Chapter 460:
She quickly turns to him, ready to counter but stops herself. Looking deep into his eyes for a
silent moment, she starts, "because…" Sakura turns away from his pure blue eyes and
continues, "it's- it's a political marriage to multiple women! Everyone in the village'll say
there's no love in that—they might even hate you for it—but you're acting like it's just the
usual!"
"That's a big steaming pile of horse shit! There's plenty of love," he argued. "It's not the
norm, sure, but none of us are doing anything against our will! We're doing it because we
want to and I'm sure we can work."
"How? How can you possibly think all of you are just going to get along like one big happy
family? It's not like you're all going to agree on everything that comes up."
"I'm not saying we won't have our disagreements," he reasonably offered. "But all it takes is
wanting the best for each other and being really honest with ourselves about what that
means." Leaning closer, he expresses with real honesty, "I mean, I'd want the best for you,
even if that, somehow, means your being with Sasuke. Sure, I don't get it and I used to wish
it was me, but if he makes you the happiest, then I'll support you to the fullest no matter how
uncomfortable."
Eager for her—above many—to understand, Naruto steps in front of the thoughtful pinkette,
stopping in the middle of the dusty street so he can assure her, "as long as I'm breathing, I'll
love them in a way where no one can doubt, no matter what, that I'll always want what's
best for them, even if that means there is no marriage. If they feel the same, I can't see how
we'd ever regret this."
Naruto couldn't know this, however, Sakura was very familiar with Naruto's serious stare. His
conviction was palpable in everything he did and it truly made her think he could do what
was seemingly impossible. 'He has before,' her mind reminded her. She sighs before
walking around him and thinking of the differences between Sasuke and Naruto. She
couldn't deny Naruto has been on her mind far more fondly than Sasuke, and in a moment
of honesty, she confesses, "…He may not be…"
He tilts his head back in confusion, asking, "huh?"
"Sasuke," she woefully clarified. "He… may not make me as happy as he used to."
It's Naruto's turn to be stunned for several moments before he manages to think to ask, "uh,
are you serious?" With her dour nod, he huffs, "wow… wasn't expecting that."
"It's not so unthinkable," she defends, starting to walk again. Naruto matches her steps as
she relays, "I still care about him. I simply came to the realization that I may have been
sacrificing a little too much of my sanity to prove to him my love was the best thing he could
ever have. It's actually a little scary to think about now; just how far I could've gone to prove
that…" Shaking her head of how much she was willing to sacrifice for him, she says,
"anyway, after getting a dose of reality shoved down my throat, I can't see things the same
way again."
"I'd say so," Naruto readily agrees before leaning in and boasting, "you're even cooler now,
Sakura! That's why I know there's a great guy out there just itching to be with you."
With sagging shoulders, a doubtful Sakura lamely responds, "I don't know about that. I might
go it alone like Tsunade-sama or Shizune-san." With a wide smirk, the pinkette couldn't help
nudging Naruto's shoulder and joking, "you don't think your wives might lend you out a
couple of nights a month, do you?"
Snorting laughter bellows out of his gullet for a spell before responding with a snicker, "sorry,
Sakura. This tasty treat might be communal, but it's members only."
"Tasty treat? Shut up!" a riled-up Sakura huffs moving away from him. Half appalled and
half-amused, she demands, "just tell me what the second thing is. Unless Tsunade-sama's
technique was all you meant."
"Mnn? Oh, yeah," he recalled as he rushes beside her. "You remember when Gai-sensei
and Kakashi-sensei were talking about the Eight Inner Gates? During the prelims? Kakashi
said most shinobi don't open the Gates because it's really hard to do-"
"And tears up the body way too much? Yeah," she replied, noting, "I looked it up. The
downside of the Eight Gates is far too debilitating to be used with any sort of regularity-"
Suddenly struck with the track of his thought, she gasps, "oh! You're thinking I should
combine the Eight Gates with this ultimate healing technique that Tsunade-sama knows!"
With a comfortable smirk, Naruto nods in agreement before saying, "Lee showed us that
opening the gates can make you strong enough to go toe-to-toe with a Jinchūriki. Imagine
doing that without ripping up your muscles, boiling your organs, or killing you! You'd be crazy
strong!"
Her beautiful green eyes were wide in excitement at the possibilities and she couldn't help
calling out, "I'm talking to Tsunade-sensei right now!"
"She should be in Ji-chan's office," he called out with her, pumping his fist from the feral
passion of training. He also offers her, "and if she gives you a hard time, just remind her she
still owes me."
"Oh, Naruto, I could leterally kiss you right now," she cheerfully tells him. Leaning in closer,
she voices with a sensual smirk, "if your wives ever do give you permission, just let me
know."
"If I ever do get a pass, telling you would be the last thing I do," Naruto humorously assured
her, making her knit together her pink brows in confusion. "Picture this instead," he told her.
"One day I casually ask you to spar with me. You think it's nothing more than training, but oh
no, then I overpower you, tie you down, and use your sweet little body however I want for my
own filthy pleasure… then I'd make you love it too." Sakura's cheeks blush and she swallows
as he leans in and urges, "wouldn't that be better?"
"…A-and you'd th-think I'd just… allow that?"
Smiling at her blushing cheeks and dilated green eyes, a confident Naruto doesn't voice the
obvious. He simply looks at her with confident eyes she knows so well before turning and
leaving as he vocalizes, "later, Sakura."
Chapter 461:
UZUSHIO
Karin leads the curious of kunoichis through her home. Passing open doors to empty rooms,
Ino, Hinata, Temari, and Kurenai observe the wide open and bare space, imagining the
possible decor as they make their way to the large living space where Haku had set up a
makeshift carpenter's table and nine mismatching chairs. The Uzumaki clan home is the
epitome of a blank canvas these women will have to agree to paint together.
When everyone declined tea until the men returned, Karin considers the nature of the
conversion at hand and wonders if some Fūinjutsu privacy wouldn't be better. Asking the
ladies their preference. they easily decide on Naruto's office and file into the moderately-
sized room before Karin activates the Fūinjutsu. The room's natural light dims as blue Fūin
characters flare brightly before dimming as well; impressing Temari and Hinata.
Kurenai begins the address, "I suppose there's no point in beating around the bush." She
and Hinata were on the south side of Naruto's simple table, Ino stood on the east of the
table, Temari faced opposite Kurenai on the other side of the desk, and Karin stood opposite
Ino to simply observe.
"Before we begin," Temari voices in her strong tone. She eyes everyone with genuine
sincerity as she expresses, "I'd like to say, on behalf of my family and my village, we deeply
regret our actions against your village. I understand this marriage was born out of that
offense but I am dedicated to doing my part to make amends."
"Thank you, Temari-chan," Kurenai replies. "And I'd like you to know that doesn't mean
anyone has permission to take advantage of you. I know many will see you and this wedding
as nothing more than political pageantry, but I don't think that means we can't live together in
harmony, if not love each other." Temari nods with resigned acceptance, then Kurenai looks
between Hinata and Ino before asking, "are you two certain this is the path you want to take
for better or worse? Because if you even think you might change your mind five, ten, twenty
years-"
"I'm sure," Ino interjects with absolute confidence.
"As am I," Hinata softly states.
"Wait," Temari quickly pleads, eying Ino and Hinata suspiciously. "Are the two of you- …of
course," the Sand princess realizes. "It makes sense all the sense in the world that Naruto's
first wife would be from Konoha, but, I didn't expect two wives. Can't have the numbers in
my favor, I'd imagine."
