Sup
How's life with y'all? Good? Well ain't that swell.
Life is good to me too!
That's why I brought y'all another chapter folks!
Start:
"YOU WERE WHAT!?" Shizuka couldn't help but scream, her voice echoing through the room with a mix of shock and terror. Before Naruto could reply, the nurse quickly moved over to him, her eyes wide with panic as her hands fretfully scoured his body, searching for any sign of the dreaded bite mark. Naruto was touched by her concern but knew that her fears were unfounded.
"I'm okay, don't worry, I heal, remember?" he tried to reassure her gently, his voice a steady presence in the tumult of her panic.
Unfortunately, his words seemed to fall on deaf ears as Shizuka continued her desperate search with what appeared to be tunnel vision. "Where were you bit!?" She demanded, her voice tinged with a sharp edge of panic that cut straight to the bone.
Naruto quickly grabbed her hands, holding them firmly to halt her frantic movements. His grip forced her to look at him, demanding her full attention. "I'm okay, I'm okay. The bite is no longer there," he insisted, his tone imbued with an unwavering calmness designed to soothe her rising anxieties.
"It... isn't?" Shizuka asked, the uncertainty clear in her voice as she searched his face for any sign of deceit. Her eyes, wide and shimmering with the onset of tears, reflected a storm of emotions. As she gazed into his reassuring smile, hope and relief surged within her, washing over the icy grip of fear that had momentarily seized her heart.
Naruto nodded, offering her a soft smile that was meant to ease her worries further. He gently released her hands and raised his forearm, tracing his fingers along the skin where the bite wound had once marred his flesh.
Despite her trust in him and having witnessed his extraordinary healing abilities firsthand, Shizuka felt compelled to verify the truth for herself.
Her fingers tentatively followed his, running over his skin, meticulously searching for any trace of a wound. Her touch was delicate yet probing, driven by a mix of professional medical scrutiny and personal concern for Naruto.
To her profound relief, after checking over and over again, she found nothing; the skin was smooth and unblemished.
Looking up into his gaze, her breaths came out in short, sharp gasps, her chest heaving as if she'd run a marathon. The fear had felt like a vice around her heart, squeezing tighter with each moment of uncertainty.
Naruto's eyes met hers, warm and understanding, and he smiled softly, a gesture that seemed to calm the storm within her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you," he murmured sincerely, his voice low and soothing like a gentle stream.
Grateful for his presence and reassurance, Shizuka couldn't resist the urge to embrace him. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, holding on as if he might disappear if she let go. The thought that she could have lost him if not for his miraculous healing was unbearable. Her arms became bands of iron, her body molded against his, seeking the warmth and undeniable reality of his survival.
He hugged back instinctively, his hand gently stroking her hair in comfort.
Normally, the ex-shinobi would have enjoyed the feel of Shizuka's huge breasts pressed against him, but considering the situation, that was far from his mind at the moment.
A moment of stillness and quietude enveloped the room as the pair embraced, the tension from earlier dissipating in their close contact.
Naruto's gaze wandered aimlessly across the room, landing eventually on the bed. Realizing he had more to explain, and importantly, acknowledging that Shizuka showed no signs of releasing her grip on him anytime soon, he gently coaxed them both towards the edge of the bed.
Managing the maneuver wasn't easy as she clung to him steadfastly, but with a bit of gentle urging, he got them both comfortably seated on the mattress.
Him lying on his back with his favorite nurse on top of him.
Once settled, Naruto took a deep breath and began recounting the events that had transpired at the gate. He described the odd behavior of the man at the gate, how the situation had escalated, and how he had intervened to save Kyoko, which resulted in him being bitten. As he mentioned the bite, he felt Shizuka's arms tighten around him.
He continued, his voice steady but soft, explaining how after ensuring Kyoko's safety, his first thought had been to find Shizuka. He told her how, even as panic initially set in, he noticed the wound was already beginning to heal within the first hour once they were in all together in a room, the edges of the bite mark fading as if being erased by an unseen eraser.
