Eroninja - Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Blast from the Past: Part Deux: Toka Senju Part II




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[*Chapter 52: Blast from the Past: Part Deux: Toka Senju Part II

Whack!

“Dammit,” Toka said as she tossed the hammer she was unaccustomed to using away after hitting her index finger instead of the nail she had been aiming for. Shaking the abused digit, she sucked on it as she once more cursed the descendant that was making her perform such menial tasks.

The person working alongside her seemed amused at her annoyance as he said, “Well it looks like we might be needing to rehang another piece of drywall.”

Toka looked at him to see what he was talking about, and following his gaze cursed once more as she saw the handle of her hammer sticking out of one of the wall segments they had recently finished putting up. “I’m so sorry,” she quickly apologized as she gingerly tried to pull it free.

“Don’t worry about it,” Naruto said inspecting the damage, “We should be able to get away with adding some compound to the hole. It’s actually not as bad as it first looked and with a little paint no one will even notice.”

Toka dropped the hammer she had extracted to the ground as Naruto moved to get the plaster he planned to plug the hole with. He stopped though as she said, “How can you stand being hired for such stupid tasks? I’ve heard the tales of your prowess in battle and seen it in our spares. Can you honestly say that you are alright with remaining a genin for such foolish reasons as to not upset the other so called shinobi villages? In my age you would be at the very least a commander of troops by now.”

Naruto shrugged as he began mixing the plaster with some water. “Who can say how I would have turned out if I lived in your day,” he replied as he began to mix it. “After all, chances are I wouldn’t have made it to the current milestone I’m approaching of eighteen years of age, especially when I look back at how foolish I was when first starting out.” He chuckled as he thought about some of his misadventures as a genin where if not for his teammates and sensei things could have gone rather poorly for him. “Plus to be honest, I’m not sure I see the correlation between being strong and being a leader of other shinobi. Up to now, most of my battles have tended to be one on one fights. Even when I fought Nagato as he attacked the village it was more along the lines of me doing my own thing while the village’s defenders did theirs.”

“You raise some valid points. But still, how can you be so accepting of tasks better suited to peasants then trained warriors?” Toka asked, once more fuming at her Great Grandniece making her a genin as well.

Naruto smiled back at her as he answered while applying the plaster, “If you had seen me when I was first starting out you and I would be part of the same choir. I thought D-ranked missions were a waste of time for the shinobi that was going to be the next Hokage. After a while I even managed to convince the Old Man…I mean the Third Hokage to give us a higher ranked mission. He relented and although it started out as a C-ranked one it quickly became A-ranked due to a famous and dangerous shinobi being involved. It wasn’t till then that I realized just how dangerous being a shinobi actually could be.”

Toka partially understood where Naruto was coming from, but quickly pointed out, “That may be fine for a shinobi just starting on the path, but I have been in countless conflicts. I do not see the point in wasting my and your talents by having us build fences and repair homes.”

Naruto inspected his handiwork before grabbing a piece of sand paper to smooth out the quick drying plaster as he replied to Toka by informing her of something that Mito had said about her husband’s love for Konoha. “I guess a reason for Tsunade’s wasting your talents as you put it, is to help build some appreciation for your cousin’s legacy into you. I have it on good authority that after founding the village and despite being elected as Hokage. The First could often be found taking part in the actual construction of the village.” Naruo blew the dust away before feeling the spot to insure that the plaster had been blended in sufficiently as he added, “I can appreciate that actually. Helping the people of the village build and maintain their homes, or with the tasks they need completed helps install a sense of worth in the community that is Konoha. Even if they were people like me, who were too foolish to see it at the time.”

Toka stared at the young man’s back, and was beginning to understand why it was that he was so respected among the villagers that she had seen him interact with. In her numerous years of battle she had come across many types of men that could inspire people to follow the path they walked. Men like Madara Uchiha, she believed had held the Uchiha together through fear. Her cousin obviously represented the second side of the coin, who could make people want to follow him. It was that trait that she saw in Naruto, as she almost suddenly found herself wanting to help him in the D-ranked tasks of repairing the last of the damage left over from Pain’s Invasion.

She did feel some of if fade though as she arched an eyebrow, and asked, “Did you just call me a fool?”

Naruto quickly corrected her as he said, “No, I was speaking about myself really. I can understand why these tasks seem rather trivial to you as it must seem like going backwards compared to the constant fighting you engaged in.” He looked back over his shoulder as he asked, “But with that being said, isn’t it nice to occasionally be asked to do something simple.”

“I guess,” Toka said, sounding a little unsure due to her not really understanding why she had been so upset about being assigned the rank of genin or the tasks associated with them. On one hand, she supposed she could understand why Tsunade had as the reason that she had never actually attended a recognized Shinobi Academy or been a part of any current shinobi military system would dictate that she needed to start at the bottom and work her way up. But, she supposed it was because she had felt it had been a slight against her, which considering the border line hostility she had faced from her male comrades in the past as she worked her way through the ranks of the Senju had often forced her to push herself harder then said men.

Looking at the kunoichi of the modern era, Toka felt rather annoyed by how easy they had it. She had recently visited one of the many communal baths in Konoha and had immediately felt the other women’s judgmental stares at how she refused to shave under her arms, and kept a rather untamed bush. She had heard a few of the women mocking her as they asked themselves if their ancestors had also been similarly ungroomed. Toka, had let the comments slide, but had wanted to point out that it was because of women like her that they could worry about such superficial things like that.

