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.
The Rise of the Moon God
Looking up, all Naruto could see was a chain rising up into the distance until it faded from sight in the dim light. The gentle swing of the net he found himself in swayed over a bright red, glowing pool of bubbling lava. Its intense heat hit him in waves, sucking all the moisture from his body.
Naruto struggled against the net, but his strength was drained, and the heat was oppressive. The chains rattled softly with his movements, the metallic sound echoing in the cavernous space. He tried to focus, to gather his chakra, but the stifling heat and the eerie red glow of the lava sapped his concentration.
"Where am I?" he thought, trying to recall the events that led him here. He remembered setting out on a mission with Sakura, the sudden ambush, and the overwhelming force that had captured them. Everything after that was a blur.
A low, sinister laugh echoed through the cavern, snapping Naruto's attention back to the present. He scanned the area, but the source of the laughter remained hidden in the shadows.
"Welcome, Naruto Uzumaki," a voice called out, smooth and mocking. "You are now a guest of the Moon God."
Naruto's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. He strained against the net, his desperation growing with each passing second.
"Where's Sakura? What do you want with us?" he shouted into the darkness.
The laughter grew louder, more menacing. "All in due time, Naruto. The Moon God has plans for you and your little friend."
A figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in dark red robes that seemed to absorb the light. The figure's face was hidden beneath a hood, but the malevolent energy radiating from them was palpable.
Naruto glared at the figure, his chakra flaring despite his dire circumstances, only to be sucked into the crimson pool below. "I don't care who you are or what you want. I'll find a way out of here, and I'll make you pay for this."
The figure chuckled softly, raising a hand. The chains holding the net began to lower, bringing Naruto closer to the searing heat of the lava below.
"Brave words, boy. But bravery alone won't save you now," the figure said, their voice dripping with contempt.
Naruto clenched his fists, drawing on the last reserves of his strength and willpower. "Believe it! I'll never give up. I'll find Sakura, and we'll stop whatever twisted plans you have."
"Come on, you damn fox, do something," he muttered, trying to get the net to swing so he could grab the wall.
In response, he could hear a roar in his mind as the fox fought its own battle. Whatever power was sapping Naruto's chakra was doing the same to the fox. With each passing minute, the strength of this Moon God grew, and both the fox and Naruto grew weaker and weaker.
The figure's laughter echoed through the cavern once more. "We shall see, boy. We shall see."
…
The stone felt icy against her bare skin, an unusual feeling for a tropical island. As chains gripped each arm and leg, threatening to tear her limbs apart, she focused her mind. She opened the first chakra gate, and natural chakra surged within her. But when she attempted to channel this newfound energy, it was quickly drained into the stone, growing colder with every pulse until ice formed on her back.
Glancing down, she muttered, "Of course I'm naked. Typical perverts." Her words reverberated through the chamber, the chains responding with an eerie shift as if manipulated by an unseen force below.
"Well, if one gate didn't do it, let's try all three," she said to the empty room. Closing her eyes, she focused her mind on opening the first three gates. She had to block out the freezing stone and the pain in her arms and legs. When she opened her eyes, they glowed with an inner light as she was once again flooded with natural energy.
The stone grew colder by the second, biting into her flesh as it drained her chakra. She gritted her teeth, refusing to give in. She could feel the energy pulsing within her, battling against the relentless pull of the stone. Each breath came with effort, the cold seeping deeper into her bones as she strained to pull her arms up to break the chains.
The chains clinked and groaned as if sensing her struggle. Shadows danced on the walls, and the air grew thick as her body was frozen in place. Her eyes scanned the chamber for any sign of her capture but the darkness concealed any presence.
"Whoever you are," she whispered, her voice barely audible as her teeth chattered together, "you won't break me."
In the distance, the faint sound of someone calling her name echoed through the cavern, but she couldn't afford to lose focus. She knew she had to find a way to escape before the stone drained her completely, unaware that her every move affected the fate of someone else.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows—a priest in dark red robes, his eyes gleaming with the power of his god. The acrid smell of sulfur mingled with the oppressive heat from the bubbling lava pit below. Torches flickered on the walls, casting shifting shadows that danced ominously around them.
"Struggling won't save you, child," the priest taunted, his voice echoing off the stone walls. He licked his lips, his gaze unsettlingly fixated on her naked form. "Your fate is sealed, as is his."
"What have you done with Naruto?" she screamed, straining against the chains once again, their metallic clinks echoing in the chamber. Far below, faint shouts echoed off the walls, someone calling her name.
"Your fate and his are intertwined," the priest replied, his voice cold and calculating as he moved closer, running his hand over her frozen leg, peeling a sheet of ice-free as he moved his hand up her thigh.
Here is the grammar-checked version with enhanced clarity and tone:
"What is it you want?" she asked, knowing that if he moved his hand higher, she would one day kill him slowly.
"Want? I want what everyone wants: my god to walk the world, me and my people at his side," said the priest, stopping his hand just short of his death sentence.
Sakura had to think; the more he talked, the better her chances were of working herself free. "How is doing this going to help?"