"And Kyoko knows about the bite naturally." He added, his tone dropping to a more serious register. "She confronted me afterwards when we were at Rika's home, but I only told her part of the truth."
At this, Shizuka pulled back just enough to look him directly in the eyes, her expression one of wide-eyed surprise.
Nonetheless, Naruto continued explaining. "I told her of my ability to heal. But nothing else about the truth. I just made up some story of how I didn't know why I had it but that I kept it a secret because I was afraid of the government and all that. And she decided to do right by me and keep it a secret after I asked her not to tell anyone, but she did urge me to tell you. not that it mattered since I was planning on telling you anyway."
He paused, giving her a moment to process the information he had just revealed. The room was charged with a heavy silence as she absorbed everything told.
Fortunately, he didn't have to remain in suspense for long.
Her eyes softened, the initial shock giving way to a profound sense of joy and gratitude. It did make sense that he wouldn't tell the teacher of his origin.
Though she supposed the surprise came more as an internal recognition that she was the only one who knew of Naruto's secret, and it would probably stay that way, but knowing that he trusted her that much… "You really trust me that much?" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "With everything... even the parts you hide from everyone else?"
Naruto nodded, his eyes sincere. "Of course I do Shizuka-Chan. I trust you more than anyone else. You've always been there for me, without question. It didn't feel right keeping this from my most precious person."
Her heart felt full at his words, a warm flush of happiness spreading through her. Shizuka moved even closer, if possible, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears of joy.
Smiling softly, he pecked her forehead. "I'm sorry for making you worry earlier," he said earnestly. "I didn't mean to frighten you with the news."
Shizuka let out a soft laugh, though her eyes were still misty. "Baka," she teased gently, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm used to you making me worry. It's a bad habit of yours."
Naruto chuckled, relief flooding through him at her light-hearted response. "I guess I have a lot of bad habits, huh?"
"Just a few," Shizuka replied, her tone playful yet affectionate. "But I think I can manage them." She gave him a mock stern look, which only made him laugh more.
Suddenly, recollecting some recent events, a scowl tugged at her lips. "So that's why you weren't worried about going to the store alone."
Naruto smiled sheepishly. "Well, I did need to get you some chocolate and being immune means I don't have to worry that much."
"No." The nurse declared firmly. "I don't care that you're immune, you are not going to be bit ever again, understood?" She gazed at him seriously, daring him to suggest or think otherwise.
He laughed much to her annoyance. "Okay, but you act as though I want to be bitten by these cannibals. Which I most certainly do not."
"Hmph." Shizuka grunted and looked away, annoyed by the nonchalance of her most precious person.
Her reaction only served to further amuse him before his chuckles eventually died down.
Telling her about the bite, while not something he feared confessing, did help him feel better, helped remove a weight off his shoulders that he didn't even realize was there in the first place.
Silence, comfortable and thoughtful, once more descended upon the room as the pair sat together quietly, each lost in their thoughts.
Naruto closed his eyes, musing over what the next step should be, how he might best ensure Shizuka's safety. Was the Takagi estate merely a temporary solution? And if not, then where to next? What about supplies? And of course, there was no forgetting the sensation of killing intent he had felt earlier.
It lingered in his mind—someone harbored a deep-seated prejudice against him, though their identity remained shrouded in mystery.
"Naruto-kun," Shizuka's soft voice broke the silence, pulling him from his reverie.
He opened his eyes slowly, meeting her gentle, honey-hued eyes and the soft smile that he had come to cherish. Determined to protect that smile, he hummed in response, "Mhmm?"
"I love you," she uttered, her voice radiating soft warmth.
Naruto's eyes, already wide from the seriousness of his thoughts, widened further in surprise. "You do?" he asked quickly, his voice laced with a mixture of astonishment and hope.
