Chapter Fifteen: New Duties

Kyoto Shrine

A knock on the door. "Enter," Naruto called out. In stepped Aoi, escorting a surprising guest, which earned a raised brow from the kitsune. "Raynare? Can I help you with something?"

The Fallen Angels, both Raynare and Arata, stepped clear of their escort and bowed, "Yes, well, Lord Azazel told us that we should learn of our position here."

Naruto nods, gesturing to the seats opposite, though Aoi takes the couch on the side, before speaking up, "That is true. I do need to ask you guys a few questions too."

Both angels took their seats and nodded. Naruto continued, "Firstly, I want to ask if you know the significance of our team names?"

The Fallen shook their heads. Naruto expected this, so he explained, "All our teams were originally just numbers when first implemented. However, as time passed, a tradition formed where each new team is trained by a member of the previous one. This also created specifications for each one naturally, with each being stronger than the last."

Arata speaks up, "So, your team being a tracking and heavy-combat team means that all those before were also?"

Naruto nods, looking from the man to the woman, "Raynare, I know you didn't know about this beforehand, so I must ask. Are you sure you want to stay on Team Seven? There are a few things you should be aware of if you choose to remain."

Rayner actually began to think about the words offered, considering if they could actually pull off the heavy combat more than the tracking. That could be trained, but the mindset of a combat unit is rather specific. While she was contemplating this, Arata spoke up, "What of Team Five? What is the specialist role of my unit?"

Naruto nods, looking at the dark-haired, bad-boy type, angel that had fallen from grace, "Team Five's legacy died out with the last team, unfortunately," seeing as it was only he and Tenten for now, so he'll doctor the information here, "though, they were scouts of the form of unrivalled stealth, able to penetrate into enemy territory, map out the land and points of interest, and get out to alert the force at large."

Both men smirk. The fallen nods, "I like that." Naruto nods back, "Though our current incarnation of Team Five is our airborne unit, their scouting has been instrumental in our fight against the chaos brigade. No doubt it will grow more so in our campaign moving forward. If you choose to remain as Team Five, I suspect that you will become the eyes and ears of both the Youkai and the Fallen without fail." His eyes sharpen, hard as steel. "Think you can handle that?"

Arata grinned wildly and confidently, nodding once, "Without a doubt. We'll clear the skies, keep your heads clear."

Naruto grinned and nodded, "As I can't fly, I can help with stealth. I can also work with Perin, the leader of our Team Five, to create a standard operating procedure. Perhaps you can come to increase your combat capabilities and create more formations and battle tactics."

The Fallen nods. "Sounds good. Those tengu know how to fly. It should be fun."

Naruto nods, looking at Raynare, who sat straighter upon being the focus of attention again. "I chose Team Seven, and I won't back down. We may not be anywhere near your level yet, but I believe we can reach the heights expected of us. I am sure of it."

The shinobi Commander smiles at that, glancing at Aoi, who smiled softly, before Naruto looked back at his guest. "Very well, Captain Raynare of Fallen Team Seven. Though be warned, Team Seven always seemed to find themselves in the middle of trouble. The journey has always created legends but is also filled with dangers. This team is not to be taken lightly; our role is critical, and we are expected to go toe-to-toe with the biggest, baddest, and absolutely deranged types and stand proudly until we are victorious."

As he spoke, it seemed that the ghosts of those who came before him appeared at his back. Kakashi and Sakura, all the way to the grinning Hashirama Senju and menacingly glaring Madara Uchiha, stared down these upstarts. Raynare gulped nervously, but just like her fellow at her side, her eyes hardened, and her resolve strengthened as her hotiness returned. "Please, I am Raynare, Captain of Team Seven, and soon to be the strongest team the Fallen have."

Naruto grinned firmly, nodding as the spirits faded away with nods of approval. "Good to know. As the only surviving member of Team Seven, I will oversee your training and ensure that you meet my expectations for Team Seven's performance before I grant you the official patch."

Raynare was overjoyed by that, though she did her best to keep her cool, as Azazel had warned her about letting her feelings slip, for the man before her could sense them. All their members were warned about that fact and told to keep it to themselves at any cost. So, she nodded once, maintaining her mask of seriousness, "We will not disappoint you or the legacy."

"Be sure you don't." Naruto nods, noticing that both fallen are controlling their emotions far better than before. No doubt they had been warned about his condition. He then poses, "Do you know if any of your fellows are going by Team Nine?"

Arata spoke up next, "We have Helia, an eight-winged fallen, but she hasn't gotten a full team yet. Just a pair of four wings currently. Why?"

Naruto gestured to Aoi, "She is a member of the current Team Nine, so I was curious. Perhaps mention it to Azazel that I want to see his protection detail, as said team is specialized for the role." Both fallen nodded at that, "We shall mention it to both Lord Azazel and Helia. She will no doubt have something to say about it, and you can explain it to her." Arata said, and Naruto nodded. "I would appreciate that, thank you."

"I have a question," Raynare asks. Naruto nods, and she continues, "You said you would give us an official patch, right?" He nods again, and she continues, "Are there any other pieces of equipment you can provide?"

This caught her fellow Fallens' attention too, and they nodded along with the question. Naruto nods, "Well, yes. The thing is though, we are all chakra users, so simply giving you our gear is useless. Thus, our quartermaster is working on..." He was interrupted by a suddenly appearing Nagai, who held a pair of scrolls. "Naruto-sama. I have finished the magic uniforms for them."

Naruto sighed heavily, knowing full well that she had been waiting for the perfect time for her most effective entrance. "Are these the first generation, or…?"

Nagai nodded as she spread the first scroll. "Yes, Naruto-sama. We have taken into account their wings, much like those of the tengu clansmen. We have labeled this version the light variant."

A plume of smoke revealed the aforementioned uniforms, though they were clearly labelled with the names of those they belonged to. Raynare picked up the vest with her name on it, "This, this is..."

"It is a chunin vest. A mid rank within our forces." Naruto informed, earning nods from the fallen. He leans forward before explaining, "Although, technically speaking, neither of you are chunin in our sense or on our records, yet, but as we are still learning about magical runes and how to use them to gain the same benefits ours do." A shrug as they all look to him, "That will change as we grow more comfortable with them, and if you notice any issues, we shall iterate on them. Please feel free to offer any kind of feedback you have."

