Chapter 280:
Once Mabui bypasses the safeguards in place, she enters the dreary
and vacant cabin and begins preparing the evening's meal. Eventually,
Atsui returns from working the fields and Mabui is forced to hear the
blond man whine about his degrading assignment, oblivious to the fact
that her assignment is prostitution. Though the temptation to punch him
in the mouth never ceased, the silver-haired beauty refrained. The
Monster Report gave her all the patience she needed with him, thin
though it may be. So even if her assignment in this team is to prostitute
herself for a big sword, she doesn't compare their tasks.
The meal is ready when Samui finally returns. As they take a seat
around the small and splintered dining table, the gorgeous blond takes
out a small roll of paper that was no doubt delivered via messenger
hawk and tells her team, "orders from A-sama." Placing the paper on
the table, Samui recites from memory, "if Mabui cannot secure
Kubikiribōchō through seduction, we are to take it-"
"Then let's just take it," Atsui hastily and passionately interrupts his
sister. His voice is loud enough to concern Mabui as he continues to
say, "we don't have to make my Mabui-chan do shit with that brat! That
snot-nosed punk doesn't even deserve her attention! This ain't hot, sis!
This ain't hot." Mabui can't disagree more with Atsui. Naruto is the key
to figuring out the Heavenly Transfer Technique and hopefully, gaining
the rank of Jōnin. Though Naruto is too young for her, at the very least,
he's caring, helpful, and once in a lifetime genius.
Without explaining more, Samui answers her little brother, "we're not
equipped for that engagement."
Mabui has been around the stoic woman long enough to eventually
understand that the 'we' Samui is referring to is the two Chūnin on the
three-man team. As their exit strategy in the heart of enemy territory
would be more important than the actual theft, Mabui can't imagine a
village as strong at Konoha would have any difficulty catching up to
and capturing lower rank ninja like herself or Atsui. It's clear Samui
would consider that a failure, as would their Raikage. Additionally,
Mabui understands if Samui was teamed with other Jōnin, the situation
would be different, which means her role seducing Naruto is still their
best strategy.
Just then, a disturbing detail dons on Mabui, chilling her spine when
she suddenly recalls how missions are discussed with A-sama's most
trusted advisers, Dodai and Darui. Her green eyes widen at the thought
Darui might know she has to seduce another man and her instinctual
reaction felt vindictive.
'Finally,' her mind yelled. 'A taste of his own duplicitous medicine.'
However, she quickly ceased feeding those darker thoughts for a
higher self-worth. Even if her relationship with Darui is secret and
rocky, it's still a relationship. He's a person with feelings and she
doesn't want to betray another person's emotional trust. She didn't
want to be the sort of person that would enjoy causing someone else
emotional pain.
Tentatively, Mabui asks, "did A-sama discuss this with… anyone?"
"He makes his own decisions," Samui simply answers, to Mabui's
relief, until the blond bombshell casually adds, "however, Darui-san
and Dodai-san advise when available."
"Were they," Mabui quickly asks, clarifying, "were they available to
advise?"
"That's unimportant," Samui replies as she offhandedly destroys the
missive with a flash of fire. "We have our orders. Atsui, reconn options
of retreat. I'll set traps. Mabui, seduce Uzumaki." Atsui's eye twitches
as he holds in his immense displeasure. Samui ignores him to further
instruct Mabui, "if he's uncooperative, we'll lure him to the ambush.
Dismissed."
There's so much detail missing from that plan, Mabui can't help but
mentally scream, 'how?' Rather than vocalize that, however, she asks,
"ah, Samui-taichou, may I speak with you in private?"
"If it has to do with the mission, I should hear too," Atsui protests.
Samui instructs her brother to leave with a single word. "Atsui," she
voices and with a loud huff, her offended brother leaves them before
she turns to her.
"I feel it's important… for the mission, to know how far I've been
ordered to seduce Uzumaki," Mabui begins.
"No boundaries were detailed," Samui dispassionately responds.
Mabui proactively asks, "none?" The beautiful blond Jōnin would've
answered if there was an answer to give, prompting Mabui to then ask,
"and if it goes as far as sex? Is he- are they okay with that?" Again,
Samui remains silent, to which Mabui interprets to mean if there was a
limit, Samui would say as much.
The woman's silence felt like a blunt reality check, of sorts, for Mabui
on the status of her relationship with Darui. It's similar to third-hand
information, not all reliable but not to be discounted either. It tells her
that Darui didn't succeed in setting a limit to how far she should go, or if
he cared at all. It's not proof that Darui isn't serious about their
relationship, but it's also not proof that he is either.
Samui turns to leave when Mabui quickly asks, "Samui-taichou, may I
know- may I hear directly from you, my commanding officer, how far
you would like me to go with Uzumaki-kun? I know how important
Kubikiribōchō is to A-sama, but in your professional opinion, how far do
you think I should go for a weapon?"
"…A mission is a mission," Samui begins, finishing, "whatever it takes."
TEMARI
Walking the crowded streets of Konoha under a bright sun and clear
blue skies toward their meeting spot, Temari is in deep thought. To
avoid the bustling crowds she takes alleys and outlining streets, and
even then, there are a lot of shoppers, families, friends, ninja,
tradesmen, dogs, cats, birds to fill the senses. Dressed in her usual
short-sleeved purple kimono with slits in the skirt and a more revealing
neckline, Temari ignores the crow as she repeatedly recalls her
conversation with Baki-sensei.
"Are these the photos," Baki asks, accepting Temari's sealed scroll
after returning from a tour with Naruto.
"Photo," Temari corrects, crossing her arms and leaning against the
wall of their living room. It's just her and Baki in their shared three-
bedroom apartment as she adds, "his cousin seems to be the only
family he has, though a third or fourth person lives in the house with
him. I haven't met the others."
"Already in his home and near his family," Baki pensively comments.
"He always struck me as an open individual."
"His mistake," Temari remarks with a hint of pride.
"Is it?" Baki's question instantly makes Temari's rapid mind ponder
alternative explanations as her half-faced sensei continues. "It'll be that
much harder for you."
With their goal in mind, Temari reasons aloud, "because he's easy…
which means visiting his home is nothing significant."
"Precisely," Baki tells her. "He may have shown you around his village
and home, and you may have met his cousin, however, it seems he
would do that with anyone, which means you're not special to him."
After signing diplomatic documents for liability and prosperity, Naruto
had shown her around the village. They went to his favorite spots and
eventually ending the tour at his home where she met his only family,
Karin-chan. Though she felt it was progress, she suddenly realizes it's
not and bemoans, "it's only been one day."
"You have less than three weeks to make him fall in love with you,"
Baki reminds her. "Your opening stroke was brilliant. It's allowed you in
the door, now you have to make an impression."
"I will," Temari heatedly declared before leaving.
