The Story of the Lost Fox
Naruto x Shizuka x Shion
Unknown location
A decade of hiding from the sight of the Village Hidden among Leaves was now over. Standing before him, Naruto Uzumaki, formerly of the said village, found himself opposed to their 'retrieval team' sent to 'recover' him.
His midnight black sword was drawn, a sword that seemed to absorb the light from everything, even the sun.
The six-foot one frame was well built, his shinobi gear was all dark grey base, with black decals, black combat boots leading to anbu cargo trousers, a grey t-shirt, and a leather jacket which made him look like a civilian mercenary.
He held a blank expression, clearly opposing those currently facing him down, who had 'ambushed' him, though he had sensed them before they arrived, and so here they were. They came out rather aggressively, yet when they ordered him to come with them and he naturally refused, they moved to subdue him by force. This led to the current standoff, his weapon drawn, eyes hard, and glare fierce.
Opposite him in the grassy clearing was the Hidden Leaf's Teams Ten, Nine, and Eight. Out front, her own sword in ready position, was Tenten of Team Nine, who explained calmly again, despite the drawn sword. "Naruto. It's time to come home."
Naruto glare turned arctic, his tone reflecting it as he responded. "Home…?" His cold tone surprised them all, unused to this serious version of their normally happy-go-lucky friend who always smiled despite the odds stacked against him.
Asuma Saratobi, the current leader of the three squad retreival team, stepped forward and tried to act diplomatically, though he was also drawing attention away from his three students. Team Ten were specialists in capture, and were moving subtly in the background, while their sensei drew the targets attention. He speaks up, "Be reasonable, Naruto. We mean you know harm."
The Jonin paused when the black blade was aimed at him. Naruto's glare was cold enough to freeze the sun. "Could have fooled me. I said no. What part of that do you not understand?"
"Be reasonable," Asuma replied. Seeing his words were not working, he tried a different tactic. As his students were almost in position, he continued, "The banishment order was a mistake. We acknowledge that, but now it's time to…"
"No." Naruto interrupts again, a low growl in his throat, raising his weapon. "Your problems are just that; your problems..." Charging forward, Tenten matches him in speed.
The clash of swords allowed Tenten to keep him in place as the two Hyuga moved to flank him. However, she slipped forward, the result of him adjusting their clash. As she lost her balance, Naruto slipped around her, hitting the back of her neck with the butt of his sword, with a smooth motion. One down.
"Eight trigrams..." was heard, yet before either Hyuga could move, they found themselves jumping clear as two new kunai appeared in their previous positions.
Abruptly, Naruto found himself frozen in place, off to the side, the lone Nara smirks, announcing. "Kagemane success,"
It was clear to see that he had connected his shadow to his former classmates, paralysing him in place. Seeing this, Asuma barked out, "Kiba, now!"
Kiba Inuzuka rushed forward, his hand holding a specially made chakra suppression seal. "Sorry, man, you gotta come back home," he said, slapping the paper on the man he still considered part of his pack, the pack of the Hidden Leaf.
Everyone else breathed out a moment of relief, smiling to one another at a job well done. It was only for a moment, though. Out of nowhere, a pair of shadow clones leaped into the clearing, swords already drawn, and the group was besieged in battle again.
As Shino and Lee combat the two clones, Asuma noticed another figure in the shadows of a clearing's treeline. A quick body flicker, and said hidden foe jumped clear to avoid a slash from the trench knives.
All fighting ceased as the three duplicates stood back-to-back with swords out, the original still captured, but the Leaf team couldn't tell which was the real one. Just then, another familiar call out was heard: "Kage main success." And all the duplicates were frozen like statues.
From the back of the Leaf group, the lone Nara smirked confidently as he led the others forward to surround the group. Shikamaru spoke, "You've gotten sloppy, Naruto. Did you forget that I can hold you down like this?"
One clone stares back, replying blankly, "Something like that."
Three of the more observant among the group suspected something was off, though it was Kiba's loud barking that drew attention. "Dispel your clones, man, we've got you already."
Naruto glared at him, though the soft-spoken Hinata stepped up, a plea in her voice, "Please, Naruto-kun, we just need you to..." She and the others all paused as a dangerous smirk slowly formed on all the clones' faces. It was Asuma who realized something, eyes wide as he yelled, "Shit! It's a trap!"
"Great Clone Explosion."
The explosion echoed off the nearby mountains, the ground shuddering, as smoke billowed up from the treeline. The clearing had grown in size by approximately twenty percent, with a massive crater now replacing it.
Elsewhere…
The real Naruto was sitting in a food shop. When he sensed the large group of shinobi moving in their direction, he dispatched a squad of clones to investigate, but even he wasn't prepared for this. As the memories flowed back to him, he groaned. "Tsk, now the Hidden Leaf is after us,"
His company, a kunoichi from the all-female village known as Nadishiko, Shizuka, sipped her tea, before looking to him. "Should we leave now?"
It was a good question, to be sure, though, his eyes glanced to the seat beyond the dark-haired beauty, whispering, "We should," though he was looking at their kids happily consuming the ramen beside them with their smiles.
Naruto couldn't help but smile at their innocent conversation with one another, which was completely ignorant of the larger situation.
Looking back to the woman, whose eyes also softened, Naruto spoke up, to his wife and longest-serving teammate, partner in all things, "But can we really interrupt them? Scare them out of their innocence?" His wife turned to their son and daughter with a small smile, seeing the same thing as her husband. "No."
Hidden Leaf
A few days later...
"I see." Tsunade sighed, looking over the team. "Anything else?" she asked, receiving head shakes. She nodded in response. "Dismissed." They all nodded and left the office. Upon their exit, she sighed even harder, feeling the weight of commanding the greatest hidden village of assassins. Looking back out at the village, she sighed again, noting that she had been doing a lot of that recently. "Naruto."
"Hime," a voice from the window at her side that didn't surprise her. "Jairyia…" Tsuandes response, the white-maned man stepped in through the portal to the outside world. She continued. "Anything new?"
"Beside Stone continued probing, that the Sound are invading their nearby territories? Not much… you?" he chuckled softly. Tsunade lowered her cheek to her fisted hand, replying in a deadpan. "Oh, nothing much. Normal stuff. Assigning missions, saving lives, oh, and finding a long-banished genin, who wants nothing to do with us."
This caught the fellow sannin's attention. Jairyia muttered under her breath, "Naruto…?!"
Tsunade's nod caused him to grimace. It was a sore subject, as he had been out peaking while his godson and student were banished by the majority vote of the shinobi council. Despite his best efforts, they vanished into the forests like spectres.
Land of Water
At the same time...
"We're almost there," Shizuka mentioned as they boarded a boat heading further into the country. Naruto glanced at her, walking at her side, and whispered, "Do you think your people will accept us?"
From their interlocked fingers, tugging softly, she whispered back, "They will," the determined gleam in Shizuka's eyes showed that it was a moot point, regardless of the outcome.
