Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. Masashi Kishimoto owns all titles, names, and plots.
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.
…..
Rivers of the Moon
…..
"Is that land, or am I seeing things?" said Naruto, peering out the port window. He had just woken up, and the first thing he noticed was the absence of sound: no waves, no creaking of the ship, and no crew yelling about watch duties as they usually did every morning.
"Who cares? Come back to bed," said Sakura, kicking off the sheet they had been using and rolling over onto her stomach. "I need a little Naruto right now," she added, raising her ass in the air as if inviting him to mount her.
Naruto looked at Sakura, that perfect little ass he loved so much waving at him as if asking for him to go all out and then back to the little port window and the white sandy beach with its palm trees waving in a gentle breeze far off in the distance. It took him but a split second to decide what was more important as little Naruto stood up proud.
"OK Sakura-chan but remember what the captain said, no light show so keep your chakra in check this time," warned Naruto as he got behind her and slid into her core without even a little resistance. God, she was tight and soft all at the same time and her moaning into the little pillow she pressed into her face with both hands sent a jolt into his brain.
Holding her hips tight, he started to move, feeling her quiver as she did her best not to scream out. Her body was like a coiled spring, firm yet soft in all the right places. She moved with him, pushing back with little grunts as he ran his hands up her sides to cup her small breasts. She was strong; every part of her was muscle with little fat and the body she had earned while training with Guy and Lee was so different from his wives.
Where Karin's figure was all soft curves and warmth, Sakura's body was chiseled and devoid of body fat, a testament to her rigorous training under Guy and Lee. Every inch of her was sculpted muscle, showing her dedication to physical prowess. In contrast, Tayuya's physique resembled that of a dedicated athlete, her toned form honed through rigorous gym sessions and martial training. Naruto understood he shouldn't compare Sakura to the other women he loved. However, after being separated from them for so long, he couldn't help but marvel at how Sakura differed, displaying a remarkable blend of strength, athleticism, and raw power.
The sound of their hips slapping together soon filled the small cabin as they both forgot about the outside world and raced to their own completion. Naruto could see the flashes of blue, almost purple chakra coming off Sakura as she fought hard to stay in control while he felt the fox urging him to move faster, to use her like a toy, and toss her away once done.
"Sakura-chan, I... I can't hold on.", said Naruto between clenched teeth as he unloaded everything he had deep into her squirming body sending her off into her own explosion of joy as her system was flooded with his chakra. This was the world she wanted to live in, a world of endless pleasure where her need for Chakra was fulfilled every day. Only Naruto could give this to her and she would move heaven and earth to stay at his side. This was what Inner had always wanted; now, with their merger, it was hers as well.
When Naruto unceremoniously fell on her back, Sakura was ready and rolled over until she was on top, grinning down at him in a mass of wild pink hair. "I think we rocked the boat that time," she giggled into his neck.
"Why would you say…" Naruto began but was cut off by a loud pounding on the door.
"The Captain said for you two to stop fucking around and come on deck. It's time," said a random crew member, either too brave or too stupid, pounding on the door one more time before leaving.
"We'll be there in ten minutes," screamed out Sakura as she sat up.
"Ten minutes? When has it ever taken you ten minutes to get dressed?" joked Naruto, looking up at his naked teammate, knowing she only wore her simple red dress in the hot weather with nothing underneath.
Sakura only grinned down at him as she slid her smooth lower lips up and down his length until he was as hard as a rock. With one hand on his chest and the other guiding him into her core, they both let out a groan.
"I don't need ten, I need five, so don't hold back," said Sakura as she began to move frantically, using all her skills to bring them both to climax.
Grabbing a nipple, he gave it a pull and then a twist, HARD. This, along with her movements, sent her over the edge as she shuddered over him, triggering his own explosion deep inside her. Once she stopped and fell to the side, she groaned out, "Okay, so I needed three minutes, but it was worth it."
With those words, they jumped up. After a quick water jutsu Sakura had picked up from the Hokage for just such an occasion, they ran up to the top deck to join Jiraiya and the captain, who was using a long spyglass to look at the land.
"The maps say there should be a village and a dock on the southern shore, but I don't see it," said the captain, snapping the spyglass closed. "Joker, go talk to those priests. If they can't tell me where the docks are, cut off one of their heads and ask them again."
"Don't you think that's a bit extreme?" said Naruto, watching Joker pick up a long spear with a hooked blade, used to fight off large sea monsters.
The captain turned to Naruto, his face a mix of frustration and desperation. "We've been at sea for too long, and the crew is restless. If those priests are hiding something, we need to know now."
Jiraiya, standing nearby, nodded thoughtfully. "Naruto's right, though. There might be a better way to get information from them."
The captain growled in frustration. "I don't have time for this bullshit. This time of year, the trade ships are flowing out of Fire Country, and I want my fair share of that silk, or the gold they take back," he explained, his eyes narrowing. "That's why they send so many genin to guard the Silk Road."
"Aren't you afraid of the shinobi guarding the silk?" asked Sakura, busy tying her wet hair back before covering her head with a scarf. In this heat, it wouldn't take long for her hair to dry, but she wanted to avoid heatstroke.
The captain laughed, looking down at the small woman standing there as if she knew the ways of the world. If it wasn't for the fact that she had killed one of his crew with a single kick, he would have thrown her into the crew quarters as a prize.
