Yo, it's Ken.
This update took a long while and for that I apologize, this chapter was supposed to go up a little while ago, but my computer suddenly went on the fritz, so I had to get a brand new one. In the meantime, I got another chapter written even after this one that I've got to edit before publishing but for now I'll drop this one and I'm really excited for the next.
Let's get to reviews!
Dragonkeeper10: I'm glad you enjoyed! Kurama is the type to not just sit around and allow something to better him or his vessel while sitting down so it was fun writing him this way. As for the contract while it's later on down the road, I'm excited for it I also figured it would be a good way to set things up for later. Currently Naruto is contractless and I do have a new contract in mind but the dragons idea is interesting, and I may have to take a look into it... There is plenty happening coming up and we'll definitely be seeing some familiar faces soon look forward to it! Thank you again for reading and I'll see you in the next one!
biginferno: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I still have a plan in mind when it comes to the romance of course but I'm still tight lipped about it haha, I just really enjoy their interactions and tend to have fun writing their dynamic around each other. I do want to say stay tuned for what's coming up in the future. Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you in the next one!
Samuel Santillain: I always figuired that for being as creative as he is that Naruto was really limited throughout the series with especially how much we learn about the world, I really wanted to expand that for him to open up his horizons as the series progresses. I haven't personally read Kingdom but I always appreciated the scenes where in Shonen a character's vibe changes as they breach their limits it was always so cool to me, and I wanted to utilize it here and definitely in the chapters that follow concerning the Bandit King. Lastly, I figured haha I can't say for now but look forward to it. Thank you for reading and I hope to see you in the next one!
miguel.a. : You flatter me, I wouldn't go that far but I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far. I can't wait for the next fight either! Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you in the next one!
Alexander4443: Thanks bro! Thank you again for reading and I'll see you in the next one!
Gamesdean1: Hey there Dean! Glad to see you, I'm also glad to see that you've been enjoying the story so far. The Konoha Crew are rapidly approaching closer as the time they run into Naruto draws near, however you'll ahve to stay tuned. I'm looking forward to it. Always good hearing from you, I hope to see you in the next one!
Achutanand: I love a good training arc too believe me haha, I'll definitely take a look into the fire temple monks I'm always happy to do research on stuff that's cool, so we'll see! Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you in the next one!
Kabundio: I'm excited for the fight too! I honestly want to put in my all to make sure it's epic. Also with Kurama, he is kinda chill huh haha. I also really wanted to write more for Kurama in a different environment like this so I'm glad you enjoyed. Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you in the next one!
Krieger Techpriest: Krieger! Good to see ya. Also, we'll have to see sometime soon but just know it's going to be awesome. Thank you again for reading and I'll see you in the next one!
As always thank you all for your review and as always if you have any questions, thoughts, or criticisms feel free to leave a review I read all of them and will be sure to get to as many of them as I can.
I wanted to take a different approach with this chapter as we finally approach the big fight with the Bandit King, I had fun with this chapter but If I'm going to be honest it's really the chapter that's coming up after this one that I had the most fun with. So, I've got a few things being set up with this chapter. I've got a few things in motion for this story and any others coming down the pipeline so I'll make making updates as usual, but it may look a little different so stay tuned and look forward to it.
The next chapter will be dropping sooner than usual so be on the lookout for that one coming up.
As always thank you again for reading and I hope you enjoy
-Ken
Next Time! Chapter 41: Liberation
{...}
Chapter 40: Round 2
-Week and Several Days later-
Their trail had gone cold ever since.
They continued to run into the same issue, the other villages they visited saw that they were Hidden Leaf Shinobi and had pieced together that they were after Naruto's head.
Repeatedly giving them nothing good to go off of for days since they left the first village, they managed to find at least a clue to where Naruto was.
That is until Neji had an idea.
Leading to their current position, Hinata's Byakugan stared down at a large camp that was filled with a combination of Hidden Cloud Shinobi and other bandits. Should their lead be correct then, these men should be working for the Bandit King the old man mentioned.
Which meant if Naruto was fighting against them then if they happened to be at a place where a camp was then the blond could come directly to them.
That was the idea at least.
"They look well fortified. I'm guessing Naruto's influence has them more on guard than ever."
Hinata spoke as Neji looked toward his cousin, he had hardly noticed it during his own training and hers respectively, but she's grown. His eyes would catch her occasionally and he would still see that small girl who stood up to him at the Chunin Exams.
However, when he focused his vision on her, she was a little taller now, her hairstyle changed, and the look in her eyes was one of determination instead of timidness.
He still remembered the girl training until her knuckles bled, how devastated she was when Naruto had been gone.
He admired her growth; however, he was also cautious of it.
The last thing he needed was her adopting a rash style because they were getting closer to Naruto, he could already see it in her eyes now.
Like a lioness, ready to pounce on prey.
"We need to survey more; we shouldn't make any moves before we join up with the others. For now, we need to identify how many of them are in this camp."
Neji spoke evenly as Hinata shot him a quick look, "Neji, I understand we shouldn't move recklessly but the longer we wait the further he could end up going… We should take advantage while we can so we can get another lead." The girl spoke as the older boy sighed.
"Hinata… Listen, this is only a hunch of mine. Who knows, maybe they don't know anything about Naruto's whereabouts. What I'm trying to say is, we can't be reckless about this. We need to be careful."
Neji explained as Hinata stared at him for a few more moments before her eyes went back to the campsite, clearly disappointed with his response.
Neji didn't have a sister, but he was sure that the closest he would ever get to it was right here in front of him.
What a drag as a certain someone would say.
"Tenten, do you read me?"
Neji spoke into his radio that crackled to life with a response, "Loud and clear. What are we looking at?" The girl's voice went through the device as Neji looked down at the camp.
"It's medium sized, 34 potential hostiles though no one with noteworthy characteristics suggesting they could be around B or C-rank in threat level. Their patrols overlap with their potential choke points, they are already expecting someone."
Neji communicated with Tenten from her position along with Sakura and Lee looked at the location of the camp from a distance.
"Think it's our guy?"
Tenten asked while the radio was silent for a moment before it crackled, "Like said… It's only a hunch. However, I believe so." Neji responded as Sakura's eye lit up slightly.
"Alright! That means Naruto has come into contact with these guys, which means he'll definitely be running into them again soon."
Lee celebrated while Tenten cracked a smile, "So, I'm guessing we're playing the waiting game?" The girl spoke as the radio quickly crackled.
"Yes, we'll survey the camp until we detect signs of an approach. Once I've confirmed it's Naruto then we'll intercept."
Neji said while Hinata gave him another quick look before her eyes trailed back toward the camp beneath them.
They're going to wait until Naruto arrives? Who knows when that'll be? Who knows where he could even be at the moment? What if he never showed up in the first place?
Hinata's mind raced while she stared down at the camp watching the ninjas below going about their business, she felt an itch to move to dash ahead toward them.
She was quickly growing impatient.
"Relay to Shikamaru and Kakashi that our plan is to wait until-"
Neji was cut off by Hinata suddenly standing up, "Hinata, what are you-" he couldn't finish his question before she gave him a quick apologetic bow.
"Forgive me."
Hinata said with a faint apologetic look that became hardened as Neji's eyes widened, "Hinata!" The dark-haired teen yelled out as she was already flying through the air jumping down toward the men.
The visage of the blonde holding up his fist in the Chunin exams arena came to mind, from her perspective it was blurred. She wasn't even truly sure it had really happened, but she remembered how he stood there in front of Neji.
Her blood dripped from his fingers as he glared definitely toward the natural genius, his regular spirit of never backing down flaring as he stood before her.
He would never give up; he would never just wait around if one of them was in danger.
It's what Naruto would do.
The girl flipped before she landed on the wall around the camp, "Um Neji…" the radio crackled in his ear as he huffed.