Naruto smiled as he leaned back on the wooden railing, watching their kids running around the deck, weaving through the occupants, laughing and giggling all the while, unaware of their parents' burdens.
That night…
Naruto sat at the ship's prow, looking out at the moonlit ocean, and thinking hard about the time he had spent after his banishment.
Flashback - Hidden Leaf/Ten Years Ago
"I'm sorry, Naruto," Tsunade repeats countless times to the bandaged blond before her. The ninja in question was covered in bandages; his normally bright orange jacket was absent, and his pale cream t-shirt had his clan crest, but it was clear that he was still rather badly injured.
Those normally bright blue eyes of his had fallen into dulled and lifeless pools of grey, his face blank and stony. She continued, "I tried to..."
"Is that all, Lady Hokage?" Naruto spoke up, cutting her off. His voice was painfully bland, flat, lacking his usual vibrancy, which broke her heart further. The sting of tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but still, her dam broke upon seeing him place both his forehead protector and her necklace on her table robotically.
She watched the retreating form, feeling fear, sorrow, and guilt. "Naruto…" she called out, but he simply closed the door behind him.
Walking home, Naruto moved silently like a ghost, instinctively sticking to the shadows to avoid unwanted attention. The Anbu that guarded the boy within the village, at their own violation no less, were impressed; if they weren't already following him, they doubted they'd find him.
In his apartment, Naruto remained in a daze, automatically packing up his meager belongings, with a blank face. The Anbu squad again watched him from a distance, through the windows and any of the many small openings in the walls. Most of the four-man squad weren't pleased with the council's decision to banish this loyal young shinobi, but orders were orders.
As he finished packing, he just stopped, frozen in place as if someone had paused him. Drip. Drip. Drip. He broke. Naruto slumped down against the bed, and for the first time in years, he cried himself hoarse.
The moonlight awoke the emotionally distraught former Genin from his mentally exhausted slumber. Stirring awake, he glanced around to see his empty room, and then the memories came back to him. A heavy sigh, one so heavy that it couldn't have possibly come from someone so young, escaped from him as he got to his feet.
Sluggishly, in a way unbecoming of his training, Naruto stepped into his bathroom and washed his face. Looking into the mirror, he heard. "You're not giving up, are you?"
A snort was Naruto's automatic response, swiftly followed. "I never give up and never go back on my word."
It took a moment, a long moment, a very long moment before his eyes hardened. "After all, I am a shinobi…" His eyes began to lower when a dark chuckle echoed, "Did you forget… my container? You are my Jinchuriki."
Naruto found himself before the cage within his mindscape, with the tall, endless red bars and giant fox. The fox could tell that its container was hurt, hollow, and yet that small spark of reckless defiance had not been squashed. "What do you want?" Naruto asked, very much subdued, further confirming the chakra construct's thoughts on its container's current mental state.
The fox asks. "You have been betrayed by your 'precious people,' have you not?"
Naruto let out a hollow, empty, cold chuckle. "You're right," he said in a flat tone, which actually sent a minor shudder down one of the fox's tails. "You are all I have left…" he smiled, but the fox would never tell a soul just how much that smile would haunt him for centuries. "What will you do now?" A shrug from the blond earned a sigh from the sentient chakra. "…Fine. This is what we do…"
Picking up his pack, Naruto looked over his old apartment. "…This is goodbye, huh…?"
"Better get moving, kit. Before someone comes to find you." Naruto nodded subtly, approaching the window to slide it apart. "It's a pleasure to be working with you, sensei," he said, as the beast gave a deep snort.
The blond then disappeared into the darkness. It must have been around one in the morning, as the blond teen moved like a ghost throughout the village.
By morning, Naruto was gone, not even the great Copy-Cat-Kakashi could find his trail.
Flashback end
"What's on your mind?" a female voice Naruto recognised as his wife. Joining him atop the vessel, he smirks, "My escape from the Leaf."
"Ah…" Shizuka chuckled softly, dropping down beside her husband. Her green eyes gleamed in the dark night backdrop as she spoke softly, continuing, "It was two years before we crossed paths, right?"
He nodded, recalling how his reputation as a swordsman had allowed him to summon the toads for the last battle on the shores of Water Country, leading the charge against the loyalist forces alongside his fellow swordsmen. "Yeah. It was. Man, feels like so long ago these days."
Flashback - Water Country/Eight Years Ago
The battle of Isul Beach saw Naruto, backed by Chojiro, clash against the loyalist forces, with his squad of rebel forces at his back. His shieldless single-handed katana cut through man after man.
As they breached the fields beyond the narrow treeline, they came face to face with several snake summons. Chojiro was confused, voicing his inquiry as he questioned, "Snakes…?"
Naruto, recognizing this for what it meant, began to growl animalistically. He then went through the motions: "Summoning; Toad Drop!" Within moments, five medium-sized toads fell upon the enemy summons, crushing them under their weight, with the blond appearing atop the central toad. Yelling for all to hear, "Yeah! Charge!"
The rebel forces roared as they charged in alongside the sword-wielding toad summons. The rebal Mist shinobi cheered after him, following the legendary Eighth Swordsmen into another bloody fight. The boy had been fighting for them for the last two years. He was one of them at this point.
After the battle, Naruto was chewing on his jerky while sitting on a bench outside the newly acquired barracks. "Thanks for the help, Gamikichi," he glanced to the large toad at his side, the size of an adult, who chuckled at him before presenting his sword and a forehead protector with the kanji for Oil. "Here. Dad said that this is our final gift to you. Thanks for your time and all."
"It's fine…" Naruto sighed, before raising his fist toward the toad. "It's been fun."
This was the scene that Shizuka and her guard/sensei witnessed, confirming the identity of the student of the toad sage.
That night…
Naruto left the guard post, heading towards the barracks to get some sleep but was really getting irritated by the constant eyes on him. Stopping dead center of the courtyard, he sighs, "Are you just going to watch me all day and night or come face me directly?" Turning back, a swirl of leaves appears before two women step out, revealing that they were both Nadishiko kunoichi, the younger of the two speaking up. "Naruto Uzumaki of the toads. I am Shizuka, and I am here to combat you."
Naruto stares at her blankly, unreadable. "For what purpose?"
Shizuka spoke flatly, lacking any real emotion to read. "Are you the student of the Toad Sage…?"
"Former student…" Naruto interrupted with narrowing eyes. The underlying anger was not lost on anyone. "…next time I see that pervert, I'll castrate him." He rested his hand on his new katana.
Shizuka glanced from the man before her to her sensei at her side, who just nodded. She turned and said, "Regardless, as his student, you are hereby required to…"
"Required to…?" Naruto raised a brow, his snort followed by a mirthless chuckle. "…I am not required to do anything." His eyes narrowed menacingly. "As a shinobi swordsman, I speak with my blade, so come and talk with me."
