"Talking"
"SHOUTING/SCREAMING/YELLING"
'Thoughts'
"Jutsu"
"Tailed Beast Talking"
'Tailed Beast Thinking'
Sound Effects
Date & Time
Location
[Flashback]
]
Chapter 3
]
When Misa introduced herself to the class, Hinata Hyuga suddenly had a bad feeling in her gut and said feeling worsened when it became obvious that the purple haired happened to be on friendly terms with Naruto. The same Naruto who started treating everyone like acquaintances the 2 years following his transformation, a transformation which made her wonder whether the previous Naruto actually existed or was just a manifestation of her imagination.
During recess the Heiress was greatly alarmed after overhearing Misa say to Kiba that she already had plans with Naruto after school that she deliberately avoided her guardian – Ko, just to sneak after the two and if possible disrupt said plans.
While trailing the two, Hinata was surprised at how comfortable the two were around the other, they seemed to be on the same wavelength that even Misa grabbing Naruto's hand (an action which caused Hinata to gasp and nearly stumble) seemed natural and not with the original intention of enveloping themselves in a genjutsu, one which affected their perceptibility by the surrounding individuals.
The genjutsu may have worked on the civilians, but Hinata being a member of the Hyuga and possessing Byakugan saw through it and was able to keep up with the two until they arrived at the Uzumaki's favorite eatery.
'It really is a date!' Hinata assumed in dismay, 'But isn't it sudden? They just met today!'
'Or maybe they have been dating for a long time,' A voice whispered from the back of her mind, 'it's obvious that she's his type.'
The Hyuga shook her head and activated her Byakugan just as they stepped inside the establishment, she watched them converse with the waitress for about minute before they both upped and left through the same entrance.
Thinking that they were about to head somewhere else, Hinata readied herself to follow but was taken by surprise when they went round and reentered the building, this time though a backdoor before being led to a secluded room by the same waitress they encountered at the front.
'Why a private room?' She despite appearing meek and timid knew what's likely to occur when a male and female request for a private room, 'and there are those rumors about Misa having-'
"Hinata-sama!"
Jumping at the call of her name, the Hyuga turned round and came face to face with her guardian, "Ko-san."
Said male folded his arms, "What are you doing here Hinata-sama?" He asked with a narrowed gaze, "You weren't at the academy when I arrived."
"I-I just wanted some fresh air," She instantly put together an excuse, "so I decided to take a stroll round the village."
"I see, a stroll round the village huh," The elder Hyuga clearly didn't buy the excuse, "Anyway we should be heading back to the compound, your lessons with Mio-sama should begin within the hour and you know what happens if you're late." He stretched out a hand, one which Hinata gazed at with hesitation, "Is something wrong?"
"A-ah no," Stealing one last glance at the eatery, Hinata grabbed onto the hand and resigned herself, "Let's head back."
"… Yes." Leading her away, Ko activated his Byakugan and took a look at said eatery only to discovered that he couldn't look into one of the backrooms, 'Anti-dojutsu measures!' He realized, 'but why would a simple establishment have those?' Putting it to the back of his mind, he escorted the heiress back to their compound or in Hinata's case her prison.
]
Ichiraku's Ramen
Done with his lunch, Naruto glanced to his side and founded Misa helping herself to some of the drinks that were ordered. The two hadn't uttered a word since the former turned down the latter's advances and the silence was unnerving.
'Kurama?' He asked for some advice.
"Make a move." The Biju replied.
'Easy for you to say,' The Uzumaki retorted before pressing a button situated underneath their table.
RRIIIIIINNNNGGGGG!
Their door swung open revealing a certain brunette, "You rang?"
"We will like to pay."
Ayame produced a notepad and pen then calculated their bill, "That will be 5800 ryo."
Before Misa could lift a finger, Naruto was already placing said amount into the waitress's hand, "Here." Said waitress gave him a nod of approval before she began tidying up their plates, "So…" He turned to the purple-haired, "Shall we get going?"
Said female gave a nod and stood up before following him out the room and then the building. Once they were out at the back she turned to him and asked, "What now?"
"I will accompany you home."
Misa raised a brow at the instant reply, "You sure about that? I don't exactly live in the best place."
"It can't be worst than mine," Naruto waved off her concerns, "plus I won't be a proper gentleman if I fail to accompany a lovely lady like yourself home." He tried a bit of flattery.
It worked as her lips curved into a grin, "Well even I can't deny that." She grabbed onto the boy's left arm and began leading the way to her home, "This way."