"Hinata's gone ahead. Follow her to support."
Neji said into the radio as he jumped down toward the camp, "Ready for some action?" Tenten asked with a sweatdrop as Lee gave her a salute.
"On you!"
The teen exclaimed while Sakura pulled down her glove, "Let's go." The pink haired girl narrowed her eyes as the trio moved.
Hinata meanwhile jumped down into the center of the camp as all eyes landed on her, "Look here, a girl just fell out of the sky. Think she's some kind of forest spirit or something?" One of the ninja taunted as the girl looked toward him without a care.
"You. Where is Naruto?"
Hinata spoke directly as the man raised an eyebrow, "You mean the Blue-Eyed Demon? Well, if you're talking like that then that means you know him. Maybe you can help us with convincing him to hand something over." The ninja spoke as veins appeared around her white eyes.
"Don't… Call him that."
Hinata's voice was cold, the sheer amount of threat that waved off of the teenage girl caused even a few of the men to take a step back.
"You've got some nice eyes there, girl. You may be worth a lot more than I thought, make this easy."
The ninja said as they armed themselves, Hinata stood barely phased by them as she glared.
"One of you is going to tell me where he is. Even if it's just one of you."
Hinata threatened uncharacteristically as the ninja scoffed, he then quickly attacked and swung his blade toward her. Hinata deflected his wrist before twisting it, she smacked her palm against it disarming him before she pivoted on her heel unleashing a back palm heel strike into his chest.
The air left the man's body instantly like it was vacuumed out of his body as he exploded through one of their tents.
"33."
Hinata said simply as the men looked back toward her, they quickly yelled before they dashed toward her, and another ran for an alarm bell. Hinata's movements were like water, she swiftly and smoothly entered into the small crowd of hostile with open palms.
The Gentle Fist, both graceful and elegant yet destructive. This Taijutsu is a widely feared technique utilized by the Hyuuga to quickly dismantle their opponents at close range focused on disabling threats completely, and while novice in its true ability...
Hinata Hyuga had made the technique into an art form out of sheer determination alone.
Spears poked out of the crowd toward the girl who quickly lifted her palms, she struck the point where the blade met the shaft causing the weapons to explode. Without stopping she quickly pivoted, blocking multiple strikes from the small crowd surrounding her.
The crowd was pushed back slightly allowing the girl to grab the blades of the broken spears out of the air as her foot gently spun on the ground.
"Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!"
Hinata called out creating the sphere of chakra around her; the crowd was pushed back as several blades were broken from contact with the spear blades she had in her hand.
She let the blades go as she quickly slid toward a broken off part of the crowd, she struck a palm across the face of the first man. His face turned forcefully before he took a hard strike to his shoulder staggering him before he was kicked exposing his back.
Hinata didn't flinch as she hurled multiple rapid strikes into his back, her palm rotated catching a strike from a blind spot.
She bent the attacker's wrist, throwing him into the other man nearby before she planted the first ninja she attacked into the ground with a strike that made his body bounce on contact with it.
Her attention turned back toward the remaining two men, one of them attacked her again only for the girl to deflect the attack before slamming a strike into his shoulder. His arm went limp before she struck the other shoulder making that arm go limp as well before she struck his body with rapid strikes.
The other ninja swung only for his arm to be caught by the girl who wasn't even looking at him, Hinata struck his shoulder before kicking in his knee forcing him into a kneel. The girl quickly finished off the first ninja she attacked with a hard karate chop, sending him into the dirt hard enough to crater him.
Still moving like flowing water, she quickly turned back to the kneeling man, she struck at his chest and collar bone with a rapid shower of jabs as she slapped a hand on his face before forcing him into the ground.
Another spear stabbed toward her only to be stopped by the side of her hand, she moved her arm in a rotating motion allowing it to move up the length of her arm to her shoulder.
Hinata snatched the spear away spinning it before she pushed the shaft into her attacker slamming it against him before another palm strike made the weapon explode into splinters against his body.
Hinata blocked two more strikes with her plans before she moved them upward, she struck at the two men surrounding her aiming for their ribs and collars.
One of the attackers spun to the ground roughly before Hinata dispatched the other with an elbow to the face. Her movements were still graceful as she reset her stance toward the rest of the small crowd she was fighting.
One of the men launched a quick jump kick at the girl, Hinata swayed out of the way grabbed him by the back of his shirt before pulling his frame into a hard palm strike that knocked the wind out of him.
Hinata then planted a firm strike into his jaw.
She ducked under a slash as she immediately pelted several quick hits into him, the attacker lost his footing as she continued to slam several palm strikes into his body before unleashing a devastating one that sent him into the wall breaking through it.
Hinata then gave the last of the crowd a glare as the man wasted no time trying to take advantage of her distraction.
The dark purple haired girl leaned out of the way of the strike slamming a palm into his gut before kicking him to the ground. Hinata balled up her fists as she rapidly struck the downed attackers back with quick yet hard successive blows before striking the back of his head.
The girl then turned him to his front slamming another palm strike into his face denting the ground under his head.
"...24. Now, where is he?"
Hinata responded as the rest of the men on the walls stared toward the girl in shock, ten men were dispatched as if they were nothing.
Worse yet, her eyes still looked as if she was staring at prey.
The bell rang catching Hinata's attention, more of the men poured into the wall as another one of the ninja formed hand signs.
"Wind Style: Air Bullet!"
The ninja yelled, launching a massive gust of air at Hinata who quickly pivoted to intercept the strike, but a spinning blade quickly got rid of the jutsu.
"Hate to interrupt, but backup is here!"
Tenten called out landing in front of Hinata with her twinblade now at her side, "Thank you." The purple haired teen said as Neji quickly dispatched the ninja on one side of the wall while Lee quickly launched a spin kick taking out another.
"Sakura! We'll cover the walls!"
Neji yelled while the pinkette nodded, pulling out a scroll, "Right, I'll intercept!" Sakura yelled as the rush of ninja approached her.
"We'll cover you!"
Tenten said as she and Hinata went to her side, Sakura's green eyes narrowed on the crowd rushing toward them as she opened the scroll.
Smoke bellowed out of it as the pinkette was now holding a large hatchet, it was black in color with pink embroidery in the shape of a flaming Uzumaki swirl. The ground cracked as the pink haired girl dashed forward toward the crowd, she then jumped into the air spinning before slamming the axe downward.
The ground split sending several of the ninja flying upward, Tenten summoned several chains pulling several of the ninja out of the air before attacking them. Meanwhile Hinata took on the splintered part of the group, Sakura's eyes gleamed as they landed on her target.
The ninja quickly dashed to attack her; Sakura blocked his attack with her hatchet before she pushed him backward. She struck him hard with the axe shattering his blade he tried to block with, his body slammed against the wall before Sakura's foot slammed into him with a hard kick.
She backflipped off of him leaving behind multiple small pink bells that popped revealing small pink paper flakes. His eyes widened as they violently exploded, Sakura meanwhile landed throwing several kicks before pivoting off of her heel.
"Cherry Blossom Hurricane"
More of the pink flakes appeared from her feet as she bicycle kicked a ninja before ending with a roundhouse kick that ended with an explosion as he flew away.
Another attacker appeared from the smoke stabbing at her throat as she made a hand sign while leaning backward.
The ninja collided with the teenage girl only for her to burst into a bunch of cherry blossom petals, the man looked around confused as he took a step. Suddenly, he was sinking into the ground that became a large sea of petals that swallowed him up into it.
He fell until he felt his back hit the ground, the ninja opened his eyes adopting a shocked expression as a large shadow loomed over him.
Sakura, now completely black and white looked down toward the man in her gigantic form, she clenched a fist before slamming it down toward him.
"Cha!"
The large black and white Sakura yelled, smashing her fist into him.
Back in reality Sakura finished her hand signs as she watched the ninja suffering from her Genjustu rolling on the ground before she quickly kicked him across the face to finish him.