Both angels nodded, as they took up their own vests and placed them over their current outfits. "These are really comfortable," Arata commented as he released his wings. They didn't snag on the vest or anything and had full mobility. "Could also take a light bullet without so much as leaving a scratch," Naruto informed. The two angels nodded, smirking at that level of protection with little in the way of hindering their movements. "If I may be so bold as to offer my assistance with the runes," Arata bowed lightly, "I would be honoured to assist in the development of this protection."

Naruto thought about that. Azazel had said the same thing, so maybe the Fallen were more than a little specialized in runes and the like. "We'll see. I know you are a good guy, Arata. Maybe in a few weeks, you can prove that you are trustworthy enough for such a task, then I will put your name forward for that."

Arata nodded once. It was no doubt a big responsibility to be near their supply lines and the very sensitive equipment that would be present there. However, after that night out, he understood his new commanding officer. "Got it. I won't let you down."

Naruto nods before looking at Raynare, "As for you, Raynare. As you have a talented medic on your team, I have already informed the medical staff that she may be around for training and the like. Please inform her of this."

"Training," Raynare asked with a raised brow. The Kyuubi nodded firmly. "She may have that sacred gear, but it should grow in strength and efficiency with her knowledge of the human body. It would work wonders on her confidence too, no?"

The woman nodded, having wanted to help her little sister figure it out but not knowing how until now, so she bowed her head, "Thank you again, Lord Naruto."

Sealing Chamber

Naruto and Tenten were examining the new modifications to the standard Jonin kunai when Yasaka entered, accompanied by Isamu and Kanou. "Hey Naruto, got a second?"

Before he responded, he noticed the puffed-up kit, shuddering while looking around. "Kanou? Did we say not to come in here?" Naruto sighed as he stood from his position on the examination deck. Tenten also looked over, and the kit seemed restless now. Yasaka looked down and had forgotten to warn her daughter about this room in particular. She also did not know that Naruto had forbidden her from coming in. "Ah, Mama said that," the kit flickered her ears nervously, shuddering. As Yasaka cuddled her and took her outside, it was clear she was struggling with the feeling of isolation.

Naruto sighed at that; he knows he jokes around a lot, but when he warns people, they should at least hear him out before assuming it was just a joke.

A few minutes later, Yasaka returned to the room, one upset kit missing, and she began again, "Yes, well, as I was going to ask." Naruto nodded, gesturing to the tortoise-kin at his side, "Got the gist from Isamu. You want to see the fight from the beginning, right?"

Yasaka nods, "Yes. We only got there just as you launched your tunnelling attacks." Naruto nods, and Tenten snickers off to the side, "To think, Kiba was never that good and he used it all the time."

Naruto shrugged it off. "I learned it from Hana after she noticed my claws a month before everything kicked off. She taught me the basics of it all, and her mother wanted to see if I could do a few other clan arts. I built the Fox Paw style off of the Inazuka's style. Same with my version of the Gatsuga."

Tenten nods. Hana was infinitely better at the Inuzuka techniques than her little brother. If Tsume was involved, she no doubt drilled Naruto until he got it down flawlessly. She probably had a few pointers later, as Hana was part of his unit during the war too. Naruto looked to Yasaka, "So, my soul scape then? With everyone here?"

Yasaka nods once. "I trust everyone here, and with the isolation barriers, it should be safe from being interrupted." Naruto sighs before gesturing to the seating as he sits on the examination seal. The vixen takes the last open spot. Tenten and Isamu are already sitting and awaiting her. They all channel chakra, and when Naruto feels their consciousnesses reaching for his, he yanks them to the soul scape and shows them the battle from his point of view.

After the trip down memory lane…

Tenten face-palmed, muttering about dropping suns on people, while Naruto chuckled sheepishly. Isamu looked on with a deep chuckle, recalling the absolutely one-sided beatdown he gave the enemy leader. Yasaka was super hot and bothered by the ferocity of Naruto's defense of their home. The way he faced off against the hero and the rage at the thought of them trying to harm his own at the time truly excited her. The image of her, Kanou, Naruto, and Tenten that flashed up as he roared at the man had her ready to go right now.

Tenten's growing broke Yasaka from her thoughts, tuning in to hear, "Really, Naruto. You should've just called it fucking Sunburst as that was no Rasenshuriken. I've seen your Rasenshuriken before and that was certainly not one. You dropped a fucking sun on them for logs' sake!"

Naruto grinned, recalling that massive fireball and couldn't deny that. "You may be right about that. I came up with it on the spot, so yeah. Stuck to what I know."

Isamu spoke up then, grunting and nodding, "So, Kitsune Art: Sunburst, from now on?"

Yasaka grinned. If he made it a Kitsune move, she would be able to learn it too. Naruto spoke up, "I guess, though, that is like the final step." He held out his hand, and a perfect Rasengan formed immediately, humming softly as the blue light radiated across the room. "This is the basic form of my family's ultimate attack, made famous by my father," Naruto paused, realizing he'd have to clarify a few things. "Before I forget, actually," he said, casually looking around. All eyes focused on the ball of chakra. "When I say father, I typically mean my non-human one. His name is Kurama, and he was the one who turned me into a kitsune to save both myself and Tenten."

Yasaka nods, though he was still eyeing the perfect orb of chakra. "You never did tell us his name."

Naruto chuckled softly, recalling the fuzz butt from his gut, "Yeah, Kurama no Yoko. Though, in local terms, he'll probably count as a Di-Youkai called Kyuubi." That earned a gasp from the only two who hadn't met the Nine Tails of the Elemental Nations. "How old?" Isamu asked, but Naruto shrugged. "He was at least four thousand years old, or at least that's what he told me. I don't actually know, as he's been around for as long as chakra has existed in our world."

Yasaka nods, "Most definitely a Di-youkai. I would have loved to meet him." Tenten snorted, "He'd probably boast that his might has no equal, yada-yada. Then go on to say that your power is insignificant to his unless you could beat all his siblings with a single tail."