She nodded, her smile broadening in contentment and happiness. "How could I not fall in love with my most precious person?"
It took Naruto a few seconds to absorb what was said. Then, a massive smile broke across his face, and a small laugh, one caused by startled joy, escaped him. Seeing his reaction, Shizuka leaned down and kissed him quickly before backing away slightly.
Naruto, unable to stop smiling, quizzed her playfully, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Shizuka sent him an amused look, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Well, you kind of stopped me," she reminded him with a slight tease in her tone.
He winced in mock regret at the memory, then rebutted playfully, "You could have told me afterwards."
Adopting a mischievous look, Shizuka replied, "Unlike you, I wanted the spot or the moment to be romantic when I confessed my love. It had to be perfect, you know?"
Her playful remark caused Naruto to laugh, the sound bright and clear in the quiet room. "And was it? Perfect, I mean," he asked, still grinning broadly.
"Almost as perfect as you," she responded, her voice soft yet cheeky, signaling the deep affection and joy she felt in the shared moment.
Their laughter mingled, filling the room with a light-hearted energy that momentarily pushed aside the weight of their circumstances.
Allowing their laughter to subside, Naruto gazed at Shizuka with deep affection and joy. "I love you too," he said, his voice tender, filled with emotion.
His words elicited an even larger smile to appear on Shizuka's heart-shaped visage. She could have responded with words, but she knew that sometimes, often really, physical touch conveyed feelings more profoundly than words ever could. Gently, she leaned forward, her forehead coming to rest against his.
It was a simple act, yet it conveyed so much—trust, love, and a deep connection.
Naruto felt a wave of serenity wash over him, content and wholly appreciative of the moment he shared with the woman he loved.
He could get used to this.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Time-skip: Five hours later
Souichiro Takagi sat at the head of the elongated dining table, exuding an aura of authority and calm. His wife, Yuriko, and their daughter, Saya, were seated on either side of him, forming a trio of dignified presence.
Tonight, the dining room—a space usually reserved for intimate family meals and guarded by a select few bodyguards stationed discreetly at the entrances and exits—was unusually bustling. The Naruto squad, special guests for the evening, occupied the remaining seats along the table's polished wood surface.
As the dinner commenced, Souichiro subtly surveyed each member of Naruto's team, his gaze sharp and assessing. He took in their appearances and demeanors with a practiced eye, all while partaking of his meal with the measured grace of a man used to power and control.
His observations were quiet but intentional, missing no detail, as he sought to understand more about these new allies—or potential threats—under his roof.
The room itself was filled with a subdued quietude, the only sounds being the clinking of fine china and the soft rustling of silk napkins.
Servants, trained to be nearly invisible, moved with fluid grace around the table. They carefully removed used dishes and replaced them with fresh courses, each motion practiced and precise. The elegance of the service matched the opulent setting, with every dish presented beautifully, enhancing the formal ambiance.
As the meal progressed, the initial silence gradually gave way to reserved conversation. Soft exchanges began to weave through the room, cautious yet polite, as the guests navigated the complexities of dining with such distinguished hosts.
Despite the emerging chatter, the underlying tension never fully dissipated, hanging in the air like a thin veil. Each member of the Naruto squad was acutely aware of the significance of this dinner, and their responses were measured, careful not to betray too much amidst seemingly casual talk.
As the final course was served and the last of the meals were finished, the room's atmosphere shifted subtly. The servants, with practiced efficiency, began clearing the table for the last time this evening. As the final dish was taken from in front of him, Souichiro raised his hand and snapped his fingers softly yet audibly.
At his signal, a silent understanding passed through the room. Bodyguards and servants began to exit the room. Their movements were swift and silent, the doors closing softly behind them, leaving the room occupied solely by the Takagi family and the Naruto squad.
With the room now cleared of any attendants, Souichiro leaned back in his chair, his expression shifting to one of more open scrutiny. The formal pretense of the meal fell away, leaving room for more serious discourse.
