Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto, may he never get a good night's sleep.
Authors Note: I know I said wasn't going to continue this but I forgot to tell my muse so enjoy and as always reviews make it all worth it.
...
Embracing the Wilderness
...
Naruto stood at the edge of the oil pool, his brow furrowed in frustration. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't follow Jiraiya's orders to quiet the tumult of emotions swirling within him. The calm surroundings of Mount Myōboku offered little comfort as thoughts of his family and loved ones weighed heavily on his mind. How were the children doing, is Tayuya taking care of herself, and what was going on with Ino?
"Come on, Naruto, focus," Ma urged, her voice filled with impatience. "You won't achieve Sage Mode if you let your emotions get the better of you. Focus!" With those words, the elder toad hit him on the head with her wooden spoon. Today was her turn at the pool as Pa was losing his patience with Naruto.
Naruto gritted his teeth, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. He wanted nothing more than to immerse himself in the training, to master the art of Sage Mode and unlock its power. But try as he might, he couldn't shake the nagging sense of homesickness that gnawed at him.
"I'm trying, okay?" Naruto snapped, his voice tinged with irritation. "But it's not easy, you know? I can't just switch off my feelings like you seem to want me to."
Pa came walking up and exchanged a knowing glance with Ma, his expression unreadable. "We understand, Naruto. But if you want to succeed in Sage Mode, you'll need to find a way to overcome these distractions. A sage is one with the world, a part of the many not apart like most humans."
Naruto sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He knew they were right, of course. But knowing and doing were two very different things, especially concerning matters of the heart. He wished Sakura was here, she would know how to keep him focused.
Closing his eyes, Naruto tried once more to clear his mind, to push aside the thoughts and feelings that threatened to consume him. But no matter how hard he tried, they lingered like stubborn shadows, refusing to be banished.
"I can't do this," Naruto muttered as his skin started to turn grey like stone and Ma used her spoon on him once again, his voice had been barely audible over the gentle rustle of the wind. "I'm sorry, but I just can't focus today," he said standing up from under the falling toad oil and walking away.
Ma and Pa exchanged a solemn look, their expressions full of disappointment. But they said nothing as Naruto turned and walked away, his heart heavy with the weight of his own failure.
Alone in the wilderness of Mount Myōboku, Naruto wrestled with his emotions, grappling with the conflicting desires that warred within him. He longed for the warmth and familiarity of home, yet he knew that his destiny lay in mastering the power of Sage Mode. Their near defeat in the battle with Pain had shown him that he needed this next level of training if he expected to defeat Pain and his people.
Naruto made a silent vow to himself as the sun dipped below the horizon and he turned back to the toad's stone and mud hut, casting long shadows across the tranquil landscape. He may have failed in his first attempt, but he refused to let his doubts and fears hold him back.
Naruto set his sights on the goals ahead, knowing that the journey would be long and arduous. But with the love of his family to guide him and the wisdom of the toads to support him, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay in store. And with each step he took, he moved one step closer to realizing his true potential and embracing the wilderness that lay within.
…
The moon cast its silvery glow over the secluded clearing where Naruto's wives, Karin and Tayuya, awaited Temari. Their intentions shrouded in secrecy, they spoke in hushed tones, their words dripping with ambition and deceit. They had been planning this for months and with Naruto off doing his sage training now would be the time to make their move.
"Temari, my dear," Karin purred, her crimson hair glinting in the moonlight. "We're so glad you could join us." Her dark navy blue robs turning black in the moonlight making her look like a disembodied head.
Temari regarded them with a cautious gaze, sensing the underlying tension in the air. "What is this about, Karin? Why the secrecy? Did we need to meet out here in the forest?"
Tayuya sniggered, her eyes gleaming with malice. "We have a proposition for you, Temari. One that could benefit us all as you will be joining the family soon."
Temari's brow furrowed, her instincts warning her of impending danger, but her son was in the compound in the care of these two nursemaids she dared not make a move now. "Go on," she said, her voice laced with suspicion.
Karin stepped forward, her demeanor oozing with confidence. "We know you have ambitions of your own, Temari. Ambitions that align with ours why else would you have come to the village with that child now."
Temari's eyes narrowed, a flicker of realization crossing her features as she put aside her feelings about why she came here. "What is it, you want to take over the village, or something," she said, her voice tinged with accusation.
Tayuya chuckled darkly. "Smart girl. But we're not content with mere alliances. We want power, power to protect the family, we will not be wiped out ever again, and the Uzumaki clan will not be fooled again. And we're willing to do whatever it takes to get it."
Temari's stomach churned with disgust, the realization sinking in like a lead weight. "You're planning to betray Naruto," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Karin's smile widened, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "Betray? No, we prefer to think of it as securing his future. And if that means removing an obstacle or two, so be it."
Temari's fists clenched at her sides, her mind reeling with the implications of their words. She had always suspected that Karin and Tayuya harbored ulterior motives, but she never imagined they would stoop to treachery.