The truth was she had also let it go since back in her time she had refused to perform such grooming as she had often stated that she had discarded her womanhood. She had often at times joined the men as they enjoyed the hot springs since she did not want to invite the comments that she needed to be treated separately. Still, Hashirama had cautioned her against her bullheaded approach to gender equality since as he often put it, “If you insist on acting like a man, can you truly state that you succeeded as a woman?”

She had often disregarded his advice since she had taken it as meaning that he believed she needed a man in her life. Now though, she perhaps understood that he was referring to the fact that while she was a trailblazer, she was perhaps fighting unnecessary battles in her quest to be treated as an equal. For the most part though, her time as a Konoha shinobi had been exceedingly pleasant in that all the other shinobi she interacted with never made an issue of her gender.

Yet, it seemed that most of the kunoichi she encountered were taking offense at her haughty attitude, especially the two women of Team Kakashi, Sakura and Fu. Although they weren’t the only ones, as she suspected her grandniece also would have preferred if she had remained in the past. Toka, did concede that she had brought the ill will upon herself, since she had upon first laying eyes on the buxom blonde, who was nearly popping out of her shirt, had turned and asked Naruto if he had been joking in saying that the current Hokage was recognized as the strongest kunoichi of the village as well as much of the shinobi world.

However, Toka couldn’t help her negative attitude when it came to modern kunoichi since although some were quite talented as Fu, Sakura, and Tsunade had all proven. She found the way they dressed distasteful as a result of how much skin they often displayed, as it almost seemed to mock her own struggles to be taken seriously. As a result, there had been more than a few snide remarks that had been passed between her and the female portion of Team Kakashi. She was forced to admit more often than not, she would be the one that instigated the venomous exchanges.

Ultimately, she guessed that while some kunoichi may feel that they owed her some thanks for blazing the trail that she did. Most, felt it was actually the founding of the Shinobi Village that was truly behind the common acceptance of women on the battlefield. Toka was forced to admit that in the end, her cousin had done more for the equal treatment of kunoichi as warriors then she had. If only because he had changed the system, while she had been content to simply disregard the expectations that had been fostered onto her because of her gender. As a result, most of the modern kunoichi had no patience for what they felt was a holier than though attitude on her part.

Toka sighed as she began to wonder if the life she had lived could truly have been considered one of having any meaning. She knew that was a rather bleak way of looking at things, but considering the amount of time that had passed since her, “death” it was hard not to think in such a way. Her cousins had become great men who reshaped the shinobi world, while she had been regulated to a footnote in history. Furthermore, finding herself so far removed from her era, she found herself almost wishing for the constant fighting that had been her life since she had felt more comfortable on the battlefield. There, she knew that regardless of how much or little she fit in among her comrades, when the fighting started it was all immaterial.

Plus, she couldn’t truly claim that Konoha had been a blessing for her clan as much as it had for the others. According to Tsunade, they were the only two remaining of the Senju clan as the others had apparently died off or been assimilated into the village losing their identities as Senju. The only thing that had made such a thing easier to swallow was the knowledge that her clan’s ancient enemies hadn’t fared much better. Still, she found the claim that the Uchiha had been massacred by a single member of their own clan rather suspicious. She suspected that Tsunade knew more than she was telling, but she was getting that feeling about a lot of things lately.

Toka looked back at Naruto and despite how welcoming he had been. She believed he was at the center of a great deal of the secrets that she suspected were being kept from her. Strangely enough, she owed her suspicions to the two kunoichi of the squad that she had been assigned to. It wasn’t anything too overt, but at times Toka would notice touches that would pass between the young man and two women that would seem to last longer than seemed proper for people who were merely teammates. She couldn’t explain why she had noticed, but she had. Furthermore, she couldn’t just link the behavior towards Sakura, or Fu. She had noticed that quite a few females seemed to gravitate towards him.

Adding more evidence to her suspicions, their current client, Tsunami, also seemed to be rather taken with the blond. At times she’d come around asking for his help with a special “project,” to which he would eagerly agree. He’d then make a clone, but Toka never knew whether it was the clone or the real Naruto that remained behind. Further to the point, if it was a clone it had yet to dispel in front of her. She had also noticed that Tsunami would always seem to wear a pleased smile for the rest of the day afterwards. Naruto would to, but he always seemed to start the day with one in place so it looked less suspect on him.

Toka’s thoughts on the matter were interrupted as their client entered the room. Naruto looked at the woman as he finished hanging the final piece of drywall in the last room they had been hired to renovate. “What’s up,” he asked pleasantly, “do you need me?”

An amused smile appeared on the woman’s face which caused Toka to suspect there was a comment the woman would like to have made in answer of the question, but she had likely note made it as a result of her presence. Instead the single mother replied, “Not today. Actually I wanted to thank the both of you for your hard work. I’ll be returning to Wave in order to resume heading up the project to reopen the Whirling Tides Manor.”

“Really, has work on it fallen behind due to your being here to help with the reconstruction?” Naruto asked crossing his arms as he leaned against a wall.

“No, the refurbishment was mostly finished by the time I started here,” Tsunami answered, making Toka suspect the conversation was more for her benefit. “There are some final details that need to be handled before it can officially open the hotel. I need to return to meet with the woman whom I’d like to hire as the head cook. She’s a former cooking-nin by the name of Chiru. I’m scheduled to meet with her in a few days so need to head back.”