Her eyes landed back on the thinning crowd as Neji quickly spun, jabbing another ninja multiple times with his fingers.
He blocked an incoming kick with his palm before pushing the leg backward, jabbing the ninja's back multiple times ending with a palm strike to his chin.
"Neji!"
Lee called out as the teen looked toward the black-haired teen who exploded into the air slamming heavy kicks into a ninja. Neji dashed upward slamming several jabs into his as Lee spun above both of them, Neji pulled back his hand for a palm strike.
Lee's kick and Neji's palm struck the ninja at the same time, "Tertiary Lotus!" Lee yelled as they crashed to the ground.
Neji and Lee went back to back after they landed attacking and defending against the ninja waiting for them to come down covering each other. Lee unleashed a spinning attack that had three kicks in it on a ninja as Neji quickly spun unleashing a palm rotation.
Sakura entered the fray covering for Lee as the trio fought off the dying crowd of ninja, Neji launched a ninja into the air with a plan strike. "Sakura, Lee!" Neji called as Sakura leaped into the air and Lee jumped kicking the ninja in the back pushing him toward Sakura who launched a roundhouse kick.
"Twin Lovers Strike!"
Lee called out as Sakura's kick landed causing both her and Lee to move past each other in a cross shape, the unconscious ninja landed on the ground as Sakura and Lee shortly followed.
"Lee… What was that?"
The girl asked in an accusatory voice as the black-haired teen stuck a thumb up and smiled, "The name of the technique of course! It is between you and I." Lee's smile sparkled as Sakura deadpanned.
"In your dreams, Lee!"
Sakura yelled going back into the fray as the black haired teen sighed heavily.
Neji finished off another ninja as he noticed the crowd was now completely defeated with any stragglers being taken care of. The teen blinked as another ninja suddenly leaped from the ground pretending to be unconscious, he attacked Neji's back but the teen didn't even flinch as he slowly turned around.
For some reason, the ninja couldn't move a muscle anymore.
"You seriously didn't see that, Neji?"
A voice asked while Neji resisted rolling his eyes, "I did, in fact had you not intervened he wouldn't have lasted much longer." The white eyed teen said as Shikamaru, Ino, and Kakashi walked into the camp.
"Well, you all certainly had a lot of fun."
Kakashi commented while Ino looked around, "I'm kinda glad I missed this, messing up my clothes wasn't in my to-do list today." The blonde girl commented as Sakura rolled her eyes.
"As much as I didn't want to get involved with randomly attacking gangs in another country, it looks like this couldn't be helped."
Shikamaru said as Hinata looked away, "Hinata got a little overzealous." Neji said pointedly as Shikamaru shook his head.
"Honestly, she was right. These guys are bad news and after a week of chasing that blondie, I'd rather us get this out of the way then wait around for a chance."
Shikamaru said as Hinata raised an eyebrow, "That being said, you already know how bad of an idea this was. I get you like him and stuff, but you don't have to act as stupid as him." The teen lightly scolded the now red girl.
She immediately shrank from her earlier poise and twiddled her fingers, "I-I don't like hi- He's my friend and I'm concerned for hi-" she was cut off by Shikamaru's hand.
"I'm too tired for the usual cat and mouse game, waste of energy. We should be focusing on this guy."
Shikamaru said as they all turned their attention to the frozen ninja, "Think he really knows anything?" Kakashi asked as Shikamaru shrugged.
The ninja felt himself get released from the jutsu only to get kicked into the wall by Shikamaru who walked over to him.
"Look, I don't like unnecessary violence because it's tiring. We're looking for our friend, Naruto. We heard he's been kicking your asses, so you spill, and we'll let you off easy. Deal?"
Shikamaru spoke while the ninja groaned, this groan turned into chuckles as he looked toward the group of ninjas.
"You're looking for that thing? That monster?"
The ninja spoke, causing the group to glare at him as he coughed, "The Blue-Eyed Demon?" he spoke as Hinata was about to step forward, but Kakashi grabbed the man by his collar pushing him into the wall.
"You're going to tell us exactly what you know. Now."
Kakashi said lifting his headband to reveal his Sharingan, the ninja looked at his eye before he gritted his teeth.
"...It's one of our old compounds, he and his gang took it over. It's 5 or so days on foot Northwest from here… your funeral."
The ninja said as Kakashi blinked at the man, "Gang? Naruto is running some kind of gang?" Tenten asked as Lee rubbed his chin.
"Naruto became a gangster of justice it seems!"
Lee exclaimed as Ino shook her head, "Doubt it, Naruto has wanted posters here despite being a good guy. It's definitely because of these guys." the blonde said as the ninja raised an eyebrow.
"Good guy? You sure we're talking about the same guy?"
The man spoke as Kakashi gave him a look, "Not another word." The gray-haired man threatened as Shikamaru was already mapping out a route.
"If it's a compound it should be hard to miss, we'll follow this path straight there. It sounds like Naruto hasn't dealt with this king guy yet so we may be able to catch him right on time."
Shikamaru said as Hinata smiled brightly at the news while the others celebrated in their own ways, Naruto was close, and they would finally be able to get to him.
"Then we should get going."
Kakashi said dropping the ninja to the ground as they all started to move toward the exit of the camp, but Hinata slowed down.
She looked at the ground before her eyes landed on the ninja, "You know… I know Naruto has the Nine Tails within him and it's caused a lot of damage in the past, but he is good. No matter what the Nine Tails did or what it is. That doesn't make Naruto a monster." Hinata spoke as the ninja stared at her before he started laughing.
The rest of the group turned to look at him "You seriously think we call him that because of that monster inside him? No… not even close, that beast doesn't even have blue eyes. Between him and that beast…" his face suddenly went serious as he looked toward them.
"The real demon is him."
The ninja spoke, causing the rest of the group to give him surprised looks, including Hinata who just stared at him. The way he spoke about Naruto… had there really been that much of a change in him? What exactly had he done so far?
The ninja suddenly went unconscious as the tomoe in Kakashi's Sharingan spun before he covered his eye up.
"No time to waste, Kids. Let's go."
Kakashi said in a jovial tone before he walked ahead pulling out his book, the rest of the group lingered for a moment before they followed him.
Shikamaru couldn't help but think of something though.
Wasn't it a little strange that the enemy knew exactly where Naruto was? Maybe he was thinking about things too hard, right before the big reunion too.
What a drag.
{...}
A massive gust of wind shook the grass of the field beside the stream as Naruto deflected a high-speed punch from one of his clones. The sound barrier broke behind it as the blonde blasted in backward with a large gust of wind, he then backflipped avoiding sword slashes.
"Fire Stance: Ignition!"
The clone yelled as its sword cloaked with flames as it continued to attack Naruto aggressively, the blond teen weaved through several slashes before catching the blade between his fingers.
The flames went out as Naruto flipped over the clone snatching the sword from its hand, the blond pushed it away with more wind as he discarded the sword into the ground.
He was suddenly slammed against by another clone that had a tail waving wildly behind it, the clone threw a punch creating a large explosion. The clone flew out of the smoke as Naruto spun blasting air out of his feet, sending the clone into the ground.
Another one of his clones appeared behind him with a Rasengan swirling in its palm, "Rasengan!" The clone yelled, thrusting the technique at Naruto's back.
Naruto twisted, shoving his own palm against the technique, the Rasengan didn't move any closer as the clone pushed.
Naruto grounded himself as the clone began creating another Rasengan in its free hand, the blond gave it no chance to finish grabbing it into a hold before throwing it to the ground.
Naruto slid backward as his other three clones returned with a vengeance each attacking him with his respective techniques all at the same time. The blond smoothly managed the shower of different attacks from several angles as they attacked him fiercely.
