186All smiles with this one. I am so happy with this chapter, I think its one of the best I've ever written in my life, actually. I just loved making every part of this one, I and hope you guys can feel my passion and emotion in the this chapter and story itself. Cause that's what its all about, making something I can be proud of and something yall can be happy to read. Oh god! I just love this feeling!
I will say, this is a good return chapter from my brake. Let me know if you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Let me say something else.
I don't want the Pa-treon Lil Bro! I don't know why this is a trend. Don't worry, I'll never make one. But yall say it with me, I don't want the Pa-treon Lil Bro!
Review Center
Guest- I'm not quiting till it's done! TRUST!
Jou457- I'm sorry to have kept yall waiting, but shit happens. I can say though I will be making updates again like I used too
thelostR34P3R- I also liked them, I can say these last three chapters were really good. Glad to see you enjoy and I hope you keep reading
WOLF-GOST- Whose reaction do you want to see the most? the other kids?
Guest- I can't tell you when Satsuki will learn the truth, that's spoilers
dbtiger63- Thanks, I do want to focus on pacing, I don't want to rush into things nor do I want to be to slow, kinda a mixture of both. So this chapter might feel slow but I can't not show the village and talk about what happened, it'd be lazy writing a dumb
Alexander4443-Thanks for the kind words
jmknz777- Amazing
jayydasimp- my mind has changed and I will say Drake lost for sure. He didn't have enough hate like Kendrick did. THEY COULD NEVER MAKE ME HATE YOU DRAKE
volcasiron30- All good dawg, I know you a busy man. Just glad you could tune it
D3adstarkll3r- Kakashi gone get him a lil something someting
Thank you kindly and please, enjoy this peak fiction!
X
One hand was holding his cherished pipe while the other was holding a paper he read. This was now the fifth time he'd be reading this official letter from the new Mizukage.
Dear Third Hokage,
This is the Fifth Mizukage confirming we will be entering the Chunin Exams coming up. You can expect three teams of mine, I request they are treated respectfully and kindly. They are a bit nervous about going to another Great Hidden Village.
This is also to tell you my shinobi have begun taking missions outside of our border so do not raise a blade to them. They are well-trained and know not to cause any trouble.
I will see you in the finals of the exam when my shinobi have been promoted to Chunin.
Naori Uchiha
Even when he completed the read, his heart skipped a beat each time. Naori was alive, Naori Uchiha the wife of Naka! The man who nearly killed him six years ago in broad daylight. The wounds delivered to him never vanished nor did the effects of those events.
This raised so many questions regarding everything. Last night, Hiruzen got a letter from Pakun, Kakashi's ninja hound. In the letter was a detailed report about the updated mission but more importantly Uchiha showing themselves again. Was it just those four? Naruto, Shisui, and two others Kakashi didn't know? Did they relocate to the Mist? What was the standing of their village?
Naori was a smart woman, she has been in countless battles and devised many plots to survive till now. She came from a more ferocious generation of Uchiha yet still maintained her own unique purity. What kind of clan did Naori raise if everyone was still alive? Fugaku and his wife were no longer present so the title of clan head obviously fell to the next high-ranking Uchiha.
However, Naori was the Mizukage. Which meant she couldn't play both roles at the same time. Which either meant it was Shisui the more likely leader, or her young son.
In terms of political power in the Uchiha, Hiruzen wasn't well-versed. Which might have been a flaw leading to the complete annihilation of the Uchiha. Or so he thought.
Itachi played an excellent spy and was the reason why the Uchiha survived for as long as they did. The boy's intellect and strategic thinking had led to him whispering ideas and subtle suggestions to his father.
The main subject of the matter and cause for concern was Naori's standing on their village. If the women held hatred for him then his death was all but certain come the finals. Perhaps, he could have her teams killed so the woman had no legitimate reason to come. And any sign of aggression towards the village would be clear signs of still tightly kept bitterness.
That idea left as quickly as it came. There was no need for such actions to be carried out anymore. Naori would not throw her country into a war after just getting out of one.
Or maybe she would.
Naori was very powerful. He still remembered when Jiraya explained in great detail how she used her Sussano to battle two Jinchurki in front of him. Saving his young team from retreating and allowing them to finish their mission.
Or the fight she took part in with Kushina. The mouthy redhead liked to talk. So she challenged Naori to see which one of them was the best and whose style was superior. It wasn't a death battle, nor was it a light spar. The woman used no words and spoke with their blade, resolving the animosity they had.
All of this was done while the young shinobi had been in their teens, hardly even seventeen. Despite losing an eye to save her potential awol boyfriend, Naori still proved to stand above the rest.
She held a true position of power now. Those Uchiha, truly, Hiruzen was nervous. The man didn't feel like waiting a whole month to have his questions answered.
"This exam is going to be big. All of the Great Nations sending their own teams. We are going to need to prepare for any kind of ambush that might take place." Hiruzen would hold a kunai behind his back during this exam. He got word from the Hidden Stone, and Hidden Lightning village as well about them sending their own teams. At least, he'd get to see Ohnoki again, it's been years since he'd seen the midgit.
Hiruzen could feel trouble brewing. Sighing, he would prepare reservations for the three teams of the Mist. The wisened Hokage wished he had information inside the village. But, that's why he had a spymaster.
Once he had the thought he began to write a S-Ranked mission to Jiraiya about gaining information about the Mist. Hiruzen would advise that Jiraiya get the information to him before the second part of the exams or even before the Shinobi got here in a week.
So Jiraiya had until the Forest of Death to give him information regarding the Shinobi and more importantly the village. If they had a healthy and prospering village it would reflect the standing of their Shinobi.
Damn, Hiruzen dragged his hand down his face. "What a time to be alive." The statement came out dull and lackadaisical.
A knock soon came and Hiruzen straightened himself to look presentable. "Come in!" The door opened showing Kakashi with a serious expression. "Glad you made it back, anything else you'd like to tell me about what happened?"
Kakashi nodded. "I first encountered Naruto in my first fight against Zabuza. Menma was actually attempting to fight back with his army of Shadow Clones. Naruto beat all of those and then went on to easily defeat Zabuza in Kenjutsu."
Hiruzen took in the knowledge. If Naruto was beating High Jounin Level Shinobi with just Kenjutsu it was worrying, to say the least. None of the other teams stood a chance.
"And you say Shisui…was there?"
Another nod. And it was like a strike to the face, or a stab from a sword, or being punched by Hashirama and his strong jab. "Were you able to determine their mental state or stance toward the village?" Shisui used to be an ANBU, he had inside information that couldn't be leaked.
Anyways, now he needed to come up with changes to ANBU, routes, training, shifts, and everything. Shisui was a talented Shinobi, with his quick Body Flicker, powerful Genjutsu that could kill with just a look, and his use of Ken-Ninjutsu.
