"Talking"

"SHOUTING/SCREAMING/YELLING"

'Thoughts'

"Jutsu"

"Tailed Beast Talking"

'Tailed Beast Thinking'

Sound Effects

Date Time

Location

[Flashback]

]

Chapter 2

]

2 Days Later

Konoha Academy

"… Despite the Late 1st Hokage's attempts at diplomacy, the First Shinobi War still occurred as several nations scrabbled for territory…"

Naruto let a yawn while paying slight attention to Iruka-sensei's class on 'The Shinobi Wars', the redhead had already read the topic several times and realized that most of wars, which ended up claiming thousands if not tens of thousands of lives, were started as a result of petty reasons such as jealousy, pride and greed.

'Like how Kumo and Kiri ganged up to destroy my homeland in the 2nd war.' He gazed down at his history textbook and proceeded to frown, 'It's strange that the Fall of Uzushiogakure isn't included in the text, like someone deliberately excluded it in order to prevent the younger generation from finding out.'

Knock! Knock!

Iruka turned to the door leading to the hallway and was surprised at who he saw, "Headmistress?"

"A minute of your time Iruka-sensei," The woman seemed to be in a bad mood, "I just received some new developments."

Said teacher nodded, "No noise!" He warned the class before stepping out.

Said class instantly went abuzz as a few persons threw out theories for the Headmistress sour mood. Naruto himself was curious because whenever the Headmistress had that look it usually involved him, but he hadn't done anything of recent.

"Okay Naruto, what did you do now?"

Unfortunately a certain classmate thought otherwise.

"You're blaming the wrong person Sakura," He turned to the girl, "In case you didn't notice I haven't done anything these past weeks."

"Hmph!" She huffed not believing a word, "The fight you got into last week?"

"I didn't even lay a hand on them," The Jinchuriki defended, "Their injuries were as a result of a pincer attack which I avoided."

A pink brow was raised, "I'm impressed you even know what that is."

"Seriously?" Naruto adopted a bland look, 'Does she still think I'm an idiot?'

"Okay class quiet down," Iruka interrupted their conversation with his return, "I have an announcement to make," The Chunin cleared his throat with a cough, "A new student will be joining us today."

"A new student?"

"Is it a boy or girl?"

Whispers went off at different parts of the classroom, but a clap from the teacher silenced them all.

Seeing that all were quiet, Iruka glanced towards hallway, "Come in."

The student walked and Naruto couldn't believe his eyes, 'What!' He mouthed, recognizing the purple hair, yellow eyes and strapless black dress from a few days ago.

"Damn!"

"Look at them bounce!"

"Her exposure is-"

"It's the same as yours Ino!"

"But they're bigger than mine!"

"So that's your issue."

"Don't judge me!"

"Quiet down!" Iruka instructed before facing the student, "Please introduce yourself to the class."

The student took a deep breath and exhaled, "Misa Mitarashi," She bowed before continuing, "I will be in your care."

The class suddenly went silent as the name sank in.

"Mitarashi?"

"Hey, isn't that-"

"So she is-"

"What's she doing here?"

"As if Naruto wasn't enough"

'Knew it- Wait, Naruto!' Misa's head shot up and looking around, found said boy at the far left corner of the class.

Seeing that he has been spotted, the redhead gave a wave before patting the empty desk to his right.

Misa immediately understood, "Iruka-sensei, may I sit beside him?" She asked, pointing to the available seat.

"Sure." The Chunin replied, having noticed the interaction between the two, 'Interesting.'

The purple haired made her way over to the desk, ignoring a couple of boys who were trying to gain her attention and took the seat, "Surprise seeing you here." She smiled at the Uzumaki.

"I could say the same," Naruto returned the smile, "So what did you pull off to join the final year class?" He inquired.

Misa shook her head, "It wasn't me, Lord Hokage did."

"Lord Hokage?" The teen blinked, "What did he-"

"Naruto," Iruka called, "You can chat with your friend later."