“Oh, I remember those guys,” Naruto said recalling the group that had taken Ayame as a hostage for a secret recipe of her father’s that didn’t actually exist. “Sounds like the time of the Grand Opening is coming up. I can’t wait to hear what a great success it will be.”

“What are you talking about?” Tsunami replied amused. “I plan for you, Sakura, and Kakashi to attend. There is no way that we could have such an event without the Heroes of Wave in attendance. Plus it was you that set the events in motion by asking your clanswoman Karin to help purchase it.”

Toka watched as Naruto grew slightly embarrassed from the praise even as he said, “Well then I look forward to my invitation showing up in the mail.”

“I’m glad. I’m sure it will be a night to remember,” Tsunami replied with a smirk. “Thank you again for all your help. After this room is finished, your mission will be completed.”

“Thank the gods,” Toka said happily having her fill of construction work. Although it wasn’t as demeaning as hunting down the cat of the Fire Daimyo’s Wife.

Both of the other two present smiled at her response. Naruto then chuckled as he teased, “Tell us how you really feel. You know all that’s left is the painting. If you want my clones and I can handle it.”

Toka noticed that Tsunami perked up at the thought, which tempted the Senju to politely decline wondering what sort of reaction the woman would respond with. However, the temptation to get out of the task ahead proved too tempting. Therefore, with a nod of thanks to Naruto and a polite goodbye to the client, she quickly headed for the door. She did nearly pause as she wondered what caused such a hungry look of anticipation to appear on Tsunami’s face once she accepted.

*****

Naruto was kneeling at the table along with the majority of the occupants of the Hidden Eddy Inn as they ate dinner. He had enjoyed sending Tsunami off earlier in the day after giving her a proper goodbye of several orgasms and a bellyful of his seed.

“How did the painting go?” Toka asked as she picked at the main dish to put some of it on her plate.

“Great,” Naruto replied having a hard time keeping the exuberance from his voice as he recalled the memories he had made with the woman from Wave as his clones painted.

Kurenai smiled as she said, “My, you certainly seem to enjoy your D-ranked missions more than Kakashi gave you credit for.”

Sakura smirked as she chimed in, “I think it’s due to Naruto now being more motivated in pleasing his clients.”

“He did comment today that he’s found some increased satisfaction in his tasks,” Toka said wondering why her words seemed to invoke amusement in some of the women present.

An amusement that only increased as Tenten said, “Well since you get such satisfaction from performing simple tasks maybe I can hire you to tutor me a little tonight in molding wind chakra. I think I’m close to splitting the leaf.”

Temari seeing an opportunity added, “I could help as well. I need to properly thank you for letting me use your spare bedroom. Let’s convene the lesson in your apartment after dinner.”

Tenten nodded prompting Kurenai to comment, “I’m glad to see you two are getting along so well. I admit to being a little surprised at there being no bitterness from the Chunin Exams.”

The two young kunoichi smiled at the Leaf Jounin before Tenten said, “There was a little on my part, but Naruto helped me get over it.”

Kurenai directed her gaze to the blond as she asked, “Really? How?”

Naruto wasn’t sure how to answer the question since he couldn’t exactly explain it was because he had taken both kunoichi as lovers. Luckily, Temari had an answer ready as she said, “Well, if he and my brother could form such a tight bond after the fight they had during the Sound Invasion. Then, it should be child’s play for any two people hoping to get past a less than pleasant first encounter.”

Naruto was pleased by his lover’s response, but felt some anxiety as Toka reflected, “Still, I must say I feel some concern at the idea of living in a place so quick to forgive a betrayal committed against it. In my day…”

“This isn’t your day any longer,” Fu pointed out sternly. “Fu has had enough reflections about a time known as the Warring Clan Era for a lifetime. If you miss your time period so much perhaps you would be better served finding a way to return to it.”

Toka narrowed her eyes at the green haired woman, who returned the glare for good measure. Fu relented though as Naruto placed a calming hand on his lover’s shoulder having to reach around Temari to do so. Focusing on the Senju he said, “Toka, we didn’t just forgive Suna out a sense of gullibility. We did it because we realized we were partially responsible for forcing them into such a situation. Plus since then, they’ve aided us several times, as we have aided them.”

Toka shrugged dismissively as she replied, “Be that as it may, treaties aren’t worth the paper they are written on. It’s the people that make up the two opposing forces which determine if an alliances works or not.”

Naruto nodded as he said, “Which is why it’s important to forgive past transgressions when we can, so that we can build better bonds in the present so that people put more stock in their alliances due to the friendships that they forge.”

Toka looked like she wanted to continue the argument rather than admit defeat, but unable to come up with a reason that she didn’t think the jinchuriki would pick apart she relented with a nod. Kurenai was impressed by Naruto’s logic, but her heart still was burdened with the anger she felt at Pain and Ame due to her losses said, “It’s not as easy as you make it sound, Naruto. Not everyone can just move on.”

Naruto’s face grew sad as he looked at the red-eyed woman. Giving her a knowing look, he responded, “I know. There are things that just can’t be forgotten or even forgiven. I still haven’t truly forgiven Nagato for what he’s done to our village and Jiraiya. But, even if I can’t forgive him, it’s important to not let the pain I am feeling turn me into something comparable to him. Basically by that I mean the type of person willing to inflict similar pain on others.”