"The merchant captains are too cheap to pay for shinobi once they take on cargo. They'd rather lose it and their lives, so they give up nice and easy," said the first mate, seeing as the captain was ignoring the question while he went back to scanning the shore.
"So you just take the silk and let them go?" asked Naruto now that they had the first mate talking.
"Only a fool would kill the cow after taking the milk. We've stopped the same merchants so many times, some of them come on board and have a drink or two while we lighten their load," said the first mate with a hearty laugh.
Naruto and Sakura exchanged a glance. This crew was more pragmatic than brutal, preferring profit over violence it seems. Jiraiya stroked his chin thoughtfully, considering their options.
"Captain, Captain!" yelled Joker as he came running back, dropping a bloody spear onto the deck. "The old priest said we need to go 5 clicks to port, and there is a barrier of some kind."
"Look," Naruto said, stepping forward, "we need to find that village. If the priests say it's hidden by chakra barriers, then we can help you get past it. There's no need to kill any more of them."
"You're soft, kid. I didn't kill the old bugger, just poked him a couple of times to jolt his memory," said Joker with a grin. The captain started shouting orders to the crew to lower the sails and head to port.
Jiraiya nodded approvingly at Naruto. "Good thinking, Naruto. Let's just hope we can get through that barrier without too much trouble."
As the ship changed course, heading towards the indicated location, the crew sprang into action with a mix of excitement and anticipation. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as the pirates began to sing a raucous sea song, their voices carrying across the deck.
? "Fifteen men on a dead man's chest, break it open and see what we get!" ?
Pirates swung from the ropes, their movements agile and acrobatic as they adjusted the sails and secured the rigging. The promise of gold and treasure had them grinning and exchanging tall tales of past plunders and the women they would meet at the next port with pockets of gold.
"Did ya hear? The priest's ransom will fetch us more gold than we've ever seen!" one pirate shouted, his eyes gleaming with greed.
"Gold enough to buy a fleet of ships!" another chimed in, laughing heartily as he tightened a rope.
"Steady now, boys! We've got a village to find and riches to claim!" the first mate bellowed, his voice carrying over the din of the crew's excitement. He knew that the crew's share would pale in comparison to his and the Captain's. Every ship they boarded, the crew acted this way—it was a game they played until it was time for the long knives to come out.
The crew moved with a sense of purpose, their eyes on the prize as they worked together to turn the ship about. The captain stood at the helm, a satisfied smirk on his face as he watched his men work.
"To port, lads! Let's find this hidden village and take what's ours!" he shouted, his voice filled with authority as he added to the rush of adrenaline.
The ship surged forward, the crew's spirits high as they sailed towards their destination, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Naruto stood at the bow, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "I hope this is worth it," he muttered to himself.
"Don't worry, we'll get in and get out, then head off to the Land of Lightning. We need to find that Turtle Island before the Akatsuki make their next move," said Jiraiya, joining him. Sakura soon followed, looping her arm through Naruto's.
"I hope you're right, Pervy Sage," Naruto said, his tone more serious. "This whole place feels off."
Sakura nodded in agreement. " We'll find that village, give back the priest, and be on our way."
Jiraiya gave them both a reassuring smile. "Exactly. Think of this as just another mission."
As they watched the coastline draw nearer, the sounds of the crew preparing the ship filled the air.
As the coast flowed by and gentle waves rocked the ship, they rounded a point and spotted something on the shore that resembled a small, poor village—not the grand settlement they had expected.
"There," Jiraiya pointed off, "do you see that sheen on the water? There's something there."
"Oh my god, will you look at that?" Sakura exclaimed, letting go of Naruto and jumping onto the railing to get a better look.
….
"Did you learn anything?" Tsunade asked, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Ino, who stood rigidly at the front of the Hokage's desk.
Ino placed her hands palm down on the desk, leaning in to meet Tsunade's gaze. She paused, then smiled thinly. "I still don't get it. How can you be sending me, of all people, on a god-knows-how-long mission? What are you thinking?"
"I am thinking that you are the best Jonin for the job. Even clan heads have to support the village. Or do you have another reason for not wanting to go? Last I checked, you don't have small children to care for, or a husband for that matter." Tsunade's words cut at Ino, even as she begrudgingly agreed with them. Her clan had stopped pushing for a husband and an heir, at least for now.
Straightening up, Ino said, "My seconds will be my ears and eyes while I am gone."
"I don't know what you're talking about, and your business is your business as we agreed," said the Hokage, her hand hovering over the Seal of Silence. If Ino talked about Root and her being the head of it, she would have to seal the room and, if necessary, wipe the memory of any staff members who might have overheard them.
"Yes, our agreement—the agreement we made. And then you sent Naruto off for months now," said Ino, turning in a circle before spotting a chair and sitting in it.
"You don't need to remind me. We have to do what we have to do; you of all people know that," said Tsunade. "Now, did you learn anything?"
"Tayuya is not one for pillow talk, but she and the princess have spent a lot of time together over the last year," Ino reluctantly admitted.
"It seems that Yuka's father was impressed with Naruto and my mission," said Ino, beginning to relay what she had learned after getting Tayuya out of the shower and dressed. The little redhead had wanted to push her down on the bed and continue. Ino had made promises to return later, a promise she wasn't going to fulfill.
"Naruto has that effect on people, so?" Tsunade prodded.
