The Sage Ashikabi
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Naruto x ?
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Author's Note
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Happy to revive another story. Currently Finishing the other few chapters I been writing and will be posting on patron. Might be a little less detailed wise since for some of these stories these are old chapters half completed but I want to get them out for people waiting patiently for years and hope people still enjoy them.
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Story Start
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Naruto stepped through the doors of Maison Izumo, carrying Akitsu in his arms. Miya, sensing his return, quickly approached from the kitchen, but paused as her eyes fell upon the unfamiliar woman in his embrace.
"Naruto…who is this?" Her voice held an even tone, but there was a slight tremble underneath, betraying uncertainty.
He smiled gently, sensing her unspoken concern. "Miya, this is Akitsu. Sekirei number Seven. She's been through a lot, and she'll be staying here from now on."
Miya's eyes softened immediately upon hearing Akitsu's number. "The one labeled 'broken'… I see. Welcome to Maison Izumo, Akitsu-san."
Akitsu's eyes widened at the warmth in Miya's voice, something she was clearly unaccustomed to. "Thank you…very much." Her voice remained quiet, hesitant.
"You're among friends now," Naruto assured, carefully setting Akitsu down on her feet. Her legs still shaky, she clung instinctively to his arm, drawing Miya's gaze again. Naruto gave Miya a reassuring look, his voice softening. "She needs us."
Miya took a deep breath, composing herself before responding gently. "I understand, Naruto. Akitsu-san, please allow me to prepare a room for you."
Naruto nodded gratefully. As Miya moved to the stairs, he turned gently to Akitsu. "Are you alright?"
Akitsu nodded slowly. "Yes… because you found me." Her eyes lifted, meeting his earnestly. "Ashikabi-sama, am I really… yours?"
Naruto smiled warmly, cupping her cheek gently. "Absolutely. And you're not 'broken.' You never were."
For the first time since meeting her, Akitsu's lips formed a fragile, genuine smile.
Upstairs, Miya paused midway, her hand trembling on the railing. Her heartbeat quickened, frustration and confusion swirling within her.
'Calm down, Miya. You're being foolish,' she chastised herself.
Yet she couldn't ignore the pang of jealousy. Her bond with Naruto was freshly formed; their emotional connection was deep, but still tender. Could she truly share him so readily?
"Miya-san?" A quiet voice broke her internal debate. Uzume stood at the top of the stairs, curious and slightly concerned.
"Ah, Uzume-chan… Sorry, I was distracted."
Uzume gave a knowing smirk. "Looks like Naruto-san brought another one home. Isn't this moving a little fast, even for you two?"
"Uzume!" Miya's face colored slightly, though she managed to regain composure. "It's not like that."
"Come on, Miya-san," Uzume teased gently, stepping closer. Her voice softened. "I know you've waited a long time for him. You must've hoped for a little more alone-time before dealing with the rest of his flock."
Miya sighed, shoulders falling slightly. "I know better than anyone that Naruto cares deeply. He wouldn't turn away someone who needs him. And yet…"
"You're still a woman in love." Uzume placed a gentle hand on Miya's shoulder. "Even someone as strong as you is allowed to be jealous. You should talk to him. Don't bottle it up."
Miya hesitated, her gaze thoughtful, before nodding slowly. "You're right. Thank you, Uzume."
Uzume grinned, stepping back to her room. "No charge for love advice. Good luck!"
Later that night, after Akitsu was settled, Naruto knocked softly on Miya's door.
"Come in," she said, voice gentle yet guarded.
Naruto entered, closing the door quietly behind him. He noticed Miya sitting elegantly on the bed, her gaze calm yet unreadable. Taking a deep breath, he spoke softly. "Miya, can we talk?"
"Of course." She gestured lightly for him to sit beside her. "Is something wrong?"
"I wanted to make sure you're alright." He sat beside her, leaving respectful space between them. "With Akitsu here… I didn't want to hurt you."