Yasaka growled, "Oh, is that so?"

Naruto cut her off. "At my strongest, going all out, I can match just under fifty percent of his total output." He informed, earning pale faces from the other two, and Tenten nodded to confirm. "Even if all the other tailed beasts teamed up against him, he would bat them around like chew toys."

Isamu chuckled, "Wow. I'm glad you're on our side." Naruto shrugged as he looked back at the ball he was still holding in his hand. "As for the original subject, when I say Dad, my original dad, the high-human, as you call us, created this based on my father's bijou-dama."

Looking at Yasaka now, he continued, "So, if the kitsune want to learn either, they should first learn this to understand chakra control better and external manipulation," earning her nod, and he smirks as he floods the ball with wind chakra. The ball turns from calm blue to bright white, small blades appearing at the sides, surprising the two who are seeing this for the first time. "This is the second step. By using my chakra nature alignment of wind, I alter the makeup of the base attack to a wind type. This enables me to counter lightning attacks and grind through enemy defenses far easier than the base."

Isamu studies this closely. "Your chakra has a nature of wind? I would have thought it would be fire as a kitsune."

Naruto nods to that, expecting that question. "Before my transformation, my two affinities were Wind and Water. I didn't have any time to learn Water techniques in the field, so I just did the exercises for them when I was trying to relax as it was therapeutic," he blushes slightly, recalling the other time he used it, "or if the other option wasn't available."

That was confusing, but Tenten realized what he meant and looked away. Damn, did he have to say that aloud? Yasaka, noticing Tenten's reaction, was only slightly behind until her mind clicked, and she grinned.

"Since then, however," Naruto moved on swiftly, knowing he would pay for that slight lighter, "I suspect my water nature has shifted to Fire, but I have no clue how to check it here. Our normal way is cut off, so I can only assume."

"How did you do it before?" asked Isamu, curiosity peaked. If they all had naturally aligned chakra, then their Youjutsu capabilities would skyrocket with elemental abilities. Tenten took this answer: "Back home, we had special trees that we grew with large amounts of chakra. Due to that, when turned into paper, the paper reacted to one's natural flow of chakra. That reaction told of one's alignment with nature."

Yasaka sighed. "Guess we have to find our own way then."

"Captain," Isamu called, gaining Tenten's attention. "What were your natures?"

Tenten scratched her head in embarrassment. "Well, I had Fire and Lightning naturally, but I was working on wind before everything went down."

Naruto nods, his cheesy grin in full, "You came to the best wind user for help, too," and she growls at him, "You know how rare natural wind users are? Like seriously."

Naruto chuckled and nodded, waving around the still-held assault technique. "Yeah, I do. I was one of three in the village, remember?"

Yasaka raised her brow at that. "One of three? You said your shinobi force was four thousand strong, and only three had wind natured chakra?"

Tenten nods as Naruto blows a raspberry at her. "Yeah, those born with wind chakra are really rare where we came from. The most common was Fire, followed by Earth, then Water, then Lightning, and finally Wind. In that order." She explained, earning a nod from the two outsiders. Naruto speaks up now, "The country with the most wind users was unsurprisingly those from the Land of Wind, Sunagure, Village Hidden in the Sand, had many famous wind users who have said to have mastered them to such a degree that they could fly without hand signs."

The youkai gawked at that while Naruto looked to Tenten, "Say, how come I never taught you this?" He moved the spinning death ball between them. The girl shrugged, "It never really came up. Besides, I have my kunai and swords. High chakra attacks are your thing, remember?"

Naruto nods, recalling that very clearly. As he disperses, the ball finally, "Fair point. Though, you still use those chakra strings, right?"

She nods, "Yeah, I keep up with my training." As she flicks out one said string of chakra over to her desk, grabbing a pen and yanking it over to her, she catches it swiftly. Yasaka raised a brow at that, not knowing she could do that, but it was Isamu who spoke up, "Since when could you do that? How could you do that?"

Tenten smirked, twirling the pen in her hand, "Well, my ultimate attack when I was younger was called 'Twin Rising Dragon,' which caused me to use a large number of weapons. In order to speed up my recovery of them, and as an apology for an earlier situation, I was taught chakra strings by a team of shinobi from the Hidden Sand, as they use them to control combat puppets."

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "I swear during that exam I saw a kitchen sink," Tenten's cheeks dusted pink, but she responded, "I slipped mid-strike." Naruto chuckled at that, and she glared at him. "Combat puppets?" Isamu inquires, but both veterans wave him off. "Let's not travel down that rabbit hole, neh?" Naruto responds, and Tenten nods, fully agreeing. "So the training for the bijou-dama is enhanced by learning this Rasengan technique?"

"It also aids in chakra control." Naruto confirms, and Yasaka nods, "Then, shall we begin then?"

Naruto shook his head. "No, not yet. There's a quick, three-step way to learn it, but I don't have the required equipment right now. However, I'll grab some later, and we can begin when I do."

The other three nodded, accepting that. Yasaka beamed at another new move available to them. "Thank you, Naruto-kun."

Fallen Compound

Naruto landed outside the Fallen Compound, silently and unnoticed by those within, and fist bumped Kosaku. "Anything to report?"

"Nothing of note, no. Surprisingly enough, they have been rather tame." Kosaku responded, earning a nod from the nine-tailed fox. "Go swap with Issei so he has time for his date," both grinned at that, and Kosaku nodded, "Fine, but you need to get me out of my mother's barbecue tomorrow. I really can't deal with my brother's antics, nor his wife, as they are trying to one up me."

Naruto snorted, shaking his head, "Fine. I'll speak with her, but don't say I didn't warn you. I have enough fan girls as it is."

Kosaku narrowed his eyes, growling lowly, "You wouldn't..." Naruto glared at him, growling back, "You know damn well I wouldn't even think about it. I am just warning you, damn it." The other kitsune went silent, not moving for a moment, then nodded, "Sorry,"

"It's fine," Naruto waved him off, "what are badass cousins for, huh?" Kosaku groaned at that, recalling how most within the kitsune clan had accepted that as fact. It had since spread to the other canine Youkai clans at this point, accepted as fact despite his insistence that they weren't. His growl was amusing to Naruto, who grinned foxily, "I hate you sometimes, you know that."