"You're playing a dangerous game," Temari said, her voice laced with warning. "If Naruto were to find out you went behind his back..."
Karin waved her hand dismissively, a look of disdain crossing her features. "Naruto is blinded by his love and I for one am unwilling to let his weakness cause our downfall. He'll never agree to do anything but once it's done he will make the best of it."
Tayuya stepped forward, her gaze piercing as she locked eyes with Temari. "So, what do you say, Temari? Are you with us, or against us?"
Temari's mind raced with conflicting emotions, torn between loyalty to Naruto and the temptation of power. But in the end, there was only one choice she could make.
"I'll never betray Naruto, I love him," Temari said, her voice firm with conviction. "Not for all the power in the world."
Karin and Tayuya exchanged a knowing look, their expressions unreadable. "Is that your final word?" Karin said, her tone dripping with disdain.
"Yes!" said Temari bracing herself for their next move, for the thousandth time that night she wished she had brought her battle fan.
With a nod from Karin, Tayuya made the first move leaping at Temari and pulling her into a tight hug as she said, "Welcome to the family, you pass." her words echoed in Temari's mind as she fought to restrain herself from pushing the small redhead off her her.
Temari's mind reeled with confusion as she found herself enveloped in the unexpected embrace of Karin and Tayuya. Her muscles tensed instinctively, ready to defend herself against any potential threat, but she couldn't shake the bewildered expression on her face.
"What... what is going on?" she stammered, her voice full of uncertainty as she struggled to make sense of the situation.
Karin and Tayuya exchanged a cryptic glance before releasing Temari from their embrace, their expressions now softened with a hint of amusement.
"We had to be sure," Karin explained, her tone more playful than before. "Sure of what?" Temari demanded, her patience wearing thin.
Tayuya grinned mischievously, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Sure that you truly have Naruto's best interests at heart. We needed to know, was it love of power or love of Naruto that brought you here."
Temari's confusion only deepened at their words, her mind racing to comprehend the sudden shift in their demeanor. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.
Karin stepped forward, her gaze steady as she met Temari's eyes. "We may have misjudged you, Temari," she admitted, a hint of respect coloring her tone. "But now we see that your loyalty to Naruto is true."
Temari's eyes widened in realization as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. They had staged this elaborate ruse to test her loyalty, to ensure that she wasn't a threat to their plans or the family.
"I see," Temari said, her voice calm and composed despite the turmoil raging within her. "Well, you have your answer. I am loyal to Naruto, now and always."
Karin and Tayuya exchanged a satisfied glance, their earlier suspicions now laid to rest. "Very well, Temari," Karin said, her tone tinged with approval. "You have proven yourself worthy of our trust."
Temari nodded, a sense of relief washing over her as the tension in the air dissipated. Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, she knew that she had made the right choice. For in the treacherous world they inhabited, loyalty was the most valuable currency of all.
…..
The next month was a whirlwind of meetings with each of the clan heads. The three headstrong women cornered each in turn to secure their vote in the upcoming meeting of the clans. The newest members of the clan council were still getting used to the idea that they were the new heads of the clan, even as their fathers or, for poor Kiba, his mother, were still alive and giving them daily advice, sometimes with a slap to the head for good measure. It was the newest that was hard to get past. It felt like only weeks, not the years that had passed since they graduated from the academy.
The two wives with the soon-to-be third in their black silk kimonos with blazing red and orange fire trim with the Uzumaki clan swirl on their backs were a sight to see as they slowly walked down the street to the small pan-ya just outside the Hyuga's massive compound.
They each bowed to Neji as they walked in, giving the son of the lost Hyuga the respect he was due. He stood guard to protect the true power of the clan, willing to give his life for those he protected. Whether it was love or honor that filled his heart, only he would know, and he kept his feelings silent to all but one.
"Please be seated," said Hinata, giving them a bow of equals before waving over a waiter to bring cinnamon buns for the table.
The plain grey silk of Hinata's kimono was in stark contrast to the others, but she had an air of royalty that none would question. When the Iron Fist asked you to join her, you came running.
"I see you have grown a third," smiled Hinata, her gaze piercing as she looked over Temari with a clinical eye, the Byakugan activated for but a moment, as if delving into the blonde's very soul.
"Yes, it was Naruto's wish before he left for Sage training," said Karin, assuming the lead for the clan in all matters. She was the outward voice of the clan, while Tayuya held dominion within. Temari had yet to find her place, as she had yet to receive the ring on her finger.
"Good. I have seen your son, Temari. He is a mirror image of Naruto in all aspects. He will be a formidable leader of the clan one day. After all, he is the eldest child, is he not?" Hinata remarked, taking a bite from the common bun. She used the bun to conceal the smile that crept onto her face, relishing in the conflicting emotions swirling among the three women as they realized the truth. As the eldest son, he would one day inherit the mantle of leadership, not the offspring of Karin or Tayuya, who each had younger children.