"You shinobi are all the same, taking lives for gold for a land that cares nothing for you. My god is great; he will bring peace to the world once he is freed. We have collected the Pure Chakra, and now you and your..." He paused and laughed at his next word, "friend will be the key to open his prison."
"I will never help you," she growled, pulling with all her might on the chains holding her down, the distant sounds of someone screaming echoing in the chamber.
"As the Moon God wills, so shall you decide," he added cryptically before fading once more into the shadows, leaving her to ponder his words in the chilling silence.
…
In the dimly lit tavern, the stench of salt, sweat, and ale hung heavy in the air. Jiraiya sat at a scarred wooden table, a half-empty mug of beer in his hand. At least they called it beer—to him, it tasted like dog piss mixed with orange juice as a sick joke. They called it orange moon beer as if that helped. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the faces of the village elders and the pirate captain, their expressions weary from hours of tense negotiation.
"How much ransom the village will pay for the release of the three priests you still have on the ship depends on how well you have cared for them," one of the elders stated, his voice hoarse from the day's strain.
The pirate captain, a burly man with a weathered face and a gold tooth, leaned back in his chair, taking a slow, deliberate swig from his mug, placing a hand on the sword at his side. "The price is what it is, but it's a small cost for the lives of your holy men. I expected you to agree on that at least," he said, his voice rough and edged with menace. This had been going on all day. The village elders talked in circles, and it was getting on his nerves. The crew was getting restless, and keeping them under control was getting harder the longer they stayed on this cursed island.
Jiraiya watched the exchange with a keen eye. He had no interest in the priests; his priority was getting back on the sea to continue their journey to Turtle Island. "Let's be clear," he interjected, his tone steady yet firm, "We all want this resolved without unnecessary bloodshed. It would be best if you just paid the price and moved on."
The captain smirked, his gold tooth glinting ominously in the dim light. "A high price for high stakes. Your priests are worth it, aren't they?"
One of the elders, his face etched with lines of worry and fatigue, leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly together. He was stalling, buying time, hoping to wear the captain down. "We can't afford such an amount. Our village has been through too much already. Can't we negotiate a fairer price? We have a new shipment coming in this week. I am sure there will be something we can agree is a fair trade."
The captain's smirk faded, replaced by a hardened expression. He needed the money to keep his crew from turning on him. "Fair? Life isn't fair. But... I might be persuaded if what you offer is worth it."
Jiraiya took a deep breath, trying to maintain his calm amidst the tension. "What kind of goods are you talking about?" he asked, already suspecting the answer.
The elders looked between themselves as if deciding if they were ready to share the contents of the incoming shipment. With a nod, the headman gave his assent, "We will have some of the finest silk in all of the five great lands, gold and silver from the mountains of Earth Country, and jewels from mines of Lightning Country."
The room fell silent. The value of all these goods was ten times greater than what the captain had been asking. Jiraiya glanced at the elders, who looked back at him with haunted eyes, hoping he would find a way to continue their stalling tactic. There was no way this small, out-of-the-way island could bring in that wealth without the help of others. He just didn't know who or what those others were at this point.
"We'll consider your proposal," Jiraiya said finally, his voice a careful mask of control. "But know this: if you cross us, no amount of gold or silk will save you from the consequences."
The captain chuckled darkly, greed filling his eyes at the idea of all those riches falling into his hands. He raised his mug in a mock toast. "I'll be waiting for this magical shipment. If it doesn't show, then your village will pay in blood," he said, before downing the rest of his drink.
As the elders began to murmur among themselves, Jiraiya couldn't shake the feeling that the situation was spiraling out of control. He needed to find a way to extricate himself from this mess and get back to his mission. The night wore on as more drinks were poured and food was laid out on the table. The weight of these grim dealings pressed heavily on his shoulders as he pondered how to navigate the treacherous waters ahead.
'I hope Naruto and Sakura are having fun playing tourist,' he thought as he drank another of those god-awful beers.
The following morning, Jiraiya decided to check on Naruto and Sakura before the next round of negotiations. He headed to their room, knocking on the door. After several minutes with no response, he tried the handle and found it unlocked. The room was empty, their belongings untouched.
Frowning, Jiraiya made his way to the hotel clerk. "Have you seen the two people who were staying in room 12?" he asked.
The clerk, a middle-aged man with a tired expression, shook his head. "They haven't been around for the past two days. I thought they might have gone on a trip."
Alarm bells started ringing in Jiraiya's mind. He spent the next few hours searching the village, asking around if anyone had seen Naruto and Sakura. Each inquiry met with the same answer: they hadn't been seen in days.
Concern mounting, Jiraiya returned to the tavern where the negotiations had taken place. The elders were still discussing the ransom and the shipment. "We're calling off today's meeting until the shipment arrives," one of the elders announced. Jiraiya barely registered their words, his mind racing with worry.
Back in his room, he summoned a small toad and quickly wrote a scroll to the Hokage, detailing Naruto and Sakura's disappearance. "Take this to Tsunade-sama," he instructed the toad, who nodded and vanished in a puff of smoke.