Seeing that Misa was in a good mood bought a smile to Uzumaki's face, 'Good, I'm making some progress.'
"Keep up the momentum," Kurama who was watching instructed, "and don't blow it like last time if she wants to take it further."
'I-I won't.'
"Hmmm."
As the two headed towards Misa's residence, they passed by a popular barbeque joint catching the attention of a certain mask wearing Jonin.
"Hey, isn't that Anko's ward?" Kakashi inquired of his two Jonins who were with him.
Both Asuma and Kurenai look up from their respective grills.
"Yes, that's her." The former nodded.
"But what's she doing with him?" The latter wondered.
The Silver haired Jonin gave Kurenai a look of surprise, "Wait, you haven't heard?"
Kurenai looked confused, "Heard what?"
"Calm down Kakashi, she just got back from a mission remember." Asuma pointed out.
"Ah, you're right!"
"Is someone going to answer my question?" The female reminded the two men.
"A few hours ago Anko was promoted to Jonin." The Chain smoker answered as a cigar approached his parted lips.
'Huh?'
"And rumors say it has something to do with her ward getting enrolled in the final year class of the academy." Kakashi added, while flipping a page of his beloved book.
"WHAT!" This time Kurenai couldn't keep the yell in and the two men nearly dropped their book/ cigar in surprise, "I'm sorry but I will have to take my leave."
"But the bill-"
"The next lunch is on me." She promised.
Both men could only watch as Konoha's Genjutsu Mistress exited the booth and hit the street heading towards Hokage Tower.
]
Thanks to Misa's misperception genjutsu, the civilians weren't able to perceive the two and this allowed Naruto to focus on ones who could still perceive them – the Shinobi.
Letting out a chakra pulse with him as the epicenter, the redhead was able to detect two groups of shinobi trailing them. The first group felt calm and collected with a hint of curiosity and wonder.
'ANBU and about 3 of them,' He deduced, not too surprised that they were keeping tabs on him. Turning his focus to the second group made a frown to manifest on the Uzumaki's face as he picked up Jealousy, disgust and hatred.
"Something wrong?" Misa noticed his expression.
"We're being tailed and not just by the ANBU."
"So troublemakers," She concluded, "Any plans on how to deal with them?"
"We could always ditch them-"
"That's boring," The purple haired interrupted, "They're ruining our walk, so I say we roughen them a bit."
Naruto stared at her in surprise before chuckling, "Okay, we will do it your way." The girl gave a fist pump, "Do you know a good place?" The Uzumaki added.
"The Red Light District is just round the corner." Misa pointed to the illuminated signboard, "and I know an alley that is usually deserted around this time."
"…The one opposite Pure Bliss?"
She rounded on him in surprise, "How did you know?"
"I live in the same district."
The purple haired gave a wry smile, "No wonder you weren't surprised, it's really is a small world."
"It really is."
With that simple reply they stepped into the Red Light District.
]
(?)
"Hey, hey, look at that."
"So the brat is aiming for some fun huh."
"Why don't we crash in, he shouldn't be the only one to enjoy."
"That's actually a good idea."
"I hear that she's quite skilled."
"Then what are we waiting for."
"YEAH!"
]
(ANBU)
"The fools are making their move."
"They don't even realize that they're being led into a trap."
"At least we get some quality entertainment out of it."
"No arguments there."
"I wonder how long they will last."
"I say a minute or two."
"Hopefully I get to see the famed Mitarashi Balls Cruncher!" The two males quickly distanced themselves from their female companion, "… Why do you that?"
"NOTHING!"
]
Alleyway
Halting in place, the two turned round and waited, "What rank are they?" Misa asked as she began some stretches.
"Chunin." Naruto answered while looking at anything but the girl, 'She's definitely doing those on purpose.'
"I see nothing wrong with that."
'Ero-fox!'
Misa pouted upon seeing that her target wasn't paying attention to her, but before she could comment Naruto suddenly spoke up.
"They're here."
The footsteps were now audible, feeling a bit mischievous Misa closed the distance between her and Naruto, "Then let's set the mood."
"What mood are you- mmph!"
The Uzumaki was cut off by the unexpected kiss and the Mitarashi used that opportunity to slip her tongue in prompting the redhead to turn the same color as his hair.
"Hey look!" A crude voice interrupted, "The brat already started without us."
"Why the little…"
"Calm down guys, he hasn't gone all the way yet."