Toka wanted to scoff and call Naruto foolish since during her era people that thought as he did tended to be the first ones to die. To her thinking what he was preaching bred hesitance and during the constant battles of the Warring Clan Era, those that hesitated to strike, died. Yet she found that she couldn’t since his words had the weight of someone that had found his belief not just through a philosophy taught by a teacher or from books, but through a hard truth learned from the cold realities of a shinobi’s life.

Still a part of her felt his way of thinking was rather indulgent and potentially dangerous since if a shinobi was always trying to befriend their opponents or not let the hate that was necessary to kill on a regular basis free reign it would in time weaken the shinobi’s necessary killer instincts. With that in mind she said, “Then how would you recommend we conduct ourselves? There will be enemies that you cannot befriend or convince to abandon their paths as they are as convinced in the rightness of their actions as you are in yours.”

Toka watched as a pained look appeared on Naruto’s face which was all the proof that she needed that his words weren’t just philosophical mumbo jumbo. Some of the pain bled into his voice and Toka had the impression that he recently was forced to accept her point of view as a hard truth he needed to accept. “I understand what you are saying. I…was forced to confront a friend who had decided that the people of Konoha needed to suffer for what had been done to his clan.”

Having done her research on her teammates, Toka said, “You’re referring to Sasuke Uchiha, your teammate who turned traitor to get revenge on his brother. I take it then that killing his brother either didn’t satisfy his bloodlust, or there’s more to his clan’s destruction then is being told to the village.”

Toka noticed that of the people sitting around the table only Kurenai seemed surprised at her theory. Naruto managed to keep his face calm, but to her his lack of reaction was as much an admission as nodding. Not wishing to put him on the spot, she shrugged as she said, “Truthfully, it doesn’t matter whatever the scenario. I take it that you understand your former teammate’s very existence seems to be geared towards opposing your philosophy. I also doubt any amount of talking will dissuade him from his goals.”

“It…It was rather difficult to accept as much,” Naruto stated. “When I was younger, I imagined that no matter what I’d eventually return Sasuke to Konoha no matter what. I realize now that it was rather selfish of me.”

“Selfish,” Kurenai said surprised. “All you wanted to do was bring your friend back to the village. If not for you then I’m sure the Hokage would have marked him as a missing-nin much sooner. I’m having a hard time seeing how you were the selfish one.”

Naruto shook his head as he replied, “That’s because you’re looking at things from a Konoha-nin’s perspective. The truth is though that while Sasuke may have abandoned the village. The simple truth is that he had the right to do so… provided that he was willing to pay the consequences for his actions.” The jinchuriki sighed sadly as he said, “While Konoha would say it was my duty to bring him back. The truth is my desire to bring him back was to make my team whole again. It’s true Sasuke left to selfishly pursue his own goals, but I was being just as selfish in trying to bring him back. I was just lucky enough that the law was on my side.”

“If that is the case,” Miya said from her spot at the head of the table, “then who was right and who was wrong?”

“Sasuke was in the wrong because he broke his oath as a shinobi of Konoha and left to study with a known enemy of the village,” Naruto said definitely. “My actions may have been born of selfishness, but that didn’t mean they weren’t the right ones. You could say I acted selfishly to help Gaara when I chose to became a missing-nin. Luckily once more I was fortunate in my actions ultimately turned out to be publically accepted as the right ones.”

“All well and good,” Toka said, setting her bowl down while she leveled a hard stare at the blond, “but you failed to mention how you plan to deal with someone who’s very exist seems opposed to the spirit of cooperation you wish to build.”

Naruto met the stare as he said without a trace of hesitation, “There will be plenty of people that disagree with my ideas. They are free to do so. I doubt hatred, will ever fully be banished from the shinobi world so long as there are armed conflicts. Yet, if people try to spread it through their actions then they will find me there to oppose them, be they former friends or not. I didn’t fight Sasuke the last time because he betrayed the village, or to bring him back. I did so because his actions threatened the stability of the shinobi world, and because he made it known he considered all the people of Konoha as his enemy. He needed to be stopped, so I a stopped him.”

Toka nodded but said gravely, “I hope so for your sake.”

“What do you mean?”

Looking around the table, her gaze paused on those she could see had recently experienced some kind of tragic event. Yet even though she saw most of them felt similarly as Naruto, she knew there was a different type of loss that none of those present seemed to have experienced yet. Commenting on it she said, “I mean that as painful as recent events may have been for you as a result of Pain’s Invasion there is a type of pain none of you have truly experienced yet. One that should you do so, may cause you to abandon your philosophy of giving up hated.”

Naruto didn’t look convinced as he said, “Losing my sensei Jiraiya was as painful experience as I can recall. However, it made me want to try harder to build a world he could be proud of.”

Toka shrugged as she said, “I understand, but while you may blame Pain for his death, and be unwilling to forgive him. The simple truth is that Pain killed him not out of spite against you, but because he was trespassing in his backyard. Just as you say that the law was on your side in trying to bring Sasuke back, it was on Pain’s side in dealing with the enemy spy.”