Determined to find his students, Jiraiya set out again, combing through the village for any clue that might lead him to Naruto and Sakura. As the hours passed, his concern grew, but he refused to give up, knowing their lives depended on him.
…
On the battered deck of the Kasumi, Temari stood with a commanding presence, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun hung low, casting an amber glow over the calm sea. The air was heavy with the scent of blood as the crew cleaned the deck of battle remnants, their faces etched with worry and expectation, looking to her for direction.
The sails had been lowered, catching a small breeze that pushed the two merchant ships northward, though their progress was slow.
"I don't understand, why would priests hire pirates?" Akamai muttered in disbelief, his voice carrying over the sailors as they listened to the pirates' confused explanations before casting them overboard, leaving them clinging to the wreckage of their boats.
"It does explain the moon symbol on their sails and their ability to manipulate the wind," Temari remarked her tone a mix of comprehension and frustration. She struggled to wash dried blood from her dress, the bandages around her waist itching incessantly. She cursed the Inuzuka clan once again for their lack of skilled medics. In her mind, a single competent medic-nin was worth an entire team.
Suddenly, a hawk swooped down from the sky, its cry announcing its arrival as it landed deftly on the ship's rail. It carried a scroll securely tied to its leg, recognizable by the ribbon's color as a message from the Hokage. Temari swiftly approached, untied the scroll, and read its contents with furrowed brows.
"We are to proceed to Moon Island," Temari announced, her voice cutting through the murmurs of the crew. "The Hokage has ordered us to press on despite the loss of cargo. Captain, work with Akamai to prioritize repairs on the lead ship. We need it seaworthy by nightfall."
Akamai, flanked by his Inuzuka teams, nodded in agreement. "Understood, Temari-sama. We'll make do with what we have. The other ship will follow as soon as possible."
Temari's eyes swept over the crew, her expression firm yet empathetic as she turned to Akamai. "The scroll indicated that Naruto and Sakura are missing. Our focus is now Moon Island, but remain vigilant. We cannot afford any surprises."
The sailors and ninjas dispersed, the crew of the Kasumi busying themselves with their tasks, each working with a sense of purpose amidst the sounds of hammering, tightening ropes, and crashing waves against the hulls. A team had jumped overboard to salvage the sunken ship's undamaged propeller, which was now being reattached with the help of the crew. They recounted their daring feat, running over the water with tons of steel on their backs, voices echoing like wild spirits.
As stars filled the night sky over the sea, Temari stood at the bow of the Kasumi, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The steam engines roared to life, billowing black smoke as the ship cut through the water. The captain had assured them enough fuel to reach their destination, but none for the return journey. The weight of their new mission bore heavily upon her shoulders, but a fierce determination burned in her eyes. Naruto and Sakura had to be found, or she would exact vengeance on whoever dared harm them—a resolve that even the gods would avert their gaze from.
"We will find them," Temari whispered into the wind, her voice carrying her determination into the darkness, echoing with the ancient oath, "By the burning sands and freezing winds, they will be found."
…
"No, you can't go! It's not fair!" whined Tomiko, her voice rising in desperation as she tried and failed to pull Ino off the strange white bird the pale weirdo had created from one of his drawings. They stood on the highest roof of the castle, the wind whipping around them, carrying the scent of the forest and the distant sound of wildlife singing the sun into the sky. The bird, an ethereal creation of ink and chakra, flapped its wings impatiently, casting strange shadows in the early dawn. It wasn't the strangest thing she had ever seen, but it was in the top five.
"Tomiko, stop it. I have to get this scroll to the Hokage as quickly as possible before the Daimyo changes his mind," said Ino, pulling her hand free but stopping short of kicking the blonde away. Her voice was firm, but there was a hint of urgency as she glanced at the horizon, where storm clouds gathered ominously. Every second wasted increased the risk. Her instincts screamed that there was a traitor in the village, but she couldn't voice her suspicions just yet.
"Can you not create another bird?" asked Yuka, trying to think logically about the situation. She didn't want to take the long road back to the village if she didn't have to. The thought of traversing the dangerous roads even in a royal carriage made her shiver.
"I do not have the chakra to support another bird," said Sai, his usually calm demeanor strained as he hopped back on the bird in front of Ino.
Ino looked back at her friends, her eyes reflecting the turmoil within. "Listen, you two, stay safe and wait for me at the castle. I can send people later to help you get back to the village. It's not safe for you to travel right now," she said, her voice steady but urgent. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong back home. The scroll she carried was crucial, and every moment counted. The sense of a looming threat made her heart race as she prepared to leave.
As the bird took flight, soaring into the night sky, Ino cast one last glance back at Tomiko and Yuka. "I'll be back for you, I promise," she whispered, hoping they could see the determination in her eyes. With that, they disappeared into the clouds, the castle shrinking beneath them as they sped towards the village, racing against time and unseen dangers.
Ino landed gracefully on the roof of the Hokage Tower, her white bird dissipating into wisps of ink as her feet touched the cold tiles. The night air was cool, and the lights of the village below twinkled like stars. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before heading toward the waiting figure.
