Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.
Warning: The following will contain material that some viewers may not find suitable. There will be smut, graphic explicit sex, lemons at random moments, character deaths, and multiple pairings. There will be no additional warning as without reading the smut what little plot there is will not make any sense. You have been warned.
...
The Train is always on Time.
...
A few days had passed since the improvement in their relationship as Naruto headed to the deck leaving the girls fast asleep, the relentless cold of the Gold Sea still clung to the ship tighter than Sakura under the blankets.
Remembering this morning Naruto thought back to how this day started.
He had woken up to the soft hum of the heater and the warmth of bodies nestled against him. As he blinked the sleep from his eyes, he became aware of the two naked women beneath the sheets, their skin warm and inviting. Temari lay on one side, her golden hair splayed across the pillow, while Sakura snuggled closer on the other, her pink locks mingling with the fabric of the pink sheets she had found in her search.
The morning light filtered through the little round window, casting a gentle warmth across the room, contrasting sharply with the chill that awaited him outside. He felt a sense of peace in that moment, a rare comfort in the chaos of their lives. It was a feeling he wanted to hold onto, if only for a little while longer. Knowing that the day at to start Naruto gently pushed the two girls to the side as he sat up. Little did he know that Sakura had other plans this morning as she used her monsterist strength to push him back down on the bed.
"You stay right there," she whispered into his ear as she slid halfway down his body.
Sakura's lips trail down his chest, teasing and deliberate, her fingers tracing patterns on his skin. Temari shifted awake, her hand slipping across his waist, inching lower, her breath hot against his neck. Their touches are slow at first, building tension until Naruto feels the pressure of Sakura's mouth enveloping his member until she reaches Temari's fingers around his base, drawing a low groan from his throat.
Temari pulled her hand back losing the prize and allowing her hands to explore his body, every stroke sending shivers through him, contrasting the cold world just beyond their quarters. Her mouth finds his, and their kiss deepens as Sakura moves rhythmically below, her tongue swirling expertly.
Sakura pulls back, a wicked smile playing on her lips as she switches places with Temari, who now slides down Naruto's body. Her golden hair fans out across his abs as she takes him in her hand, continuing the rhythm Sakura began. Each movement is calculated, pushing Naruto closer to the edge as their bodies entwine.
Naruto's breaths come faster, mingling with the room's heat building. Their connection intensifies as Temari matches his rhythm, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. The sheets rustle softly around them, a melody of passion underscored by soft moans and whispers. Every thrust brings him closer to the edge, the pleasure overwhelming as he surrenders to the sensations coursing through him.
But just as he feels himself about to release, Temari pulls away suddenly with a soft pop. "Not yet," she breathes, a teasing smile dancing across her lips. "I have plans for this."
With a playful glint in her eyes, she grips him firmly, her hand pumping slowly over him, sending shivers of anticipation racing down his spine. As she hovers above him, she takes her time, lowering herself down, inch by tantalizing inch, reveling in the sensation of him filling her completely. The tension stretches taut between them, heightening the moment.
"Oh god, you're tight," Naruto gasps, breaking his kiss with Sakura, whose eyes widen with delight at the sight before her. She watches Temari, captivated by the way their bodies connect, the way Temari's expression shifts as she takes him deeper.
"You're not the only one having fun," Sakura said, a playful grin spreading across her face. She shifts her position, sitting up to capture one of Temari's bouncing breasts in her mouth, her tongue swirling around the hardened peak.
Temari lets out a soft moan, her body responding instinctively to the dual pleasure of Naruto below and Sakura above. "Perfect," Sakura breathes against Temari's skin, the warmth of her breath sending a thrill through both of them.
As Naruto watches, he feels a rush of excitement, a surge of desire igniting within him. The sight of Sakura's lips wrapped around Temari, the sounds of their pleasure mingling in the air, draws him deeper into the moment. He thrusts upward, eager to meet Temari's descent, feeling the delicious friction between them.
Sakura was many things, but patience wasn't one of them. With determination shining in her eyes, she used her free hand, infused with chakra, to slide beneath Temari's belly, fingers brushing against the soft skin. She found her hot core, the warmth radiating from Temari, and a smirk crossed her face as she felt the flutter of excitement beneath her touch.
With deft movements, Sakura concentrated her chakra, manipulating it with precision to enhance her touch. Her fingers moved with practiced ease, teasing, and coaxing as she found the sweet spot. Temari gasped, arching her back at the sudden surge of pleasure that coursed through her.
"Just let go," Sakura whispered, her voice sultry and encouraging as she pushed Temari closer to the edge. The warmth of the room intensified, and the air crackled with electricity as Sakura expertly guided her partner toward climax.
Within moments, Temari was sent over the top, her body shaking in blissful release. She fell onto her side, panting and breathless, a satisfied smile spreading across her flushed face. The tension that had gripped her melted away, leaving only waves of pleasure in its wake.
Sakura, not one to waste a moment, lowered her mouth to Naruto, capturing him with eager lips. She pulled him in deep, savoring the taste of him, the feeling of being so intimately connected. With each deliberate movement, she ensured he was clean and ready, swirling her tongue around him, a mix of determination and hunger guiding her actions.
"Let me take care of you," she murmured against his skin, her breath hot and inviting. Her movements became rhythmical, each motion drawing him deeper into a haze of ecstasy, making sure that they were all entwined in this moment of bliss.
Naruto gasped, feeling the dual sensations overwhelming him. As Sakura lavished attention on him, Temari's satisfied expression lingered in his mind, amplifying the pleasure coursing through him. The world outside faded away, leaving only the intoxicating heat of their bodies and the soft sounds of pleasure that filled the air.
He was so close once again, that sweet release just within reach, when Sakura suddenly pulled away, teasing him with her smile. With deliberate slowness, she crawled over to Temari, pushing the blonde onto her back. Now, Temari's body lay exposed, illuminated by the soft glow of the heater, the warmth highlighting every curve.
Sakura took her time, savoring the view. She began at Temari's belly button, tracing delicate patterns with her fingers, then planting soft kisses that made the blonde squirm beneath her. The air was thick with anticipation as Sakura moved higher, her lips exploring the soft skin of Temari's torso, inching closer to the treasures that lay above.