Shizuka nods once, stating, "As you wish…" She throws off her travelling cloak, draws her kunai, and steps forward. "…I will show you my strength."
Flashback End
"Well, our first meeting left something to be desired," Shizuka mentioned, nodding once. Naruto nodded in response.
She glanced at her man, who smirked with his face to the moon, his eyes cutting to her with a smirk. "I, the rage-filled journeyman seeking purpose..." he nudged her shoulder, "...you, the fallen princess who seeks redemption for her lost first love." They both found themselves chuckling in melancholy, their younger selves were so dramatically inclined.
"Well, glad you've grown up," Shizuka smiles at him, but he could easily discern the fake warmth, the mirth dancing in those emerald eyes. He chuckles lowly. "You're one to talk."
They fall into a comfortable silence, just enjoying each other's company as they have since that first encounter. She leans on him, knowing that he responds most to physical touch, so she uses it as often as possible.
"Should we get some sleep?" he offered to her with a soft smile. She responded in kind, "Sure." As he helped her up, the two paused as the moonlight illuminated them in what the crew would say was the most romantic sight as they locked lips.
Hidden Leaf
A day later...
"Hime!" Jiraiya yelled, slipped in through the Kage's window directly into the seat, slamming a scroll on the paperwork-filled desk. "I found him!"
"Who?" Tsunade questioned, not breaking her stride as she worked. "Naruto." That caused her to pause, her head slowly raising as honey brown met black. "Where?"
Jiraiya reports swiftly: "A port in Noodle Country, heading towards Water Country."
"How long?"
"About a day ago," the toad sage said with all the seriousness, "Shizune! GET ME TEAM EIGHT AND TEN!"
A long five minutes later, Teams Eight and Ten arrived via bodyflicker. Asuma, the senior Jonin in attendance, spoke first. "You called, Lady Hokage?"
"We have received word that our missing Genin is heading to Water Country," Tsunade began, only for Shikamaru to raise his hand, speaking replying. "With all due respect, Lady Hokage, but he made it pretty clear that he wants nothing to do with us. Why are we still…?"
"It is above your pay grade, Jonin Nara." Tsunade snipped, silencing him. "You are to retrieve Naruto Uzumaki, and escort him back here."
"YES, MA'AM!"
Nadishiko Village
Two days later...
Stepping onto the docks, the family of four shinobi stretch and yawn, having spent most of their time sleeping or resting. "Ka-chan, are you sure me and Tou-chan will be accepted?" Shirin Uzumaki, the older sibling of the two children, asks. "I'm the princess. They'll do what I say..."
"Such an amazing lesson to teach your kids, Shizu-chan," said a woman reminiscent of the black-haired Shizuka, though this lady had a charcoal grey ponytail. Standing at five foot five, with dark blue eyes, she was Shizuka's best friend. "Rhen, it's been too long."
"So it has." The black-haired woman says with a long beaming smile, the two hugging one another.
After a few minutes of girl chat, it was abruptly called off by a cough from Naruto, speaking up. "Sorry, you two, we're still here."
"Sorry, your highness…" Rhen responds, bowing before Naruto, who had a tick mark. She always knew how to get under his skin, she continued. "I was unaware of your presence among us."
"Oh, come on, Rhen, I know you missed me," Naruto said with a firm smirk. She snorted at his declaration, flipping her hair. "Right." Only the adults noticed the slight tinge of pink dusting her cheeks.
Shizuka slapped the back of her friend's head, growling at her fellow nadishiko. "Get your head out of the gutter, you skank," though she did notice the smirk upon her husband's face and hit him with a glare that caused him to freeze up.
Moving through the village, all eyes were on the two males in the group of five. Rhen opened up, looking back over her shoulder at the recently returned family. "Well, for coming all this way, I'm sure the queen will be glad for your speedy arrival."
Naruto snorted, mirth in his voice. "If speedy arrival meant five years, then sure..."
Shizuka nudged her husband. "Language, mister. I'm sure Auntie will understand."
As they continued down the road, passing the houses as they entered the residential district. Shirin stepped beside his father. "Hey Dad…?" Shirin stepped up beside his father, gaining the man's attention.
Naruto looked down at his eight-year-old son, nodding so the boy continued. Shirin's voice was almost a whisper. "…I feel like I'm being watched."
Naruto chuckled softly, ruffling his son's dark hair. "That's because we are. This is a matriarchal village, remember?"
The boy nodded. "Right, why did we come here?"
"Your grand-auntie asked us to come." Naruto leaned down and whispered in his ear, "…though, I think your mum is strong-arming the queen on this to keep us here."
Nadishiko Palace
"Shizuka, dear!" the Queen bellows from her throne, getting up with arms outstretched. Shizuka smiled and bowed her head, "Auntie," leading her family's bow. The guards smile, though many were eyeing the two males hungrily. "Come now, dearest…" the tall brunette says, her light blue, almost turquoise eyes, long black hair that reached her ass complementing her angelic round face.
As the two women chatted, Naruto could feel the stares once again; a quick glance told him his son felt the uncomfortable sensation too. His attention was drawn back to the conversation, where the queen's voice said, "…no need to be on parade. We're family here."
"Thank you, Auntie. We came as you asked. What happened? Your message was rather vague." Shizuka asks, clearly concerned by the fact that they had been recalled.
Clearing her throat, the Queen of Nadishiko, known as Shelia, sighed. "It's a problem that you and your husband are required to fix. The Sound Village is continuing to probe our defenses," The guards noticed Naruto clenching and tensing at the mention of the troublemakers. Shelia continued, "They've even made several kidnapping attempts on our kunoichi."
"Troublesome." Naruto growled, his irritation and frustration bubbling up. He spoke with so much steel that the guards were caught off guard. "We'll take over the counter offensive."
"Know your place…" Shelia began, but was interrupted by Shizuka, with a stern glare. "Auntie… do not overstep your boundaries. He is my husband. Thus, my equal in all things." Her eyes narrowed. "He has more strength in one hand than most have in their entire lives. So let him handle this."
The tense air that was created by that was broken by Shelia, who responded tightly, "Very well," with a glare at the only adult man. "I will leave it to you, however…" a snap of her fingers and six Anbu-level kunoichi appeared, bowing immediately, "…these six have been tasked with our counter-offensive and intelligence gathering on the opposing force."
Shizuka nodded. "Very well. Once we get home…" This time, however, the queen interrupted her. "Nonsense. Your family. Your room here is still…"
"Perhaps…" Shizuka cut in, nodding in understanding. "…however, the rules are rules, which means I will not stay here. I will not leave my husband nor my children for your…"
Sheila raised a hand. "I expected as much. No matter… your family home is prepared for your arrival."
Hidden Mist
Four days later...