Within a single move Naruto quickly ended the scuffle with all of his clones at once leaving them exploding into smoke as he took a deep breath. He closed his eyes, opening them shortly afterward revealing the large dark cell holding the Nine Tails within his seal.
A place he had become quite familiar with over the span of the past week and few days, he guessed he was brought back here because the fox wanted to show him something.
Oddly enough he didn't see the large fox anywhere.
"Oi! Kurama, where are you?! How do you even hide in a place like this?"
Naruto asked as he looked around, he was already inside the cell as usual but for the life of him he couldn't see him.
Was this some kind of new technique he was teaching him?
"You've progressed quite a bit in the short time, I really wouldn't have expected any less with me as your teacher."
A voice spoke as Naruto turned, "Finally, I thought you had disappeared or something." The blond commented as he noticed something odd.
Kurama's voice didn't have the usual deep rumbling in it, as a matter of fact what was even weirder was the voice…
Sounded feminine?
Naruto turned toward the source of the voice as his eyes shot open, there wasn't a large imposing fox standing there.
Instead, it was a tall, very beautiful woman wearing a loose orange kimono. Her hair was very long easily going past her waist, her hair was a cream like white with orange at the tips.
Her eyes however were red with sharp pupils, maybe it was just the way her eyes looked but she seemed to have a permanently bored expression on her face.
"...Uhh. Hey… Lady, I uh have no idea where you came from and all but, who are you and how did you get here?"
Naruto asked genuinely concerned that his lack of Icha Icha was starting to deeply affect his brain on concerning levels.
The woman walked toward him with a sultry stride as the blond threw his hands up, "Look, Lady illusion thing. I don't know what's going on but I'm already in a complicated situation with a girl and I don't want any trouble." Naruto spoke quickly as she got very close to him.
The woman smelled like ash and nectar as her red lips curled into a mischievous smile, Naruto paled, staring at her until he wasn't.
A thwack echoed throughout the cell as Naruto found him smacked into the ground making the water in the cell ripple violently.
"Are you done with your drabble? You have a fight tomorrow and you're screwing around, brat."
The woman spoke as Naruto lifted his face, "HUH?! Kurama?! I thought you were a dude! Why are you messing around as some lady?! Unless you were a lady this whole time!" The teen pondered out loud as the woman looked down at him with a light disdain before sitting harshly on his back.
"I'm a Tailed Beast, you idiot. My physical form can be manipulated as I wish, my prowess far exceeds the rest of the beasts. That being said, that's not the point."
Kurama spoke as she looked at the confused blond, "That's confusing… then why are you transformed into some sexy woman?" The teen asked as the woman paused before she looked away.
"It was an involuntary transformation, I have memories of this woman before… Anyway, it's for your last training session today before your battle."
Kurama spoke as Naruto scratched his head, "I don't know how resisting the art of seduction is going to help me fight against the Bandit King." The teen said as the woman stood up from his back.
"You ogling this form is going to get annoying, let's make this quick. We're ending the basics by going over your progress."
The woman said as Naruto hopped to his feet, "Yeah, training with my clones has really taken me a long way. I feel way stronger than I did before." Naruto clenched his hand into a fist.
"Please. You still don't stand a ghost of a chance against me, don't get cocky. Compared to that bug though I suppose you could manage."
The woman huffed as Naruto cracked a small smile, "Y'know you don't have to give me roundabout compliments, don't worry I won't tell anyone that the great Kurama has soft spots." The teen teased as the woman glared.
"Silence. Now then, you've gotten used to using your Shadow Clones to train. You've even sharpened your old techniques and discovered a few new ones. Your speed has increased and now your technique almost matches for the most part."
Kurama summarized as Naruto nodded his head rapidly, "Yeah, sounds about right." The teen agreed as the fox-like woman stopped in place.
"Today, your final session will be about Kekkei Genkai. This one is the most important and currently you are the worst at it."
Kurama said as Naruto pointed at the woman, "Hey, that's not exactly true, I'm pretty experienced. I took on Deidara and figured out his explosions, not to mention Kurotsuchi and I formed Flare Style a good couple of times." The blond defended himself while the woman was unimpressed.
"You survived that encounter with that Akatsuki brat from sheer luck alone, you also failed to notice that not even once you managed to form a Kekkei Genkai yourself. Instead creating those 'Combination' styles. You won't always have the luxury of fighting with someone who can keep up with you."
Kurama explained as Naruto watched the female form stop in place, "Wait a second, aren't Kekkei Genkai pretty limited to people? Even If I tried, I can't just shove two natures together and make something new." the blond said as the woman's eyes seemed to glow.
Kurama's hand moved suddenly creating a line of fire in the air, Naruto watched as nine tails sprouted from the woman's back as her hands formed a circle with the flames before shutting her hand closed.
The flames immediately went into the closed fist, Kurama opened the hand revealing a bright yet calm flame.
Naruto watched as Kurama then formed a round stone from small grains floating from her free hand, Kurama stared Naruto in the eyes before pressing both the flame and the stone together.
The chakras bubbled and twisted violently before they settled into the new form, it was bright red molten rock.
Right before his eyes Naruto watched Kurama form a Kekkei Genkai, Kurama held the molten sphere as her eyes narrowed at the teen.
"There are three types of Kekkei Genkai, Dojutsu, like the damned Sharingan. Bloodlines, like that child in the Land of Rice. Then there is Advanced Nature Transformation, that is what this is… You seem to be misinterpreting something."
Kurama said as Naruto looked at the molten sphere with wonder, "Combining Natures isn't a simple thing to do, hell it's extremely difficult for humans. However, you still act like you have their same limitations. Utilize your abilities to their fullest, your final lesson for now is to form an Advanced Nature Transformation on your own." Kurama stated simply as Naruto stood up.
"Just like that? Isn't that kind of advanced? I'm still mastering Wind Style, let alone Nature Transformation."
Naruto spoke as Kurama shook her head, "Listen Brat, this is your hurdle. The more opponents you face the wider your worldview will become. Compared to what comes next, Advanced Nature Transformation for you is basic. Once you achieve this step, you'll be far beyond any doubt of strength." The woman said as Naruto looked at his fist.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
The disguised fox spoke as Naruto scratched his head, "What nature would I even use with Wind to use Advanced Nature Transformation with?" he complained as Kurama shrugged.
"Figure it out, Brat."
Naruto frowned in response to the woman, "Aw come on! Well… I do kinda have one in mind. It's the easiest that I've worked with in my clone training." the teen commented as the Nine Tailed Fox raised an eyebrow at him.
"Then use it."
Another simple response as Naruto pointed at the woman, "You still haven't explained anything! So, I get that, Kekkei Genkai have advanced transformations that can be achieved as long as they have those natures available to them but if it's Kekkei Genkai special to people then how would I not being a mythical creature achieve that?" Naruto asked while the woman cracked her knuckles.
"I'll use an example… That Haku child. The one from the Land of Waves, Wind and Water natures for him created Ice Style that is a Bloodline Transformation, Wood Style is the same. However, Water and Lightning create Storm Style that is commonly utilized by high-ranking ninja in the Hidden Lighting. This is Advanced Nature Transformation."
Kurama explained as Naruto rubbed his chin, "I think I get it… So, every nature can combine with another, but they would create a different version of combination other than someone with a Kekkei Genkai. I would never be able to create Ice Style, but I could create Storm Release?" the teen asked while the woman nodded.
"Chakra natures have both positive and negative synergies. Depending on the synergy, Advanced Nature Transformation could be easy to achieve or highly difficult. You have to concentrate both natures within yourself to utilize them independently before combining them to create the technique."
Kurama explained again as Naruto stared at the woman who rolled her eyes, "What? Is that too difficult for your brain too, brat?" annoyance came out in her words as she was suddenly taken off guard by a chuckle coming out of the blonde's mouth.
"... Heh. You've seriously been trying to make me stronger this whole time, haven't you?"