"Now that we are in private," Souichiro began, his voice firm yet inviting, "I believe we can discuss matters more... openly." His eyes glanced over the group, a silent invitation to speak without the filters required during the formalities of their meal. "I'd like to start by once again thanking you for protecting my daughter."
"You have the gratitude of the Takagi household," Yuriko warmly addressed the group, her kind smile bridging the formal distance as she spoke with genuine appreciation.
Souichiro nodded in agreement, his authoritative presence undiminished as his piercing gaze methodically swept across each member of the Naruto squad.
"Your bravery in these turbulent times has not gone unnoticed. Now, within the privacy of these walls, let us speak frankly about the future. What are your intentions moving forward? Are there family members you seek, or other duties that call you?" His voice, though formal, was imbued with a sincere interest in their responses, inviting honesty without the usual formalities.
Kyoko responded first, her posture straight as she met Souichiro's intense gaze. "I have no remaining family," she stated clearly, her tone reflective of her resolve. "My commitment remains with my students, who have become like family to me. That responsibility continues, even amidst chaos."
Souichiro's expression softened slightly, a nod conveying his respect for her dedication. "A noble burden," he acknowledged thoughtfully.
Hirano, appearing slightly more reserved and shy under the weight of Souichiro's scrutiny, spoke next. "My family is often overseas for business, leaving me here by myself most of the time."
Then Rei added her voice, her tone laced with determination mixed with underlying worry. "I must find my parents. I can't rest until they are with me."
Takashi immediately followed, his statement brief and to the point. "And I am in the same situation. Finding my parents is my primary concern."
The focus then shifted to Saeko, Souichiro's question direct and probing. "What of your plans, Saeko Busujima?"
Her response was as cool and measured as her demeanor. "My father is self-sufficient and has always preferred to handle matters on his own. He would neither seek nor accept assistance lightly," she declared, her voice steady.
"Indeed, that is the very essence of Master Busujima," Souichiro responded, a flicker of respect passing through his eyes. "He is not one to welcome unneeded aid."
Shizuka was next, her voice tinged with sadness. "My own family is no longer with us. However, I do have a close friend in the air force whom I wish to locate and hopefully reunite with soon."
Finally, Naruto spoke, his voice calm but carrying an underlying strength. "As for me, I have no family left to search for. My focus is here, with those who are now my family and responsibility."
Each response was absorbed by Souichiro in thoughtful silence. After a moment, he exchanged a glance with Yuriko, who offered a soft, supportive smile, a silent communication of shared purpose between them. He then addressed the group again, his tone more assertive as he laid out his commitment.
"I appreciate your openness," he began, standing slightly as a sign of his earnest engagement. "The resources of the Takagi estate—and indeed our personal support—are fully at your disposal. We will assist you with whatever resources, information, or support you might need. In these harrowing times, it is our duty and honor to stand beside those who exhibit such courage and loyalty."
As Souichiro's words of commitment echoed in the room, the atmosphere lightened, visibly lifting the spirits of Rei and Takashi, who exchanged smiles of relief and gratitude.
"I anticipated that some of you might be seeking to reunite with family members," Souichiro stated, his voice resonating with both authority and forethought. "Accordingly, I have taken the liberty of assembling a specialized team to assist in this endeavor." With a discreet snap of his fingers, the doors at the end of the dining hall swung open.
A group of individuals entered, each with a distinct air of competence and purpose. As they approached, Souichiro prepared to introduce them, his expression reflecting the significance of the moment.
"Please allow me to introduce key members of your support team," Souichiro announced, gesturing to the first individual stepping forward. "This is Alfred Pennyworth, a gentleman who has served the Takagi family faithfully for over two decades. Alfred's skills surpass those of a traditional butler, encompassing various aspects of tactical and logistical support."