Toka could see, Naruto didn’t like what she was saying, yet he surprised her by eventually nodding even as he refuted her statement, “I can see where you are coming from, but Akatsuki…”

He trailed off as Toka held up her hand to quickly counter, “Yes, it was an enemy organization responsible for crimes against all of the Shinobi Villages. My point is that your teacher’s death was the result of being in a dangerous profession. Pain was merely the man that succeeded in a situation that would have played out the same regardless of your connection to Jiraiya or not. The reason I feel you should be concerned is because by setting yourself up as the one willing to stand up against those spreading strife and chaos, you will attract the attention of people willing to do anything to remove you as an obstacle.” The Senju could see that Naruto did realize as much, but she could see he hadn’t realized her point yet so explained, “Take Sasuke for example. If he still is a threat, then he may plan to not just hurt the village, but to hurt you on a personal level. I think you will find that while you can compartmentalize your hatred for Pain, it’s because his killing Jiraiya wasn’t directed towards hurting you specifically. That might not hold true if you experience a similar loss where someone close to you was targeted for the sole purpose of hurting and weakening you.”

Naruto looked unsure of himself. Toka admitted to feeling some pride in that, which she couldn’t fully explain. She supposed it was because some part of her found his talk of knowing hatred annoying, primarily since as she pointed out the hatred that spread was simply a result of the actions that shinobi needed to undertake to protect their homes or countries. As she saw it, one person’s terrorist group was another’s freedom fighter, and whether Naruto wanted to admit it or not Jiraiya, as far as Ame’s leader had been concerned, had simply been an enemy combatant on the wrong side of a border when he had been discovered. That type of “hatred”, paled in comparison when a person knew another’s actions had been meant to hurt them on a personal level.

It had been something Toka had seen numerous times primarily in the bitter feud her clan had engaged in with the Uchiha. For example, two of her cousins had died primarily as a result of the orders given by the Clan head of the Uchiha to hunt down and kill the children of his rival and her uncle Butsuma. Orders, which her uncle had similarly mirrored after the death of his son Kawarama. Toka knew this because she had eagerly volunteered for the squad put together to hunt down, ambush, and kill Tajima Uchiha’s sons hoping to hurt the man that had killed her father. Her squad had managed to kill two of the five Uchiha siblings in the various engagements. Naturally it had been a squad similar to hers which had ultimately cornered and killed Itama Senju in revenge. It had been the ultimate form of an eye for an eye, which was bred from the long running hatred of the Warring Clan Era. A type of hatred she doubted truly existed in the more business like model of the current shinobi system.

Yet to her surprise, Naruto’s doubts seemed to fade as he smiled at her while saying, “Well you’ve certainly given me a lot to think on. I hope to never experience what you describe, and your words also helped me understand that while Jiraiya’s death still hurts, my hatred of Nagato is misplaced for his role in it. Jiraiya died as he lived, a brave shinobi of Konoha. It was in Nagato’s desire to inflict harm on the innocent of Konoha out of his hatred that he truly turned his back on everything Jiraiya stood for. Thank you Toka.”

Toka was taken aback at being thanked for trying to poke holes in his desire to stop the spread of hatred. It also made her feel guilty in the satisfaction she had just taken in making him momentarily doubt his goal. She was about to apologize, but Tenten stepped in saying, “Naruto, that’s enough chatting about such a depressing topic. If you’re done eating there are other things you can be doing.”

Naruto chuckled as he turned towards the kunoichi as he asked knowingly, “Like what?”

Tenten smiled as she answered, “Like helping me with my Elemental Chakra Training.”

Naruto stood and reached for his plate but stopped as Miya said, “I’ll handle the clean –up.”

Naruto seemed surprised by the offer, but quickly nodded his thanks. Toka watched as Tenten eagerly got to her feet and began pulling the jinchuriki after her, followed by Temari who headed outside before joining the two in the weapon user’s apartment. Toka wasn’t too surprised at the disapproving looks she received from the remaining women, but put them out of her mind as she wondered if she had missed out on the turning of one age only to arrive at another.

*****

Karura was lost in thought as she considered the past several weeks she had spent in Konoha. She was still less than pleased that her son had, at least in her mind, effectively exiled her. But, she at least could understand why Gaara seemed inclined to side with Naruto’s plans. Learning that he had formed an alliance with the Bijuu made her realize that Naruto could be considered the head of the most powerful faction in the Shinobi world at present. Still, even with that thrown into the mix, she was not the least bit pleased by her daughter’s relationship with him despite it helping to ensure that Suna remained on the young man faction’s good side.

The recently resurrected Suna kunoichi though considered that advantage a poor trade for her daughter being bound to the jinchuriki. Yet, despite her best efforts to drive a wedge between Temari and her lover, she had only succeeded in pushing her daughter closer towards him. As a result of their last argument on the subject, and despite Temari being assigned to Konoha as a coordinator for the Leaf and Sand alliance, she hadn’t seen her child in over a week.

She did have to give Naruto some credit though as he wasn’t avoiding her as she had seen him several times over the same period of time. Mostly those visits were so he could spend time with his various lovers who also lived at the mansion. Karura would admit to feeling a certain level of curiosity about the blond man which was the result of hearing the loud moans that often echoed through the halls whenever he took one of his lovers to bed. The idea that her daughter was being similarly pleased, both angered her, and filled her with a sense of titillation as she wondered just how skilled the Konoha-nin was at pleasing a woman. She would admit that at times she found herself sizing him up, primarily after emerging from a room in which she imagined a thoroughly pleased woman resided, at least if the moans were anything to judge by.