Tsunade stood with her arms crossed, her gaze unwavering as Ino approached. "I told you I could do it," Ino said, a smirk playing on her lips as she handed over the scroll.
Tsunade took the scroll, shaking her head at Ino's playfulness, but her expression remained serious. "Have your people told you the news yet?" she asked, her tone heavy with concern.
Ino paused, her hand moving to her forehead as she connected with the hivemind of the Yamanaka clan. Information flooded her mind in a chaotic stream, but she quickly filtered through the mundane gossip and focused on what mattered.
"The council member is still alive? And what's the meaning of the rumors that Naruto is missing?" Ino asked, her eyes widening in alarm.
Tsunade let out a dry laugh. "I'm glad to see that ANBU can still keep their collective mouth shut," she joked, but the gravity of the situation was evident in her eyes. She turned, motioning for Ino to follow her as they descended into her office.
The dimly lit hallway echoed with their footsteps, the weight of unspoken worries hanging between them. Ino's mind raced with the implications of what she'd just learned. The council member's survival was a twist; the T&I was not known for keeping traitors alive this long, but the news about Naruto sent a chill down her spine. How could one of the village's most powerful shinobi, with Sakura at his side, go missing?
Entering the Hokage's office, she spotted Karin and Tayuya waiting off to the side, each in their formal clan kimonos adorned with highlights of orange and gold. Karin wore her clan crest brightly on her back, while Tayuya's kimono featured a circle of foxes running, a bold statement of her clan's heritage.
"Figures you two would be at the center of the web," said Ino, moving to join them in the Hokage's sitting area where she found steaming hot tea waiting for her.
Taking her seat, she first noticed Tayuya playing with her flute, its silver gleaming in the low light. Its battleworthiness lay not in its shine but in the intricate seals etched into its sides. Ino remembered how it had once saved her life from Root assassins.
Karin glanced up, her eyes sharp behind her glasses as she observed Ino, who was clad in a form-fitting bodysuit that left little to the imagination. As Ino undid the scarf holding her hair, Karin asked, "We're all tangled up in this mess now. Jiraiya's out there searching for them, and Temari's on her way to Moon Island. What's our next move?"
"Moon Island? Last I heard, they were on a pirate ship?" said Ino, taking a sip from her tea before realizing it was still too hot.
Tayuya's eyes followed Ino's every move. Her sharp intake of breath when Ino let her hair down betrayed Tayuya's unspoken admiration for the blonde kunoichi. Glancing at Tayuya, Ino offered her a reassuring smile.
"How did you find out about the pirate ship? I only learned about that three days ago," said the Hokage, settling into her seat and pouring herself another cup of a clear liquid that could incapacitate anyone else.
Ino surveyed the room, checking every shadow before murmuring, "The walls have ears."
"Damn it," muttered the Hokage as she activated a seal on her desk, ensuring no one outside their circle could eavesdrop. Now, no word or light would leave the room.
"I just encountered a group of Moon Priests at the Daimyo's castle. They were hunting for 'pure' chakra," Ino explained with air quotes. "They found it in Tomiko and nearly killed her and Yuka in the process." Ino kept her information brief. The priests had been partially defeated; the head priest had escaped with his prize.
"Pure chakra—they must mean 'Yin' chakra, composed of spiritual energy. But how could Tomiko possess only Yin? Without Yang, her body would collapse," commented Karin, drawing from her clandestine studies of Yin and Yang in covert laboratories.
The Hokage placed her now-empty cup on the table and poured herself another, leaning forward. "There are rare individuals who can sustain themselves on Yin alone, converting it into Yang as needed. I've only seen one such person with my own eyes," she admitted, sinking back into her chair.
Ino frowned, her mind racing. "We can't afford to wait. What if Jiraiya can't find them? Or worse, what if he's in danger too?"
Tsunade's laughter broke the tension among the three kunoichi. "It would take a true god to bring Jiraiya down, trust me, I know. Our real concern is whether he can locate them before something goes awry."
"How long until Temari and those damned Inuzuka reach the island?" Tayuya asked, her grip tightening around her flute.
"At their best speed, two days. But knowing Temari, she'll find a way to get there sooner," Tsunade replied confidently.
Ino stood and stretched her arms, feeling the strain of the day weigh heavily on her shoulders. "I need a long bath and a soft bed. My head is spinning with all this clan chatter," she said tapping the side of her head as if to say it was the mind link she shared.
"Come home with us," Tayuya interjected eagerly, her eyes softening as she glanced at Ino. "You haven't seen the kids in ages. It'll be a good excuse to unwind." Looking down at her hands still clucking the flute she looked back up, "Or fucking go home I don't care." she burst out as if to protect herself from losing Ino once again.
Karin knowing that her sister-wife was hiding her true feelings nodded in agreement, adjusting her glasses thoughtfully. "Yes, a peaceful evening away from all this intrigue might do us all some good."
Ino hesitated, considering their offer. A part of her longed for the comfort of home, away from the political webs of Konoha. "Alright," she finally relented with a small smile. "Lead the way."