Chapter 281:
The worst thing about that exchange is the perspective it provides.
Temari feels as if she will have to be drastic with her advancement.
Walking the slightly more familiar streets of Konoha, Temari mentally
prepares to interact with Naruto again by recalling ever exchange of
dialog she had with Naruto and his cousin to practice witty and cutesy
responses. Temari will admit she's never seduced a man before in her
life, however, she's taken a mandatory class on employing seduction
techniques to gather vital intelligence. In hindsight, she currently feels
she shouldn't have used her status as the Kage's daughter to skip
most of the classes.
Luckily, she's interacted with Naruto enough times prior to this
prostitution that it would be strange if she was suddenly cute and
whorish, so she commits to being attentive and supportive of him and
his ideas. At many stages in their tour the day before, Temari mentally
tallies all points of note. So far, she's still certain she can manipulate
him. He's strong but seems dull and easily pleased. Learning how the
orphans are attempting to establish their clan in Konoha was a good
burden to help them with, however, Temari knew it wouldn't be enough.
Walking up the street to the Uzumaki's home, the straw-colored blond
knew what she needed was something more singular; something that
screamed 'must marry' not 'property developer.'
She abruptly hears, "hey Temari-chan," from behind her, stunning her
spine straight and freezing her heart still for a fraction of a second. She
lets out a settling breath as she turns to the smiling Naruto in his
beaten and worn orange jumpsuit. "Sorry."
Shaking her head as if there's no need to apologize, she asks, "how
was your day?"
"Pretty good," Naruto answers. "I got a lot of training in but not a lot of
results… yet."
Smiling at his confidence, her inquisitive mind wants to know, "what
sort of training?"
Though Temari is eager for any new intel to pass on, she disappointed
to hear him glumly answer, "mostly meditation stuff. Trying to be really
still is hard for me since I have so much energy."
It sounded like mental discipline training and nothing special, however,
she kindly replies, "I can imagine. So what would you like to do today?"
"I'm just a clone but I'm down for anything," he tells her, to her
disappointment.
Though Temari appreciates him saying as much, she feels insulted that
it's a clone and not the real body. It sends the message that she's not a
priority and that won't do, not with so much at stake and so many
depending on her. 'Earn his trust, earn his trust, earn his trust,' her
mind yells in repetition as her voice asks, "may I know where the real
Naruto is?"
"He's training with the Team right now," the clone replies.
"No offense, but can we wait for him nearby," Temari softly asks. "You
and I can still talk, but I was hoping to tell him something personal."
"Yeah sure," the Naruto clone responds.
Deciding talking to the clone will suffice, for now, they make their way
as Temari asks, "I can imagine this whole thing with me and the Omiai
must be pretty weird for you."
"Well… a little," Naruto gruffly answers, lazily seesawing a flat palm.
"Isn't it weird for you? I mean, your tou-chan wants you to marry
someone you don't know? That would do my head in."
"Yes and no," she answers after a long exhale. "Obviously, I'd prefer to
marry someone I love, but I doubt I'm the kind of girl that falls in love at
first sight. What I value in a man isn't something you can see on the
surface."
"What's that-" Naruto halts his curiosity when his brain answers faster.
"Oh! Let me guess. Intelligence?"
Surprised, she turns to his smirking face and answers with an amused
tone, "yes, actually. I didn't think I was that transparent."
Snickering, Naruto reassures her, "you're not," adding with a
melancholy smile, "I've just heard that before."
Immediately, Temari wonders about other women in his life who may
have told him that. The fact that he remembered suggests she's
important or a sensei. Temari's original strategy involved removing any
female attention in Naruto's life, however, considering how all of
Konoha no longer have a future at the end of the month, any kunoichi
attracted to Naruto will continue to take things slow. Besides, any
kunoichi Naruto is attracted to will evaporate from his mind as much as
his heart when he feels what she'll do to him.
"What do you look for in a girl?"
"Uh, well, I thought I knew what I liked but I've learned a lot in the past
few months so now I'm not sure. Right now, I know for sure I like
honest and pretty girls."
'Possible rejection,' Temari mentally catalogs, thinking how that
heartache works in her favor. "To answer your earlier question, this isn't
all that weird to me because the thing I like most about a partner takes
time. So I have to get to know a person before I date them anyway.
What makes the Omiai bad is it has less to do with my needs and more
to do with the needs of the village."
"What does Gaara think about that," Naruto asks. "You're brother and
sister. He can't be okay with this."
With a heightened curiosity about his mental train of thought, Temari
bluntly answers, "my little brother doesn't care."
"Well he should," Naruto angrily asserts. "I get that he's had a tough life
but you're family!"
Again, the connection Naruto seems to have with her brother seems to
stem from a shared predicament. Cautiously, Temari asks, "why do you
think he's had a hard life? He's the son of a Kage."
Turning to her, Naruto leans forward so as his eyes stare more
prominently at her as he gravely answers, "it's in the eyes." Stepping
back, he amusingly adds, "plus he always talks about killing people."
Impulsively, Temari snorts at the blasé manner Naruto accepts Gaara's
homicidal declarations. She feared he would think she was a morbid
for laughing at his comment, however, to her great relief, he simply
smiles.
"My little brother has certainly gone through a lot in his life," she
admits. Rather than change the subject away from her brother, she
allows Naruto to indulge in the topic, offering, "maybe we can have
dinner one day."
She's certain Naruto would be the only boy who'd happily answer, "that
would be great."
Chapter 282:
His excitement to have dinner with her brother has Temari hoping
Naruto is secretly a homosexual. Though that doesn't change what she
has to do and it's a little off-putting if her first is gay, her mind
effortlessly plays out a scenario in which he's unable to get an erection
and she comforts him, thereby earning his trust.
'Kami, let that be the case,' her mind praises as she informs him, "I'll let
you know what he says."
"Sweet."
Throughout the rest of their walk, they talk about mild subjects like
interests and dislikes. Temari always allows him to go first to feed his
ego and to gauge whether she should agree or disagree with his
replies. They speak for nearly three hours when the real Naruto spots
them. The clone says his farewell before popping away. His team
seems odd. Naruto is holding up his pink-haired worn and exhausted
pink-haired teammate. Their sensei is openly reading the same filth
Baki gave her to research from. And the handsome Uchiha continues
walking with little more than a sideways glance at her as he leaves.
"Hey, Temari-chan," Naruto greets before creating a clone to pick up an
exhausted Haruno, princess style, and leaping away.
Temari smiles at the blond before bowing to his sensei, greeting him,
"hello, Kakashi-sensei."
"Temari-chan," Kakashi greets. He then tells them, "I was asked to
chaperon whenever possible, but." Turning to Naruto, he asks, "if
you're fine on your own…"
"Yeah, we'll be fine, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto tells his sensei.
"See you tomorrow," the legendary Copy-ninja states before nodding
to, "Temari-chan."