Naruto said as Kurama gave him a look, "Well of course. You came begging on your knees, it's hard to pass up on a good deal." the woman waved her hand dismissively.
"Nah, I think that you might actually have fun teaching me… you probably don't hear it in your voice but you actually like these lectures."
Naruto's smile grew on his face as the woman gave him an annoyed look, "Whatever fantasy you have brewing in your head I suggest you end it. I want to avoid my jailer getting killed, I also don't want you to feel too bad when I destroy you in a couple years. Nothing more, nothing less. Brat." The woman looked away as the blond wasn't convinced.
"Oi, Fox… I'm going to take down the Bandit King, no problem. I'll even do it with that Advanced Nature Transformation stuff and then… You're next."
Naruto spoke with a determined voice as the woman continued to look away, "Honestly, your arrogance is astounding. Go kill that insect, then you may talk." the woman said, crossing her arms.
"Hey Kurama?"
"What, brat?"
"Thank you."
Naruto said, causing the woman to turn around and looked toward the blond teen's earnest blue eyes as he nodded. Kurama didn't know what to say, the fox was used to their conflicts. He, the monster and the blond kid, his jailer.
Their hatred for the most part seemed like it was equal to one another, yet since that day after he left the Land of Waves all that time ago that had changed.
Naruto was still the annoying brat he had always known, but oddly enough he had slowly watched the teen grow up from behind those bars. Victories, near deaths, multiple impossible odds, and powerful opponents. It was almost like he had grown to respect the child.
Kurama saw several flashes of previous Jinchuriki, a red-haired girl in particular lingered. Her fear filled glare still fresh in memory but when it was Naruto again.
There was only a damned smile.
Kurama exhaled out of her nose looking away from him again as he transformed back into his large orange beastly form.
"Enough. Hurry up and kill that bug."
Kurama said as Naruto nodded his head before he stopped, "One more thing… could I always train with you in that other form?" The blonde asked as the fox narrowed his eyes.
"Why?"
Kurama asked, flabbergasted by the teen who scratched the back of his head, "Cause, it's less scary than this one." the teen said with a laugh, causing the fox to scoff.
"Never again, damned brat."
Kurama growled while Naruto laughed as he was suddenly gone, leaving the fox in the cage by itself once more.
The faint look on the fox's face just out of sight.
Outside of the seal, Naruto made a determined expression as he slowly approached the large stream that ran nearby where he trained.
{...}
Craters surrounded a pair of teens as Boro and Tsubasa were still standing after clashing with Yugito who gave them both a look full of approval.
"This training has benefited you both, you've improved greatly since we started."
Tsubasa gave a quick nod as Boro cracked a grin on his face, "You're talking like we're already finished, looks like you're still standing to me." The teen spoke as Yugito's eyes gleamed slightly.
"Oh? You still seem ready to continue, interesting. I admire your confidence and newfound interest in your training, but you know the rule."
The woman spoke, killing the amusement in her tone as Boro nodded, "Yeah, yeah. Debrief, but I'm raring to go now that I'm stronger and stuff." The teen wiped the bottom of his nose with a thumb.
"Still, we have to pay attention, we don't have any more time after today… time's up."
Tsubasa spoke as Boro and Yugito gave him a look before the blonde cleared her throat, "You have both improved not only your technique but utilizing your Ninjutsu during battle. You both were always an interesting pair but now you're a force to be reckoned with." Yugito began as Boro smirked as Tsubasa adopted an amused expression.
"Tsubasa, your proficiency with your flames is better than ever but don't forget your enemies are still skilled in their own right and won't just stand by waiting to be hit by them."
"Boro, by far your amount of growth has been the most noticeable in our training. Your style has been polished not to mention you can properly utilize your Earth Style in battle now, I'm not sure what lit a fire under your feet but keep that as we move into this battle. That being said, you still have a few gaps in your defense that we'll need to fix before then."
Yugito explained as Tsubasa nodded, "Right… The Bandit King, this time it all ends here for him. I won't allow anyone else to get hurt." The smoky haired teen said as Boro clenched his fist.
"Sounds good to me. Now I want some payback on that bastard for what he did, he ain't getting away with any of what he's done. Also, I'm kind of ready to be done with the dramatic battles for a while."
The teen scratched the back of his head making a joke causing Tsubasa and Yugito to chuckle before the woman's face became serious again.
"Now then, we need to continue our drill of the plan. On guard, both of you "
Yugito said as Tsubasa and Boro immediately adopted fighting stances as the wind blew gently swaying the grass. Yugito's body tensed as she was about to dash forward but was stopped in her tracks as Boro suddenly put his hands up in a cross shape.
"Time out! I want to get a water break really fast."
Boro said as Yugito and Tsubasa stared at the boy with flabbergasted expressions, "You didn't bring your bottle with you?" The teen asked as the yellow eyed boy just grinned.
"I uh… kinda left it. I blame the hype for training and all that."
Boro said while Yugito deeply sighed, "Boro, grab your bottle and come back." The woman already done with the teen said as he quickly bowed before scrambling toward the house.
Tsubasa watched the teen run away as his eyes went toward Yugito, an unreadable look appeared on his face as Yugito gave him her own knowing look.
Boro finally made it into the house, sighing as he walked toward the kitchen, if he was going to take a few moments to be honest. He was more than a little tired from the amount of effort he's been putting into training, his body already felt like it was on fire.
The need to improve was definitely there and he was determined but everyone trained like maniacs so what's a little break for the last day?
Boro continued to walk toward the kitchen staring at the floor as the sound of dishes making contact with each other caught his attention. He slowly looked up, spotting Haruka standing at the kitchen sink washing dishes with her hair tied up into a messy ponytail.
The light caught her soft features on the determined look she had on her face, her honey-colored eyes sparkled not only with the sunlight they caught but the life that seemed to be regained by her as each day passed.
He had noticed that Haruka had been moving a bit sluggish, and her belly had grown slightly, meaning that even though she was basically about to give birth she was still giving it her all.
It made her look almost angelic.
Yet.
Boro could only feel guilt staring at the shorter girl in front of him.
It was only a moment, but he already clearly had the thought in mind when they brought back Naruto in that bloody mess.
To trade her to save them.
It didn't happen but he still had his words in the back of his mind as Haruka continued to live among them trying her best.
Boro was suddenly cut off from his thoughts as a bottle was being held up to him, "Boro, your water. You left it here; I figured you would be back for it so so I kept it with me." The girl spoke as yellow met honey.
She was speaking while making direct eye contact when a week and some days ago she could have barely done that.
How can she look into his eyes like this when she clearly heard what he said?
"Uh… Thanks."
Boro uncharacteristically responded as Haruka smiled at him, it was so bright. It felt like it was blinding him just looking at the girl, "Let me know if you get hungry. Dinner isn't until later, but you guys are working hard so I'm happy to make something real quick if you want it." the brown-haired girl said as Boro just stared at her.
Not a single hint of judgment was in her eyes.
Her face quickly changed into the faces of both of his parents as Boro looked away from her, "Right… thank you." The yellow eyed teen said as the girl turned back toward the dishes.
He could feel it eating at him, as he did everyday. It was part of the reason he was training so hard now, after what she had been through, he still had the nerve to think of the trade.
He couldn't afford to slack off knowing that he had those thoughts, but he still couldn't find the right words to say to her.
Haruka continued to wash the dishes as he stared at her back, she just existed with him around almost like he didn't do anything.
"You're about to pop y'know? So… why are you still working so hard? You should be off your feet."
Boro spoke on autopilot as Haruka turned toward him, "It's a little frustrating being more tired now, but I still want to support you all. The time is up, and you'll be off to fight… I wanna work until the end as well." The girl gave a fist pump as Boro stared at her.
"Tayuya is still upstairs, she wanted to continue by herself but I'm sure she just wanted a break and didn't want to admit it."