Temari's fingers tangled in Sakura's pink hair, guiding her from one breast to the other, urging her on with gentle pulls and soft gasps. Each kiss, each flick of Sakura's tongue sent shivers through Temari, and she found herself arching into the attention, desperate for more.
Meanwhile, all Naruto could see was red, the primal need igniting within him as he moved to the side of the bed. His heart raced as he gripped Sakura's hips in both hands, feeling the firm bones beneath his fingers, grounding him in the moment.
With a swift thrust, he took Sakura fully, their bodies connecting in a rush of heat and sensation. A gasp escaped her lips, and Naruto's breath hitched, the feeling of her warmth enveloping him igniting a fire deep within. There was no holding back now; every instinct drove him to push deeper, to claim her entirely.
Sakura moaned, the sound sending shockwaves of pleasure through both of them. She moved in rhythm with him, her body responding eagerly, urging him on as Temari watched, caught in a haze of pleasure and desire.
The three of them were lost in the moment, each sensation amplifying their connection as they intertwined in a dance of passion. It was a symphony of gasps, sighs, and the rustle of sheets as they explored the depths of their desires together. A warm glow of chakra emanated from Sakura, bathing the room in soft light as she relaxed her control, allowing her energy to flow freely.
The radiant chakra enveloped them all, weaving an intimate cocoon that heightened their sensations. With each pulse of her chakra, the atmosphere crackled with electricity, and the air grew thick with desire. Sakura felt herself teetering on the edge of bliss, reaching her peak over and over again, the waves of pleasure crashing through her.
With a passionate intensity, she moved up to kiss Temari, their lips locking in a deep embrace that left them breathless. Their connection was electric, and in that moment, it felt as if time stood still. Sakura's hands worked their magic on Temari's core, fingers dancing with expert precision, drawing forth soft moans that echoed in the air, mingling with the sounds of their shared ecstasy.
As the energy between them surged, they all found themselves spiraling toward a shared climax. With one final thrust, Naruto landed on Sakura's back, creating a warm, intimate sandwich that encased Sakura in their embrace.
Here's a refined version that transitions smoothly from the intimate moment back to the present scene while maintaining the narrative's emotional weight:
A content smile graced Sakura's face as she felt Naruto empty himself within her, filling her with warmth and satisfaction. In that blissful moment, enveloped by the warmth of their bodies, she found true happiness once again. The world outside faded away, leaving only the three of them as they reveled in the closeness they had forged together.
Shaking his head at the memory of that morning, Naruto stood at the bow, his breath visible in the icy air, his eyes locked on the horizon. The wind was biting, spraying cold sea foam onto his face, but he didn't mind. The recollection of warmth and intimacy lingered in his mind, a stark contrast to the chill that surrounded him.
Something was calming about the vast expanse of ocean before him, the way the waves rolled and crashed against the ship, even with the knowledge that danger lurked beneath its surface. It reminded him of the complexities of life, how moments of warmth could exist amidst the cold, and how love could thrive in the most unexpected places.
Beside him, Jiraiya appeared, breaking the spell of nostalgia. "Cold morning, huh, kid?" he remarked, his voice casual despite the frigid air.
Naruto nodded, still lost in thought. "Yeah, but it clears your head," he replied, his mind still drifting back to the warmth of the earlier hours and the love they had shared.
They stood in silence for a few moments longer, letting the cold wash over them before Jiraiya nudged Naruto with his elbow, pointing ahead. "Look over there."
Naruto squinted, following his mentor's gesture until he saw it—a dark mass breaking through the mist in the distance. It was an island, stark and unfamiliar, rising out of the cold waters like a jagged crown. The first thing he noticed was it was covered in ice and no volcano was in sight.
"Finally, some land," Jiraiya said, his voice filled with relief. "We've been sailing for weeks. Let's hope it's not as deserted as it looks."
Naruto turned to him with a nod. "Do you think the crew will be happy about a break?"
"Happy?" Jiraiya smirked. "They are sailors and love the sea. No, they would be looking for the supplies we may find on that island."
The lookout's shout echoed across the deck as he spotted the island, and soon they felt the ship shift beneath their feet, the crew moving quickly to trim the sails and adjust their course toward the frozen landmass.
Naruto squinted against the wind as the sails filled with a sharp gust, carrying the ship toward the icy mass ahead. The cold stung his cheeks, and he could see the frozen seafoam crash against the bow. Turning to Jiraiya, his brow furrowed with curiosity, he asked, "Have you been to this island before?"
Jiraiya chuckled, though the sound was almost lost to the howl of the wind. "Kid, I've been to nearly every piece of land across the Five Great Nations and beyond," he began, adjusting the collar of his coat as the cold bit deeper. "But this island? No. The last time I was in the Gold Sea, there was an island out here, but it wasn't anything like this. Back then, it was full of greenery, thanks to its natural hot springs."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, surprised. "So... what's going on here?"
Jiraiya shook his head, his expression thoughtful. "That's the question, isn't it? I don't even know if this is the same island or something else entirely. Could be a floating iceberg for all we know, carried by the currents."
Naruto glanced back at the distant landmass, covered in ice and snow. The wind was biting, cutting through even the thickest of their clothes. "Doesn't look like a hot spring resort to me."
Jiraiya grinned, though his eyes remained fixed on the island. "That's an understatement. We should keep our guard up. Things like this... well, they're never as simple as they seem. It could be something else entirely. We'll have to see when we get closer."
Naruto nodded, feeling the familiar stir of excitement mixed with caution. "Right. Just when I thought the cold couldn't get any worse."
Jiraiya laughed again, more heartily this time. "Trust me, kid. If this place is as strange as it looks, you'll wish for the cold to be the least of our problems."
As they sailed closer, the island loomed larger in the distance, jagged ice formations cutting into the sky like sharp teeth. The chill in the air seemed to grow even colder, and Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that something was waiting for them.
"Captain!" Jiraiya called out to the men on the poop deck, his voice cutting through the cold wind. "What's the plan?"
The captain, standing tall with his spyglass raised to his eye, scanned the icy island looming ahead. His brow furrowed as he studied the jagged edges of the frozen landmass. Lowering the spyglass, he glanced down at Jiraiya, his expression thoughtful. "We'll circle the thing, see if we can spot a dock or any signs of life," he replied. "If there are people there, we might be able to trade some of our goods for fuel or food."