"Three… actually," Kurenai admits, raising her hand then realizing that's unnecessary then
quickly puts it down.
"Maybe even four," Ino slyly added, half jesting but half not.
Turning to the blond, Kurenai asks for clarity, "Ino?"
"I'm just saying," the blond beauty asserts. "There's room for nine, right? Not too long ago, I
thought I was the only girl in his life, let alone marrying him—from Konoha, anyway—when
in fact it's three!"
Closing her eyes a moment to take a deep breath, Temari then looks between all three
Konoha kunoichi before carefully asking, "all three of you want to marry Naruto?"
"Four… wives," Karin gasps with wide eyes, her red eyebrows rising even higher than the
frame of her glasses. She then whispers a little too loudly, "our clan's going to double in one
generation!" When the girls turn their gaze on Karin, the redhead clears her throat before
quickly relaying, "sorry."
"This is what I wanted to talk about," Kurenai confesses to Temari. "This… situation
obviously requires more details, but suffice it to say, yes, the three of us want to marry
Naruto."
Stunned, Karin quickly asks, "why?" before clapping her mouth and adding, "sorry. I'll just sit
here."
"No, no, that's a good question," Temari voices whilst maintaining her attention on the three.
"By all means, let's hear some of these details. Help me understand why all three of you
have decided to be with him, because you can't expect me to just casually accept this and
move on."
"We're not expecting you to accept anything without at least hearing our explanation,"
Kurenai asserted.
"Please don't speak for me," Ino voices, drawing Kurenai's crimson eyes. The beautiful
sensei wasn't angry or even upset, just surprised. She nods and waits for Ino to speak her
peace, to which the blond eventually abandons her bravado and confirms, "but, yes, it would
be unfair if we expected you to accept it without some background."
Temari reminds the potential Konoha wives, "in the interest some background, I should
remind you, that of all of us here, I don't have the option of changing my mind; not to say
that I would. In some ways, the politics behind this makes this the easiest for me because no
matter what happens, I have to make it work. So, to avoid a lot of drama later on, I need to
know why you're doing this?"
"That's barely a question," Ino starts, speaking up and clearly. "Obviously, I want to marry
him because I love him. And more to the point, I like him… a lot. We get on like a field of
flowers on a sunny day and I can't imagine a better man to be with. I'll do anything for him; if
that wasn't evident enough," she tacks on in subtly reference to sharing him.
Weighing the response in her mind, Karin liked that answer a lot and wondered how
Kurenai-sensei and Hinata will illustrate their feelings for her cousin. Temari nods with
reserved acceptance before turning to Kurenai-sensei and the red-haired Uzumaki was
eager to hear from the most controversial of the three.
Calm and collected, Kurenai confesses, "it took some time for me to realize my feelings for
Naruto, and even more time to accept them." Glancing in Hinata's direction, she sincerely
expresses, "I know that everyone who hears about me and Naruto is surprised by how
unexpected or unlikely it is, but, it's the greatest surprise to me. Before him, I was set with
the best I could hope for and couldn't imagine feeling more than that." Eying Hinata directly,
she softly admits, "I didn't think love could feel this way, so free and unconditional. And now
there is no other man for me."
Hinata turned to her sensei and even if she didn't voice her thoughts, her lovely
countenance couldn't hide her thoughts. The flustered Hyūga was torn and unsure of how to
respond because it was her sensei and it was the boy she's loved since she was six. Hinata
could feel the familiar doom creep into her heart, as if telling her she wasn't good enough for
Naruto and certainly not better than Kurenai. However, her mind knows with absolute
certainty, Naruto doesn't believe that. Hinata has been putting her faith in Naruto and
Kurenai, and if they believe in her, she knows she should believe in herself too.
Chapter 462:
So amazed by her poise and answer, Karin cooed from her throat and quickly cleared it
away to avoid interrupting this raw and revealing moment. Again, Temari nods with reserved
acceptance before turning to a bashful Hinata and asking, "and you?" However, the
gorgeous Hyūga doesn't answer right away. Karin couldn't see how anything she said could
top Ino or Kurenai, but she leans in, eager to listen.
Kurenai interjects, "she has more incentive than any of us."
"I'd like to hear that from her," Temari voiced assertively, like the daughter of a Kage. Karin,
Temari, Kurenai, and Ino wait a few quiet moments as Hinata thought.
Feeling their impatience and doubt in the air, the beautiful midnight-indigo-haired girl
explains to Temari, "…I asked him if he'd have me." All the girls weren't quite sure what her
words intended to mean until she finishes, "and he s-said yes."
Several seconds pass in silence. Expecting more, a perplexed Temari asks, "is that it?"
Hinata looks from Temari to Karin, Ino, and Kurenai before simply nodding. Karin, like the
other three, wasn't sure how she felt about Hinata's response. How they feel about entering
this type of marriage is very important, as they'll all have to get along for years to come,
however, it slowly dawns on the smart women that Naruto's opinion should be included as
well. Her response nearly makes it seem as if disapproving of her means disapproving of
Naruto's endorsement, though, Kurenai, Ino, and Karin are certain Hinata didn't intend
anything so underhanded.
Kurenai felt she needed to explain to Temari, "in my personal opinion, one of the biggest
reasons why we're all here… is because of Hinata."
With a quirked brow, a stunned Ino curiously asks, "how's that?"
The ebony-haired Jōnin-sensei answers, "while the village only cared to hate Naruto, while
you, me, and Temari were busy trying to use him for our own gains… she's loved him with all
her heart even before entering the Academy." Hinata blushes furiously before looking away,
making Karin add a point for the girl's cuteness. "The only reason I began interacting with
Naruto was for Hinata's sake," Kurenai continues. "And if he weren't with me—if he didn't
learn what he did from me—he likely wouldn't be as, um… consistent in captivating us as he
currently is."
Karin couldn't help but ask, "w-what did you teach him?"
The remaining girls blush just as furiously as Hinata at the swarm of erotic memories
swarming their minds. A feverish Ino clears her throat and challenges Kurenai with, "that's
debatable."
While Karin lamented their unwillingness to answer her question with puffed out cheeks,
Kurenai answers Ino, "we don't need to get into it now. That's just how I feel."
Sitting straighter, the blush on Temari's cheeks lingers as she moves on. "It'd make a lot of
sense for me to contend with one or possibly two of you for my place in this marriage. And I
can't say I won't fight to state my opinion, but, I acknowledge there needs to be balance—
give and take—or this won't work."
Irked by the remark, Ino asks, "what do you mean, 'or possibly two of you?' You think one or
two of us won't marry him?"
Half nodding, half tilting her head from side-to-side, Temari roughly answers, "I only just
thought of this so I can't give you solid reasons yet, but, yes, I doubt all three of you will
actually end up marrying him. I just can't imagine your Hokage or your village—or anyone, if
I'm being honest—simply allowing this. One of you? That's an obvious yes. Two of you?
Possible, but, unlikely. All three of you? No. Unless you're a Daimyō, it just doesn't happen
for shinobi. Not unless you want clans everywhere to adopt the same practice simply to
multiply their numbers."
The three Konoha women glance at one another as they mull over the probability of their
families, friends, peers, and neighbors happily accepting Uzumaki Naruto's marriage to two
heiresses of Konoha's Four Noble Clans along with the very popular Genjutsu Mistress of
Konoha as well as the only daughter of the Kazekage. Using psychology, Kurenai and Ino
can't imagine that reality sitting well with many men, boys, and mothers. And Hinata didn't
need to know psychology to expect unfairness to follow Naruto.