"From what I determined, Shisui relatively seems to be the same at least outwardly. He gave me a smirk and said he'd see me soon. Which I am guessing means he will be coming to the Chunin Exams with those three kids." Kakashi expressed his stance. Shisui was always the uplifting kind of guy, he remained unbothered by most things and sought to enjoy life with a smile and not a frown or blank expression.
"Yes, I received a letter from the Mizukage today. Naori Uchiha has become their new Kage."Hiruzen said, "This means, their Shinobi are powerful enough to survive the Bloody Mist and their civil war." He slammed his fist down slightly showing his visible frustration.
"They've been rebuilding right under our nose." Kakashi read the mind of Hiruzen, also drawing the same conclusion.
"They used their civil war as cover! No telling when they finished the war. I feel like such a fool." The Third Hokage berated himself. He was hailed as the professor, and master of all jutsu in the Leaf. Yet, he was so naive as to ignore another Hidden Village. "All because of that war, I didn't want to get involved."
Hiruzen turned his sharpened eyes back to Kakashi. "And what of Naruto?"
"You should definitely watch him. He restrained it as best as he could, but since I'd seen restrained hatred before. I was able to catch it." Hiruzen nodded. Something like this would definitely not slip past Kakashi's eyes. "I wouldn't say trail him with a team of ANBU, but I definitely recommend he not walk around by himself."
"Understood, I will devise a team of ANBU to watch their entire team." Hiruzen reached for the drawer where he kept files about his ANBU. "Now, did he show any kind of signs toward Satsuki? Anger, guilt, happiness?"
"Naruto seems to have a mastery of keeping his emotions hidden like a true Shinobi. But, he did save her from the Ice Mirrors Haku placed her in and left her with words of encouragement." Kakashi replayed the events in his mind. Naruto most likely wanted to portray no attachment to Satsuki for this very reason, but he failed by leaving her with parting words.
"I can't say he wants to kill her since he would have, but I can't say they want to bring her back either. They easily could have just taken her if they really wanted, and added not only a Yuki clan member, Zabuza, but also another Uchiha." Sound reasoning and deduction are what help provide Kakashi with his information. It was because of these two key factors that helped him stay alive and be known for his strategic intellect which was sharper than most Nara.
"I'd have preferred you'd kill Zabuza and this Haku girl. They do not need any more key individuals we don't know about. As of now, they truly are hidden in the mist."
"I was aiming to at least kill Zabuza, but things happened and I wasn't able to. And about Haku, I can say for certain I wouldn't have been able to beat her. Zabuza said she was stronger than him and I could confirm it as well once I saw her."
"Even with your Sharingan?"
"Even with my Sharingan."
Hiruzen took a hit of his tobacco. A long, cancerous lung-filled dose. He blew it out and felt some of his worries leave him in the form of gray smoke. "Back to your other point about them taking Satsuki, they most likely didn't to avoid starting a war with us. They went to great lengths to stay hidden, it would be contradictory for them to ruin it by kidnapping Satsuki."
"I agree, though I doubt Satsuki would want anything to do with them. She made sure to express her hatred." Kakashi said.
"Even more reason to worry." Hiruzen looked outside, admiring the village's peacefulness. The populace remained pure and bright, leaving the village with a warmth unmatched.
"Worry? About what? If it's Satsuki's hatred I already plan to have talks and sway her."
"Satsuki, can not go rogue."
Now Kakashi understood. If the girl left of her own free volition and abandoned the village. She could be taken with no penalties and free to join the Mist.
"I see you understand now." Hiruzen turned to stare with purpose at Kakashi. "Satsuki is the last Uchiha we have. And most likely the last hope we will ever have at keeping the Nine-Tails if something were to happen with Menma."
"I understand, Hokage-sama. I must admit, I am uncertain and nervous about this situation."
Hiruzen softened. "Me too my boy. But the Hidden Leaf is a sign of power. The Will of Fire burns bright in all of us, and as long as we believe in that Will, this great tree will never fall."
Naori sat in her Mizukage chair and stamped another paper. "Oh, the Daimyo of Honey Country wishes to open trade? I suppose I can look into that. I'm not entirely sure what they can offer us though." Naori set aside in another pile. Said pile was for her assistant to look through and determine if it was worth doing business with.
She picked up the next paper. "The hospital needs more Medic Shinobi. Can do." Naori stamped the paper and set it in her complete pile. Onto the next revealed it to be another country wishing to open trade. Such a great feeling this was, her country was growing rapidly and their name began spreading.
"Hidden Vegetable Village? Of course, I want to trade with them!" Naori stamped. "Silver and Diamond Country wish to talk? I shall send these to the Daimyo. I bet these two heard of us from the Golden Daimyo, hehe, word spreads." She placed the paper in a folder marked for the Daimyo with slight instructions. Naori wanted the Golden Daimyo and her Water Daimyo to travel together and form the alliance.
Unlike most Kage, Naori didn't mind doing the paperwork. Yes, some days it was a real pain and she would have to push through it. When she did the work, however, it let her stay up-to-date with everything in the village. Like now, The Academy was asking for extra classes in Sealing, Genjutsu, and more D-rank missions. Or someone from ANBU requesting time off for a week. A healthy practice, it was used as a cooldown time and meant to detox the brain from the accumulated stress.
"A mission from Granwaki Island. They request help fighting off the giant monsters of the Kaiju Ocean." Naori thought about how to rank the mission. The Kaiju Ocean was infested with giant monsters who called it home. Every once in a while, the beast would get aggressive and start to attack the Islands scattered about the ocean.
Some could be as big as Tailed Beast or Boss Summons. So it was at least something a team of high firepower Jounin should take care of. A with a possibility of S-rank. Since it was in the ocean, Naori wanted someone with Water proficiency or Lighting.
She smiled, this was the perfect mission for their Naval Division, Run by Navy Captain Ameyuri. "This mission should be easy enough for her crew, or even Ameyuri herself."
The next paper, or more like a letter, piqued her interest. "Land of Demons? Do they need help killing demons?" So Naori began reading over the letter which was from the Princess and not the Daimyo or village leader like she'd been expecting. Her mouth opened and her heart skipped a beat and the woman's blood froze solid like a glacier. "H-How, does she know my son? And of Sengen-Sama?!"
The Princess of Demon Country was requesting for Naruto specifically.
Dear Fifth Mizukage,
I am Princess Shion Uchiha of Demon Country. The Priest of the Uchiha Clan, I am requesting Naruto Uchiha to come and help me seal away the demon known as Moro. It is our Goddess Sengen's will that Naruto conquers this trail of his. He is the Thousand Year Shinobi of a thousand trials.