Naruto, standing next to Jiraiya, shot a glance at the captain. "You really think there are people in a place like this? Looks more like a giant iceberg than an island."
The captain smirked, his hand tightening around the spyglass. "You'd be surprised, lad. I've seen villages built in worse places than this. Let's hope for some friendly faces instead of a frozen graveyard."
Jiraiya nodded, crossing his arms as he stared at the island. "Better keep the crew ready for anything. We don't know what we're sailing into."
The captain gave a firm nod, barking orders to his men. "Alright, men! Prepare to circle the island! Keep an eye out for any structures or signs of life. We don't want any surprises."
The ship adjusted its course, the crew scrambling to secure the sails and adjust the rigging. The cold wind howled around them, and the sound of crashing waves echoed in the distance as they drew closer to the icy landmass. Every sailor's gaze was fixed on the horizon, tension thick in the air as they watched for any sign of life on the mysterious island.
"What's all the yelling about?" Temari's voice cut through the noise as she approached, bundled from head to toe in fur coats and thick boots she had found in storage. Behind her, Sakura followed, similarly wrapped in furs, though somehow, she had managed to find or dye them bright pink. Naruto, glancing at the sight, wisely decided not to ask about it.
"We're heading toward that island to see if we can find a village to trade with—for fuel or food," Naruto replied, pointing off into the distance where the icy island loomed.
Temari walked to the railing, staring at the distant island for a moment before turning back. "You know," she began a thoughtful look in her eyes, "I could fly over there on my fan. With the wind blowing this hard, it'll be easy."
Naruto blinked in surprise as Temari pulled her large fan from her back. "I don't know," he said cautiously, "we don't know what's over there."
Before he could say more, Temari had already formed a jutsu. In one swift motion, she jumped off the side of the ship, her fan catching the strong wind as she soared into the air, flying higher than the tallest mast and gaining speed toward the island.
Naruto watched, stunned for a moment, as Temari disappeared into the distance. Jiraiya, shaking his head with a sigh, muttered, "One of the first rules of being Hokage: only give orders you know will be obeyed... or be ready to enforce them."
He walked away, looking disappointed, leaving Naruto and Sakura at the bow. Sakura joined him, a concerned look on her face.
"You think she'll be okay?" Sakura asked, her eyes fixed on the speck of Temari in the distance.
"I hope so," Naruto said, exhaling slowly. "It will take hours for the ship to get there." He pointed down at the choppy, freezing waters below, bits of ice floating on the surface. "Unless you feel like running over that."
Sakura smirked, rolling her eyes. "I'll pass."
It took Temari ten minutes to reach the edge of the island, her fan catching the powerful gusts of wind that whipped against the rocky cliff face. Each burst of wind sent her higher, circling the icy precipice as she searched for any signs of life below. The ship and its crew were now mere specks in the distance as she soared through the freezing air, her fan buzzing with chakra.
Onboard the ship, Jiraiya used the captain's spyglass, keeping a sharp eye on her. "Anything, Jiraiya-sensei?" Sakura asked, shielding her eyes as she squinted up at the tiny black dot in the sky.
"She's circling, gaining altitude. This island's a lot bigger than we thought if it's taking her this long to get a full view," he replied.
Suddenly, two silver dots broke through the mist, rising swiftly from the island's surface. Jiraiya's eyes narrowed as he adjusted the focus of the spyglass. The figures, clad in reflective armor, shot toward Temari like birds of prey.
"Sakura, look!" Naruto shouted, pointing. "There—shinobi! Heading straight for her!"
Up in the sky, Temari sensed the approaching danger. Her instincts kicked in, and she tightened her grip on her fan. With their gleaming armor, the unknown shinobi sped toward her with deadly intent.
"Let's see how you handle this!" Temari growled, flicking her fan with a swift motion. The wind howled in response, gathering around her as she unleashed a devastating gust of wind toward the incoming enemies. Hidden within the gust were blades of air, invisible and razor-sharp, capable of slicing through anything.
One of the shinobi was immediately caught off guard, spiraling out of control as the wind knocked him into the snowy ground below. The sickening sight of a severed leg trailing bright red blood against the pure white snow was the only sign of his defeat.
The remaining shinobi retaliated, zooming toward her with surprising speed. Temari twisted in mid-air, summoning a barrier of wind to deflect his uncoordinated attack. She felt a surge of adrenaline course through her veins. Her heart pounded with the thrill of combat.
The shinobi moving in close to negate her wind jutsu lunged at her with a short sword pulled from his back scabbard, but Temari was quicker. With a sharp turn, she avoided his strike and countered with a deadly sweep of her fan. A gust of wind tore through the air, cutting clean through the shinobi's body. His head rolled off and tumbled into the icy waters below before his body crumpled into the snow. Termari landed back on her fan to circle the area and again back so altitude when she spotted three more of these sliver clade shinobi fly up toward her.
Temari didn't pause and with a battle cry, she launched a flurry of wind blades toward the second group of shinobi. The attack hit its mark, the sharp gusts cutting deep into his chest. He gasped, the freezing air carrying him away as his blood spattered against the snow, leaving a mist of red in his wake.
"Is that all you've got?" Temari taunted, her confidence swelling as she dispatched another foe with deadly precision. For a moment, she felt invincible, she had trained her whole life for battle and it made her feel alive.
But just as she was about to strike again, a third shinobi appeared from behind, flanking her. His sudden attack with a kunai grazed her side, sending a sharp jolt of pain through her body. She winced, spinning to face him, but another swift gust of wind knocked him back before he could follow up.
Now on the defensive, Temari found herself outnumbered. The last two shinobi coordinated their attacks, moving with a precision that forced her to fall back. Using her powerful jutsu so often had drained her, and she began to lose altitude. With a quick gust, she slowed her descent and landed in knee-deep snow.
"Damn it!" she cursed under her breath, the pain from her wound making it harder to stay focused. She summoned her fan, opening it wide and unleashing a massive whirlwind toward the two shinobi as they closed in on her. The force of the wind sent them flying over a nearby ridge, but they quickly regained their footing, their armor's agility still belying its weight.
Temari gritted her teeth, her breath visible in the freezing air. She raised her fan again, preparing for one last strike. But before she could act, one of the shinobi shouted, "Ice Walls!"
