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.
Child's Play
"Come on, let's get this over with," grumbled Tayuya, leaving her food half-eaten as she stood up from the table. She reached for her bag of tools, checked if there was enough ink for the day's work, and lastly picked up the Master Key scroll before heading out.
"I think I will join you. I need to stretch my legs this morning," said Temari, placing her battle fan on her back as she walked over to Tayuya, who looked like she was going to start a fight over it but gave up in a matter of seconds.
"Not that I care," Tayuya muttered as she walked out. Karin had headed out at sunrise when one of the Yamanaka guards came to the door. Tayuya didn't know and really didn't care what that was all about as she had her own worries to deal with. Part of her was afraid she would find Hinata sitting in that chair waiting, and another part was worried she would be dead and an enraged Neji would be hunting for her.
As they walked through the compound, the air was filled with the usual morning bustle. Villagers greeted each other, and the scent of breakfast foods wafted through the air. Tayuya barely noticed. Her mind was on the task ahead.
Temari glanced at her, noting the tension in her posture. "You okay, Tayuya?"
Tayuya shot her a sharp look but then sighed. "Just a lot on my mind. It was too quiet last night, something happened, I can feel it. "
They reached the central courtyard where they had removed Hanabi seal, the crowd of branch family was smaller this time numbering only in the dozens. Tayuya paused at the entrance, taking a deep breath before pushing herself to enter. Inside, the atmosphere was heavy and felt more like a funeral than an unsealing. The main house members were already gathered, their expressions a mix of resignation and defiance.
Hinata was indeed there, sitting calmly in the chair that had been placed in the center, the sun just now falling on her as the day grew older. Her eyes met Tayuya's, and for a moment, there was a silent understanding between them, something had happened. Tayuya's heart pounded, but she forced herself to remain composed.
"Are you ready?" she asked the Iron Fist as they locked eyes only getting a nod in return.
Looking around, Tayuya spotted Neji. His focus was on her and only her, and for someone who was using the Byakugan, she was sure he now knew the sex of her unborn child.
"Okay, what the fuck happened? Everyone is acting stranger than normal," said Tayuya as she put down her brush, the ink dripping onto the ground.
"Great Aunt Koko was killed last night," said Hinata in a low voice. "She was 84 and loved by all."
"If she was killed, then I wouldn't say by all," said Tayuya without thinking, her cold nature when it came to life and death showing through.
Hinata's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't respond to Tayuya's remark. The courtyard remained tense, the atmosphere thick with unspoken emotions as the branch family members moved about. The group of Main House members stayed on their side of the courtyard most of them looking at the ground.
Hinata's move was quick, quicker than the normal eye could see as she slapped Tayuya across the face forcing her back a step, "You need to learn to control that mouth of yours." said Hinata as the anger within her boiled to the surface.
Here is the text with grammar corrections and slight adjustments for clarity:
It was Neji who stopped her from striking again as he appeared by her side, holding her arm in a not-so-gentle grip. "Hinata, stop this. Koko was loved in her old age, but it is well known that she enjoyed using the Caged Bird Seal on the branch members in her youth," said Neji, moving between the two women just in case Tayuya wanted to retaliate.
Temari glanced between the two women, sensing the growing tension. "What happened to her?" she asked, trying to steer the conversation to more neutral ground.
"She was found this morning with a pair of scissors used in weaving in her heart," said Hinata over Neji's shoulder, as he still blocked her from attacking again.
"Someone has a long memory then," said Temari, moving to stand by Neji as Hinata remained seated. "But in truth, it wasn't totally unexpected, now was it?" Her words cut deep, and Hinata nodded in agreement. Yes, she had expected something to happen, but not to Koko—she thought she herself would be the target. Attacking the weakest of the main house was not in her calculations.
"We are shinobi, members of the great clans. Whether it is in the Land of Wind or the Land of Fire, it is all the same. Death comes to us all when we least expect it. I lost most of my family to my own brother's internal rage, and yet I love him still. We… You must learn to move on," said Temari in hushed tones as she knelt down next to Hinata, placing a hand on her arm.
Hinata took a deep breath, her eyes hardening. "Let's get this over with. The longer we wait, the more the branch members worry."
Tayuya nodded, her face serious. She motioned for the others to move out of the way as she picked up her brush and added fresh ink. "This is going to hurt. A lot."
Hinata nodded, steeling herself. "I'm ready."
Tayuya began the process, her hands moving swiftly as she started the unsealing ritual. The pain was immediate and intense. Hinata bit her lip to keep from crying out, but as the minutes dragged on, tears streamed down her face. The lines of the Caged Bird Seal glowed and flickered as Tayuya worked to remove them, the ink burned as smoke and chakra flared in a macabre display.