I request he be sent after the Chunin Exams as that is when the seal will need to be replaced.
Sengen-sama also sends her regards and compliments for your hard work in making her religion well known throughout the village, clan, and country.
I look forward to meeting you in the future.
Shion Uchiha
"She's not lying, and no spies have come into the village. She even knows about me spreading Sengen-sama's words." Naori closed her eyes and pondered. She decided to take the letter home and think about it. Once she decided what to do, Naori would reply.
So she let time pass while she diligently worked on the papers. Until a knock came to the door. "Mizukage-sama, Team Ten is here!" Her female assistant yelled from the other side of the door.
Naori smiled, eager to see her favorite team. "Yes, let them in!" Her voice showed just how happy she was.
Her assistant is a modest and beautiful woman with pearlescent neck-length black hair. She was dressed in a blue kimono top tied with a black sash. Her navy blue pants were loose for free movement. She wore hints of makeup and she had on small tassels as earrings.
This was Kamiya Orirari, a Jounin who wished to serve Naori instead of doing fieldwork. She had volunteered herself when she saw all the work Naori had to do. So for six years, Kamiya had been working with Naori and it would stay that way until Naori stepped down to retire, and so would she.
"We're back Mizukage-sama!" Mira exclaimed. The team stepped in followed by Zabuza and Haku which alerted the ANBU in the room to the presence of rogue ninja.
"I can still sense your ANBU, they need more training in cloaking their chakra." Naruto declared and crossed his arms.
"Cut them slack, it's just because you're really good at sensing." Jinkusu said. Even though the boy was sure Mira and Shisui felt them too.
"Will be added to the list of training." Naori said. This made Kamiya take notice of the completed paperwork and move to take the pile away. Which was rewarded with a thank you from Naori. "Anyways, I see the mission was a success."
Shisui nodded. "Yes, however, we have rather troubling news." She saw his face take on a pained visage.
Naori noticed and wondered what could have her strongest team so defeated. "You can tell me after we send these two off." Looking toward the tall man, Naori laid eyes on Zabuza for the first time. "Nice to finally meet you Zabuza Momochi, I am Naori Uchiha the Fifth Mizukage."
The man grunted and clearly looked uncomfortable with the formal greeting. "Zabuza Momochi and uh, this is Haku Yuki." He pushed the girl slightly hiding behind him in front who was holding a white rabbit tightly.
Naori's eyes widened. "Yuki? You have the Ice Style Bloodline?" Naori turned to face the pale-skinned young girl. Haku jumped slightly from the unexpected sharpness and seriousness.
"Y-Yes, Mizukage-sama." Haku brought her chakra to the surface and forming out of the cold mist was a Crystal Ice Mirror.
Naori activated her one Sharingan to observe the mirror for signs of any tricks and was pleased to find none. She looked toward her kids who also nodded in confirmation. Naori relaxed and gave a soft motherly smile to Haku who also visibly chilled.
"How nice, the Yuki clan has gained another family member." Haku along with Zabuza widened their eyes at the implication.
"D-Do you m-mean?" Haku trembled and her soft eyes showed signs of desperation.
Naori nodded with a smile. She loved reuniting family members and causing others to smile truthfully. "Yup, we have two Yuki already."
Haku turned to Naruto with teary eyes. "Is this what you meant?"
"It is."
Haku hugged him with her free arm and physically expressed her gratitude. "Thank you." Naruto patted her back and smiled softly.
"I will call them so you can meet them." Naori said, turning to face Zabuza. "You, however, will not get off so easily."
Zabuza sighed. "I know." He reached back and grabbed the handle of his giant Head Clever. "You wanna take my toy away from me, throw me in a cell."
"Partially." Naori snapped her fingers and two ANBU dropped down. "We will be taking your weapon until you've earned it back. You won't be in a cell since we are going to use your talents."
The ANBU moved carefully and took the blade from the man who grunted like a kid at having their toy taken. "So you want me to assassinate some people."
"In the future, yes. But as of right now." Naori gave the man a dark smirk. "You are reinstated to the village as a Chunin, you will teach for a total of one hundred hours at the academy, undergoing training and re-education, and twenty D-rank Missions."
Zabuza paled and his eyes were wide as plates. "C-C-Chunin and t-teaching brats." He couldn't believe it, he had to teach kids who hadn't even graduated in a class. For One hundred hours! "And re-education?! What does that mean?"
"It means you need to be updated on how the village operates. Think of it as training to claim your rank back again as a Jounin and even one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen." Naori answered his questions. Until her face changed to something more grave and serious. "You've been gone a long time Zabuza. Things are not the same as they used to be, this is no longer the Bloody Mist. It's a new era of shinobi and all of its inhabitants. You sparked a war you didn't even fight, these people won't show you any love. Gaining that love will be your greatest challenge yet."
Zabuza clenched his fist in agitation. "I wish you'd just thrown me in a cell."
Naori chuckled good-naturedly. "The path of redemption is never easy. I will have a shinobi take you to an Inn until I get you someplace to stay."
"Thank you very much! Mizukage-sama!" Haku bowed deeply.
Zabuza grumbled and nodded his head. Until Haku elbowed him in the side and gave him a serious look. "Thank you, Mizukage-sama." They left to take seats in the waiting room as instructed.
Once they left, Naori turned back to Shisui. "So, what was the other thing you wanted to tell me?"
Shisui didn't beat around the bush. "We ran into Satsuki. She was on a team under Kakashi Hatake and partnered with Menma Uzumaki, the Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails and another pink-haired girl I don't know."
Grave news. She was essentially trapped under Kakashi. The Leaf's strongest Jounin for the Leaf's strongest clan not to mention they also had the host of the Nine-Tails.
"Uzumaki? Like Honoka?" Naruto asked surprised.
"Yeah, like you know, the Uzumaki had a close relationship with the village. They were a crucial part in the Leaf's power years ago, providing Seals, Wind Jutsu, and trading." Naori said, sounding a bit like she was giving a lesson. "But the most important thing was the Uzumaki women who would be used to holding the Nine Tails. It was thanks to the women being able to manifest Adamantine Sealing Chains that made them easy picks to suppress the Tailed Beast along with their powerful bodies and life force."
"That kid? Was a Uzumaki? But he didn't have any red hair like Honoka." Naruto spent time with Honoka, be it on missions, experiments, training, or hanging out with all their friends. "I felt he had a lot of chakra but that was it. He wasn't even strong, just a bunch of walking chakra."
"Brother's right, all he did was summon a large number of Shadow Clones." Jinkusu added.
"That's not all there is to this Menma, his partners are the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki." Son of two legendary shinobi, both powerful and feared through the lands for their own talents.