Miya turned slowly, meeting his eyes with vulnerability she rarely showed. "I understand. But I won't lie to you, Naruto. Seeing her cling to you hurt more than I expected."
He nodded gravely. "I'm sorry. But she needed me—"
Miya quickly placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "I know. And I'd expect no less from the man I love. It's not jealousy of her specifically, but of the situation. I've waited so long for us to finally be together, and suddenly there's someone else who needs your care."
He smiled sadly. "I never meant to diminish what we have."
"You haven't," she assured quietly. "I'm just learning how to share."
Naruto chuckled softly, reaching over and taking her hand gently. "To be honest, I am too. But I promise, Miya: you will always be special to me. You're my pillar."
She blushed faintly, leaning closer. "Then promise me something, Naruto."
"Anything."
"That no matter how many others you help, you will always find your way back to me."
He squeezed her hand gently. "You have my word."
Their foreheads touched gently, the intimate silence speaking volumes more than words ever could.
Across the hall, Akitsu sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the moonlit window. Though Naruto's reassurances soothed her heart, anxiety lingered. Would her presence hurt their bond?
A quiet knock startled her, and she rose cautiously, opening the door slightly.
It was Uzume, holding a small plate of sweets. "Mind if I come in?"
Akitsu hesitated, then nodded. Uzume smiled warmly, entering and setting the plate down.
"You looked a bit lonely, so I thought I'd check in," Uzume began casually. "Feeling overwhelmed?"
Akitsu nodded slowly. "I don't want…to hurt anyone."
"Aw, sweetie." Uzume's tone softened affectionately. "You've got nothing to worry about. Miya-san and Naruto-san are still figuring things out, but trust me—they've got big hearts."
Akitsu glanced away uncertainly. "But…I took away their time."
Uzume laughed gently, placing a comforting hand on Akitsu's shoulder. "If you knew Naruto-san like Miya-san and I do, you'd understand. He helps others because it's who he is. You being here doesn't hurt them—it just makes this family bigger."
"Family…?" Akitsu echoed softly.
"Yep!" Uzume grinned, nudging her playfully. "You're one of us now. Welcome to the crazy."
Slowly, Akitsu allowed herself to smile again. "Thank you… Uzume-san."
The next morning, Naruto stood in the kitchen preparing breakfast alongside Miya. Akitsu quietly entered, hovering uncertainly near the doorway.
"Good morning, Akitsu-chan," Naruto greeted warmly.
"Morning," she responded shyly, glancing anxiously towards Miya. Miya noticed, smiling kindly.
"Good morning, Akitsu-san. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes. Thank you very much…for your hospitality."
Naruto shared a meaningful look with Miya, quietly proud of her gentle strength. Miya returned his glance affectionately, before addressing Akitsu again.
"You're welcome. Please, sit with us. You're family now."
Akitsu's eyes widened, touched deeply by Miya's acceptance. "Family… thank you."
As Akitsu sat down, a sense of warmth and belonging settled quietly into her heart.
Outside Maison Izumo, Tsukiumi stood quietly, hesitating. She'd spent the entire night restlessly pacing, the blond stranger's words echoing in her mind.
'Equals… Not a slave…'
Could such a thing be true? She clenched her fists in irritation. "Damn that insolent monkey… I'll prove him wrong."
Yet, even as she resolved to defy him, something tugged at her heart. A feeling of longing—one she refused to acknowledge openly, but couldn't deny.
For the first time in her life, Tsukiumi was truly curious about what it meant to be someone's Sekirei.
Slowly, she approached the inn's gate.
She'd get her answers, and then—maybe—she'd finally silence the doubts lingering within her heart.
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Tsukiumi hesitated in front of Maison Izumo, her heart thundering irritably. For someone usually brimming with confidence, she felt oddly uncertain. A wave of frustration overtook her, prompting a sharp mutter under her breath.