As Team 7 split between Kakashi trailing Sasuke and Naruto carrying
Sakura, Naruto can't help but apologize to Temari. "Sorry about my
team. Ever since the second task, Sakura's been training like hell to
get better and Sasuke's just a moody booty."
Again, without a thought, she snorts at his quip while he smiles.
Shaking her head, she casually replies, "no apologies necessary."
Naruto returns his attention to the Suna heiress to ask, "so you wanted
to talk about something personal?"
Lighting up at the subject, Temari answers "I do. Can we go
somewhere private?"
"Sure," he returns looking around the wide trail leading to the training
grounds. He hums a moment before snapping his fingers and
proclaiming, "there's a place close by I like to go to." Temari and Naruto
walk into the forest talking about their day and some of the best meals
they've ever had. By the time they reach an out of place waterfall in a
field surrounded by forest, Temari is certain Naruto is addicted to
ramen.
The sound of rushing water intensifies the closer they get and soon
Temari can feel a light mist of moisture on her skin. There are a total of
three hidden waterfalls near Sunagakura, none are as large, loud, or
spectacular as this. When they stop at the ravine, Temari wonders
around the straight branch stretching the length of the falling water at
the halfway point.
"This way," Naruto calls out, leaping on the water. She follows him as
he searches for something specific. When he stops, she doesn't
understand why he tells her, "hold on," before he scoops her up and
jumps straight at the waterfall. Holding him around his neck, her brain
tells her not to worry before they break the rushing wall of water and
land inside a cave. He sets her down before walking to some towels.
Handing her one, she scans the room for any threats before taking
stock of the simple furnishing in the mildly large room. There's a coffee
table a few two sleeping bags and a carousel heater. It would be a
square room if not for the rounded walls.
As Naruto asks, "how's this?" Temari is thrilled by the very wide
whitish-blue wall of water.
"Aside from being wet," Temari begins, toweling herself off. "It's
beautiful… and certainly private. Thank you."
He waves her off before asking over the rushing sound of the nearby
waterfall, "so what's up?"
Releasing her wet pigtails, Temari is drying her hair as she hesitates to
begin. "Um, can I be honest with you?"
"Always," he assures her, sitting on a soft pad by the table.
"Because I don't know what's going to happen with this Omiai, I'm
nervous," she restlessly admits. Walking around the room and sitting
on the padding opposite him at the table, she tells him, "I generally
enjoy engaging my mind with random experiments like probability
statistics or card games. It feels nice when I assess all the relevant
variables to a given situation then accurately predict a future outcome.
It's one of my strengths and I'm proud of it, but, I don't know how this—
between us—will end. It's a lot."
"Yeah, it's pretty bonkers," Naruto agrees, then adds, "but, if it makes
you feel better, I know how it'll end."
With a tilt of her wet head and suspiciously amused eyes, she
responds, "oh?"
"Yup," he returns with his signature smile before answering, "it'll end
how we want it to. As long as we understand one another, I think it'll be
alright."
"Then I think we should talk about that," Temari says, leading him to
her planned topic. "We've spoken in front of our respective leaders and
officials, but it's just us now, and I feel we should discover what this
means without the politics."
Nodding, Naruto says, "yeah, I like that," quickly asserting, "I don't
know about you but I definitely want to be friends, no matter what."
"I'd like that too," Temari forces herself to lie. In her heart she couldn't
care less if she were friends or not, however, she hates the deception.
She's already noticed that he's a nice and open person and the more
he continues to be that way the more she wishes he was an asshole.
As he is, she feels like she's leading a lovably peaceful cow to the
slaughterhouse. Her emotional training taught her that this feeling is
just the humanity within her desiring to preserve the sanctity of life,
however, she can't listen to that part of her now. Her mission is as hard
as it is clear.
Chapter 283:
Temari then asks Naruto, "have you ever heard of a Love Map?"
Shaking his blond locks, no, he leans his elbows on the table as she
answers, "when you share your life with someone, I think it's important
to show how much you care. Think of it as training. Rather than just
saying you train every day, you physically show it. Little things, like
hugs or notes, to big things like goals or anniversaries; it's nice to feel
how much you're cared for and loved."
Looking at her in wonder, as if picturing that kind of life, Naruto warmly
expresses, "that sounds nice."
"Yeah, right?" Temari agrees before continuing. "So this meticulous
attention to showing how important someone is, rather than saying it, is
called a Love Map. Being able to write down the map of your partner's
likes, dislikes, hobbies, goals, and habits. It's important to any strong
relationship."
"Yeah, I think so too," Naruto offers, recalling his own examples of this
attention. "Like how I know when my sensei is worried about something
without her saying anything, or when Sakura is about to quote a book
or when Ichraku's is out of pork noodles by how many people are
outside of the stand."
"Uh… yes," Temari agrees with reluctance. In her mind, she's just
happy he understands the concept. "Though I was referring specifically
to romantic partnerships, the theory is essentially the same. All of those
examples, however, need one thing to survive, time. It takes time to
know those small details but when you take the time and patience to
do this, it can lead any couple to become… emotionally intelligent,
which is vital to a long-lasting relationship."
"Cool," Naruto answers. "A Love Map makes a lot of sense now," he
adds with wonder and deep thought. "Can you use this with anyone
you know or does it have to be with the person you're dating?"
"Uh, I don't see why it couldn't work with your friends," she presumes.
"Cool," he replies. "I used to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how
to make friends but I never heard about mapping out that stuff."
"Happy to help," she quips. Looking out into the mesmerizing fuzz of
rushing water, she voices over the cold water, "so, I'm saying all this
because I… and this is really embarrassing to admit, but, I want to
experience growing such a connection to someone. Not just anyone
either. I want to learn about my Love Map with a partner of my
choosing."
Quirking his brow, he asks, "like a boyfriend?"
"I'll probably be married before I ever have a boyfriend and I doubt I'll
have much of an option as to who I marry," Temari assertively remarks.
"But I did choose you, and despite the odds, Otou-sama agreed. So,
since we're here, rather than be down about it, why not make the most
of it and build a Love Map of my own? If you and I don't work out
months later, that's fine, but right now… I know you said you want to be
friends, and so do I, but-" Temari clears her throat and can already feel
her cheeks blushing as she struggles to say, "I want to experience
things with someone I chose… rather than someone my father has me
marry."
"Things like what?" Though he cuts himself off to pointedly assert, "I
still think you should talk to your dad. How can he not understand?
He's your dad," he exclaims with extended and open palms.
"Thanks," Temari genuinely appreciates, then immediately recalls how
much she wants him to be an asshole instead. Clearing her throat, she
replies, "you don't know him. A small part of him is my father but when
you're the leader of a village, the majority of him is the Kazekage. He
can't be like normal fathers just like I can't be a normal daughter."