"Yuka sent word to her father about the council of clans being reformed. He took it upon himself to talk to his brother, the Daimyo. Word got back that they had more than a few heated arguments over it. I have people looking into it, but my gut tells me he made himself a danger to certain people in the village," said Ino.
Tsunade frowned, the implications darkening her expression. "So you think his death wasn't an accident?"
Ino shook her head. "No, I don't. I believe he was silenced because he was stirring up too much trouble. And if that's true, then Yuka might be in more danger than we realized."
Tsunade sighed, leaning back in her chair. "This complicates things. We need to ensure her safety while we get to the bottom of this. Keep your eyes and ears open, Ino. If there's a conspiracy, I want it exposed and dismantled."
Ino nodded. "Understood, Hokage. I'll do everything I can to protect Yuka and uncover the truth."
"Good. And Ino," Tsunade added, her tone severe, "be careful. We can't afford to lose you too."
Ino gave a small, determined smile. "Don't worry about me. I know how to handle myself."
As Ino stood up, she bounced on her toes like a schoolgirl before leaning over and pressing the Hokage's hand down onto the seal of silence, plunging the room into shadows.
"If—no, when—I find out who in the village hired an Iwagakure shinobi to kill Yuka's father, I will have their head. I am done playing games with these people." With that, Ino bounced back and, with a hand sign Tsunade hadn't seen since the last world war, vanished in a swirl of black smoke.
"It seems I made the right choice," said the Hokage as she lifted her hand off the seal, letting the light flood back into the room.
…
"Did you and Ino have a nice 'talk' this morning?" asked Karin, cradling one of her many children in her arms. She had made it a routine to check the nursery every morning and spend quality time with each of her nine children. As Tayuya glared at her, Karin opened her robe and pressed the child to her breast, settling into an overstuffed chair with a smug grin.
"Was that your doing?" demanded Tayuya, picking up a child at random from a crib. In her mind, they were all her children; it didn't matter who had carried them. As the first wife, she was the mother to all the clan's children.
Karin kept her eyes on the nursing child as if fascinated. "No, it wasn't my doing. Ino asked if she could talk to you, so I let her in this morning," Karin replied, omitting the part where Ino mentioned it was about the princess.
Tayuya took her own seat and, with a practiced movement, opened her robe to allow the child she was holding to latch on. She did this every morning with two or three children before running dry, at which point the wet nurses took over. It was her way of staying connected to all the children.
This was the first time Karin had joined her in her morning ritual, and in Tayuya's world, the unexpected was to be challenged and change was unwelcome.
As the two women sat in tense silence, Karin finally spoke up, her voice cold. "I don't mind Ino being part of our lives. She's one of us, part of the village. But Yuka is an outsider."
Tayuya's eyes narrowed. "What are you getting at?"
Karin's gaze hardened. "You know exactly what I'm getting at. Your affair with Yuka is not only reckless but also dangerous. She doesn't belong here, and you're putting everything we've built at risk."
Tayuya's grip tightened on the child she was nursing. "My relationships are none of your business, Karin. You don't get to dictate who I can and can't be with."
Karin's laugh was sharp, bitter. "Oh, but it is my business when it threatens our clan. Ino might be tolerable, but Yuka? She's a liability."
"And what about you, Karin?" Tayuya shot back. "You think you're so righteous? We all have our secrets."
"Mine don't endanger our family," Karin snapped. "Yuka is not one of us. She's a princess from the capital, with her own loyalties and agendas. You can't trust her, and you know it."
Tayuya looked away, a storm of emotions crossing her face. "You don't understand."
"I understand perfectly," Karin said, her voice softening slightly as she looked down at the child nursing at her breast. "I understand that you're looking for something, someone to fill the void left by Orochimaru and the life he stole from you. But Tayuya, bringing Yuka into our lives isn't the answer. She's not the solution to your pain."
Tayuya's eyes filled with unshed tears. "You think I don't know that? You think I don't fucking struggle with this every day? It's a thousand times worst when Naruto is gone and you fucking know it."
Karin reached out, placing a hand on Tayuya's knee. "I know but you have to stop running from it. Face it with us, with your family. We're here for you. You don't need to bring outsiders into our home to find peace. I have and will always be here for you even in that way if you need me."
For a moment, the two women sat in silence, the only sound the gentle suckling of the children at their breasts. Finally, Tayuya nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll think about it but are you willing to wear a blonde wig?"
Karin wasn't sure if that was a joke or a real request, knowing Tayuya seemed to have a weakness for blondes. Karin squeezed her knee reassuringly. "I'll think about it."
…..
"Hinata-sama, you called for me?" Neji stated as he gave a bow to Hinata, who was seated at her father's desk, reviewing the clan's books.
Closing the large book, Hinata looked up at Neji, folding her hands on the cover as she spoke, "Yes, now that almost a third of the branch family has been freed from the Caged Bird Seal, I wanted to get your input on how they are dealing with their newfound freedom."
"Dealing? One does not deal with freedom; one is just free," said Neji, crossing his arms into the sleeves of his robe, adopting the look of a contemplative monk.
"Yes, you're right. Sorry for my choice of words, but my question stands. What have you heard?" asked Hinata.
"Many of the branch family members are lost, unsure of what to do. The old ways were hard, but they had clear rules. Now, all those rules have been broken and replaced with something else," said Neji, standing tall and looking at a spot many feet above Hinata's head, as if not daring to look directly at her.
