Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. All titles, names, and plots are owned by Masashi Kishimoto.
Warning: The following will contain material that some viewers may not find suitable. There will be smut, graphic explicit sex, lemons at random moments, character deaths, and multiple pairings. There will be no additional warning as without reading the smut what little plot there is will not make any sense. You have been warned.
...
A Toad and a Slug
...
The first light of dawn crept over the peaks of Mount Myōboku, casting long shadows and a warm, golden hue over the ancient home of the toads. The morning air was cool and crisp, a stark contrast to the bubbling hot springs that had offered comfort the night before. Naruto and Sakura stood grinning at the edge of the great toad village, their packs slung over their shoulders, ready to embark on their journey to Turtle Island.
Shima had made sure that Sakura was packed with all the clothes and other important items she would need to continue her training. She had spent a good part of the night yelling at Katsuyu for bringing a half-naked and starving girl to her mountain. She had tried to feed the poor thing as much as she could eat, but that same slug had ruined her mind with talk of eating healthy and staying fit. All her boys were fit as could be, being nice and round and large as a house. This crazy talk of being slim was just that, crazy.
Naruto adjusted his pack, feeling the weight settle comfortably on his shoulders. He glanced at Sakura, who was busy thanking Shima for her generosity and help. Despite the stern scolding from the elder toad, there was a sense of warmth in their exchange.
"Ready, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, looking over at her with light in his eyes, they had spent the night together and he was still on an emotional high.
Sakura nodded, her emerald eyes sparkling with an inner light she had never had before. "Ready. Let's get going, Naruto."
Jiraiya, standing nearby with a thoughtful look, added, "It's going to be a long journey. We need to stay sharp, no running off for a quickie you too." His laugh at the look on Naruto's face and the blushing Sakura told him everything he needed to know about the plans these two had made.
With that, they began their descent from Mount Myōboku, the path winding down through lush forests and rocky trails. The journey ahead would be long, and their destination, the Land of Lightning, was still far off.
"I still don't understand why we can't just summon ourselves over there. This is going to take forever if we have to walk," said Naruto, returning to their argument from yesterday.
"Kumogakure has placed barriers around Genbu. Even the Great Sage can't visit his old friend anymore," said Jiraiya. "I know that a summon to the island or Kumogakure from outside will only send us bouncing back. The Raikage is no fool, and after what the Daimyo working with the Akatsuki did to his genin, he's even more paranoid."
As they walked, Naruto couldn't help but think about what lay ahead. "OK I got that, But why do we need to ask the Raikage for permission to visit Turtle Island," he asked aloud.
"Since the founding of Kumogakure they have cared for Genbu the great turtle and he now allows them to use his shell as a training ground the same way we use the Forest of Death," said Jiraiya as they made their way down the side of the mountain.
"Is he really that large?", asked Sakura trailing behind as she stopped to look at the plants along the path. Shima had told her to be on the lookout for medical herbs lower down on the mountain.
"Genbu is a colossal, moving fortress, so immense that it can host other large animals as well as natural and man-made structures. The turtle's shell, often mistaken for an island, is covered with an accumulation of plant life. Although the Great Toad Sage described it as a paradise, it is far from one for humans, with signs of death and battle everywhere and large, ferocious animals populating the island," Jiraiya explained in a lecturing tone as they walked, embodying the true sensei eager to impart his knowledge about the Land of Lightning.
Jogging over, Sakura was holding a large flower, as big as her head. She held it out to Naruto to smell, causing him to sneeze so hard he fell on his back.
Doing her best not to laugh, she quickly changed the subject. "So the falls are on Genbu's back, but what makes them so special?" she asked before Naruto could start yelling at her.
Pausing, Jiraiya turned around to look at his two charges. They were powerful in their own right, but it was clear they knew little of the world outside of the village. "Genbu the turtle is one of the Four Celestial Guardians. He is the Tortoise of the North. Being a tortoise, he walks the seas, not swims. The Falls of Truth are at the nexus of his chakra network. It acts as a focal point, making anyone who stands in its center confront their true selves. Kumogakure found this nexus and built a great training building to enclose it. The falls are simply the door to the inner chamber."
"Will this help me with Sage Mode?" asked Naruto, joining them as they walked down the path.
"That is what we are going to find out. So no more questions, let's get a move on," said Jiraiya, sending chakra to his legs and leaping into one of the nearby trees, forcing the other two to rush to keep up with him.
The journey continued through dense forests and across rocky terrain. The lush greenery of Mount Myōboku gradually gave way to more rugged and varied landscapes. They crossed bubbling streams and climbed steep cliffs, each step a challenge as they navigated the difficult terrain. Occasionally, they would stop to rest, eat a simple meal, and discuss their next moves.
By the time they reached the beach, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the sand and the sea. The coastline stretched out before them, a vast expanse of blue, with waves gently lapping at the shore. Jiraiya paused to look around and unrolled a scroll with a map to check their location.
"We are on the western shores," he said, rolling up the map and with a hand sign sending it into a storage scroll. "The Land of Lightning is across the sea that way," he said, pointing.
"How far?" asked Sakura, having learned not to trust the old pervert to tell the full truth.
"About 100 miles, give or take," said Jiraiya, still scanning the horizon.
"You expect us to walk 100 miles across an open sea? Are you crazy?" said Sakura, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at Jiraiya, daring him to say yes.
"No, I wouldn't do that," said Jiraiya, backing away from the pink fury. "I have a plan, so don't worry," he added quickly.
Naruto, sensing Sakura's rising frustration, stepped in. "What's the plan, Ero-Sennin?"
"Help me build a fire, a really big fire. Cut down some of those trees and let's get building," said Jiraiya.