Temari and Neji watched, their faces set in grim masks hiding their inner feelings. Tayuya stepped back taking a deep breath, this had been harder than all the others, was it because Hinata was the clan head or was she fighting the removal?
"Done, how do you feel?" asked Tayuya.
"The cursed seal has been removed. Now let us do the same for the others so that our clan may be as one. Once this day is over, there will be no more branch, no more main house, but one unified clan," said Hinata in a strong voice that reached everyone in the courtyard. It was clear she wanted all to hear and know her feelings. The death of Koko would be dealt with, but not now, not today.
One by one, the members of the main branch took their turns. Some cried out in pain, others screamed, and a few, like Hinata, bore the pain in silence. The courtyard was filled with the sounds of suffering, a stark reminder of the cruelty of the Caged Bird Seal.
As the last member was unsealed, Tayuya wiped the sweat from her brow, her hands trembling slightly, this had been harder than all the others over the past weeks. "It's done." she declared as much to herself as to those watching. She was done, and as an impulsive gesture, she picked up the ink well and poured it over the Key Scroll making it unusable.
Hinata moved to her side, her body shaking from the after-effects but her eyes focused on the scroll, "Bring the Master Scroll, Let's us be done with this now and forever"
Tayuya nodded, too exhausted to speak. She looked around at the faces of the now-unsealed Hyuga members, seeing a mix of relief, pain, and newfound hope. Word was spread and more and more of the old branch members came running to see this event.
It was Neji who held the scroll up high for all to see, some cursed at it, and some even spit on the ground in anger but all were in agreement that it was the end of the Cage Bird seal as he dropped to the ground next to the ruined Key Seal scroll.
"Others have tried to burn it in the past and failed, do you know how to destroy it," said Hinata not letting the others hear as she moved to Tayuya's side.
The small redhead shrugged her shoulders and unrolled the scroll with her foot, "Fuck if I know but let's find out."
With a grin, she pulled out another bottle of ink and, with a flourish for all to see, used the largest brush she had to draw a new seal over the old Caged Bird seal in big, bold strokes.
"Are you mad? That isn't going to work," said Temari, looking down at the seal. Even with her limited knowledge, she knew what an explosive tag seal looked like.
"I would tell everyone to stand back," said Tayuya, a giant smile on her face as she added a small timer to the seal.
"RUN!" yelled Neji as he grabbed Hinata and forcefully dragged her to the edge of the courtyard. Seeing his reaction, all of the clan ran back, some into the surrounding houses, others hiding behind benches or trees but still wanting to see the seal destroyed.
"Goddamn, you are crazy," said Temari, wrapping her arms around Tayuya and using her battle fan to fly them out of the courtyard, placing a building between them and the large bomb Tayuya had made.
"Oh, come on, it shouldn't be that—" Tayuya started to say as the sound of a large explosion shook the ground and a tower of smoke shot up into the sky.
"Go get Karin, I may have just killed them all," said Tayuya, pushing Temari back and running between the buildings to get to the courtyard.
The large tree in the center, which they had been using for shade during the unsealing, was gone. In its place was a smoking hole, with leaves and pieces of wood covering the ground. The many members of the clan were picking themselves up and shaking the dirt out of their robes, but all seemed to be unhurt. One of the younger branch members ran over to look into the hole and cried out, "It's gone! It's really gone! We are truly free!"
His exclamation caused a shout to go up from the entire clan. Their eyes filled with tears of joy as some started to dance about, and others formed into group hugs, running from one person to another, hugging everyone they could.
Walking over to the smoking ruin, Tayuya looked down to see the large scroll still there but with the center burned out. The old masters were good, but even they hadn't expected someone to draw an explosive tag seal on their masterwork.
"You did it, it seems," said Hinata, joining her to look down at the burned-out scroll.
They felt the wind blow as Temari landed next to them, with a confused and pissed-off Karin at her side.
"Is anyone hurt?" yelled out Karin, looking around for the wounded. She had heard the explosion, as did most of the village, and she expected the Hokage to be storming in at any moment.
"The blast was absorbed by the tree. Only a few bruises, nothing more," said Neji. To the surprise of everyone who knew him, he smiled.
"Thank you, you did it, but I still hold you responsible for the death of Koko," said Hinata before walking away. There was much work to be done: a clan to run, silk to be weaved, and a workforce that needed to be motivated without the use of fear.
"Death? Who is Koko, and what have you done now?" said Karin, pulling Tayuya around to face her. Karin's mind raced, uncertainty lingering like a shadow. 'What does this mean for us?' Karin had plans on plans in the works, and Tayuya needed to talk to her before she did something Karin couldn't fix.