"Haiiiiiiiiii!" The Jinchuriki answered as the girl beside him giggled.

The Chunin raised a brow at this before resuming the class.

]

A Few Hours Later

Hokage Tower

Slumping down on his seat, Hiruzen let out a tired sigh, 'After 2 hours of heated debate I finally managed to force it through,' He grabbed a cigar and took a puff before exhaling, 'Homura and Koharu were the hardest to convince but Danzo,' His eyes narrowed at the thought of bandaged man, 'He accepted far too easily for my liking, I will have-'

POOF!

The thought got interrupted by the sudden appearance of a red skinned toad, "Lord Hokage?" It asked.

"Yes, I take it you're Jiraiya-kun's summon?"

The toad nodded then grabbed the scroll on its back with webby limbs, "Message." It offered, placing said scroll on the table before vanishing in a fume of smoke.

Unfurling the scroll, Hiruzen read its contents.

Change of plans, will be back in 2 months instead of 3. Expect a couple of surprises.

Orochimaru is on the move, still investigating but claims of a new Hidden Village in Rice Country.

Mass disappearances and theft are being reported all over the place, the Daimyos' are getting anxious and want answers.

The barrier around Whirpool Country seems to have been strengthened, but no sign of the Uzumaki.

Kiri is still locked in civil war with no victor in sight; the Water Daimyo had washed his hands off the conflict, and is content with watching the two sides battle it out.

Next installment of the Icha-Icha series dropping next week

Yours faithfully,

Jiraiya of the Legendary Sannin

Done reading, the 3rd Hokage slammed his head against his desk and sighed wearingly, 'One headache after another, maybe I should let Danzo takeover.'

]

Konoha Academy

As the bell for recess rang, Naruto wasn't surprised to see Kiba heading their way, "Incoming." He warned Misa.

"Misa-chan right?" The Inuzuka inquired, eyes locked onto said person while ignoring the male beside her.

"That's me," The purple haired replied before frowning, "and my face is up here."

"Ah sorry," Kiba apologized, but his gaze still drifted back to its initial target – her chest.

Misa sighed as she realized that he was one of those guys, "So what do you?"

A grin found itself on the boy's face, one that neither Naruto nor Misa liked, "How about I treat you to some lunch?" He gave what could barely pass as a charming smile.

"What?"

"Seriously?"

"He's asking her?"

Those who remained in class were surprised at his actions but-

"Sorry, but I already have plans with Naruto-kun." The girl turned him down.

This poured cold water on the dog lover as his grin quickly morphed to confusion, "Naruto-kun?" Kiba now gazed at said person and proceeded to scoff, "Come on now, this loser isn't even worth your time or attention."

"I will be the judge of that."

"But he's the least likeable guy in school."

Misa actually raised a brow, "Is that true?" She asked her neighbor.

"I had a hunch." The Jinchuriki shrugged, "Pretty sure those nasty rumors had a hand in it."

"I see," The purple haired nodded before turning her attention back towards Kiba, "Sorry, but I've made my mind, try wooing some other girl okay?"

Naruto actually snickered as Kiba grew a tick mark, "Why you-"

"You wasting your time Kiba," A new figure interrupted as she approached, "Whores like her will always to be attracted to the worst men imaginable."

Naruto instantly stopped his chuckle as he sensed a change in his immediate neighbor, "Ami, I think it's best if you apologize," He noticed Misa's hands clench into fists, "Right away if possible." He added.

"Ho," The girl smirked, "why would I do that when I'm just speaking the truth."

"The truth?" The cold tone in which the purple haired uttered those words chilled the males present to the core, "What truth are you talking about?"

Kiba was already backing away at this point, not that Naruto could blame him for doing so as the killing intent Misa was letting off seemed to be increasing by the second.

Unfortunately Ami didn't appear to notice this as she continued, "I did hear that guardian of yours' has been teaching you a couple of her bedroom skills," The smirk grew even further as the Mitarashi's eye began to twitch, "Not that I'm surprised, since that will explain how she managed to climb up the ranks so quickly. She probably been spraying her legs for-"

Swish! Bam!