Naruto and Sakura exchanged puzzled looks but complied. They gathered fallen branches and chopped down a few trees, stacking the logs until the pile reached higher than Jiraiya's head.
Once the pile of logs was ready, Jiraiya waved to get them to back up and, with a complex hand sign, sent a white-hot flame into the center of the pile.
The logs caught fire immediately, the flames roaring to life and sending a pillar of smoke high into the air. The thick, dark smoke rose in a steady column, visible for miles around.
"Are you trying to signal someone?" Sakura asked, shielding her eyes from the brightness of the flames.
Jiraiya nodded. "We're trying to attract the pirates of the Chigiri Sea that sail these waters. They'll see the smoke and come to investigate thinking we are a shipwreck. We'll hitch a ride with them to the Land of Lightning."
Naruto grinned, impressed by the plan. "Smart move, Ero-Sennin but why would they give us a ride?"
"The pirate king Lowfell owes me a favor or three," said Jiraiya with a wily grin looking out to the sea.
They waited by the fire, its heat radiating outward, and soon enough, sails appeared on the horizon, moving swiftly toward them. The black flag of the Chigiri pirates was seen visible with its skull and palm trees waving in the winds.
"Here they come," said Jiraiya, a satisfied smile on his face.
As the pirate ship approached, they could see the figures of rough-looking men on deck, their eyes glinting with suspicion and lust for gold. The ship anchored a short distance from the shore, and a rowboat was lowered into the water, making its way toward them.
The pirates landed on the beach, their leader stepping forward with a wary glance at the massive fire. He was a giant of a man with a sword on each side and a battle axe on his back. His black leather boots had steel toes meant for crushing skulls.
"What's the meaning of this?" the leader demanded, eyeing the large fire suspiciously, his hand on one sword as he locked eyes with Jiraiya.
"We need passage to the Land of Lightning," Jiraiya said, his tone serious. "I am Jiraiya the Great, and Lowfell owes me a blood debt."
The pirate leader looked them over, then nodded slowly. "I have heard of a Jiraiya and his deeds in the battle of Hanakusa Straights, but I will not take the word of a random stranger on this toad-cursed island."
Jiraiya pulled out a pouch of coins and, finding one of three Lowfell had marked, handed it over. "This should be proof enough."
The pirate leader took the coin, examining it closely. Recognition flickered in his eyes as he confirmed the mark of the pirate king. "Very well," he said, tucking the coin away. "We'll take you to the Land of Lightning. But know this: if you cross us, you'll find yourself at the bottom of the sea."
Jiraiya nodded, unflinching. "Understood."
The leader motioned for his men to help them aboard. Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya gathered their belongings and climbed into the rowboat. As they approached the pirate ship, the crew eyed them with curiosity and suspicion. It felt like each man looked at them more like a meal than a person, more than one licked their lips staring at Sakura as she climbed into the boat
Once on board, the pirate leader barked orders and the ship set sail. "The joker here will show you our 'guest' quarters," said the captain, pointing to an evil-looking little man with one eye and a hook for a right hand.
The smell of old blood, unwashed men, and fish filled the air as the sails were lowered, and the ship turned about into the wind, putting as much distance between it and the island as fast as they could.
"How long before we reach the Land of Lightning?" asked Naruto as they walked to the back of the ship.
"Lightning? Ha," said Joker as they strolled over the deck and around the crew. "We are heading to Moon Village first. We've got a load of those Moon Priests we need to ransom off."
Sakura was following behind, taking her time to look around at all the strange items that make up a sailing ship. She had only read about the great sailing ships but had never seen one before. It was while she was looking up into the billowing sail that one of the crew decided to test his luck.
"Hey, look what we got here, a sweet little toy," said the crewman as Sakura walked past, only to freeze as she felt his hand slide up the back of her dress and grab a handful of her ass, giving her a hard squeeze.
"Hey guys! This one doesn't wear underwear!" yelled out the sailor as he gave her ass one more squeeze.
Two thoughts raced through Sakura's mind as she glanced at Naruto, who turned around to see what was happening. The first was a fear that he might do something reckless and damage the ship. The second was the realization that this was the first time any man other than Naruto had ever touched her in that manner. With a scream of rage, she leaped back, swiftly turning to confront the sailor.
"What's the matter, girly? Am I not man enough for ya?" taunted the sailor, getting to his feet and grabbing his crotch in a crude gesture. Sakura's rage blinded her for a split second before she screamed again and leaped into the air, executing a perfect reverse roundhouse kick.
"Ha! Look at this, she missed!" mocked one of the other sailors, while the first one simply stood, staring at her. As Sakura landed back on her feet, a thin line of blood appeared on the attacker's neck, his body slumping to the deck and his head rolling off to the side.
"Throw the trash overboard and get back to work!" barked Joker, waving them to follow him towards the stern of the ship before any more of the crew got the wrong idea. The splash of the body hitting the water was followed by a smaller splash as the head joined it.
"Let's go, hurry up. We don't have all day," Joker urged as they approached a small door. Unaware he had just witnessed a medical ninja perform a chakra scalpel technique from her foot, cleanly severing a man's head with astonishing precision, leaving the whole crew in fear.
With that, he opened the door and gestured for them to enter the passageway leading to a small cabin. Inside, there was a single bed, a small porthole letting in light, and a chest serving as both a table and a place to store their belongings.
"This is where you'll be staying. Get comfy," Joker sneered, then shut the door behind them with a thud.
Naruto, and Sakura, glanced around the cramped quarters. The room was dimly lit, and the smell of the sea mixed with the lingering odor of the ship's previous occupants.
"I've stayed in worse places," Naruto said with a shrug, trying to make the best of the situation remembering sleeping in a carved-out log with Tayuya.