Minato's newfound revelation and advancement of the Second Hokage's jutsu Flying Raijin. Partnered with his wealthy knowledge of seals and powerful Rasengan that could clash with Tailed Beast.
His secret Wife, Kushina Uzumaki used her Adamantine Chains to completely nullify any Jinchuriki and her skill in Kenjutsu was guaranteed death for anyone brave enough to challenge her.
Naruto wondered why the boy was so weak then. He didn't really spare him any looks after destroying his Shadow Clones. Since he was the Jinchuriki, Menma definitely had a hard and isolated life. Nobody probably wanted to train or interact with him since there was such a demon following him all over.
If Naruto guessed, based on Menma's loud and bright personality mixed with his lack of skill for a Genin. Obviously, Menma spent his time elsewhere.
"Just give him a few years, I'm sure Kakashi will make something out of him. You'll see more of him in two days anyways once you're in the Leaf for the exams." Naori said. "But anyways, what of Satsuki?"
Shisui sighed. "She hates us as expected. To her, it looked like we just up and left her there."
"You made contact with her?"
"Yes, Naruto did anyways."
"And?"
"She was…hurting."
To be expected. But the way Naruto said that really surprised her, it was raw and laced with painful regret.
"I'm not sure how they treated her in the village and I don't know how she feels about them. But I do know, they definitely didn't tell her the truth of what happened." Naruto felt his stomach turn and anger to blare like an alarm. The fact he'd have to go back to the village, the place which killed his father.
He hated it. But it needed to be done in order to grow.
"Don't worry, honey. We'll think of something. I don't like leaving Mikoto-chan's daughter there all alone." Naori's voice was soft and comforting. "Talk to her while you are in the Leaf. I know it will be hard, but try to make some connections with her. And If you want to tell her the truth about what happened, it's up to you. I trust your judgment in this matter."
"Okay, I will." Her son nodded.
"Don't worry Mom, I can do it. I have a way better personality than Naru-kun." Mira came and squeezed Naruto in a hug. To ease his mind and to show she would be there for him. She had come to learn Naruto wasn't one for expression. So Mira just understood him. Made herself present, and was diligent like a housewife cleaning the house.
He rarely asked for help, so when Naruto did, she made sure to listen. They both understood each other; Mira expressed herself in the relationship while Naruto indulged. They worked like a well-oiled machine.
"The life of the team!" Naori said. "Well Mira, I am counting on you." And with that, They left her to finish working having done all their reports.
Shisui left the three kids as he went to go wait at the port for Ameyuri who was set to return today. They could all see how eager he was, the man had been without his two lovers for Two Weeks as even Harribel was sent with Ameyuri to help control the seas with her adept proficiency in Water Style.
"Alright Brother, I'll see you tomorrow morning for training. Haikawai-chan and I have a date tonight." Jinkusu bumped his forearm with Naruto. "You too Sis." He performed the same action for Mira as well.
"See ya then, make sure you two aren't up too late." Naruto's tone was teasing as he smirked.
"Whatever." The tall boy laughed as he walked away.
"So, when is our date?" Mira asked.
He knew this question was coming so he already had his answer ready. "Next check, promise." The two then began talking down the street hand in hand, arm in arm.
The streets, the shops, and the atmosphere had changed. The village was still an Island surrounded by sea, but just expanded, and developed. Their buildings had become much taller and sturdy. Brick and steel made up their foundations much like the towers from the Rain Village.
The village was still covered by the wild touch of mother nature, long green vines ran down some shops, and trees grew atop skyscrapers. Even animals sometimes walked the streets, Monkeys, Okapi, and large Toucans. When the sun fell it could sometimes be dangerous as predators would occasionally walk the streets like Ocelot, Anaconda, or very rare Tigers.
It made for a funny scene to watch drunk Shinobi forget their training as they run from Tigers. This was also a good opportunity for a new job of night-time protectors. Shinobi or civilians do anything to look out for their people.
Naori loved it as new jobs meant more opportunities to help everyone. Their village began to grow as Naori created job after job. Fishers, Sailers, Boatmen, Crafters, Engineers, and Teachers. Everyone worked together, a society where they all functioned as a group to maintain the peace and balance of the new village. No homeless as they too were given jobs and shelter, thrown onto construction sites to help build, or sent to the ocean to catch fish.
The Mist didn't bother anyone as they all worked no matter the condition. Even the Academy students were assigned a D-rank clean-up mission. Genin teams order to help speed up the construction process, while Chunin and Jounin sent out to open trade and take on missions for money.
The ANBU became boogie men of the country. They lurked in the shadows of the Mist, Sabotaging other villages and stealing money, and supplies, or taking out competitors. The ANBU had never moved with such efficiency and deathly grace.
Shisui had begun instructing them about different ways to train, taking what he learned from the Leaf and applying it to his new home.
The air was salty, and a cool breeze blew in from the sea kicking up the two's hair. Naruto inhaled the scent via his nose, and over time he began to love it here.
Sure it rained a lot, hurricanes became a pain but easily dealt with enough through the use of chakra and jutsu. It could be hot as hell, or chilly like snow-tipped mountains. It never snowed which was a bit sad as Naruto liked the snow back in the Leaf.
The whole village was alerted as they all heard a horn. A loud horn of a giant warship. A beast made of thick wood meant to handle giant waves. It stood out amongst the much smaller ships, like a mountain mixed with hills. The sail had a signature jolly roger that struck terror in pirates.
Two famous swords crossed with lighting sparking around them. The Kiba Blades, controlled by Navy Captain Ameyuri Uchiha.
Naruto and Mira were far from the port but could still hear the horn blaring. They looked to the west of the village toward the Kaizoku Sea. The main attraction of the village is a large and towering statue. Its two strong legs rested on stone pillars supporting it. Between its legs was the port entrance and exit to the village.
The statue was modeled after Natori's Perfect Sussano. Crafted to perfection in her exact image. She was embarrassed beyond belief at having such a thing modeled after her. It could be seen from anywhere in the village as it was one hundred meters tall. The Sussano statue's right hand was raised in the air holding a stone torch.
Said torch was lit by a flame, not just the regular orange flame that would go out in the wind. But a brilliant crimson red flame illuminated the night and sometimes painted their sky red. The day of its grand reveal, for everyone's eyes to see. A red flame roared to life in all its divine glory.
They all thought Naruto or Mira had done something, but they didn't. Naruto took the opportunity to proclaim it was their Goddess Sengen's will and protection. They all bought it and began to see the statue in reverence. A sign of the future, a flame that never went out, and their Goddess love.
"Looks like Sensei is back." Naruto said, smiling slightly.