"Many do not wish to work on the weave anymore. Their whole lives have been 12-hour days with the silk, and they do not wish to do that anymore," Neji said, his tone measured.
"Then what do they wish to do? Train as shinobi and die for the village?" Hinata asked, her worry evident, her voice cutting as she imagined so many dying on missions.
"For some, yes. For others, they wish for a different life."
"What life? I don't understand," Hinata admitted, her confusion clear.
"That is the real problem. They do not understand either. This freedom you have given, given without rules, is confusing for most and scary for some," Neji explained, his expression softening as he looked at her.
Hinata thought about his words. The lack of rules had hurt the clan's bottom line. Without the silk flowing, the workers would not get paid, and the clan would lose its status. Not today, not even a year from now, but it would happen unless she did something.
"If it is rules they need, then it will be rules I will give," she said, her voice firm and focused, the voice many called the Iron Heart. But she was not cold or cruel; she cared deeply for the clan, her family. "I will pay them a fair wage for the work they do, but they must do the work. Tell them that," she added, her gaze meeting Neji's with determination.
"For those that wish to train as shinobi, tell them to meet me in the morning at the south garden, I will show them the life they wish to have." her tone made the small hairs on Neji's neck stand up at what she was planning to do.
"As you wish, Hinata-sama," said Neji, giving her a bow as he placed the teacup down.
"Neji, I need to ask you a question. Do not feel the need to respond, but it has been on my mind," said Hinata, taking a sip of tea to focus her thoughts.
"Yes, Hinata-sama," said Neji, staring at her with unblinking eyes.
"It's about Seiji," she started, only to see Neji's carefully crafted facade fall away.
"What about the traitor?" he said, showing a hint of emotion. "Do you wish to replace him with a new suitor?"
"That is for another day," she answered. "But what is it with Seiji that seems to enrage you so? Surely it's not because of me, is it? I cared little for the man."
Neji's expression hardened, and he took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. "Seiji was not just a suitor, Hinata-sama. He was... more than that to me. He was my first lover. I trusted him, believed in him. But he betrayed us—betrayed me—by going against you and attempting to assassinate you."
Hinata's eyes softened with understanding. "I didn't realize the depth of your connection to him. I'm sorry, Neji."
Neji shook his head, a bitter smile on his lips. "It wasn't just about betrayal. It was the ultimate deceit. To think that someone I loved and trusted could harbor such malice against my own flesh and blood, against you. It shattered my faith in him and in my own judgment."
"I see," Hinata said quietly. "Your anger is justified, Neji. His actions were unforgivable. But your loyalty and dedication to the clan, to me, even after such a personal betrayal, speak volumes about your character."
Neji looked down, his expression conflicted. "It has been difficult, Hinata-sama. The pain of his betrayal still burns. But my duty to you and the clan comes first. Always."
Hinata reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "We will rebuild, Neji. Together. And we will find a way to heal these wounds."
Neji nodded, his resolve hardening. "Yes, Hinata-sama. For the clan, and for you, I will always stand by your side."
"Thank you, Neji," Hinata said softly. "Your strength and support mean everything to me. We will move forward, stronger than before."
Neji gave a deep bow, his eyes full of determination. "Always, Hinata-sama."
With that, Neji stood up, his posture straight and controlled. "If there is nothing else, I will take my leave to inform the branch families of your decision regarding the new rules."
"Thank you, Neji. You may go," Hinata replied, giving him a nod of appreciation.
Neji exited the room, his steps measured and purposeful. Hinata watched him go, feeling a mix of gratitude and sorrow for the story he had just shared. She stood up, smoothing her robes and taking a deep breath. There was another matter she needed to attend to, and it required a conversation with Tayuya.
Hinata navigated the dim corridors of the Hyuga compound, her mind weighed down by the impending confrontation. She finally arrived at the secluded house in the courtyard where Tayuya was ruthlessly removing the Caged Bird seals from the branch family members.
"Tayuya," Hinata called out firmly as she stepped inside, her voice slicing through the oppressive silence, "we need to talk."
"Fine, fucking fine, let me just finish up with these three," Tayuya snapped, pointing an ink-covered brush at three branch family members sitting rigidly on straight-backed chairs against the far wall.
Working swiftly, Tayuya erased the Key Seals on their foreheads with practiced precision. Satisfied, she squatted on the floor and pressed her hand onto the master key she had laid out.
With a sudden jolt, the three branch members froze as if struck by lightning, lines of chakra burning into their flesh until a palpable pop signaled the seal's release. They collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath before stumbling out of the room.
"So, have you managed to mitigate the pain?" Hinata asked, waving off the next set of branch members about to be brought in.
"Mitigate it? Hell no," Tayuya replied nonchalantly. "I just added a paralyzing array to the seal to immobilize them until I finish," she said as if discussing the weather rather than the agonizing suppression of people.
Walking back to her work table, Tayuya began checking her supplies for the rest of the day. When she looked up, she found Hinata staring at her with those same pale eyes that had been a constant annoyance all day.
"What the fuck, you came here so what is it?" Tayuya snapped, her patience wearing thin.
"I see you've increased the number of seals you can break at once, and with less strain. But were you able to incorporate the additional layer we discussed?" Hinata whispered the last part as she moved closer to the table.
"Yeah, I did your dirty work for you," Tayuya replied, pointing at the Master Key seal as if Hinata could decipher its workings. "The key breaks the seal and then adds this little monster. It reconfigures their DNA so they can't pass the Byakugan to any non-clan kids. Oh, and as a bonus, I added a death clause so those bastards from Kumogakure can't just go plucking their eyes out."