Sakura set her pack down on the chest and glanced out the small porthole. "I just hope we don't run into any more trouble with these pirates."
Naruto sat on the edge of the bed, his mind already racing with thoughts of a battle at sea with pirates. What a story that would be! "We'll be fine," he said confidently. "We've faced worse than a bunch of pirates. Once they've done their business in Moon Village, we'll be on our way to the Land of Lightning."
"Hey, Sakura, do you know what a Moon Priest is?" asked Naruto, flopping back on the bed as he kicked off his sandals.
Sakura sat on the edge of the bed and bounced on it a couple of times as if testing its strength. "I have no idea, but as long as they leave us alone for the next hour, I don't care," she said, reaching for his belt. Naruto put his hands behind his head with the biggest grin Sakura had ever seen. Naruto created a clone that ran to the door and went outside to make sure they weren't bothered. Hearing the lock click in place Sakura crawled up between his legs to pull off his pants.
Using both hands to hold his rock-hard member still she straddled him and with practiced ease lowered down around him getting a moan out of both of them. "If that old pervert comes down here I will throw him overboard." groaned out Sakura as she started to move.
…
Four days, or days and nights if you wanted to count it that way, Tayuya had been studying the Caged Bird Seal with Hinata hovering over her, only leaving when there was something only the clan head could solve before she came right back.
The master scroll had never been out of the clan's hands, ever, and this made her as nervous as her first fight we Neji, she didn't want it to fall into the wrong hands.
Tayuya's brow furrowed as she traced the intricate designs and symbols on the ancient scroll, taking down notes as she found something new or interesting. The weight of its history and the responsibility it carried pressed heavily on her. The Uzumaki clan, her clan, had made this horror, and she was the one who was going to break it. The Caged Bird Seal was more than just a jutsu; it was a symbol of the Hyuga clan's power and control, a legacy that had both protected and shackled them for generations.
Hinata, her eyes stern and lacking any compassion, watched Tayuya closely. "How is it coming?" she asked for the thousandth time, her voice a harsh interruption to Tayuya's concentration.
"It's complex," Tayuya replied, not looking up. "I've never seen anything like it. It's... also so delicate. One wrong move and..." She let her voice trail off, as she used her hands to show someone's head exploding, the implication clear.
Hinata nodded, her expression unreadable. "I have to trust you, Tayuya, but I don't want to lose any more of my clan to a piece of paper."
Her words did little to ease Tayuya's anxiety. She knew the importance of the task at hand and the consequences of failure. The Caged Bird Seal had to be understood and, if possible, a key made to unlock it before the master seal was destroyed. The future of the Hyuga clan depended on it, and with it, the fragile alliance Karin had formed with all the clans.
As the day turned into night, Tayuya continued her meticulous work, her mind racing with the enormity of the task before her. The dim light of the candles flickered, casting shadows that danced across the ancient symbols on the scroll. She was acutely aware of the power she held in her hands, and the responsibility weighed heavily on her shoulders.
Outside the study, the Hyuga compound was a hive of activity. Clan members moved with purpose as they worked on restoring the clan's buildings or simply taking them down to be replaced later, their faces reflecting the tension and uncertainty that had gripped them since Tayuya began her work. The branch family members gathered in quiet corners, whispering among themselves, their eyes occasionally glancing toward the room where Tayuya and Hinata worked tirelessly.
In the midst of this, Tayuya's mind drifted to Karin and the delicate balance she had managed to achieve between the clans. They had grown close after Naruto left for Sage training and she felt she owned her for some reason. The alliance was tenuous at best, held together by fragile threads of trust and mutual benefit. If she failed, it wouldn't just be the Hyuga clan that would suffer; the repercussions would ripple through the entire village, shattering the fragile peace they had fought so hard to maintain.
She couldn't afford to fail. Not now, not ever.
"I think it's time for a break," said Ino as she walked out of a shadow, holding a tray of dangos, each a different color, which she placed on the table next to the scroll.
"Fuck, how do you keep doing that?" said Tayuya, picking up one of the wooden sticks and biting off a dango, not noticing the syrup dripping off her chin.
"Oh, you know, I drink the blood of the innocent," said Ino with a smile as she sat down to look over Tayuya's notes. She wasn't a seal master by any means, but it was fascinating to see how Tayuya's mind worked on something besides sex.
Tayuya smirked between bites. "Yeah, well, if you scare me into an early grave, you can have all the blood you want."
Ino chuckled knowing that Tayuya was the least innocent person in the world. "I'll keep that in mind. How's it going with the seal?"
"It's... maddening," Tayuya admitted, wiping the syrup off her chin with the back of her hand. "The complexity of it is beyond anything I've ever seen. The old masters were, well masters but I will figure this out, it's in my blood, I can feel the connection to the seal."
Ino nodded, taking in the notes sprawled across the table. "If anyone can crack this, it's you."
Tayuya sighed, feeling the weight of Ino's words. "Thanks. I think."
Hinata, who had been quietly observing from the corner of the room, approached the table picking up a dango stick. "We all do. But for now, let's take Ino's advice and have a break. You've been at this for hours. I will order a better meal than just dango."
The three women sat in a rare moment of camaraderie, the tension easing slightly as they enjoyed the dango as a branch family member brought in a meal fit for a king or better a clan head whose heart had turned to Iron. Tayuya felt a small sense of relief as she ate, but the looming pressure remained. She knew this break was temporary, and soon she would have to dive back into the complex web of seals and symbols.
After a few minutes of relative calm, Tayuya set down her chopsticks and stretched. "Alright, break's over. Let's get back to work."
Ino gave her a reassuring pat on the back before moving to stand with Hinata. "Let's leave her be for now. I want to talk to you about something," Ino said, doing her best to guide Hinata out of the room and into the courtyard. The long-standing hatred she had for the Hyuga clan and its ways was fading as she watched Hinata work so hard to remove the stain of the Cage Bird seal.