"Uh huh, just in time for when we leave." Mira added. "I'm sure we'll see her later. I doubt Brother Shisui is letting the two out of his sight."
They shared a chuckle. Once Shisui and the two girls had got married, they moved out of the house into their own compound house in the Uchiha District.
The two enjoy the ambiance of the village on their walk to the training ground further outside the village. They arrived to see the person Naruto was looking for.
Mei was training fiercely atop a puddle of lava. She was going through Taijutsu and moved fast enough to create sonic booms with her arms and legs. The area was hot and steamy, more than usual.
Strangely enough, Naruto helped Mei train. She had come to him and sought guidance. So Naruto indulges the woman while taking the chance to train himself as well.
"Mei, I'm glad you kept working hard while I was away. I thought you'd be slacking." Once Mei heard his voice, she stopped and showed a big smile until she registered his words.
"Who do you take me for? I'm a hard worker!" She defended herself and then pouted. "And it's Nee-chan." For one reason or another, she wanted to be called that.
When she trained, Mei would dress lightly, not wearing her blue battle dress used for missions. But something more light and comfortable was a black crop top that clung tightly to her body showing her taught and muscled stomach. Matching black leggings which were worn for obvious reasons. Mei was showy and flashy, she was not above using the sinful curves of her body to her advantage.
"Well, you don't mind showing, do you?" Naruto separated from Mira and placed his two swords on the ground.
Mei showed a smirk. She was strong, very strong. So much more powerful than she could have ever imagined. Thanks to Naori and Naruto unlocking her true potential. Hot steam rose from around Mei and she dashed quicker than could be seen by the naked eye.
Naruto easily blocked but felt his hand being burned as he caught Mei's fist. He felt her chakra boiling before she quickly struck out with her next attacks. A kick to his abdomen, blocked. Punching for his nose, evaded.
"Steam Current!" It was a perfect volley of attacks, a mix of kicks, hooks, jabs, or elbows. Naruto even used his Sharingan to perfectly evade or counter.
Until Mei's speed got to him and he was struck in the head by a stray elbow which breached his defense. Mei's steaming fist struck his chest as well, pushing him back several feet.
Naruto showed Mei a smirk and he began clapping. "Very good Mei. I do believe your Taijutsu meets my expectations now. Only took you five years but hey, who's keeping track."
Mei flipped her hair at the praise. He didn't throw praise around lightly, so when he did. You could smile at your hard work being noticed.
"I'm glad you are taking to using your Boil Release correctly now and not just relying on your Lava and Water Style."
"Keep it coming." Mei fanned herself as sweat caked her body, dripping from her hair and trailing down the valley of her breast.
"I say Yagura doesn't stand a chance against you now. You are definitely a S-ranked shinobi."
"You're lucky I didn't use my Lava Style to burn your body. But you'd just heal anyways." Mei noted. Naruto was extremely durable and hard to injure.
"That's just your Taijutsu, show me your jutsu now." Naruto didn't give Mei time to react as he had already launched a building-sized Fireball that would need at least three water-style users to block.
Mei flipped through hand signs. "Ah!" She was shocked as Naruto swatted her hands with a whip made from his purple lighting.
"You know the rules, no hand signs. I want true understanding. Showing hand signs can alert your enemy to what your jutsu may be." Like a wise sage, Naruto lectured.
"I know I know, and hand signs aren't needed to use jutsu, it's just a way to focus it better as jutsu comes from within one's chakra and will." Mei droned on as she restated what Naruto would preach.
"Good, now let's see you do it right this time." Naruto launched the Fireball again and this time Mei drew water from the moisture around them. "Water Wall!"
Her jutsu canceled out Naruto fireballs creating hot steam. She jumped away as kunai covered in flame rained down in her previous spot. When she landed Mei released a B-ranked jutsu without hand signs. "Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet."
"Fire Release: Tiger's Jaw!" Mei's Water Dragon was consumed and caused Naruto's jutsu to grow larger. She widened her eyes, that was an S-rank jutsu he used. And she just saw why it was because it could eat other elemental jutsu and grow stronger.
Mei was faster now though, six years ago it would have hit her but not now. She spawned a Water Pillar around herself, shielding her body from the ground-melting flames. It didn't go as planned as the tiger's head was large enough to swallow the ten-meter Water Pillar.
Mei used Body Flicker at the last second to narrowly avoid being eaten.
White hot pain quickly flashed through her body as Mei found herself pierced by a beam of purple lighting. Naruto could have held it leaving Mei stabbed like a skewer on his lighting if he wanted to. Though that was overkill and mainly used for his enemies. So Naruto let Mei fall and she clutched her wound.
Naruto clapped again, "Good job, you can cast very fast now. But you need to work on your senses." She glared at him, her delight gone.
"Why did you use a S-rank jutsu on me? Are you trying to turn me to ash!"
Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "You know the rule."
"If you ain't dying you ain't trying!" Mira said, popping out of nowhere. "Good job Nee-chan, you know Naru-kuns only hard on you cause he cares about you."
Mei smiled at the young Uchiha, who was healing her wound. "Yeah, I know, despite him being ruthless."
"Now rest up Mei, Mira-chan and I have got our own training to do and I don't want to accidentally kill you." When Mira and Naruto trained, it was hard. No holds barred, a deathmatch from the on-lookers but a spar to just the two of them. Naruto wasn't afraid to hit Mira at all, he knew she could take it and dish out double the pain if he let her.
They always finished panting with throbbing wounds. Mira more than him, as Naruto's healing factor from the Hashirama Cells healed him. Combined with Mira sharing a similar element with him being Yang Release. Their physical energy was off the charts and Naruto sought to go higher and train even harder to increase the balance between his Yin and Yang.
"Okay, just don't destroy the forest again, this is my favorite training ground." Mei stood and walked away taking up her water flask for a sip.
"Just meditate and focus on your Yin Energy." Naruto turned to Mei with his palms in a prayer. She knew what he was going to say and copied his actions. "Life is Yang, Death is Yin."
Naruto smiled. "Good, remember that as you focus your mind." Looking back, Mira was stretching and grinning. "Why are you grinning so hard?"
"Because you can't beat me today."
"Oh yeah? And why is that?" Naruto asked, matching her expression with his own wide grin.
Mira dropped into her stance. Loose, free, and ready.
Naruto followed suit with his stance. Still, fist partly open, and knees slightly bent.
Zabuza sat still in the chair, still displeased with his current position. Next to him, Haku was content and reading through the magazine on the table. She would point out changes made to the village and important places they should visit when they have the time.
He'd grunt and nod his head.
They had been waiting for ten minutes in the comfy waiting room. They weren't the only ones as other ninjas or civilians waited for a meeting with the Mizukage. His leg was shaking up and down quickly as he was getting anxious. They were looking at him and Haku, some glaring.