"I'll tell you later. Let's get out of here and go home before the Hokage shows up and we have to deal with her bullshit," said Tayuya as she walked off.
….
The night was broken by a gentle touch, almost like a butterfly, on her cheek. Ino jumped, a blade in her hand as she leaped out of bed, scanning the room for her attacker, only to find Shinrei no Kyouki on the floor with her head touching the rug and her hands outstretched.
"Forgive me, Master, for waking you. I have news to tell before you kill me," said the soft voice of the ghost of dreams.
"I will not kill you for doing your job. Now stand and tell me what you have learned," said Ino, glancing at the curtains to see dawn breaking. The sky was turning red and orange, but no sunlight had yet to break free.
"The dreams, Master, oh, the dreams were exhilarating. Thank you for allowing me to touch them," said the girl as she stood. "I learned much. Many of the maids are secret lovers, but some, oh, some are delightful little spies. Will you allow me to take them, Master? I will take them slowly into the inner realms until they tell me everything."
It was clear to Ino that the girl's madness was in control of her, breaking through that Root training. This was one of the fears she had when selecting her, but she was the best dream walker Root had.
The slap was loud and took the girl back down to the floor as Ino drew her arm back from the swing. She hoped the shock would return the girl to her senses or at least bring her back under control of her training.
"I need information on the gate, not petty sluts sleeping with nobles. And the spies will need to be watched. Now, did you learn of the bribes and who paid for the gate to be unlocked?"
As the ghost looked up, her eyes filled with worship. Ino watched as she reached out to touch her foot with a shaking hand. "Thank you, Master," she said without breaking eye contact as she touched Ino's foot.
The touch was light, almost loving, but it was the images that flooded her mind that Ino focused on as the ghost showed her what she had learned. A robed man, a large purse of gold, and the smell of smoke. A maid's hand full of coins and a key being used.
"Do you have a name?" Ino asked as the ghost pulled her hand back.
"His name is Tsukasa, a merchant from the eastern islands," the ghost replied, her voice trembling with excitement. "He paid the maid, Yuki, to unlock the gate. The gold was his payment, and the smoke... it was from his pipe. He always carries it."
Ino nodded, processing the information. "Good work. Keep an eye on Yuki and report any further interactions she has with Tsukasa. And remember, control your madness. We need you focused."
The ghost bowed her head, touching the floor, her reverence evident. "Yes, Master. I will not fail you." Pulling her mask down, she darted forward to lay a kiss on Ino's barefoot, then licked it like a puppy seeking a treat.
"Good job, my pet. Now go," said Ino, giving the girl what she wanted. Praise and a feeling of being owned were the keys to her psychosis.
As the ghost left, Ino sat back, considering her next move. The game was becoming more complex, and she needed to stay ahead of it. The information about Tsukasa and Yuki was crucial. She had to decide how to leverage it effectively.
She walked over to the desk, pulling out a map of the compound. Marking the locations of the gates and the known entry points, she considered where Tsukasa might try to strike next. Yuki would be closely monitored, and Ino needed to ensure that the rest of the staff remained unaware of the scrutiny.
Ino paused, looking out the window as the first light of dawn began to break. The sky was turning a vibrant red and orange, a stark contrast to the shadows she operated within. She couldn't afford any missteps. The safety of the compound and the success of her mission depended on her ability to outmaneuver her enemies.
Still in her nightgown that ended mid-thigh, with its open back and plunging neckline, she walked out onto the balcony and tied a scarf to the railing. Its bright orange color moved in the morning wind as she turned back to the room.
It would take some time for her message to be seen as she walked through the room in long strides picking up a robe as she went and silently opened the door to the adjoining bedroom. She had spent the night in Tomiko's room and she assumed they had stayed in Tuka's room. Looking around the curtains were all still closed and in the dim light coming in from the now open door she could see the two sisters in the large bed.
Tomiko sprawled luxuriously in the center of the bed, having pushed Yuka to the edge. Ino stood by, eyeing the scene with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Both women were dressed in barely-there nightwear, their outfits revealing more skin than fabric, a testament to the stifling heat that had prompted them to kick off the sheets.
"I have news. Wake up," Ino announced, her voice laced with mock severity as she gently prodded Yuka, who startled awake, blinking sleep from her eyes.
"What time is it?" Yuka murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep as she rubbed her eyes. She never got a good night's sleep with Tomiko's constant kicking.