Men of every rank and station would be jealous, which could lead to bias treatment. Women
would feel mistreated, which could lead to objections and protests on behalf of women
everywhere. And they would feel that way because everyone is unaware that the three of
them marrying Naruto has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with love. It's
simply unimaginable to the general populous that three beautiful girls would want to be with
Naruto, and due to Temari-chan, marrying him was the only way they can do that.
Temari continues to say, "I won't be the first wife; not that that has the kind of significance
many seem to think it does. At the most, there'll be two of you and one of me, and I'm fine
with that arrangement. All I ask is when there's a problem or a decision that needs to be
made for the family, you allow me to speak my mind even if you won't take my counsel."
Kurenai compartmentalizes her doubts about her Hokage allowing all three of them to marry
Naruto to answer the sandy-blonde, "regardless of the numbers walking down the aisle,
that's not how a relationship like this is going to work. We all have a say and should respect
the other's point of view no matter what village we hail from. Because you're right. We will be
family. And that means a lot to Naruto."
"…It means a lot to me tooTrue," Temari slowly agrees before adding, "but I imagine there'll
be times when decisive decisions need to be made."
"We all want a voice," Ino tells Temari. "None of us want to be overshadowed by the other,
but unintentional or not, I don't see how it won't happen from time to time. We need to plan
of communication for those awkward moments." At the rational expectation, Karin can't
imagine how this will work in the long run. It's difficult enough with two people trying to make
a marriage work, make it last, and remain loving, however, Hinata softly voices the most
crucial piece to this engagement.
"I trust Naruto," the beautiful girl softly voices. "I think we can all trust Naruto."
The silence lingers as they all recall their blond fiancé is a specialist when it comes to
thinking outside the norm or succeeding when no one can reasonably expect him to. It's as if
the social laws of society malfunction when he's in the mix, which means none of them can
truly know what to expect.
With thoughtful consideration, Temari shares with them, but mostly with Hinata, "in the vast
oceans of sand surrounding my home, getting lost and dying is the most effortless thing to
do. It's why we teach everyone in the country to rely on a specific star to guide them. Polaris,
always points north and helps everyone find their way home. Everyone from Suna
recognizes and appreciates the value of a fixed point because it provides reference. It can
literally save you." Turning to the other two, Temari confesses, "in case your- …our Hokage
places a limit on Naruto's partners, and my opinion is asked, I'm voting for Hinata-chan."
The three Konoha girls add another thing to contend with to their worries and Karin mentally
whistles at the turbulent gravity of this marriage.
Chapter 463:
NARUTO
Observing the long the abandoned area of homes and shops, a detached Kankurō voices to
the others, "so, this is the Uchiha compound." The sun was high in the clear blue sky as
Naruto, Haku, Gaara, and Kankurō run through the long neglected district. Dusty homes and
shops were sadly empty and eerily silent. Birds congregated the tiled roofs, dogs or cats can
be seen around every avenue, and weeds grew from the unkempt roads.
As they made their way through the avenues of bare streets toward Sasuke's home, the
unfortunate history of this clan easily impacted Naruto. He knows their intimate and tragic
history, and considering he's on the precipice of restarting his own clan, the responsibility of
that makes the death and loss around him feel more acute. The surrounding makes him hate
Danzō even more for taking so much away from Sasuke and the village.
"Yeah," Naruto replied as they reached Sasuke's small mansion. The blond was grateful
Gaara and Kankurō were willing to come with him, however, he's certain they'd be more
comfortable if they were back with their sister. "Sorry I made you guys come with me," he
voiced as they walk under the first gate and into the first courtyard of Sasuke's large,
classical, home. Eying the modest mansion that's beyond the second gate ahead, the
architecture was very much like the Hyūga clan's mansion.
"Better than hanging around the girls and talking about wedding crap," Kankurō grumbled.
Smirking, Naruto poses, "you're fine missing a chance to talk about makeup?"
Whirling angrily on Naruto, Kankurō growled, "you know it's warpaint-"
Gaara cut off his brother with a soft, "Uchiha." Naruto, Haku, and Kankurō turn to the
menacing Sasuke who suddenly appeared stepping past the threshold of the inner gate.
Naruto can tell the raven-haired boy was highly strung, staring at them with a cold menace
as he casually walks to them. Stoically, Gaara shares, "he has eyes like I do."
Sasuke glares at them a moment before demanding to know from his teammate, "why are
you here?"
"I just got back yesterday," the blond boy casually answers. "Thought I'd come and check on
you."
"…Sakura told you," the avenger reasoned with a shake of his head. "Running to you like a
child and crying my name is exactly the kind of aggravating thing she'd do."
"You don't have to talk about her like that," Naruto hotly protested. "She's just worried about
you."
"I don't care," Sasuke strongly asserted. "But, now that you're here. We need to talk."
Turning to the others, he orders, "the rest of you leave."
Staunchly rejecting the attitude, Naruto promptly pointed a stern finger as he declares, "hey!
You can be an ass to me all you want, but not my friends! You want to talk, be nice to them!"
Naruto notices red eyes flash behind Sasuke before disappearing, and a moment later, he
hears a familiar voice calmly say, "Naruto-kun, Sasuke is trying to say he'd like to have a
private conversation." At the cool sound of Uchiha Itachi, Naruto quickly scans the area
around them, to which the older Uchiha informs him, "you and Sasuke are the only ones that
can hear me. If you would speak with us, I'd be grateful."
An annoyed Naruto grumbles for a moment, before touting, "fine… but only because you
asked nicely." Turning to the others, the blond asks, "you guys mind waiting for me? I
promise I won't be long and we can head back right after."
Eying the stern and irate Sasuke closely, Haku's growing concern prompts him to ask, "are
you sure?"
Nodding, the blond answers, "yeah, I'll be fine." He walks under the blue & white gate and
into the main courtyard ahead of the large home. Softly padding on the hardwood floor of the
entrance, Sasuke leads his teammate down the hallway to the elegant living room while
Naruto happily looks around the large house's decor. Though impressed by the spacious
and traditional architecture, the blond's a little jealous by all the lavish furnishing. Rather
than dwelling on the luxuries his home is currently lacking, he uses his senses to search for
Itachi.
Once they were in a spacious and luxurious living room, Naruto excitedly calls out, "I can't
believe you're here! You made the right choice!"
To Naruto's delight, Itachi appears near the far corner of the room like a hazy mirage
focusing into clarity. The stoic older Uchiha leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. He
still wore a black travel cloak with a high neck, however, it didn't have red clouds on it.
Naruto moved to greet him when Sasuke steps in the way, as if creating a wall of defense
between them.
An irate Sasuke quickly demands to know, "how? How do you know?" When Naruto present
a confused expression, Sasuke takes hard step forward to specify, "how did you learn about
what happened to my family! …to my clan?! To my brother?!"
Looking from Sasuke to Itachi leaning against the far left corner, Naruto wondered why the
older Uchiha had told the younger. It's painfully obvious how angry Sasuke is, shoulders
hunched, fists clenched, and Naruto can see he's barely holding it together, making him
wonder if Itachi revealed anything at all. The wrath in his eyes made Naruto recall one of
Naru-nii's worst revelations.
Slumping his shoulders as if crushed, Naruto laments asking Sasuke, "you're not planning
on blaming Konoha for what happened to your family, are you?"
With wide furious eyes, Sasuke loudly retorts, "who else but Konoha!"
