the blonde had been practically glued to the book's pages ever since the previous night.

Now he wouldn't consider himself a pervert by any means, but he had to admit, the descriptions of the bedroom antics of the main characters did cause the teens blood to heat up his face—his brain concocting images of himself and Hinata in the MCs places…

'Whoa, there! I'm nowhere near that stage yet!' He exclaimed mentally, tearing himself momentarily away from his book. Sure, Hinata is the first girl he's ever been with, but he was sure as fuck he wasn't ready for that sort of thing yet.

Still, the temptation was very strong…

He secretly hoped that he wouldn't be overcome with lust when they went out on their date the following night…

Stopping at Ichiraku, Naruto continued to read the small book in his possession while he waited for the two owners of the shop to address him so he could order, which was a pretty typical routine for him.

After a bit of them doing something in the back (likely an inventory check), the two came out and saw him waiting.

"Hiya, Naruto! How was your first C-Rank mission trip?" Teuchi questioned as he saw one of his most loyal customers sitting in his usual spot.

The blonde didn't seem to notice that he'd come back to work, still seemingly engrossed in a particularly juicy segment in the current chapter he'd been reading of his book—something Ayame took notice of—given he typically didn't ignore the older man, it just wasn't how the kid normally acted.

She knew how to snap him out of it.

"Naruto!" She exclaimed, shaking his shoulder to get his attention.

"GAH!" The boy yelped as he nearly dropped his book, his Fox-like claws coming out as a defense mechanism. "Damn it, big sis Ayame! Don't do that! You nearly gave me a fuckin' heart attack!" He snapped, pocketing his reading material for the time being.

"Well don't get so invested in a book that you don't notice us here!" The woman shot back.

"Sorry, been reading that since last night, I just got to chapter twenty." The blonde replied as he sat back straight. "I'll have the Tonkatsu like usual, but make it the Spicy Miso version this time." He told the two.

"You got it." Teuchi nodded as he and Ayame got to work. "So, I heard you went on a C-Rank mission. How'd it go?" He asked as they got to work.

"It was actually more like a B-Rank mission, believe it or not, we had to deal with a mob boss and two rogue ninja too. Not counting the Demon Brothers." The blonde corrected as Ayame gave him a glass of water to drink,

The two seemed to pause as they looked at him in shock—right as someone else entered the stall before either could comment further.

And to the boy's surprise, it was King Arthur Pendragon, the man currently being dressed in a casual men's kimono meant for everyday wear if someone wanted to just go around town but still appear nicely dressed.

"I didn't think I'd see you here." Naruto blinked, getting his attention.

"Oh, Naruto. I suppose you frequent this place." The man hummed.

"Pretty much. What brings you here? And without an entourage." The Jinchuriki questioned.

"I typically don't require looking after so I wouldn't worry about that, my boy." The king of Camelot replied. "As for what I'm doing here, well, I was told that if I wanted to become acquainted with the food of your country but did not wish to spend a quote "arm and leg" this would be a good place to start." He explained.

"Fair enough." The blonde nodded in understanding. "I speak from experience when I say that you'll still get quality food here, since the people running the stand are some of the best ramen makers in the village—believe it." He added with a smirk. He might be biased on that, but can you blame him? The Ichirakus knew what they were doing.

"Ha ha! I'll take your word for it, then." The man laughed. "Then perhaps you wouldn't mind giving a recommendation?" He asked.

"Well since you're probably a guy with more refined tastes, I'd start off simple with a delicately flavored beef and soy sauce ramen. It's a pretty good starting point." Naruto replied.

"Very well, and thank you." Arthur nodded right as Ayame came with Naruto's order.

"Here's your bowl, Nar–" She started to say as she sat the bowl down in front of the boy, her words halting when she saw Arthur.

"Thanks Ayame." The blonde smiled as he took the bowl, before noticing that she was looking at Arthur. "Oh! Ayame, this is King Arthur, he's from another country that's pretty far from here." He told the still shocked girl. "This is Ayame, Gramps Teuchi's daughter, she's probably the closest thing I have to a big sister." He told Arthur as he grabbed some chopsticks.

"Another country? Where did he come from?" The woman's father blinked as he prepared Arthur's order, having heard Naruto recommend it.

"Britannia, sir." The king replied respectfully. "My kingdom, Camelot, was unfortunately overrun and many of my allies including myself were forced to flee." He explained. "My people are on their way here and we're going to be taking refuge until I can muster the armies needed to retake my capital." He added.

"A leader ousted by his enemies. That's a tale that happens in more ways than you think in these nations." Teuchi stated as he continued his work.

Ayame, meanwhile, was still slightly in shock, at least until Arthur addressed her directly.

"I'm sorry, Madame. I don't believe we've been formally introduced?" He noted, causing her to snap out of her thoughts before bowing.

"Yes! My name is Ayame, it's nice to meet you, your majesty." She nodded.

"Just Arthur will do. Any friend of Naruto or the Hokage's is a friend of mine." The king nodded as Teuchi placed his order in front of him, prompting both him and Naruto to prepare their chopsticks.

"Itadakimasu!" The blonde smiled as he dug in, surprising the king of Camelot with his apparently gluttonous appetite.

"Um… Is that normal?" He asked with a blink.

"Oh yes. Stick around long enough, and won't surprise you anymore." Ayame chuckled in reply.

"Aha…" The man nodded as he too did his own before meal prayer before eating, and was immediately taken aback by how the noodles tasted. "My god, I can see why he recommended it…" He muttered before resuming his meal.