"It's time to rise and shine," Ino insisted, reaching over to lightly shake Tomiko's foot. "Come on, you two. Time to get moving." With a playful wink, she sauntered out to the adjoining room, leaving them to untangle themselves from their night's slumber.
Walking into the sitting room, Ino marveled at the size of the sisters' rooms. They had two bedrooms, two private baths, and a large sitting room, all with large glass doors leading to open-air balconies. To Ino's trained eyes, it seemed designed for them to be assassinated or worse. Even being on the fourth floor offered little to no protection.
"The sun's isn't even up. Why did you wake me?" said Tomiko as she walked into the room, still in her short, almost transparent nightie that left little to the imagination. When she yawned and threw her arms over her head, it gave Ino a clear view of her matching thong as she walked by. Yuka followed next, at least in a robe, but with tangled hair and still rubbing her eyes, she didn't look any more awake.
Once the two princesses had found a seat after Yuka told someone outside the door to bring tea and breakfast Ino crossed her legs and with her hands on her knees said, "My people found out that it was the maid Yuki who unlocked the gate and she was paid by a merchant called Tsukasa from one of the eastern islands."
"Yuki?" said Tomiko, her surprise evident. "But she always brings me extra cakes and plays with my hair."
"Tsukasa is new to the court. From what I remember, he arrived about a month before father's death," said Yuka, ignoring her sister's remark.
"Only a month to find a willing accomplice. That means there is a lot of resentment among the staff, or he has some other ways to find or persuade Yuki," said Ino.
Certainly! Here's the filled-in outline:
They were interrupted by a knock on the door as a maid announced that breakfast was ready.
Ino walked out onto the balcony, seeking a moment of privacy from the staff, only to find her scarf missing. As she scanned the shadows, two Root members emerged and knelt before her.
"I have a mission for you," Ino began, her voice firm. "Find the maid Yuki and the merchant Tsukasa. Follow their every move and report back anything suspicious. Treat this merchant like a jonin-level threat; we don't know what he truly is."
The Root members nodded silently, disappearing into the air with a puff of smoke. Ino turned back to the room.
Inside, the sisters were engrossed in their breakfast, discussing the maid. Tomiko defended Yuki passionately, while Yuka attempted to reason with her sister.
"But why would Yuki do something like this?" Tomiko protested, her voice rising. "She's always been loyal to us. Maybe there's a mistake."
Ino sighed, taking a seat at the table. "Tomiko, we can't ignore the evidence. The gate was unlocked, and Yuki was involved."
Yuka nodded in agreement, though her expression was troubled. "We need to consider all possibilities, even if they're unpleasant."
Tomiko crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "I refuse to believe she's capable of betrayal. There must be another explanation."
"I will look into it more then but until I do, don't say anything to her, do you understand Tomiko?" said Ino waiting until she got a stiff nod from the sexy blonde that still hadn't gotten dressed.
"What is the plan then, if you're so sure they're the ones who did it, then we should go to my uncle and have them arrested," said Yuka, her voice edged with frustration and concern.
"The maid will likely claim she did it for money. If Tsukasa is a trained spy or worse, he won't talk. He may even have connections to his government that could shield him from the Daimyo's justice. The problem is, we just don't know," explained Ino, her tone serious as she laid out her strategic thinking. "I'll continue to gather intelligence from the court ladies to see if there are any others involved. Meanwhile, I think you and Tomiko need to investigate Tsukasa's ties with the Daimyo or his advisors."
"I don't want to do boring stuff with Yuka," said Tomiko petulantly, her frustration evident as she crossed her arms like a stubborn child.
"I think it's best that you two don't separate, not now that we've learned about Tsukasa," said Ino firmly, her gaze shifting between her sisters.
"Ino is right. I don't want you talking to any of the maids until we have this settled," added Yuka, her concern for her sisters' safety palpable.
After their discussion, the sisters rose from the table, each heading to their chambers to dress for the day ahead. Ino selected a flowing kimono of deep indigo silk, adorned with subtle patterns of cherry blossoms and delicate embroidery along the sleeves. She fastened it with an intricate obi tied in a precise knot at her waist, the color a stark contrast against the deep blue of her garment.
Meanwhile, Tomiko and Yuka, still debating their next steps, chose more colorful ensembles. Tomiko opted for a vibrant kimono in shades of orange and gold, its fabric shimmering with patterns of phoenixes and swirling clouds. Yuka, more subdued but no less elegant, dressed in a robe of soft lavender, accented with floral motifs in silver thread that caught the light as she moved.
As they finished dressing, Ino joined them once more, her demeanor composed yet determined. "I will head to the court ladies now. Remember, tread carefully. We can't afford any missteps."