Thick walls of ice sprang up around her, trapping her in an icy cage. Before she could react, the second shinobi screamed, "Ice Spikes!" Jagged spikes of ice shot up from the ground. Temari barely dodged most of them, but one cut deeply into her leg, sending her crashing to the ground.
She staggered to her feet, her coat ripped open by the spikes. The wind bit cruelly at her exposed skin, the cold sinking into her bones as her strength began to wane. She could feel her body weakening, and despite her relentless effort, she realized she was losing this fight.
"Dam Leaf... always going on about teamwork," she muttered bitterly, clutching her leg. "Guess they were right."
The two shinobi advanced on her, their movements perfectly synchronized as they prepared to finish her off. Temari knew she had little left to give, but she wasn't about to go down without a fight. With the last of her chakra, she began to summon one final wind technique.
But before she could unleash it, the shinobi lunged forward, their combined jutsu collapsing the ice walls around her. Temari felt the crushing cold and forced her down as the world went dark, her consciousness fading into the icy void.
….
"Jiraiya, what do you see?" Naruto shouted over the howling wind, his eyes fixed on the silver specks flying around Temari.
Jiraiya lowered the spyglass, his expression serious. "They look like shinobi... wearing some kind of silver armor," he said, the concern in his voice evident.
Before Jiraiya could say more, he caught sight of Naruto's coat lying discarded on the deck. A burst of sea spray flew into the air as Naruto, already on the move, sprinted across the water at full speed, a streak of determination cutting through the icy waves. He was headed straight for Temari, his chakra fueling every powerful stride.
Jiraiya exhaled sharply. "Well? Aren't you going to join him?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at Sakura, who stood beside him watching Naruto disappear into the distance.
Sakura shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm sure he can handle whatever's over there," she said, her voice steady. "But it would be nice if you could get this ship moving a little faster."
Jiraiya grinned at the subtle challenge in her words, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Fair enough," he said, turning toward the captain. "Let's push this ship as fast as she'll go!"
As Jiraiya headed to the stern of the ship to unleash one of his wind jutsu Sakura stood staring at the ice wall as it grew closer. Naruto would find Temari and save her, she just knew it.
…
Naruto vaulted over the top of the ice wall, his breath heavy from the run across the sea. His feet hit the frozen ground, the bitter cold biting at his skin as he took in the scene before him. The area was a stark contrast to the endless sea of white that surrounded it—a battlefield of shattered ice, mangled bodies, and bloodstains marking where the fight had taken place.
The remains of the shinobi in silver armor were strewn across the ground. One lay half-buried in the snow, his armor shattered from the impact of Temari's wind jutsu, while another's severed limb was scattered not far from his lifeless body. Bright red blood stained the once-pristine snow, a gruesome reminder of the violence that had unfolded here. Their helmets had been knocked off, revealing faces frozen in terror, their deaths swift and brutal. But Naruto's attention wasn't on them.
His eyes swept across the scene, searching desperately for any sign of Temari. The cold air stung his lungs as he moved between the bodies, his heart pounding louder with every second that passed. His gut twisted with fear as he spotted her fan—its large, distinctive frame lying in the center of the ice walls, surrounded by splashes of blood.
"Temari…" he whispered, his voice cracking with the weight of his worry.
He rushed forward, kneeling beside the fan. His fingers traced the fabric, now smeared with crimson, and his throat tightened. There was so much blood. His heart raced as images flashed through his mind—the thought of her injured, or worse, lying somewhere helpless.
Naruto clenched his fists, the biting cold of the ice beneath him doing nothing to numb the frustration and anger that surged within him. "Why did I let her go? Why didn't I stop her?" he muttered bitterly, guilt gnawing at him. He should have insisted. He should have been here to protect her.
As his gaze moved from the fan, he noticed something—a set of footprints, faint but unmistakable, leading away from the spot. They were erratic like someone had been dragging her. Naruto's heart sank even further.
He followed the trail of footprints, his mind racing. The prints led toward the center of the island, but then, just as abruptly as they started, they disappeared. The tracks were gone, replaced only by a few scattered drops of blood, like someone had lifted her off the ground and flown away.
Naruto's eyes widened as realization set in. "They… they took her," he whispered to himself, his fists clenching tighter. Whoever had survived the fight must have carried her off—likely using some form of flight. The trail of blood was faint, but enough to lead him to the conclusion. The idea of her being taken, of her being in someone else's control, sent a wave of rage coursing through him.
His anger bubbled to the surface, and he slammed his fist into the ice, sending cracks splintering through its surface. "I should have been here! I should've stopped this!" His voice echoed against the walls of ice, raw with regret and frustration. He had let her go alone, believing she could handle it. He had underestimated the danger, and now she was gone.
The cold wind whipped around him, but Naruto hardly noticed. All he could feel was the tightening knot of guilt in his chest. He stood slowly, his gaze fixed in the direction where the blood drops faded into the distance. His pulse pounded in his ears as his mind raced with the possibilities—who had taken her, why, and whether she was even still alive.
"I'll find you, Temari. I swear," he muttered, determination fueling his every word. There was no way he'd let them get away. Not after this.
Naruto stood, his heart still pounding with rage and guilt. His eyes fell back on Temari's fan lying abandoned in the bloodstained snow. He couldn't leave it here. The fan was more than just a weapon—it was part of her, part of her family. It was a symbol of her strength, and he knew how much it meant to her.
With a heavy sigh, he bent down and picked it up, gripping it tightly in his hand. It was cold to the touch, the blood still fresh on its surface. Naruto closed his eyes for a moment, holding the fan close, silently vowing not to fail her again.
"Don't worry, Temari... I'll bring you back," he whispered, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. He wouldn't leave anything behind—not her fan, and definitely not her.
As he secured the fan to his back, Naruto glanced back toward the ship. In the distance, he saw the sails billowing violently, the ship cutting through the icy waters at a speed far faster than before. Jiraiya stood at the stern, hands raised, expertly guiding a powerful wind jutsu that pushed the ship forward with immense force. The crew worked frantically to keep the ship steady, but it looked more like they were racing toward the island than simply sailing.
"They're pushing hard... looks like Jiraiya's not wasting any time," Naruto muttered to himself, a slight sense of relief washing over him. But even with the ship racing toward him, he knew they still might not arrive fast enough. But there was no waiting now. He had to act. Temari was somewhere on this island—or worse, being taken even farther away—and every second counted.