"So, other than you looking for allies and a home for your subjects, what else are you looking for?" Ayame asked the auburn haired man as he continued his meal, though the man did notice that she was still blushing as she tried to maintain eye contact. 'Oh wow… He's actually handsome.' She thought.

"Refuge, for one." Arthur replied, unaware of Ayame's thoughts. "Though on a more personal note, I am currently looking for a woman I may make my queen." He mused idly.

"Why not get a woman who's a good cook, like Ayame?" Naruto chimed in with a chuckle, causing Teuchi to nearly drop his kitchenware, Ayame's soul to nearly leave her body, and Arthur… To actually regard the suggestion seriously, his eyebrow being quirked.

"Naruto!" The woman exclaimed with a blush after she put her soul back where it belonged.

"… An interesting suggestion, Naruto. I'll take it under consideration." The king nodded.

It didn't seem that unthiesable of a suggestion. As it stood, Arthur was having a terrible time looking at the different noble families and clans for a potential bride, none of the heiresses being humble or all that good hearted, and generally the ninjas he met were all either too young or too busy to truly get to know each other.

Additionally, as a boy, Arthur had been a commoner due to him being left out of his noble beginnings by Merlin to make sure that he developed the qualities needed to be a good king.

So, he certainly wasn't opposed to looking at women from more humble beginnings, after all, they could have many things in common.

A thought for another day, he supported.

"Thank you for the meal." The king nodded as he left his payment and dishes behind before leaving.

Naruto looked back and then at Ayame and smirked at her.

"I think you might have a chance there, Ayame. Just saying." He chuckled.

Ayame said nothing, unable to form words since she was more focused on her blushing face.

'He showed interest…' She thought, seeing a vision of her and Arthur on a date.

(Elsewhere)

Meanwhile, Arthur was now walking into Minato's office, due to the fact that the man had been informed of a mission the Fourth Hokage had sent his subordinate on.

"Arthur, I wasn't expecting to see you today." The blonde noted.

"I was informed by Gray that you sent Clovis to a neighboring village?" He questioned.

"Yes. I've sent him to the Hidden Mist Village to assist the Mizukage in reigning in the chaos there." Minato nodded.

"Right, a woman by the name of Mei, yes?" The man asked.

"Yeah?" Minato nodded, confused.

"I was afraid of that…" The Englishman sighed.

"Why do I hear dread in your voice?" He asked in bewilderment.

"Minato, do you know how old Clovis is?" The man asked.

"He's similar in appearance to Naruto and his friends, so I assumed fifteen or sixteen, at most seventeen." The Hokage replied. "Why?" He asked.

"That's actually not the case." Arthur told him. "In truth, he's actually closer to twenty or twenty one, but due to the cold climate of Russia not allowing plentiful resources, his growth was slowed to the point his appearance was the way it is now." He explained.

"Oh… Okay, but what does this have to do with Mei?" The Yellow Flash asked.

"To be perfectly frank, Clovis is what's known by his peers to be a cougar hunter." The son of Uthor explained.

That told Minato what he needed to know.

"What have I done…?" The blonde leader uttered in dread, fearing he might have inadvertently incurred the Mizukage's wrath if Clovis hooked up with her and dumped her later.

(Elsewhere)

"AHCHOO!" Clovis Bray let out a loud sneeze as he and his escorts finally reached their destination, the Village Hidden in the Mist.

"Are you getting a cold?" One of the ANBU asked.

"No. I don't get sick easily. Probably just some dust or something." The apparently short young man replied, scratching his nose. "So, what can you tell me about the Mizukage?" He asked as they waited at the village gate for escorts.

"She's the holder of the Boil Release bloodline—capable of also using lava and acid release jutsu, so don't think she's just another pretty face. She could melt you before you know it." One of the female ANBU supplied with a bit of a warning tone.

"But to that end, she is considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the world, second only to Tsunade Senju and the women of Uzumaki clan." His second escort, a male ANBU ninja, replied. "It still astounds me that she's still single, if I'm being completely honest." He muttered.

"That still sounds like a travesty to me." Clovis remarked, recalling how Anko had made a similar remark.

It was then that a figure dressed in a blue short cut dress that showed a particularly good view of the cleavage of their G-Cup bust and other luscious assets approached them from inside the village, flanked by two Mist ANBU and a Kage hat covering their face—save for their gorgeous head of auburn hair.

"Ah, good. I was hoping it would be you." The woman commented, sounding pleased to see them.

As soon as Clovis saw the woman's face after she removed her headwear—his heart nearly stopped.

He figured that Mei had to be beautiful, given that Minato said she was the second most beautiful woman in the world—but what the Hokage had not mentioned—was that 'the second most beautiful woman in the world' would still end up being an absolute goddess!

"Am I correct in assuming that you are the one the Fourth Hokage Minato sent?" Mei questioned as the Leaf ANBU disappeared, their jobs done.

"That's right." Clovis nodded, managing to keep his hormones in check. "My name is Clovis Bray." He added with a nod. "I was sent as a way of also currying favor among the other villages for my Superior, King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot." The young man explained as they entered the village together.

"I see." The redhead nodded. "I assume Minato already informed you of the situation here?" She asked.

"Yes, though they also told me a bit about yourself as well." Clovis nodded, attempting to be as forthright as possible with the Fifth Mizukage.

"Oh? What did they tell you, hm?" The auburn haired woman questioned with a hum.