Pulling away from the purple haired, Naruto forced down his blush and faced the three, "Can I help you gentlemen?" He took in their appearance, noting that they were completely average even for Chunin.
The apparent leader grinned, "Since you're asking then how about we start with handing over the fine lass?" He gestured to Misa as the two behind licked their lips in an obscene manner.
"Hmmm," The Jinchuriki turned to the purple haired, who happened to be currently clinging onto his left arm, "What do you say?" He inquired of her.
"They disgust me." She spat.
"WHA!"
"YOU-"
"Well you heard her," Naruto said to the three agitated men, "She clearly not interested so how about leaving."
"Earth Style: Earth Wall!" Both teens didn't flinch when the only escape route was sealed off or when the three chunin drew their weapons with clear hostility.
"I was trying to be nice," The leader began as chakra run up the length of sword enveloping it in a blue glow, "but it seems to be a waste of time," He glanced at his two goons, "Restrain the girl while I butcher the brat."
"With pleasure."
"This should be fun."
Seeing that the two were approaching, Misa separated from Naruto and took up a combat stance, "ANBU are watching so don't reveal too much." The redhead whispered to the purple haired.
"Got it."
The leader raised a brow, "You, an academy student is willing to fight against two Chunin?" He huffed in amusement, "I think it's obvious who will win."
"I agree," The Uzumaki nodded, "but it's not who you think it is."
Just as he was done talking, Misa vanished in a blur of purple and black startling her two opponents along with their leader.
"Huh? Where did she go?" The latter asked.
POW! POW! Swish! Swish! BAM! BAM!
Blinking at a sudden breeze, he looked back and found both of his men sliding off his earth wall before collapsing flat on the bare ground, "Huh?"
"Dynamic Entry!"
He turned back only to take an Uzumaki dropkick to the face.
KAPOW! Swish! BAM!
He flew back and collided headfirst with the wall before sliding down to join the other two in blissful unconsciousness.
"That was disappointing!" Misa said with a frown, "Are these guys seriously Chunin? They went down after one hit."
"Their flak jackets are bright green so they are," Naruto replied before the two walked over to the pile of unconscious men and stared in silence, "So what now?"
"Hmm," Misa's eyes went to their pouches, "I think we deserve some compensation don't you?"
The Uzumaki chuckled, "I couldn't agree more."
As they bent down to begin looting the three, Naruto felt one of the ANBU agents take a leave, 'Probably to report the outcome to Lord Hokage… Sorry Guy-sensei,' The Uzumaki mentally apologized to the Taijutsu Master, 'But the Hokage is going to grill you for answers.'
"Hey Naruto-kun," Misa suddenly called.
"Yes?"
"I couldn't tell with the clothes you put on but," She licked her lips while staring at the boy's chest and arms, "You're really fit."
"Umm thanks," The Jinchuriki regained his blush as he remembered the kiss which presented her the only window to feel him up, "I underwent a strict training exercise these past 2 years."
"So how was it?"
"Painful."
"Not the training," Misa shook her head, "I'm talking about the kiss?"
"…"
She leaned closer, "You enjoyed it didn't you?"
Naruto looked away, "A bit." He finally said.
"Hehe!" Smiling to herself, Misa counted the amount of ryo she had looted. Watching her in such a mood made a smile to appear on the Jinchuriki's face.
'This is nice.' He thought.
"Having a mate always is."
'… Let's not rush ourselves.'
The Nine tails had to sigh, "You're helpless."
]
Hokage Office
:Lord Hokage?: A voice came over the telecom.
"Yes Kana?"
:Jonin Kurenai is requesting an audience:
The Sarutobi let out a sigh, "Send her in."
:Hai:
"She came earlier than I anticipated," Hiruzen muttered before the door of his office swung open revealing said Jonin.
"Good day Hokage-sama," The Genjutsu mistress greeted.
"Good day Kurenai," The elder returned, "Is there a reason for this sudden visit?" He went straight to the point.
Kurenai nodded, closing the door behind her, "It's about Anko and her ward."
A brow was raised, "What about them?"
"Starting with Anko," The Jonin hesitated a bit before continuing, "I don't think she's ready for promotion to Jonin."
The Hokage maintained a neutral expression, "Why don't you think she deserves the promotion?"
"Her judgments are flawed sir, it's unsuited for-"
"I find nothing wrong with them," Hiruzen interrupted, "She has met all the requirements for promotion and the Head of the Interrogation Department has personally vouched for her."
'Ah' Even she knew a vouch from a Department Head can't be easily casted aside, "But-"
"Kurenai." There came the warning tone.
