IS Kitsune
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Naruto x Harem
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''Normal Speech''
Inner Thoughts, Dialogue, or reading passages from books and scrolls
(Quick Notes and Messages or Echoes.)
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Story Start
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Naruto stood at the gates of the IS Academy, a gentle breeze playing with his spiky blonde hair as he took in the gleaming white buildings that stretched toward the sky. The place looked more like a palace than a school, all sleek lines and modern architecture, with training arenas dotting the sprawling campus like metallic pearls.
He couldn't help but smile. After centuries of wandering between worlds, spreading the teachings of Ninshuu and diving deep into the mysteries of existence, he'd finally found something that promised pure, unadulterated fun. The universe had a sense of humor, he'd give it that—dropping him into a world where powerful mechanical exoskeletons could only be piloted by women, with exactly one exception.
Well, two exceptions now.
The morning sun caught the edge of a training arena in the distance, where a student was practicing aerial maneuvers in her IS unit. The sight of the mechanized suit dancing through the air reminded him of the graceful movements of the shinobi from his original world, though these machines had their own unique beauty—a marriage of power and precision that spoke to something primal in human nature.
"Excuse me," a timid voice called from behind him. "Are you... are you the other male pilot?"
Naruto turned to find a young man with dark hair and an earnest expression that reminded him a bit too much of himself from centuries ago. Ichika Orimura—the first male IS pilot and, until Naruto's arrival, the sole exception to the female-only rule.
"That's me," Naruto grinned, extending his hand. "Naruto Uzumaki. Though I guess you're probably tired of being called 'the male pilot' too, huh?"
Ichika's handshake was firm but cautious. "Ichika Orimura. And yeah, it's... been interesting." His eyes darted around, noting the growing number of students who were stopping to stare at them. "Though I have a feeling it's about to get even more interesting."
Naruto's grin widened. The poor kid had no idea.
The IS Academy's main hall buzzed with excitement as students filed in for the opening ceremony. Naruto could feel the weight of hundreds of curious gazes as he and Ichika made their way to their assigned seats. The whispers followed them like a wave:
"Two of them now..."
"The blonde one looks foreign..."
"Did you see how he moves? Like he's not even trying to be noticed..."
"I heard he appeared out of nowhere..."
A tall girl with long blonde hair and an air of nobility about her sat directly behind them, her blue eyes sharp with calculation. Naruto didn't need his experience to recognize the look of someone planning to establish dominance early.
The opening speeches were exactly what Naruto expected—lots of talk about responsibility, privilege, and the honor of being chosen to pilot humanity's greatest technological achievement. He spent most of the time observing his fellow students, particularly the ones who seemed most likely to cause trouble.
There was the noble-looking blonde, of course. A girl with long dark hair tied in a ponytail who kept shooting concerned glances at Ichika. Another with short silver hair who carried herself like a soldier. And most interestingly, a blue-haired girl who sat alone, red eyes focused intently on nothing in particular.
"And now," the headmistress announced, "we have a unique situation this year. For the first time in IS Academy history, we have two male students capable of piloting an IS unit. Ichika Orimura and Naruto Uzumaki, please stand."
Naruto rose smoothly, offering a casual wave to the assembled students. Beside him, Ichika stood more stiffly, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. The contrast between them couldn't have been more stark—one radiating easy confidence, the other trying his best not to shrink under the collective gaze of hundreds of young women.
"I expect all students to treat them with the same respect afforded to any other pilot," the headmistress continued, though Naruto could hear the hint of amusement in her voice. "That said, let's move on to class assignments."
"This is absolutely unacceptable!" Houki Shinonono's voice echoed down the dormitory hallway. She stood in the doorway of her room, bokken gripped tightly in one hand, glaring at Yamada-sensei as if the gentle teacher had personally orchestrated this disaster.
Naruto leaned against the wall, more amused than concerned. "You know, most people at least wait until dinner before threatening their roommates with wooden swords."
"You are not my roommate!" Houki snapped, turning her glare on him. "This has to be some kind of mistake."