Chapter 464:
Trustrated by the devastating turn, Naruto groans, "well, shit. I was really hoping to avoid
this." It's not that Naruto didn't understand Sasuke's pain but he was hoping to help his
teammate without him trying to take his anger out on Konoha. Though looking at the irate
boy, Naruto can tell that was always a pipe dream.
"You… were hoping to avoid this," Sasuke slowly repeats with sheer disgust. "Why?
Because you think what happened to my family and our clan deserves to be ignored and
forgotten!" His fists are shaking with fury as he growls on, "because you think the Uchiha
should be brushed aside and thrown away like garbage so the rest of you can live in
comfortable peace!" Staring deadly in Naruto's eyes, Sasuke's Sharingan activated as his
snarling face took a deep breath before yelling, "BECAUSE I DON'T!"
Quick as a whip, Sasuke was suddenly in front of him with an enraged right fist aimed at
Naruto's smart mouth, only to be caught by the blond's left hand. The impact felt like
catching the head of a sledgehammer in full swing, making Naruto grit his teeth and bear
with the pain. Blue eyes peer into blood-red and black eyes, and Naruto can see, as much
as physically feel, the deep pain and rage storming within Sasuke. For someone so close to
him, even if only as a teammate, to be hurting this much makes him feel dejected.
Sasuke's left fist cocks back, ready to smash through his teammate's face, only to clap
loudly, caught in Naruto's other hand and angering him further. Naruto doesn't let go and as
they struggle, he notes the vein popping out of Sasuke's forehead and can imagine even
simply defying the avenger is more than enough to fuel enrage him further. Still, Naruto won't
let go or back down.
Unexpectedly, Sasuke's pure agony forces him to transform directly into the second state of
his cursed seal. His skin turns gray, his hair lengthens past his shoulders, and two hand-like
wings explode out his back—tearing his black Uchiha kimono. The enraged avenger's
strength and speed increase dramatically, causing Naruto to quickly tap into Kurama's
chakra to avoid being overwhelmed. His body is suddenly engulfed in a flaming coat of
yellow chakra and six magatama form around his neck along with a black swirl at his
stomach.
Having sensed the drastic increase in power emanating from the room, Haku, Gaara, and
Kankurō burst through the front doors and sprint down the hall to witness Sasuke's demonic
appearance, and Naruto, a sun in human form, linked and struggling at the hands like
elemental creatures locked in a test of will.
"It's okay," the golden Naruto called out. Easily sensing their apprehension, he voices out.
"I'm fine! We're fine!"
Anything that comes out of his mouth only adds fuel to the Avenger's rage and he yells,
"what part of my family and clan's murder is fine!"
Naruto looked into his hate-filled eyes and expressed with every ounce of empathy in him,
"what happened to your family was horrible! Terrible! I hate that it happened and I hate how
much you're hurting because of it, but, this isn't smart! Whatever your plans are, the last
thing you need right now is Anbu knocking down your door and interrogating both of us!"
Sasuke seemed to waver in his fuming anger and Naruto added, "come on man, you're
supposed to be the smart one on Team 7, so, calm the fuck down-"
Naruto was suddenly inside of his and Kurama's spiritual portal, and to his surprise, Sasuke,
with his glowing Sharingan eyes was looking at the glowing source of his additional strength.
Shocked Sasuke could be in this space, observing the large room, Naruto didn't move when
the Avenger outstretches his hand and completely disrupts Kurama's chakra as only a
Sharingan user can. The plethora of energy was not gone, but Naruto quickly felt the
devastating imbalance and it effortlessly destabilizes his ratio control of his chakra network.
His golden cloak flickered on and off as Naruto tried his hardest to regain Kurama's
protective & power-enhancing chakra.
In that very instant, a demoniacal Sasuke—with evil-looking wings flexing up—was far
stronger, faster, and durable. Superior in every way, it was effortless for him to punch Naruto
in the face. With a meaty crunch, the blond is spun in place from the tremendous force,
effortlessly allowing Sasuke to slip his teammate in a headlock. Tightening his grip around
his weaker neck, Sasuke warns Haku, Gaara, and Kankurō with just his glare alone, and
everyone knows with certainty the furious and mutated Sasuke would snap Naruto's neck in
an instant if they tried anything.
Confused, reeling, and disoriented, a stunned Naruto fumbles to take a weapon out of his
leg strap, but a strong grip from Sasuke has him drop his kunai on the floor by his feet with a
loud metal thud. Bleeding heavily from the nose and mouth, Naruto grits his bloody teeth as
he tries to regain his loopy senses.
Sasuke leans close to his captive's ear and growls, "how! Do! You! Know! About! My!
Family? Who gave you the right to know these secrets? WHO TOLD YOU!" Naruto's
constrained windpipe is suddenly forcibly closed as Sasuke yells, "answer me before I snap
your neck like a twig and see if you can heal from that!"
Struggling to speak with his windpipe forcibly half-closed, Naruto pulls at Sasuke's strong
arm as he squeaks, "yu- yo- yur… frieenndd!"
Observing from ten feet away, Haku and Gaara felt right away that was the wrong answer as
Sasuke seemed to become still with seething wrath. Before sand or senbon could stay the
Uchiha's homicidal hands, before Sasuke, himself, could snap Naruto's neck, everything
freezes in place.
Adding more chakra into the Fūin-contract, the room around them warp away first, followed
soon after by Haku & his thrown senbon, Gaara & his fired sand bullets, and Kankurō. The
furniture around Naruto and Sasuke flatten and warp away into a cylindrical wall, followed by
Sasuke himself until everything around Naruto warps away like wallpaper placed on a
circular wall three feet away from him. He was in his tunnel now and exerting chakra from
his hands, feet, elbows, and knees, he easily navigates the short distance from the seething
Uchiha toward the beacon still placed on the calmer Uchiha, still hidden from everyone with
genjutsu.
Chapter 465:
Sasuke's strong arms are suddenly twisting air rather than flesh and bone. His enhanced
eyes alert him to the senbon and sand bullets he easily catches or dodges. Hearing the
rough, loud sound of wheezing coughing behind him, Sasuke spins to the sight of Naruto
gripping his strained neck as he tries to regain normal breathing. Shocked by how
impossible that speed was, Sasuke demands to know, "how- how did you do that?"
Naruto's answer is to create a Rasengan in his right hand while his strained voice croaks,
"oh… I'll be happy… to show you-"
Sasuke blinked and even with his powerful eyes, he couldn't see a hint of where Naruto
went; as if he were simply gone from existence in an instant. The raven-haired avenger
suddenly registers a large source of spirit energy behind him and barely manages to turn his
head before he feels a force of nature akin to a meteor slam into his back, exploding his
spine and cranium with unbridled pain.
Sasuke's enhanced sight of the room immediately spins in rapid circles as he's blown
through the far wall, then through hard cabinets, shelves, and more walls like a human
wrecking ball through seven rooms. He finally lands on the hardwood floor before rolling and
skidding to a stop. Oozing blood from many cuts all over him, Sasuke can barely register the
pain from his chest and face over the pure agony radiating from his spine, as if his back had
been gouged out. In tandem with the throbbing agony, the dramatic loss of power in his body
makes him wonder if he's paralyzed just before he passes out.