Alfred, an elderly man with a posture that commanded respect, stepped forward. His suit was immaculate, his grey hair neatly combed back. He executed a precise bow, then met everyone's gaze with a seasoned calm. "I am at your service," he declared, his British accent lending an additional layer of refinement to his poised demeanor.
The ex-shinobi had to admit, the butler… sort of? Well, the gentleman as he was introduced did have a badass air about him.
Next, Souichiro indicated a formidable-looking woman by his side. "This is Akeno Himejima, our most esteemed marksman. Her proficiency with firearms is unparalleled, making her an invaluable asset to any field operation."
Akeno stepped forward with a graceful poise that immediately drew attention. Her tactical uniform, fitted and functional, underscored her readiness for any mission, while also highlighting her confident bearing.
Her dark hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, lending her a no-nonsense look that was both practical and stylish. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, swept over the group with a warmth that belied her formidable reputation. With a charming smile and a sultry undertone in her voice, she offered a respectful nod.
"I'm looking forward to assisting you with your endeavors," She said smoothly, her demeanor friendly yet undeniably captivating.
Finally, a younger man with a less composed demeanor came into the spotlight. "And this is Issei Hyoudou," Souichiro continued, his tone slightly more indulgent. "Issei is in the earlier stages of his training, but he shows promising potential. With dedication and focus, he is expected to rise to significant heights."
'That's if the idiot can remain focused.' Saya inwardly grumbled, perfectly aware of his perverted tendencies and what not.
Issei, noticeably less polished than the others but with an earnest expression, stepped forward. His outfit was simple and less formal, indicating his junior status.
He gave a nervous bow, his eyes briefly meeting those of the assembly before darting away, especially when he noticed Saya's less-than-pleased look. "Thank you, I'm really excited to learn and help however I can," he added quickly, his voice betraying his eagerness to prove himself.
"These are some of my most reliable and skilled operatives," Souichiro stated stoically, his tone conveying no exaggeration, only stark fact. "Unfortunately, the current circumstances does not allow me to deploy more of our personnel. However, these three are exceptionally capable and should more than suffice for your needs."
Yuriko chimed in gracefully, her tone laced with regret and empathy. "We truly wish we could do more for those who have safeguarded our daughter. But please understand, there are many here within our estate whose safety we must also guarantee. Our resources, though stretched, are allocated with the utmost care."
Takashi, acknowledging the constraints, responded with a respectful nod. "We understand, Mr. Takagi and Mrs. Takagi, and we're grateful for any support you can extend our way," he said, his tone reflecting both appreciation and resolve.
Rei chimed in, mirroring Takashi's sentiment. "Yes, thank you. Just knowing we have your support already makes a huge difference."
Souichiro acknowledged their gratitude with a nod. "Thank you for your understanding," he said, then shifted his focus to more practical matters. "Except for Takashi and Rei, who will obviously be preoccupied with their personal quests, I will assign roles to each of you to assist with the ongoing needs of the Takagi estate. We too face numerous challenges, and your skills will undoubtedly prove beneficial here."
He continued, his attention shifting over to Takash and Rei, laying out the plans for the immediate future. "Your squad will be prepared to leave at first light tomorrow. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a swift and efficient departure."
"Thank you sir." Takashi bowed his head in gratitude, Rei following him.
Souichiro nodded before his attention shifted to everyone else. "Doctor Marikawa will be assigned in the medical wing where she can put her medical expertise in good use." His gaze moved over to Kohta Hirano. "And I understand from my daughter that you're an excellent marksman so you'll be deployed as a defensive marksman."
Kohta felt a surge of pride, but recognizing it wasn't the moment for self-congratulation or foolishness, of which he was prone to do at times when shy or embarrassed, he snapped a crisp salute. "Yes, sir."
"Saeko Busujima, considering your mastery with a sword, I want you to be my bodyguard. You will be with me at most times when we're in and out of the Takagi estate. Is that acceptable to you?" The Takagi head inquired, knowing that he was asking a bit too much.