Yamada-sensei adjusted her glasses nervously. "I understand this is unusual, Shinonono-san, but we're dealing with unprecedented circumstances. The male dormitory won't be ready for another week, and all other rooms are already assigned..."
"Then put him with Ichika!"
"Orimura-kun's situation is... different," Yamada-sensei explained. "His sister specifically requested..."
"Of course she did," Houki muttered, then pointed her bokken at Naruto. "Fine. But if you try anything..."
Naruto raised his hands in mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it. Besides," he added with a wink, "I'm pretty sure you'd try to kill me in my sleep."
"Try?" Houki's eye twitched.
"Maa, maa," Naruto soothed, stepping past her into the room. "Think of it this way—you'll have some great stories to tell your grandkids. 'Back in my day, I had to room with one of the only male IS pilots in existence...'"
"I'm going to murder him," Houki informed Yamada-sensei matter-of-factly.
The teacher just smiled weakly. "Please try to get along. And Uzumaki-san... maybe don't antagonize your roommate quite so much?"
"Where's the fun in that?" Naruto dropped his bag on the empty bed, taking in the room. It was spacious enough, with two beds, desks, and a shared bathroom. Houki had already claimed one side, decorating it with traditional Japanese elements—a calligraphy scroll, a small bonsai, and what looked like meditation cushions.
"I have rules," Houki declared, closing the door after Yamada-sensei left.
"I'm sure you do."
"One: You stay on your side of the room at all times."
"Reasonable."
"Two: No visitors."
"Spoilsport."
"Three: If you so much as think about—"
"Houki," Naruto interrupted, his voice suddenly carrying the weight of centuries. She blinked, caught off guard by the shift in his demeanor. "I know this isn't ideal. But I give you my word—you have nothing to worry about from me."
Something in his tone must have reached her because she lowered her bokken slightly. "You... you're different from what I expected."
Naruto's easy grin returned. "I get that a lot. Now, want to tell me what's really bothering you? Because I'm pretty sure it has more to do with Ichika than with me."
The blush that spread across her face told him everything he needed to know.
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The classroom was a mix of cutting-edge technology and traditional school setup. Holographic displays floated above each desk, but they were arranged in the familiar rows and columns that hadn't changed in centuries. Naruto found himself seated next to Ichika, with Houki behind them and the blonde noble—who he'd learned was named Cecilia Alcott—directly in front.
Their homeroom teacher, Chifuyu Orimura, cut an impressive figure at the front of the room. Tall, stern, and radiating an aura of absolute authority, she reminded Naruto of some of the more formidable kunoichi he'd known. The fact that she was Ichika's older sister added an interesting dynamic to the whole situation.
"Today we'll be covering the basic principles of IS operation," Chifuyu announced. "Though some of you may have prior experience, we'll start from the beginning to ensure everyone has a solid foundation. Alcott, since you're a representative candidate, perhaps you'd like to demonstrate the basic startup sequence?"
Cecilia stood with perfect poise. "Of course, sensei. Though I must say, it seems rather elementary..."
"Elementary or not, some of our students might benefit from a thorough explanation." Her eyes flickered briefly to Naruto and Ichika.
Naruto caught the slight emphasis and had to suppress a laugh. They really had no idea what he was capable of. Still, he played along, adopting an expression of innocent attention as Cecilia began her explanation.
"The IS, or Infinite Stratos, operates on a principle of mental synchronization," she began, her voice carrying a hint of condescension. "The pilot must establish a neural link with the core, which then..."
As she continued, Naruto noticed something interesting. While most of the class was paying attention to Cecilia, a few students were watching him and Ichika instead. The silver-haired girl—Laura Bodewig, according to the class roster—seemed particularly interested in their reactions.
He could practically see the gears turning in their heads. How had two males managed to pilot a system that was supposedly exclusive to females? What made them special? Were they really capable, or was it some kind of fluke?
Well, they'd find out soon enough.
"The IS was never meant to be piloted by men," Cecilia declared during lunch break, her voice carrying across the cafeteria. She stood with perfect posture, one hand on her hip, the other gesturing with her fork as if it were a rapier. "While I acknowledge that Orimura-san has shown some aptitude, I find it difficult to believe that two exceptions could appear so close together."