She was pulled away from her thoughts as a voice said, “Not to rush you or anything but you’ve been studying the board for over ten minutes. I’d like to finish this game sometime today.”

Karura focused on the woman as she looked up from the shogi board and said, “I concede Mikoto. I’m afraid my mind isn’t focused on the task.”

Mikoto nodded, causing Karura to feel a sense of how weird it felt for her to being playing a friendly game with a Uchiha. Yet, out of all of Kiyomi’s houseguests Karura felt the most at ease in the dark-haired woman’s presences. She supposed it may be due to the majority of the other woman being Bijuu, and as such Karura would admit to being rather intimidated by their presence. Furthermore, they seemed rather content to give her a wide berth, a favor she readily returned.

Mito Uzumaki was friendly enough, and despite having returned to the world of the living through similar means as she had. Karura tried to limit her interactions with the red head due to her sharing a bed with Naruto, and at times she wondered if she had with Temari as well. Not wishing to travel down that road of thought, she was rather glad Mito had been preoccupied. Karura wasn’t sure what the red-head was up to, but she had noticed both she and Kiyomi at times seemed to mimic one another.

“Still bothered by Temari not visiting?” Mikoto asked leaning back in her chair.

Although she was, it hadn’t been the reason for most of her thoughts centering on Naruto as that morning she had seen the blond leave Mikoto’s room. As such, she had found herself wondering if the Uchiha had fallen prey to the young man that had ensnared her daughter. Not sure how to broach the subject she instead answered, “Yes, I just do not understand how a strong-willed young woman like my daughter can claim to be happy at having to share a man she has taken as a lover.”

“You mean besides the fact that said young man, saved her brother from being executed. Not to mention was willing to take up the life of a missing-nin to do it,” Mikoto said amused.

The Sand kunoichi frowned, as she figured she was likely wasting her breath if she was talking to one of the “converted”. Therefore, she replied, “I’m not surprised you’d side with him all things considered. But try and place yourself in my position and imagine that you had a daughter. Can you honestly say you’d be happy to learn she was just one of who knows how many women in his life?”

Mikoto had to bite her tongue as she nearly replied that she wouldn’t, only because she would want to be the one to be sharing the young man’s bed. Truthfully, one of the things holding her back from doing so was Kushina’s presence inside of her son. Especially since that morning she had nearly given into the temptation when after a night of conversing with her red-headed friend she had gone to bed still in his arms as he had fallen asleep hours earlier. She had awoken to find him spooned up behind her and her ass pressed firmly against his morning wood. She figured the male’s presence had been behind the steamy dream she had enjoyed that night as it had featured him. In it, her clan’s massacre had never happened so Sasuke had never taken his dark turn. Still, her marriage which had been arranged shortly after her birth still felt much more like a business arrangement then an actual loving relationship, and since her husband felt two male heirs was more than enough hadn’t so much as touched her in months. Therefore, her dream self had started to take notice of the young men around her son. The details were beginning to fade, but Mikoto recalled Naruto ending up in her home shortly after she had seen her family off with a good breakfast. Much like his mother Naruto had wanted to play hooky from what he considered boring class lessons so he could focus on perfecting his jutsu. Her dream version had used the moment to seduce him, to which the blond had eagerly jumped at the chance to fuck what he had called a MILF. Her dream had ended with her screaming out in climax on the kitchen table she had just used to serve her family. At which point she had woken up, and nearly given in to the desire to make her dream a reality.

Mikoto felt a little uncomfortable so adjusted how she sat as her pussy moistened at the recalled dream. It had been a cruel blow to her when after he had woken up, he had only made it a handful of steps outside her room before being set upon by Yoruichi who had ambushed him. She had heard the two of them kissing heatedly before fading as the Bijuu likely took him to her room.

Mikoto let the memory fade as she picked up on the almost accusation indicated in Karura’s tone. Asking about it she said, “What do you mean, all things considered?”

“I mean, you’ve become one of his lovers,” Karura said angrily. “I saw him leaving your room this morning. I’m surprised the two-tails was content to wait outside your room. I thought she would have simply joined you two.”

Mikoto’s gaze hardened at the accusation even if a part of her had hoped it was true. However, since she had refrained from giving in, if only out of respect for Kushina, Karura’s accusation immediately flared the Uchiha’s anger. Leaning forward and pointing at the Suna kunoichi she said, “Yoruichi may have if I had slept with Naruto. Not that it is any concern of yours who I take into my bed, but in the future perhaps you should know what you are talking about before opening your mouth less you find your foot shoved inside it.”

Karura was taken aback by the angry reprimand, and doubting the woman could fake such genuine indignation so said, “I’m sorry. It’s just when I saw him leave your room I thought…”

“No, you didn’t,” Mikoto said interrupting the woman, “You jumped to a conclusion and in this case a wrong one. The reason Naruto was in my room last night was because I was conversing with his mother. I’m sure by now you’ve heard how she is sealed inside him in place of Kiyomi. Naruto has been kind enough to set aside time for me to speak with her as she was my best friend. He just tends to stay the night since as you can imagine he is rather busy during the day. So Kushina and I talk while he sleeps. But nothing sexual has happened between us.”

Karura could almost hear a, “yet” at the end of Mikoto’s statement, but having already been wrong in one assumption didn’t comment. “I apologize, but considering the number of women who’ve seemed to have fallen for him, perhaps you can understand why I would think what I did.”