"Yes, the future of the clan is bright, but what is it you called us here for?" said Karin silencing the other two with a look before they had a chance to reach. Hinata was a master of the game and would get under their skin faster than a lightning blade if they let her.
"The time to reclaim the village has come. With a new master of Root in place and all clan seats filled, the moment has arrived for the red chair to be occupied," she declared in a low voice, but the fire behind her words was unmistakable.
"Have you set in motion the takeover of your clan, my dear Hinata? Without their backing, this is nothing but talk," said Karin, giving Hinata one of her knowing looks before delicately touching a bun on her plate. They had to maintain appearances in case they were being watched.
"The silk has ceased to flow, and the hounds of war no longer chase the wagons. Soon, the elders will feel the sting when the coins no longer line their greedy palms," Hinata replied, her voice carrying a fervent intensity. She had been diligently working towards this day for years, leaving no stone unturned. The new heads of the Aburame and Inuzuka clans were doing their part. The bold move has been made and the village will soon see the results.
"Then you will be challenging your father for leadership?" Temari inquired, not fully privy to all the details of the plan.
"Challenge? No, that is too harsh a term. I would say, 'Move him aside.' My family has been divided for too long. It is time for us all to come together," Hinata added, sharing a glance of understanding with the two redheads. A clan divided is a clan doomed to fail.
"What about the fucking husband, bitch," said Tayuya cutting to the point, "You need a husband or your calm will be meaningless."
"Your sweet words will not move me, Tayuya. You have the only man I desire, and we both know it," said Hinata in a low voice, locking eyes with Tayuya.
"That's not going to fucking happen, and you know it," replied Tayuya, speaking as the clan head for all internal matters. The inner workings of the clan were her domain, and no one would touch it without first going through her.
"A girl can dream, but to your point, a clansman has been found who has the right breeding to suit my needs. As long as I have a few visits from the future Hokage, I will be content," Hinata remarked, before flaring her Byakugan. With a swift motion, she spun in her seat and hurled her half-eaten common bun at the shadow in the corner of the room.
"OUCH!" came a voice from the shadows, as Ino faded into view, pulling a sticky bun out of her long hair. Sugar-coated her fingers, exacerbating the mess as more hair tangled around the knot forming on the side of her head.
"Damn it, Hinata! Throw a fork next time. This is going to take hours to get out," grumbled Ino as she walked over taking a seat next to the Hyuga princesses.
"What are you doing here Ino?" asked Karin scanning the room, being a Charka sensor she didn't understand how Hinata spotted Ino and she hadn't, finding no other people hiding in the shadows she focused her red eyes on Ino as Ino wiped her hands on a napkin Hinata handed her.
"Doing? My job, what are you doing besides plotting the overthrow of the village, again," said Ino giggling at her inside joke.
"What the hell! Stop talking like that," snapped Tayuya, wary of potential eavesdroppers now that Ino had emerged from hiding. Memories of their recent escapades flooded her mind, with images of a naked Ino sprawled across her bed. Shaking her head to dispel the distraction, she fixed her glare on her blonde lover, Ino had removed the Jutsu but the desire was still there.
"Don't fret, red. There isn't anyone here and I would be aware if there was," Ino retorted, dropping the napkin onto the table. The small army of root members around the building made this the safest building in the village for the next half hour. The fact that she was sitting next to Hinata without them plunging a knife into each other was still a surprise to everyone.
"Ino's Roots run deep in the village, and I hate to say it but her devotion to Naruto matches my own, we are safe here." said Hinata stressing the word "Roots" as if to convey a hidden meaning.
"I may be new to this game, but what's going on?" Temari asked as she stood up, her nerves preventing her from sitting still for long.
"Back when the village was founded by the Senju and the Uchiha, the other clans were still at war. Each joined the village for protection, but they all harbored fears that the other clans would turn on them," Hinata explained between bites of a new bun brought out by the waitress.
"In Sunagakure, it was the land that brought us together. The great sand sea didn't care about your honor or bloodline; it would kill you just the same. Only by joining as one can we survive," Temari recounted, echoing the story taught to every child.
"The smaller clans had to join the Leaf or die, clans like the Yamanaka," Hinata nodded to Ino at her side. "They joined forces with the Akimichi and the Nara before joining the village. With all the infighting in the beginning, the Hyuga were reluctant to join without some of the laws being bent to their needs."
"Bent? You mean broken. Your clan went against everything the Leaf stood for, using your family branch as slaves," Ino growled, voicing the sentiments of many other clans down the ages.
"Yes, the shame of the branch must end." said Hinata locking eyes with Ino as if daring her to judge her for what she was born into, her whole life has been devoted to ending the "Caged Bird Seal."
"Ok, I got all that but what is this all about?" asked Temeri holding onto the back of Karin's chair to keep her hands still.
"The first and second Hokage were in endless wars with the other villages that had formed at the same time, they had little time or patience to deal with the clans but to suppress them under their will. The Third Hokage once the wars ended found it useful to use the clan's lingering animosity as a way to control them. It wasn't until the enlightenment of the Fourth Hokage that the clans had come together under one leader, the one that would sit in the Red Chair was to be the one to fully unite the clans. " said Hinata but paused as Ino placed a hand on her arm as if to ask her to wait.