"Then he needs to change that," Naruto immediately claims. "When I
become Hokage, I'm definitely not going to do something like that."
"You have my vote," she quips. "So, things like what, you asked. If
you're not against it, I'd like to do things a little differently." With a blank
look on his face, he simply nods before she continues. "I'd like to
reverse our roles." Confusion settles on his face before she elaborates.
"Normally the man tends to initiate things like being the one to
approach a girl, asking her out, essentially making the first move."
Naruto easily understands, asserting, "Oh, yeah, my sensei says that
comes from the very old way of doing things. Years and years ago,
women handled the subtle jobs like running the day-to-day of a home,
healing, or raising children while the men handled the more extreme
jobs like hunting, building, fighting, all that kind of stuff. So, the strong
and confident guys would ask the girl out, but the women would feel if
he can do all the things that'll give her a good life. And that's how it
would go, generation after generation until it became normal."
"The only reason that worked was because both parties knew the
specific things they needed to survive and that system helped facilitate
it," Temari comments, actually enjoying the insightful conversation.
"Men wanted sex and someone to take care of their offspring. Women
wanted to be protected from the elements, physical assault, or poverty
as they raise their young." Naruto agrees with a nod before she
continues, "fortunately, society isn't so primitive anymore, which is why
I think I'll enjoy switching the roles a bit."
Again, his eyes squint in confusion before he cautiously asks, "so, you
want to ask me out?"
"If it's okay with you, I'd like to initiate the first move," Temari purports.
It's a bit of a gamble because she doesn't want it to seem like she's
threatening his masculinity. He can be slow at times but he's always
struck her as confident, and confident people don't depend on others to
make their decisions. Temari makes certain he understands, "I don't
mean I want to make all the decisions or take the lead. I'd simply like it
if, for instance, we were out together and I want to hold your hand,
rather than waiting until you do it, I'd like to know it's okay with you if I
do it."
Temari can't help like she's betraying all independent women
everywhere, along with Naruto. The daughter of the Kazekage, highly
instructed in the ways of the killing arts, top of her class, a strong
kunoichi like her shouldn't need to ask permission to be assertive. But
she can't take the risk he'd be intimidated by an assertive girl, not when
she has no other option but to make it work with him.
Chapter 284:
To her delight, he reacts as if her worry was ludicrous to begin with,
crunching his facial features together as he scoffs, "yeah, I don't mind.
But I definitely don't want you to do anything you're not comfortable
with. The great thing about being friends is as long as we're honest,
you don't have to be anyone but yourself."
'Again with the friendship,' Temari mentally tallies. 'It's like he's testing
me.' She might consider that possibility if he were a little more cunning,
however, he seems too straightforward for that type of thinking, and
answers him, "that's good to hear, because, if I'm being honest, I'm a
little excited to experience this to the fullest. I want you to enjoy
yourself too. And who knows, maybe in a couple of months we may
develop a really strong relationship."
"I know we will," he confidently tells her.
"You know the future?" Temari teases before asking, "what makes you
so confident? I mean it's not like we really know each other. You
already know how much I detest squid, but you like it. What if there's
something about me you won't like?"
"I don't know about all that," Naruto replies. He rubs the table of the bit
of dust on it, thinking a moment until he states, "mnn, well, I know
Gaara is a handful, but you still care about him, which means you love
your family. We have that in common." Smiling, he adds, "you're smart,
strong, pretty, and you love your family… I mean, it's a fair bet we'll get
along."
With the orange sun beginning to set, radiating a warm glow through
the whitish-blue rush of water, a hesitant and nervous Temari inhales
before leaning over the table and giving him a quick kiss on his lips. As
far as kisses go, it was over too quick to feel good. Temari suddenly felt
so dumb and mortified and unattractive, that she blushes deep red
before spontaneously covering her beet-red face in her hands and
face-planting forward on the table. Temari's mind is rarely so chaotic
and hectic. Her mind is racing with negative and critical thoughts of her
pathetic attempt to be charming.
She's trying to catch her breath when she hears Naruto ask over her
heavy breathing and waterfall, "are you okay?" It only made Temari feel
more embarrassed that she's making him worry over her. She's nearly
sure she failed when he hesitates to ask, "uh, do you want to be my
girlfriend?
Recalling how she prepared for that question, she takes several
moments to regain calm down enough to recite from memory, "that
doesn't matter to me. That title is so other people know what we mean
to each other. Right now, I'm not worried about other people. I just want
to see what you can mean to me."
"Oh," Naruto hums with amazement, giving her a desperate boost of
confidence. "So… uh, we're… whatever?"
"Fluid," Temari suggests before adding, "anything and everything we
want."
Raising the edge of his brow, Naruto cautiously asks, "and kissing?"
Again, Temari's panic checks her in the gut as she voices with
complete certainty, "you hated it, didn't you?" Even as he waves his
hands, she continues, "I don't have a lot of experience-"
"No, no, no, I didn't…" Patiently Temari waits for his meaning and
though he only paused for a moment, it may as well been an hour
before he clarifies, "I uh, barely felt it- ah! But not because it was bad
or anything. It was just over so quickly. I swear." With her higher
reasoning assuring her that makes sense, Temari nods before he asks
her, "but you're okay kissing me?"
"I… I'm a girl!" she asserts like that's neglected information. Temari
knows she always wants to present a strong and intelligent front, but
that shouldn't mean she can't be feminine either. She rightly argues, "I
feel things other girls feel-" "Oh, yeah, I'm not saying-" Naruto tries to
interject but she cuts him off to embarrassingly proclaim, "and it's not
like I don't find you attractive. So, yes, k-kissing is… I'd like to try
that…"
"Oh, okay," Naruto easily accepts with a shrug and a nod. Standing, he
takes his cushion and places it on the table before asking her, "come
here." He pats the cushion as he asks, "have you ever kissed
anyone?"
Taking control of her emotions, Temari stands as she answers, "I… you
won't tell anyone right?"
Tilting his head with plain eyes as if to physically ask, 'really,' she sits
on the cushion on the table. He steps in front of her and widens his
stance so her head is leveled with his chest as he assures her, "believe
me, I can keep a secret."
Feeling the first traces of his body heat, she clears her throat as she
voices, "that's good. Um, I've kissed one boy."
Looking down at her darker blond and damp hair, Naruto moves in
closer as he inquires, "didn't it work out with him?"
"…No," she answers, willing her muscles to not react to his close
proximity. Though her thoughts recovered memories of the hyper
Daimaru, she didn't want to sour the mood by mentioning his death.
"He left the village." Awkwardly, he apologizes, but she shakes her
head before moving on to ask, "have you kissed anyone?"
"Yup," Naruto enunciates with a pop. She's sitting on the table, her
closed legs underneath his wider stance, and inches away from his
chest. His body heat washes over her, making her realize she was cold
before as he commands her to, "close your eyes." She tries to ask why
when he interjects, "come on. I know you'll like it."