With one last look toward the ship, Naruto turned back to the trail of blood that led toward the center of the island. They wanted a fight then he was going to give them one.
…..
"Hard to port!" the captain shouted, his voice booming across the deck as the ship groaned and creaked, leaning dangerously into the sharp turn. Jiraiya's wind jutsu had ended just moments before, and without its power, the ship threatened to slam into the jagged ice at the island's edge. The crew scrambled, pulling at ropes and adjusting the sails as the ship narrowly avoided crashing into the frozen barrier, missing it by mere feet.
The captain wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes still wide from the close call. "Did we get what we need?" he asked, turning toward Jiraiya, who stood watching the chaos with a calm demeanor.
Jiraiya nodded as Sakura approached, holding a large travel bag over her shoulder. "Yes," she said confidently, tossing the bag onto the deck. "I grabbed every winter coat I could find and even got you a hat." She tossed a fur-lined, dome-shaped hat toward the Sannin, a playful smile on her face.
Jiraiya caught it with one hand, smirking as he examined it. "Thanks, but I don't need to look that old just yet."
The captain approached them, still catching his breath from the near collision. "What's the plan now?" he asked, his voice still carrying a hint of tension from the close call.
Jiraiya turned toward him, adjusting the fur hat on his head, his expression serious. "Take the ship around the island and look for a port or village. We'll need supplies and someone to trade with. Let's hope you have better luck dealing with them than we did."
"And what about you?" the captain asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Don't worry about us," Jiraiya said, his voice steady. "We'll find you once we get Temari back." His eyes flickered with intensity as he spoke, already sensing Naruto's chakra heading deeper into the island. There was only one reason Naruto would go that far—and it was clear he was already searching for his third wife.
The captain nodded, still unsure, but trusted the Sannin's plan. "Aye, I'll see what I can find," he muttered, before barking orders to his crew.
As the ship began to circle the icy island, Jiraiya and Sakura exchanged a glance. "Ready?" she asked, slipping on her coat and adjusting her bag.
"Let's move," Jiraiya replied, turning his gaze toward the frozen land. He could feel the weight of the mission pressing on him, knowing that every second counted.
Reaching the top of the icy ridge, Jiraiya paused, his sharp eyes immediately scanning the fallen shinobi in silver armor. His curiosity piqued, he crouched beside one of the bodies and began to examine the chest plate. With a grunt of effort, he pried it loose, inspecting the intricate workings hidden beneath the polished surface.
"Come on, we don't have time for that!" Sakura called out, her voice edged with urgency as she looked out at the swirling snow. The wind was picking up, threatening to erase Naruto's tracks into the island.
Jiraiya shook his head, unfazed by the urgency in her tone. "Yes, we do," he said calmly, gesturing toward the inner workings of the armor. "This isn't just regular armor—this is chakra armor, and it's better than anything I've seen before. Look here." He pointed to an intricate set of seals embedded within the metal, their glowing symbols faint but unmistakable. "These seals allow them to fly and focus more chakra than usual."
Sakura leaned in despite herself, eyeing the seals with growing concern. "I've never seen anything like that," she admitted.
Jiraiya nodded, his voice growing more serious. "Someone's gone to a lot of trouble to build up their forces. This isn't just some backwater operation. Whoever's in charge is well-prepared and has access to advanced technology. We're not dealing with amateurs."
Sakura straightened, pulling her coat tighter around her against the biting wind. "Fine, but if we don't move soon, we might lose Naruto's tracks in this wind." She said.
Jiraiya and Sakura sprinted across the snow-covered landscape, the cold wind biting at their faces. The icy terrain was treacherous, with every step sinking slightly into the powder. As they moved, Jiraiya noticed Sakura's pace slowing, her movements becoming more labored with each passing second.
"Hey, Sakura!" Jiraiya called out, turning his head slightly. "You're struggling. It's like walking on water or sand—use your chakra to stay on top of the snow."
Sakura's face flushed with frustration as she gritted her teeth. "I know that!" she snapped, her breath visible in the freezing air. "But something's off—something is messing with my chakra!" She tried again to focus, but her body felt sluggish like her energy was being sapped.
Jiraiya came to a sudden halt, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean, messing with your chakra?"
Sakura stopped next to him, panting, her hand gripping the side of her coat as she felt the pull on her chakra. "I'm trying to regulate my chakra flow, but it's like something's draining me. I can't control it as well as I usually do." She frowned, clearly agitated at the strange sensation coursing through her.
Jiraiya's face grew more serious, and without hesitation, he made the familiar hand seals, focusing inward. "Hold on, let me try something."
Sakura watched as Jiraiya closed his eyes and slowly entered Sage Mode. His skin took on a faint toad-like texture, and the energy around him began to shift. But as soon as he tried to connect with the natural chakra in the environment, his eyes flew open, wide with shock.
"All the natural chakra... it's being drawn toward the center of the island," he muttered, disbelief evident in his voice. He glanced at Sakura, his expression grim. "Whatever's going on here isn't normal. Something on this island is pulling all the natural energy toward it, and it's messing with your chakra because you're trying to tap into it."
Sakura's eyes widened. "So that's why I'm feeling drained…"
Jiraiya nodded, his gaze sharp. "Stop trying to open your gates and link with the natural chakra—it's not just messing with you, it's actively draining you. You need to rely only on your own reserves from now on, no nature-based techniques."
Sakura clenched her fists, her frustration was visible. "Got it. But what the hell could be powerful enough to draw all the natural chakra to one place? That's not something even the strongest shinobi can pull off."
Jiraiya's face darkened. "Whatever it is, it's at the center of the island. And if that's where Naruto's headed, we're in for some serious trouble."
They exchanged a glance, the weight of the situation settling in. The urgency grew even greater. They had to reach Naruto and Temari before it was too late.
Without wasting another second, Jiraiya and Sakura pressed forward, running across the snow with renewed focus. Despite the unease gnawing at them both, they kept moving, the ominous presence at the heart of the island looming over them like a dark cloud.
…
Far ahead of Jiraiya and Sakura, Naruto was still running at full speed, the cold wind whipping at his face, snow blurring his vision as he charged through the frozen landscape. The sun had already begun to set, casting long shadows across the snow-covered ground, and the once faint trail of blood drops he'd been following had disappeared entirely. His heart pounded in his chest, his frustration mounting with every step.