Ten minutes in one location meant death for a rogue ninja like him. Plus he didn't have his weapon, his comfort. It quickly began to make a hole form in his gut. Questions began forming in his head.
Could he fight these people off?
How many could he kill?
Could Haku kill them?
It was aggravating. The more he waited, the more anxious he got. Zabuza thought it might have even been a trap, that they would walk them out and kill him and take Haku's bloodline. He was well aware of how the Mist Village worked. Cold blood killers, nobody was spared. Man, woman, or child.
Someone next came into the room opening the door. A tall woman he'd seen before. The last time he saw her she was a teenager, fifteen if he was correct. Not anymore, she was a woman, one hell of a woman. Tall, crystal blue eyes, that stone-cold killer face all shinobi men loved, and a mature hardened woman. Her casual sweater did not hide this from him, in fact, it was teasing him.
She wasn't alone though. Beside her was a boy who was tall for a Genin, seventeen Zabuza guessed. He was a six-foot tall and slim, handsome boy. The type which turned a girl's eyes to heart and made adult single mothers blush.
The boy's eyes lit up as he walked close to them. When he stood so close, Zabuza saw the boy was the same height as him. "Hi, I heard you're a Yuki as well." He extended his hand to Haku.
"It is true, my name is Haku Yuki." She gingerly took his hand feeling the coldness of his hand. For a reason unknown, it caused her own body to heat up. Probably because Songai kissed her palm as he held eye contact with her.
"Pleasure." He smiled and let her hand go. "This is our clan head, Esdeath Yuki. And we're going to show you around and whatnot."
"Ok, that sounds great." Haku slightly bowed her head in thanks. She adjusted Chappy, her white rabbit who was twitching his nose. "Hello, Esdeath-sama."
"Hello." Esdeath greeted back. She looked at Zabuza and scowled. "Come on, let's make this quick. Today is supposed to be my day off."
She turned and walked out the window.
"Sorry to disturb her excellency." Zabuza mocked.
Esdeath turned to give him a glare colder than the tundra. "You better watch yourself. I was tasked to watch you and determine if you are fit to claim your rank again. I will be handling your re-education and watching over you."
Zabuza glared back. "She didn't say I'd be getting a babysitter!"
"Well Mizukage-sama told me and that's all you need to know." Esdeath shot back.
"I'm going back in there, to hell with this!" The room chilled instantly. Zabuza stiffened up. Something cold drew blood on his neck. It was a thin sharp ice sword at his neck.
"Mizukage-sama will not be seeing you at the moment if you want to speak with her schedule and appointment." Esdeath was still at the door frame and simply used her bloodline to control the weapon.
The shinobi in the room were on their feet and glaring at him. They had their hands hovering over the pouches and just daring him to act.
Since when has the Mist shown such unity and cooperation? They never defend each other like this, you could kill someone in the street and nobody would move to help. All kinds of crimes took place. Heinous crimes, sinful crimes, inhuman crimes.
Haku formed her own senbon and destroyed Esdeath's weapon that held Zabuza captive. She took a position in front of him, showing her defiance and willingness to fight.
"Come on Zabuza, let it go. Be rational, did you think you'd just walk around the village unguarded?" Sonagi asked.
"Follow me and do not act out of line again, understand?" Esdeath spoke, voice low and cold.
"We understand Esdeath-sama, please forgive Zabuza-sama. He's just anxious, it won't happen again."
Esdeath looked at Haku, she was a beautiful girl. Fifteen, the same age as the overall tall Sonagi. Said boy was reassuring Haku with a smile. Already, he was smitten with the young Haku who was clearly nervous and just being nice by smiling and nodding.
Sonagi could be oppressive sometimes, ignoring personal space. He was a physical contact kind of person. He loved to touch, to touch too much. Esdeah suppressed a twitching eyebrow as she remembered fondly about their time together.
"I see you are the responsible one. Make sure your charge stays in line. Now, let's go." Esdeath turned walking outside to the village streets. They all followed seconds later, leaving the tense room.
Once they left the Mizukage-stoned building, they saw the village again. It was so different from what they remembered. Amazing, the atmosphere, the bustling streets, and the kids playing with wide smiles.
"This is my favorite restaurant! They have the best grilled fish!" Sonagi pointed out. "I sometimes take Esdeath-sensei to eat here.
"Oh, are you two dating?" Haku asked innocently.
Sonagi laughed while Esdeath gained a tick mark. "I wish, but no. I just like to treat her as she's all I got, ya know."
Haku nodded with a smile. "She's precious to you."
Sonagi snaked his arm around Esdeath. "More than you know."
They all heard a horn sound over the village. Sonagi let Esdeath go as they began walking again. Zabuza looked to the west where the horn came from and his eyes flew open.
"What the fuck! Who is that?!" They followed his gaze to the statue.
"Mizukage-sama's Susanoo. She used it to beat Yagura, in The Battle of Revolution. And that red flame is Sengen-sama, the Uchiha's Goddess and our unspoken Goddess as well."
Zabuza couldn't believe it. He knew of Naori, her strength was worldwide. Everyone knew of her feats of battling Jinchuriki and changing landscapes. But a Goddess? Uchiha Goddess? The village Goddess! No way the Bloody Mist believed in Gods.
They only knew demons, like him, Kisame, and the rest of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.
"How is fire a Goddess?" Zabuza asked.
"Not the fire itself idiot." Esdeath swiftly insulted the man. "She made the fire, we all witnessed it when the statue was unveiled. The Uchiha's were a literal godsend for this country, so it's only fitting that their Goddess becomes ours."
"Come on, I'll take you to the Colossus Susanoo." Esdeath named the statue. She also wanted to see the return of her close friends Ameyuri and Harribel again.
The ocean was in site along with the crowded port. The massive ship sailed toward him slowly. The ship flag lazily waved in the breeze of the cool ocean.
It was such a beautiful day.
They all heard a laugh float over the ocean and crash into their ears. Standing on the very tip of the ship. Was someone Zabuza knew very well. One of his comrades he hadn't seen in years.
"Ameyuri…Ringo! She's still alive?!" Zabuza stuttered out in disbelief.
"It's not Ringo anymore. Her name is Ameyuri Uchiha. She's a married woman." Esdeath corrected the gapping man.
"Married? To who?!"
Esdeath chuckled. "You already met him, remember? Shisui Uchiha is her husband." Said man was standing a couple feet away watching with clear excitement.
The ship pulled into its position first traveling under the legs of the statue. It stopped in its assigned lot, the anchor dropped shortly after. They all saw a bridge be dropped onto the wooden deck seconds later. The crew of the ship began exiting and reuniting with family, friends, and loved ones on the dock.