This felt like a pivotal moment for Temari. She never wanted to
compromise her safety by trusting him in such a vulnerable position.
Though he doesn't act like her brother, Naruto and Gaara are the same
and Temari's never forgotten how dangerous he is. Half smirking, he
looks at her with his large sky-blue eyes, never once showing any
signs of duplicity. With a deep breath, she mentally says a last prayer
before yielding and shutting her eyes.
Chapter 285:
With her sense of sight obstructed, Temari redoubles her efforts to
remain as calm as possible. Calling on all her mental training, she
concentrates on how the foreign sound of water falling rapidly becomes
much more clearer. She can acutely feel his presence when she hears
Naruto softly say, "I want you to relax, Temari. Relax and concentrate
on your breathing. Like you do in training. Inhale deeply. Exhale
steadily. And with every breath you take, try and feel it in your body
how at peace you are."
Despite the present possibility of danger, it was easy to fall on her
training and slowly relax with the exotic sound of water rushing in the
background. With another full breath, Temari can feel a bubble of
toasty body heat around Naruto and herself defend them against the
cool atmosphere of the spacious cave behind the waterfall. She hears
Naruto shift slightly before feeling his warm hands land on her
shoulders. She couldn't help but tense up.
"Stay loose and relaxed," Naruto softly voices. "Breathe, Temari.
Breathe."
When her shoulders feel like warm butter again, Naruto begins
massaging her deltoids. His grips hold her muscle firmly, near to the
point of tight as he commands her to keep breathing deeply. Soon she
relaxes and she can feel tension she didn't know she had left her
shoulders. He then begins to draw the softened muscle up with gentle
and constant pressure. With her eyes closed, surrounded by the
unnatural warmth of his body, feeling put under by the hypnotizing
sound of rushing water, loosening to his firm touch as he expertly
kneads, caresses, and rubs out all the tension and stress in her
shoulders.
Naruto worked her shoulders then traps till she was on the verge of
sleep when she suddenly feels warm pillow-soft lips against her own.
Her eyes snap open when she realizes he's kissing her full on the lips.
The surprise lingers when his warm, strong hands slide up her graceful
neck to cup her jaw before tilting his head so their noses are side by
side. Opening his lips pressed against hers wider, Temari is easily
overwhelmed. Her mind froze for several moments, however, the soft
and gentle way he moved and played with her lips made her wonder if
he enjoys kissing her, if she's doing a good job, if she feels good and
just then, the setting, the warmth, and the affection helped her to relax.
Temari kissed him back and recalling some unknown origin of
knowledge, she mirrors what he does with just as much affection and
patience. She doesn't have much experience doing this or anything
beyond kissing, but she was surprised by the combinations of soft
natural lips with just a little bit of tongue. It was as if he knew thirty
ways of kissing and Temari was lost. Naruto swept her up and to her
surprise, she wanted more.
Her arms shot out of their own accord and wrap around his neck,
dragging him in, or so she thought. Temari was pleased when his arms
descended around her bodice and lifted her off the table and her feet.
She took control then and he amazingly allowed her to lead, swivel and
dip their stretched, pressed, and wet lips. Temari couldn't believe how
amazing kissing could feel and enjoys every second of their combined
taste, smell, heat, moans, and desire. They were present in the hot
feeling and it felt like it could last for hours.
It's when her foggy and lethargic mind finally registers his strong chest
pressed flat against her womanly bust that she feels a world beyond
kissing. To her great astonishment, the core of her womanhood
reflexed with juicy desire and her inner thighs tensed like an electric
shock struck through them. It was a wake-up call. Temari felt like she
was put under genjutsu and very little made sense anymore.
Naruto was still holding her to him when she suddenly breaks their
kissing session. Panting, Temari notes her right leg is wrapped around
his left leg, her arms are around his neck, her lips feel hot and swollen,
her eyes are lidded, and on top of smiling, his expression seems just
as captivated.
"You're a really good kisser," he happily tells her and she could feel her
face flush with more rushing blood.
Ignoring how embarrassing her beet-red face must appear to him, an
elated and weightless Temari clears her throat to thank him, but instead
sounds, "wow." Mortified, Temari slumps her head on his shoulder,
never having felt so awkward in her life. She knew she didn't have a lot
of experience, but as long as she remembered what she read, she
always felt she would be alright. She never expected Naruto to be one
of the best kissers in existence. 'He may only be the second man I've
ever kissed, but, Naruto must be in the top percentile,' her mind
argues.
"Was that too much," she softly hears from him.
Hopping back, Temari shakes her head as she doesn't want to speak.
Turning her attention to the waterfall, she hastens to the rushing wall of
water and dunks her head in. The rapid cold did wonders to wake her
from her thrilling haze. With a deep exhale she turns to him, dripping
water as she smiles and says, "that was… it felt really good."
"Oh, cool," he casually replies before asking, "again?"
She felt her legs wanting to move, however, looking at him, she
suddenly struggled with her mission. This must be what they referred to
by saying don't get too close. 'Always remain detached,' she recalls her
sensei lecturing. She also recalls her sensei teach, 'if you do get
attached, then you should not pull back because they will feel it. You
simply need to take more time before the moment when the mark's
usefulness comes to an end. That is the time to be heartless and
complete your mission.'
Chapter 286:
Temari never thought she would be in this position but looking at
Naruto, she's uncertain of how she'll react, and that scares her. She's
tempted to take a step back, but not only could that send the wrong
message, she recognized that hesitation, that fear, so with great
trepidation and uncertainty, Temari takes a step forward and nods. The
rest of the evening was dedicated to his lips and hands. Temari was in
such a daze she didn't even realize how she made it back to her room
until she closed the door behind her.
A knock came then before she hears her sensei's voice through the
wood asking, "anything to report?"
'He's the Kami of Kissing,' Temari's mind answers. She shakes her
head before she answers, "some progress was made. Nothing more."
When she hears him leave, Temari abruptly asks, "where's Gaara?"
"On the roof," Baki answer. "He's been… restless. Why?"
She had thought to talk to him but knew it was impossible now. Her
baby brother is craving a kill. And in three weeks, she'll be feeding her
monster-possessed brother Naruto… whether she wants to or not.
INO
Returning late to her home after hanging out with Naruto's clone, Ino
eagerly rushes up the stairs and into Sakura's room to gush about their
night. It was a friendly affair, but it's the best night yet. Though Ino
wishes painfully to her bones things were different between Naruto and
her—that she hadn't made so grave mistakes—she's simply happy that
they're working on being trusting friends again.
Though Ino hadn't expected Naruto would tell Kurenai-sensei, she's
glad he did. Ino respects Kurenai a great deal and it hurt deeply when
the beautiful sensei explained how disappointed she was in her. Ino
didn't even want to touch her tea, her stomach was in such knots.