Tayuya's face lit up with a rare smile as she gestured for Ino to follow. "Good. Let's get you out of here before the next crisis hits."
With that, the three kunoichi left the Hokage's office. Tsunade's footsteps echoed in the dimly lit corridor as she returned to her desk, not for paperwork, but to seek oblivion in one of her rare bottles. She knew she was never truly alone—the shadows were more than mere darkness; they were the whispered secrets and regrets that haunted the village. The Hokage understood that her solitude was an illusion, surrounded always by the ghosts of her own making and those of others. Tonight, she would drown their voices in the amber depths of her private reserve, seeking refuge from the ever-present weight of leadership and the unseen threats that loomed in the shadows.
….
Back at the Uzumaki compound, Tayuya insisted they use her private bath in the master suite. The tub was large enough for a family, and the bubbly water was as comforting as any hot spring. Ino sank into the warmth, feeling the day's tension slowly melt away. Tayuya hovered nearby, her demeanor tough as ever, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk her flute placed in its case in the other room.
"You look like you're enjoying this," Tayuya remarked, her voice gruff but with a hint of concern beneath the rough exterior. "I guess It's been a hell of a week."
Ino nodded, closing her eyes as she let herself relax into the water. "Tell me about it. Dealing with Moon Priests, traitors, and spoiled princesses … is exhausting."
"Damn right," Tayuya agreed, crossing her arms under her breast. "But it sounds like you handled it like a pro. Not many could pull off what you did alone."
Ino opened her eyes, meeting Tayuya's gaze with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Tayuya. I appreciate that, but I am never alone.", she tapped the side of her head as if to remind Tayuya of her clan but partly she wanted to say it was the members of Root that even now were but a wave of a hand away.
"You know, you're not the only one who needs a good soak," Tayuya said, dropping her silk kimono to the floor like it was nothing, despite its worth being more than a Jonin makes in a year. Ino's gaze followed her, eyes half-lidded with anticipation. Tayuya's body, still showing the faint beginnings of pregnancy, retained the athletic grace of a gymnast, her muscles defined beneath soft curves. As Tayuya approached the tub with a confident stride, Ino's eyes caught the tattoo "Naruto's Bitch" across her lower back before she slipped into the water, finding a spot facing Ino with only her head above the bubbling surface.
"Damn, this is nice. I don't get to use it much, never have the time to wait for it to fill up," Tayuya said, her voice a low purr. She stretched out languidly, her legs brushing against Ino's in a teasing, playful kick. The contact sent a shiver of awareness through both of them, the charged air between them thick with unspoken desire and shared history.
Ino knew that Tayuya's devotion to Naruto was unquestioned. She harbored the same feelings for him as well. It was only clan law and the need for a strong leader that stopped her from doing her best to claim a piece of his heart.
"How have you and Karin been doing? I noticed you're both showing now," Ino asked, hoping to change the subject away from herself.
"You know they say it gets easier, but fuck that. I still feel like a balloon most days, and don't get me started on the morning sickness. Thank god that's over," Tayuya replied.
"At least this time it's only one. Poor Karin had to deal with nine last time," Ino added as she dipped her head under the water.
"Don't 'poor Karin' me," Tayuya said once Ino came back up for air. "I'm the one that has to deal with them every day. You just wait, I'll have the best shinobi this village has ever seen."
They fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound being the gentle bubbling of the water filling the emptiness. It felt good to feel safe for once, to not have to look over her shoulder every second. Ino leaned back, closing her eyes, savoring the rare moment of peace. The warm water enveloped her, washing away the tension and the constant sense of danger that usually plagued her thoughts. Beside her, Tayuya also seemed to relax, her usually sharp features softening in the steam-filled air. For a moment, the world outside their bath ceased to exist, and they could simply be two women enjoying a quiet, intimate moment from their turbulent lives.
Once the water cooled a little too much, Ino decided to get up, only to see Tayuya quickly sit up, her gaze fixed on her as she emerged from the bath. Tayuya watched as water cascaded down Ino's long, wet blonde hair falling down her back, catching the soft bathroom light and casting a gentle glow around her. Tayuya's eyes traced the curve of Ino's full breasts with their hard nipples standing proud, the slender line of her waist, and the sleek length of her toned legs as she stepped out of the tub. She spotted a new scar running along Ino's side, a mark from the recent battle with the Moon Priest.
"You look like you almost didn't win that fight," Tayuya remarked gruffly, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of admiration. "That scar looks nasty."
Ino glanced down at the scar, her fingertips grazing the healed but still sensitive skin. "It's nothing I haven't dealt with before. Besides, you know Sakura can remove it once we get her back."
Tayuya moved out of the bath, getting closer, ostensibly to hand Ino a towel, but really to get a closer look. Her voice lowered as she unconsciously licked her lips, taking on a husky tone. "Yeah, well, you better not go getting yourself killed. The kids would miss you."
Ino looked down at the shorter redhead as she met Tayuya's gaze, her lips curving into a slight smile. "Yeah, the kids. Are you sure it would be just them?" Ino stepped a little closer to Tayuya, hovering over the smaller woman, the heat of the water along with Ino's own, hitting Tayuya like a wave.