'Huh?' the girl blinked as she stared at the fist which stopped just shy of her nose, 'what!'

Misa turned to the one who has prevented her from sending the stupid girl straight to the infirmary, "Naruto."

"Calm down," The Uzumaki whispered as he glanced around the class, "You scaring everyone."

Misa looked around and realized that the redhead was right. Most of the class had their eyes on them, some curious while some were terrified by amount of killing intent pouring out of her, the new girl.

Reining in her killing intent, the purple haired retracted her fist but still maintained eye contact with the civilian girl, "Get out of my sight."

"Huh?" Ami blinked.

"I said get out of my sight!"

That seemed to have finally snapped her out of the shock, "Why you! Who do you think-"

Whatever was going to be said was cut off as Misa's pupils narrowed into silts and the now dissipating killing intent returning in full force, "Did you say something?" Her eyes flashed red and an image of a giant snake manifested behind her.

Ami went paler than paper, "No ma'am!"

"Then get lost."

"H-hai!"

The girl instantly went back to her seat and avoided staring in their direction.

Naruto sighed in relief, "Thank Kami," He then looked at Misa who was still in scary mode and bobbed her on the head.

"Oww," The older girl whined before giving redhead a slight glare, "What was that for?"

"For frightening half the entire class on your first day," The Jinchuriki deadpanned, "I'm pretty sure that's a new record."

"… They started it."

"You could have just ignored her."

"I would have if she hadn't include the last part."

RIIINNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

That sounded the end of the break and the purple haired had to blink as she couldn't believe her ears, "Recess is already over?!"

"Looks like we will be having our lunch after school," He turned to the girl, "How does ramen sound?"

"Ramen," The yellow eyed female pondered it for a while, "Do you know a good place?"

"Yes." Naruto nodded.

"With a lot of privacy?"

"Why?"

"A private conversation," She looked around then whispered, "It concerns that pill you have me a while back."

"Oh."

The redhead understood just before Iruka-sensei stepped into the class and began the next set of lectures.

Unknown to the two, a pair of pale eyes watched their entire interaction with an unpleasant gaze.

]

A Few Hours Later

Exiting the academy along with Misa and hitting the streets, Naruto picked up on a lot of negative emotions from the populace and most of them were directed at his companion.

"Did she just exit the academy?"

"What's Lord 3rd thinking?"

"Maybe he's finally gone senile."

"Look, she's with the 'Demon brat'!"

"Well Birds of a feather will flock together."

The redhead shook his head, "I see you have it tough too," He commented.

The girl shrugged, "I have my ways of dealing with it."

A brow was raised, "How so?"

Misa reached out and grabbed his hand, "Like this."

The action confused the Uzumaki until she made a seal with her free hand and he suddenly felt all the negative emotions around them disappear, taking a look around he noted that everyone was going about their businesses.

"What did you do?" He asked the purple haired.

"Oh, a bit of genjutsu," She smirked, "It makes the user invisible to those in the immediate area," She raised their entwined hands, "That's why I grabbed your hand earlier."

"Neat trick," Naruto complimented as he took another look around, "But it doesn't seem to be that effective."

Following his line of sight, Misa spotted the reason why he said that. It was a trio of shinobi, all males, who were staring at them with less than pleasant intentions.

"Well it's a Low C-rank Genjutsu, anyone above Genin will notice it right away." She explained.

"As long as it works on the civilians then it's a pass in my book."

This brought a smile to the female's face, "I'll make sure to relay the message to its creator."

"It wasn't you?"

A negative shake of the head, "My friend taught it to me after I told her about my daily life." Her expression twitched a bit, "She wasn't happy after hearing about it."

"… You have a good friend."

"Thanks."

The two took a right turn and after couple more steps arrived in front of a small establishment, "And here we are!"

Misa read the sign board, "Ichiraku's Ramen," She followed Naruto in, smiling at the fact that he parted the curtain for her and took a seat, "Seems like a nice place."