"Temari..." he muttered through clenched teeth, his mind racing. He couldn't afford to lose her trail now, not when she could be in danger. But with every passing moment, the light faded, and the snow seemed to come down harder, obscuring his path. He couldn't see the drops anymore, couldn't tell if he was even heading in the right direction.
As panic started to set in, Naruto could feel the familiar rage of the Nine-Tails stirring within him. The fox's chakra bubbled to the surface, pushing him to unleash his anger and to let go of control. The heat of the fox's power began to melt the snow around him, steam rising from the ground as the icy landscape turned into slush underfoot. But even that worked against him, slowing him down, and making his movements more sluggish as the snow became heavier.
"Damn it!" he yelled, his voice echoing in the silence of the frozen wasteland. He forced his way forward, the snow now chest-deep, each step becoming more of a battle as the melting snow clung to him like a weight. His breath came in ragged bursts, frustration clouding his mind.
Reaching the top of a ridge, Naruto paused for a moment, trying to regain his bearings, his heart racing as he desperately searched for any sign of Temari. But the snow-covered landscape stretched endlessly in front of him, a featureless expanse of white under the dimming light.
Then, before he could react, his foot slipped. The ground gave way beneath him, and Naruto tumbled forward, sliding uncontrollably down the steep slope. His body plowed through the snow, and before he knew it, he had become part of the snow itself.
He rolled faster and faster, snow collecting around him until he became a massive, house-sized snowball. The sheer force of the fall sent him bouncing and tumbling down the mountainside, helpless to stop as he was carried deeper into the next valley. The world spun around him in a dizzying blur of white as he was tossed and thrown by the unstoppable momentum.
Finally, with one last bounce, the giant snowball came to a sudden stop, crashing into the valley below with a thud. The snowball exploded, sending snow flying in all directions as Naruto lay buried underneath the heap of snow, disoriented and breathing heavily.
"Ugh... that's not how I planned on getting down here," Naruto groaned, pulling himself out of the snow pile. He wiped the frost from his face, blinking against the cold wind, trying to regain his sense of direction. His body ached from the tumble, but the thought of Temari filled his mind, and he quickly refocused. Where was she?
As he rolled over, brushing off more snow, Naruto's hand landed on something hard. His fingers wrapped around a large steel bar, half-buried beneath the snow. Frowning, he brushed the snow away and revealed a length of cold, rusting steel—far longer than he could see, stretching into the distance in both directions.
"I wonder what this is…" he muttered, puzzled, as he tried to pull his hand away. But the cold, wet snow had stuck his hand to the icy steel. His skin stung as he tugged harder, the frosty metal clinging to him like a vice.
Suddenly, there was a low rumbling in the distance, a sound that vibrated through the ground beneath him. Naruto froze, ears straining to identify the unfamiliar noise. It started as a faint tremor, but it quickly grew louder, reverberating through the snow-covered ground. His eyes widened in confusion, and he turned to peer down the length of the steel bar, still stuck fast.
A thin plume of black smoke rose over the horizon. The sound grew stronger—an unsettling, rhythmic clanking, accompanied by a hiss-like steam being released under intense pressure. Naruto's heart started to race, his instincts screaming that something was very wrong. A bright light pierced through the mist, growing brighter as it hurtled toward him.
"What the hell is that?" Naruto gasped, eyes widening as the light intensified, now accompanied by the unmistakable screeching of metal on metal. The sound was deafening, like the grinding of giant iron wheels. A heavy, acrid smell of burning coal and steel filled the air, a strange, almost metallic taste in his mouth as the wind shifted.
Frantically, Naruto pulled at his hand, the cold steel stubbornly refusing to release him. His heart pounded in his chest as the rumbling sound grew into a full-on roar, like thunder rolling toward him, the ground shaking with increasing intensity. The light from the oncoming behemoth was nearly blinding now, casting eerie shadows against the snow-covered valley.
The outline of the train was visible in the distance, massive and fast. Its dark silhouette tore through the snowstorm, barreling down the tracks directly toward him. The engine screamed, belching out thick clouds of smoke as it gained speed. The entire valley seemed to tremble under its weight.
"C'mon, c'mon!" Naruto grunted, pulling desperately at his stuck hand. He could see the train's front now—sleek and armored, like something from a nightmare, steam hissing from its sides as it raced toward him.
The massive light bathed him in its glow, the screeching noise now overwhelming. Panic surged through him as he yanked harder, his skin stinging painfully as he finally wrenched his hand free with a sharp snap.
Just in time.
Naruto stumbled backward, falling into the snow as the train thundered past him. The force of the train's speed sent snow flying in all directions, and the noise drowned out everything else. He shielded his face as the rush of air and the sheer power of the passing train nearly knocked him over.
The steel behemoth tore through the valley, its endless line of cars clattering and grinding on the tracks, disappearing into the distance as fast as it had arrived. The thick smell of smoke lingered in the air long after the train was gone, the valley slowly returning to an eerie silence, broken only by Naruto's ragged breathing.
"What… was that?" he whispered to himself, still catching his breath. His hand throbbed from the cold, and he stared at the long tracks now disappearing into the distance. Whatever this was, it was not natural.
From high atop the ridge, Sakura stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat as she watched the unfolding scene below. The distant sound of metal grinding against metal reached her ears, followed by the unmistakable plume of black smoke rising over the snow-covered valley. She squinted through the falling snow, her eyes following the massive train as it barreled down the tracks, cutting through the storm like an unstoppable force.
Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Naruto, down below, scrambling to free himself from something near the tracks. The train was speeding straight toward him, its enormous, armored frame hurtling across the ice with terrifying speed.
"Naruto!" she gasped, her pulse quickening. He was too close to the tracks, and the train showed no signs of stopping.
Sakura's heart raced as she watched him struggle, his hand stuck to something on the ground. Panic surged through her as the train's blinding light grew closer and closer, the roar of its engine nearly drowning out the howling wind.
"Move!" she whispered desperately, willing him to get out of the way. Her hands clenched into fists, every muscle in her body tensing as she prepared to leap down and help, but she knew there wasn't enough time. Her breath fogged in front of her face, her knuckles white as she watched helplessly.
And then, just as the train's massive engine was nearly upon him, Naruto ripped his hand free with a final, desperate pull. He tumbled backward, snow exploding around him as he leaped out of the way, landing just in time to avoid the crushing weight of the steel behemoth.