Haruka said with an amused smile growing on her face, "She's so proud. I wish she was more like Fu and easy to talk to, but she's got a lot of her own things I appreciate. Naruto's been a really good influence for her." The girl talked happily about the group as Boro continued to stare.
His vision switched between that room with his parents in it and the kitchen where Haruka was standing.
"How can you talk like that?"
The words rolled off of Boro's lips almost as if he didn't know they would, Haruka didn't respond, only looking back toward the boy.
"You talk like nothing happened… You heard what I said when we brought Naruto in. About the Bandit King's offer… about you. You're giving me my water bottle, offering food, and talking to me like it's normal."
Boro said as Haruka stared at him before she looked at the floor, "That's because it is normal, Boro. You didn't do anything wrong." the girl spoke as his yellow eyes narrowed in confusion.
"Didn't do anything wrong? I was thinking about trading you off to that guy, I don't see how that isn't anything wrong."
Boro said as Haruka looked back up toward him, "I still stand by what I said, Boro. I really don't blame you for anything." She responded genuinely, making the inside of Boro twist slightly at her look.
"It was wrong of me to even think it… everyone else was so gung-ho about protecting you somehow and I was the only one who said anything. Despite everything I still said it."
Boro explained as Haruka blinked at him as she took a step closer to him, "Why?" She asked, causing the brown-haired teen to look toward her.
"What?"
"Why? Why did you consider the trade?"
Haruka asked in a calm tone as Boro's breath hitched slightly, "I… was scared." He spoke while her eyes still looked into his.
"I wasn't scared for me… that's the weird part. I saw it all… the way he just tore in Naruto. How he wiped out that village, he killed those people like it was just another day for him. All the sudden, I was watching one of my friends getting shrapnel pulled out of him."
Boro explained as he refused to meet her eyes with his own, "Then I saw the rest of them just like that… all torn up. I didn't want that… I didn't want to watch that. These guys… they're… They're all I got left..." the teen said as Haruka continued to listen.
"They took me in, fed me good food, dealt with me and my quirks, they… made me feel like I was more than just some mutt. I don't want to lose that. We just met you so I unfairly thought that if it was you then we'd be able to move on and they would be safe."
Boro confessed as Haruka watched the boy grimly chuckle, "That's just who I am… A coward. A killer. Sending you off to your death like I've done for as long as I can remember." The teen spilled, staring at the floor.
"You shouldn't just… forgive that."
Haruka stared down at the boy who had been normally the jokester of the group and the butt of the jokes.
Normally he was taller than her, but he seemed so small right now. Boro flinched at a hand touching his hair gently, he looked up slightly toward Haruka who rubbed his hair.
"You aren't a killer, Boro."
"You can't say that. You don't know."
The teen took a step back from the girl narrowing his yellow eyes at her, "I worked for him, I hunted his enemies. I killed them. Anyone at his beck and call, I would kill them… my own pare- …I killed them too. You just don't know." Boro clenched his hand into a fist.
They stayed silent for a moment as the sound of chuckle broke Boro from his stupor, "I know I shouldn't but… I find it funny that we gave ourselves titles for things outside of our control." Haruka said as Boro's eyes met hers.
"You, the killer and I, death."
Haruka gently placed her hand in his hair again while Boro shook his head, "It wasn't outside of my control, those were my actions. I chose to kill those people, all of them." the teen almost growled at Haruka who almost looked defiantly at him.
"I chose not to believe you did… I hope that sounded selfish."
Haruka said as Boro stood to his full height, "That's not how it works." His voice was rough as the girl looked up toward him.
"Perhaps, but who's making the rules anyway? Naruto said it himself… he wants all of us to feel like we're free. I'm free to think what I think, and I think that you aren't the thing that you think you are."
Haruka said as Boro huffed, "It isn't easy to do that to just flick it off like a light switch. It's heavy and makes me feel like shit. You didn't deserve that, and I thought about it anyway." his eyes narrowed on hers as she looked at him gently.
"Boro… You did that because you wanted to protect the people you cared about. I'm sure you weren't the only one who thought about it, but you did say it. That takes bravery."
Haruka's words sting as Boro's expression became a confused one, "I should have fought for you… I should have just shaken off my damn fears and stood up for you like he did… I don't want you to get hurt either… but I just-" he was cut off by a hand gently pushing against his chest.
"You already did fight for me. Against Shomei and even now, you must be scared to face the Bandit King but you're working just as hard as everyone else. You carried me out of those woods, Boro."
Haruka said as she used her hand to keep his eyes on hers, not allowing his vision to run away, "You call yourself a killer but to me you're just like the rest of this group. You're a hero." Boro listened to her words as they hit him hard.
"I'm not a hero. I'm just here."
Boro said while Haruka gently smiled at him, "You don't need a cape or a scarf waving dramatically in the wind to be a hero, Boro. Thank you. You don't have to carry all this stuff alone and you shouldn't." the girl said as the brown-haired boy huffed.
"You're making me break character here, how uncool."
Boro said as Haruka cracked a small smile at the boy, "I won't tell anyone, but I need you to promise me something." the girl's voice gently rang in his ear as he gave her a look.
"Both of us… Let's learn to forgive ourselves for… being so hard on ourselves. I want you to promise me that, you'll allow yourself to live. Because if you can't then what chance do I have?"
Haruka said as Boro shook his head at her, "You're strong, Haruka. You can't convince me you aren't anymore… but I can try that. I never allowed myself to have anything like a dream after that day because all I deserved were the nightmares. I've just existed my entire life, I really don't know what it means to live for more than that." the yellow eyed boy looked toward her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Haruka. I'm not like the rest of those guys and how good they are but… for you I think I can at least try to put up an effort. I'll try to dream about something."
Boro said as Haruka gently smiled at him as the brown-haired boy suddenly found himself feeling vulnerable.
"What are you looking so hard at? Something on my face?"
Boro tried to deflect using humor but instead he slightly flinched at fingers gently touching his face, "No… I just realized that you have pretty eyes when you're up close." the girl said, causing Boro's expression to warp into shock.
His eyes were constantly compared to a dog for a very long time, at some point that was the only way he began to see them himself.
The eyes of a hound on his way to his next kill, the gaze of a murderer. No one had ever called his eyes pretty, not since his mother when he was a small child, the worst part about it was…
He could tell she was being genuine about it, that made him feel warm inside.
"You go ahead, I'll finish up here. The big day is tomorrow, and I don't want to distract you."
Haruka said with an amused expression as the boy still looked toward her, it was so casual for her. So nonchalant, she shook up his world but still went on like she wasn't aware of it.
She was odd. Haruka was an odd girl.
The brown-haired girl then turned back to the dishes; her hands moved to place the washed dishes toward the side of the sink she dried them on.
Another hand gently took the dish out of hers as she suddenly looked to her side spotting the taller boy standing beside her.
He wordlessly took the drying rag to the dish as Haruka blinked, "You don't have to do that, Boro. I can take care of this. You're busy, aren't you?" The honey eyed girl said as the teen continued to dry the dishes she set down.
"What kind of guy would I be if I left a lady to do stuff on her own? You know… you can also accept help too. Don't be a hypocrite."
Boro chided but Haruka didn't miss the smile on his face, her own lips curled slightly before she lifted her hand. She ran it through his hair as he suddenly flinched, "Oi! You got soap on those mitts!" Boro yelled as she ran her soapy hand in his hair faster.
Boro quickly retaliated by splashing a bit of the water from the sink on her, Haruka giggled as the brown-haired boy shook his head.
"I'm not going to get anything done with you distracting me."
Haruka complained with a laugh in her voice as Boro turned his nose up, "Then hurry up and get done then, Mom." The teen teased as the girl chuckled again before settling into washing the dishes.