The two leaf teams landed in the Land of Water, only for the group to be immediately surrounded by mist Hunter Nin, putting them on guard. After a few tense moments, the group parted, and a single Hunter stepped forward. "Leaf Nin, care to explain your presence here?"
"Retrieval mission." Asuma states, presenting a mission scroll and handing it to the presumed leader. "Retrieval mission, huh? Then why are you…" The lead hunter pauses upon seeing the name of their target. "…Naruto Uzumaki, huh?" The leaf nins swear they saw the group tense, and the leader must have raised an eyebrow at them. "Why were you sent after him, exactly? Last time we checked, he was a banished nin, no?"
A prominent pause, a shared glance between the Leaf shinobi. "…it was a mistake…" a soft voice from the Leaf shinobi, a Hyuga from the looks of her. "…we came to take him home."
Chuckles from the masked shinobi caught them off guard. Asuma spoke up, speaking carefully. "What's so funny, if I may ask?"
"Well…" the leader found himself chuckling. "Naruto-sama was a big help during the war."
That caught the Konoha teams by surprise. "He fought in your civil war?" Asuma questioned. But a clearing of a throat drew everyone's attention to the leaders. "We will have to ask you to accompany us to the Mizukage. She alone can grant you permission to operate within Mizu." The leaf shinobi nodded, not wanting to cause an international incident.
"Come in," a muffled feminine voice said, and the Leaf Team was led in by the Mist Hunters, who took up guard positions. "Ah, Ao, what can..." She paused upon seeing the Leaf headbands, an eyebrow raised, cheek in hand. "This is surely overdue."
Leaning forward, with her chin resting on her interlocked fingers, Mei continued, "To what do we owe the pleasure of being visited by the infamous Hidden Leaf?"
Asuma nods, speaking for the group. "Lady Mizukage…"
"Mei Terumi." The auburn-haired beauty announced with a suggestive smile. "Lady Mei Terumi…" Asuma coughed to clear his throat. "…We have come to the Land of Water to retrieve our target."
"Target? Who, if I may ask, is this target?" A very delicate eyebrow was raised during that sentence. "Naruto Uzumaki," was the bearded Jonin's response, noticing immediately how she had stiffened, her shimmering emerald eyes darkening to a hollow green and the sultry attitude vanishing.
Tension builds within the silence. The water shadow moved back and sat up straight in her seat. Her delicate features hardened. "I see," she breathed out softly, looking across them all. "May I ask what your Kage's intentions are for Naruto Uzumaki?" Her tone was commanding, causing every shinobi in attendance to stiffen and sit up straight.
"We weren't privy to that information, Lady Mizukage, however..." Kurenai tried to speak diplomatically, woman to woman, but it was for nought. Mei waved off the attempt, speaking firmly. "I see. Very well, my Hunters will escort you back to the docks and ensure you leave our sphere of influence. Any further unapproved intrusion from the Leaf will be met with force. Am I clear?"
"Yes, ma'am." Asuma replied, cold sweat down his back and neck, with a side eye on the masked hunters either side of the room. "I shall pass this message on to the Hokage."
"May we ask about the Mists' relationship with…?" Kurenai questioned, but everyone would later swear there was a Yuki present as the air grew twenty degrees colder. A furious Mizukage glared at the Genjutsu mistress. "None of your concern. Now leave. Your presence here is a bother." The Leaf-nin all bowed before following their escort out.
After they leave, Mei sighs deeply before glancing at her Hunter Commander. "So, any advice?" He stares back at her blankly. "He may be one of ours, but you know just how busy he is."
"That I do." She nods, sighing, thinking about the blond who seemed immune to her advances and charms, the biggest hit to her feminine pride thus far. "Though, I admit, back in my day, we helped those we owed debts to, even more so when they are comrades of ours." He continues, to which she just zones out.
"Regardless, we should at least send him a missive. Let him know that the Leaf are pursuing him." Ao coughs, gaining her attention again, to which she hums with a sultry smile. Mei nods, "Perhaps we could come to a new arrangement," this causes the old hunter to visibly deflate.
Nadishiko Village; Uzumaki Residence
The next day...
Naruto awakens to his wife's black hair blanketing his vision again, much to his secret joy. He doesn't know how long he had lain there, but he didn't care as his hands ran slowly through her silky smooth black hair. "…This is what I love to wake up to." Shizuka's soft voice reached his ears. He smiles at that, and his soft hum vibrates through her, a soft smile reaching her lips before she promptly kisses his bare chest and glances up at him.
"Good morning," his voice and soft smile warmed her heart, causing her to smile with him. They shared a chaste kiss as she got up in her birthday suit. Naruto couldn't help but stare after her. When they met, he had just turned fifteen, and Shizuka had already begun to fill out into her current form, with a head-turning figure.
Since then, she had grown a few inches, her hips were wide, and her bust was filled out. Her flawless pale skin was soft and delicate, and its glow betrayed her expectant status. However, the sway of her silky black hair snapped his attention back to her smirking angelic face. Shizuka smirked, speaking sultrily. "Enjoying the view?"
Naruto yawns as he enters the kitchen. They had spent their first day here setting up their home. Shirin, his son, and Kushina, his daughter, who looked more like his wife but with eyes like him. Her hair was dark blonde/black, the black was like highlights, which gave her an exotic look. Flipping over the eggs, Naruto glances back to see his two kids. "…morning, you two."
"Morning, Daddy!" they respond, yawning all the while as their dad placed their breakfast before them. As they began to eat, Kushina asked, "Daddy, where's mummy?"
"Showering still," Naruto responded without turning around, not wanting his blush or his lecherous grin to be seen by his kids.
Sometime later…
Shizuka came down the stairs, her hair still damp, walking towards the dining table with a glowing complexion. "Whoah…" Takiwa spoke, spotting the oversized t-shirt that was clearly her husband's and black tights. Shizuka blew her a raspberry, before kissing her husband and retrieving her food.
At the table, the brunette gulped down several plates' worth of ham, eggs, and bacon, much like her husband with ramen. She blamed the zygote being half of her husband, much to the amusement of said man. Shizuka looked at their guest, questioning, "So, Takiwa… what information do you have for us…?" wiping the gravy from her lips, unaware of the spot on her nose from when she licked a plate earlier.
Takiwa cleared her throat to suppress the chuckle threatening to escape. "Well, you see… here it is…" The pale blonde lady stood at six feet, with a swimmer's build, narrow figure, and pale grey eyes. She handed the scroll, only for Naruto to snatch it from her before she could read it. Her growl died in her throat as another plate of ham appeared.
With his wife suitably distracted, Naruto studies the intelligence scrolls. He approaches his fellow blonde, "…so, it's a hidden base beneath the waves, huh?"
"It was a clever ploy to stay hidden." Takiwa yawned with a smirk. "We would have overlooked it if not for the sensory seals you gave us a while ago."
"Did you mean that your princess slipped it to you, who then puppy-eyed me into submission? Before…" His eyes got cloudy, his face somewhat flushed red with a goofy smile.