Naruto continued eating his ramen, seemingly unconcerned by the growing audience. The cafeteria had gone quiet, students watching the confrontation with barely concealed excitement. Even the staff seemed interested—he spotted Yamada-sensei pretending to organize papers while clearly eavesdropping.
"You know what they say about lightning striking twice," Naruto replied between bites. "Sometimes it does."
"Lightning strikes randomly. This is different." Cecilia's eyes narrowed. "I propose a practical demonstration. A training match, if you will."
Now Naruto looked up, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "Trying to defend the honor of female IS pilots everywhere?"
"Someone has to maintain standards."
"Cecilia-san," Ichika interjected from the next table, "maybe this isn't—"
"No, no, she's right," Naruto set down his chopsticks. "Standards are important. Though I should warn you..." He stood slowly, and for just a moment, something ancient and powerful flickered in his eyes. "I'm probably not what you're expecting."
News of the impending duel spread through the academy like wildfire. By the end of lunch, everyone knew that the mysterious new male student would face off against Cecilia Alcott, Britain's representative candidate, in a training match after classes.
"You're crazy," Houki told him as they walked to their afternoon class. "Cecilia is one of the top students in our year. She has her own personal IS unit, while you'll be stuck with a training model."
"Sounds fun," Naruto grinned.
"This isn't a game! The IS system is—"
"A complex piece of technology that requires years of training to master properly?" Naruto finished for her. "Maybe. But you know what else requires years of mastery? Life itself. And I've had plenty of practice at that."
Houki stared at him, trying to decode the strange mix of wisdom and playfulness in his voice. Before she could respond, they were interrupted by a new voice.
"Uzumaki."
The silver-haired Laura Bodewig stood in their path, her single visible eye studying him with military precision. "I will be observing your match closely. Do not disappoint."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Naruto replied cheerfully. "Though I have to ask—what exactly are you hoping to see?"
"The truth," she stated simply, then walked away.
"Well, she's intense," Naruto commented.
"That's Laura Bodewig," Houki explained. "She's a special operative from Germany. They say she was literally engineered to pilot an IS."
"Engineered, huh?" Naruto's expression softened slightly. "Sometimes the things we're made to be aren't the things we need to be."
The academy's training arena was packed by the time classes ended. Students filled the observation stands, their excited chatter creating a constant buzz of anticipation. In the preparation area, Naruto examined the training IS he'd been assigned—a basic Uchigane model, stable but unremarkable.
"Are you sure about this?" Ichika asked, watching as Naruto familiarized himself with the controls. "Cecilia's Blue Tears is a third-generation IS. The Uchigane won't be able to match its capabilities."
"Sometimes the best sword is the simplest one," Naruto replied cryptically. He placed his hand on the IS unit's core, feeling the technology respond to his touch. It was different from chakra—more mechanical, more structured—but he could work with it.
"You sound like my sister when she's trying to teach something," Ichika muttered.
"Your sister's a smart woman." Naruto stepped into the IS activation zone. "Speaking of which..."
"What are you doing here?" Chifuyu's commanding voice cut through the preparation area. She stood in the doorway, arms crossed, expression stern.
"Getting ready to give everyone a good show," Naruto answered honestly.
"This isn't about showing off," she warned. "The IS system is—"
"A responsibility, I know." Naruto's voice carried none of its usual playfulness. "Trust me, Orimura-sensei, I understand responsibility better than most."
She studied him for a long moment, then nodded slightly. "Don't break my student."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
The arena hummed with energy as Naruto and Cecilia took their positions. Her Blue Tears gleamed in the afternoon sun, its elegant design a stark contrast to the utilitarian lines of Naruto's Uchigane.
"Last chance to withdraw," Cecilia called out, her IS's targeting systems already tracking him.
Naruto rolled his shoulders, feeling the way the IS responded to his movements. "Now where would the fun be in that?"
"Begin!" Yamada-sensei's voice announced over the speakers.
Cecilia wasted no time. Four drone bits deployed from her IS, spreading out to create a web of targeting vectors while she took aim with her main rifle. It was a textbook opening move, designed to limit her opponent's movement options while maintaining optimal firing position.