Despite knowing Haku, Gaara, and Kankurō are in the room, a heaving and bloody Naruto
asks no one they can see, "want… ahem! Want me to… bring him to the hospital? I hit him
full on so… I'm sure he's going to be down for a while." The other boys watch Naruto pause,
as if listening to a response before roughly replying, "you sure you want to take care of
him?" Again, he waits for a response. "Copy that. Oh, and, uh, sorry." He wipes the flowing
blood from under his nose with his black sleeve before voicing, "yeah, I think so too. Baby
steps, you know?" Weakly smiling with bloody teeth, Naruto affirms, "I'll be fine… thanks.
See ya around." To his friends, he croaks, "let's go, guys."
Haku is quickly by Naruto's side asking with growing worry, "are you okay? Here let me take
a look," he demands as he tenderly touches his bruising neck, jaw, cheek, and broken nose.
Naruto allows Haku to look him over while he checks on Kurama. Though his furry friend is
embarrassed and annoyed, he seems fine and Naruto allows him to rest in peace.
Gazing from the empty space behind them to Naruto, Kankurō wanted to know, "who were
you talking to?"
As Haku is whipping the blood from under the blond's nose, Naruto croaks with a bit of a
chuckle, "Sasuke's… nanny," hoping Itachi heard.
With deep thought expressed on his pale face, Gaara softly voices, "if only I met you as a
child, I would've been better for it."
Smirking, Naruto cheerfully answers, "without a doubt," as he wraps his arm around Gaara's
neck, suddenly scaring Kankurō. When Gaara didn't seem to mind, the four make their way
back to Uzushio.
UZUSHIO
At the bloody sight of Naruto entering his large bare living room, pandemonium ensued. He
took a seat at the makeshift carpenter's table as Kurenai, Karin, Ino, Hinata, and Temari
surrounded him, disturbed and agitated at the beaten and bloody state of his face. Though
Naruto didn't want to reveal who had done it, an irked Haku was quick to assert, "Sasuke,"
and the girls were instantly wrathful. With wide eyes, Naruto turns to his best friend as if to
ask, 'what the hell?' However, Haku didn't seem to care, raising his chin and closing his eyes
in defense of his action. Naruto then had to assure them he was fine and that he gave far
more than he took. After refusing Karin's teeth-scarred arm for the third time, the meeting
finally began.
Fortunately, there were enough seats or boxes for everyone to sit on, however, no two seats
were alike and some boxes were taller than others. Naruto was at the north point of the long
table with Karin and Haku on either side of him. Temari, Gaara, and Kankurō were on Karin's
side while Kurenai, Hinata, and Ino were on Haku's side.
With a bandage on his face, Naruto begins by saying with a cluttered and strained voice,
"so, I guess I should start by admitting I'm the Jinchūriki of the Nine-tails… for those that
didn't know." Only two of the nine were surprised to hear such a confession.
"Uh, I didn't know that, at all," Ino gasped. The model blonde looked around the table and it
appeared as if everyone but her and Hinata didn't know, urging her to ask, "is that what they
meant when they said you have two chakras? Yours and the Kyūbis?"
"Uh, yeah," Naruto answered, wondering if he had ever told her. Shrugging his shoulder, he
continues, "I think it's really important that we're all open and honest since we're going to be
family. It's still against the law to talk about the Kyūbi so you'll have to keep it to yourselves
but I can answer a few questions before we move on."
"Does it hurt," Hinata asks with a hint of worry. "Being the Jinchūriki?"
Smiling a lopsided smile, Naruto's battered mouth answers, "not always, but, the villagers
who knew didn't treat me well because of it."
Having endured the same treatment, Gaara comments, "they treated you like a monster."
The two Jinchūriki easily empathize with each other's pain and Naruto nods before Ino
states, "for the longest time, I wondered why so many people hated you… I remember my
mom telling me they blame you for one of the worst days in the village, but I didn't think… I
didn't think it was that."
Looking from her youngest brother to Ino, Temari elaborates, "without understanding, the
villagers could only fear them. What they collectively feared, they then summarily judged as
evil, to either be controlled or attacked. Without the strength to succeed in either, they hate
from afar. It's the sad truth of being a Jinchūriki."
Chapter 466:
Naruto could feel their sympathetic gazes on his feverish skin, and though they're only being
kind, he's moved beyond that sort of attention. Kurama's his friend now and nothing anyone
says will convince him to feel ashamed of him. Waving his open palms at them to liven up,
he assures them with the widest smile he can muster, "hey, come on. Everything's fine now.
Most of the village doesn't treat me like that anymore and I have a lot of friends, family, and
a clan to raise, so I'm really happy."
"Don't expect it to last," Kankurō speaks up, drawing curious glances from all of them. At
Naruto's knitted brows, he elaborates, "the institution of marriage takes no prisoners. That
expression, 'happy wife, happy life,' it's more like a threat than a motto… and you're
marrying my sister-"
With a threatening hint of malice laced in her tone, an eerily calm Temari evenly interrupts,
"Kankurō, it's not polite to speak out of turn." Her brother cleared his throat and remained
silent.
Feeling oddly playful, Gaara asks Naruto, "would you still have her?" At the unexpected
betrayal, Temari swivels to her youngest brother as he adds, "even if she can be
overbearing?"
Temari grumbles, "not you too," as Naruto chuckles and smiles at Gaara, he nods.
"War between countries if you don't marry, personal war if you do," Kankurō chimes to
Naruto while nudging Gaara with his shoulder. If not for the small smile on Gaara's mostly
expressionless face, Temari would've throttled Kankurō. She instead just glares at him and
Naruto continues chuckling, glancing over to Haku, Kurenai, Ino, and Hinata. Though they
didn't know the Sand siblings well enough to be amused by their family banter, Naruto's
contagious joy feels like a weight being lifted, giving them permission to smile and enjoy the
moment with him.
Gaara continues to tell Naruto, "Baki informed us you must take a wife from Konoha as
well." Turning to the kunoichi from Konoha—who stop smiling—he asks, "is that why you're
here? And why you wanted to speak with Temari earlier? One of you will marry Naruto?"
Nodding, Kurenai answers, "yes-"
"Actually, all three of us are marrying Naruto," Ino flatly interjects, causing Kankurō to choke
on his own spit going down the wrong tube, coughing violently. Though Gaara didn't know
either, he only raises an eyebrow before turning to Naruto, who confirmed it with nimble
nods.
"Talking to Sakura earlier made me realize I haven't told you guys," Naruto began to tell the
group. "I want everyone here to know if this isn't what you want, for any reason, I want you
guys to know you wouldn't be hurting my feelings by backing out. I only want…" Feeling
more exposed under the gaze of nine of his closest friends and family, Naruto chuckles
nervously as he fumbles to express, "what I'm trying to say is… I don't want anyone to regret
this later on. I know what it's like to be alone, unwanted, and I promised myself if I ever
made a friend, I'd never let them feel that way. So I'll give you the promise of a lifetime, even
if we don't become husband and wife, or brothers, we're still friends, and I'll do everything in
my power to never let my friends down."
Ponderous silence descends upon the gathering for several long moments. Everyone had
their own thoughts about Naruto's life, his future, and their part in it. It was painfully clear to
all he simply wanted the best for them, whether that meant proceeding with or without
marriage. Those that knew him well enough weren't surprised by his integrity, and those
whom didn't felt more favorable to him. The bright blond felt as comforting as a warm sunny
day, and even Kankurō had to begrudgingly nod in acceptance to Temari.
Eerily unsettled by the long silence, a nervous Naruto sheepishly asks, "uh, did I say
something wrong?" Karin put her hand on his shoulder, drawing his blue-eyed attention
before she shakes her head, no, with a proud grin.