Tayuya returned to the scroll, her mind sharper after the brief rest. The room was silent except for the occasional rustle of paper. With a full belly and no more pale eyes on her, she could freely think. As she traced the intricate lines of the seal, a spark of inspiration struck. She jotted down a few quick notes, her heart pounding with the possibility that she had found it—the key to the whole thing was right there.
Tayuya continued her work, each stroke of her pen bringing her closer to unraveling the mystery of the Caged Bird Seal. The fate of her clan, all of Karin's plans, and even that of the Hyuga clan, rested in her hands.
"I found it," she said aloud to the empty room. "I fucking found it."
—-
"Have you heard the news from the capital?" asked Ino as she and Hinata shared a bench.
"News? No, I have been in that room for days," said Hinata, with a hint of frustration breaking through her cold facade.
"Yuka's father has been assassinated, and she is returning to the capital. My 'people' are telling me it was an Iwagakure contract paid for from this village," said Ino, locking eyes with Hinata as she composed herself into the leader of the Hyuga clan, her fine silks shielding her in a weight of responsibility. The Fist of Iron was thinking of all the moves that had to be made in a day if not hours.
"What does the Hokage think?" she asked as she made plans.
"I don't think she knows just yet; I haven't told her," said Ino with a grim smile, knowing that as head of Root, she could keep secrets from anyone, even the Hokage.
"I think it would be best if she knew, don't you?" said Hinata, thinking of all the plans that would be broken if the Hokage was not on her side.
"Oh, don't be silly. I was going to tell her once I told you and some of the others," said Ino, playing the part of a schoolgirl gossip rather than the head of the largest spy organization in the known world. With Root at her command and her own clan's network of spies, what worried her wasn't what she knew but what she didn't know.
Tayuya came storming out of the house, looking around until she spotted the two sitting on the bench.
"What the fuck are you two doing, playing kissy face?" she half-joked licking her lips as she moved to stand in front of them.
"What, taking another break?" said Ino, standing up to look down at the shorter redhead.
"Fuck that, I got it," said a grinning Tayuya. "Now I need a subject to test this on," she added, seeing the look on Hinata's face—one of surprise and happiness that turned sour when she heard the need for a test subject.
"Are you sure?" asked Hinata, moving to stand with the other two. She was acutely aware of the many ears in the open garden; the branch family would already be buzzing with speculation.
"As sure as I can be until I get a chance to test the seal on someone," replied Tayuya, bouncing on her feet with an energy that mirrored her husband's. She was riding high on sugar and adrenaline.
"There is only one branch member in the jail right now for stealing, but I do not see that as a death penalty," said Hinata, her gaze sharp as she looked at Tayuya, issuing an unspoken challenge.
"Why can't we just put the seal on someone in T&A and then take it off?" suggested Ino.
"Won't fucking work," Tayuya responded, her tone serious. "The seal is keyed to the Hyuga. Unless they're at least a quarter Hyuga, it will kill them outright." She had discovered this lethal safeguard while studying the master scroll, a trap hidden within the intricate design, the old masters were good, very good.
"This thief," Tayuya began, her voice firm, "give them the fucking choice. If it works, they're free of the seal and from jail. If it doesn't, we fix what went wrong and find someone else." Her years working with Orochimaru had numbed her to the idea of killing someone, and she was prepared to sacrifice one person for the good of the clans.
"When will you be ready?" asked Hinata, thinking she would personally go to talk to the branch member.
"Give me a couple of hours to prepare and bring them in," said Tayuya, turning to leave. As she did, she slapped Ino's ass and yelled out as she ran away, "That was for good luck."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Hyuga compound, the tension in the air was palpable. Hinata had personally gone to the prison to escort the prisoner, a teenager from the branch family, to Tayuya's workspace. His face was pale, a mix of fear and hope etched into his features. He knew the stakes—freedom or death.
It had taken much more than a couple of hours as Tayuya had wanted to check each step in the seal before moving forward and calling them in. The room was dimly lit, with candles casting flickering shadows on the walls. Tayuya stood at a wooden table covered in scrolls, ink, and sealing implements, her expression grim and focused. Hinata flanked the prisoner, her presence a one of authority as the clan head.
"Sit him down," Tayuya ordered, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
The young man was pushed onto a stool, his eyes darting around nervously. His hands trembled as he gripped the edge of the seat, his knuckles white. They had told him what was going the happen but it still felt too unreal for him to process it.
"Tayuya," Hinata said softly, her eyes meeting Tayuya's. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"
Tayuya nodded, her eyes hard and unyielding. "I've done everything I can. Now we see if it works."
She approached the prisoner, her hands steady despite the high stakes. "This will hurt," she warned him, her voice lacking any trace of softness. "But if it works, you'll be free."
The young man swallowed hard and nodded. "I'm ready," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tayuya began to draw the release seal on the young man's forehead, her fingers moving with precision and purpose. The room was deathly silent, the only sound being the scratch of ink on skin.
As she completed the final stroke, she took a deep breath and placed her hand over the seal. "Here we go," she murmured.
With a surge of chakra, Tayuya activated the release seal. The room was instantly filled with the sound of the young man's screams as the Caged Bird Seal began to unravel. His body convulsed, and he gripped the stool so tightly that his nails dug into the wood.
The seal glowed brightly, the intricate lines of the cursed marks beginning to dissolve. The young man's screams grew louder, echoing off the walls and sending a chill down the spine of everyone present. Tayuya's face was set in a mask of concentration, her chakra steady and controlled as she pushed more of her chakra into the seal using a force of will to make it work.