Naruto didn't move.
"Too scared to run?" Cecilia taunted, squeezing the trigger.
The energy blast struck... nothing. Where Naruto had been standing was empty air.
"Not bad," his voice came from behind her. "But you're thinking in straight lines."
Cecilia spun, her drones reorienting, but he was already gone. The crowd gasped as he seemed to flicker around the arena, appearing and disappearing faster than their eyes could track.
"Impossible," Cecilia whispered. "The Uchigane doesn't have that kind of mobility system!"
"Who said anything about the IS's mobility?" Naruto appeared directly in front of her, upside down, grinning. "Sometimes the pilot makes all the difference."
Cecilia fired rapidly, her drones joining in, but Naruto danced through the barrage with impossible grace. He wasn't just avoiding the shots—he was moving between them as if he could see their paths before they were fired.
"How?" Cecilia demanded, frustration evident in her voice. "How are you doing this?"
"Experience," Naruto answered, suddenly beside her. "Lots and lots of experience." He tapped her IS unit lightly on the shoulder. "Tag, you're it."
The simulation sensors registered the touch as a critical hit, and the match ended.
Silence fell over the arena. Then, slowly, the crowd began to cheer.
"That was not normal IS operation," Chifuyu stated flatly in her office after the match. "Explain."
Naruto sat comfortably in the chair across from her desk, still wearing his easy smile. "Would you believe me if I said I'm just naturally talented?"
"No."
"Good answer." He leaned forward slightly. "Let's just say I've had a lot of practice moving quickly, and leave it at that."
"That's not an explanation."
"No, but it's all you're getting for now." His eyes met hers, and for a moment, Chifuyu saw something ancient in them. "Some secrets are better left for later."
Before she could press further, there was a knock at the door. Cecilia entered, her usual confidence somewhat subdued.
"Uzumaki-san," she began formally, "I owe you an apology. I underestimated you, and in doing so, I dishonored both myself and the spirit of fair competition."
Naruto waved off her apology. "No harm done. Besides, you fought well. Your targeting algorithms are impressive—most people wouldn't be able to maintain that kind of coverage under pressure."
"But you avoided them easily..."
"That's because I've had practice avoiding things trying to kill me," he said cheerfully, earning sharp looks from both women. "What? It's true!"
"You're going to be trouble, aren't you?" Chifuyu sighed.
"Oh, absolutely." Naruto stood, stretching. "But the fun kind of trouble. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe my roommate is planning to interrogate me about the match, and I'd hate to keep her waiting."
As he left the office, Cecilia turned to Chifuyu. "Sensei... what is he?"
"I don't know," Chifuyu admitted. "But I have a feeling we're going to find out, whether we want to or not."
Back in their room, Houki was indeed waiting for Naruto, her bokken across her lap as she sat in meditation pose.
"Start talking," she commanded as soon as he entered.
"Hello to you too, roomie." Naruto flopped onto his bed. "Lovely evening, isn't it?"
"That movement technique. It wasn't the IS. What was it?"
"Would you believe me if I said magic?"
"No."
"Then let's call it a ninja thing and leave it at that."
Houki's eye twitched. "You're impossible."
"So I've been told." Naruto sat up, his expression becoming more serious. "Look, Houki, everyone has their secrets. I'm sure you have yours. Let me keep mine, at least for now."
She studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Fine. But answer me one thing honestly—are you here to cause trouble?"
Naruto's grin returned full force. "Nah, I'm here because it looked fun. The trouble just follows me naturally."
"That's not reassuring!"
As their bickering filled the room, Naruto couldn't help but feel satisfied. His first day at the IS Academy had been everything he'd hoped for—interesting people, exciting challenges, and just enough chaos to keep things lively.
Tomorrow would bring new adventures, new challenges, and probably more attempts to figure out his secrets. The blue-haired girl was still a mystery, Ichika needed serious help with his density problem, and he was pretty sure Laura was planning something involving military precision and possibly explosions.
But that was tomorrow's problem. For now, he was content to argue with his roommate about proper ninja etiquette and wonder what kind of trouble he could get into next.
After all, he had all the time in the world.