Realizing that she was now walking on eggshells, the Jonin switched to her other reason for visiting, "Then about her ward's enrollment in the Academy."
"What about it?"
"She's dangerous."
"Everyone is dangerous."
"But not on the same magnitude! She's literally a monster-"
"Kurenai, I think we're done for today," Hiruzen concluded, "I'm extremely busy in case you can't see." He gestured to stacks of paper on his desk.
"… My apologies," She gave a curt bow, "I will be going now." Hiding her displeasure behind a professional mask, the Jonin exited the office with hasty steps, 'The value of those two has gone up, that's the only explanation,' Kurenai deduced from the Hokage's attitude, 'But what changed? How are they now suddenly important?'
She won't arrive at that answer for a long time.
]
Hokage Office
(After Kurenai had left)
Hiruzen focused on the stacks of paper on his desk, "Come in Mantis."
Said animal masked ANBU appeared in front of the busy elder and took a knee, "Lord Hokage."
"It seems you have something to report," He deduced, placing a proposal in the 'Reject' pile, "So what is it?"
"A few minutes ago, targets Naruto Uzumaki and Misa Mitarashi were engaged in battle by three of our Chunin."
A brow was raised, "The conclusion?" Hiruzen asked.
"The Chunin were defeated under a minute," Mantis answered, "Mitarashi blindsided two with High Chunin speeds while Uzumaki defeated their leader with a well timed Dynamic Entry."
'So Gai wasn't just helping Naruto with only physical exercises,' The Hokage stroked his beard in thought, "Say Mantis."
"Yes my Lord?"
"What level do you think those two are?"
"… I say they are least Mid Chunin if not High Chunin."
'No, they're higher than that,' The Hokage said to himself as he recalled the report of a dead mutant found in the Forest of Death, "I see, you can go Mantis but first inform Gai Maito that I will like to see him within the next hour."
"Hai!"
]
Training Ground 43
N1 looked over his brethren as they diligently tackled the task given to them by their boss.
It all started over a year ago when Naruto discovered overlapping diamond marks on his right palm, after going through the book titled 'The Unique Abilities and Bloodline of the Uzumaki Clan' he realized that the marks were actually an indicator of him possessing the Shade Style – A bloodline capable of absorbing, manipulating and releasing Chakra.
The book stated that the bloodline was lost during the Warring Clans Era and that it only had two techniques (being Inhaling Maw and Judgment), but the Jinchuriki disagreed with the latter part and assigned his shadows clones with the discovery of more techniques.
It's been over a year since the task was given and the techniques such as Judgment Beam, Chakra Mold, Chakra Blade, Chakra Chain, Crescent Slash, Guillotine, Black hole and a couple more have been derived from the original two.
"N1 over here!"
The head clone turned towards the clone who had called his attention, "Any progress N19?"
"Check this out!" N19 pointed his right hand at tree 20 meters away, "Judgment Burst!"
The upper diamond mark glowed before firing a sphere of chakra which then split into several smaller spheres and battered the tree.
N1 watched in silence while N19 puffed out his chest, "So what do you think?"
"It lacks strength," The Head clone criticized, "instead of being torn to shreds the tree remains standing."
N19 deflated, "I will work on that."
"Please do."
Seeing that the clone was rethinking his Jutsu, N1 turned his attention to another clone, one that was enveloping himself in what seemed to be a shell of chakra, "Now that's interesting."
]
Mitarashi's Residence
"Anko-nee! I'm home!" Misa called out, shutting the door behind her.
"Welcome back," The new promoted Jonin stepped out of the living room, "so how was your return to the academy?"
"Well I made a friend and is that your new jacket?" The younger got up close to have a better look, "Seems a bit tight don't you think?"
"Yeah, seems they got my bust size wrong…" Anko trailed off as the first part registered into her brain, "Wait! You made a friend?" She questioned with surprise.
Misa nodded, "He's a pretty nice guy and is easy on the eyes too."
"Well I'll be," Saying that the Kunoichi was shocked would be an understatement, "I thought you couldn't stand men."
"Most of them just want to rump, and they're always saying nasty thing about us." She added with a scowl.
Anko decided to change topic, "So about your new male friend," She unbuttoned the jacket all the way revealing her mesh-covered chest and belly, "What's his name?"
"Ah right, I never did tell you," Misa recalled, "His name is Naruto Uzumaki."
The 26 year old stiffened at the name as the final piece of the puzzle fell into place, "No way." The Jonin whispered.