Tomiko pouted slightly but nodded in reluctant agreement. "Fine, but don't have all the fun without us, Ino."
Yuka placed a reassuring hand on Tomiko's shoulder. "We'll handle things here. Just be cautious, Ino."
With a final nod, Ino left their chambers, her footsteps echoing softly on the polished wooden floors as she made her way through the corridors of the castle. Entering the court chambers, she was greeted by the delicate murmur of court ladies, their conversations filled with polite exchanges and subtle gossip.
Ino approached Lady Akemi, known for her keen insights and discreet observations. "Lady Akemi," she began, bowing respectfully. "Have you heard any whispers that might shed light on recent events?"
Lady Akemi, her kimono adorned with intricate patterns of cascading waterfalls, returned the bow gracefully. "Lady Yuka, rumors abound, as always. It is said that Tsukasa has been seen in conversation with Lord Nobunaga's steward, though the nature of their discussions remains elusive."
"I heard that Lord Nobunaga is deeply in debt after his ships were taken by pirates," said Lady Shinsha as she glided by nodding to them in a polite bow.
Ino nodded thoughtfully, her mind already considering the implications. "Thank you, Lady Akem, Lady Shinsha i. Your insights are invaluable as always. The merchant Tsukasa seems 'putting hands here and there.' as the old saying goes."
With that, Ino continued her rounds among the court ladies, gathering tidbits of information like delicate flowers plucked from a garden. Each conversation held a potential clue, each smile and whispered remark another piece in the puzzle she sought to solve.
….
Yuka and Tomiko, now dressed in their formal kimonos, arrived at the grand Hall of Records. The building, with its towering shelves filled with scrolls and ledgers, exuded an air of authority and history. The sisters approached the entrance, where a guard stood at attention.
"Good morning," Yuka said with a polite bow. "We need access to the trading records for a merchant named Tsukasa."
The guard, a stern-faced man in his forties, returned the bow. "Of course, Lady Yuka. Do you have authorization?"
Yuka produced a scroll bearing the seal of the Daimyo, granting her permission to access the records. The guard inspected it briefly before nodding and stepping aside.
"Please follow me," he said, leading them down a long corridor lined with more shelves of documents. They reached a heavy wooden door marked "Trading Records."
Inside, the manager of records, an elderly man with spectacles perched on his nose, looked up from his desk. "Good morning, my ladies. How may I assist you?"
"We need to see the records for a merchant named Tsukasa," Yuka repeated, her tone firm but respectful.
The manager nodded, shuffling through a stack of scrolls. "Tsukasa, you say? One moment, please."
He retrieved a thick ledger and began to search through it. His expression gradually changed from one of routine concentration to confusion. "That's odd," he muttered, flipping through the pages more rapidly.
"What is it?" Tomiko asked, leaning forward.
"It appears that the records for Tsukasa are missing," the manager said, looking up with a troubled expression. "And the log book where we record who accesses the files is also gone."
Yuka's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying there's no record of his transactions or of who might have taken these documents?"
"I'm afraid so," the manager replied, clearly unsettled. "This is highly unusual. We keep very strict records here."
"Who has access to these records?" Yuka asked, her tone sharp.
"The authorized personnel are limited," the manager said. "But someone must have bypassed the usual protocols."
"Be discreet but start an investigation, we can't have records going missing," ordered Yuka to the manager.
"Yes my lady, this can not be allowed." said the older man, the hall of records was his life and he would not let this go unpunished.
Yuka turned to Tomiko. "We need to report this to Ino immediately. Something is very wrong here."
Tomiko nodded, her earlier reluctance replaced by a look of excitement, this game was turning fun. "Let's go."
As they left the Hall of Records, Yuka couldn't shake the feeling that they were uncovering a conspiracy much larger than they had anticipated. The missing records suggested a level of planning and secrecy that was deeply troubling.
…..
Ino moved through the court with a grace and confidence that belied the turmoil brewing underneath. The court ladies, adorned in exquisite kimonos and elaborate hairstyles, greeted her with polite bows and practiced smiles. Ino knew that beneath these serene exteriors lay a web of alliances, rivalries, and secrets.
She approached a group of ladies who were chatting animatedly, their fans fluttering like the wings of butterflies. Lady Aiko, known for her sharp wit and keen observations, was at the center of the group.
"Good morning, Lady Yuka," Aiko said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Join us. We were just discussing the latest fashions from the capital."
Ino returned the smile. "Good morning, Lady Aiko. I'd love to join you. But I'm more interested in hearing about the recent arrivals to our court. There are so many new faces."
Aiko's eyes glittered with interest. "Ah, yes. The court has become quite the bustling place. And with bustling places come new opportunities, don't they?"