"Hold him!" she shouted as the young man thrashed, the pain overwhelming him. Ino rushed over and Hinata moved quickly, their hands on his shoulders, keeping him in place.
Minutes felt like hours as the process continued. Sweat poured down Tayuya's face, her eyes never leaving the seal. The room was filled with the acrid smell of burning flesh and the young man's agonized cries.
Finally, with one last surge of energy, the Caged Bird Seal shattered. The young man's screams abruptly stopped, his body going limp. Tayuya stepped back, panting heavily, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and disbelief. She looked at her hand, smoke rising from her palm as her skin began to blister from the heat of the jutsu.
"It's done," she whispered, her voice horse barely audible over the silence that followed, "Is he alive?"
The young man opened his eyes, blinking in disbelief. The seal was gone. He was free.
Hinata and Ino released their grip on him, their faces reflecting the same mixture of emotions. Hinata knelt beside him, checking for any signs of lingering damage.
"How do you feel?" she asked gently.
The young man took a deep, shuddering breath. "I... I feel free," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. Tears streamed down his face as he began to cry uncontrollably, knowing that for the first time in his life, he was no longer under the constant threat of death from a simple hand sign of an elder.
Tayuya slumped into a chair, exhausted as she almost fell over. "It worked," she said, a weak smile crossing her lips. "It actually worked."
Hinata stood up, her eyes meeting Tayuya's. "You did it," she said, her voice filled with gratitude and a little bit of awe.
Tayuya nodded, her eyes closing as the weight of what she had accomplished settled over her. She had done it. The Caged Bird Seal could be broken, had been broken. And with it, the future of the Hyuga clan had just changed forever.
…..
"I am so BORED!" cried out Naruto as he watched the endless ocean waves pass by. They had been at sea for days and days, and ever since the captain had ordered them to stop having sex every hour, he had nothing else to do but stare at the moving water, wondering when he would see land again. Nice solid land that you could trust to be there when you needed it.
Sakura, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes. "You're always bored, Naruto. Try meditating or something."
Naruto sighed dramatically. "Meditate? That's even more boring!"
Jiraiya chuckled from where he stood at the bow of the ship, scanning the horizon. "Patience, Naruto. We'll reach land soon enough. Besides, a shinobi should be able to handle a little boredom."
Naruto groaned and flopped down on the deck. "Why couldn't we have taken a faster way? Or at least had some action on the way!"
Sakura smirked. "You mean like pirates attacking another ship? Are you sure you'd want to be part of that?"
Naruto sat up, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Exactly! Maybe some sea monsters or another ship to fight!"
Jiraiya shook his head, amused. "Always looking for a fight, aren't you? We're shinobi, trained in the art of killing and stealth, not common thieves. We don't rob people. Do you think you're a common bandit?"
Naruto frowned, considering this. "Of course not, Ero-Sennin! I just want some action to break the boredom. We're not thieves, but a little excitement wouldn't hurt, right?"
Jiraiya turned to face him, his expression was thoughtful. "The point, Naruto, is to learn. To observe. To grow stronger in ways you might not expect. Even boredom can teach you something."
Sakura stood up and tugged Naruto to his feet. "Hey Naruto, I have an idea. Let's go check out those Moon Priests the crew keeps talking about," she said quietly. "Maybe we can find a quiet spot below decks where the captain won't bother us." With that, she gestured towards the large hatch leading to the lower deck.
Naruto carefully descended, his feet finding each rung with ease. The smell of salt, wood, and the faint aroma of cooking greeted him as he reached the bottom, where dim lanterns cast a warm glow over the cramped quarters below deck.
As Naruto and Sakura made their way below deck, the air grew thicker with the scent of the men who lived their lives on this ship and the sounds of creaking timbers. They navigated through the cramped quarters, passing hammocks and crates until they reached a door leading deeper into the ship. With cautious steps, they descended another set of stairs, the dim light from above casting eerie shadows around them.
As they turned a corner, they stumbled upon a startling sight. Three black metal cages, each large enough to hold a grown man, dominated the space. Inside, figures dressed in dark red robes sat in silent meditation, their bright white shaved heads and the high collars of the robes giving them an otherworldly appearance. Strangely, they seemed to float a few inches above the floor of the deck, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow that left the surrounding area immaculately clean far outside their cages.
Naruto and Sakura exchanged a glance, both sensing that they had stumbled upon something far beyond the normal. A sense of otherworldly power filled the air as if the very presence of these individuals commanded something outside of themselves.
"So, are their heads shaved to resemble full moons?" Naruto asked, rubbing the back of his head as he leaned over to peer at the nearest priest, whose head was strangely round with small ears.
"Naruto, don't say stupid things like that," Sakura scolded, joining him in front of the middle cage. She couldn't help but notice how their heads did resemble full moons, but she wasn't about to agree with Naruto after yelling at him. When she reached out to touch the bars, a painful spark shot through her hand, causing her to recoil in surprise.
"Ouch, that hurt," she exclaimed, shaking her hand before using healing chakra to heal the burn.
"These bars must be made of some kind of anti-chakra metal. We won't be able to use any chakra-based techniques near them," she said, looking at Naruto so he didn't do something like make a Rasengan.
"Your chakra control is impressive, child," said the priest on the right.
"Her gates are partly opened; she is on the path to enlightenment," said the priest on the left, leaving only the one in the middle to add his comment.
"You smell of sex, toads, and death; you must be a shinobi," finally said the middle priest, opening his eyes to look at her.
Sakura's heart raced as the realization sank in that these priests seemed to possess a deep understanding of the world and its workings. But their last words sent a chill down her spine. How did they know about her encounters with death and toads? The tension in the air thickened, and she exchanged a nervous glance with Naruto, unsure of what to make of this.