Naruto nods firmly. "I know, but that's what makes me your favorite cousin."

Feeling that he was digging himself a deeper grave, Kosaku vanished in a shower of cherry blossoms, growling harder. Naruto chuckled softly as he took up station on the roof beside the compound.

Kicking his feet as he looks at the moon, Naruto smiles at the thoughts on how things are going and how far he has come in these last few months. From fighting a losing war, to protecting his home, his lovers, and his family. Now, he has a new family, a new home, and is fighting to protect this world from war breaking out.

A full circle.

A lustful flare-up drew his attention to the compound. Anger flowed in, his eyes narrowed. He stood, his eyes fixated on his senses as fear climbed. His eyes turned gold. Azazel's signature moved towards the source of the disturbance.

Naruto prepares his chakra for a rapid body flicker, and a Rasengan forms in his hand, focusing on the interaction. Azazel flares his magic to near full, and the fear fades as his signature attack sizzles out. The Governor appears, holding a four-winged subordinate, looking pissed.

A body flicker later, and Naruto is glaring at the captured angel. "Azazel, this is the troublemaker, right?" Naruto growls the whole time, and Azazel shakes off the surprise as he throws down the battered man. "Yeah. Take him to your dungeon master. He is no longer a member of Grigori." Azazel spits those words with venom, and Naruto nods. "She's been looking for a new chew toy," he says, giving a dark look at the man who was beaten. The man, weakly looking up, sees the golden eyes of the Kyuubi no Yoko. He would have gulped if it weren't for the beatdown causing his throat to hurt.

Naruto yanks the man up, looks at the Governor General, and nods, "Take care of things here. Take care of the victim."

"Yeah, I got it," Azazel turned back to the open door. The others of the Fallen glared at the poor fool, while Arata nodded at the Kyuubi, who nodded back before vanishing in a flash of yellow.

Hidden Dungeon

Naruto flashed in, dragging a prisoner behind him. The air in the underground facility was dark, grimy, stale, and thick. The catacomb-like structure was carved through the bedrock, barely lit, as those within did not need light to see; they had lost that right when they crossed the shinobi of the Youkai.

Heading further in, the only thing that could be made out from the Commander of the shinobi force was his glowing golden eyes and the moans from the barely conscious former member of Grigori. "Where... are you taking me..." the man's voice echoed as he was dragged by his leg. Naruto didn't respond as they passed a pit that housed empty hanging cages, plenty of webbing littering them, and the unmistakable scent of blood coming from the pit they just crossed via rock bridge.

The duo passed the remains of another fallen, which were chained up. The feathers around the bones indicated that it was indeed a fallen. This caused the man to panic, but the paralysis seal now on the foot being held halted his attempts to escape.

The duo came to a stop before a large stone gate. Naruto dropped the man, stepped to the door, and moved to the wall. "Where are you taking me...? I didn't... she wanted... it..."

Naruto placed his hand on a particular place on the door, and channeled chakra that could be seen running along channels and grooves throughout the entire surface. "Master..." was whispered, yet it carried through the stale air and darkness. "I brought dinner," Naruto softly responded. The sound of skittering feet caused the fallen to gulp, their eyes snapping around, looking for the sound's movements. "...fallen again..." the whisper came back.

Naruto sighed softly, arms crossed. "Sorry about that. Though," he glanced back at the fool, "this one tried to force himself on one of his allies. If that helps." The scurrying fell silent at that. A part of the door glowed, a little larger than an average door, before dimming down. A puff of dust blew off, revealing a new crease that traveled around the outside frame. It dropped, revealing a pitch-black hole into the abyss.

Sighing again, Naruto muttered, "Being lazy now, huh?" He strolled back to the prisoner, grabbed his foot, and yanked him forward into the abyss.

This part of the dungeon was pitch black, and no lighting, even from torches that had been removed, was needed. Not even rats dared come down here. The door sealed up behind them. Naruto could only see due to the nature chakra his subordinate wove into her webs along the pathway he was following, and he could see the numerous other prisoners within, including their most recent acquisition, hanging on the wall a fair distance up. "Katerea Leviathan, you're still alive, huh?"

The woman jolted, looking around before noticing the glowing golden eyes down below. "Yo..." Her voice was dry, jagged from disuse or hoarse from screams. Naruto didn't care to know, waving her off. Not that she could tell. "No, I am not here to save you or anything."

She would have cried if she had any tears left. "Plea..." but the golden eyes vanished as she sniffled, and Naruto ignored her and moved on to the nest of his so-called maid servant.

As he walks through another wall of webbing and frowns, "You know you shouldn't do that, Nagai." As he stops and looks up at her, her glowing eyes show her amusement, and Naruto knows she is in her true form. This is one of the few places where she can be, and this is one of the places where she is allowed to roam free, so to speak, thus letting her instincts run wild to reduce stress beyond the big door.

She giggled, her laughter filled with nothing but bad intentions, vile humor, a significant amount of lust, and more than a little loathing for the pest brought before her, "Oh, my master, do you not enjoy my silk?"

Naruto gave her a flat look, and she giggled again, no doubt licking her lips with no good intention behind them as he threw the man ahead of him. "He's all yours."

Her eyes track the body as it lands. The paralysis seal fades, allowing the man to try and escape. "I know how much you love them struggling to cling to their lives, Nagai," Naruto states as they watch the man regain mobility and try to scurry around, trying to figure out which way was up or the walls.

A giggle again as she slinks down behind her master. "You spoil me too much, Master..." He feels her breath on the back of his neck, and she feels his subtle warning growl as her claws arch around his neck. "Just take your food," Her claws freeze as he glances back, eyes narrowed on her. "Or should I remind you what I did to your mother?"

"I would never, I just want," she began, and he hissed back, "I know what you want, Nagai," his growl getting louder, and she backed off, "Now, take the scumbag and take your frustrations out on him." He pointed at the man trying to feel around. She zipped up and vanished into the darkness, and Naruto growled as he left, ignoring the panicking, then the screams of fear that echoed off the bedrock.