The Uzumaki grinned, "Wait till you taste the food." He looked round and was satisfied that they were the only customers present, "Ayame-nee!"

"I'm here!" The waitress called before making her way, "Oh my," Ayame exclaimed as she took in the female beside him, "Seems like you finally landed yourself girlfriend Naruto-kun and she's hot too."

"Why thank you."

"We're not like that."

The brunette giggled, "So what will it be?" She asked, grabbing a notepad and pen.

"Before that, is Oji-san in?" The redhead questioned.

"He's buying supplies for the evening rush-hour but why do you need him?"

"We will like to use the private room."

Ayame blinked before sprouting a mischievous grin, "Oh I see."

Alarmed bells rang in the Uzumaki's brain, "Wait a minute-"

"Please head to the back, I will it set up." The waitress was already gone.

Knowing that he had lost the chance to correct the misunderstanding Naruto let a sigh in resignation.

Misa on the other hand seemed happy, "I like her."

"Good for you," The redhead stood up and headed back towards the entrance with his purple haired companion right behind.

]

Mitarashi Residence

Anko stared at the package on her table with a myriad of emotions, grabbing onto the letter which came along, she read it for the 4th time.

Dear Anko Mitarashi, in recognition of your valiant deeds towards the safety and betterment of Konogakure and its populace, I, Hiruzen Sarutobi – 3rd Hokage of Konogakure and Leader of the Shinobi Forces within the Fire Country hereby promote you to the rank of JONIN effective immediately.

Please wear the jacket with pride and continue the good work as always.

'What good work? You literally manipulated me!' Anko screamed to herself as her fist clenched the letter before throwing it into a waste bin.

"That old monkey!" She hissed, "I can take a lot of crap, but for him to drag Misa-chan into one of his schemes, what's his aim?"

Two days ago, she had met with Iruka, the teacher in charge of the final year class, and questioned him on the personalities and mannerisms of his students. From what she found out most of the students, excluding the Clan heirs and a few others, were pretty much mundane. So if Misa didn't get into any issues with the heirs, her journey through out the remaining 3 months should be a smooth one.

But that where the Hokage's unknown objective comes in. What will he gain from enrolling Misa at the academy?

"I can't wrap my head around it and the fact that Misa has agreed isn't helping at all," The Snake mistress slumped on her couch in defeat, "Just have it to hope it isn't detrimental to either of us."

A look at the wall clock gave her another matter to think about, "Shouldn't she be back now?" A scenario came to mind, "Maybe she went to visit her friend again."

]

Private Room, Ichiraku Ramen

"Okay, if that's everything I will be heading back now," Receiving a nod from both teens whom were seated opposite each other, Ayame headed towards the door only to stop in place, "Oh, before I forget…" She turned back and gave them a smile, "Keep the moans down to a minimum and don't dirty the place-"

"We will not be doing such thing!"

"Hmmm." She clearly did not believe him, "Well I will be back."

Bam!

Once the door was shut, Naruto placed a seal tag on the table and poured a bit of his chakra into it.

"Activate."

At the simple command, blue lines shot out of the seal and ran into the walls of the room before fading away, "Now no one will be able to listen or peek into our conservation."

Misa had her eyes on the glowing seal, "A privacy seal," Her eyes went up to the Jinchuriki, "what level are you?" She asked.

Naruto saw no harm in answering her question, "I'm Level 7."

"Level 7… I really hit the jackpot." She muttered.

"Jackpot?"

"Ah, forget that," She focused herself, "Now if I recall, the pill you gave me last time was only a temporary fix right?"

The redhead nodded, "I might be able to offer a permanent solution if I know what ails your friend."

"… She has a frail body."

"Frail body," Naruto repeated, "That shouldn't be a problem in the everyday life… unless she desires to be a Shinobi."

"She does," Misa confirmed, "but due to her condition, the Hokage and Academy aren't willing to give her a chance."