“I can,” Mikoto admitted. Sitting back she added, “Perhaps though instead of growing angry at those who do choose to make him their lover you should try to understand what it is that draws them to him. At the very least if you can see what your daughter does in him, then perhaps you’ll find a way to make some peace with it. Otherwise, you may end up pushing her away.”

“I suppose you do have a point,” Karura said although a kernel of an idea to drive her daughter and him apart also took root. “I guess coming back to life and learning my daughter isn’t the sweet little princess I remember has clouded my vision somewhat. I’m sure you can understand.”

Mikoto nodded even as she thought, “I wish the problem with my child was so simple.”

Karura hoping to gain some insight into Naruto in order to drive her daughter away from him asked, “So what are some of the characteristics that you feel make these women so willing to share him?” Mikoto could think of dozens related to his personality, but recalling the large hunk of flesh that had been pressed against her backside that morning her mind focused on the less innocent reasons he was so popular. Deciding not to delve into such reasons with Temari’s mother she nonetheless was rather jealous of the young woman, and wished she was in her place at the moment.

*****

Temari felt a sudden urge to sneeze, but it faded as she threw her head back as she moaned, “Yes, Naruto keep going, just like that.”

Naruto chuckled as Tenten moaned in agreement as he fingered both of his lovers’ pussies. He was current kneeling nude before them as they sat on Tenten’s couch. The kunoichi’s feet were resting on the cushions of the couch as they sat with their legs spread so he could work his finger magic on them.

After dinner the three of them had entered Tenten’s apartment, and despite the knowledge that at some point they would be enjoying themselves in such a fashion. Things had started off innocently enough as Tenten had actually wanted to practice mastering her wind natured chakra. To that end Temari had produced some rocks she had gotten from outside. She had explained that she wanted to help by teaching them a Suna technique. Naruto hadn’t been surprised to learn that although still relatively rare in other villages, the greatest concentration of Wind Natured Chakras could be found in Suna. Therefore, they tended to focus on developing such talents at an early age. They also had quite a few techniques to help shinobi with such talents as opposed to the Leaf which only had the Leaf cutting exercise due to how rare an ability it was.

One of those techniques was through creating what Temari had called Lover Stones. The technique involved the participants kneeling in front of each other with their hands clasped around a rough stone. Then using their wind natured chakra they would polish the stone. The reason it proved so effect for training is it gave the less skilled participant a chance to feel how the other person both molded their chakra and applied it to the task of polishing the stone. Temari had smirked as she had explained that the reason the stones formed from the technique were called Lover Stones was because the technique was a favored one of people in relationships as feeling the gentle caress of their partners chakra tended to put them in the mood for a little lovemaking afterwards.

Therefore with that little caveat placed before them, the three had knelt in a circle and held hands with a stone in each palm. Tenten had soon commented at how she could feel the difference the wind nature added to her partners’ chakra as well as the difference between his and Temari’s wind elements. As she had described it Temari’s had felt like a gentle breeze rolling over sweat covered skin after a night of lovemaking. Naruto’s on the other hand was more wild and uncontrollable like an extremely windy day in which the wind constantly changed direction. She admitted that she doubted she would be able to keep up with him as trying to would quickly drain her.

Naruto had picked up a slight smirk which had appeared on Temari’s lips and he quickly realized her training method was as much for his benefit as for Tenten’s. Temari had often commented that while his Rasenshuriken was an amazing jutsu, it was extremely limiting in its uses on the battlefield in anything but one-on-one confrontations. The reason being, that his jutsu tended to leave massive destruction in its wake, which in a team battle could result in his allies being caught up in it. Temari knew the reason was because he tended to overpower his jutsu, primarily due to his trouble with the standard clone jutsu. When she had commented that she could help him with his chakra control he had been rather skeptical primarily for the same reason. Naruto had assumed she had let the matter drop since she likely knew that as far as he was typically concerned when it came to jutsu there was no such thing as overkill. But, in hindsight he guessed he should have known better since Temari tended to be just as stubborn as he was. She had simply decided to postpone the matter until a point in time when he would need to concede to her view point. His needing to dial back his power to aid Tenten in her learning to harness her Wind Chakra had provided just such an opportunity.

Naruto conceded the victory to his lover with a nod as he struggled to dial back his chakra to a more manageable level. Although, his chakra control had improved a great deal under his various lovers teachings, the current training was proving to be incredibly taxing for him. Concentrating on the hand Tenten was holding he tried to focus his chakra in one direction even as he dialed it back. After several moments he could feel Tenten’s in the mix of his as it began to swirl around the stone. He wondered how Temari was doing since a great deal of his focus had been on maintaining his control for Tenten.

He need not had bothered as Temari proved why she was a master at wind chakra as she could easily keep up with his stronger chakra, and was even guiding the changes in direction that Tenten had found so difficult. She did this by running hers slightly faster than his as she ran it over the stone and as such it followed in her chakra’s wake. As a result much like how the winds of her home country could easily erode the stones found dotting the landscape the one clasped between their hands became smoother.

He felt that Tenten was learning a great deal from the stone she shared with Temari as he began to feel the weapon user applying some of the same techniques to the stone between their hands. Naruto could also see why the learning technique would tend to lead to nights of passion as he noticed his and his lovers’ breathing become heavier as they focused on their goal. Tenten ran out of steam first though as she broke contact with him and dropped their stone to the floor. Naruto wasn’t surprised that their stone was rather misshapen. Tenten knew that it would likely be viewed as a failure due to her being able to feel the stone still being held in her and Temari’s hand.