Their proximity intensified the tension, the air between them charged with an undeniable attraction. Tayuya's breath caught, a mix of surprise and desire flickering in her eyes.
"Don't tempt me, Ino," she replied, her voice breathy with a hint of playfulness.
Ino sighed softly, rubbing the scar on her side absentmindedly. "I think I'm going to turn in for the night," she said, her voice betraying a hint of weariness.
Tayuya nodded, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "Yeah, you look beat. I'll clean up here."
They exchanged a lingering look, both understanding the unspoken weight hanging between them—the worry for Naruto, the exhaustion from recent events. Without another word, Ino turned away, slipping out of the bathroom quietly.
As Ino turned away, slipping out of the bathroom quietly, Tayuya couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Her thoughts raced with concern for Naruto and Sakura, overshadowing the flickers of desire that Ino ignited in her. She stared into the now still water of the bath, grappling with her conflicting emotions. With a few quick steps, she moved into the shower and turned on the cold water, hoping its shock would wash away her feelings.
Ino was her weakness, a temptation she couldn't afford to indulge in, especially now with Naruto and Sakura's safety uncertain. Tayuya clenched her fists under the cold water, determined to push aside her desires and focus on what truly mattered—the safety of her husband. That damn fool better be alive, or she would hunt him down in the afterlife.
….
As dawn broke over the awakening village, out at sea Temari's senses were suddenly sharpened by the haunting cry of a lone wolf howl echoing high in the ship's mast. Another joined it, their mournful howls echoing across the sea, stirring a primal fear of the hunt.
"Land!" shouted Akamai, pointing northward where the silhouette of land was just becoming visible against the rising sun, spotted by the vigilant watch.
Temari turned swiftly to the captain, who was half-asleep at the wheel, and barked, "Can you get anything more out of those engines?"
"As orders were yelled and the boilers were pushed past their limits, the ship surged forward with a renewed urgency, cutting through the water as the crew worked feverishly to reach the distant shore where hope and danger awaited in equal measure.
"Do you know where the village would be on that island?" Temari asked, her voice cutting through the urgent clamor of the deck.
"Never been, but it is said they are on the western shore," the captain replied, finishing his cup of coffee with a steadying gulp.
"Head west, bring us around the north side of the island, cut the engines when you think they may spot us," Temari ordered, her eyes scanning the full sails billowing in the wind. "Use the sails as much as you can. I don't want them hearing or seeing us until we have our hands around their throats."
The captain nodded sharply, his expression serious as he relayed the commands to the crew. The ship veered westward, guided by the wind and the captain's skill, aiming to approach Moon Island unnoticed, ready to confront whatever awaited them on its shores.
Hours later, as they rounded the northernmost shore, they spotted a harbor with three pirate ships anchored there—the very same ones that had narrowly evaded them earlier. This sight provided clear evidence linking the Moon Village and its priests to the pirates who had been raiding the Hyuga shipments.
Temari's expression darkened as she surveyed the scene through her spyglass, her mind racing with strategic calculations. "Prepare the teams," she instructed firmly. "We need to approach cautiously. Akamai, gather your team and secure the shoreline discreetly. We'll need you to assess the situation before making any moves."
Akamai nodded, his features tightening with resolve. "Yes, Temari-sama. We'll proceed with caution. Look for our signal to attack." Soon she could see a team of Inuzuka running at full speed over the water.
The crew prepared themselves for potential conflict, their expressions tinged with fear and grief from the recent losses among their ranks. Temari sensed their apprehension and understood they were not fully prepared for another battle so soon after mourning their fallen comrades. She acknowledged the risks involved in confronting the pirates and the forces of the Moon Village. Deciding it would be best to minimize casualties, she decided to leave the merchant crew on the ship. She didn't want to add any more blood to her hands.
The Kasumi continued its approach toward the harbor, skillfully navigating under the cover of the early morning mist. The soft touch of Temari's wind jutsu moved her ever closer. The normal shouts of the crew were silent as they knew one wrong move would alert the pirates on shore.
"With this bloody mist, how are you going to see her signal? I can barely see the island," said the captain, his hand firmly on the wheel as one of Temari's wind jutsu rocked the ship.
"Don't worry about that," said one of the nearby Inuzuka team leaders. "Akamai is not known for her subtlety." As if on cue, a large ball of fire appeared on one of the pirate ships, setting the rolled-up sails ablaze.
The Inuzuka teams leaped into action, their trained nin-dogs racing alongside them. "Keep the ship here. If any of those ships break through, prepare to flee," she ordered the captain, her gaze focused on the battle ahead.
Unfurling her fan, Temari summoned the winds to her aid. With a powerful gust, she propelled herself into the air, riding the currents toward the nearest pirate vessel. She crouched low on her fan as it sailed over the deck of the Kasumi, the wind whistling past her ears. Through the mist, she could make out the pirate ships anchored at the beach, their crews unloading crates and barrels of stolen treasures. The pirates moved with a frantic urgency, their rough voices carrying across the water.