Reaching the door back into the main dungeon, Naruto glances over his shoulder. The man's screams had fallen silent. "...And Nagai, clean up out here. These feathers get everywhere and make things look messy."

Out from the darkness, the human form of Nagai, in her maid outfit, stepped forward, her soft smile present. "Yes, Naruto-sama." Bowing softly, Naruto would have bought the innocent act were it not for the fact that she still had blood on her mouth, and he was unaware of her predatory nature. "Good. Sorry for intruding on your free time like this,"

She smiled sweetly, bowed again at the waist this time, "It is no trouble. I am happy to be of service to you."

Naruto nods before heading out.

Fallen Compound

Azazel was sitting in the office. This night had seriously pissed him off. How could one of his own try and force that sweet, innocent girl into such a position? A flicker of movement went unnoticed. He sighed as he placed down his drink, which signalled the new arrival to speak up. "You won't hear from him again."

Azazel managed to suppress most of his flinch. "...Naruto, huh?" The golden eyes appeared through the darkness, and the man smirked, "So, you felt with him, huh?"

The lack of response was enough for the fallen Governor, who sighs, nods, and says, "Thank you."

Naruto's eyes seemed to shimmer and then vanished, his parting words travelling like a whisper. "Don't thank me."

Kyoto Shrine

Naruto looks up at the door to his office from his desk, having not slept yet but the day has since already started. "Come in." In stepped Griselda, leading in both Xenovia and Irina, escorted by Iseri. "Ah, I was wondering when we'd speak. Please take a seat." Naruto offers the two seats, though only Griselda sits, the other two standing at her back.

"So, how can I help you today?" Naruto began. Griselda spoke up, "I have been briefed by Lord Michael, and I am fine leaving both Irina and Xenovia here. However, I intend to send over another two to aid them if that is alright?"

Naruto nods. "It is encouraged, in fact." Which is a surprise, so he elaborates: "Genin fireteams, what your two charges will be assigned to, are typically made up of a minimum of three genin and one Jonin leader. They also can have six or nine, but I suggest the three-to-one ratio for you until you can make up another full team of four. That way, when they make chunin, they can remain together."

Griselda nods, contemplating this new information before nodding again, "Very well. I have someone in mind. Do you have someone to train them both in swordsmanship and throwing weapons? Preferably a woman as to keep impure thoughts at a minimum."

Naruto nods firmly, leaning back into his seat, fingers pressing against one another. "I do, in fact, though whether she takes a team is up to her, and I also happen to know that she is not one to take that kind of talk too well."

Griselda quirks a brow, "As in?" Naruto stares dead into this woman's eyes, "She is a very proud kunoichi, served with distinction in the last shadow war, surviving against everything from undead allies with no will, to carnivorous human/plant hybrids. She takes no bull from anyone and does what she needs to do to get the job done. To her, being a woman is secondary, and should you approach her with that mindset," Naruto smirks dangerously, causing his opponent's eyes to sharpen, "not even I could save you."

The air was tense; no one moved as the two stared each other down. It was broken by the coffee placed beside Naruto by Iseri. "Lord Naruto, I believe she would be fine taking them, though her duties with Lady Yasaka may not be possible alongside their training."

This raised raised eyebrows from the exorcists. Their proposed Jonin was a member of their faction's protection detail for their leader. Truly, a powerful woman if that is the case. "Perhaps, Iseri," Naruto leaned back into his seat, coffee in hand. "Though, I think she'll decide. She hates other women who aren't serious about being true kunoichi."

Xenovia spoke up, "We are serious about being shinobi, or kunoichi, or whatever. We are here to learn how to fight, and no one will dare say otherwise." She reached for her sword, only for a blade to appear at her neck, and she froze. "Didn't think you'd come, Ten-chan," Naruto said, still sipping his drink.

Those not at blade point turned back to see a brown-haired woman, with her hair tied up in two buns, wearing a grey kipow dress beneath a flak jacket. "Well, I was on my way to check on Lady Yasaka and figured I'd ask you where I could find her," she shrugged. "I was waiting for them to leave, but hearing your compliments and all."

"Ah, well, as long as these ladies can keep your secret, then by all means. Do you think you can whip them into fierce competition for kunoichi of the year?" Naruto asks, still casually drinking his tea, as his friend holds both girls at blade point. Not that Irina knew it yet.

Tenten shrugs, looks between them both, "Possibly. Though, pigtails look a bit thin." Irina grew a tick mark and was reaching for her bracelet when she felt the cold steel against her spine and froze, "Ah - ah. I would cut your spine open before you touch that bracelet." The last leaf comments, and Gresilda was impressed enough to nod, "She's got my interest peaked. Perhaps a spar?"

"Sorry, I have way too much to do." Tenten explained before looking at Naruto. "However, putting them with Aoi wouldn't be a bad idea. She's a heavy combat type, could whip blue here into shape, and Hosoo can deal with pigtails. I'll take care of swordsmanship in my free time or you can handle that. Your Uzu-dragon style would work with her heavy sword and physique, right?"

He shrugged, "You heard Gresilda-san. She wanted a female instructor." Tenten snorted at that, "Please. I know how flexible you are, Naruto. Teaching a female student is fine for you."

Gresilda looked at Naruto, who shrugged, sipping on his coffee. "You are?" But before he could respond, Tenten did, "He taught me his family style, the one his mother used with an ode Katana. He can handle it."

Naruto groaned, knowing he shouldn't have, but a deal was a deal, and she beat him fair and square. "I really shouldn't have bet my family style. I mean, seriously, I never lose at games of chance." Tenten smirked, a slight tint of pink to her cheeks. "That's why I made certain it wasn't by chance."

"Whatever," Naruto grumbled into his cup, which was empty, and frowned. Iseri took it from him and handed him another. He smiled and nodded, before looking back to the three women opposite him, "So, Gresilda-san. What will it be?"

Devil Compound

Sirzechs stands outside the embassy, looking up at the clear sky, as the Sitri peerage loads their bags onto the bus. The Gremory group will be returning for a month at most, so they are leaving most of their stuff in their rooms.

Looking back over the last week, even Serafall had come to like the place and had already planned on creating a permanent link to the place to visit on her off days, but it has to wait for the Youkai to modify the barrier to allow such a transportation circle to be etched in.