Sakura's heart leaped in her chest as she saw him roll away from the tracks, the train thundering past him, mere inches from where he had been moments before. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her entire body trembling with the shock of how close he had come to being crushed.
"That idiot..." she muttered, though the relief in her voice was unmistakable. Her eyes followed the train as it disappeared into the distance, its rhythmic clanking slowly fading into the snowstorm. She wiped the sweat from her brow despite the freezing cold, her legs feeling shaky from the sheer tension of the moment.
As the valley below returned to its quiet, snowy stillness, Sakura exhaled slowly, watching as Naruto stood up, brushing the snow off his clothes. She could see the confusion on his face, the way he stared down the tracks, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
"Leave it to Naruto to survive something like that," she muttered under her breath, a mix of fondness and frustration in her tone. But even as she tried to relax, her mind couldn't shake the unease the train brought with it. It wasn't just any train—it was something far more advanced than anything she'd seen before.
"NARUTO, YOU IDIOT!" Sakura screamed at the top of her lungs, her voice carrying over the howling wind and the sound of the train as it disappeared into the distance. Without wasting a second, she dropped over the edge of the ridge and charged full speed down the mountain, using the wide snowball track Naruto had created during his earlier fall as her path.
Naruto, still catching his breath and shaking off the snow, heard the shout and turned just in time to see who it was—but it was too late. Before he could react, Sakura came barreling down the slope, her momentum unstoppable as she collided with him, sending them both tumbling into the snow once again.
They slid down into a heap, snow flying in every direction as Sakura landed squarely on top of him, both of them covered head to toe in white. Her furious expression quickly overtook Naruto's stunned one as he lay pinned beneath her.
"You damn fool!" she yelled, her voice heated with frustration, her breath clouding in the freezing air. "Why didn't you wait for me?! You could've been crushed by that... that... whatever that thing was!" Her fists pounded his chest for emphasis, though her worry was clear in every word.
Naruto, his face half-covered in snow, opened his mouth to respond but was cut off as Sakura's anger melted into something far more affectionate. Without warning, she pulled him up into a tight embrace, pressing her lips against his in a heated kiss. His protests were silenced as her warmth surrounded him, her kisses fierce and unrelenting.
The cold snow was a stark contrast to her feverish hugs and kisses, and before he knew it, Naruto found himself smiling beneath her assault. Sakura pulled back just enough to look him in the eye, her fingers tangling in his messy, snow-dusted hair.
"You scared me, you know that?" she whispered, her voice soft now, the edge of anger replaced with pure relief. "Don't ever do that again."
Naruto, still a bit dazed, chuckled despite himself. "Sakura... I'm fine. I swear," he said, his voice muffled by the snow and her affection. "But if it means you'll keep kissing me, maybe I should risk it more often."
Sakura's eyes narrowed, but there was a playful glint in them now. "Don't push your luck," she muttered, though the hint of a smile tugged at her lips as she gave him another quick kiss before pulling him up out of the snow.
"These tracks are heading toward the center of the island," Jiraiya said, his voice unusually serious, cutting through the cold air. For once, he let the gravity of the situation speak for itself, tapping his foot on the steel rail as if to emphasize the point. "We'll follow these. That thing cleared the snow, so we should make good time." He glanced at Sakura and Naruto, his tone commanding. "Come on, you two, let's get moving."
Naruto, still shaking off the snow from his earlier tumble and Sakura's enthusiastic reunion, exchanged a quick glance with her. They both nodded, understanding the urgency. Sakura slung her travel bag over her shoulder, her face set with determination. Naruto did the same, adjusting the strap across his chest, his senses now focused on what lay ahead.
The wind howled around them, biting at their skin, but the tracks provided a clear path through the otherwise impassable snow. With Jiraiya leading the way, they set off at near full speed, their footsteps echoing faintly against the steel as they ran. The tracks stretched out before them, curving gradually into the darkness as the last light of day disappeared, swallowed by the encroaching night.
"Whatever was on that train... it's heading to the center of the island," Naruto muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing. He could feel it in his gut—something dangerous was waiting for them. He just hoped they could reach Temari in time.
Behind him, Sakura ran in silence, her breath steady, eyes scanning the surroundings as they dashed along the tracks. Her earlier anger had simmered down, replaced by her sharp focus on the task at hand. They had no time to waste.
The air grew colder as they moved deeper into the island, the moon casting a faint glow on the steel rails beneath their feet. Each step felt like they were moving closer to something ominous, the tracks a literal and figurative path to the unknown.
…
The sound of heavy, metallic footsteps echoed through the halls as Temari's limp form was dragged across the sleek, polished floor. The harsh lights overhead flickered against the cold, steel walls, casting an eerie glow on the high-tech surroundings. The shinobi carried her into an imposing throne room, where the air seemed colder, more oppressive.
They dropped her unceremoniously at the feet of a large, imposing man sitting on a throne of dark metal, his eyes sharp and calculating. His presence dominated the room, his broad figure casting a long shadow over the unconscious girl at his feet.
"What is this?" the man growled, kicking Temari's body with a callous foot, his expression one of irritation as he looked down at her crumpled form.
One of the shinobi stepped forward, bowing slightly. "We spotted her flying in the wastelands. She killed four of our men before we subdued her."
The man's lips curled in amusement, though his eyes remained cold. "Interesting," he muttered, his gaze moving over Temari's still body. "So your precious armor failed its first real test." He shook his head slowly, disappointment evident in his voice. "Pathetic."
The shinobi stiffened under his gaze, their silence heavy with shame.
The man's focus shifted. "Take her to Doctor Takahashi," he ordered, waving his hand dismissively. "Have him patch her up. We'll use her to test the next version of the armor."
"Yes, Lord Kazahana!" they shouted in unison, quickly moving to obey. Two of the shinobi lifted Temari's body, now carrying her carefully as they exited the room, leaving the imposing man behind on his throne.
Kazahana leaned back, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Let's see how well this little kunoichi holds up under pressure," he muttered to himself, the low hum of machinery filling the air as he contemplated the next steps in his plans.
…..
Temari's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurry, her head heavy. At first, she didn't understand what was happening. Everything was muffled, her body felt weightless, and she was surrounded by a strange green glow. Panic surged through her as she tried to move, but her arms and legs wouldn't respond. She was trapped, submerged in something thick and cold.