"Right," followed by Takiwa's feminine giggle. "Anyway, the numbers aren't that high, though we suspect they are particularly skilled."
"More than likely," Naruto confirms with a nod. "Guess we should move on them soon, neh?" The woman raised an eyebrow and smirked, nodding in agreement.
In the house armoury, Naruto and Shizuka were getting dressed in the standard Nadeshiko kunoichi uniform and the first-time shinobi uniform. Just like the female counterpart, the shinobi uniform was black, skintight, and had dark grey armoured plates on the right side and central plate. His armoured greaves, gloves, and combat boots matched his sword sheath, which had a matte grey handle with an equally matte black blade. His roguish long hair was tied back into a dragon tail, and the playfulness that was typically found dancing within his blue eyes was no longer present, replaced by a hardened gaze of a true shinobi.
Hidden Shore Side Base
A few hours later...
Eight Nadishiko Anbu landed among the palm trees, on the sandy beach of an island not far from their home island. The captain glanced around to confirm their location, nodding as she signaled the movement forward. They cautiously enclosed from all sides. Stepping out onto the water in a circle formation, they went through hand signs. The ocean parted in a vortex, revealing the rusted but intact steel door. They went through hand signals, indicating the plan.
Nods received, they pried open the door, slipped in silently, moving forward within the dark halls of the outpost. Swiftly traversing the dismal halls, the group of eight made no noise, as if a wrath of the night. Moving hard and fast, they found scattered guards, silenced them, and continued to move without words shared. Reaching the end of the corridor, they find bulk steel doors, and with a quick scan for traps, they pushed in only to come face to face with mass defenses.
As jutsu fly, weapons are thrown, and shouts fill the air, the group of Nadishiko Anbu stays down and hidden. The captain signals to the lone shinobi, who nods, going through hand signs. They overhear one yell, "…their casting jutsu! Get ready!" This causes the shinobi to stop briefly before sharing a nod with the captain. "…shadow clone jutsu," he murmurs beneath his breath.
A mass of masked shinobi, all donning the insignia of Nadishiko village, cut through the first defensive lines while actual kunoichi and shinobi mixed in with the crowd. The Sound shinobi found themselves overrun, their attacks that did connect causing the attacked to poof away. It was chaos. Amidst the chaos, Naruto spotted a red-haired individual dishing out orders at the back, surrounded by clearly the strongest. Noticing his gaze, the others also took note of this and shared a brief moment to share hand-signaled conversations.
In the center, the lone shinobi of the all-female village was back-to-back with one of her kunoichi as they both tore through the enemy lines. Her use of standard-issue kunai was impeccable, and her aim was beyond reproach, as she cut through the group with surprising ease. Not many noticed that she was reloading from the shinobi's weapon pack as they stood back-to-back.
The shinobi continued to cut down anyone who got within range, deflecting thrown weapons, and slicing through explosive notes before detonation. Defending flawlessly, the two performed acrobatics in unison to keep their enemies on the defensive until one was impaled by a flung kunai.
Karen couldn't believe she was having such a bad time. She had sensed the approach of a group of shinobi, but not their strength. How was she supposed to fight against the Anbu? She had gathered all the guards in the main hall to mount a defense. It was only six shinobi, yet they were systematically destroying them, piece by piece. So distracted, she had no chance to evade the sudden appearance of the Nadishiko kunoichi at her back, who grabbed her and knocked her out with a chop.
"We surrender!" one Sound shinobi held up his hands, dropped his weapons, and like a wave, the others followed, causing a stillness to set in as if a pause button had been pressed. The Anbu Captain appeared at the front, directly before the first to surrender, who promptly kneeled down with his hands on his head. The remaining fifteen followed suit, the sound of cold steel rattling on the stone floor.
Nadishiko pulled out the last of the captives, the red-head, before the clones released the water manipulation that had revealed the entrance. They ended and sighed from exhaustion before puffing up in chakra smoke.
"Captain, how should we handle this?" signed the shinobi in their village's hand sign language. "Hold. Summon Mist shinobi to take the shinobi; we take kunoichi." The captain stated, causing them all to nod. She then pulled out two scrolls. One held a messenger bird that perched on her shoulder as she wrote a note. The others set up camp in the beach treeline, which didn't take long.
As the sun began to set, a red-haired woman sat up from her cradle within a camp, asking, "What… where…?" A feminine voice from behind caught her off guard, causing her to instinctively attempt to sense her surroundings. She hissed in pain due to a prominent sting in the back of her head. "We sealed off your abilities," said a male voice, causing the woman to turn to face the masked visage of two Anbu-level shinobi who had attacked her base. "Who are you?" she inquired. Both shook their heads. "Sorry. We can't give that information to you at this moment," said the taller one, pointing to his right. The woman's beady red eyes followed to find Mist Hunter Nins talking with the other attackers.
Her subordinate was kneeling, unharmed and bound. "You aren't with the Mist. That means you are with Nadishiko. A retaliation strike, then?"
"Bingo," the woman responded with a nod. "You guys have attempted to capture our sisters. We can't have that now, can we…?" A hollow chuckle from the red-eyed lady, who promptly pushed her slipping spectacles back up her nose. "…I guess not."
Time passed as the Mist shinobi took the shinobi into custody and handed over a scroll. The captured kunoichi were hoisted up by their ANBU counterpart, and the lone shinobi with the red head on the shoulder of the real one. Said lady felt an unnerving amount of comfort from the ANBU beneath her. She just felt relaxed on this man's back, his hold was firm yet the warmth he emitted was so engulfing that she couldn't help but feel cozy and relaxed. She was blissfully unaware of the ire from one of the other ANBU standing not too far away.
A hand sign later, and the group vanished across the ocean. Kaboom. A massive pillar of sand, smoke, and flames foretold the sonic blast that covered the retreating group. That actually caused the woman on the shinobi's back to whip her head back to see the nearly two-hundred-foot-tall column of debris. A gaped mouth was the response from the captives, but their captors didn't even flinch. "What the hell was that…?"
"Your base." The shinobi spoke flatly before adding, "I used my own personal tags…" She could feel the pride and hints of satisfaction in his voice. She suspected he dabbled in the sealing arts as she did, but decided not to press on it now. Yet, something just clicked.
"You're a guy, right?" the red head questioned, causing the shinobi to glance back. Not that she could tell. "Yes. Why?"
"How are you serving Nadishiko? They are a matriarchal village, right? They are famous for it." She continued as he chuckled. "You're right, however, I am a special case, not that I'm going to say why." He could feel her pout at the denial of information, but he mentally shrugged at that before focusing on their ocean sprint.
Nadishiko Village
The Anbu team returned home. They handed their captives over to the regular forces. Then, they headed towards the palace to report. As the shinobi began to follow his captain, the red head called out, "Hey, can you at least tell me your name?" over her shoulder as she was led away. The man glanced back and offered a two-finger salute before vanishing in a puff of smoke, much to the annoyance of the captive.