The devils were surprised that the bus moved off despite the lack of escorts. The driver seemed unbothered by this as he pulled the bus around a corner, moving down the street passing the shopping district. What surprised them again was that before the exit to the district, there was a line of Shinobi on both sides of the road, saluting the bus as it passed.

First in line were the FireTeams, with FireTeam Eleven winking at Sona's peerage with cheeky grins. The peerage winked back, among chuckles. Next came the full Teams, at least those not already redeployed on missions. The devils were speechless at the gesture, even more so when the Jonin came into view, followed by the "Anbu" teams they had spotted before.

The devils all felt honored they were seen off in such a way. All the men were grinning, and the women either waved or bowed back. Just before the exit gate, however, was the biggest surprise. The bus came to a gentle stop, and standing front and center was Yasaka, flanked by both Teams Seven and Nine.

Seeing this, all the devil's stepped off again, moving towards the lines, and this was the first time Tenten would come face to face with the devil's, so was naturally nervous. Naruto was against this, but Yasaka insisted. A compromise was made and Tenten was wearing a seal to appear as a brown bear Youkai. She refused the panda on principle, much to Naruto's dismay.

Sirzechs stepped up first, Yasaka stepping forward, "On behalf of the whole faction, I would like to thank you for your help and hope to forge a new peace for the kings of tomorrow together moving forward," bowing after her words, her two guard details following her lead.

Sirzechs leads the bow of his kin, none wanting to be rude, before following up, "Indeed, Lady Yasaka," he looks to Naruto, "and you too, Lord Naruto."

Naruto nods wordlessly, his gold eyes revealing nothing, hand resting on his mother's ode katana. As all eyes fall back to Yasaka who speaks up, "Rest assured, that when you next return, your compound will be ready for your magical inscription. The modifications of our defence systems are already underway to accommodate such."

Sirzechs nods to that, Serafall too, however her eyes were locked on to the unknown Jonin at the head of Team Nine. Curious as to why they haven't met. Seeing this Yasaka smiles and clears her throat, drawing Serafall attention, "Allow me to introduce my guard captain, Jonin Tenten. Leader of Team Nine, and Second in Command of the Shinobi Force."

Tenten nods her head, just as Naruto does, and it was clear to the devils that this woman was not to be taken lightly. Even if her presence was clearly less intense in comparison to Naruto's. That only raised more alarms in the few more combat orientated of the group.

Serafall was first to react after the short shock, stepping toward Tenten though idly noticed Naruto's laser focus on her, hand on his sword, and extends her hand, "Pleasure to meet you, Lady Tenten. It is a shame we never got to talk during our stay here."

Tenten nods, taking the handshake, "Well, Naruto was busy keeping trouble under wraps, so someone had to handle the paperwork and running, coordinating, and sorting everything out," releasing the hold before shrugging. "Though, it was amusing seeing my subordinates surprise you."

Serafall chuckled nervously, glancing to the black bear and Tortoise Youkai standing with her, though the two bunnies were also unknown to her. She spoke up though, "Ah, your Team Nine is certainly impressive."

Even the straight faced bunnies smirked at that, Aoi blushing slightly, Isamu nodded once, arms crossed, as Tenten looked to them, "Yeah, my teams great. The best in their fields."

Naruto, Izuhara, Kosaku, and Issei all coughed at that, averting their eyes from the glare of Tenten. Kuroka grinned, left hand on hip, hotly flipping her hair. Nagai remained smiling, but for some reason all felt the smugness coming from her. The devil's sweat-dropped at the clear rivalry on display.

In a surprise to most, Gasper stepped forward towards Naruto, who's eyes flowed to him, and a warm smile upon his face, "hey kiddo. You're looking far more confident than last we spoke."

Gasper nods once, head held high, "Hai Sensei. I, I was wondering if you would accept me as a student."

The devil group gawked at the audacity of the Gremory Bishop, coming out and saying that outright with no hesitation. It was clear that both peerages had wanted to ask that too, though they were unsure how or when it was the right time to do so.

Naruto raised a brow and thought about it. Even a blind man could tell the young boy was nervous to all hell, and terrified by his rather bold action. Naruto had assumed that his lack of confidence was due to his lack of control. Control he had only just begun grasping after his words of wisdom about his past. However, he would have to read up on the sacred gear the younger teen possessed. Naruto dropped to one knee, meeting Gasper's gaze straight on. "Tell you what, Gasper. As the life of a shinobi requires a high degree of stamina and endurance, when you get back, if you can run ten laps of the school track under a time I will set, I will take you as my second student."

Gasper nods before asking, "What time do I need?"

Naruto smirked, shook his head, and stood up. "That's for me to know, and you to guess. Do your best during the time you have back in Kouh. When you get back, I shall test you personally and see what kind of drive you can muster," the kitsune shrugged. "If you fail, then I guess I will have to train either Shirone or..."

"I will do it!" Gasper declared abruptly, cutting Naruto off, eyes ablaze with determination. Everyone smiled at the little bishop, and Naruto nodded firmly, his serious face in place. "Then don't let me down, but most importantly," raising his fist to the smaller male, a foxy grin in place, "don't let yourself down."

Gasper looked from Naruto's face, then to the closed fist, then looking to his own and nods to himself, as if telling himself he was that guy, and bumps his fist against Naruto's.

Issei watched all this with a grin. He had a kohai now. A sibling student. Nodding to himself as if confirming his own thoughts, he spoke up, "Gasper," all eyes fell on the Red Dragon Emperor, who stepped forward beside his sensei, "I look forward to having you as both my kohai and sibling student," presenting his fist too. Gasper looked at it, then to Naruto, who grinned at his first student, and Gasper returned the gesture.

The moment their fists touched, every Youkai snapped to the not insignificant chakra flare with widened eyes. Naruto glared at Issei, "Fool! What the hell did you do?"

Gasper felt funny too, like really warm, and it was spreading through his frame from his fist. Though Issei looked between his fist and Gasper's, the other Devils all looked confused at what was going on. Issei mumbled, "I… I…"

Yet another spoke up, the green glow on Issei's palms appearing, "Relax, young Kyuubi. It was but a gift from me to the holder of Aeon Balor."