"Typical pirates, more concerned with their loot than the impending fight," Temari muttered, her eyes narrowing as she counted their numbers. There were at least thirty men, armed with cutlasses and makeshift weapons, but she didn't spot any long-range weapon—a relief, given the destructive power they could wield.
She focused on their movements: a group of five was hauling a particularly large chest toward the shore, while another cluster seemed to be arguing over the division of spoils. A few sentries were posted, but their vigilance was half-hearted at best.
As she hovered above the scene, she couldn't help but smirk at the absurdity of it all. "Pirates versus ninjas. I bet Naruto would get a kick out of this."
The Inuzuka teams were already moving, their feral grins visible even from her vantage point. Akamai's fireball had set the pirates on edge, and the sight of ninjas leaping from the water only added to their panic.
Temari made a complex hand sign, summoning a gust of wind to part the mist. The pirates' faces twisted in confusion and fear as the veil lifted, revealing the Kasumi of the shore its sails full of wind in the calm sea.
"Time to show these sea dogs what real warriors can do," she whispered, propelling herself toward the nearest ship.
The pirates scrambled to respond, their rough shouts mingling with the battle cries of the Inuzuka. Temari landed lightly on the deck of the lead ship, her fan snapping shut as she surveyed the chaos. The fire now clearly visible to all brought out a small army of men swinging swords as they came running out of the jungle. The pirate base was well hidden and now the shinobi had to face an enemy on both sides.
Turning back to the ship she spotted a burly pirate lunged at her with a rusted cutlass, but she sidestepped easily, her fan flicking out to send him tumbling overboard with a powerful gust of wind. Another pirate tried to close the distance, swinging wildly, but Temari leaped above him, landing behind and sending him sprawling with a quick kick.
"Come on, is this the best you've got?" she taunted, her voice carrying over the din of battle.
The pirates, though numerous, were no match for the disciplined and well-trained ninjas. Temari's wind jutsu kept them off balance, and the Inuzuka teams tore through their ranks with ferocity, the dogs of war once again were loose.
As the fight raged on, Temari caught sight of a particularly large pirate who seemed to be directing the others. His ornate hat and coat marked him as the captain. She set her sights on him, determined to end this quickly.
The captain bellowed orders, his eyes darting around in a mix of rage and fear. He hadn't noticed Temari until she was almost upon him. With a swift motion, she unleashed a gale that knocked the hat from his head and sent him staggering back.
"You think you can beat me, ninja?" he growled, drawing a wickedly curved sword and taking a long drink from a rum bottle before throwing it aside.
"Let's find out," Temari replied, her eyes cold and calculating. She swung her fan, sending a slicing wind blade his way.
The pirate captain parried with surprising skill, deflecting the wind blade and charging at her. Temari danced out of his reach, countering with a series of rapid strikes. The captain's movements were strong but predictable, each swing more desperate than the last.
"Pirates might be good at plundering, but ninjas... we're masters of combat," Temari said, her voice dripping with disdain.
With a final, powerful gust, Temari sent the pirate captain flying into the mast, his sword clattering to the deck. The sight of their fallen leader enraged the pirates, and they roared into battle, rushing at Temari with reckless abandon. From the jungle emerged an army of reinforcements, their numbers swelling as they clashed in to the backs of the Inuzuka teams.
The pirates' sheer numbers began to tilt the battle in their favor. Temari, leaped on her fan to hover above the chaos on her fan and took in the scene below. The Inuzuka, despite their ferocity, were being pushed back by the relentless waves of pirates. Her sharp eyes caught sight of a few pirate leaders barking orders, directing the flow of the battle.
Temari knew she had to act quickly. She summoned a powerful wind jutsu, Kamaitachi, creating razor-sharp wind blades that tore through the ranks of the pirates. Blood sprayed and screams filled the air, but more pirates kept coming, seemingly endless.
"Fall back to the ship!" she yelled to the Inuzuka, who began to retreat, forming a defensive line to protect each other as they moved. They had used so many of their most powerful jutsu at the beginning of the fight that their chakra levels were now too low to battle this new set of pirates.
Temari's mind raced. She needed a strategy to turn the tide. Spotting a cluster of supply crates on the beach, she formulated a plan. She directed her fan towards the crates, unleashing a concentrated blast of wind. The crates shattered, sending supplies and debris flying in all directions. The shockwave knocked many pirates off their feet, creating a momentary gap in their ranks.
"Now! Push forward!" Temari commanded, her voice cutting through the din of battle. The Inuzuka teams seized the opportunity, pressing the attack using taijutsu and their dog companions' natural ferocity.
The pirates, disoriented by the explosion, began to falter. Temari continued to rain down attacks from above, her jutsu slicing through the air with deadly precision. She spotted a pirate attempting to rally his comrades and swiftly sent a gale-force wind his way, sending him sprawling into the surf.
So focused on the shore, that she didn't notice when a group of pirates pulled out crossbows and sent a wave of arrows her way. Their aim was true, but she was moving fast. Only one arrow pierced her leg, the shock and pain sending her flying off the fan onto the sand.