"They told me that you've yet to find a husband for yourself, despite you spending a certain amount of time before becoming Mizukage trying to do so." He explained, again attempting to be forthright. "And… I'll be completely frank with you, Lady Fifth. I am honest to god having a very hard time believing that someone as beautiful as you is somehow still single." He stated as they reached the woman's main compound building.

"Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Mr. Bray." The woman told him with a chuckle.

"Actually, I'm twenty-one." Clovis corrected, much to her shock.

"Wha–?! But why are you so short?!" She questioned in disbelief.

"My homeland didn't allow for abundant resources, so there wasn't much to go around." The Russian replied with a sigh. "Hence my height." He elaborated. "And I am not speaking in flattery, I'm genuinely flabbergasted that a goddess such as yourself is not married by now—that just seems like sacrilege to me—and please, Mr. Bray was my father—call me Clovis." He continued.

This caused the woman to blush quite noticeably as they entered her office, causing her to clear her throat as the two sat down.

"Well, I… Appreciate your honesty." She coughed. "But, we should focus on the task at hand. Work first, then pleasure." She stated.

"Fair enough." Clovis nodded as he took a seat in front of the woman's desk. "Now, why don't you get me up to speed on what's happening?" He requested.

"I am coming into power after the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi was ousted from power, and I need help detaining his sympathizers before they can upend my efforts to reform the state." She told him.

"I can help with that. I know a few techniques that will aid in detainment." Clovis nodded, his left hand faintly glowing purple before it faded.

"Thank you." The woman nodded. "And how would you prefer to be compensated for your work under my employment? Surely you don't expect to do this for free?" She questioned, leaning forward on her desk, her green eyes looking at him with a mischievous gleam while a seductive smile creeped into her voluptuous lips which were painted a dusty rose to match her hair.

"I don't." The weather user replied as he leaned forward. "However, I find myself at a loss for what would be good compensation. I don't know what to ask for." He added.

"Oh? Well that won't do." She muttered. "Surely there must be something I can compensate you with?" She asked.

Clovis seemed to think for a moment, as if weighing his options, before he recalled the Fifth Mizukage's comment about work before pleasure.

That gave him an idea.

"Actually, there is one thing." He hummed. "You said work before pleasure earlier, well, how about—as compensation for my work here and your work in making sure my job is done to the letter—You agree to allow me to take you out for a night of pure pleasure?" He offered.

"Oh my… Well, aren't you just a cougar hunter…?" The woman hummed, blushing a bit more now.

"Lady Fifth, you may look to be seven years my senior, but I know for an indisputable fact that you are one of, if not the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my entire life." The Russian stated. "And in my culture, a woman as beautiful as yourself never having been married, especially in her biological prime, is practically sacrilege and a heresy of nearly the highest order." He added, leaning forward. "So—I say this with all seriousness—I may have dated many women in my few years of adulthood and never considered settling down, but—if you're willing—I would be more than happy to amend both situations by not only treating you to the pleasure you have been missing, but also make you my bride thereafter, forthwith." He declared.

Mei was actually stunned by what she'd heard. She had been approached by no other man in the Elemental Nations, all of them thinking she was "past marriage age…" Those people got more than just a black eye for prodding at her age. Internally, however, she hid the fact that she was actually a little saddened by not finding a significant other.

Now here was Clovis Bray, a man seven years her junior, from a land that she'd never heard of till today, basically promising to marry her if she agreed to his terms.

It was like a dream come true. But she had to be absolutely certain this wasn't a trick.

"This isn't a trick, is it?" She questioned. "I barely know anything about you, your allies, country or customs. Nor you mine. How can I be certain this is not a ruse?" She questioned once more.

"Well, that could be part of all this; It's a learning experience for both of us. There's certainly too much to list in one sitting, isn't there?" Clovis questioned rhetorically.

"You're certainly right about that." Mei conceded since there was indeed too much for one sitting. "Alright. I can agree to your terms. If you're willing to live up to your end of the bargain when the time comes." She told him.

"I am more than willing." The young man nodded. "Of that, you can be certain." He added.

"Then we have an agreement." Mei purred, the noise causing Clovis' heart to skip a beat from how it sounded.

"I can get to work right now if you'd like." The young man offered.

"In that case…" The Mizukage trailed off as she opened a drawer and put a paper with a list of names on the desk. "Here are your first targets." She told him.

"And how many are there in total?" He asked.

"That is the first of two lists, each with five targets on them. Finish this first list and we can move onto the next one." The woman replied. "I'm sure that won't be an issue?" She stated.

"Not at all. Just tell me where to find them, and the hunt is on." Clovis chuckled as he manifested a bow made of spectral energy.

"Glad to hear it." The Fifth Mizukage smiled.

(Timeskip)

It was a few days later back in Konoha, and the father/son duo of Minato and Naruto were currently waiting on the same street corner for their respective dates to arrive—the former waiting for his aid turned potential(?) girlfriend, Anko Miturashi, and the latter waiting for his current girlfriend, Hinata Hyuga.

Both of them were wearing men's kimonos, Minato's being green with yellow clouds on it and Naruto's being blue with whirlpool patterns on it.

As they were waiting, the Fourth Hokage soon took notice of the fact that his son was reading a small book while he checked his watch—a book that he was very familiar with.

"Naruto… Where did you get that book?" Minato questioned, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"Huh? Oh, Kakashi-sensei gave it to me. I've been reading it since yesterday." The Jinchuriki replied.

"Oh don't be koi, you know damn well the reason why you're reading that Toad Sage's smut books is so you can use it as reference material for when you get freaky with your little girlfriend." Kurama chortled.