Standing abruptly, Hinata draws all their eyes and can barely maintain eye contact with each
of them, but drew strength when Naruto's eyes settle on hers. Taking a deep breath, she
states, "I'd be happy… t-to proceed. And I won't regret lo- lov- mmn, I won't regret this."
Blushing furiously, she quickly sits down.
Proud of her student, Kurenai nods as well before answering, "I'm with Hinata. I won't regret
marrying you either. Besides, we only just became a couple," she tacked on with a sinful
smirk.
Shocked by the admission, a distraught Kankurō whips his head from the gorgeous adult to
Naruto and back before yelling, "are you fucking serious?"
Humored, Kurenai nods in response before the second-born of the Kazekage's children
turns to Ino. The beautiful blond turns to Naruto and only smirks and winks confidently as if
she didn't need to restate her position. Kankurō then looked to Temari, asking with his
desperate eyes if this was what she wanted.
"Oh, will you calm down," she chides her younger brother. "I realize the steps we took to
gather here today but I will not back out now." Turning to Naruto, she asserts, "despite what I
did, how I lied to you, and everyone here, I want to get to know you better. I want to build
something real… if you'll have me, of course."
"Yeah, obviously," Naruto assures her with his trademark smile. "When we first met, I knew
we'd eventually be really close but I didn't think we'd be family, which is awesome. I'd be
happy to build a real connection with you, Temari. And I've always wanted brothers- Ah!
Haku, you're my brother too, but, you know, it won't be by marriage… …unless," Naruto
ponders aloud before looking at Kankurō.
Squinting his eyes, the face-painted puppeteer asks, "what?"
"He's not gay," Temari answered for him, making her brother sit up startle before wondering
herself. "Actually, are you-"
Affronted, Kankurō reaffirms, "I'm not gay!"
Temari barely restrains a teasing smirk as Haku assures his best friend, "it's okay, Naruto.
He's not my type either."
"What is your type, actually," Ino asked. "I've been dying to know."
Everyone turns to Haku who pleasantly smiles before answering, "peculiar men."
"…Well, if that's not mysterious," Karin interjects. Turning to the others, she voices, "if we're
all certain about our decisions, I feel it's important for everyone to know that our clan is only
just restarting. As you can see, we still have a long way to go before we're completely
comfortable, but we're not stopping until our clan returns to our former prominence. To that
end, we owe a great deal of gratitude to Ino-chan's family and Kurenai-sensei. If not for
them, we wouldn't have had the position to buy this land with which to restart our clan on."
Chapter 467:
Naruto claps for them, prompting everyone else to clap for them as well. He then gestures to
his cousin before announcing, "our deputy-head here has been doing a great job getting us
going, as well." Everyone claps for Karin before Naruto laments, "makes me wish I'd be
around more. I'll start leaving clones for you every morning to help out."
Confused, Karin asks, "wait, what? What do you mean you wish you'd be around more?"
"Uh, that's the other thing I wanted to mention," he told her before turning to the others.
Taking a deep breath, he flatly states to them, "there's something coming. Something we all
need to prepare for." Recalling his conversation with Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Ji-chan, Naruto
groans as he admits, "I don't know how much I'm allowed to say just yet, but, I'll say this
much. There's a really, really dangerous group of ninjas out there who are planning to do
terrible things to our countries and the entire world. Part of their plan is to capture Bijū, so,
they're after me, Gaara, and others like us for what's sealed within us. So, we have to train
hard if we want to stop them."
The room remains silent for several moments after Naruto finishes and a series of questions
fill their heads. Temari is the first to ask, "what more can you tell us?" Looking at Gaara with
worry, she adds, "this is the first we're hearing about this."
"I've been ordered to keep it classified for now," Naruto sadly denotes.
To be certain, a suddenly strict Kurenai asks, "by Sandaime-sama?" Naruto nods in the
affirmative before the raven-haired Jōnin-sensei states for all to hear, "then until you're given
permission, you shouldn't say more."
"I already cleared telling Gaara with Ji-chan, since it involves him," Naruto affirms. Looking
to the others, he expresses, "sorry, I want to tell you guys, too, but it's early stages. When I
get the all-clear, I'll definitely tell you guys more."
A serious Kankurō wonders, "do you have a time frame?"
"Mmmn," the blond hummed before finishing, "not sure. Depends on how fast they come
after us."
"How strong is this group," Kankurō continues, eager to learn more.
"Some of the strongest you can imagine," Naruto vaguely answers.
"Can't you tell us more," Kankurō protests. "This is our brother we're talking about."
Ino hotly contests, "it's Naruto too, you know!"
In a calmer tone, Kurenai explains, "he's under direct orders from the Hokage. He's not even
supposed to talk about his status as a Jinchūriki, but he did so to be honest with all of us.
When he's allowed to say more, you can be sure he will."
"If Gaara knows," Temari starts, looking at her brother. "That's enough for me." Turning to
Naruto and Karin, she asks, "can we visit the Sandaime?" At their questioning looks, Temari
elaborates, "as you know, the civilians of this village and some in this country won't truly
accept the peace treaty between us until you and I are married, but it hasn't even been
announced yet. I'd like to begin the process."
"We have to inform him of our decision first," Kurenai replies with some trepidation over how
their leader will react to the news.
Looking between Naruto and Kurenai, Temari asks, "is today okay?"
"I was waiting for Naruto to return," Kurenai pointedly remarks. "It'd be unfair to make this
decision without his input." Gazing at Naruto for a moment, Kurenai decides, "I feel Ino,
Hinata, and I should inform Hokage-sama that the three of us want to join the Omiai. I'm
certain things will pick up speed from there."
Facing Kurenai, Ino, and Hinata individually, he asks with his eyes if anyone had objections.
When it didn't seem like any of them were against it, he then shares with Temari, "Ji-chan is
still recovering so if not today then tomorrow." With Temari's nod, Naruto whips his eyes on
Gaara before then asking everyone, "do you guys mind if Gaara and I talk? It's really
important."
"If it'll help keep him alive, go for it," Kankurō asserted, almost as if daring anyone to object
to sharing vital intelligence. "We'll just stay here."
Kurenai stands before eying Hinata and Ino, who follow suit, and tells Naruto, "dinner at
mine tonight." She faces the others and humbly offers, "regardless of how it happened,
you're all important parts of Naruto's life now, which means you're part of mine too. I think
the best foot forward is getting to know each other. So, I'd like to invite you to my home this
evening for dinner."
Temari stands as well. She observes each of her potential sister-wives before nodding and
answering Kurenai, "thank you. We'd be happy to."
"Sweet," an exuberant Naruto called out, hopping off his seat. He grips Gaara's elbow and
pulls him up before leading him out of the room, calling out over his shoulder, "see you
tonight!"
Naruto takes Gaara to his office and the blond Jinchūriki activates his Fūinjutsu security
measures before hopping on the basic table and sitting cross-legged. There's enough space
for Gaara to sit in front of him and Naruto pats the smooth space to urge his soon-to-be
brother to sit. The redhead appeared like a fish out of water, nervously looking around,
unsure of how to handle such an extroverted person, but eventually, he hops onto the
tabletop and sits cross-legged in front of Naruto.
What followed was a two-hour-long conversation about their bijū; the truth of their origin,
their names, how to talk to them, and what it could mean to be friends and partners with
them as opposed to adversaries who only feel shackled to one another. He told Gaara about
Akatsuki, their goal of kidnapping all the Jinchūriki and strip their bijū from them, and the
possibility of merging them all back together to create the Jūbi, making them the strongest
group on the planet. It was a very sobering two hours and Gaara appeared more stoic than
ever before.