Ameyuri vanished from the ship. She was seen again in the arms of her husband. They kissed deeply still in each other's embrace.
Zabuza just blinked, staring and blinking again like something was in his eye. Was he seeing this right? She had grown, also becoming a woman, a beautiful kunoichi, strong and dangerous. Her two Kiba Blades were strapped on her waist slightly covered by the captain's cloak hanging on her shoulders.
Another woman appeared next to Shisui, one Zabuza didn't recognize. Said woman was tall and caramel-skinned, athletic and toned. She dressed in white and had the biggest pair of tits he'd ever seen. And also massive amounts of chakra to the likes which reminded him of Kisame. "Is she also a Hoshigaki?" The woman was pulled into Shisui's arms as well. "No fucking way."
Shisui didn't have to unzip Harribel's collar as her lips were already exposed to him. Which he soon took into his own, kissing her hungrily and passionately.
"Two wives?! Shisui the Teleportor has two wives!"
Haku blushed at the show as she'd never seen such blatant coupling. Perhaps in the future, she'd get to experience such things.
Esdeath turned to Zabuza. "You've got a lot of re-condition to do. We are going to show you to our home within the Uchiha District. So behave yourself."
Haku raised her delicate eyebrow. "Why in the Uchiha District? Do you not have your own?"
"It's just Sonagi and me. A whole clan compound to ourselves would only give us extra work. Mizukage-sama gave us a deal. The Yuki clan would become vessels to the Uchiha since we are so small. Along with the Terumi and Hoshikagi due to Harribel's marriage." Esdeath answered with a small smile. She'd have never thought something like this would ever happen, especially when she first met the Uchiha.
"It's not bad, like a village within a village. They've got their own shops, stores, locations, and things. It's open for anyone to visit, I can take you, Haku-chan. They have this one chicken place Mira goes crazy for."
"Oh, you don't need to. I don't want to trouble you." Haku tried to politely refuse.
"It's no trouble at all! We're family, and because of that, I'm going to help you out. Plus, I get to spend some time with a pretty girl." Sonagi said, taking Haku's hand in his own.
"You think I'm pretty?" Haku felt her face heat up as she looked into Sonagi's eyes which looked like blue topaz jewels.
"Of course." He grinned.
Sonagi felt someone glaring at him and looked to Zabuza who had a red aura wafting off him. Zabuza's bandaged face morphed into that of a demon mask.
"What?"
"Keep walking brat."
"You're one of those? Oh." Sonagi slowly released Haku's hand with a grin.
"Stop messing around! I'm ready to go home!"
"Sorry Sensei!" Sonagi said, falling into step alongside her.
Naruto sat down with a big huff. His arms were back supporting him as he lightly smiled. He was sweating and taking big breaths, subtle laughs escaping his lips as he did so.
"I don't know…why you're smiling." Mira walked closer until she sat in his lap facing him with a smug look in her beautiful coal-black eyes. "I won." She leaned close, touching her nose onto his tickling his lips with her breath.
Naruto just smirked, staring back into her eyes that seemed to just draw him in. Since she was basically chest-to-chest with him, Naruto didn't have to move much when he kissed her sweaty lips. "Did you really win if I beat you seven times to your three?"
When they spar, it was sets of ten with no time limit. The first set would only end if one side admitted defeat. It was the standard for Uchiha training and would soon be pushed onto the academy students to prepare them for grueling and extended battles. It builds stamina and familiarizes your body with being injured and a fast beating heart.
A bonus effect was implanting the idea of knowing your limit. While it was always admirable to never give up and find a way, it wasn't always realistic and could sometimes lead to more harm.
And Mira made him give up three times. No longer had he relied on Madara's fighting style, not his taijutsu or kenjutsu. Now Naruto only read the book for his own curiosity or excess knowledge he could find. The book was a gold mine for information, Naruto learned of secrets that could turn the world for the worse if it became public.
His new style though, was something he invented himself. It was something he began cataloging and journaling, creating his own story and book of secrets for his kids.
The style was called Saambermo, a style primarily formed around offense and defense that involved steamrolling the enemy. It worked best defensively by stopping his foes from advancing and looks best on offense when he completely demolishes his foe with forearms, elbows, fists, and anything that could injure someone. It relies on speed and quick thinking and grows stronger on opponents who can't think on their feet.
The only person in the clan capable of consistently beat him in Taijutsu is Haikawa. For the moment, he was better than she was but the girl always closed the gap no matter how many times they would spar. Haikawa and he ranked at the top for Taijutsu masters in the clan, even though Naruto never considered himself a master of anything.
The first way Mira managed to beat him was through her inhuman flexibility. While Naruto had her on the ground and went for a submission, Mira maneuvered around him until she got him in a triangle hold with her legs around his neck.
She was smart about it, trapping his arms under her body so he could just use his strength and slam her back into the ground. Mira also grabbed his arm and threatened to break it as she put in a Kimura lock. Their spars often ended with broken bones, bruises, or even bleeding so the threat wasn't that lethal to Naruto. But since the spar was only just beginning Naruto tapped.
The second win wasn't flashy or some high-powered jutsu, she just beat him straight up. Using all her tricks and creative tactics to take him down. Naruto wasn't ashamed, in fact it was the opposite. It excited him, Mira was powerful, smart, funny, loving, creative, cocky, and the list could go on and on. There were many reasons why he loved her.
"You see too much into the small details," Mira said and returned his kiss. Her arms came around his head, locking her hands behind his neck. They just stayed like that, on the grass, sweating and tired enjoying as the cool breeze licked at their faces.-
Naruto found himself in a trance with Mira's eyes. The girl also found her boyfriend's rugged expression intoxicating. His midnight purple hair matted to his forehead and his hot breath hit her face gently.
Once again, their emotions connected, hearts racing at the same speed, breath coming out at the exact same time.
"It's moments like this that I cherish above all else, Naruto-kun." She fell into his body, resting her head on his neck.
"Stop, you're making me blush." Naruto rubbed her back gently. "I could say the same thing, I'm just glad you fell in love with me."
Mira popped her head back up. "How could I not?"
"I don't know, I am quite the full package."
"Gosh! You two are so cute!" Mei squealed watching them. Until she sighed, "I wish I had a man."
"One day, a long time from now you'll get one." Naruto sent with a smirk. Mei was easy to rile up, just bring up her not being able to get a man and she would turn into a demon.
"Naruto, I will melt you."
Like she was now.
"Yeah, I'm sure you will." Naruto said. "But come on, Let's get back home and eat. Suns going down."
"Alright, I'll cook."
"You sure, Mom and I normally do it." Mira stood up allowing Naruto to get up as well soon after. She gave him a devious smile.