She gasped instinctively, her chest tightening in fear, only to realize that she wasn't drowning. A mask was strapped over her face, a hose attached to it, feeding her oxygen as she floated aimlessly in the thick, bubbling liquid. Her heart raced in terror as she struggled to move, but it was no use. She was completely immobilized, every muscle unresponsive, as if her body was under some kind of control.
Her mind screamed for escape, but her body remained limp, floating in slow circles, utterly vulnerable.
Her eyes darted around, desperate to understand where she was. She saw the smooth glass walls of a large containment tube surrounding her, the green liquid swirling with every slight movement she made. Beyond the glass, the room was high-tech, filled with sleek machines and glowing panels. She could see lab workers in white coats moving busily about the space, ignoring her as if she were some kind of experiment.
Her stomach churned as the full reality of her situation hit her. She was naked, floating helplessly, her body exposed to whoever might be watching. And then she saw him.
An old man stood right next to the tube, staring at her with cold, analytical eyes. His expression was one of disinterest as if he were examining a specimen rather than a human being. His thin lips pressed into a line, and he made no effort to hide the fact that he was studying her with detached curiosity.
Temari's heart raced faster, a surge of adrenaline flooding her body. She tried to scream, but the mask muffled everything, the sound of her own voice swallowed by the bubbling liquid. Her wide eyes locked onto the old man, silently pleading, her mind in a frantic state of panic. What did they want with her? Why was she trapped here like this?
The liquid around her gurgled softly, sending ripples through the tank, her naked form rotating slowly as she floated helplessly in the eerie green glow. Her skin tingled under the harsh fluorescent lights of the lab, and every attempt to move only made the horror of her situation worse. She couldn't break free. She was utterly powerless.
Her gaze fell back on the old man, his gaze cold and clinical. He raised one hand, adjusting his glasses, still looking at her as though she were nothing more than an insect under a microscope. Temari's blood boiled with fear and fury. She wanted to scream, to fight, to tear her way out of the tube, but no matter how hard she tried, her body refused to respond.
She could only float, trapped in a nightmare, with no idea of what was going to happen next.
"Good, good. I see you're awake," came a gravelly voice from outside the tube. Temari's eyes darted toward the sound, locking onto the old man, Doctor Takahashi written on the front of his lab coat standing at a control panel near the base of the tube. His fingers danced over the buttons, each press accompanied by a soft, mechanical hum. He didn't look up, his eyes fixated on the controls as if he had seen her wake up a thousand times before.
Temari's pulse quickened. Her body, still paralyzed, floated helplessly in the bubbling green liquid, her mind racing with terror and fury. She wanted to scream, to break free, but she was trapped, forced to listen.
"You'll be healed in a few more hours," Takahashi continued, his voice cold and detached. He pressed a final button, and the liquid around her began to bubble more furiously, the sensation of her flesh knitting itself back together becoming even more pronounced. It was an unsettling feeling—her skin tingling and crawling, the pain dull but constant as her wounds slowly closed.
"Don't do anything stupid, girly," he added with a sneer, finally glancing up at her through the glass. His eyes held a glint of malice, though it was masked by his casual tone. "I have plans for you."
He turned away without another word, leaving Temari to the rising tide of her panic. The bubbles surged around her, swirling the green liquid in erratic patterns as the healing process accelerated. She could feel it now, her body slowly mending itself, but the sensation made her skin crawl—like her very muscles and bones were being forced to comply.
Her teeth clenched behind the mask, her eyes narrowing with fury. She was no experiment. She wasn't some plaything for this twisted doctor. But there was nothing she could do but watch as Takahashi moved away, his disinterest palpable as he left her trapped in the tube, her mind spinning with fear and anger.
Her gaze remained fixed on his back, silently vowing that when she got out of this, there would be hell to pay.
An hour later, the sterile hum of the lab quieted as the workers seemed to take a break. Temari, still trapped in the swirling green liquid, her body slowly healing, felt her heart sink as the silence was replaced with something far more disturbing.
They returned—men and women alike—carrying trays of food, their laughter echoing in the cold, high-tech lab. Without so much as a second glance at the equipment, they pulled up chairs around her containment tube, making themselves comfortable as though she were nothing more than entertainment for their meal.
Temari's eyes darted around in panic, her body still unresponsive but her mind sharp with anger and fear. She could hear them, their voices callous and casual as they openly commented on her.
"She's got a decent figure, though I've seen better," one of the men said with a smirk, eyeing her exposed form as she floated in helpless circles.
Another worker, a woman this time, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but look at that scar on her side. Makes you wonder what she's been through. Bet she's not as tough as she looks," she added, her tone dripping with mockery.
Temari's blood boiled beneath the surface, her muscles twitching despite the paralysis. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but the bubbling liquid and the glass barrier kept her silent and immobilized. She could only watch as the group of lab workers critiqued her, their words laced with cruelty.
"Bet she'd make a decent plaything," another man said with a lecherous grin, his eyes glinting with malice. He leaned back in his chair, taking a bite of his meal as his gaze roamed over her body.
"Yeah, shame we can't do anything yet," one of the women chimed in, her voice cold and casual as if they were discussing nothing more than equipment. "They'll want her in one piece for the tests."
A particularly smug man stood up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as he approached the glass. His eyes never left Temari's as he pressed his hand against the cold surface, his breath fogging the glass slightly. "I hope they let us have her when they're done, like last time," he said with a cruel laugh, turning to glance at the others.
The room erupted into laughter, some of them recalling the previous test subject with twisted amusement. "Yeah, that was fun," another one added, joining in the chorus of vile comments.
Temari's heart raced in fury. Every word they spoke was a dagger to her pride, her sense of self. They saw her as nothing more than an object, a toy for their amusement, and the thought made her blood boil with rage. Her teeth clenched under the mask, her body straining uselessly against the paralysis. She swore to herself, that if she ever got out of this tube, she would make them regret every vile word.
Her eyes locked onto the man's as he pressed his hand against the glass again, his smirk growing wider as if he could sense her fury. "Don't worry," he said mockingly, "you'll have your turn."
Temari's mind screamed in anger, but she could do nothing—nothing but float, exposed and helpless, as they watched her like some kind of sideshow.