However, the beautiful woman understood the situation and while she
didn't approve, she didn't see any malice in her heart.
"You were hurting and lashed out," Kurenai-sensei said. "You're not the
first person that's happened to and you won't be the last. Your effort to
make amends is encouraging and I still support you, Ino-chan."
It was a fabulous start to her day and astonishingly enough, she hung
out with Naruto for hours. More than anyone, she wanted to share it
with her sister. Unfortunately, the pink-haired girl was passed out in her
bed. It's been like this since the second task. Ino hardly sees her and
when she does, the girl is frustrated, studying, or sleeping.
Ino's too excited to leave Sakura be, however, rather than waking her
up Ino showers, changes, and slips into bed with Sakura. The blond
whispers her hopes for the future, her apologies for the past, and her
gratitude for the present before going to sleep with her dear friend.
SASUKE
Walking out onto the stone path of the courtyard of his clan's estate,
Sasuke asks the shinobi hidden in the shadows of the moonlight, "what
are you doing here, Kakashi-sensei?"
Stepping out of the shadows created by the hip and gabled roof of the
ancestral home, Kakashi casually answers his student. "There's been
an incident." Sasuke crosses his arms as he stretches his senses to
detect as much as he can. He's certain the three-man team of Jōnin
are watching him when Kakashi adds, "one of the finalists has died."
"Why are you here," Sasuke asks his sensei.
Kakashi explains, "there's been a lot of deliberation behind my being
here. Your absence was of great disappointment to certain groups
interested in the Uchiha name; the last true Sharingan user. As such,
rather than arrange the current contenders in an uneven tournament,
Hokage-sama has approved offering you the opportunity to enter the
tournament-"
"I accept," Sasuke quickly asserts.
"Easy now," Kakashi tries to placate his student. "Before you do, you
should be aware… there's a caveat."
"It doesn't matter," Sasuke contends. "I accept."
"At least hear me out," Kakashi asserts. "Under no circumstances, will
you be able to win the promotion to become Chūnin."
Drawing his brows together in some confusion, Sasuke asks, "what do
you mean?"
Looking up at the night sky, Kakashi explains, "while it's true you're one
of the top genin in our forces, and even stronger than some of the
participants currently in the third task, you did lose in the preliminary."
Sasuke scowls a moment, ashamed by his loss to Naruto. "So even if
you beat every contender in the third task, you will not be promoted.
Your participation in the tournament is strict to appease interested
groups."
Sasuke's goal in life never strays far from his thoughts. The memories
littering his clan's home always reminds him of the love that's been
stolen from him. Itachi's death is his only goal and gaining promotions
matter for the opportunity they offer to teach him more.
'Teach me like Orochimaru is offering to,' Sasuke thinks. Sasuke
vaguely wonders if the incident that happened tonight has to do with
him. 'It doesn't matter,' he thinks. 'My decision is clear.'
Kakashi allows a moment to pass in silence before asking, "well?"
"I accept," Sasuke coldly declares.
Chapter 287: The Mission
HAKU
Early Wednesday morning, well before the day's trading can
commence, Haku knocks on the rear entrance to the minor weapons
shop. After five strong raps against the metal door, Tenten cracks open
a sliver to the beautiful face of her new and sad predicament. Raising
his delicate eyebrows expectantly, Tenten sighs before completely
opening the door for Haku. She's wearing her favored pink, sleeveless,
qipao-style blouse and dark green pants, and as he follows her through
the stockroom to the apartment upstairs, Haku notices her sluggish
shoulders, the pungent unventilated scent of metal, distilled white
vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. He also notes clutter on
tabletops, a trash can full of take-out containers, and delivery dates
circled in red on a calendar. It's clear to Haku, Tenten has been running
the shop for the past two weeks without much assistance—if any—and
around her duties as a Konoha kunoichi.
Haku would've spoken to Tenten a week earlier—as she said she
would—however, he couldn't leave Zabuza until he was certain he only
needed rest. The entire time Haku tended to Zabuza, he was
consistently amazed by how content he felt with such amazing men in
his life. Momochi Zabuza; who taught him how to survive the brutality
in this world, and Uzumaki Naruto; who's teaching the love of a friend.
Tending to Zabuza's wounds, he never felt happier, and looking at a
slightly worn Tenten, Haku felt an urge to reciprocate that kindness
toward the bun-haired girl. After all, Haku can't understand why
amazing shinobis like Zabuza and Naruto would care about a broken
person like him but they do. Now that Zabuza has given him a weapon
of his own to mold, Haku can't let either men down.
The state of the two-bedroom apartment was well-lit, spacious, and
mostly clean; as if the girl always has to rush to clean as much as she
can. Tenten herself seems tired. Her chocolate eyes aren't alert, the
buns of her brunette hair sag as much as her shoulders, and right
away, she lazily takes a seat at the dining table rather than offer or
make tea. Haku imagines numerous mental tasks an adult is
responsible for could be taking a mental toll on the young girl. Haku
knows Tenten dreams of becoming an S-rank Kunoichi one day and
can imagine how frustrating it is to be hindered by her daily training
and the responsibilities of running a business by herself. Haku knows
it's not impossible to do both, however, it's clear that Tenten is
unaccustomed to such a lifestyle change.
Sitting in the chair across the casually dressed girl, Haku first asks
Tenten, "well?"
Defensively, Tenten feigns ignorance by asking, "well, what?"
Haku answers with zen-like patience, "do you accept your place as my
weapon?" Tenten balks as he adds, "and by extension Zabuza-sama
and Naruto-sama's weapon?"
Twiddling with her fingers, Tenten sags in her chair as she questions,
"ugh, do I have to agree to be their weapon too?"
"What's mine is theirs," Haku plainly answers. "However, I plan on
training you to be as strong as possible, so, if you grow strong enough
to beat them, I don't see why you couldn't win your independence."
Haku cuts any response Tenten might have by reminding her, "please
keep in mind I'm not here to debate this. You've had ample time to
consider your pledge to me. I'm here for your answer and nothing
more."
Understanding she's worried about her father—despite how terrible the
man is—Haku waits several silent moments watching Tenten torture
herself with indecision before she finally bellows, "…Fi- Fine! I'll be
your weapon! Happy!"
Haku ignores the girl's saddened shiver to answer, "good. First thing's
first-" Haku is interrupted when Tenten's head slinks, forehead first, into
the table. 'She's not going to make this easy for me,' Haku thinks as he
tells the defeated girl, "my weapon damages others, not itself."
Lifting her head, Tenten asserts, "I'm not an it-"
"You're my weapon, my tool," Haku retorts, though absent any hostility.
"A highly tuned instrument of death to use as I see fit."