"Pipe down, will ya?!" Naruto hissed aloud. "Damn fox…" He muttered, resuming his reading.

"... He's teasing you, isn't he?" The Hokage deadpanned, getting a nod in return. "Yeah, my half is doing the same." He sighed.

"Eh? What'd you say?" A drowsy sounding version of Kurama's voice questioned in the man's head.

"When he's not sleeping…" The man muttered.

"Why does it matter anyway? You saying you've read these books before?" Naruto asked.

"Your godfather wrote them, and your mother hated them." Minato told him in reply. "I admittedly read them when I was alone." He admitted.

"Why'd she hate them? I mean, sure they're not something you'd read in polite company, but come on—they're not that bad, are they?" The teen questioned.

"To her, they were filth… Though I did hear her once say she was jealous that Jiraiya thought of the things in his books when she didn't." Minato admitted.

"Hold up." The blonde said as he looked at his father. "Did you just say that this Jiraiya guy is my godfather?" He questioned.

"Yeah… Part of the reason you've never seen him around is because running a spy network makes him a very busy man." The Yellow Flash told him in reply with a sigh.

"... Well, given how my life has gone so far, I guess I can't be too mad at him." Naruto sighed. "I'm probably gonna prank him when I get the chance, though." He added.

"Please don't, you may actually give him a heart attack." The man deadpanned with a sweatdrop.

It was then that both Hinata and Anko had finally reached where the two men had been waiting, Naruto quickly putting away his book once he saw his girlfriend appear.

"Did I keep you waiting?" The heiress asked when she was close enough.

The girl had decided to dress herself in a lilac colored Qing Pao dress with gold floral designs—a dress that very much did quite a good job at accentuating her blooming figure… Not that Naruto was complaining.

"N-No! Not at all!" The boy smiled nervously. "Wow, Hinata, you look gorgeous!" He added sheepishly, his face very much red.

"Th-Thank you." Hinata stuttered, feeling very much flattered.

Meanwhile, Anko was being a bit more aggressive than the teenager with her when she approached Minato.

"So, Lord Fourth, how do I look?" She asked, strutting to man with an enticing swing in her steps, which made her hips sway and her body to bounce in a very seductive fashion.

She was wearing a purple kimono that stopped just short of her knees with a dark purple sash around her abdomen.

"Uh… P-Pretty good, actually." The man replied with a flustered voice, his face covered in a sizable blush.

Anko smiled as she hugged Minato's arm into her chest before proceeding to drag him away to wherever they had planned to go for their date.

Naruto, meanwhile, looked at Hinata after his father and his date left.

"So, I was kinda planning on us getting some ramen at Ichiraku tonight… Unless that's not really your thing?" The boy suggested.

"Well, there is a really nice seafood restaurant I know that's within both our abilities to pay." Hinata supplied. "It makes some pretty decent sushi too." She added.

"Lead the way. Some seafood actually sounds good." The blonde prompted.

However, as the two left to go to the chosen destination for their date, a masked figure watched them from a distance, flickering away after a minute or two.

(Timeskip)

It was three days later and after using the past week to let his team recuperate from their previous mission, Kakashi was now waiting for his team to arrive at their usual spot, arriving surprisingly on time in comparison to Sasuke and Hinata who arrived two and ten minutes later—surprising the Jonin since we wasn't expecting his usually punctual team members to be as late as they were.

"Alright, what took you two?" Kakashi asked as he closed his copy of Makeout Paradise.

"Had to deal with some home issues." Sasuke replied. "Mom's still getting used to being pregnant again." He elaborated.

"Same." Hinata added.

"Naruto's still not here. Wonder what's keeping him?" The White Fang's son wondered. "Well, we can't start training off with only three fourths of our team here, so your first exercise will be to find our missing number one knucklehead." He told the two.

"That shouldn't be too hard." Sasuke shrugged. The formula was actually simple: Follow the chaos, and you're liable to find Naruto.

The two then started to begin checking the Nine Tails Jinchuriki usual haunts to try and find him, his home, Ichiraku and his favorite spot atop Minato's monument were all a bust—but the last one did allow Hinata to see the boy in the old park frantically dashing around the entire place in the midst of doing something.

'What is he doing?' She wondered as she started closing in on her boyfriend.

The two then body flickered to the spot in question, both being rather winded and saw Naruto frantically bandaging up a bunch of unconscious people—before dashing over to where a satchel lay on the ground and scooped it up, slinging it over his shoulder as he tucked away his medical kit.

"Gonna be late! Gonna be late! Gonna be late! Gonna be late! Gonna be late!" He muttered, panicked as he was about to dash out of the park.

"What's going on?" Sasuke wondered with a blink, causing the blonde to turn and see his teammates.

"Sasuke? Hinata? What're you two doing here?" The blonde delinquent questioned.

"We were just about to ask you the same thing." The Uchiha replied. "Why does it look like you were beating up our former classmates?" He asked, examining some of the people.

"What?!" Hinata yelled, now fuming as she snapped an angry byakugan gaze at the Jinchuriki.

"They were trying to muscle me out of the results of a project I've been working on!" The Dead Last Demon replied, yelping as he leapt back from his angry girlfriend. "I told them the only way they'd get it was to pry it from my cold dead hands and, well, you have two eyes." He stated, adjusting his satchel.

"I get wanting to keep whatever you're working on from being stolen, but how does this make anything better?" Hinata deadpanned.

"How the hell should I know?!" The blonde snapped, arms flailing.

"Well next time, at least leave some for me." Sasuke stated. "What's this project of yours, anyway?" He questioned.