"Can it be removed?" Hinata asked, her tone serious.
"Sure, if you get Master Jiraiya, that old fucking pervert, or someone of his caliber. But even if you remove it, the DNA remains altered, so it doesn't really matter. The Byakugan won't function in a non-Hyuga host. I made sure of that," Tayuya replied bluntly.
"Good, then the clan is safe," Hinata said, stepping back.
"Safe? Yeah, safe as can be. But you know, when they find out, not if, you'll be more hated than your elders ever were. Count on that," Tayuya growled in a low voice.
"It's the price I'm willing to pay to protect my family," Hinata shot back.
"Those are the words everyone says right before they're dragged into T&I," Tayuya retorted, indifferent to the consequences as she focused solely on her clan. With Karin on her side, the most conniving and devious woman around, she felt reassured that her family would be safe.
Behind her impassive facade lay a shrewd calculation—an understanding that power in Konoha was not solely wielded through ninjutsu and alliances but also public perception and moral authority. Removing the seals was a gambit, a move to position herself and her family as proponents of reform and progress within the village. By the end of the day, every Hyuga knew her name; the pain they felt and the liberation they experienced had etched her face into their minds, not Hinata's.
Tayuya's actions were not devoid of self-interest. Karin had told her of the plan, a more stable and prosperous Hyuga clan meant potential economic and political benefits for the Uzumaki. Trade agreements, access to resources, and alliances could all be leveraged to enrich and empower their clan. In the ruthless game of village politics, every act of benevolence could be strategically manipulated for future gain.
"When are you going to pay up?" Tayuya's voice sliced through the quiet as Hinata began to leave the room.
"I've told you before, when Naruto returns, I'll honor my end of the bargain if he asks for it," Hinata replied evenly, her silk robes flowing around her like a misty gray veil that made her appear almost ethereal as she glided away, as if floating within a silk cloud.
Tayuya fixed her gaze on Hinata's departing form, her expression unreadable. She watched the sway of Hinata's hips, a silent reminder of the agreement that bound them, knowing that eventually, they would both meet in Naruto's bed and then she would get what was owed to her.
…
As they watched the coastline draw nearer, the sounds of the crew preparing the ship filled the air. The coast flowed by, and gentle waves rocked the ship. They rounded a point and spotted something on the shore that resembled a small, poor village—not the grand settlement they had expected.
"There," Jiraiya pointed off, "do you see that sheen on the water? There's something there."
"Oh my god, will you look at that?" Sakura exclaimed, letting go of Naruto and jumping onto the railing to get a better look.
Just beyond the shimmering water, something massive began to surface. The sheen on the water was no mere reflection but the slick, glistening skin of a colossal sea monster. Emerging slowly, the creature revealed itself to be an enormous octopus, its size rivaling that of their ship. Tentacles, thick as tree trunks and covered in suction cups as large as shields, rose menacingly from the water, curling and uncurling with a terrifying grace.
The sea monster's body was a dark, mottled green, blending seamlessly with the murky depths from which it emerged. Its eyes, massive and unblinking, gleamed with an unsettling intelligence. As more of its body surfaced, they could see scars and marks across its leathery skin, evidence of battles fought and survived in the unforgiving ocean.
A low, rumbling sound resonated from the creature, a warning that vibrated through the ship and into their very bones. The tentacles began to spread out, forming a living barrier between the ship and the village on the shore.
"It's the barrier we were warned about," Jiraiya said, his voice tense. "This is no ordinary sea monster."
The crew froze, their preparations forgotten as they stared in awe and fear at the monstrous octopus. The ship rocked gently in the waves that lapped against the hull as the crew pulled in the sails to stop the ship from moving closer.
"How do we get past it?" Naruto asked, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves and the creature's low rumble.
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes, studying the beast. "Do you feel that?" he said looking over at his student.
The ship drew closer, and the full scale of the sea monster became apparent. Its head alone was the size of a small hill, and its eyes, dark and fathomless, watched their every move. The tentacles continued to rise and fall, creating a living maze of writhing limbs that blocked their path to the shore.
As the captain shouted orders to begin to formulate a plan, the sea monster let out another low, rumbling sound, a challenge, and a warning. The stakes had never been higher, and the path to the Moon Village was guarded by a creature as formidable as the ocean itself.
Naruto unconsciously ran his hand up Sakura's leg as she stood on the rail next to him, eyes fixed on the creature. "I feel chakra, a lot of it, and look—the waves aren't changing when it moves," he said, his voice tinged with curiosity and determination.
"Yes, it could be an illusion of some kind. It's hard to tell from here," Jiraiya replied, his keen eyes studying the movements of the creature. Despite its formidable appearance, there were no signs that it was disturbing the ocean as much as it should.
"Well, there's only one way to find out," Naruto declared. With a burst of energy, he leaped onto the water, chakra flowing to his feet, and sprinted towards the creature at full speed, kicking up a tail of water as he went.
The colossal octopus remained motionless, its unblinking eyes tracking Naruto's rapid approach. As Naruto drew closer, he gathered chakra into his fist, preparing for a potential confrontation. The water beneath him remained unnaturally calm, a stark contrast to the expected turbulence from such a massive being.