Rolling to her feet, she saw a group of pirates attempting to cut the anchor ropes of one ship, intending to make a swift getaway. Ignoring the pain and blood now flowing down her leg, she ran to her fallen fan. Unleashing another powerful blast, she sent the pirates flying, but the wind broke the ship free of its anchors. It floated out into the bay as the remaining crew lowered its sails to flee.
Temari cursed under her breath. "I can't let them escape!" she thought, pushing forward despite the searing pain in her leg. She had to find a way to stop that ship. But the battle was far from over. The pirates, though shaken, were still numerous and desperate. Temari could feel the fatigue setting in, but she pushed it aside. Naruto and Sakura were counting on her. She couldn't afford to fail.
Akamai, seeing Temari limping with an arrow still in her leg, turned to her people. "Show them the true nature of the Inuzuka!"
With a collective howl, the Inuzuka teams unleashed their most powerful and risky jutsu. Their bodies began to contort and change, muscles bulging and fur sprouting as they transformed into massive, fearsome werewolves. The transformation was brutal, their chakra reserves depleting rapidly. This was their last stand, a jutsu that could only last a short time, leaving them unable to fight afterward.
Temari watched in awe as the werewolves charged forward, their enhanced strength and speed overwhelming the pirates. The sheer ferocity of their attack turned the tide of the battle. The pirates, already demoralized, began to retreat in terror.
But the clock was ticking. Temari knew the Inuzuka couldn't maintain this form for long. She had to act fast. Despite the pain, she pushed herself to the limit, sending powerful gusts of wind to disable the fleeing pirate ship.
The werewolves tore through the remaining pirates, their growls and snarls filling the air. The pirate ship, now caught in Temari's wind, struggled to gain distance. With one final, desperate effort, Temari conjured a massive windstorm, capsizing the ship and sending it crashing back toward the shore.
As the last of the pirates fell, the Inuzuka teams collapsed, their transformations fading. Exhausted and drained of chakra, they lay on the sand, breathing heavily. Temari stumbled to her feet, her vision blurring from the pain and exhaustion.
The dogs collapsed at their partner's sides, too worn to fight and too proud to leave. They were all covered in cuts, and the wounds on everyone were frightful to see. The lack of a well-trained healer worried Temari as she broke the arrow off and yanked it out of her leg, unable to hold back the scream of pain. Using the belt from the dress she tied it around her leg stopping the blood for now.
Breathing heavily, she scanned the battlefield. The once-proud Inuzuka, now exhausted and drained, lay with their loyal companions, both human and canine wounded but alive. Temari knew they couldn't sustain another fight like this. They needed medical attention, and quickly.
"Akamai," Temari called out, her voice strained. "We need to find shelter and tend to these wounds. Let's take over the pirate base; they might have supplies we can use."
Akamai, barely able to stand, nodded in agreement. "Good idea. The pirates fled into the jungle; their base should be clear for now."
Temari limped over to her fallen fan, picking it up with a determined grip. "Everyone, move towards the pirate base. We can't afford to lose anyone else."
The group slowly made their way to the pirate base, stepping over or around the many dead pirates. The number of dead was well over a hundred; the few who moaned out in pain were quickly dealt with. Now, it was eerily silent. The pirates, seeing their captains defeated and the Inuzuka's fierce transformation had retreated into the jungle, leaving behind their supplies and equipment.
The pirates, still over a hundred strong, posed a danger to the small group of shinobi, all badly wounded from the battle. They hadn't expected it to escalate into a full-scale war with a pirate army. The six teams were now reduced to four, and they couldn't withstand another full-on attack until they had time to heal.
As they entered the base, Temari immediately started organizing the group. "Search for medical supplies, food, and anything else that might be useful. We need to treat these wounds and regroup."
The team scattered, rummaging through the pirate camp. They found a stash of medical supplies, some preserved food, and freshwater among the mountains of silk and gold. Temari helped Akamai and the others settle down, doing her best to provide first aid with the supplies they had.
"We'll rest here for a while," Temari said, her voice a mix of command and comfort. "But stay alert. The pirates might try to come back." The only healer they had was killed in the battle, and her own skills, modest as they were, could only staunch the flow of blood. Her leg had swollen and turned black where the arrow had hit; the idea that poison might be in the arrow crossed her mind.
As the night wore on, Temari fought to stay awake, her thoughts drifting to Naruto and Sakura. Despite her fever rising and feeling increasingly dizzy, they had to find them. She had never failed a mission, and this would not be the one she failed; it was too important, and the man she loved was on this island, needing her help.
Temari sat down next to Akamai, who was tending to her injured dog. "We'll make it through this," she said softly. "We've come too far to turn back now."
Akamai nodded, his face set with fierce pride, his voice low so as not to carry to the others. "We'll find them, Temari. And we'll make those who took them pay. We just need a night of rest, time to take care of our dead. I only wish we had more Jonin on the mission. These Chunin are strong, but I didn't expect all of this."
The group settled in for a restless night, their spirits somber despite the small victory, aware of the difficult path that lay ahead. They had taken the first step, but the journey was far from over.