"It's the kind of project that's none of your damn business, Sasuke!" The boy snapped.

"Would you two shut up?!" Hinata snapped. "I swear, you two are a bunch of boorish brutes!" She hissed as she body flickered away.

"… The hell was that about?" Naruto questioned, getting a shrug in return.

"I dunno… Why would she call you a brute? Aren't you two dating?" Sasuke questioned.

"Stress, maybe?" Naruto shrugged. "Wait, come to think of it. Didn't I see you and Sakura sucking face at the Sushi restaurant Hinata and I were at?" He questioned as the two hopped to the rooftops.

"Oh, now who's getting into everyone else's business?" The Uchiha retorted.

"Up yours, pretty boy!" The blonde snapped, flipping him off as another figure watched them leave.

(Later)

At the team's training ground, Kakashi and Hinata were still waiting for them when they arrived, and surprisingly—so was Leone.

"Okay, what the hell, Hinata? I thought you said you liked me? So what's with the insults?!" Naruto questioned as he walked towards them, both confused and actually kind of hurt, especially given their relationship.

"Lover's quarrel?" The Spartan whispered to Kakashi as the two watched the developing argument.

"Pretty much." Kakashi whispered back.

"It's because… Because my father wants Team Seven and you too, Leone, to come to dinner later tonight. And all of you are immensely uncouth, so we could be looking at a situation where he orders the dissolution of team 7!" She explained.

This led to a moment of silence before the others all started laughing in different levels of hysterics.

"Why are you laughing?!" Hinata demanded irritably.

"I'm not really an official part of Team 7, I just tag along!" Leone laughed.

"My father could try to get you and your allies forced out of the village." The Angel stated.

"Fat chance!" Naruto laughed. "My dad and Fugaku get the last say on everything in the village, remember? It doesn't matter how influential your dad is, if he doesn't like something—tough shit! He's gonna have to deal with it!" He howled.

"Yeah, my dad is never gonna go with Leone and his allies being kicked out of the village either!" Sasuke laughed as well. "Much less chance of our team being dissolved!" He added.

"Besides, Kakashi, Sasuke and I are from influential clans and the Hokage's son respectively. We can be couth if we want to." The jinchuriki nodded, getting a nod from Kakashi.

"Let's resume our training for the day and then I'll take you guys out for lunch, how's that sound?" Their sensei asked.

"Sounds good to me!" Naruto chimed as everyone got to training.

(Later)

The group of Team Seven plus their Spartan companion were now at a Yakiniku restaurant that Kakashi brought them to, the five being seated towards the very back where their conversations could easily be lost in all the chatter.

"Alright, Hinata's father wants to meet with us and gauge how we behave. What's one thing that we should all consider?" The cycloptic man questioned.

"Is that why you brought us here? Practice?" Naruto sighed. "Sensei, I've been to at least three dinner parties at the Uchiha compound. I think I can handle the Hyuuga." He stated.

"I've seen him at my family's dinner parties, so I can actually attest." Sasuke nodded in acknowledgement.

"Regardless, I think a refresher would help more than harm." Kakashi replied. "Especially since we have eyes on us." He added, gesturing to two figures watching them.

"That is true." Leone nodded. "Though I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you, when it comes to me being civil. The concept of that is very different in Sparta." He stated. "Our manner is summed in a few main words: Simple, plain, blunt, and frank." He explained.

"Should we be concerned about how that'll look for Hiashi?" Kakashi questioned.

"If your nobles are anything like the Athenians? I think I can at least try to not come off as too blunt." The young man replied. "Hmmm, perhaps I could bring something to the dinner, a dish or drink from my homeland?" He offered, looking at Hinata. "I have a vase of Lemnian Wine from the island of Lemnos, near the place of my birth. It is considered a very fine selection, even by Spartan standards." He explained.

"That would be ideal." Hinata nodded.

"I'll see about a drink, too. Dad should have a good number of selections of Sake to pick from." Naruto nodded as well.

"Now then, let's order our food and get started." Kakashi told them as they ordered their food.

(Timeskip)

A couple of days later, it was the night Team 7 plus Leone was supposed to come to the Hyuuga compound for dinner.

At said compound the sun soon set to night, with the air being devoid of any sound other than the distant sound of chittering cicadas—not a peep more dared to break this tranquility—and inside the compound itself, Hinata was pacing around, seemingly very worried.

She was currently going over everything in her mind for how this dinner could go wrong, from the unlikely like Sasuke setting her house on fire to the likelihood that Leone would commit some sort of faux paw due to his laconic nature.

However, before she could continue to stew in her worry, Neji came in to tell her that dinner was almost ready.

Taking a moment to gather herself, she walked out of her room and started heading toward the dining room.

"I wouldn't worry about them getting lost. Kakashi has been here before so he should know the way." Her cousin told her. "What's more likely is that Lee probably ambushed them again with TenTen and Gai Sensei as backup." He muttered.

"Oh god, what if they come in roughed up? Or worse, bring Gai Sensei and the others with them?!" The heiress groaned.

That last one caused Neji to pale in fear. That was the last thing they needed.

However, when they finally reached the front room, they saw Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi standing in suits while Leone seemed to be dressed in what looked to be a white garment similar to a robe with a red Spartan sash and one sleeve removed and a pair of sandals.

"Hello. We're not late, are we?" Kakashi asked casually as he held a bottle of Sake.

"Yes, apologies, it took longer than I expected to find my gift." Leone nodded as he handed Hisashi a small Vase with a rope tied to a conical lid that had Greek designs on it. "Lemnian wine, from the island of Lemnos." He told the man.