"I have unearthed a piece of information in the past month: deep within the village's archives I found the darkest secrets. Danzo and the Third Hokage conspired, enlisting what we now recognize as the Akatsuki, in league with our dear Itachi, to massacre the Uchiha clan. Their plan failed because Itachi refused to eliminate Sasuke. It was then that the Fourth Hokage, in his wisdom, forged a powerful seal to bind the clan heads of one generation by placing their hands on the seal together trust would be formed as no lie could be said to each other. However, his downfall came with the inclusion of his wife at the insistence of the clans as the last known Uzumaki, she would be the clan's leader. When Danzo learned of this he exploited her vulnerability during childbirth, unleashing Akatsuki to attack her and releasing the Nine-Tailed Fox."
Ino's voice was laced with a chilling fury she had restrained for weeks since uncovering the truths hidden within the Root archives.
"That's fucking beyond ruthless. How could the old Hokage allow such treachery?" Tayuya's words were filled with disgust as she rubbed her stomach, imagining the horrors of being attached during childbirth.
"He was deceived. Danzo concealed his schemes, including his plan to install the civilian council upon the Fourth Hokage's death. He manipulated the aging Third Hokage, presenting the council as a means to lighten the Hokage's administrative burden. Little did he know, it was a puppet council, dancing to Danzo's tune," Ino explained, her anger still palpable.
"With Danzo gone, the council has flooded the Hokage with all the paperwork while behind the scenes they have been draining the village funds and forming alliances with outside powers," added Ino.
"Fuck! And the old lady doesn't know this?" asked Tayuya, her disbelief plain.
"Not yet," said Ino, casting a meaningful glance at Hinata, this was all part of her plan.
"Now, with a true-blooded Uzumaki returned to the village, the time has come for the new clan heads of our generation to unite and activate the great seal," Hinata reiterated, refocusing the discussion.
"You expect the council to just back down?" Temari's skepticism colored her tone.
Amidst the ensuing giggles, Tayuya spoke up boldly. "Hell NO. Blondie, I think that's where you come in. We need a good old-fashioned enforcer, someone who knows how to handle things. Growing up with Gaara must have taught you a thing or two. Then and only then will we bring the council's betrayal to the Hokage."
As all eyes turned to her, Temari couldn't shake the ominous feeling creeping over her.
…..
"Ah, you asked to see me, Sensei?" Sakura's voice was sweet, but her attire spoke volumes. She stood before the Hokage's desk in a red qipao dress, sleeveless and scandalously short. The absence of her biker shorts added an extra level to her look. One shinobi had already learned the hard way not to whistle at her when he got a look at her panties when she ran up the tower stairs; he would be in recovery for hours once they pulled him out of the wall if he wanted to live.
Tsunade tossed a scroll onto the desk, causing it to bounce over to Sakura, who caught it deftly. "This is a scroll from Lord Jiraiya," she said eyeing the scroll pointedly.
"I know that, read it," Tsunade commanded her star student, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Unrolling the scroll, Sakura's eyes darted over Jiraiya's words, a mixture of admiration for Tsunade and comments about what he would do with her ample assets. Sakura couldn't decide if this was normal or if the Toad Sage had penned it while drunk - probably a bit of both. Skipping past the more graphic passages, she focused on the section concerning Naruto.
"So he's having a hard time with training, that isn't new," she remarked, dropping the scroll back onto the desk. She felt a sudden urge to whip her hands after reading Jiraiya's brazen remarks about what he planned to do upon his return. He truly lived up to his title of "Super Pervert."
"Hard time is an understatement; even the toads are worried he might fail," Tsunade added, pointing out the line amidst all the semi-porn about her chest.
"Oh, sorry, didn't see that," said Sakura with a little grin, not wanting to read into what the old teammates did when alone.
"Failure in sage training means turning to stone and a slow death," Tsunade stated bluntly, knowing that Sakura was missing that crucial piece of information.
"Call him back, now!" said Sakura, almost jumping over the desk before the Hokage put up her hand to stop her.
"No, the Akatsuki is still a great danger, and if he wants to become Hokage, he will need this training," said the Hokage. "I do have a plan, it's unconventional, but I think it's our only choice."
"So, so what is it? You called me here for a reason, and it better be me going to get Naruto because I will go get him whether you want me to or not," said Sakura, making it plain for anyone to see she meant business; her love was in danger, and she would not stand still for a single minute.
"The best way to become a Sage is to be stress-free and at one with the world, but, and this is a big 'but,' Naruto is far from stress-free with all that is going on in his clan," explained Tsunade, laying out the situation for Sakura. "Even a Nukekubi cannot handle that type of chakra," she added, knowing Sakura would inevitably bring it up, as she always did.