Boro looked at her from the corner of his eye as she had the remnants of the smile he gave her on her face beside him.
He came to the silent realization that he liked the way it looked on her face, maybe keeping it there wouldn't be so bad of a dream for now.
Would it?
{...}
Orange eyes looked ahead of her as she watched two people panting in front of her, it was her fellow Jinchuriki.
Naruto and Yugito had just finished another bout, and the blond boy had finally done it, he fought the highly experienced Jonin to a standstill before prevailing.
She watched how Yugito praised the boy as he in typical Naruto fashion tried to play it off, how she looked so proud of him. He was already so strong, but now he still managed to get even stronger.
Not only that, but he was also able to do it because he was so driven to do so because he had all of them to think about.
That made her think… Was she strong enough to protect them?
She trained like they did, she fought alongside them. Yet there was still a part of her that felt like it wasn't enough even now. Naruto's bloody and torn up frame in her arms crossed her mind again as she looked toward the boy again.
She couldn't allow that to happen again, but she says that. Would she be able to accomplish it? Could she protect them from someone like that?
The Bandit King, that guy was a monster who clearly drew a line in the sand. A line that surprisingly she was slightly doubting she could cross. She didn't want to watch them get hurt like that again, they were her friends, so she needed to be strong to protect them.
Could she?
Fu suddenly yelped as she felt a cold object touch her cheek, her eyes landed on the object as they finally settled on the slightly panicked eyes of fire, she was quite acquainted with.
Tsubasa looked around nervously before he scratched the back of his head, "I- That was my bad… you looked a little lost and thought and I just… I just wanted to offer some water." The teen rambled as Fu stared toward him.
"You… Dummy! That bottle's freaking cold! Thank you though."
Fu responded in her normally bubbly fashion as she took the bottle from his hand, Tsubasa sat beside her as he looked ahead.
"Is it really that bad?"
Fu asked while Tsubasa looked toward her, "You don't always have to be fun and bubbly, being concerned is valid too. We are fighting against a large threat." The smoky haired teen said as the green haired girl grinned at him.
"And break my character? Nope, can't do that. It's unproductive, it's better to find a way to smile through it. Just look at Naruto."
Fu said as Tsubasa looked toward the determined expression of the blond, "He always manages to find a way to shine so brightly… even when it's dark. If I can't do that for you guys, then… I don't know. I wanna be like him." The girl said as Tsubasa looked toward her again.
"I like your smile."
Tsubasa suddenly said, causing Fu to look toward him in surprise, "I… never really got to do it myself. More accurately, I never allowed myself to smile. That way I like the way you're able to do it so freely, how you can still try your best to smile even with your past." The teen expressed as Fu silently looked at him.
"While I like your smile and how energetic you can be trying your best to make everyone happy. I like how you are trying your best to change, to be more honest with your feelings."
Tsubasa continued to speak as Fu's expression softened, "Naruto is Naruto. I admire him, but you don't have to be like him for me to admire you too. I want to be… honest. More importantly… I want to be the kind of person you can be honest with. Whether you're happy or sad… I know you'd do the same for me." Tsubasa spoke as Fu blinked.
When she first met Tsubasa, she could tell he was filled with rage. That his heart weighed heavy with the things he carried in his life.
When she approached him, she tried her best to be something for him outside of that rage. She did that only to realize how she could see herself in him, what he wore on the surface.
She wore underneath.
She could understand his pain, how angry he felt. She felt that way too, so Fu found herself getting this guy better than she thought. However, she was genuinely surprised. In the time she spent around him, she was watching Tsubasa grow as a person.
Now he wasn't just a rage filled teen hellbent on vengeance… he looked so human now.
Just like she wanted to be, like how they made her feel around them.
Her most precious people.
She's spent some time with them, but it was still incredible how close she felt with everyone. Yet she still found herself holding back certain things from them.
Fu leaned onto Tsubasa who visibly stiffened at the sudden contact from the girl, "Fu?" He asked with nervousness bleeding into his voice as she calmly smiled.
"Listen to you… being all grown up now, Mr. Revenge."
Fu said as Tsubasa exhaled out of his nose while her eyes closed, "That leaves me as the biggest kid here… I'm so worried about worrying everyone else. I'm worried about being worried, because I don't want you guys to feel anything other than hope but… I'm scared." The girl confided as Tsubasa looked at her.
"That doesn't make you a little kid, Fu. I dragged all of you into this, if you wanna blame anyone for how you're feeling… Blame me."
Tsubasa said as a hand suddenly smacked his arm, "Ow." The smoky haired teen said nonchalantly as he was faced with a pout from Fu.
She tried to look angry, but it was adorable instead.
"Stop talking like that, it's not your fault. How many times do we have to say it? Stop beating yourself up. Promise."
Fu commented as Tsubasa allowed a chuckle to exit his mouth, "Fine… but if I make a promise you gotta make one too. Stop trying so hard to pretend when you don't have to. We're all here for you and… we'll make it. Promise." The teen spoke while the green haired girl blinked at him.
"I promise… No take backs!"
Fu exclaimed as a more genuine smile crawled on her face while Tsubasa looked her in the eyes, "Not for the world." The teen said as the girl smiled at him.
"I… I want to be strong. I don't want what happened to Naruto to happen to any of you. I'm worried that even with that wish it might not be enough. I already let it happen once."
Fu spoke while Tsubasa looked ahead, "We'll do this… You're strong enough, Fu." The gray-haired teen as the girl looked at his face.
"Yeah? How are you so confident about that? Aren't you usually the downer?"
Fu tried to joke again but was instead met with an earnest expression from Tsubasa, "Because we all have something to look forward to coming back to. That's why." He said as Fu was left silent.
She stared at the teen before she looked around, she saw Naruto and Yugito planning something with exaggerated gestures from the blond boy.
She saw the large building they were calling home; she caught a glimpse of Tayuya along with Haruka, she was yelling something at Boro who was laughing.
Finally, her eyes fell back on Tsubasa who she was leaning against, a face that was normally so angry was so serene and calm.
With her.
Fu was about to say something, but she was cut off as Tsubasa opened his mouth, "You mind if we make one more promise?" He asked as Fu tilted her head.
"Yeah, of course."
The girl said as Tsubasa kept his eyes ahead, "I can't promise I'll be any good at it… but that thing you were doing with Naruto for his training a while back. I kinda wanted to join in but didn't get the chance…" the teen said as Fu's eyes widened a little bit at his words.
"Would you teach me… How to dance with you?"
Tsubasa asked as Fu's eyes shot wide open staring at the boy as if he had suddenly shape-shifted into something weird. She was surprised, when her shock faded instead, she felt herself smile as she leaned closer to him.
"Yeah… That's a promise."
Fu spoke as Tsubasa allowed himself to smile as they both went quiet sitting with each other in a comforting silence.
"Oi! Let's get some food, guys!"
Naruto called as Yugito smiled toward the two other teens, Fu looked toward Tsubasa before she scrambled to her feet.
"I wonder what Haruka made!"
Fu exclaimed as she stuck her hand out toward Tsubasa who looked at it for a moment before his eyes met her smile.
He took her hand as she held it tightly, dragging the taller teen toward Naruto and Yugito who began walking toward the building. The crew found themselves around the large table, they were scuffed up and slightly tattered from their training, but they were chatting away at the table.
Fu looked around at the table again as her friends surrounded her, a smile crawled on her face as she cleared her throat.
"If I die, I don't want any one of you guys to be sad."
Fu suddenly spoke, hitting the breaks on any conversation around her, she could feel the room paused as they looked toward her.
"Don't joke around about that shit, Fu."
Tayuya said more aggressively than she intended while Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Fu, listen-" Yugito spoke up only for the girl to smile.
"I'm not joking… I don't want any sad funerals or rain filled dreary days. I want it to be a celebration… Yeah, throw a big party that says… I'm glad Fu lived at least. I'm glad she was my friend. I want all my friends to be there to celebrate."