"Anko-nee?"
"Ah sorry," Anko regained herself before placing her right hand on the Misa left shoulder, "Say did you run into some hoodlums again?" She eyed the red smudge on the teen's right boot.
"… I did," Misa slowly admitted, "A couple of them ambushed Naruto and I on our way back."
"I see," The Snake mistress nodded, "How about you head over to the bathroom and fresh up?" Anko got behind Misa and placing her other hand on the girl's remaining shoulder, began nudging her towards the mentioned room, "All that sweat needs to be wash away."
Misa made no effort to resist but once they got to the bathroom door, She grabbed her guardian by the arm before she could leave and asked, "Anko-nee, do you have an issue with Naruto?"
The Senior Kunoichi smiled wryly, "I seriously shouldn't have taught you how to read people."
"But you did so that I won't place my trust in those who are unworthy."
"Yeah, I did do that."
"Then about Naruto-"
"I have no problems with him," Anko interrupted, "It's just…"
"Just?" Misa pressed.
"There are a lot of people who are interested in him for both good and bad reasons." The Snake mistress explained, "Getting involved with him will draw their attention to you."
"… I see," The youngster uttered with a downcast expression, one which struck Anko's heart "So I should probably call off the-"
"No!"
"Huh?" The girl looked up in surprise.
"Don't call off the relationship." Anko affirmed.
"But-"
"Your happiness is all that matters," The Snake mistress interrupted, "Besides we never lost their attention in the first place." She added with a sad smile, "Just make sure to introduce him to me- ouff!"
Misa lunged and engulfed her in a hug, "Thank you thank you."
'She really likes him huh,' Anko said to herself before sniffing the girl who's head was buried between her bosoms, "Hey! Don't go hugging people when you reek of sweat!" She gave her ward a smack to her backside earning a surprised cry, "Now shoo!"
"Ooo," Misa rubbed abused backside as she stepped into the bathroom, "I will get you for this."
"Yeah right!" The Senior shot back before the door was shut.
Once the sound of running water began, Anko walked into the living room and slumped down on crouch, her mind a hurricane of thoughts, "That old monkey," She mumbled in defeat, "Using us as chains to shackle the Jinchuriki to the village, and now that he has befriended Misa he will certainly be added to my team after graduation."
The Jonin lifted her head then closed her hers eyes, bringing up information she had on him from her brain, 'An orphan of 14 going to 15 years of age, previously blonde but now red haired, used to be a happy go prankster with dreams of being Hokage but 2 years ago he suddenly underwent a transformation and began retaliating against anyone who crossed him be it civilian, shinobi or even Lord Hokage himself,' The Kunoichi took a deep breath and then released it before continuing, 'Currently deemed a flight risk of equal or greater magnitude than the Uchiha… Damn I knew that offer was too good to be true yet I still accepted.' She groaned in frustration.
The Hokage probably knew that if those two met each other they will probably become friends if not more, that's why he had to return Misa back to the Academy after the disastrous incident some years back.
The offer for Jonin promotion was to coerce Anko in agreeing since she had been denied that twice by the council despite being more suitable than a few who were granted. Her ward, Misa wants to be a Kunoichi and if she heard that her guardian will be promoted to Jonin on the condition that she returned to the academy, will certainly do so.
No matter what scenario Anko imagined, the end result was them still getting involved with Naruto one way or another.
"I need some tea."
]
Abandoned Apartment Complex
Back within the comfort of his apartment, Naruto walked into his living room and took a seat on the couch, his mind replaying the 'Date' he just had with Misa.
"Based on how it went down, I will give it a 7/10." Kurama spoke up.
"That's fair," The Uzumaki replied as he raised a finger to his lips, "But that kiss…"
"A HOT 10/10!" The fox whistled, "Still hesitant to take her as a mate?"
"… No, her feelings are genuine and we're similar in a lot of ways."
"Then-"
"I will ask her when the time is right,"
"… You humans are really helpless."
"Hey wait a- He closed the connection." Naruto sighed before picking up a presence at his front door.
Knock! Knock!
Standing on his feet, the Uzumaki walked back to door and noticed that the presence was already gone, 'Strange,' He thought, 'That chakra signature isn't native to this village so it's probably an outsider.'
Placing a hand on the door knob, he opened the door and took a look into the hallway but found nothing out of ordinary except for a small brown package with a note attached which read
To Naruto Uzumaki,
From Those of the Swirling Tides
]
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Chapter 4
Total Number of Words: 4229 Words
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