"Why am I standing here like a fool…?" she scolded herself bitterly.
At that moment, the gate swung open, causing Tsukiumi to leap back in startled defensiveness. She composed herself quickly when she recognized the blond-haired man stepping outside.
Naruto paused, instantly aware of her presence. A gentle smile formed on his lips. "Good morning, Tsukiumi-san. Did you come here to see me?"
Her cheeks colored, irritation instantly flaring at the casual ease of his greeting. "D-Don't flatter yourself, monkey! I merely wished to ask questions—nothing more!"
Naruto raised his hands placatingly. "Then let's talk. Come inside?"
She bristled, hesitating, before nodding stiffly. "Very well. Lead on."
Inside, Miya and Akitsu were finishing breakfast. Both looked up curiously at the sudden visitor. Miya's eyes briefly narrowed with quiet caution, sensing the charged atmosphere.
"Miya, Akitsu," Naruto began gently, " Tsukiumi, Sekirei number Nine has decided to visit us."
Miya rose gracefully, bowing politely. "Welcome to Maison Izumo, Tsukiumi-san. Please, make yourself at home."
Tsukiumi blinked, caught off guard by Miya's serene politeness. "T-thank you."
Naruto gestured toward a seat. "Sit. You said you had questions?"
Tsukiumi sat stiffly, eyeing Akitsu with subtle suspicion. Akitsu merely stared back, quiet but unthreatened, secure in Naruto's reassuring presence.
"Speak plainly," Naruto urged gently. "You came here for answers, right?"
She sighed deeply, setting pride aside reluctantly. "Yesterday, you said something troubling. You claimed Ashikabi were meant to be equals—not masters. Do you truly believe such a thing?"
Naruto nodded without hesitation. "I do. The bond is about partnership, trust, and love—not dominance. Anyone who tells you otherwise misunderstands what it truly means to be an Ashikabi."
Tsukiumi's eyes hardened slightly, though a vulnerability shone behind them. "Then why do so many Sekirei suffer at their Ashikabi's hands? Is it not proof enough of the cruelty of this bond?"
Miya gently intervened, her voice filled with sorrowful wisdom. "Those Sekirei have been misled, and their Ashikabi corrupted. It's tragic, but it is not the true nature of our bond."
Naruto glanced at Miya gratefully before turning back to Tsukiumi. "You deserve an Ashikabi who respects you, who values you as an equal. Who cherishes you."
Tsukiumi's cheeks flushed brilliantly at his sincerity. She averted her gaze sharply. "Such talk… it's absurdly sentimental."
Naruto chuckled softly. "Maybe. But you came here because part of you knows I'm right."
Her eyes widened indignantly. "Presumptuous monkey! You overstep—!"
Naruto held up a calming hand. "I'm just being honest. I'd never force you, Tsukiumi. But I'd gladly prove myself worthy of your trust."
Her frustration ebbed into uncertainty, voice softer. "And how would you accomplish such a feat?"
"By showing you the respect and dignity you deserve, every day, until you believe it."
Tsukiumi's heartbeat quickened as she stared at Naruto, suddenly lost for words.
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After breakfast, Miya quietly approached Naruto as Tsukiumi went to cool her nerves in the garden.
"Another complicated one?" she teased gently.
Naruto sighed lightly. "She's fierce and strong-willed. I respect that about her."
Miya smiled knowingly, lightly teasing, "You always did have a weakness for strong women."
He chuckled softly. "I suppose so. But it's more than that. She's been hurt, manipulated. She deserves better."
Miya's gaze softened, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "And you intend to give her that."
"If she lets me," Naruto answered softly, looking deeply into Miya's eyes. "But only if you're truly alright with it."
Miya hesitated for a brief moment before her expression relaxed, sincerity shining through. "I trust you. If anyone can heal her heart, it's you."
Naruto leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Miya's forehead. "Thank you."