'Because she's practically worthless to them,' The Uzumaki really couldn't blame the Hokage and Academy on this as most individuals in seats of power would have done the same.

"So what's her name?" He asked after a pause, "You've been quite careful not to let it slip."

"Yakumo Kurama."

"Kurama," The Jinchuriki recalled a clan by that name, "they were renowned for producing excellent Genjutsu specialists during the founding of Konoha, but inbreeding and development of anti-Genjutsu measures have made them a shadow of their past self."

"You really know your stuff," Misa was impressed, "I doubt most of our generation even realize that they're a clan."

"Our generation is ignorant about a lot of things." The redhead uttered offhandedly, "so what is Yakumo's position in the clan?"

"She is their heiress."

"… Talk about bad luck."

The purple haired flinched, "It's not as bad as you think."

"She had frail body," Naruto started listing off, "lost her parents to a mysterious fire, rumors say that she has been unofficially exiled by the clan to the outskirts of the village where she's being monitored by a team of medical ninja and an ANBU-"

"Okay, it's bad," Misa slumped forward and released a sigh, "That's why I'm trying to help her, but nothing in my father's notes or lab looks good enough."

Now this caught the redhead by surprise, "Wait, you have access to one of Orochimaru's labs?"

"Please don't mention that things' name around me." The atmosphere grew heavy.

"… Noted."

The purple haired let off her killing intent, "Back to your question I do have access to one of the labs."

"How is that so? The village claims to have either shutdown or destroyed all them within the country."

"There's a secret passage in one of the shutdown labs, I happened to have stumbled upon it while sightseeing." A grin appeared on her face, "You interested?"

"… A bit," Naruto confessed, "But a tour won't cover the cost for Yakumo's treatment."

The grin morphed into surprise, "So you can cure her!" A nod was her reply, "Friendship won't be enough, what else do you want in return?"

The Uzumaki thought about it, "I'm financial stable thanks to the sale of my fuinjutsu seals, the Snake Sannin would have left some valuable stuff in his lab, but something tells me you have probably confiscated it all-"

"Not really," Misa interrupted, "I couldn't wrap my head around some of the gadgets and samples lying around so I mostly left them untouched," A shiver went down her spine, "Plus some of them are just downright creepy."

"I see, then you won't mind if I help myself to some."

"I don't mind at all but," Her face went stern; "I do hope you're not trying to recreate his work." Yellow eyes gazed into their blue counterparts.

Naruto didn't flinch nor break eye contact, "I have no intention to." He simply replied.

The female nodded in satisfaction, "Then tomorrow I will introduce you to Yakumo, if your medicine works then the lab is all yours along with everything in it."

The redhead raised a hand, "Wait a moment, I don't want ownership of the lab," He pointed out, "just anything that catches my eye."

Misa raised a brow, "Then you aren't against me burning it down once you're done?"

"I'm not."

"That's a relief."

Knock! Knock!

"It's Ayame-nee," Narurto revealed while deactivating the privacy seal, "Come in."

The waitress opened the door and pushed in a trolley filled with food and refreshments, "Order's up!" She called.

The aroma flew into their nostrils, "Mmm, hope it tastes as good as it smells." The purple haired subconsciously licked her lips as Ayame started handing out their dishes.

Naruto smirked at the sight, "Oh, it tastes better."

"Seriously I can't believe you guys," The brunette suddenly complained surprising the two.

"Is there an issue?"

"Did we do something wrong?"

"Yes!" Ayame glared at both male and female, "I leave you two alone for 20 minutes yet there are no lipstick marks, disorganized clothing nor obscene smells in the air." She shook her head in disappointment, "And here I was thinking my little bro had finally grown up."

It took a few seconds for Misa to start laughing while Naruto gained a flustered look on his face, "Ayame-nee."

Ding! Ding!

"Oh, another customer," The brunette was already by the door, "Try to not to disappoint this time Naruto!"

The Jinchuriki could only stare in amazement as the door was shut, "That Ayame-nee!"