"I have mastered up to the Gate of Life but no more," Sakura declared, feeling compelled to explain herself to these priestly figures.
"Life and death are but two sides to the same coin; the Lens of Pain will give you a better understanding," remarked the one on the right still not opening his eyes.
"She removes pain and has none of her own; she will fail," stated the eldest one in the middle, his words hanging heavily in the air.
"Dattebayo! Sakura-chan doesn't fail," Naruto interjected, his voice cutting through the cryptic exchange. To him, their words sounded more like riddles than straightforward advice.
"Shinobi," spat the priest on the left as if the word was a great insult.
"Yes, Shinobi, you burn bright, but like a star falling from the sky, your light lasts but a short time. Leave us," said the eldest, his voice carrying a force that seemed to echo in the dim chamber.
"Come on, Sakura-chan, let's go. I think we've had enough exploring for the day," urged Naruto, a sense of defeat weighing heavily upon him as they turned to leave the mysterious priests to their meditations. He had gone from bored to confused and he didn't like confused.
Reaching the top deck and its fresh air, Naruto felt like he had just been on a long journey and returned empty. Sakura had a look on her face that matched his as he put an arm around her shoulders to pull her close.
"Looks like you two had a chat with those three priests," said the captain as he approached. Without warning, he attempted to slap Naruto behind the head but moved too fast, causing himself to lose his balance and fall backward as Naruto deftly sidestepped the blow, striking the back of the captain's shoulder instead, sending him spinning.
"I would advise against touching my students, Captain. They are much more than they seem," said Jiraiya, jumping down from his perch to join them as some of the crew helped the captain to his feet.
"I ordered you not to go down to the lower deck. I am the captain of this ship, and my word is law!" yelled the captain, drawing one of his swords and waving it around menacingly.
"A pirate demanding law seems a little strange," remarked Jiraiya, unfazed, as the captain continued to brandish his sword inches from his face. The smell of old booze coming off the captain in waves.
Jiraiya remained calm, but when the captain lunged forward with a wild swing, Jiraiya swiftly dodged the attack, moving with the grace of a seasoned warrior. In one fluid motion, he disarmed the captain, sending the sword clattering to the deck.
Enraged, the captain lunged at Jiraiya with a knife drawn from his belt. But Jiraiya, with the reflexes honed in the last ninja world war, effortlessly sidestepped the attack. The captain stumbled past him, and with a swift kick to the rear, Jiraiya delivered a precise blow that sent the captain tumbling over the railing and into the churning sea below.
"Man overboard!" bellowed the first mate, rushing towards one of the small rowboats. Another crew member quickly threw a rope to the floundering captain, who flailed in the water trying to grab hold. Naruto and Sakura watched, bemused, as the crew, well-practiced in these mishaps, efficiently lowered the boat and skillfully hauled the captain back aboard. It was clear that such incidents were almost routine, given the crew's practiced response.
As soon as the captain was brought back on board, he stormed over to Jiraiya, stopping just short of him, his face red with rage.
"I am still the captain!" he yelled, his voice shaking with anger.
"I never said you weren't," Jiraiya replied calmly, his eyes locked onto the captain's. "But it would be best to stay away from me and my students, or you will lose more of your crew."
The captain glared at Jiraiya, but something in the older man's eyes made him hesitate. After a moment of tense silence, he turned on his heel and stomped away, muttering under his breath.
Not wanting to listen to the two older men argue any longer, Naruto and Sakura decided to head down to their room to talk about what they had found below deck. The encounter with the priests had left them both unsettled, and they needed to make sense of it.
In their small, dimly lit room, Sakura sat on the edge of the bed, her brow furrowed in thought. "Naruto, those priests... they're unlike anything I've ever come across before. There was nothing in the history books about a Hidden Moon village."
Naruto nodded, pacing the room restlessly. "Yeah, I felt it too. Their chakra is different, almost... ", he stopped to rub his fingers together as if to say the chakra was slimy, ". And the things they said... it was like they knew us, like they could see right through us."
Sakura looked up at him, her eyes serious. "They mentioned my chakra control and the Gates of Life. And they seemed to know about our pasts, about the things we've been through. It was eerie."
Naruto stopped pacing and sat down next to her. "Do you think they're dangerous?"
Sakura shook her head slowly. "I don't know. They didn't seem hostile, but their power was undeniable. And that anti-chakra metal in the bars... it's like they were being contained, not just imprisoned."
Naruto frowned, deep in thought. "What do you think they meant by 'the Lens of Pain'? And why did they say you'd fail?"
Sakura sighed, running a hand through her hair. "The next Gate I needed to open was the Gate of Pain, I failed and Katsuyu Sama said I needed to help you. But one thing is clear – these priests know something, something I don't about the next Gate. We need to find out more about them and why they're being held here."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but we have to be careful. If the captain finds out we're snooping around, he'll cause more trouble."
Sakura smiled faintly, leaning back on the bed. "Since when have we ever been afraid of a little trouble?"
Naruto grinned, his spirits lifting. "Right! I'm going to talk to Pervy Sage and see what he knows."
With that, Naruto headed for the door in search of his sensei and the mystery of the Hidden Moon Village. Sakura watched him leave, a bit shocked that Naruto hadn't even noticed she was almost lying on the bed, clearly waiting for him to join her.
"God, men can be so thick-headed," she muttered, getting up to snoop around the ship.
Sakura wandered through the narrow corridors, her mind still buzzing with the strange words of the Moon Priests. The ship creaked and groaned with the rhythm of the waves, the sounds blending into the background as she turned her thoughts inward. What did they mean by "Lens of Pain"? And how could she, a medic who spent her life alleviating pain, understand it?