As the team leaped across the buildings, the lone male found himself in the center, directly behind the captain. His wife was clearly the one on his right, as she hung closer than his escort on the left. Hopping off another tiled roof, he resisted the urge to showboat for his wife, as she loved.
The group landed gracefully on the hidden balcony of the palace. A hidden seal alerted the queen to their arrival. They all knelt with their heads bowed. Five minutes later, their leader sat before them and barked, "Report."
"Sir, the enemy base was obliterated. We secured captives and have already handed them over to the interrogation department." The captain reported, causing the monarch to nod before her eyes narrowed at the lone shinobi. "Any issues...?"
"None, ma'am," the captain reported immediately, knowing full well that it was aimed at her temporary male subordinate. Her queen's animosity towards the other gender was well known by all, despite his best efforts, which the others could clearly tell were sincere and appreciated. "I see. Then, your next mission will require you to head to Tea Country. You leave tomorrow."
"Hi, ma'am," they all respond in unison, before vanishing in swirls of water. None failed to notice the sneer of their leader, disappearing beneath her benevolent smile as they left.
Hidden Leaf
"I see, how unfortunate. I received word from the Mizukage speaking of her displeasure about not being informed beforehand." Tsunade sighs into her hands, her two retrieval teams standing before her solemnly. Looking around at her shinobi, she smiles, "Either way, get some rest. Dismissed."
They parted without further words.
Tsunade sighed in annoyance but with a sense of relief. She had found a piece of the puzzle of her missing little knucklehead. A pause. Wait, he isn't little anymore. Another sigh as she professionally ignored the mountain of paperwork, standing up before the window of her office. The last Senju could feel her tenure as the village leader was coming to an end. The blonde kage wanted her little brother back, to take over from her like the plan was originally. "Where are you, Naruto?"
Palace Basement
Naruto sneezed as he hung up his mask. His changing room was a former closet in the basement. As he was the only man on the island, he expected it. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he sat on the makeshift bench, cleaning his sword. He glanced up as the door opened. "Hey…" Shizuka whispered, having already changed into regular civilian clothes. Naruto responded just as softly. "Hey…"
Taking her seat beside him, she observed his black sword. "Thank you,"
He glanced up at her, confused. A soft smile before Shizuka explained. "For coming back here, despite everything."
Naruto replied with an matching soft smile. "You're my most precious person, my wife. I'll do anything for you."
She kissed him softly, a growing smile on her lips. "Come on. Let's get home. I'll make ramen…"
Before she finished, Naruto's sword was hung up, his armor cleaned and polished, and he was at the door, holding it open. Naruto looking back at her. "What are you waiting for? Hurry…"
Shizuka sweat dropped at that. No matter how long they've been together, his love of ramen has never wavered.
Nadishiko Village; Uzumaki Residence
Naruto and Shizuka arrived home and received two thumps, their kids colliding with them as they chuckled. It seemed to be a family tradition ever since the kids could walk, and one of their parents came home from work. Laughter filled the house as they roughhoused while the food was being cooked.
Naruto finished his ninth bowl, his chopsticks now lying on the table as he looked over his kids. "So, Shirin, Kushina; how was your training?" The response was like night and day. Shirin's face dropped, Kushina beamed. The parents sighed inwardly upon seeing it, "It was great! My twin sword style is…" Naruto ruffled Shirin's dark blond hair, allowing his wife to handle his energetic little princess, "Yo, kiddo… how bad…?"
"Pretty bad." Shirin confirms with a nod, his six bowls as clean as his father's. A heavy sigh escapes the older blond swordsman, who nods. "Come, let's get you caught up."
The following morning...
The sound of sizzling bacon echoes throughout the house, eggs are scrambled, and juice is squeezed. Three sets of footsteps appear as Shizuka, Kushina, and Shirin join Naruto at the table, where he and his clones have set it.
Under the morning sky, Naruto was standing in the backyard across from his son, holding weighted wooden swords. "…seeing as our current hosts, on orders no doubt…" he whispered the last part, "…are being reluctant to teach you, today we shall cover the two fighting styles of my two families." Naruto threw the training weapon, which was caught by his son. "First, the Uzumaki clan is well known for three things…" the older blond began, holding up three fingers. "…their sealing arts, their red hair, and their swordsmanship."
"We don't have red hair," Shirin observed flatly. "Thank your grandpa for the blond," Naruto stated with a heavy, deep sigh. "I don't like using our family name all that often," he admitted before looking dead in his son's eyes. "Now then... on guard..."
Noon.
Naruto leads Shirin back in, bruised, battered, and cut up despite using only wooden swords. The boy flopped down on the couch, panting and aching all over, while his father was in the kitchen cooking lunch for the house. Before he could realize anything, his mother slapped his feet off the furniture. "No boots on the couch."
"Right." He mumbled as he complied.
After lunch, his mother took him to teach him his birthright as her son. She perfected his aim beyond normal standards, meeting the village's expectations, and aimed to make him better than herself, the premier kunoichi of the village.
Elsewhere, Naruto was with his daughter, Kushina. Originally, he was going to train her, but the girl wanted to just spend time with her dad. So, they were in the flower garden. It was a bright, sunny day. The bees were buzzing around the duo. "Papa, can you tell me about the past? You know…"
"Why do you want to know about that?" Naruto asked as his little girl rested against his chest while he sat with his legs stretched out in front of him.
Meddling with a veil of flowers, she glances up at her favorite person. Don't tell mum. Naruto spoke softly, "Well, I was born in a village in the Land of Fire. It is a ninja village known as Konoha; the village hidden in the leaves." A slightly melancholic glaze over his visage, the soft smile was soon replaced with heartbreak. "It was a good place but had many bad people in it."
"Bad people?" she questioned so cutely that her father swore she was using a bloodline, though Naruto continued. "Yes. I would explain, but I think you're a bit too young." Her pout could have brought down a Bijuu. Naruto chuckled heartily, hugging her to his chest tighter. "Don't be like that, princess."
That night, Naruto finally got around to checking the scroll. The Mist shinobi sat at the table and unrolled it.
Dear Naruto,
Today we received a visit from your previous employers, who were looking for you. They now know that you assisted us during the civil war and suspect that they are still keeping an eye out for you.
You are always welcome here in Mist. Whenever you are nearby, please feel free to drop by.
Love Mei Terumi
Fourth Mizukage
Nadishiko Palace
Two days later…
The team of six Anbu knelt before the Queen, who handed the captain the mission scroll. "We have confirmed the presence of another base in Tea Country. The captives you brought in were all too happy to tell us its location, numbers, and its purpose. So, I want them destroyed."
"Yes, your highness."
"Then, see it done." They all vanish.
Tea Country
Three days later...