"Well," Misa seemed to calm down, "I say we do as requested." She added while standing up.

"Wha!"

Naruto was so dumbfounded by the statement that he couldn't prevent the purple haired from making her way over and taking the seat beside his, "What a minute," He got out as soft feminine hands grasped his shoulders, "You know she's joking right?"

"No," Misa replied while leaning in, "She isn't and neither am I."

The redhead never imagined that their lunch will turn out this way, "We barely know each other."

"We each know the other's secret." Her yellow eyes gazed into his and Naruto was finding it difficult to look away as they were too mesmerizing.

"We're skipping some steps." He attempted as Misa was in the process of straddling him.

"We're friends and you invited me to lunch," She made herself comfortable on his lap, "All steps are accounted for." She confirmed.

The Jinchuriki knew she was right and his body betrayed him by wrapping his arms around her waist, "This is-" He tried to explain.

"See, even your body is honest," She ran a finger along his lips, "Just stay still and enjoy it." Eyes closed the female drew ever closer.

This made the Uzumaki to gulp, he did want it and he knew that Misa is willing to give it to him. Her emotions are practically bare to his sensory capabilities and he couldn't detect a single ulterior motive behind her actions, but it's all going way too fast for him.

"Wait!" Seeing the frown on her face Naruto quickly added, "wouldn't it be better after lunch? That's how it normally goes."

Misa contemplated it, "I guess you're right," She got off his lap but remained by his side, "After lunch then." She split her chopsticks into two and began eating.

The Jinchuriki watched her nervously, 'Is she mad?'

"Of course she is you dummy!"

'KURAMA!' The teen yelled in his mind, 'Where have you been?'

"On the moon," The fox sarcastically growled, "I'm disappointed in you, passing off a good chance like that."

'I was caught off guard okay?' His host shot back, 'I didn't expect her to be so forward!'

"Tell a good look at her," The beast retorted, "the way she dresses, her mannerisms and style of walking, women like her are proactive when they find the right guy. If that waitress hadn't given a push she would have still made a move before the month's end!"

'… You're surprising knowledge about this.' The redhead commented.

"It's common sense which you seem to lack."

'Once again I was caught off guard!'

"Well next time you won't and I expected a better performance!" With that said, the tailed beast cut the connection from his side.

Realizing that the entire universe is against him on the matter, the redhead resigned himself to what was to come and focused on his ramen.

]

Hokage Office

When he received a report from one of his ANBU that both Naruto Uzumaki and Misa Mitarashi were spotted leaving the Academy together, Hiruzen Sarutobi – The 3rd Hokage attempted to watch over them with his Crystal Ball, but the damn contraption seemed to be have difficulty conjuring up their image.

"2 years down the line and it's still acting!" The Hokage frowned, "and Lord 1st didn't leave behind a maintenance manual."

After about half an hour of static, the Crystal Ball finally conjured an image and it was one of the purple haired making her move on the redhead in a secluded room.

"Ho," Sitting up straight, the aged leader watched it play out while wishing that he had some popcorn on hand.

"Here!"

"Why thank you!"

Leave it to his ANBU to always come in handy.

Enjoying his snack, Hiruzen paid rapt attention to the display and almost yelled in shock when Naruto stopped her at the last second, "Which hormonal teenager throws away a chance like that?"

:Lord Hokage?:

His secretary's voice over the telecom made the Sarutobi realized that he accidently left his microphone on, "Sorry about that Kana, please go about your work."

:Hai!:

Making sure his mic was on mute, Hiruzen gazed back at two through the crystal ball and found them eating their meal in silence. Realizing that none were in the mood to continue, he deactivated the jutsu returning the ball back to its default state.

"Hmm," He leaned down on his seat, "I know they just meet today, but isn't the pace too fast?" A hand reached up to stroke his beard, "It's almost like they've meet before, but the ANBU would have surely reported such a meeting unless…" His eyes narrowed in thought, "I will have to wait and see before making any moves."

]

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