Fu said as the room continued to look at her quietly before Naruto cracked a smile, "Y'know, If I die. I don't want a fancy coffin or anything, just put me in the ground in a sack or something. Grow a tree on me." The blond boy said with a smile on his face causing Fu to laugh.
"You aren't helping, Shithead!"
Tayuya yelled at the teen while Fu laughed even harder, "You know that's not how it works, right?" The girl asked while Naruto grinned.
"No way, of course it works. I read it in a book once."
Naruto said while Boro looked off to the side, "What a morbid way to pass the time… but if I die. I'd want some badass last words, maybe a few tears from a beautiful woman." The brown-haired teen said as Tayuya shot him a look.
"The hell are you doing keeping it going?!"
"I'll cry for you, Boro!"
Tayuya and Fu responded respectively as Boro blinked, pointing at the green haired girl, "You don't count, Fu. You're too cute. And don't even get me started on you, Lady Cripple. Right, ladies?" The teen said with a laugh before he looked toward Yugito and then Haruka.
"I can't produce tears, unfortunately you're out of luck."
Yugito commented, hiding her faint smile behind her cup of tea as Haruka giggled, "I think I might be able to shed at least one for you. Two might be too much." the brown-haired girl commented as Boro clutched his chest.
"If I died, I would prefer it if I was cremated. Burial by flame seems like it would be fitting, a small arrangement with a few loved ones would be best."
Yugito added while Tayuya huffed, "You're supposed to be the mature one!" the girl complained while Boro blinked pointing to himself.
"So, I'm invited right?"
Boro asked while Yugito paused, giving him a look, "Maybe 'loved' is too strong of a word." the woman said while Boro's faux agony filled expression brought out a rare laugh from her.
"I'd bring incense! Oh, I might even sing a song!"
Fu exclaimed while Boro laughed, "Have some respect for the dead, Fu. You can't sing, I'm pretty sure your caterwauling would make her rest in anything but peace." the yellow eyed boy said before chopsticks hit him.
Haruka was about to open her mouth, but she was cut off by Boro, "Nope, not you. You're not allowed." The teen said while the girl huffed.
"Why not?"
Haruka asked while Fu pointed at her, "You have a baby, you can't leave him all alone." The girl said while the brown-haired girl titled her head.
"Him?"
"I'm calling it, the Fu sense is strong. Chomei totally agrees."
Fu said while an exasperated Tayuya growled, "Could we stop talking about dying already? You all sound crazy right now." The girl said while Tsubasa finished his rice.
"If I die, you don't have to do much for me. A proper burial and maybe a word or two and I'm satisfied."
Tsubasa spoke as Tayuya slapped her hands on the table, "Damn it, Edgelord!" the reddish haired girl yelled while Haruka took advantage of the chaos.
"If I die then, Naruto… Would you watch over my baby for me?"
Haruka spoke up before she shrank again, suddenly embarrassed Naruto cluelessly grinned, "Oh yeah! I'll treat the kid like he's my own!" The blond exclaimed as Haruka adopted a shy smile on her face.
Tayuya's eye twitched looking between Haruka and Naruto before she huffed, "Yeah? Well, if I die… then I guess… you guys weren't the worst people to have been stuck with for a while…" the girl said as the table gave her touched looks.
Her expressions of any feelings other than her crassness were rare and always appreciated when they arrived.
"I'm totally blaming Shithead for the rest of eternity when he gets to hell with me."
Tayuya said with a smirk on her face while Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Wait, why me? What makes you think I'm going to hell anyway?" The blond said with a teasing smile on his face as Tayuya looked away.
"It's where all the fun people go, duh."
Tayuya admitted while Naruto laughed at her before he gave her a nudge, "Yeah well, you're gonna have to save me a spot in the flames. Otherwise, I might not show up." He commented while Tayuya looked directly into his blue eyes.
"That goes without saying, dumbass. I always got a spot saved for you."
Tayuya let the words roll off of her tongue, Naruto's eyes widened slightly as she immediately felt her head go hot.
Haruka gave them a look as Yugito hid another subtle smile behind her teacup, Tsubasa smiled as Fu and Boro looked at each other.
They both then started making kissy faces as Tayuya stood up from her seat red in the face, "Alright, you fuckers!" The girl yelled, aiming her chopsticks at Boro who ducked.
Naruto laughed at his friends' antics as the table became chaotic, you wouldn't have believed that tomorrow…
They would be fighting a massive threat.
At least for tonight…
Fu laughed while Tsubasa protected her from thrown chopsticks while Naruto did his best to calm the flustered girl down.
They would just enjoy themselves.
{...}
The sky was bright blue and clear, ever-expanding far beyond what the naked eye could see even from the tallest of towers.
His footfalls landed on the red carpet sprawled out underneath his feet, "Sir-" the ninja was cut off by the mere wave of a hand as the footfalls continued toward the large doors.
A large red cape dragged on the ground behind himself as he casually lifted one of his hands, swinging the doors open.
Fresh air from the outside flooded in as eyelids closed over dark gold eyes, he breathed deeply through his nose to take in as much of the fresh air as he possibly could. He exhaled, his eyes opening to reveal the gleam in their gold. He continued walking down the stairs toward the gate as a lazy expression spread over his face.
He was authority.
He was strength.
That is what it means to be king… and he personified it.
"You know, I should have expected it… Knowing your type and all. It's always the same old story, but I'm surprised nonetheless."
The Bandit King spoke as he continued down the stairs, "All I wanted was one little thing, but you just had to make it difficult for what? A chance? Hope? Your ignorance disturbs me." The brass haired man said as a heavy footstep landed on another stair.
"I will say though, I do sense a bit of a change… Yeah, something is definitely different."
The king continued to speak as he landed heavily at the bottom of the stairs as he cracked a grin on his face, "That's too bad. I had a whole celebration ready for you here had you complied… I even asked my men to announce your arrival with the sound of epic drums… Yet, I didn't hear a thing." the man said as his grin grew larger.
"They didn't last a minute… Did they?"
His words sat in the air as a waving scarf in the breeze shook violently as dark gold met an ice blue, undeterred by his presence.
He was rebellion.
He was hope.
That's what it means to be a warrior… and he personified that.
Naruto glared into the Bandit's eyes as the front gates had been completely torn apart, the mass of defenses that had been set up specifically for the Renegades didn't last a moment.
"I suppose this is about the time we debate semantics? Something about stopping me and I'll say something about killing you…"
The Bandit King mocked the teen who glared at him quietly from behind his scarf, "What? The silent treatment? No golden words or speeches for me? Why, Hero… I'm so-" the Bandit King was cut off as the stairs suddenly exploded violently behind him.
The blast of wind that shot over him tore the stairs behind him apart, even shattering the windows of the tallest section of his castle. The Bandit King himself felt his feet drag backward slightly from the sheer amount of force from the wind blast while he stood in the middle of it.
Just as quickly as it swept over him it was over, the Bandit King's eyes opened in surprise as he looked toward Naruto who pointed a finger at him.
"Let's get one thing straight right from the start… You aren't winning this."
Naruto said ice on the words as the Bandit King smirked, "Oh yeah? You're everything I love about humans. Their sheer arrogance that they can change the unchangeable, I'd say I admire that. Too bad I'm not a liar." The brass haired man said as he stripped off his large cape.
"I'll finish what I started by killing you this time… No hard feelings, eh Hero?"
The Bandit King said as Naruto took a step seemingly vanishing for a moment before appearing right in front of the man.
"Not a single one."
Naruto said as a large grin cracked over the face of the man before he swung his fist at the blonde, his eyes trailing a golden gleam.
Naruto returned the favor swinging his fist at him, his eyes trailing a blue gleam as they both glared at one another.
The clash started their grueling brawl.