Lost in thought, she found herself outside the galley. The smell of food reminded her of how long it had been since they had eaten anything substantial. Pushing open the door, she stepped inside to find a few crew members hunched over their meals, talking in low voices. They glanced up at her entrance, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright suspicion, one even got up and walked out his face full of fear.
"Hey, you're one of those shinobi, right?" a burly man with a scar across his cheek asked, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Yes," Sakura replied cautiously. "I was just exploring the ship."
The man snorted. "Better watch your step. Not everyone here takes kindly to strangers, especially those with fancy tricks. Jhoro wasn't a friend to many but he was still part of the crew"
Sakura forced a smile learning the name of the man she had killed. "I'll keep that in mind."
She grabbed a piece of bread and some cheese, which she wrapped up to take back to their quarters. As she made her way down the corridor, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Her instincts, honed from years of training, screamed at her to stay alert.
When she returned to the room, Naruto was already back, looking frustrated.
"Pervy Sage is nowhere to be found," he grumbled, flopping onto the bed, "How can you leave the ship? I swear Sakura-chan if he used some jutsu to get off the ship and didn't tell us I am going to…"
Sakura handed him the bread and cheese to distract him, which he accepted gratefully. "He's probably off doing his own thing," she said, sitting beside him. "But we need to focus. These Moon Priests."
Naruto nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Yeah, they were pretty weird. And strong. What do you think they meant about you failing?"
Sakura sighed. "I'm not sure. But it's clear they have some kind of insight into our abilities. Maybe it's a warning, or maybe it's just another way to test us."
Naruto frowned, swallowing his bite. "I don't like it. But we can't just ignore it. We need to find out more."
Sakura agreed. "Yes, but we need to be careful. We don't know who we can trust on this ship, and the captain already has it out for us."
Just then, the door creaked open, and Jiraiya entered, his expression full of mirth.
"Glide to see you both have your clothes on," he said, closing the door behind him as he tucked away his little notebook for another day. "I was talking to the captain about the priest in the hold as he seemed worried you two were going to be doing something stupid and let them out"
Sakura and Naruto exchanged worried glances before turning their full attention to Jiraiya.
"We wouldn't do something like that, at least not yet anyway." Naruto grinning at Jiraiya when he gave him one of his looks that said he was being reckless again.
"The Hidden Moon Village we are going to isn't what you would expect," Jiraiya began, his voice losing its humor. "They don't possess powerful Jutsu like other hidden villages. Instead, they use a different kind of chakra that they say is gathered from the full moon, one that promotes peace and harmony. They hide their true strength to avoid conflict with the outside world."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. "So they're not a threat?"
Jiraiya shook his head. "I didn't say that, it's what they tell everyone else that they're guardians of the Moon Chakra, protecting it from some who would exploit this knowledge for their own gain."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head as he thought about this, "But, why are they in cages then?"
"That is what I asked, these three were found on Hagi Island a hundreds of miles south of here, south of Water Country on the Skuru Sea. They were causing trouble at the Modoruki Shrine saying the local monks stole their Eye of the Moon."
"So the pirates saved the monks? " asked Sukura thinking that is what Naruto would do.
Jiraiya burst into laughter at the idea, "NO… the shinobi from Moya tried to stop them but the best they could do was to put them in those cages and sell them to the pirates for some coins and cheap sake."
Sakura frowned, processing the information. "So how did they seem to know so much about us?"
Jiraiya sighed. "I have no clue, rumors of their powers are useless at best."
Naruto scratched his head, still puzzled. "But what about the 'Lens of Pain' they mentioned?"
Jiraiya looked thoughtful. "That's something we'll need to figure out. It could be a test or a training method they use. Whatever it is, it's not our business, at least for now. We have to get you to complete your Sage training, Remember!"
Sakura nodded, 'yes, they had to stay focused.' she thought as Naruto rubbed the back of his head looking back at the door leading down to the priest.
…
Tayuya woke up with a start as if something in the greater universe had changed but rolling over to her side she reached out to Karin only to find the bed empty. This was day three of the great Hyuga freedom mission as she had started to call it in her head. She would take a shower have some food and start the process of freeing the branch members, she was getting stronger or it was just getting easier but yesterday she had been able to do 23 of them before her chakra ran dry and had to be carried back to the Uzumaki compound.
Rolling back to her other side, Tayuya almost screamed for real upon finding Ino lying there with that half-smile of hers that drove her crazy.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" Tayuya demanded, not bothering to pull the covers back over her bare form. She had started sleeping in the nude once Karin had started to pay attention to her.
"Oh, you know, a little birdie told me you've been on edge lately. What's wrong, has Temari been turning you down?" Ino giggled as she saw the look on Tayuya's face when she said Temari's name.
"Oh my god, she has, hasn't she," said Ino, sitting up and looking down at Tayuya, realizing that her joke hit closer to home than she expected.
"That is none of your fucking business," growled Tayuya, looking into Ino's eyes and thinking how easy it would be to pull her down into a kiss.
"My poor little red needs a little attention, does she?" said Ino, pushing a stray hair out of Tayuya's face and cupping her chin.
"Back off," Tayuya snapped with more heat than she intended, pushing Ino's hand away and sitting up.
"So, what is it you really want? You made it very fucking clear that you didn't want me after our last time together," said Tayuya, displaying some of the hurt she felt but quickly replacing it with her trademark anger.
Sure, here is a slightly funnier version of your text:
Pouting like a child, Ino sat back, giving Tayuya some room before saying, "The Hokage asked me to personally go to the capital and help your little princess settle some things now that her father was killed."
Tayuya's eyes narrowed as she processed the information. "Why you? There are plenty of others who could go."
Ino sighed dramatically. "Because I'm the best at reading people and handling delicate situations. Plus, your princess might need more than just political advice. She might need… an assassin."