"I know how to alleviate some of that stress," said Sakura with a sly grin, her mind racing with possibilities of what she could do for Naruto.
"But if you touch him while he is tapping into natural energy, it is you who will turn to stone," Tsunade stated bluntly, fully aware of Sakura's line of thinking.
"Then how can I help if I can't touch him?" Sakura asked getting frustrated, she had started to look forward to the idea of having sex during Sage Mode. She was keenly aware of her addiction to other people's chakra, and she was more than willing except it.
Tsunade stood up and walked over to the window with her hands collapsed behind her back. It was clear she was deep in thought as if what she was going to say was going to be life-changing. The only question was whose life was she thinking about.
Turning back around she looked Sakura in the eye, "Meet me at our training grounds in 15 minutes, I have a plan." with that she turned back to her desk acting like Sakura wasn't even there.
As Sakura walked out of the tower, lost in her thoughts, a voice called out to her from the shadows, "Hey, Forehead, wait up," Ino's voice echoed through the air. Sakura halted in the scorching sun, tapping her foot impatiently as Ino approached. She didn't have time for games, and it was evident in her demeanor.
"What the hell happened to your hair?" Sakura blurted out as soon as Ino reached her.
Laughing, Ino replied, "Ah, don't sneak up on Hinata when she's enjoying her cinnamon buns," as she tugged at her long locks, pretending to smooth out the messy knot that had formed.
"You should go wash that out," said Sakura hoping that would send Ino on her way.
"Oh, I will, but a little bird told me you might be going to see Naruto, and I wanted to have a chat," said Ino, a knowing glint in her eyes. It wasn't a bird, but rather a little black and white mouse that her second-in-command had dispatched to the Hokage's office to spy. Sal was becoming her right-hand man, handling most of the day-to-day operations of Root.
"How the hell do you know that I just left the Hokage's office," said Sakura not sure if she should be made or impressed.
"Don't worry about that," said Ino locking arms with Sakura and started walking down the street so the many eyes of the village didn't focus on them.
"I need to you tell him something," said Ino as they moved toward the Hokage's training ground, at this rate she was going to make Sakura very late and that was not good.
"Come on Ino spill it, I have to get going," said Sakura shaking Ino off her arm and confronting the taller blonde.
Ino casually reached over and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Sakura's ear, a smirk playing on her lips. Holding the back of Sakura's head Ino leaned in, and planted a quick kiss on Sakura's lips, leaving her momentarily stunned, making Sakura forget about her training with the Hokage for a moment.
"Damit Ino, that's not fair, what is it you want to tell me?" said Sakura her blood rising at the idea of getting back with Ino.
Ino's voice was low and guarded as she leaned in closer to Sakura. "You know I've got eyes and ears everywhere. My clan's everywhere, and I've stumbled upon something important that you need to tell Naruto," she whispered, ensuring their conversation remained confidential. As far as she knew, only Hinata, "The Bitch", was aware of her new role as the master of Root, and Ino intended to keep it that way.
Sakura, leaned in closer, her expression curious. "Alright, spill it," she urged, her voice barely above a whisper, allowing Ino to draw her in as if they were once again lovers sharing secrets.
Ino's breath tickled Sakura's ear as she spoke, her words sending a shiver down Sakura's spine. "A puppet master is pulling the strings of Akatsuki, and their leader doesn't even know about it," she revealed, her voice tinged with urgency. And then, with a nibble on Sakura's ear, she dropped the bombshell. "And Pain, their leader, is a pure-blood Uzumaki."
Sakura recoiled slightly in shock. "No... that can't be," she muttered, her mind reeling with the implications. Karin had scoured every corner of the world looking for her clan finding nothing but graves and grief. Leaning back but still enveloped in Ino's arms, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling that if this continued much longer, she might just drag Ino into the nearest bed.
Ino's certainty fueled Sakura's own as they stood locked in each other's embrace, memories of their passionate past flooded back, reminding them of the fiery connection they once shared. "I'm sure of it, as sure as I am that I'm holding you," Ino whispered urgently, her voice thick with emotion. "Whatever you do, don't tell Karin until you've had a chance to inform Naruto. Who knows what she'll do with that information."
With that, Ino seized Sakura's lips in a kiss that reignited long-buried desires, their tongues dancing in a familiar rhythm from years past. When they finally broke apart, Ino gave Sakura a playful slap on the ass before disappearing into the nearest shadow. "Good luck on your mission," her voice echoed down the street for all to hear, leaving Sakura to wonder what game she had gotten herself into this time.
….
"Are you sure about this, I can carry him," said Temari as she and Tayuya walked down the long hall to her small apartment in the clan building. They had picked up Temari's son from the daycare and Tayuya had insisted she would carry the sleeping child. He was a big boy and Tayuya was a small woman, Temari was like any other worried mother watching a stranger with her child.
"Don't worry there blonde, I fucking got this," said Tayuya juggling the boy onto her shoulder to get a better grip.
Reaching the apartment door Temari rushed to unlock it and as they entered the small bedroom so pointed out the crib in the corner.