After two minutes of ponderous silence, Gaara asks, "can I tell my family?"
"Well, I can't tell you not to," Naruto weakly professes. "I'll just say do what you think is best."
"We should train together," Gaara suggested.
With a strong fist pump, Naruto yells, "Definitely! Oh! You should come with me when we go
to Kumo!"
"Kumogakure?"
Chapter 468:
TSUNADE
Sitting at the Hokage's desk, Tsunade is reading the first page of each stack of paper before
shuffling it to the side for Shizune to organize piles on any available surface area still
available on the desk while also explaining to Darui that both Naruto and the Hokage have
approved the Omiai with Kumogakure. While Hiruzen is resting in his residence, Tsunade
had promised to take care of a few of the important tasks on the day's agenda. With Nara
Shikaku and Shizune's help, it wasn't overly arduous, however, Tsunade was still craving a
drink.
Darui only nodded, his bored face never betraying his thoughts, however, when he realizes
she didn't see him nod, he answers, "understood." The lowering sun more-easily shining into
the office brightens Tsunade and the desk as she asks who Kumo want Naruto to marry.
Darui answers, "Nosekai Samui, of the Nosekai clan in Kumogakure, one of the founding
clans, and a Jōnin."
"Okay," Tsunade dully voiced before assuring the Kumo-nin, "I'll inform-"
"And Shizen Mabui," Darui interrupted, before adding, "recently promoted to Jōnin and head
secretary to Raikage-sama."
Tsunade stops arranging paperwork and both she and Shizune finally pay attention to Dauri
before the next Hokage asks with a confused expression, "excuse me?"
Tsunade was impressed with his poker face but the afro-blond pauses for a break longer
than necessary, making her Tsunade wonder if—like a gambler's tell—the pause is
something she should pay closer attention to. Clearing his throat, the Kumo-nin seems
willing to admit, "they both want to do this for their country… and they seem fond of him."
Tsunade glances over to the attentive Shizune, who raises her eyebrows, then back to Darui
before verifying, "both of them?"
"…They're adamant," Darui lazily submits. "Will that be a problem?"
"…No," Tsunade finds herself saying, praying this ploy eventually falls apart. When the future
Hokage mentions, "Naruto is fond of them as well," she noted Darui's shoulder tense enough
to hear cracking sounds from his shoulder joints. Other than mentally filing away his
response, she continues to explain, "with bodyguards, Naruto will travel to Kumo to meet the
Raikage no earlier than a week. Though that may change depending on various factors. If
we're delayed too long, please expect a courier with an explanation."
"Understood," Darui lazily voiced, adding, "so long as we have an idea of when to expect
you, so that we may prepare properly for his arrival." Tsunade didn't like the sound of that,
however, it could just as easily be nothing than that. She nods in agreement, wishes them
safe travels, and they leave immediately afterward.
It takes several minutes for the sensor-types to sweep the room for any enemy surveillance.
When their specialists guarantee the room's privacy, Shizune asks, "what team have you
decided will go with Team 7? "
"I decided on a few teams."
"It's highly likely we'll be sending them into a trap," Shizune can't help but point out.
Tsunade only smirks sadly, voicing in a melancholy tone, "such is the life."
"Tsunade-sama-"
"It's okay, Shizune," Tsunade interjects. Disregarding her negative outlook, she states with a
more energetic mood, "I realize it's very likely a trap, but Naruto knows that too and he's still
going regardless. He has to. We'll just have to plan for every event."
"I understand that," Shizune voices, easily recalling everything Tsunade divulged to her
earlier. "But no plan survives first contact with the enemy."
"Dan used to say that," Tsunade happily recalls, to which Shizune nodded.
The dutiful assistant expresses, "I know Naruto-kun is very strong and unlikely to die, but I'm
worried there may be casualties we can't prepare for."
Eying Shizune with grave seriousness, Tsunade evenly states, "that's the job."
As evident by her reluctant expression, it's not what Shizune likes to hear, however, a knock
at the door interrupts them. The secretary states who is there to see her. Both Tsunade and
Shizune grow curious for the visit and allow a stern-looking Sakura to enter the office.
INO
Kurenai, Ino, and Hinata have been waiting in the reception area for nearing ten minutes
when the door to the Hokage's office finally opens and out walks Sakura carrying a stack of
books from hands to right under her chin. Ino is shocked at the sight of her sister-friend and
rushes to her. Ino notes the seriousness in her green eyes, as if determined to the point of
anger.
"Sakura," she gasps, before running her hand through her roughly cut pink hair. "What
happened to your hair!"
Sakura tried to shrug, but with the books in her arms, it wasn't effective. Swaying her now
shoulder-length pink hair, she voiced, "Tsunade-sama didn't think I was serious enough. So I
had to show her how serious I was."
"Serious about what?"
"I asked her to take me in as her student," Sakura boldly answered.
"Wha- are you serious," Ino gasps. Looking at the stack of books from hands to chin and her
confident expression, they all realized what Tsunade's answer was. Excited by the news, Ino
had to ask, "she actually took you as her disciple? Thee one and only Tsunade-sama of the
Senju? Sakura, that's amazing!"
"It certainly is," Kurenai voiced from behind Ino.
"Congratulations," Hinata voices.
The pinkette nods to them before telling Ino, "she already gave me a ton to do, so I have to
go study."
Sakura motions to leave when Ino stops her to say, "ah, before you go, want to come to
dinner at Kurenai-sensei's tonight? Everyone's going to be there."
With raised eyebrows, Sakura asks, "even Naruto?"
"Especially Naruto," Ino easily remarked with a smirk.
The pink-haired kunoichi hesitates to answer right away. It's evident she has a lot on her
mind and eventually voices, "um… if I have time, maybe." At Ino's disbelief, Sakura adds,
"sorry, Ino, but if I ever want to catch up to the rest of my team, I have a lot to learn."
Ino argues, "you have to eat too, you know."
Scrunching her face apologetically, Sakura winces a bit before answering, "I'll let you know if
I change my mind."
However, Ino was undeterred and quickly promises, "I'll make a plate for you, so you better
come and eat before I go get you."
Snorting a bit with light happiness as she thins her lips to restrain her smile, Sakura jests,
"bossy as ever," before walking away.
Ino smiles with a measure of pride as she watches Sakura walk away, then yells, "and fix
your hair!"
Ino, Hinata, and Kurenai stand in front of Tsunade of the Senju and are surprised to learn
that she'll be the next Hokage. After explaining that Hiruzen is resting for the remainder of
the day, Kurenai highlights the key points of the Omiai before then rendering their decision.
Tsunade pans her rounded eyes from the three kunoichi in front of them to the very stunned
Shizune beside her, then back before clarifying, "the three of you?"
"Hai, Hokage-sama," Kurenai answered with respect.
First Mabui and Samui, and now Kurenai, Ino, and Hinata, Tsunade leans closer to her
dutiful friend and assistant to whisper, "what is going on here?" Shizune could only shake
her head with just as much uncertainty and bafflement. Clearing her throat, Tsunade sits
straighter before looking to the highest-ranked and most responsible, and speaking,
"Kurenai-sensei, simply put, I'm at a loss. Please explain your decision and keep in mind, if
it's not satisfactory, I may have to decline this… whatever this is."