"Hm… Interesting…" Hisashi hummed as he examined the vase.

"I brought some apple cider, normal and hard." Naruto chimed as he held two bottles of the aforementioned beverages.

This caused Sasuke to facepalm as Hisashi accepted the gift.

The group all continued on their way to the dining room and Hiashi, more stiff than usual, began to ask the group questions, starting with Sasuke.

"So, Sasuke, how has your clan been in terms of trying to recover their numbers?" He questioned.

"At the heart of it, it's been rather slow. Not everyone is interested in getting back onto the dating field, and motivating them is difficult." Sasuke replied with a sigh, shooting Hinata a sour look as the girl apologized profusely with her gestures.

"And what about you, Naruto?" Hiashi questioned. "How do you feel about how you stack up against two superior dojutsu users?" He questioned.

"Given that I'm the son of the Yellow Flash and have also inherited my mom's renowned superhuman strength? I'd say I'm not too terribly worried." The blonde shrugged, not really reacting to the jab directed at him.

"And what of you, Leone? I have heard a few things about your people from my subordinates when they went to talk to some of your own." Hiashi questioned.

"The Greeks are a people of many different identities that share a common culture, language, religion and sporting event, but are fundamentally different from polis to polis." The young Spartan replied. "We Spartans, for example, are a simple folk. We live simply, eat simply, enjoy our wine simply, speak plainly, fight fiercely and die either in battle or in old age." He continued. "War is our profession. And soldiers are our principle people. We live to fight young, die young, or live to fight another year and learn from our elders." He added.

"That sounds like a brutal way to live." The clan head noted. "Those who survive to become elders are truly fortunate, I wager." He added.

"There is a saying in my Polis: Beware an old man in a profession where men die young." Leone told him.

"That saying could be true here. There are some fighters who have survived the past three Shinobi World Wars." Naruto remarked, getting a few nods of agreement in response.

"Very true, Naruto." Kakashi agreed.

It was then that they entered the dining room where a veritable feast was laid out before the guests of the Hyuuga clan, which didn't really shock Sasuke, Naruto or Kakashi, but it did surprise Leone, however, as his Spartan sensibilities were quite taken aback by the quite obvious opulence of the meal in comparison to the modest feasts he was used to back in Laconia.

"Aha…" The Lion-like teen uttered as he attempted to process what he was seeing.

"Is this kind of food selection not something you're used to?" Sasuke questioned, noting Leone's reaction.

"In my country our principal foods were salted and boiled meats, bread, olives and their oil, some fruits, vegetables, cheese and nuts. While occasionally indulging in honey or Keklias—a honey and sesame seed cake—a Kamatitis—a cake of olive oil and barely grotes—or a meal of diluted wine and melas zomos—black broth—a soup made with pork or beef, the blood of the beasts, vegetables, garlic, salt and vinegar." Leone responded. "Very rarely did we eat any other complicated dishes, nor in any particular quantity." He added.

"Well that's rather depressing." The White Fang's son remarked.

"The hell's an 'olive'?" Naruto questioned as they sat down, prompting the young Spartan to pull two jars from his garment and set them on the table. Inside were several oval shaped and pitted vegetables of either green or dark purple to the point of being black in color—as well as a bottle of a green oil.

"This is the oil made from olives, as well as green and black Kalamata olives." The Spartan told him in reply. "Please, feel free to partake." He told the group.

Curious, the shinobi in the room decided to partake in the Greek food Leone brought with him.

In short, the fruit of the olive tree was both salty on account of it being brined and slightly bitter, but it was certainly not unpleasant to the tastes of either party who tried it.

Well, with exception to Hinata and Hanabi, who never really liked bitter foods.

"Huh… I think a fondness for this kind of food is born from an acquired taste, in my opinion." The blonde jinchuriki noted thoughtfully.

"You would need to have lived in Greece for many years to understand the joys of the taste olives have." Leone nodded.

Hisashi then decided to pour everyone a glass of the Lemnian wine that the Spartan brought—which proved to be quick and strong—prompting Leone to stifle a laugh as he told them that Greek wine was best served diluted to avoid drunkenness on the first sip.

As the wine was diluted, Hiashi immediately began to open the next conversation with questions that had a common theme: the team's mission to the land of Waves.

"Would you like the honest answer from start to finish?" Kakashi questioned.

"Yes, speak plain, what is it you really want?" Leone nodded, growing tired of the man's constant badgering.

"You be quiet, Barbarian. This doesn't concern you!" Hiashi barked.

"It partly does, given he was also there." Hinata interjected.

The hyuga head quickly glared at his daughter as if warning her to be quiet before looking at Kakashi.

"What kind of mission did you take my daughter on?" He questioned.

"It was originally assigned as a C-Rank mission. A simple escort mission. But was changed to closer to an A-Rank halfway through." The Jonin replied. "Barring a few hiccups, Naruto, Sasuke and Hinata all performed their roles perfectly, and both Leone and Neji ensured that our mission was concluded to the best possible level of success." He added.

"Is that so?" Hiashi questioned, his tone neutral.

"That's not even the most significant point of the mission." Naruto told his (possible) future father-in-law.

"If you're going to mention your relationship with Hinata, I should tell you I already know." The man stated. "And I don't appreciate being kept in the dark." He added with the glare.

"That wasn't what I was referring to, but okay." The blonde nodded.

'Here it comes…' Sasuke thought as he suppressed a chuckle.