Laying him down Tayuya paused to look down at the sleeping child, "You do know he looked like a clone of Naruto, I found some old pictures in the archives from his days in the orphanage."
"I would like to see them, I don't know much about his younger days," said Temari fussing over the child making sure the blanket was just right even knowing he would kick it off as soon as she turned her back.
Returning to the living room, Tayuya settled onto the large sofa against the wall, casting a glance around. "Sure, remind me next time you're upstairs. I've got a whole album of pictures."
"That would be great. Let me change into something less formal, and then we can head upstairs," said Temari, tugging at her formal kimono. It was uncomfortably tight and restricted her movements, not to mention she was concerned about ruining the expensive silk if she continued to wear it all day.
A few minutes later, Tayuya could hear the shower running as Temari decided a quick shower was in order. As expected, as soon as his mother was busy, the small boy stood up in his crib and started screaming. Grinning, Tayuya got up and walked into the bedroom to check on him. Finding him red-faced and crying, she picked him up, only to have him instantly calm down in her arms.
Hearing the bathroom door open, Temari came walking out, drying her hair, and yelled, "Was he screaming again? I can't take a shower with him having a fit," she said, thinking that Tayuya was still in the other room.
Tayuya's gaze fixated on Temari's figure as she emerged from the shower, her nude form wrapped only in a towel around her head. Lust flickered in Tayuya's eyes as she took in the curves of Temari's body, her small waist, long legs, and perfect breasts all with droplets of water glistening on her skin in the soft light of the room. Her heart quickened at the sight, her breath catching in her throat as she struggled to tear her gaze away. Temari's beauty seemed to captivate her, rendering her momentarily speechless as desire surged through her veins.
Tayuya's words slipped out before she could stop them, her eyes still fixed on Temari's figure. As the towel dropped to the floor and Temari pushed her hair away from her face, revealing herself fully, Tayuya couldn't help but blurt out, "They are 'Perfect', just like he said."
Temari's eyebrows arched in surprise at Tayuya's comment, her expression a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Perfect? What do you mean?" she inquired, her stance relaxed and unabashed as she made no move to cover herself or retrieve her robe.
"Naruto said your breasts were perfect, I guess he was right," Tayuya confessed, her mouth watering at the sight before her.
Temari's gaze lingered on Tayuya as she took a step closer, her mind racing with calculated thoughts. She had heard the rumors circulating among the women in the daycare, whispers exchanged in hushed tones. A few drinks with Princess Yuka had only confirmed what she suspected: Tayuya had a thing for tall blondes, a preference that Temari could exploit to her advantage. In this delicate dance of alliances, she knew there were strategic moves to be made, and if indulging Tayuya's weakness could secure her loyalty, then it was a gamble worth taking.
Moving within arm's reach, Temari adopted a nonchalant demeanor. "You sure? I never thought they were all that special," she remarked casually, her finger tracing a line down Tayuya's cleavage before coming to a stop at her toned abs, the silk between her finger and Tayuya's skin was all that was in the way. With a subtle tilt of her head, she allowed her hair to cascade to the side, framing her features in an alluring manner.
A voice in her head still blamed Ino for this, but Tayuya knew better. She loved Naruto with all her heart, but this desire, this craving, stemmed from a deeper part of her soul. Taking Temari's hand in hers, she pulled it up and slowly sucked one of her fingers into her mouth, locking eyes with the blonde, hoping she wouldn't have to verbalize her desires.
Pulling her hand free, Temari used it to cup the back of Tayuya's head as she leaned down to lay a soft kiss on the redhead's lips. The kiss quickly escalated into a passionate embrace as Tayuya fought to push her tongue into Temari's throat. A low growl escaped her as her lust reached its peak as Temari lost this battle.
Temari didn't expect to lose control so quickly, but she soon found herself on the bed, pinned down by Tayuya's weight as the fiery redhead tossed her on the bed and took control. Tayuya kissed her way down Temari's neck, leaving a trail of little red bite marks. As if on a mission Tayuya started to explore every square inch of Temari's body as she moved downward.
As Tayuya's lips trailed lower, Temari's breath quickened with anticipation, it had been too long and her body craved this. Each touch sent shivers down her spine, igniting a fiery passion within her core. Tayuya's hands roamed freely, exploring every curve and contour of Temari's body, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. Temari's heart raced with desire as Tayuya's lips found their way to her breasts, where she eagerly awaited the redhead's next move.
With a soft gasp escaping her lips, Temari arched her back slightly as Tayuya's lips grazed over her skin, sucking first one and then the other nipple sending waves of pleasure coursing through her body. The redhead's touch was electrifying, igniting a fire within her that burned with an intensity she hadn't expected. As Tayuya's hands continued their exploration, Temari surrendered herself completely to the sensation, losing herself in the intoxicating ecstasy of her touch.