"I have no issues with that Takagi-Sama." Saeko replied with a nod, a small polite smile crossing her visage.
It was at this point that Yuriko spoke up. "And I'd like to have you with me, Kyoko-Sensei, I could use your experience in a particular situation."
Kyoko nodded. "I'll do my best to be of help."
Now, all the attention shifted over to the male blonde of the group, and Souichiro eyed the young man stoically, the ex-shinobi gazing back at him unwaveringly.
"I'll be joining them," Naruto announced firmly while sending a glance towards annoying orange and rotten cheeseburger, causing a ripple of surprise around the room, especially from Takashi and Rei.
Souichiro raised an eyebrow, his expression a blend of curiosity and stern authority. "Hmm… my daughter has told me much about you, about how capable you are. Tell me, why do you feel the need to join this particular mission, Naruto?"
The ex-shinobi's response was direct and laden with a sense of duty. "Because 'Rotten Cheeseburger' and 'Annoying Orange' are part of my team. It means I'm responsible for them, and it's my job to look after them."
The room reacted in various ways to Naruto's unconventional nicknames for his teammates. Takashi and Rei were too stunned to respond, while Souichiro blinked, momentarily at a loss, and Yuriko couldn't help but let out a small giggle at the unexpected humor.
Alfred, ever the unflappable butler, merely adjusted his stance slightly, his expression unchanged. Akeno covered her mouth as a giggle escaped her lips, clearly amused by Naruto's frankness. Issei, less composed, snorted loudly, finding the nickname particularly funny.
Around the table, the other members of the Naruto squad reacted as well—Kouta with a starry-eyed gaze, clearly amused and perhaps a bit envious of the catchy nicknames, it was hard to tell, while others rolled their eyes or sighed, accustomed to Naruto's way of lightening serious moments with his unique sense of humor.
"Very well," Souichiro finally said, once the chuckles had subsided and the room returned to order. "If you believe your presence will be beneficial, then I trust your judgment. Ensure their safety."
Seeing as the discussion was concluded for now, the head of the Takag household dismissed everyone, waiting patiently as the occupants of the dining table left one by one.
As the room emptied, the laughter and chatter fading into the distance, Souichiro and Yuriko remained seated at the expansive dining table, now enveloped in a quiet that felt both comfortable and reflective. The weight of leadership rested heavily on Souichiro's shoulders, a burden that he seldom showed to anyone but his closest confidante—his wife.
"I wish I could have done more for them," Souichiro confessed, his usually firm voice tinged with a rare hint of vulnerability. His posture, often rigid and commanding, relaxed slightly as he expressed his concerns.
Yuriko reached out, her hand finding his, a gesture of support and understanding. "I know," she responded gently, her voice soothing. "But it's as you said, the circumstances are not in our favor. You're doing a great deal for them, considering you really shouldn't be sending our key people like Alfred and Akeno."
There was a brief pause, the silence stretching between them as Souichiro absorbed her words, finding solace in their truth. Finally, he nodded, accepting her perspective. "You're right," he conceded.
"Of course, I'm right," Yuriko replied with a light, playful tone, a small smile playing on her lips. She leaned forward and pecked his cheek affectionately. "Don't worry."
Souichiro allowed a small smile to break through his usual stoicism, warmed by her reassurance and the quiet intimacy of the moment.
End
Man, what a chapter! Quite a few, notable things happened.
One) Naruto finally told Shizuka about the bite, about time.
Two) We're diverging away from canon by making the Takagi stronghold a more longer, perhaps even a permanent solution.
Three) We're sending a squad to look for survivors including the parents.
Four) We introduced Alfred, Akeno, and Issei. Now don't worry, Issei is here only for Naruto to make fun of him, so don't worry about him taking on a serious role in the story.
More Chapters are posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link
www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939 (Just remove all the hashtags)
Now with that said, I'm gonna end things right here.
Take care lads!
Peace.