Naruto closed the distance in a matter of seconds, launching himself into the air and aiming a powerful punch at one of the tentacles. His fist connected, and instead of passing through, he felt solid resistance. The tentacle reacted, swinging back with incredible speed and force.
Naruto barely had time to raise his arms in defense as the tentacle slammed into him, sending him hurtling backward across the water. He skidded to a stop, digging his feet into the surface to regain his balance.
"It's not just an illusion!" Naruto shouted back to the ship, wiping blood from his lip. "It's a chakra monster!"
Jiraiya nodded, his suspicion confirmed. "Everyone, stay alert. This thing is real and dangerous."
As Naruto prepared for another attack, the colossal octopus writhed, its tentacles thrashing through the water with terrifying power. The true nature of the barrier was now clear—it was a guardian, a chakra-formed entity designed to protect the village from intruders.
"We need to find a way to dispel it," Jiraiya commanded, his voice carrying over the water to Naruto. "Stay close and be prepared for anything."
Naruto grinned, his excitement palpable. "Looks like we've got a real fight on our hands!" Without hesitation, he charged at the creature again, summoning shadow clones to assist him. The clones spread out, each launching a barrage of Rasengan and other jutsu at the massive octopus.
The crew watched in awe as Naruto and his clones engaged the beast, the water erupting in bursts of energy with each attack. The octopus retaliated, its tentacles whipping through the air with devastating force. But Naruto was in his element, dodging and countering with practiced ease, his laughter echoing over the waves.
"He's actually enjoying this," Sakura remarked, a mix of admiration and exasperation in her voice even as she held herself back from joining him.
"That's Naruto for you," Jiraiya replied, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "He thrives in situations like these."
The ship's captain and crew could only watch in stunned silence as Naruto continued to battle the sea monster. His continued assault was a blur of movement and power Each strike and counterstrike created ripples of energy that illuminated the water, turning the sea into a dazzling display of chakra-fueled combat.
As the fight raged on, the ship dropped anchor. The crew, now more confident with Naruto's prowess on display, stopped to watch the fight unfold. The sight of Naruto holding his own against the colossal creature caused some to shout out bets, and then more until the whole crew had taken one side or the other.
Naruto's voice rang out over the water. "This thing's tough, but it's nothing I can't handle!" His clones echoed his words, their collective will and energy driving them forward.
As the boat bobbed in the water, Sakura squinted her eyes. "I don't see it getting any weaker. I even think it's getting stronger," she said to Jiraiya as they both looked on.
Jiraiya nodded thoughtfully. "Knowing Naruto, this could go on all day. We need to talk to those priests in the hold. Don't you agree, Captain?" he said, turning to the ship captain who had joined them at the bow.
The captain, a giant of a man with years of seafaring etched into his face, nodded. "Aye, I'd say you're right. The priests might know more about this creature and how to deal with it. If it's tied to the village, they'd have the answers."
Jiraiya clapped a hand on the captain's shoulder. "Good man. Let's head to the hold." The animosity seemed to have faded between them now that they were so close to getting the ransom for the priests.
The captain barked orders to the crew, and soon Jiraiya, Sakura, and the captain made their way below deck. The hold was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of salt and wood. In the hold, three sturdy iron cages held the priests, the area around them still clean as they floated off the floor.
"We need to talk," Jiraiya said, approaching the cage.
The central priest, who appeared to be the oldest, opened his eyes to look at Jiraiya. Despite his age, his eyes were still sharp, and boldly stared at the shinobi.
"You want to live?" Jiraiya started bluntly. "Then tell us about that monster out there."
"The creature you see is the Guardian of our village. It protects us from intruders and keeps us safe from shinobi like you. I will never help," the old priest declared in a calm voice.
Sakura leaned in. "How do we get past it? We need to reach the village so we can set you free. Don't you want to be free?"
The priest shook his head. "I can feel the fool fighting. The Guardian cannot be defeated by brute strength alone. It's bound by ancient chakra seals. Only by appeasing the spirits can you hope to pass."
Jiraiya frowned. "Appeasing the spirits? How?"
"Free me, and I will perform the ritual," the priest explained. "It requires specific offerings and a chant to soothe the Guardian. Without it, you'll never make it to the village."
"Do you think me a fool?" yelled the captain, striking the side of the cage with one of his swords, sending sparks flying. "They told me what you can do, old man. I am not letting you out of that cage until I get my gold."
In response, the priest simply closed his eyes and seemed to float a little higher in his cage, displaying his indifference to the outside world.
"Please, tell us what to do. If not, Naruto might do something really stupid that could not only destroy the guardian but also the village," Sakura pleaded, keeping a safe distance from the cage, aware that it might shock her if she touched it.
"That boy doesn't have the power to defeat the guardian," the priest stated, keeping his eyes closed.
"That boy is the container of the Nine-Tailed Fox. The longer he fights, the more likely he is to tap into its power, putting the entire village at risk," Jiraiya added with a little grin.
"How dare you bring a Jinchūriki to my village. I have heard of how careless shinobi can be, but this is beyond anything I have imagined," said the priest, now glaring at Jiraiya as if he could melt him into the deck.
"Then tell us how to defeat it before this gets out of hand," said Jiraiya meeting the priest's challenging eyes.
"When the sun sets and the moon touches the edge of the sea, the guardian will sleep until the moon falls out of the sky. Once you have docked at the village, you will be safe," said the priest.