The Nadishiko team slipped through the darkness, under the moonless sky with only a light dusting of sparkling stars, stalking their objective, who were unaware of their imminent demise. The darkened silhouettes moved like specters in the night, swiftly and silently, with deadly purpose.
At the hidden base in a cliff face, the squad slid down the side of the bedrock and stopped at a seemingly random rock outcrop. Specialty paper tags were placed promptly in a square formation at the supposed weakest area, which should lead to a corridor within the base. The lone shinobi went through hand signs, and a barrier covered over the tags just before they detonated. Due to the barrier, the entire explosive power was forced into the bedrock, exposing the base's corridor.
The team dashed through the dust, smoke, and rubble, finding themselves in a rock-solid corridor lined with snake engravings that confirmed the base's alignment and that they were on target.
Their entrance was swift but not silent, meaning the group of chunin approaching was not unexpected. Tanto were already out, and kunai sliced through the air as bodies hit the floor. Sliding beneath the swing saw trap, the lone shinobi cut open the throat of an unfortunate jonin, and the six moved forward. The leading captain reached the door when suddenly it blew toward them, and two fireballs blasted from the opening.
The Nadishiko team didn't even hesitate to strike, jumping forward into the smoke and striking the hidden shadows with ruthless efficiency. "Plan Four-Beta." was heard over the headset of the team, and they moved as one unified team, cutting through the team of defenders.
Swords clashed against kunai in the dark corridor. The soft light of green candles allowed only for minimal lighting needed for navigation, not for fighting, at least for most. The High-Anbu strength team pushed through that same dangerous environment with effortless teamwork and courage.
Before long, their target came into view. Three members of the task force found Kabuto standing behind a squad of three Sound ANBU with curse marks. "Ah… I didn't think Nadeshiko had special forces. Interesting…" he said. He then noticed that none were interested in talking, so he was about to give the order to strike, but they struck first.
Three on three, the Nadeshiko ANBU charged forward as a moment of distraction, drawing the attention of Kabuto, who smirked and turned to find another Nadeshiko ANBU with a kunai already in his neck.
The grey-haired traitor was wide-eyed as the blade was removed, and his blood sprayed up and all over. Before long, he fell, barely whispering, "How…?"
"Your arrogance is your fatal flaw." The masked shinobi stated, stepping forward as his world went black, unaware that he was being sealed up without leaving a single speck of blood behind. "Lieutenant, help us out?" came over the radio as said man turned back, to see them blocking off their attacks, and launched forward.
Siding beneath a high kick and knocking the Sound Anbu off their feet, he grabbed their flailing arm and pinned them. Soon, his coworker finished off with a swift kunai to the heart. By the time he got to his feet, the other two had already been dealt with. The group simply nodded at one another before vanishing as if they had never been there.
Unknown location
A few days later...
A scorched wagon lay beside the glassed ground, burnt dirt, and mangled bodies. As one of the guards coughed up blood, her hand covered the slash on her side. "I need to..." she weakly pulled out the distress seal, her blood dropping onto it, automatically activating it. Seeing the subtle pulse, this Nadishiko kunoichi felt like things wouldn't be too bad. However, that sense of relief came to a halt when a raven-haired shinobi, the same who had struck the convoy, approached. "Who are you?"
"That headband. You're a Nadishiko." His blank face gave away nothing, yet she spat at his feet, "I won't speak a word." As she tried to stand, only for her aggressor to grab her by her silvery hair and yanked her up, forcing eye-to-eye contact. "Sleep." As the crimson eyes penetrated her mind and forced its will upon her. The final words she thought were "…help… me… queen…"
One Sauske Uchiha was satisfied with his team's ability to locate this caravan. The group had quite a bit of coin and weapons for trade in the next village, though his true objective was the guardswoman. He was building his own hidden village, and after the defeat of his brother, now was the time to rebuild.
This led him to find the Nadishiko village, a village of superior women kunoichi that only accepted the strong. Thus, he went there to challenge them, but their queen denied him even the chance to duel any of them. He was insulted by this, but he was outnumbered and outmaneuvered, so he stood down.
Throwing the woman over his shoulder, he smirked, "One step closer to my goal." With a smirk to end all smirks.
Little did he know that his death sentence had just been signed.
On the way back to Nadishiko Village from Tea Country, a hawk had dropped down, stopping the squad dead. The six took up defensive positions. Their leader took up the scroll and read it over swiftly before commenting, "It seems one of our scouts got caught out and is in distress." Looking around at her team, she made a decision. "We'll split into two. I and my second-in-command will rush to aid our fellow, and the rest report to Her Highness."
"Ma'am." They all cheer before their leader, and the only shinobi heads directly north while the others head east. "How far…?"
"Not far, a few kilometres, no further than an hour at top speed."
"Say, Rhen – do you think…?"
"Save it, Naru. We'll handle this quickly and then head home to your darling wife and children."
"This is bad," Naruto said, looking at the wreckage of the destroyed convoy. "It's about three hours old," Rhen observed, examining the scorched marks. "They headed northeast. Judging from these tracks..."
"Found the distress signal." Naruto spoke up over to his captain. He then explained his observations of the area. "She didn't follow protocol though. She should have placed the seal on her thigh."
Rhen stepped up beside him, observing the area. "She was taken by force by the looks of it. We should get after them. My sister is in danger."
Naruto nods once, rather stiffly. "Indeed."
They both jump off to find their missing member.
Unknown Hidden Hamlet
In a mountain range, cut off from the continent at large, was found the soon-to-be Uchiha village. On the edge of this range was a house, a house that currently housed the prisoner who was at the mercy of the first leader of this Uchiha village. The leader froze upon sensing two rapidly approaching contacts, both at least Anbu level, but based on their approach heading, he wondered if they were here for his newest toy. No matter. He could use them too.
Stepping out, Sasuke glanced around at the clearing's treeline, "You can come out and..." Before he could finish, however, a wind-covered kunai sliced through his left arm. It was aimed at his heart, but his reaction time narrowly allowed him to avoid the vital strike.
The stunned Uchiha narrowly avoided the follow-up shots, his own sword gaining a coating of lightning, sounding like several thousand birds chirping as he reflected the continued high-speed strikes. Even with his Sharingan, Sasuke was struggling and failed to notice the second figure had slipped past.
After slipping into the small manor or large house, Naruto found the tied-up and assaulted woman on the second floor. Swallowing the bile threatening to escape his throat, he moved forward to check if his compatriot was alive. Her heartbeat was stable. She was just unconscious.
As he freed her and began to administer basic emergency first aid, he contemplated his orders. He had never been one to sit out of a fight, especially when dealing with that teme, but Rhen's orders were absolute here. As a member of the Nadishko defense force, he had no official rank and thus could not order anyone around, officially at least, and as such, orders were orders.