"She is not my princess, so stop fucking saying that," Tayuya grumbled as she crawled out of bed, giving Ino a front-row view of her shapely ass before she headed into the bathroom.
Ino smirked, calling after her, "Well, your non-princess is going to need some help, and I guess I'm the lucky one to give it!"
Ino followed Tayuya into the master bathroom, which was bigger than most shinobi apartments. She watched as Tayuya headed into the walk-in shower that could easily fit three or five people.
"I need to talk to you," Ino said, raising her voice over the sound of the water as Tayuya turned the hot water on full blast, trying to drown out Ino's words.
"Go away! I don't have time for your games," Tayuya yelled back, her voice echoing off the tiled walls. She was fighting a losing battle with Ino so close, that part of her that wanted to jump Ino at every turn was still there no matter how much she told herself it was Mind fucking Jutsu she knew it wasn't.
"Oh, come on, I know you don't mean that," Ino said, stepping closer to the shower door knowing that Tayuya had a weak spot for her. She leaned against it, her tone playful despite the tension. "You always have time for me," she said in a sing-song voice playing the flirt.
Tayuya huffed, the steam from the shower filling the room. "What do you want, Ino?"
"I want to help you," Ino said earnestly, her voice softening. "I know things have been tough with everything going on, and I also know you're dealing with more than you're letting on. Just let me in, Tayuya."
Tayuya was silent for a moment, the water cascading over her as she considered Ino's words. "Fine, but make it quick," she finally muttered, turning the water temperature down a notch.
Ino smiled, slipping into the shower fully clothed. "You know, you could've just invited me in from the start," she teased, standing beside Tayuya, letting the water soak her clothes. This was her personal mission, and she knew Tayuya's weakness. After years of pain and suffering under Orochimaru, Tayuya craved to be touched, to be loved, and to feel only pleasure.
Without a word, Ino picked up a sponge and started to wash Tayuya's back, her movements gentle and soothing. The warm water mixed with the rhythmic strokes of the sponge created a calming effect, and Tayuya could feel some of the tension starting to melt away.
"You know," Ino began, her voice a soft murmur, "sometimes talking things out while getting a back rub can work wonders." She leaned in closer, her breath warm against Tayuya's ear. The combination of Ino's words and the intimate touch made Tayuya close her eyes, momentarily losing herself in the sensation.
Ino's hand moved with practiced ease, the sponge gliding over Tayuya's skin before it was set aside. Ino's fingers then traced a path down Tayuya's spine, her touch light but deliberate. Tayuya shivered as Ino's hand reached the small of her back, lingering for a moment before moving lower.
A gasp escaped Tayuya's lips as Ino's hand cupped her ass, the touch both comforting and electrifying. Ino's fingers gently kneaded the firm flesh, her movements slow and sensual. Tayuya's breath hitched, the mix of emotions and sensations overwhelming her senses. Deep in the back of her mind was that abandoned girl crying out to be loved.
Ino's hand didn't stop there. She traced a path further down, her fingers skimming over Tayuya's thigh before teasingly moving back up. The intimate touch made Tayuya's heart race, a mix of anticipation and arousal coursing through her.
"You're so tense, Tayuya," Ino whispered, her lips brushing against Tayuya's ear. "Let me help you relax."
Tayuya's response was a soft moan, her body responding to Ino's touch despite her efforts to stay composed. "Ino," she murmured, her voice a mix of warning and need.
Ino's hand continued its slow exploration, her fingers tracing patterns over Tayuya's skin. "Just relax," Ino said soothingly, her voice like a gentle caress.
Tayuya took a deep breath, allowing herself to bend forward allowing Ino full access to her. She could feel the warmth of Ino's body behind her, the closeness a comfort she hadn't realized she needed this morning. Ino knowing that she had won this little battle of wills slipped a finger then two into Tayuya's most core and began to move with a rhythm.
As Ino's hand continued its gentle caress, Tayuya felt a sense of calm wash over her. The worries and tensions of the day seemed to fade away, replaced by the simple pleasure of Ino's touch. For a moment, it was just the two of them, sharing an intimate connection that transcended words.
Tayuya allowed herself to surrender to the moment. Ino's touch was a balm to her weary soul, and as the water cascaded around them, Tayuya felt her heart begin to race as Ino's skillful hand brought her to climax as her legs shook she braced her hands against the shower wall.
Ino's fingers traced their way back up to Tayuya's back, her touch still gentle but now with a hint of reassurance. "You needed this," Ino whispered, her voice a promise.
Tayuya nodded, her eyes still closed as she savored the feeling of Ino's hands on her skin. "Fuck Yes, you fucking bitch," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the water.
Ino smiled, pressing a soft kiss to Tayuya's shoulder. "Anytime," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity as she traced he fingers alone the tattoo on Tayuya's back, "But I think you're the bitch," she added reading the letters spelling out "Naruto's Bitch" that ran across Tayuya's back.
Tayuya rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile. "You're impossible."
"I know," Ino replied with a wink, her playful demeanor returning. "But you love me for it."
Tayuya sighed, finally letting her guard down. "Yeah, yeah. Now, what's so important?"
Ino's expression turned serious. "We need to talk about the mission to the capital and what it means for the village and the clans. And I want to make sure you're okay with everything that's going on. I don't want you to feel like you're alone in this."
Tayuya nodded slowly, appreciating Ino's concern despite her annoyance. "Alright, let's talk," she said, reaching to turn off the water. "But next time, take your fucking clothes off."
Ino laughed, stepping out of the shower and grabbing a towel. "Deal. Now, let's figure out how to handle this 'little princess' situation together. I need to know everything Yuka ever told you about her family and mostly who would want to father dead."