Ino nodded, sipping her tea. "Indeed. I've heard quite a bit about a merchant named Tsukasa. He seems to be making quite the impression."
Aiko's fan stilled for a moment before resuming its rhythmic movement. "Tsukasa, you say? He is rather charming, isn't he? And very generous to the ladies of the court. But one must wonder where his wealth comes from."
Another lady, Lady Hana, chimed in. "I've heard he's been spending a lot of time with some of the younger maids. They're quite taken with him. It's a shame a man of his quality needs to find comfort in a maid's quarters."
Ino leaned in slightly. "Really? That's fascinating. Do you think he has any... ulterior motives?"
Aiko's smile widened. "In this court, Lady Ino, everyone has ulterior motives, but he is a man after all."
Ino chuckled, but her mind was racing. The court ladies might be playing their own games, but their gossip could prove invaluable. She made a mental note of every name mentioned, every connection hinted at.
As the conversation continued, Ino felt a growing certainty that Tsukasa was not just a merchant. He was a player in a dangerous game, one that could threaten the very stability of the Land of Fire.
…
The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the tranquil island of the Moon Village, its rays gently streaming through the open window of a cozy room. The sound of waves crashing softly against the shore mixed with the roar of the creature, and the chirping of birds added to the peaceful ambiance. Inside the room, Naruto and Sakura lay entwined in each other's arms, their breathing slow and even in the stillness of dawn. The bed had been moved at an odd angle and the bed sheets looked like they had been tossed away.
Naruto stirred first, his eyes fluttering open to the sight of Sakura's pink hair nestled against his chest. He smiled softly, brushing a strand of her hair away from her face. She looked so peaceful, her features relaxed and free from the burdens they often carried. If only she could stay this way.
Sakura mumbled something in her sleep, snuggling closer to him. Naruto tightened his embrace, feeling a rush of warmth and contentment. For a moment, the world outside didn't exist—no wars, no creatures, no political intrigues, just the two of them in their own little sanctuary.
But as the morning light grew brighter, Sakura began to wake. She blinked a few times, her eyes focusing on Naruto's face. "Morning," she whispered, her voice still horse from screaming in joy last night.
"Morning, Sakura-chan," Naruto replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Sleep well?"
"Mm, like a rock, I thought you were going to break the bed last night," she said, stretching her arms above her head. "I could get used to this. Sex all night, No missions, no Hokage yelling at me, just... peace."
Naruto chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Yeah, it's nice to have a break, huh? I almost forgot what it feels like to relax."
Sakura propped herself up on one elbow, looking around the room. "We should explore the island today. The ramen lady said there is a beautiful shrine nearby and some hot springs."
"Hot springs, huh?" Naruto said with a grin. "Count me in! But first, breakfast. I'm starving!"
Sakura laughed, a melodious sound that filled the room. "Always thinking with your stomach, but no ramen this early!"
Naruto shrugged, still grinning. "Hey, a ninja's gotta eat! Besides, the ramen here is almost as good as Ichiraku."
After a few more minutes of lazy cuddling, they finally got out of bed. Sakura headed for the shower while Naruto pulled on his usual orange pants and a simple shirt. As they got ready, they chatted about the things they wanted to see and do on the island.
"I wonder what Karin and Tayuya are up to," Naruto mused aloud as he headed for the door his hair still wet from the shower, his tone casual.
"Dammit, Naruto, do you have to bring up your wives today?" Sakura snapped, her irritation evident as she glared at him, her fists clenching.
Naruto stopped, turning back to face her with a sheepish look. "Sorry, Sakura-chan. I didn't mean to upset you. It's just... they're on my mind."
Sakura sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know, Naruto. It's just... this was supposed to be our time. A break from everything, remember?"
Naruto nodded, his expression softening. "I'm sorry but this is a mission for my Sage training, not some vacation. Let's just enjoy the island before we have to get back on that boat, we have no idea how far turtle island is."
Sakura's anger melted a bit, though she still looked a bit annoyed. "Okay, but no more talk about them, okay? Just for today."
"Deal," Naruto agreed, flashing her a warm smile. "Let's go find some breakfast and start exploring."
Sakura couldn't help but smile back, albeit reluctantly. "Alright, let's go."
Walking out of the inn, they found Jiraiya sitting on a chair, drink in hand watching the early morning fishermen heading out to sea, acting like there wasn't a giant octopus thrashing about. Seeing the couple, he waved them over with a serious look.
"You two have got to calm it down. The hotel manager came to me last night, and you freaked the other guests out with your light show," said the old pervert with a grin as he pulled out his little notebook, waiting for their response.