Naruto glared at the orbs, growling lowly with his tails swaying aggressively. "From what I am sensing, you did more than just a simple gift, Ddriag. Do not make me come in there again!"

A deep bellowing laugh before the glow fades, and Naruto smirks. "Stupid old lizard, doing whatever the fuck he wants when it was none of his damn business," he grumbles, looking back at the Devils, who were gawking at him. Tilting his head, incredibly cutely in Yasaka and Tenten's honest opinion, Naruto asks, "Something wrong?"

It was Serafall who responded, somewhat hesitantly, "Umm, you said you would go in there again? Does that mean..."

Naruto shrugged. "I don't know what you're asking about. Sometimes that lizard thinks he's untouchable." He shot Issei a glare, and Issei chuckled nervously as he heard the dragon's bellowing laughter. "Sensei, could you not? He hasn't stopped laughing."

Naruto's glare became icy. "Oh..." he said so lowly that even Yasaka took a step back from the clearly irritated Kyuubi. His tails swayed dangerously, and now Issei and Ddriag paled. Naruto chuckled darkly as he said, "I guess it's time to skin a lizard. I could do with a new kunai pouch, and red happens to be my favorite color."

Rias perked up at that. Sirzechs grinned like a loon; if that were true, it would be very good news.

After the devils had returned to the bus and were back on their way, Rias, Akeno, Tsubaki, and Yura stared out the rear window, watching their hosts standing their ground and watching them leave.

When the bus was out of sight, Naruto let out a tired breath, the other shinobi following his example. "Finally!" was cheered, and Yasaka led the chuckles after that as she looked back at her shinobi forces. "Well done, everyone! We've proven that we are no longer pushovers. That we are a threat, and thanks to your all's exemplary performance, our enemies and allies alike are taking notice of us. Good work!" They all cheered at her words, Naruto raising his hands, grinning like a loon. "AFTERPARTY!"

The cheers erupted far and wide.

Kyoto Shrine

Naruto's eyes snapped open, his slit eyes narrowing at the smell coming from his bedmate. Glancing back, Tenten wasn't there, so only Yasaka was with him right now. Glancing to the window, the moon was still up. Something was happening to him, and he wasn't sure what it was exactly. Sure, the party they had was as crazy as they've ever gone, but he wasn't even hung over.

This smell. It was. His paper-thin eyes scanned the room for threats, misaligned objects, or anything else that might have tripped his senses. A slight flare of his chakra. He was not under an illusion. Looking at the contented smile on Yasaka's form, something told him something was going on, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was not right.

Getting up from the bed, he heads to the bathroom to wash his face or something and idly notices it was only two in the morning. Rinsing his face was calming, but he still had no idea what was going on. He growls as he stares into his narrow-slit eyes, which glow gold as he tries to piece things together.

He felt on edge. Like something was about to happen, and his body was more than ready to react. Yet, nothing seemed to be wrong. None of his senses were telling him anything: no enemies nearby, no panic within the city limits, and yet he felt on edge. What in the name of the Holy Log is going on with everything?

A slight shuffle caused him to snap back to the door of the room. Yasaka's faint voice called, "Naru..." He slowly and carefully moved towards the door, peeked in, and saw the woman looking around. Her eyes landed on his form. She raised a brow before yawning, "What?" She paused upon seeing his tense form. His narrow slit golden eyes showed conflicting emotions, but what worried her were the clear signs of...

Yasaka's eyes widened. She slowly got up, holding her nightgown closed, her voice below even a whisper. "Naru..."

His ear twitched minutely, his whole body rigid. His eyes didn't leave her form, as if eyeing a predator or prey, but he nodded slowly, "Yasaka… something is wrong."

Yasaka shakes her head, before speaking up, "I need you to remain here, okay? Do not leave no matter what, okay? Promise me you will stay here."

Naruto was still stiff as a board, standing behind the bathroom door, and nodded once, "I will remain here. What is going on?"

Yasaka smiles, double-checking her gown was secured tightly. "I will explain everything when I get back. Just stay here and do not leave. Am I clear?"

He nods, and she nods back before basically body-flickering out the door; she moved that quickly.

Sealing Chamber/Tenten's Playpen

Yasaka arrives at the Sealing chamber and immediately spots the additional sign. She finds it amusing, but she needs Tenten's assistance right now, so she takes it down and hides it nearby.

Sealing Chamber

Returning to the old warehouse after hiding the sign, which was very clearly Naruto's doing, if the handwriting was to be believed thus, she suspected Izuhara, trying to frame Naruto. Knocking on the door and it took a good two minutes before a yawning Tenten answered the door, "Yasaka… you have any idea how late it is?"

"It's nearly half past two, yes." Yasaka nods before continuing, "However, that is not what I am here for," which earned a raised brow from the kunoichi, who nodded, and Yasaka explained, "Naruto just entered his heat cycle."

Tenten went wide-eyed at that, tiredness a thing of the past, as she got serious. "We prepared for this, right?"

Yasaka nods. "I think mine triggered his, but as he is unfamiliar with the subject matter, he is overly tense as if awaiting an ambush and misunderstanding things. I am going to explain things, but right now I suspect the Kitsune clan as a whole will be largely ineffective."

Tenten raised a brow, recalling that the kitsune clan is typically assigned to important defense posts, guarding over the important areas that were not other clan compounds. This was terrible, though fortunately, the dignitaries had left yesterday, and only the exorcists and fallen angel shinobi trainees are still here.

None of that mattered right now, as Tenten looked straight into Yasaka's eyes, something just registering in her mind, "You… you entered your heat cycle too!"

Yasaka's face heated up, averting her eyes. "Well, yes. I think it is down to the fact that I've been so focused on it in recent weeks that it came a bit early. Or maybe it's because I have an official mate this time, but it is taking a lot of control not to pounce him right now."

Tenten nods, as her mind picks up something. "Then, the faction? Who's going to run it if both of you are..." She froze upon putting two and two together. She swallows, trying to moisten her throat. "You don't mean..."