He was just grateful that Rhen took him under her wing, and her company saw him as one of them and as Rhen's second-in-command. Naruto finally picked her up, princess style, with her loose equipment sealed away, and he moved forward toward the exit. Leaping from the window on the second floor, he witnessed Sasuke holding up a one-armed Rhen by her throat. His blood ran cold.
After dropping off his charge in a hidden bush, Naruto rushed back to find his commanding officer pinned by the throat against the wall. "…With you, my clan will be…" A kunai from behind caught his ear, and as he ducked, he inadvertently released his prisoner while deflecting a third and fourth attack. Before he could regain full awareness, his prey was gone.
Unknown Location
Rhen came too, finding herself in a tent somewhere. As she sat up, she was surprised to find her arm reattached, though somewhat amateurishly. Glancing up, she was not surprised to find Naruto, mask off, his voice tight. "I did what I could."
She nods, smiling softly. "It's better than nothing."
"Still, we have a problem." He then gestured to the other side of the tent, their rescue target. "Problem?" Rhen was assisted over, and she too realized what the issue was. Sighing, she looked to her shinobi, "I see. So, she will be exiled upon her return."
"What shall we do? It's not like I have the authority to decide." Naruto sighed. Ever since becoming a father, he had come to accept some levels of authority that he normally disrespected. His wife was involved in high-level authority, his daughter next in line, and his son was caught in the crossfire, so he had to tread carefully here. None of his brashness from his youth seemed to be present anymore.
Rhen thinks about it for a moment before looking at Naruto. "Where are we right now?"
"I managed to get us to the coast, near post twelve. It should take an hour to get there…" Naruto explained their location in a way that was common knowledge among the assault force. Breathing hard, he continued, "I was exhausted carrying you two on my own."
She nods to that, based on the distance and perceived timing, it was understandable. After a moment of thought, Rhen announces their plan. "Let's head to hidden outpost twelve, then I'll head home and report in."
Nadishiko Palace
Rhen landed on the palace balcony to find her lady, the queen, awaiting her arrival with her medical team at the ready. Kneeling before the lady of the land, her arm was still trembling, as Naruto was no medical expert, but she was still grateful for his work saving it. "My lady, secondary mission accomplished, however..."
"Relax, my dear Rhen-chan. Let's get your wounds tended too."
Rhen snapped up, her long grey locks swaying. "But my lady…" She was waved off and ushered onto a stretcher, suddenly feeling sleepy. She tried to resist, but the anaesthetic was strong. "…my lady."
Outpost Twelve
The rescued kunoichi awoke several hours after they arrived at the underground facility, which was only a little better than a two-story house but was beneath the ground and secured by seals to remain undetectable beyond those with the seal upon their chest, directly above their hearts. Sitting up, she glanced around for several moments before noticing her gear, which had been repaired, cleaned, and folded on the desk. It then came to her: "An outpost?"
"Indeed." came a male voice that caused her to jerk toward the door, eyes wide at the man standing in the doorway, arms crossed and watching her. A man? Wait. Only a Nadeshiko can find the place, let alone get in here, which means. She speaks up hesitantly, "Naruto-sama?" This caused a raised eyebrow from this male, who asked, "Where'd that 'sama' come from?"
"Your Lady Shizuoka's husband, no? Then you are a…"
"Just another soldier of Nadishiko. Just call me Naruto," Naruto states with a firm yet fierce resolve. "In the eyes of everyone, my son and I are considered less than trash." His smile was hollow. "I'm just trying to raise my son, prevent the culture from crushing him, and ensure that he is growing well and loved."
"…but…"
"But nothing." Naruto chopped her head softly with a stern look, "Besides, we have more important things to worry about…?"
"Kiyota. My name is Kiyota…" Kiyota spoke rather meekly, he nodded at that, Naruto speaking softly. "Now then, I have to explain your situation…"
"I already know." Her voice was filled with the defeat she felt resonating deep within her soul. "I let my guard down and got caught flat-footed. He had his way with me. I was only conscious for it briefly, long enough to understand what had happened before then." Much to her surprise, though, his hand glowed a dark emerald, flowing over her body, and then he spoke tightly. "You know, your..."
"Figured." She chuckled somewhat darkly. "Well, when Rhen sends word…" Suddenly, he froze, his eyebrows scrunched up. "…Why is he here?" Then, suddenly, he stepped aside, grabbing his sword. "This isn't good…"
"What's going on…?" Kiyota questioned, getting up too and dressing in short order. Suddenly, several more signals approached, nonfriendly. Naruto growled, "…shit!" before vanishing in a gust of wind.
Outside
Shirin had recalled all the training his father gave him. His reflexes, honed by his mother, have saved him more times than he can count. The only thing he is focusing on right now is Auntie Rhen's hushed words. "...post twelve." Another deflected sword strike was rather impressive for an eight, nearly nine, year old against these genin-level frenemies. "It's too bad. If you weren't on the blacklist..." one of the girls said, licking her lips. "In a few more years, if you're still alive..." another said in a dreamy state.
"Why are you doing this?" Shirin questioned with his kodatchi in a defensive reverse grip, kunai in the other, the same manner as this was not the time to go on the offensive. "Sorry, it's a direct order from our lady. We have no choice but to..." Without words, they all fell unconscious, and Naruto stood behind them, eyes hard as a sun's core, "Shirin... why are you here? You should be..." Only for said boy to throw himself at his father, sniffling and teary-eyed. "Papa! She said, theya said tnna ewha..."
"It's okay…?" he hums comfortingly, just as a half-dressed Kiyota came out and saw the knocked-out group, frowning at the sight, but seeing the father comforting the son, she remained silent.
Naruto held his son to his chest as they sat inside the outpost. Kiyota, sitting opposite and dressed in her gear, said, "Lord Naruto…," getting the man's attention. "…we have to leave here. No doubt they will send a full squad here, no?"
"Yes." He confirmed, clearly troubled. But at that moment, Shirin spoke up, having calmed down enough to react. "Papa…" pulling out the scroll his auntie's friend gave him, "…from auntie."
His father took the scroll and read it behind his son's back;
Naruto;
She did it. She actually signed your death warrant. Relax. I'm handling it. She wanted your son dead but snuck him out.
Your wife and daughters will be safe. Get to safety and protect my sister. I will be in contact soon enough.
Rhen
"Kiyota…" Naruto's voice was silky and smooth, yet calm, drawing said kunoichi's attention, meeting his hard blue gaze. "…we need to leave. Are you ready?" She nods as she gets up from the bed, and he follows suit with his tired son in arm. "Come here a sec."
"Sir…?" she ponders, stepping up to him. Naruto simply pokes their seals, and they fade immediately, speaking up. "From now on, we are freelancers. The only ones we can trust are the ones here, and now. Got it?"
"Yes, sir." She responded immediately, to which he nodded. "We're shinobi; we will endure this too," leading the group out into the world at large. A party of three? On the run? Just another mission.
A/N: Reworked.
o7