"OK, Pervy Sage," said Naruto, knowing there wasn't anything he could do about it as he looked over at Sakura, who was blushing.
"Keep your perverted thoughts to yourself, " said Sakura trying to grab the notebook but Jiraiya was too quick. "Enough playing around, we have a situation. The ship's captain needs my help negotiating with the village for the ransom money," said Jiraiya, his voice low and tense.
Sakura frowned, the tension evident on her face. "Do we have any idea what the village's plans are?"
Jiraiya shook his head again. "Not yet. They're stalling, probably trying to gather the ransom or find a way onto the ship. Meanwhile, we're stuck here, and the captain's getting more desperate by the minute."
Naruto scanned the area but found nothing but palm trees and sunshine. "So what do we do? Just sit around and wait?"
"For now, yes. But keep your eyes and ears open. We need to be ready to leave at any time," Jiraiya said, his gaze shifting between them.
Sakura nodded reluctantly. "Fine, I guess this isn't a vacation."
Naruto sighed. "Alright, let's get some breakfast and then we can explore the village, you know, to get an idea of what we are up against."
Sakura looked over at Naruto as they walked, knowing that he was planning to do more than just wander around the village. She hoped he wanted to check out the island so they could have a little fun while they waited for Jiraiya and the captain.
"Will you look at that," said Naruto as he spotted the captain walking up from the beached ship. How he managed to look drunk, hungover, and greedy all at the same time was a mystery.
"Let's get out of here before he sees us," said Sakura, taking Naruto's hand and pulling him along.
The rest of the day was spent playing at the beach they found on the other side of the village. It had a nasty coral reef a few hundred feet from shore that would tear a hole in any ship, but the sand was pink, and the water was warm.
They took their time exploring the island, starting with the steep cliffs that lined the coast. The climb was challenging, with jagged rocks and loose gravel making every step a calculated risk. Naruto, always the thrill-seeker, took the lead, shouting encouragements back at Sakura, who followed more cautiously.
Reaching the top, they were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the island and the vast ocean beyond. The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lush greenery below. They could see the village in the distance, a small cluster of buildings nestled between the mountains and the sea. Between the trees to the north, they spotted the tops of sailing ships, their masts as high as the nearby trees as they bobbed in the waves.
"I thought they said there was only one village on the island," said Naruto, wondering what those ships were doing.
"They did, and that old ramen lady made a point to tell us not to go to the north side of the island, remember," said Sakura, shielding her eyes from the sun as she looked at the ships in the distance.
Standing there, they heard a distant rumble, and looking toward the sound, they saw smoke coming out of the volcano in the center of the island. Its tall, pointy peak stood high above all the other mountains.
"Let's see what's going on," said Naruto with a grin, now that they had a mystery to solve.
They turned their attention to the mountains. Naruto suggested they search for any hidden caves along the way that might be tucked away in the rocky terrain. After a few hours of climbing and searching, they found a narrow opening partially concealed by thick vines. Curios, they squeezed through the entrance and found themselves in a cool, dark cavern. The walls were covered in ancient carvings and glistening with moisture. They spent some time exploring the cave, their voices echoing in the vast chamber. Using a campfire jutsu to light the way they exploded deeper and deeper into the cave.
"Naruto, do you feel that breeze? I think there is an opening up ahead," said Sakura as she watched the flame flicker.
Coming out of the other end of the cave was a dense jungle the same that covered much of the island. The thick canopy overhead filtered the sunlight, creating a dappled pattern on the forest floor. The air was humid and filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. They ventured deeper into the jungle, hacking away at the undergrowth with kunai and making slow but steady progress.
As they walked, they stumbled upon a hidden clearing. In the center stood a large, ancient tree with sprawling roots, its trunk growing up and over an ancient temple. The tree looked a thousand years old, and the temple looked even older, as the roots had pulled many of its stones apart. Even so, it was impressive in its overall size, being larger than the Hokage tower back home.
Naruto sniffed the air and whipped his arm across his nose. "Yeah, smells like something died," he added, having smelled many dead things in the back alleys of the village while growing up.
They walked cautiously into the temple, the air thick with the stench of decay. Bones of various animals littered the floor, some broken and scattered, others still eerily intact. A ring of burnt-out incense sticks surrounded a stone altar, remnants of the monks who once worshipped here. The light from the flame Naruto held seemed to be swallowed by the oppressive darkness, leaving only a faint glow around them.
At the center of the temple was a massive circular pit, so large it seemed to eat up the floor. A deep rumbling echoed from its depths, vibrating through the ground beneath their feet.