Yasaka was quick to cut her off, speaking up, "Oh no! No! The council will cover my position, though all foreign guests will be asked to return in a month or so. No, you need to cover Naruto. Keep Kuroka, Aoi, and Iseri away from the inner shrine."

Tenten nods, "Kuroka and Aoi I get, but isn't Iseri?"

Yasaka growls very dangerously, her tails swaying aggressively. "Tenten… you don't understand how hormonal and territorial we kitsune can get. For all our sakes, keep yourself and her away from both of us. That goes for the others too. Ask the others to keep an eye on the kits. We won't be able to."

Tenten asks out of curiosity, "What about Kanou? Surely she will attempt to."

Yasaka nods. "That's another reason I came here. I need a sealing tag, a strong one. The strongest you have and two months of food. Do not ask and hurry up. I can smell Naru from here, and my own sanity will not last much longer."

Tenten bolted back inside and returned not even a minute later, handing a medium-sized scroll to the kitsune, who was pacing and clearly on edge. "Here. Team Nine's mission gear. I'll replace it later. Just get moving. I'll handle things out here."

Yasaka nods, turns back to the shrine, pauses, and glances back at the woman standing in the doorway. "Tenten. Thank you for everything. I swear,"

Tenten just nods. "I know. Get moving. If Naru is anything like you are now,"

Yasaka nods before rushing off, and Tenten sighs deeply. This was going to be really rough on so many levels.

Kyoto Shrine

Yasaka closes the door to the room she shares with Naruto and Tenten, places a complex seal on the door after chakra sensing, and smelling Naruto's presence, she activates it, isolating them from the outside.

Placing the scroll of supplies into the dresser, she slowly returned to the bathroom, seeing Naruto sitting on the edge of the bath, head in hand, so Yasaka whispered again, "Naru..."

He looks up to her, gold meeting gold, and it is clear to Yasaka that he is really confused, concerned, and afraid of whatever is happening. She smiles softly, words beneath her breath, "Come... we need to talk."

Returning to the bed, Yasaka noticed how hesitant Naruto was as he constantly scanned the area, as if waiting for an ambush. Not wanting to drag this on too long, she let out a soft growl that caused him to focus on her and tense. Nodding, Yasaka began to explain, "Naru, right now, it seems that in direct response to me, you have entered your heat cycle. You know what that means, right?"

It took a few moments for his mind to process that, though Yasaka knew that was par the course as this was his first time in this state, so naturally he was rather absent-minded right now, as he is trying to process everything at once but his mind is being overrun by his hormones and instincts, thus constantly trying to counteract them. Eventually, Naruto nods slowly, "So, I, I am," he pauses as if something else clicked, "We are heated?"

Yasaka nods, smiling sultrily, as it seems that he understood the situation better than she had hoped. "Yes, so you see. This is natural, Naruto. Your feelings. Let them out. Do not fight what you are being told," she uncaps her own lust, the phenomenon following suit, willingly submitting to her baser instincts, causing her tails to flow side to side. "After all, you are not leaving here until both of us are satisfied..." she growls at the end.

Naruto found his sensibility failing as he growled back.

Training Compound

Issei steps into the training compound to find Hosoo Kinuye and Fujino Kin, clearly awaiting his arrival. Hosoo speaks up, "Good, you're here."

Issei quirked a brow, "What's going on? Where are you?" She paused her new subordinate with a raised hand. Hosoo spoke up firmly, "There is a situation. Class one."

Issei and Fujino blinked at her owlishly. Hosoo raised a brow at the lack of response. She facepalmed, mumbling about this new generation of chunin being dense. Taking a deep breath, Hosoo explained, "Class one means top priority, critical situation. Class two: high priority, medium situation. Class three is report to Headquarters. Understand?"

They both nodded, before raising their hands. Hosoo sighed again, crossing her arms. "What?"

Fujino looks at Issei, who took up the speaking role, "Umm, Senpai, where is Headquarters? Neither of us has ever been there."

Hosoo had a blank face, thinking about the fact that these two were members of the fourth-generation chunin and hadn't been brought into the loop regarding Headquarters. It wasn't her problem, so she wasn't even going to touch that. However, she broke into a smirk, addressing them both, "Well, seeing as you don't know,"

Both teens leaned forward, expecting to finally be brought into the loop about the location of their headquarters, so Hosoo continued, "I guess you can find out another time."

Watching them face fault was most definitely amusing for the bunny-kin. However, they didn't have all morning, so she cleared her throat, getting their attention. Upon seeing the seriousness donning the older woman's face, Issei and Fujino matched it with equal intensity.

Thankful for their quick uptake, Hosoo began. "As I said, we have a Class one situation. I am not sure what it is or how long we will be under it. However, as of now, we are going to be forming a new team. Team Three until told otherwise."

The nekomata and human both nod firmly once. Hosoo speaks up again, "With this said, we are to report to Naruto's office."

"No need." A new voice and Tenten appeared via a swirl of leaves, along with several other teams. At a glance, it was clear that even the single-species Team Five had been broken up, as had Team Twenty-Five.

Over the course of the following ten minutes, more and more Squads filtered in, and Tenten took center stage. "Okay, the rest are going to be marked as late. We cannot delay this any longer," she said, taking a deep breath, her eyes hardening, before fixing the gathering of shinobi. "As of two o'clock this morning, the kitsune race has entered their mating cycle."

A/N: The external forces have left and the shinobi forces are getting back to regular duty. That was the plan at least. The kitsune clan have now gone into their heat cycled, triggered inadvertently by Yasaka who set off Naruto, and as the leaders, they triggered the rest.

Tenten is now in command and she can't afford any mess ups, though no doubt the more opportunist members of the shinobi forces will make a move in one way or another. After all, none of the kitsune are thinking straight, and are running on pure instinct with little to no higher senses, thus the isolation.

Issei finds himself in a new squad, the others too, and trouble is approaching the youkai forces and they are down their strongest members. How will they handle this exactly?

2nd A/N: Working on Sin's Forgiveness and Kitsune Knight primarily, though, i have touched on Demon Uzumaki and For What its Worth: RR though the last two are intermittently at best. Do not expect them soon just working as i can.

o7