"The most significant point is that Hinata planted the seed for a new Hidden Village." Naruto revealed, and this news actually caused Hiashi to adopt a look of surprise while Hisashi nearly spat out his drink of sake.

"Truly?" The two questioned in unison after the latter swallowed what he was drinking.

"Oh believe us, we were just as shocked as you were." Kakashi nodded. "Hinata convinced the rogue Mist Ninja Zabuza Momochi, one of the Seven Legendary Swordsmen and Demon of the Hidden Mist, to ally himself with us and help us kill the crime boss Gato and fill the subsequent power vacuum by establishing his own Ninja Village: Namigakure, the Village Hidden in the Waves—by becoming its leader, the first Namikage." He explained.

"Additionally his adopted daughter Haku Momochi has also taken her place as the head of the ninja academy there and head of the ANBU division." Sasuke added. "I've gotten a couple letters since we got back." He explained to the others.

"... I can see how that's the most significant point of the mission." Hisashi commented after a beat passed.

"Agreed." Hiashi nodded in agreement with his twin. "But if it's only been around for so little time, how can you be sure it'll survive?" He asked.

"You see, I asked Haku the exact same thing before we left and she said that she and Zabuza were planning on making it where the way that Namigakure will start building up its numbers in terms of Shinobi quickly in the short term—since training kids in the Land of Waves that have an affinity for Chakra usage is long term—they're gonna take in rogue ninja who were either unjustly exiled from their villages, abandoned by their comrades–especially ANBU–or are the last of their clans that have rare and powerful Kekkei Genkai, like her." Sasuke explained in response.

"Fascinating." Hiashi nodded before becoming thoughtful. "It seems I was wrong in doubting you, Hinata. You seem to be more capable than I ever could have imagined." He admitted at last, Hisashi placing an understanding hand on his brother's shoulder.

'Kinda hard to doubt her when she helps in the founding of a whole Hidden Village.' Naruto thought to himself, not wanting to spoil the moment. 'Speaking of which, I gotta see if dad'll let Zabuza join the next Kage summit…' He mused.

(Timeskip)

It was the next day and at long last, Naruto finally decided to show his team, his dad, Fugaku and Anko what he'd been working on.

The boy then set what looked like a stuffed orange Fox with bandages on its back paws and a leaf headband around its neck.

"Okay, this is it." Naruto nodded. "This is my newly made Shikigami." The boy stated.

"A soul vessel? What are you even putting in that?" Sasuke questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Who else? The Nine Tails." The boy responded, getting said fox's attention.

"Naruto, are you absolutely sure that's a good idea?" Kakashi questioned seriously and warily.

"I've had plenty of time to think this out. The only thing going in here is the consciousness; The power is staying with me." Naruto explained in reply. "Plus, look at it this way, at least in this form, he's practically harmless!" He added.

"And it would help you finish your Inuzuka inspired jutsu move set." Minato mused. "Alright. Let's see how this works." He nodded.

Naruto nodded as he made several sealing hand signs, then placed his palm on the small Fox plush—causing red chakra to start pouring from himself and into the child's toy, causing it to slowly become more and more lifelike.

Then the process finished after a few moments, and the fox's mind was in its new body. Speaking of which, said demon was inspecting his new body.

"Hm… Small, but definitely a step up from before." The Bijuu commented.

"Glad you like it." Naruto nodded. "I figured that if we're gonna be working together, you might as well be able to participate." He added.

The Fox seemed to nod at this as he bounded up to the blonde and sat himself on his shoulder.

"Comfortable up there, Kyuubi?" The boy asked as everyone started heading back home.

"Kurama." The Fox said in reply, catching Naruto off guard.

"Huh?" The jinchuriki questioned.

"Kurama is my real name. After getting me this body, you've earned the right to know that." Kurama told him. "This is far more than any of my previous hosts has given me." He admitted.

"Well, we're partners, aren't we?" Naruto questioned.

"Heh… Yeah. Yeah, we are." The calamity level entity chuckled in reply.

(Elsewhere)

Meanwhile, back with Clovis Bray, he walked straight into the office of Mei and dropped a bag on the ground.

This prompted the guards to open it, and some of the more queasy ones seemed to gag.

"Those are the heads of the targets on my list." The young man replied. "That took me five days." He stated. "Wanna see what I can do in a single weekend?" He added with a smirk.

"Well, you certainly don't play around when you're on the hunt." Mei chuckled, satisfied with the results of Clovis' actions. "In fact, let's see what you think of the remaining targets." She grinned as she handed him the list of his remaining five targets.

"This won't take long." The boy nodded as he took up his personal weapon: an icy trident-like glaive, before walking out the door.

(Elsewhere)

Outside the personal house of the Fourth Hokage, Naruto found himself pinned to the wall next to their front door as Hinata could be seen aggressively kissing him on the lips, all while Kurama was asleep in the Jinchuriki's satchel.

After a short while, the two separated for air while they looked into each other's eyes.

"Wh…What prompted that…?" Naruto breathed.

"For speaking up for me with my dad." Hinata replied as she kissed him again. "And as an apology for being so harsh to you earlier." She added, embracing him tightly, causing the lad to feel her soft body against hers and—recalling the scenes from Makeout Tactics—becoming instantly aroused.

"Apology accepted." The blonde breathed as he held her close, running his hand through her hair. "… God, you have no idea how much self restraint I'm having to employ to keep myself from not taking you here and now." He snarled in the Lilac eyed angel's ear, his hot breath sending a shiver down her spine.

"You have no idea how much I'd enjoy that…" Hinata breathed. "But I'm pretty sure Lord Fourth would be cranky if we did that here." She groaned.