"I think we should leave," whispered Sakura, her voice trembling.
"What do you think is down there?" Naruto asked, his eyes fixed on the pit, curiosity mingling with fear.
Suddenly, a low hiss broke the silence, and from the shadows emerged a one-eyed lizard as large as Gamabunta chief toad of Mount Myōboku it slithered into view revealing its grotesque form in the flickering light. Its skin was black and shining, reflecting an unnatural gleam that seemed to swallow the light rather than reflect it. Rows and rows of razor-sharp teeth lined its gaping maw, each one glistening with a viscous, dark substance that dripped to the floor, hissing as it made contact.
Its breath was a toxic miasma, so foul that it burned the skin and made the air around it shimmer with heat. The snout was short and round-shaped, broad and muscled, giving it a menacing and brutish appearance. The nostrils flared, emitting puffs of acrid smoke with every exhale, adding to the suffocating atmosphere.
Three toes on each foot were adorned with claws as long as a man's arm, sharp and deadly, capable of rending flesh and bone with ease. The lizard's movements were deliberate and slow, each step calculated, its predatory nature evident in the way it used it's tongue to find them in its eternal darkness.
Its body was long and sinuous, covered in overlapping scales that created a nearly impenetrable armor. The tail, thick and muscular, whipped back and forth, leaving deep grooves on the temple floor. As it moved, the sound of scales scraping against stone echoed through the chamber
The rumbling grew louder, and a cold, unnatural wind began to swirl around them, carrying with it the whispers of long-forgotten voices. The temple seemed to come alive, the walls closing in, and the darkness thickening. This was no natural beast but a creature from another world, a god long forgotten by the outside world but not here, here it was clear it was still worshiped for what it was.
Naruto tightened his grip on the burning torch, his knuckles white. "We need to get out of here, now!" he shouted, grabbing Sakura's hand.
As they turned to run, the one-eyed lizard let out a chilling screech, its voice echoing through the temple. The ground beneath them shook violently, and the rumbling from the pit intensified as if something ancient and powerful had awakened.
They ran through the temple, dodging fallen debris and ducking under low-hanging roots. The oppressive darkness followed them, and the whispers grew louder, more urgent. Finally, they burst out into the clearing, the sunlight blinding them momentarily.
Panting, they looked back at the temple. The one-eyed lizard was nowhere to be seen, but the sinister presence lingered.
"What was that thing?" Sakura asked, her voice shaking.
"I don't know," Naruto replied, "but whatever it is, it's nothing good. We need to be careful."
As they stood there catching their breath, they heard an evil laugh. Spinning around, they found themselves surrounded by a hundred or more red-robed priests, each with a glowing ball of half-formed chakra between their hands. The one in the middle, who they assumed was the leader, stepped forward.
"I told you young ones to stay in the village and not go wandering off," said the leader, pulling back the hood so they could see her better. It was the ramen cook from the village but now her eyes glowed with an inner power as she stepped forward.
"I told you young ones to stay in the village and not go wandering off," said the leader, pulling back their hood so they could see her better. It was the ramen cook from the village, but now her eyes glowed with an inner power as she stepped forward.
"What is going on here?" said Naruto, feeling betrayed by the ramen cook, 'how could the creator of the food of the gods? How, by all that is holy, could a ramen cook be evil? was his only thought.
Naruto braced for battle, too upset by the ramen cook's betrayal to access sage mode, but still prepared to call on the fox chakra if need be.
Sakura stood at his side, a powerhouse in her own right, focused on opening the three gates of power and ready to tap into the natural energy around them. As an apprentice to the Hokage, she could shake the earth with her fists even without the gates; with them, she was nearly unstoppable.
"You are but toys in the game of the great villages, you must know that," said the cook, now leader of the Moon Monks.
"Behold, children of the great villages," the cook-turned-leader of the Moon Monks proclaimed, her voice carrying an eerie weight. "You wander blindly in the shadow of conflict, mere pawns in a game of power played by those who know nothing of true harmony. We, the Moon Monks, have transcended these petty struggles. We alone hold the keys to universal balance, where chaos and order dance in perfect harmony. Our path is one of enlightenment, guided by the ancient wisdom of this sacred island. You, who wield raw power without understanding, are destined to fall before us. For only through us can the world find peace."
With these words, she gestured calmly, a serene confidence radiating from her as her followers moved with purpose, their chakra orbs glowing ominously.
"I am no child," growled Sakura defiantly.
"Send them to sleep, my lord and master," commanded the leader, waving her hand. Without warning, the mighty moon lizard, which had silently approached from behind, released a cloud of gas from its mouth, knocking Naruto and Sakura unconscious.
...