Outside, Tsukiumi paced restlessly, her face heated and thoughts jumbled.
"Curse that blasted monkey! Why must he speak so earnestly?" she muttered in frustration.
"Is honesty so upsetting?"
She whirled around to see Akitsu quietly watching from beneath a nearby tree.
"How long have you been there?" Tsukiumi snapped defensively.
"Long enough," Akitsu answered simply, unbothered by Tsukiumi's aggression. "He meant everything he said."
Tsukiumi crossed her arms defensively. "Why do you trust him so easily?"
Akitsu's gaze became distant, wistful. "Because he saw value in someone others discarded. He gave me wings when everyone said it was impossible. Naruto-sama… he saved me."
Tsukiumi's posture softened slightly, her voice quiet. "And you truly feel equal, not enslaved?"
Akitsu's gaze lifted with surprising intensity. "He makes me feel… alive. Free."
Tsukiumi looked away sharply, heart thundering uncertainly. "It sounds too good to be true."
Akitsu smiled softly, reassuringly. "Maybe. But it's real."
Later that evening, Naruto found Tsukiumi seated alone in the garden, gazing thoughtfully at the evening sky.
"Tsukiumi-san," he greeted quietly, drawing her startled gaze. "Forgive the intrusion."
She frowned lightly, but gestured for him to sit. "I suppose you've earned the right."
Naruto took the seat beside her. "Have you thought about what we discussed?"
She sighed, reluctantly honest. "I have thought of little else. Your words haunt me."
"Sorry about that," he smiled gently, his voice warm. "But I meant every word."
Tsukiumi remained silent a long moment before finally asking softly, "If… if I accepted you as my Ashikabi… would you truly accept me as I am?"
"Of course," Naruto replied earnestly. "I'd never want you to change."
Her eyes narrowed challengingly. "Even if I remained as I am now—prideful, defiant?"
Naruto grinned. "Especially because you're prideful and defiant."
She stared, startled. "Explain."
"You refuse to submit or be treated as less. Your strength, your stubborn pride—those aren't flaws. They're your greatest strengths," Naruto explained warmly. "I'd be honored if you chose me."
Tsukiumi felt her heart flutter, pulse racing. She averted her eyes, hiding the vulnerability in them. "You speak as if I'm special."
"You are," Naruto insisted softly.
Tsukiumi exhaled deeply, gathering her courage before turning fully toward him. Her pride softened into gentle sincerity. "Then… I accept your offer, Naruto. But I warn you—should you fail your promises, I will drown you myself."
Naruto laughed warmly, smiling at her tenderly. "Then I'll happily trust you to hold me accountable."
A moment passed, electric, before Tsukiumi leaned forward, pressing her lips gently yet firmly against his. The world filled with brilliant blue-white light as shimmering, watery wings erupted behind her, bathing the garden in an ethereal glow.
Pulling away, her eyes gleamed with newfound confidence and warmth.
"I am Sekirei Number Nine, Tsukiumi. With my tides, I swear to protect your heart, Ashikabi-sama."
Naruto's expression softened lovingly. "And I'll protect yours."
Tsukiumi blushed fiercely, looking away quickly. "Foolish monkey…making my heart race."
Naruto chuckled softly, gently taking her hand. "Come on. Let's tell the others."
As she rose, her grip tightened affectionately around his fingers.
Watching from the doorway, Miya felt peace settle warmly into her heart. Naruto was changing everything—breaking chains, healing wounds, reshaping bonds.
The Sekirei Plan had taken much, but Naruto had arrived to give back everything lost.
Turning to Akitsu and Uzume, who stood beside her, Miya smiled warmly. "It seems our family has grown again."
Uzume laughed softly. "Gonna be a busy house."
Miya nodded serenely. "But filled with love."
Akitsu smiled quietly, her heart filled with hope. "Yes… love."
And together, the women waited, welcoming Naruto and Tsukiumi home into their newly forged family.