Whirling her unfocused brown eyes, she asks with clear concern, "what
does that mean, 'how you see fit?' I mean, how do I know you're not
going to force me to assassinate some innocent person or sabotage
my village?"
Nodding his head, Haku replies, "your fear is understandable, but
you're only concerned because you don't know nothing more about me
than the little you've seen or heard. I freely admit to you that if Zabuza-
sama was the only master I served, you'd certainly be expected to do
disagreeable—certainly illegal—tasks. He's ordered me to cheat, steal,
lie, and kill on many occasions." Haku can visually see Tenten fall into
despair before continuing. "However, even if I couldn't take the life of
the person he ordered me to, lie to the innocent, steal despite having
the funds, or deceive the considerate, he didn't discard me. He always
kept his weapon."
A suspicious Tenten asks, "you didn't do what he told you to? Even
though you practically worship him?"
Nodding his head, Haku explains, "he'd say I still had value to him."
With a gentle and affectionate smile, Haku happily claims, "but I know
it's more significant than he's willing to admit. He knows me to my
broken core, and whether I stain my soul for him or not, he accepts me
as I am. Zabuza-sama has indirectly taught me his code and I've
wholeheartedly embraced it. We don't know who you are yet, Tenten-
chan, so expect that I will push you to your limits and beyond;
physically, to be sure, but more importantly, mentally. Discovering that
maturation will be uncomfortable for you, but not unlike myself, you will
learn what you can and cannot do, and like Zabuza-sama, I will
continue to push you until who you are is undoubtedly clear."
Tenten mulled over his words for a moment before clarifying, "you said
if Zabuza was your only master. What did you mean by that?"
"For ryo, Zabuza-sama would certainly order you to kill, cheat, and
everything in between," Haku begins to casually answer. "However,
Zabuza-sama is not my only master. The reason why I won't order you
to betray your comrades or kill unnecessarily is because Naruto-sama
would undoubtedly be disappointed in me if I did. It's not his way, which
means it's not my way."
Chapter 288:
Shaking her head in disbelief, Tenten asks, "how's that possible? I
mean, Naruto and Zabuza are polar opposites. How can you possibly
balance what they both want from you?"
With all his heart, Haku warmly answers, "it's possible because I love
both men, and to my everlasting joy, they care about me enough to
be… considerate. Or I'm just really lucky."
Seated opposite from him, Tenten doesn't feel fortunate with her
masters, shrugging as she mumbles, "yeah…"
Extended a proverbial olive branch, Haku affirms, "your father's actions
may be the reason you're in this situation, but you shouldn't believe
he'll die if you don't do as I command." She looks him in the eye as he
incidentally adds, "he'll only die if you attempt to go back on your word.
I'll be demanding everything of you and I expect you to do everything
you're capable of. Keywords; capable of. As in, what's in you to do.
We'll learn who you are. Of that, I have no doubt. Do you understand?"
Tenten slowly nods in resignation before asking, "how will I have time
for everything? What about my team, my missions, and the store? I
have to close in the mornings as it is just to do missions, then I spend
the rest of the day here trying to earn enough to keep the lights on and
afford food-"
"You mean take-out?"
"I don't exactly have time to cook," she returns.
"I suppose," Haku agrees, looking around the part living room, part
kitchen. "Have a little more faith in your master, Tenten-chan. I've given
the logistics of this situation a fair amount of thought. First, I will be
moving here with you-"
Blushing from neck to forehead, Tenten points out the widely
questionable, "b-but you're a boy-"
"And your master," he responds, adding, "who's interested in nothing
more than your success as my tool." Losing her modesty, Tenten tried
not to take offense to that as he explains, "I'd rather not leave Naruto-
sama's side, especially with his precious person coming home from the
hospital today and his clan coming together, but shaping you into a
proper tool is for the best. I'll have to commute every meal period to
prepare their meals so be prepared to join me if the situation arises;
dinners for instance."
"If you have to go back so often, you might as well stay there," Tenten
argues. "Otou-san taught me everything I need to know so I'll be fine.
I'm just saying I don't have a lot of time, is all."
"Staying here will also allow me to watch the store when you're away,
as well as give me a base to sell my herbal medicines from," Haku
reveals. "Additionally, with Iruka-san returning home and Karin-chan
living there, Naruto-sama will likely have more privacy here."
Flushing red once again, Tenten groans, "ugh, you mean- him and
me-" With the heavy thought of sex widening her browns, she asserts,
"I- I don't think I can-"
Haku leans forward, looking into the girl's large brown eyes as he softly
states, "Tenten-chan, I've already said this'll be uncomfortable for you
and that I'll still demand it anyway. The next time you feel the need to
protest, honestly ask yourself, 'would I commit seppuku to escape the
shame of my immoral actions?' If the answer is no, keep the complaint
to yourself."
"And if the answer is yes," Tenten dares ask.
"Then I expect you to carry out your intent," Haku easily responds. "As
my tool, we don't do half-measures and we don't go back on our word."
"Fine," she huffs. "So when are you forcing me to h-have s-sex with…
with…"
Looking at the girl with a bit of disappointment, Haku asks, "you can't
even say it?"
"It's embarrassing!" Slapping her hands on the table, she vehemently
asserts, "I've never even kissed a guy before and you expect me to just
have sex! With someone I don't even love! That's just too much!"
"That's reasonable," Haku agrees. "We'll start with full-body massages
then. You'll be training a lot more with me so receiving massages from
him will be beneficial to your muscle recovery. I'll speak to Naruto-
sama later today-"
"What are you going to tell him," she interjects before pointedly noting,
"and how's he okay with all of this? Does he approve of raping-"
"For the last time, Tenten, your selfish actions put you here," Haku
quickly retorts, standing sharply to his feet. He's not an angry person
by nature, but he will not allow her to vilify Naruto. Looking down at a
surprised Tenten, Haku maintains, "I won't allow you to escape your
responsibilities by claiming to Naruto-sama you had no hand in this. Of
course, I can tell him every single detail about the deal you agreed to,
and knowing him as I do—how good he is—he would never participate
in any sexual acts with you. Naruto-sama would undoubtedly try to help
you in some way, leading to a strong possibility of fighting Zabuza-
sama again. I would not like that. It wouldn't be ideal, but, that's simply
who Naruto-sama is. Zabuza-sama, on the other hand, wouldn't
appreciate you going back on your word and considering the
agreement you made with him-"
"Alright, alright, I get it," Tenten huffs.
Sitting back down after a moment of silence, Haku discloses to the
bun-haired beauty, "I chose Naruto-sama to be your first for several
reasons; he spared me and Zabuza-sama, he saved you and your
father, he's kind, caring, strong, funny, and handsome. He'll be Hokage
one day and likely enact many great changes to our world. You can do
so much worse for your first time; I know I did. You simply can't see
that because you're overly emotional about idealistic comforts. But
remember this, life doesn't owe you anything, much less a fantasy, so
stop focusing on how things ought to be."