The sensation flooded Temari's senses with a potent mixture of desire and longing. It had been so long since she had felt the touch of another, and with Tayuya's every caress, it was as if a dormant fire within her had been reignited. Each brush of fingertips against her skin sent shivers down her spine, awakening sensations she had almost forgotten existed. In Tayuya's touch, Temari felt alive again, consumed by a hunger that only the redhead could satisfy.
Tayuya's lips traced a path of fiery kisses across Temari's chest, eliciting soft gasps and moans from the blonde woman beneath her. As Tayuya focused all her attention on her breast, Temari wrapped her long legs around the smaller woman, holding her in place as she ran her fingers through Tayuya's long red hair, still not believing this was happening. She tried to gently guide her movements as waves of pleasure washed over her. With each touch Tayuya would bite and lick the pain away, Temari felt herself surrendering to the redhead's passion that enveloped them both, lost in a world where nothing else existed except the electrifying connection between them.
With a pop, Tayuya pulled her lips off of Temari's breast and sat up between her legs, working with frantic fingers to remove her kimono. Once done, she tossed it aside, now bared to the world wearing nothing but a smile and lacy black panties she stared down at the taller blonde with predatory eyes.
Running her hand over Temari's smooth legs, which she had partly wrapped around her, Tayuya grinned like a child with a new toy. As she licked her lips, she glided her hands up to Temari's breasts once again, squeezing them. The word Perfect left her lips still not believing this was happening, she spread Temari's legs and continued her exploration.
Tayuya reveled in the sensation of Temari's smooth skin under her fingertips as she traced the curves of her legs. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she leaned down to press kisses along Temari's inner thigh, relishing the soft gasps that escaped the other's lips. As she reached higher, Tayuya's fingers danced teasingly along Temari's abdomen, causing her to arch her back in anticipation.
With a wiggle backward Tayuya positioned herself between Temari's legs, a surge of electricity passed between them, igniting the air with anticipation. With sure hands, Tayuya traced delicate patterns along Temari's thighs, reveling in the warmth of her skin beneath her fingertips. Reaching the apex she ran a finger over the folds finding the nub she was looking for before sliding her fingers into the depths.
Temari's breath hitched as Tayuya's touch sent shivers down her spine, each caress setting her ablaze with desire. With a hunger that burned in her eyes, Tayuya leaned in closer, her lips hovering just above Temari's overheated core, teasing her with the promise of ecstasy as she slowly moved her fingers in and out of her dripping core.
Tayuya closed the distance between them, capturing Temari's lower lips in a searing kiss, a surge of heat coursed through their bodies. Using her tongue and skills learned from long nights with the princess Tayauya worked over the nub as her finger moved faster and deeper with each passing minute.
Temari's hands roamed over Tayuya's back, tracing the contours of her body with desperate hunger, while Tayuya's fingers blurred in Temari's core, pulling her closer to her release.
Lost in the moment, Temari surrendered to the overwhelming tide of desire, her legs entwined around Tayuya's head as she arched her back in a silent scream of release. Tayuya pressed in deeper, their bodies moved as one, a symphony of pleasure and ecstasy that echoed through the room.
Pulling free Tayuya sat back, Temari's juices dripping from her chin as she whipped her arm over her face, "Fuck, you taste good," said the redhead as she stood up on the bed on unsteady legs towering over the blonde who was looking up at her with dazed eyes.
Temari watched as she pushed her panties down and kicked them off the bed, she was impressed by the taut athletic body without an ounce of fat, there wasn't any sign that she had given birth, and her form looked untouched.
Tayuya's grin widened as she observed Temari's reaction. "Sakura works wonders," she remarked running her fingers over her smooth abs. "That bitch managed to erase every scar and stretch mark with her skillful fingers. The Hokage taught her the Mitotic Regeneration jutsu, and she adapted it to eliminate scars."
Stepping forward Tayuya stood over Temari's face as the blonde looked up at her smooth shaved lower lips that seemed to be on the verge of dripping, "I think it's my turn don't you?", said Tayuya before dropping down and pressing her moist cored into Temari's face with little warning.
Unwilling to back down from any challenge and determined not to be outdone, Temari unleashed her full arsenal of skills upon Tayuya. With each move, she propelled the smaller woman to heights of pleasure she rarely reached, embracing the thrill of the competition and reveling in the ecstasy of their encounter. Sinking her fingers into her tight little ass cheeks she held her still as she used her tongue without mercy her face soon covered in Tayuya's juices as she shook her hips wildly as she reached her peak.
"Fuck, you are as good as he said," were Tayuya's words as she fell over still quaking, rolling to her side she looked at Temari with longing.
"Get on your knees, I am not done with you yet," ordered Tayuya with a mischievous grin as Temari rolled over and she slapped her ass.
….
"Master, why did you want to meet at the training grounds?" Sakura inquired as she stepped onto the wide-open field, still scarred by the remnants of their last training session. The Hokage's expression was as stern as ever, her disapproval evident as Sakura arrived one minute late.