"Hai, Hokage-sama," Kurenai returned. She glances at the girl at each side of her before
explaining to their leader, "we love him… like no other, and rather than give up on that love,
we've decided to marry him."
Tsunade is more obvious when she whips her head to Shizune, and asks with her eyes
alone, 'what the fuck?' Shizune shrugs and shakes her head, easily relaying to everyone
with eyes, 'I don't know.' Tsunade returns her focus on Kurenai and simply admits, "…I still
don't understand." Clearing her throat, she asks, "do you mean love, as in romantic love?
Also, why the three of you? And, why not just his girlfriend?" The final question was directed
at Kurenai and Tsunade could tell it bothered the other two, however, they remained
disciplined in front of the legendary kunoichi and soon-to-be Hokage.
Kurenai states, "I prepared a black scroll for this eventuality, if you'd like to read it. There are
specific events and background that's led us to this point, however, the details will only
reinforce what we're telling you now. We fell in love with him before this Omiai. We
understand our duty comes first, of course, however, as people with hearts and minds, we
can't ignore our feelings. The uniqueness of this situation is simply allowing us to abide by
our duty without giving up on the man we love."
Stunned and confused, Tsunade had to triple-check by asking, "…the three of you?" In
unison, they reply, "hai, Hokage," yet again sending Tsunade's mind for a loop. Everyone's
astonishment is truly beginning to amuse Ino, however, it wasn't funny when Tsunade
exhales before telling them, "I have to discuss this with sensei, and if I'm being honest with
you, I don't see how he can approve this. In either case, you'll have our answer by end of
day tomorrow. Dismissed."
Chapter 469: The Unseen
AKATSUKI
The dark cavern was enormous. So large, broken stalactites would take a dozen seconds to
reach the dry and stony bed. The resulting crash would echo unendingly throughout the
large cave. Not a drop of water or whirring of insects as nine members gathered upon the
enormous fingertips of two stone hands. The shadowy, wispy figures stood before an
immensely large and demonic statue that was at the heart of their plans. The mummified
giant with wooden-like spikes protruding from its back looked down with its nine closed eyes
at the group discussing their latest inconvenience.
Through the cold stale air, Sasori asks, "any word on Itachi? It's been days now."
"He's either dead or fled," Deidara cheerfully answered, his smile easily registering with
everyone.
Kisame couldn't keep himself from promising the group with aggravated finality, "if he's not
dead, I'll kill him myself."
With an even temperament, Pain asks their expert locater, "have you located him?"
"He's still in Fire Country," Zetsu began. "I found his ring, but no body."
"So, he's returned home," Pain reasoned.
Zetsu begins to inform the group, "our spies haven't made any mention-" only to be
interrupted by the hunched-over shadow.
"Itachi knows our networks, strategies, and most of our plans," Sasori said with an
unnaturally mechanical voice. "He must be dealt with."
Kisame was quick to assert, "I'll be there in two days-"
"No," their leader commanded.
Kisame turns to the spiral-eyed shadow with flexed shoulders, making him appear more
imposing, as he snarled, "I made him a promise; if he ever betrayed us—betrayed me—I'd
kill him." Huffing in restrained anger, he punctuated his oath by exclaiming, "I'm a man of my
word."
The nefarious Kakuzu chuckled before asking in mocking, "since when have sharks been
men?"
With a threatening edge, Kisame returned to the humored undead, "the dead should stay
dead,"
"Enough," Pain voiced with more irritation than typical. "Itachi's absence changes nothing.
He will die soon." Turning to Kisame, he attests, "there's a task you're much more suited to.
A task we're all much more suited to. Gathering the Jinchūriki."
"It's about fucking time," Hidan exclaimed.
"Isn't it too soon," Konan asked Pain.
"Not soon enough, I say," the sickle-carrying member confessed with a huff. "All these small
fry make the worst tribute to Jashin."
Konan couldn't help reminding the gathering, "we don't have everything in place. Securing
spies, safe-houses, infrastructure, and equipment throughout the countries requires more
funds than we currently possess. At our current pace, we're two to three years before
commencing."
Though silent, none seem contemplative. It's as if they only seemed more eager to begin,
and Pain echoes this sentiment in the large dark chamber. "A group of this caliber can make
do without a safety net, Konan."
"Besides," Deidara chimes in. "Once we have all the weapons, every country'll be all too
eager to pay our security fees to keep from being annihilated."
She turned to the young shinobi and hotly contested, "that's not what Akatsuki stands for-"
But was smoothly interrupted by her long-time friend.
"Konan, enough," Pain asserted. "We're accelerating our timetable. Anything else we need,
we'll acquire on the spot; by force, if need be." A few chuckle at the comment before Pain
conveys with hefty authority, "gather your assigned Bijū. Hidan, Kakuzu, begin with the
seven-tails. Deidara, Sasori, start with the three-tails. Kisame, you alone will be more than
enough for the five-tails. Tobi, capture the three-tails."
Slumping his shadowy shoulder, to spiral-masked man bemoans, "Ahh, why do I have to go
alone?"
Ignoring the flamboyant shinobi's comment, Pain added, "I'll travel with you to Kiri. We'll split
once we've entered the border, and I capture the six-tails."
Sasori asks their leader with his mechanical voice, "and the Nine-Tails?"
"The Kyūbi must be last, or we risk halting our plans," Konan told him.
"Zetsu, travel to Konoha and gather intel," Pain continued. "If someone like Uzumaki Naruto
is capable of escaping Kisame, we can no longer take him lightly. Whatever reports we had
on his capabilities are now virtually meaningless."
Removing the three-bladed sickle from his shoulder, Hidan asks, "and Itachi? I mean, what's
stopping him from telling everyone our plans? He could seriously get in our way."
"Kami, why do you think we're rushing the plan, you idiot," Kakuzu jowled.
"Itachi is no fool," Pain told the group. As if thinking several steps ahead with his unique
eyes, he asserts, "he's aware how quickly word will reach us should he reveal what he
knows, and when he does—because he most certainly will—I'll eviscerate every trace of
Hidden Leaf and make him watch as I kill his brother in the most painful retribution."
It was all these elite Missing-nin needed to hear before flickering out of existence one
shadowy wisp at a time.
THE DINNER PARTY
Under the evening sky, an excited Naruto happily walks with Gaara & Kankurō to his right,
and Temari & Baki to his left. The breeze was gentle and cool to the touch, brushing their
hair and flowing their clothes. Temari, Gaara, Kankurō, and Baki were dressed in more
formal wear of their typical dress—a black kimono with a red slash for Temari, and black
slacks and dress shirts for the three men—however, despite the casual affair, Naruto wore
his typical orange and black tactical gear along with the black haori with red flames at the
hem that Jiraiya gave him.
They were walking up the paved street to Kurenai's home with their ANBU escort remaining
hidden, talking about aspects of their villages. Despite the ANBU detail following the Sand-
nin from the shadows, everyone seemed to enjoy the moment. Temari, Kankurō, nor Baki
asked Naruto for more details about Akatsuki or his sources. They followed Gaara's lead. If
the young unsocial, boy who used to hate the world and everyone in it could ignore
impending danger to enjoy a night of frivolities, they'll happily accommodate him.
Casually placing his chakra-covered palm on the wood frame, the door unlocks as Naruto
finished saying, "you know, a lot of people wouldn't have stolen their underpants, but I
always figured, if the Hyūga didn't expect it, how could they see it coming, you know?"
Naruto doesn't register their focus on his Fūinjutsu security as he opens the door for them.
He calls out, "hello," as he lets them in.