"You don't know, but Mom's been giving me lessons on cooking."
"Since when?" Naruto was surprised, he didn't recall such meetings.
"It was only two weeks ago but it should be enough." Mira says. "I am making chicken yakitori and korokke." She was proud and confident in her skills.
"I'm hungry anyways, let's go get started on it." He turned to give Mei a wave. "Good job on training Mei, and I think your Genin team will finally be completed so you can come with three Genin and not two like you planned."
"Really? Who am I getting?" Mei asked, feeling excited at the prospect. Since her team was strong with just two kids, Naori had deemed it okay to add another person. Mei would always look at the roster of kids but never felt as if anyone could fit her team.
Haikaiwa and Honoka were the only kids she had as her students.
"We just returned a Yuki clan member, she's the apprentice of Zabuza so she can definitely keep up with those two." Naruto put his arm around Mira and pulled her close. "You can ask Mizukage-sama about it tomorrow morning if you want, I'll ask her tonight as well."
"Thanks a bunch!"
"No problem, see you around!" Naruto and Mira vanished from the training ground.
Naori came home and sighed. Ten hours is what her work day was like, sometimes eleven or her worst nightmare, twelve. But when she could come home on time, she was able to enjoy the hot dinners Naruto would cook.
"I'm home!" Her shoes were off, next to Naruto's and Mira's. Naori saw light from the kitchen and heard the voices of her children.
"Hey! Where in the kitchen!" Naruto replied to the announcement.
Naori sniffed the air and could smell chicken being grilled along with spices and onions. Her black skirt hovered just above the ground and gave her the appearance of gliding along the wooden floor.
She saw Naruto sitting down at the table drinking tea while Mira cooked in an apron. "I see I'm right on time." She was ushered to her seat by Mira. Said girl planted a kiss on her cheek as a greeting.
"I'm making dinner, it's going to be so good." Mira moved back to the countertop. In her little space, Mira had made a bit of a mess. Towels, plates, and sticks.
From her seat at the head of the table, Naori looked at Naruto sitting next to her. "How long have you guys been here?"
"About twenty minutes, not long. She wanted to get started right away." Naruto leaned back. "How was your day?"
"Good, just making plans for the Chunin Exams, stamping papers, letters. Ah! Speaking of letters, I got this letter from some princess in Demon Country asking about you. It's worrying, to say the least." Naori pulled the letter out and slid it on the table to Naruto.
Naruto took the letter, opened it, and observed the neat handwriting. His eyes also widened while he felt his heart drop to his stomach. "I've never met a Shion. But I don't think this is fake, I can try and communicate with Sengen-sama tonight during prayer."
"Please, Because she asked for you specifically. I haven't sent any team northeast near the Land of Stone, word could have spread. But still, asking about you and mentioning Sengen-sama." Naori began nervously tapping the table with her finger as she showed a worried expression.
Naruto reached out and grabbed her hand. Mira came and sat a glass of wine in front of Naori with a smile. "Don't worry Mother, I remember Sengen-sama saying we would need a priestess. This must be her." Naori squeezed back and let out a breath.
She took a sip of the ruby red wine, her favorite. "Yes, this Princess Shion. I don't remember hearing anything about us having a separate clan." They couldn't even go and ask the elders of their clan since the rest of them had passed away and had their bodies cremated.
"Just let it be Mom, we'll be with Naruto-kun if anything goes wrong. As of now, just eat this food and tell me what you think." Mira placed the smoking plate down for Naori.
Three sticks on each plate along with two korokke as the sides. It smelt good, and Mira was drooling in anticipation. Before she could dig into her creation, They all placed their hands together.
"Itadakimasu!"
Naori took one of the sticks in her hand. She could feel the heat, and the warm sauce falling to her fingers. Naori bit into the juicy chicken, some of it popping onto her face as she ate.
She smiled, and Mira squealed. "It's good! I guess we'll have to let you cook some more." Naruto nodded, biting his own as he wiped his face off the juice.
"Sengen-sama, I was contacted by the priest you mentioned to me years ago. Just to ease my nerves, if you could please answer your humbled chosen? Is Shion Uchiha the priest I need to protect?"
Naruto sat on his knees praying next to Mira. In front of them was a low table with a single candle illuminating the dark room. His mind remained silent, and Naruto wondered if Sengen wouldn't answer him.
He'd understand if she didn't as he was only human, serving a higher being. Naruto's job was to answer the calls, not to call back.
The candle in the room changed from a peaceful orange to a blazing crimson. Since Naruto and Mira's eyes were shut and heads down, they didn't see the change in light.
"Yes."
It was a whisper, faint. Like a voice floating to his ears amongst the wind from yards away. It was enough, and Naruto was grateful to have received an answer.
"Thank you. I now know what I must do, this trial will not be the end of me. Amen." Naruto finished praying feeling at ease now. The flame was still going, lighting the room orange. He'd blow it out whenever Mira finished and got into bed with him.
Mira said Amen and blew the candle out. The room fell into cozy darkness and Mira moved to the bed to take her place in bed. Once she was under the sheets, she was trapped by Naruto's arms around her stomach.
"Not too much." Mira batted his active hands. He was trailing them on her stomach, tracing the outline of her abs and wandering.
Naruto's head was next to her ear and neck. "I'm not doing anything." He whispered, making a shiver run down her spine.
"You are such a boy." Mira giggled, Naruto didn't stop his actions, and neither did Mira stop him. "Hurry to bed, I'm excited for the Chunin Exams."
"Same, Goodnight." Naruto kissed her neck and collarbone.
"Night."
And resting comfortably in each other's embrace, they lay still until sleep claimed them.
My Child, I've watched you grow up and conquer trial after trial. I've given you the tools for success, just use them. I may not always come when you call but I will always be there, even when you don't know.
That is not a AN btw, should be obvious who it is.
Naori Sussano is me drawing from the Colossus of Rhodes.
Also, I literllay don't know who to pair Esdeath with so I open a ear if you have anything to say about that. When I brought her in I was just going to put her with Sonagi you know keep that bloodline pure. I hinted at it this chapter as well but I don't really know. Same for Mei as well, Oddly enough I liked writing Mei. I'm going to treat her like Hanabi is in Boruto, gyat Adult Hanabi know she bad.
Mei's also gonna be pretty strong, since she has Boil Release which is OP as fuck in verse. I actully plan to make a Tier List for this story actually so let me know where I can put it where yall can see it. I'm thinking just putting it on my Pinterest but than yall will see my Pinterest which I lowkey need to keep private lol. I got some riskey things in their. I have 2k pins saved and 478 for just Naruto, a lot of them being Tsunade aka best girl.
Umm, I think that's everything. I'll see ya when I see ya!