Jiraiya nodded at the priest in understanding before turning back to the others. "Let's get on deck and call Naruto back before he goes too far."
As the moon touched the horizon the ship approached the tropical port of the Moon Village, the creature was nowhere to be seen and as if a haze had been lifted the crew could see the vibrant tableau of maritime activity set against a backdrop of lush, verdant hills. The natural crescent-shaped harbor cradled the village, its waters gently lapping at the wooden piers.
Even at this late hour, the docks were a hive of activity, with a myriad of fishing longboats bobbing in the water. Crafted from sturdy tropical timber, these boats were adorned with colorful sails that fluttered in the warm, salty breeze. Each longboat was unique, painted with intricate designs and symbols reflecting the lineage and superstitions of their owners. Each one of them had the octopus eye or sucker design on their sides.
Along the bustling waterfront, weathered wooden warehouses and merchant stalls lined the shore. Their roofs, thatched with palm leaves, provided much-needed shade from the relentless tropical sun. The air was thick with the smell of salt, fish, and the fragrant spices brought in from distant lands.
Fishermen, clad in loose-fitting cotton shirts and wide-brimmed straw hats, unloaded their hauls with practiced ease. Their skin was bronzed by the sun, and their hands were calloused from years of handling nets and oars. The catch of the day was displayed in woven baskets: glistening fish, squirming crabs, and a variety of exotic sea creatures, soon to be traded in a cacophony of voices.
Further up from the docks, the village itself was a charming collection of wooden huts and stone buildings. Narrow, winding streets were lined with flowering plants and trees, their blossoms adding splashes of vibrant color to the scene. Children ran barefoot, laughing and playing games, while vendors shouted out the prices of their goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
A large marketplace occupied the center of the village, a bustling hub where villagers and sailors mingled. Stalls overflowed with tropical fruits – bananas, coconuts, and mangoes – alongside spices, textiles, and other goods essential to daily life. The sound of haggling filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic strumming of a musician playing a local tune on a stringed instrument.
Overseeing the harbor was a tall, stately watchtower made of whitewashed stone, its beacon guiding ships safely into port. Nearby, a grand inn, built in the Moon village style with wide verandas and wooden shutters, offered hope of a freshwater bath and a clean bed. The inn's balcony provided a panoramic view of the harbor, the perfect spot to watch the moon set over the sparkling ocean, casting a glow over the scene.
With the moon moving ever lower, lanterns were lit, casting a warm, inviting light across the water. The taverns and inns came alive with music and laughter, the sound of clinking glasses, and shared stories filling the night air. Fishermen and traders alike gathered to relax and celebrate another day's hard work.
"I don't think we are going to make it to the dock before the moon sets," said Sakura, looking back at the moon, now mostly gone and fading fast.
"The wind is failing us! Get ready to jump ship!" yelled the first mate, certain the creature would return in the blink of an eye once the moon was gone.
Unnoticed by everyone, Naruto ran to the back of the ship. Looking up at the failing sails, he yelled out for all to hear on the ship and at shore.
"Great Wind, Almighty Gust!" he cried out, forming the hand signs as he yelled. With a great roar, the wind picked up and filled the sails, causing the ship to leap forward faster and faster, overshooting the dock. Fishermen and dock hands ran for their lives as the ship barreled past the docks and slammed into the beach, riding up onto the sand until nearly half the ship was out of the water.
As the ship groaned and the crew screamed profanities at Naruto, they all stopped and looked as, with a splash and bone-chilling cry, the creature rose out of the water to stand guard at the harbor entrance.
"I guess that is one way to do it." laughed Jiraiya pulling out his little book and taking some notes.
As the ship settled into the sand, groaning under its weight, the village headman came running out, flanked by a dozen or more men armed with spears and an assortment of weapons. The headman, a stout man with a broad, weathered face, wore a richly embroidered robe that marked his status. His clothing, made of fine silk, bore intricate patterns of waves and fish, symbolizing the village's connection to the sea. The men accompanying him wore simpler garb—loose, knee-length trousers and tunics made of sturdy, woven fabric, dyed in shades of blue and green. Each man bore the look of a seasoned fisherman or trader, their hands calloused and their eyes sharp.
The headman's eyes blazed with fury as he marched up to the ship, his men spreading out behind him in a defensive formation. The ship's captain, a towering figure in a long, weather-beaten coat and a wide-brimmed hat leaped down from the ship's deck to meet him. His boots sank into the sand as he faced the approaching villagers, his own crew forming a loose line behind him, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords and daggers.
"What is the meaning of this?" the headman bellowed, his voice carrying over the sound of the waves and the distant laughter from the taverns. "You've run aground in our village, damaged our docks, and scared our people half to death!"
The captain, his face set in a scowl, stepped forward. "We had no choice! The wind failed us, and your blasted guardian was about to tear us apart!"
"You expect me to believe that?" the headman shot back, pointing an accusatory finger at the captain. "That creature only attacks those who threaten our village. What business do you have here?"
The captain's eyes narrowed. "Business! Our business is gold, we've got your priests that were captured on Hagi Island so do you want them back? I can have them thrown into the sea if you don't."
Jiraiya, stepping forward with Sakura beside him, raised a hand. "We're here to negotiate. The priests are safe, but if you don't want this to turn ugly, we need to talk terms."
The headman's expression darkened. "Hostages? You dare bring hostages into my village and then run aground, causing so much damage? Are you mad or just fools?"