Waving dismissively, the Hokage gestured for Sakura to join her at the center of the field, choosing a spot with fewer craters. Turning to face her, she began, "There is a solution, but it's dangerous. I don't want you to take this lightly, so pay attention."
With a firm nod, Sakura focused her attention as Tsunade began to weave the intricate hand signs for summoning. As her chakra surged, the air around them seemed to shimmer, and a low rumble filled the atmosphere.
Suddenly, a massive form materialized in the center of the field, towering over them with its imposing presence. Katsuyu, the giant slug summon, emerged with a graceful yet powerful movement, its pale, slimy skin glistening under the sunlight.
Sakura marveled at the sight, her admiration mixed with a sense of awe. Katsuyu's eyes, large and wise, scanned the surroundings before settling on Tsunade and Sakura. Its mouth stretched into a serene smile, revealing rows of sharp teeth beneath.
"Tsunade-sama, Sakura-chan, what is it that you require of me?" Katsuyu's voice rumbled like distant thunder, carrying an air of ancient wisdom.
With a firm nod, Sakura focused her attention as Tsunade began to weave the intricate hand signs for summoning. As her chakra surged, the air around them seemed to shimmer, and a low rumble filled the atmosphere.
Suddenly, a massive form materialized in the center of the field, towering over them with its imposing presence. Katsuyu, the giant slug summon, emerged with a graceful yet powerful movement, she was white in color with three blue streaks that ran vertically down the middle and side of its body from its head and tapering off at its tail, her slimy skin glistening under the sunlight.
Sakura marveled at the sight, with a sense of awe. Katsuyu's eyes, large and wise, scanned the surroundings for enemies before settling on Tsunade and Sakura. Its mouth stretched into a serene smile, revealing rows of sharp teeth beneath.
"Tsunade-sama, Sakura-chan, what is it that you require of me?" Katsuyu's voice rumbled like distant thunder, carrying an air of ancient wisdom earned over the ages.
"Katsuyu-sama, I have a request," said Tsunade, looking up at the great slug of the legendary Shikkotsu Forest, whose true form was the size of mountains. "I need you to take Sakura to Kinoko no Yume no Tani and teach her the ways of kaihō suru."
"As you wish, Tsunade-Sama. But as you know, her chances of coming back are small," said the mighty Katsuyu.
"Wait a minute, what does she mean by that?" said Sakura, not liking the idea that she may not come back. "Why do I have to go to a mushroom valley, and what does opening my mind have to do with Naruto's problem?"
"You are a Nukekubi from a clan of Nukekubi that drained the strength from the whole clan of Uzumaki. Your family is the cause of so much of what is wrong in the world today," growled out Tsunade, showing a side of her Sakura had never seen before. "You will go, you will do the Kaiho Suru, and if you survive, you will have the power needed, or you will die."
"Sakura, there is still honor in this world," Tsunade began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of tradition and familial legacy. "It is time for you to redeem your family and restore its honor."
Tsunade's words echoed in the training field emphasizing the importance of what lies ahead. She was not just sending Sakura on a mission for power to save Naruto from himself but on a journey to reclaim the dignity of her clan and rectify the wrongs of her clan's past. By facing this challenge and emerging victorious, Sakura had the chance to overturn the shameful legacy of her ancestors and bring honor back to her lineage once more.
Why me?" Sakura protested, frustration evident in her voice. "My family has done so little for me. Can't you send someone else on this suicide mission?"
Tsunade's steely gaze bore down on Sakura, unmoved by her protests. "Which of your aunts are you willing to sacrifice? And if they were to succeed, it would be them—not you— in Naruto's bed, easing his burdens in the night," she retorted, driving home the harsh reality with her characteristic bluntness.
Sakura's cry of frustration pierced the air, the weight of her responsibility bearing down on her shoulders like a suffocating blanket. She understood, deep within her soul, that there was no escaping this mission—it had to be her, for so many reasons. But above all, it was her burning desire to be close to Naruto that fueled her determination. She would never allow any of her family, especially her over-ambitious aunts, anywhere near Naruto.
"Katsuyu-Sama!" Sakura's voice rang out, addressing the enormous entity before her. "Please, take me to the Valley of Mushroom Dreams so I can open my mind."
"As you wish, Sakura-chan," Katsuyu replied, bowing her head to allow Sakura to climb on her back before turning to face Tsunade once again.
"I will watch over your student, Tsunade-Sama, but it is up to her and her alone to survive the awakening," she declared, before disappearing into her realm in a cloud of smoke.
"Good luck, kid. You're going to need it," Tsunade muttered to herself as she made her way back to the Hokage Tower, pondering whether she should start looking for a new apprentice now or wait a week or two.
…..
Author's Note: I am back, and this story seems to have a life of its own. I had considered starting a part two, but I couldn't envision a beginning that wouldn't require readers to start with this story. So, with that said, I'll be dedicating what little time I have to write to this storyline until I encounter writer's block again. Reviews help feed the muse and encourage me to write more. Ideas for character pairs or scenes you'd like to see played out are welcome.