Though she looks defeated to Haku, he appreciates her simple nod.
Before he leaves, they then discuss the costs of her living situation and
business expenses. Tenten barely squeaks by with the tenders she
makes after her missions and what she makes as a kunoichi is her
savings. Like many teams in Konoha, Team Guy meet in the mornings
for training before working missions until noon, after which, the rest of
the day is for self-improvement. Haku takes the spare keys to Ten Out
of Ten and the apartment upstairs before leaving to meet Naruto at the
hospital.
It didn't take long for Naruto, Karin, Iruka, and Haku to leave the
hospital with the Chūnin sensei. Wheeling Iruka's wheelchair, Naruto's
excitement could not be tamed and Haku wouldn't have it any other
way. Making their way home, the ecstatic blond talked a mile a minute,
all the while, Haku simply enjoyed the feeling of having genuine bonds
and a home to walk to. However, the pleasantness of their peaceful
walk made him worry about the turmoil in the future.
Chapter 289:
Haku wondered about Mei and what her plans to uproot their life might
entail, because sure as her love for Naruto and Zabuza, he had no
doubt she was planning something. Though the former hunter-nin is
alert, he's never been deft at predicting that woman's movements, and
despite Haku's implicit trust in Naruto, he's worried. Mei may make a
move soon and Haku has to have faith Naruto won't be swayed by her.
Thoughts on how best to preserve Naruto's way of living are
interrupted when Sakura and Ino meet them on the way to Iruka's.
They present their happily embarrassed sensei with a bouquet of
wildflowers along with congratulations and well wishes. Naruto had
invited them, along with all the other rookies and their sensei, to lunch.
Many agreed to come and those training for the final task of the Chūnin
exam said they'd pass by. Sakura and Ino, however, want to borrow
Karin before joining them at Iruka's.
KURENAI
Walking under the sunny blue sky blessing the bustling village of
Konoha, Kurenai enjoys her peaceful stroll to Iruka's house. The
homes in this residential area are strictly for shinobi—mostly those of a
non-combative, clerical, or educational position—and once she passing
the last of the homes with tall thatched gates, it's no more than a
twenty-minute walk to Iruka's home. Like the others Naruto invited, she
happily accepted the invitation to Iruka's Welcome Back luncheon and
is helping Haku prepare the meal. The Chūnin sensei has been in the
hospital for nearly six months after his spinal injury, and absent any
blood-family, it warms her heart that Naruto will be there to help care
for the teacher.
Walking the nearly empty path of the rural neighborhood, Kurenai's
thoughts, once again, stray to Naruto, adding an audible sigh to the
numerous insects clicking and birds chirping around her. Her blond
lover is currently escorting the daughter of someone important, just as
Asuma had, and she couldn't for the life of her understand why this is
happening to her again. It nearly feels deliberate, as if she's at the
center of a cosmic comedy and the joke's on her. Worst of all, she feels
as if history will only repeat itself if she doesn't find her balance in this.
'No,' she mentally contradicts. 'Nothing will change unless I stop
hesitating.'
She just doesn't know why she's hesitating. With her well-trained mind
and honest heart, Kurenai knows two things with absolute certainty;
she loves both Asuma and Naruto—if in different ways—and she
knows that some intangible thing is stopping her from making a clear
and confident choice, leaving her hesitant, indecisive, and standing
still. The dilemma is so preoccupying, Kurenai asked Naruto for some
space and relieved him of his assistance with Hinata's training; using
an actual genjutsu of him to train her. She needed time to think, though
another part of her self is accusing her of simply running away, as she
did with Asuma. Her heart and mind were in such repeating conflict,
she's relieved to sense her friend before the busty beauty lands
smoothly beside her.
Sliding her hands in the large front pockets of her brown coat, Anko
curiously asks, "aren't you a bit early?"
Playfully bumping shoulders, 'hello,' a smirking Kurenai answers, "I'm
surprised. No new notes on how I ought to defile Naruto next?"
"Oh, babe," Anko huff with a smirk. "I've got notes for days. But I'm
willing to wait until I see how you both smash your pissers. I won't
know how to help my babies if I don't know where they're at."
"For the last time, I'm not letting you watch," Kurenai snorts, groaning
in amusement. "I wanted to get an early start before they get there. I'm
not sure how many are staying for lunch so I want to be sure there's
enough."
"With two weeks before the finals, these brats got a lot of last-minute
training to get in," Anko comments. "I can't stay so that's one less
mouth to feed."
With concern, the raven-haired beauty asks, "is everything alright? Are
you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm still in a weird place but it's fine." Anko shrugs before
clearing her throat and considerately voicing, "I actually need to ask
you something… and I'm not sure how much I should say."
As ninjas deal with sensitive material on a daily basis, Kurenai isn't
bothered by her friend's hesitation and relays as much. "If it's work-
related, you know you don't have to tell me anything compromising."
"Yeah, I know," Anko hums with a small smile. It's clear to her that Anko
is uniquely bothered by this information as she slowly explains, "it's
work-related, for sure, and I was brought in, but, it's the intel that sucks
here."
"Okay," Kurenai gently words with a nod. It's not uncommon for ninjas
to work without the complete story and she asks, "what do you want to
ask?"
Turning her pupil-less brown eyes on her friend as they walk, Anko
asks, "can you check-in on Yūgao? Like, often?"
Nearing Iruka's, Kurenai's ebony mane flows over her shoulder and
collar bone as she turns a suspicious gaze on Anko, answering all the
while, "…I can, of course. Why?"
"That's the complicated part," Anko half-heartedly smirks. Hiding what
appears to be sadness, a cheerless beauty express, "you and me are
her closest friends and she's going to need her friends now more than
ever."
Feeling the sun suddenly get hotter, Kurenai's concern grows as she
apprehensively asks, "Anko?"
Joylessly, Anko finishes, "just like Kakashi needed his friends after
Obito and Rin."
It's enough of a blunt hint to stop Kurenai in her tracks, gripping her
stomach at the rancid thought of Yūgao suffering the loss of her life.
'Hayate is dead,' her mind realizes as she asks her friend, "how?"
"Sorry, babe," Anko replied. "I'm sure you'll hear everything later. I just
can't right now."
"…Understood," Kurenai barely manages.
Kurenai wanted a distraction, just not one quite so devastating. Hayate
was always such a calm and composed shinobi, retaining his gentle
spirit despite the dangerous and dark duty of a ninja. 'And he was so in
love with Yūgao,' her mind recounts. Anko, Kurenai, Asuma, Kakashi,
Guy, Raidō, and Genma all bore witness to the pair's initial meeting,
their eventual partnership, their perfect union, their undeniable love.
Despite his illness, their love remained strong and true, 'now he's gone
and she's alone,' Kurenai's mind finishes.