The captain glanced back at his crew, then at Naruto, still standing on the ship, grinning sheepishly. "We're not here to make friends. We're here to get what we need and leave. So let's cut to the chase."
The headman considered this, then nodded slowly. "Very well. But you'll follow our rules while you're here. Any further trouble and you'll answer to me." He turned to his men and gestured. "Secure the ship and make sure these outsiders stay put. We'll take the captain to the village meeting hall."
As the headman's men moved to secure the ship, Jiraiya leaned into the captain. "We need to talk to those priests and make sure the ritual is done correctly. This village is more dangerous than it appears and we may not be able to get out of here."
The captain nodded. "Aye, we'll handle it. Just make sure your boy there doesn't get us into any more trouble."
Naruto, overhearing, laughed and gave a thumbs-up. "Don't worry, I got this!" with a few more hand signs the wind started to pick up to push the ship back into the sea only to be stopped when Sakura ran up the side of the ship to tackle Naruto to the deck.
Sakura sighed looking down at a still grinning Naruto. "We should wait until daylight and the captain is ready to move the ship we don't know what that creature will do if we move. Now come on let's get going."
"Whatever you say Sakura-chan," said Naruto giving her a quick kiss before getting up.
With the village headman leading the way, the group moved toward the village, the lanterns flickering in the night, casting long shadows on the sand. The sound of the sea monster's cries echoed in the distance, a reminder of the power that surrounded the village. The crew, wary but confident, stayed on the top deck weapons in hand, their eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of trouble. The priests, still locked in the hold, would soon play a crucial role in the unfolding drama.
"Hey, Sakura, let's go check out the village and let the old men deal with the priest," Naruto said, pulling Sakura off to the side and letting the parade of elders head to the village center.
"Okay, sure, let's head over there," Sakura replied, spotting a nice tea house off the main road. It felt strange being in a village without walls, where every building was built around the landscape. It was clear they didn't cut down trees or move hills to fit the village's needs but used the land as they found it.
"Oh, come on, Sakura-chan, not tea! They've got to have ramen around here somewhere," Naruto said, grabbing Sakura's hand and pulling her along a different street. He really hated tea and those little cakes—you had to eat a dozen of them before you could feel remotely full.
Sakura rolled her eyes but let herself be dragged along. "Alright, alright, we'll find some ramen. But if we don't find any soon, you're buying me tea and cakes."
Naruto grinned, his eyes scanning the tropical village. "Deal! But I bet you I'll find ramen first."
They wandered through the village, passing by shops and homes nestled snugly among trees and hills. The village had a peaceful, almost too charming, with lanterns hanging from branches and winding paths leading in all directions. The look and feel of it was a vacation resort that never closed but also had no customers.
After a few minutes of searching, Naruto's nose twitched. "I smell ramen!" he declared triumphantly, dragging Sakura toward a small, cozy stand tucked between two larger buildings.
The stand's owner, an elderly woman with a kind smile, greeted them warmly. "Welcome! You two look like you've had quite the journey. Care for some ramen?" Her keen eyes measuring them as if to judge their worth as they sat down.
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Yes, please! Ten bowls of your best ramen for me and one for my friend here."
Sakura shook her head, laughing. "Friend! You're hopeless, Naruto."
As they sat down and waited for their food, Naruto leaned back and sighed contentedly. "This is more like it. Nothing beats a good bowl of ramen after a long day. Did you see me fight that creature? It was great! I used almost every jutsu I had, and it kept coming. If I had more time, I would have used Sage Mode or maybe even the fox…" Naruto went on and on about the one-sided fight, though from what Sakura had seen, the creature didn't really fight back.
"Oh, don't you worry about old Hachi-Kun. Just paint an eye on the side of your boat, and he will think you're one of his children. Now, eat up; I've got two pots boiling," said the old cook as she handed Naruto another bowl. "There are much worse things you need to worry about," said the old woman under her breath as she walked away.
Their ramen arrived, steaming and delicious, and they dug in, the troubles of the day momentarily forgotten. As they ate, the sounds of the village around them—laughter, music, and the distant cries of the sea monster—created a strange but comforting backdrop. Soon, Naruto had a small pile of bowls at his side and kept waving to the cook to bring more.
"Just promise me we'll get back to the others before Jiraiya-sensei starts to worry," Sakura said between bites.
"Promise," Naruto replied with his mouth full, giving her a thumbs-up. "But first, more ramen!"
Meanwhile, deep in the heart of the island, the atmosphere was starkly different. At the base of the smoking volcano stood the large, foreboding Temple of the Moon, shrouded in shadow. Inside, a blind creature lifted its head, sniffing the air with a sense of disturbance. Its single empty eye socket gleamed ominously, reflecting the dim light of the temple as monks chanted in the background.
The walls of the temple were entwined with ancient, twisted vines, and the air was thick with a cloud of incense from the many burning pots. A low, almost imperceptible hum resonated from the stone structure, vibrating through the ground. The creature's leathery skin bristled as it detected the scent of unfamiliar presences, its nostrils flaring with each breath as the chanting of the monks increased.
Back in the village, the distant laughter and music seemed to reach the beast, prompting it to emit a deep, guttural growl. The sound echoed through the temple's corridors, a chilling reminder of the dormant power lurking within. The ground trembled subtly as the creature stirred, a silent warning of the ancient menace awakened by the arrival of the strangers.