"I just saw him enter with Anko, I bet you ten Ryo they're already in bed together as we speak." The Dead Last Demon told his beloved girlfriend with a chuckle, kissing her neck. "Besides…" He continued as he nibbled on her ear. "You promised that we'd pick back up where we left off after we got back from our mission, remember?" He purred.

"Ooh, I did…" Hinata purred right back at him. "Why don't I live up to that?" She offered.

"Come with me." Naruto nodded as he picked up his girlfriend and carried her to his room—passing by Minato's room along the way.

"Oh god, I think I'm gonna break!" They could hear Anko moan from inside the room, which only served to get them even more in the mood.

With an exclamation of "believe it" Naruto ran into his room with Hinata in tow, locking the door behind them before their teenaged moans could be heard through the door.

(Elsewhere)

Meanwhile, at the Uchiha compound, one Sasuke Uchiha was also making good on his promise and was cuddling with his pink haired girlfriend, Sakura Haruno—and he was definitely not complaining in the slightest.

"Mmmmm, Sasuke, what made you want to cuddle with me all of a sudden, and so soon after we shared that indirect kiss on our date last week?" The pink haired kunoichi asked—not that she minded.

"Because I just don't think one kiss is going to make up for not being with you for over a week." The boy stated, deciding not to sound petty by saying that the other reason was to not lose to Naruto and Hinata. "Plus… I just really missed you." He told her, kissing her softly on the lips.

"Mmm… I missed you too…" The pinkette sighed as she leaned into him.

The boy smiled as he tapped her on the forehead, causing her to blush.

It might've been soured by what his brother did, but this was Sasuke's way of saying 'I love you'.

(Elsewhere)

Meanwhile, back in the area of the village where Arthur and his people were setting up their living—Leone, Gray and the King of Camelot were watching their subjects and friends turn in for the night, before noticing a man wrapped in bandages approaching them.

His instincts kicking in, Leone was quick to face the man, hands ready to reach for his weapons.

"Who are you?" He demanded.

"I am Danzo Shimura. I just thought I'd come to see how our guests are settling in." The man replied.

"I know of you." Arthur nodded, gesturing for Leone and Gray to stand down. "Minato mentioned that he has you on a tight leash, that you aren't to be trusted." He noted.

"That is an exaggeration. What I do is in the village's best interest." Danzo said neutrally. "And I can already tell that you are all going to be worthwhile allies, despite your present… desperate situation." He noted, gesturing to the still burgeoning settlement.

"Mind your tongue, worm, lest I remove it." Gray warned, hand gingerly brushing over the charm ring on his belt for his armors.

"Why are you really here?" Arthur questioned with narrowed eyes. He could tell that this man was dangerous, despite his age.

"Simply to warn you not to be so trusting of the Nine Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki." The man replied. "Make no mistake, that is no boy, he is a demon in a child's skin." He added.

"I've seen what a demon in human skin looks like, Danzo Shimura. Many a time from before stepping foot here." Arthur retorted. "Naruto Uzumaki is not it." He added.

"Hmmm, very well. I shall take your word for it." Danzo nodded, bowing. "Good night to you, your majesty." He added as he walked away.

"He smells like a rat." Leone snorted in distaste, his nose wrinkled in displeasure.

"He seems like a manipulator. I advise exercising caution around him." Leone advised his leader.

"Agreed. The way he spoke of Naruto is a stark contrast to what we've seen from him, and the hidden demons of England." Arthur nodded in agreement. "That boy may have his demons, but he is no Mordred." He stated.

"On that, sire, we can not agree more." Gray nodded.

"Indeed." Leone hummed as they decided to retire for the night.

It had been a long few days, for everyone.

Dragon Emperor0: …. Heeeeeeey, guys! Yeah, sorry for the wait. We had this doc made and ready, but a bunch of other stories took priority so it took awhile to get to this one. But, hopefully this chapter wasn't too bad for the wait period.

ThermalsniperN7: Yeah, when you have a navy fleet's worth of stories (in terms of numbers), you tend to be occupied with others. Can't balance it out all the time. Anyway… We decided to skip the "will they won't they" bullshit because, well, I've kinda heard about how long it took Naruto and Hinata to get together in canon and we are NOT having that shit happen here. No time wasting in that regard. Also, the bit about Kushina being jealous of Jiraiya for thinking of things for his smut that she herself never thought of for her time with Minato… I know that's false, but I thought it would at least be funny.

Dragon Emperor0: Yeah, additionally, the idea of Namigakure taking in benevolent rogue ninja as well as abandoned ANBU and kids who are from clans with really powerful Kekkei Genkai but were either orphaned or hunted just seemed like it was so in character for Zabuza and Haku that we had to do include it, plus it made sense in context. Also, Kurama has a Shikigami form now, expect this to become a more integral part of Naruto's fighting style. And another thing—this story will actually be having its first ever original "movie arc" starting next chapter. Thermal, if you would provide a brief summary of our current rough draft?

ThermalsniperN7: Right-o. The rough draft is this: The Sand Village, under the control of Orochimaru, attacks the Wave Village, which prompts Team 7 to head there to defend it. When they arrive, they find out that Haku has actually been suggested to become the next jinchuriki for the Three Tails, which has piqued Orochimaru's interest.

Dragon Emperor0: Keep in mind that this is a rough draft. So if you guys have any alternative ideas or suggestions that at least stay within the broad strokes of the idea we already have, please feel free to leave them in the reviews. Anyway, see you guys next time.