Temari though was supportive as she said, “Not bad for a first attempt, especially considering how unpredictable Naruto’s chakra moves about.”

Tenten smiled politely even as she said, “Still, I’m sure you didn’t have any problem.”

Temari pulled her hand free of Naruto’s to reveal a smooth stone although there were a few rough edges. She handed it to Tenten as she said, “It’s not as smooth as it should be, but this training is also meant to help two people better synch up their chakra for more powerful combined attacks. Like anything practice makes perfect.”

Naruto scooted closer to his lovers as he said, “Well, I can think of something else that we should be practicing if only to make sure these stones live up to their name.” He then slid his hands down the pants of Tenten as he slid the other up Temari’s skirt causing them to moan as he began rubbing their moistened pussy lips. Both kunoichi moaned as Naruto soon helped them out of their respective undergarments to gain better access to their wet pussies before divesting himself of his own clothes before he took up his current position on the floor in front of the couch they had sat upon.

He smiled as he saw that the two women were still holding hands as he worked his fingers inside them. Leaning towards Tenten he began to lick and suck her clit causing her cries to rise in volume. They tapered off though as he pulled back to lean towards Temari where he repeated his actions giving him similar results. He switched back and forth several times before stopping to concentrate on pumping his arms. The living room filled with the wet sounds Naruto’s digits made as he furiously slid them inside his lovers’ passages. He felt their love tunnels begin to constrict around his fingers signaling their impending release.

Tenten erupted first as she called out, “Yes!!! I’m cumming!!!!”

Naruto was glad all the apartments were sound proofed since Temari soon joined in in a shriek that seemed to shake the windows. Naruto’s fingers were coated as he felt the two women’s inner muscles convulse around them. Once they relaxed he pulled them free and stood crossing his arms to present the other woman’s essence to them.

He drank in the sight as both kunoichi quickly accepted the soaked digits and sucked them clean of the other woman’s release. He groaned as once clean the kunoichi let his fingers slip free and both began to suck on his cock. Naruto placed his hands on their heads as they bathed his manhood with their tongues. They worked in tandem, before separating with Temari moving to concentrate on his cockhead as Tenten moved to suck on his nutsack.

Temari slowly swallowed Naruto’s cock as Tenten continued to tease his balls. She then slowly pulled back before running her tongue around his head. Naruto groaned motivating his lovers on until he erupted into Temari’s mouth.

Naruto stepped back as he was about to thank his lovers, but stopped as Temari promptly gripped Tenten’s head and tilted it back so she could let his cum roll off her tongue into the Leaf kunoichi’s mouth. The two kunoichi then began to kiss wetly as they shared his white cream between them. The sight made Naruto speechless as his dick sprang back to a diamond-like hardness.

Tenten and Temari separated as they saw Naruto’s cock stand back up proudly. They smiled at each other before standing and each taking a hand to pull him towards Tenten’s bedroom. Upon reaching it the kunoichi stripped out of their remaining clothes. Temari fell back onto the bed first and Tenten moved to join her but before she could Naruto grabbed her by the hips and pushed his dick inside her. He then grabbed her by the legs and lifted her off her feet allowing Temari to watch the wondrous sight of him pounding the kunoichi’s tight snatch.

Tenten moaned contently as she reached back to hold Naruto’s neck as he held her up at the foot of her bed. She looked over her shoulder and kissed him passionately as he continued to stab her womb with his pleasure blade. The two lovers broke their kiss and focused on Temari, who they watched hungrily as she began to rub her pussy while observing them.

Noticing the stares Temari spread her legs wider and used both hands to spread her pussy as she said, “Naruto, I want you inside me too.”

The jinchuriki considered creating a clone to comply with her desire, but Tenten surprised him by saying, “Go on and give the girl what she craves.”

Naruto set her down and climbed onto the bed as he mounted Temari who eagerly wrapped her legs around his hips. She moaned delightfully as Naruto speared her on his cock, and began pounding her deepest spot. Tenten joined the two on the bed and busied herself by massaging Naruto’s testicles as she tried to coax his seed into Temari’s womb.

Naruto groaned as Temari spun them around so she could take control and set a slow pace to postpone his release for as long as possible. Tenten smirked as she had other ideas and licked one of her fingers before pushing it against Temari’s anus. Temari’s eyes widened but before she could tell Tenten to stop the brunette pushed the digit inside.

Naruto groaned along with Temari as a result of the Suna kunoichi’s pussy squeezing around his manhood. With an amused tone, Tenten said, “I think she likes it.”

Temari didn’t bother denying it as she instead leaned forward to kiss Naruto which spread her ass more for Tenten to tease. The brown-eyed girl leaned forward and removed her finger to replace it with her tongue causing the blonde woman to moan deeply into Naruto’s mouth. After several minutes, of Tenten’s rimming and Naruto’s thrusting cock Temari felt herself nearing her release.

However, Tenten had other ideas as she wrapped her arms around Temari’s torso before pulling her back and off Naruto’s cock. “N-no,” Temari gasped from the sudden empty feeling as she was laid on her back atop of the bed.

The Leaf kunoichi quickly straddled Temari’s face and moaned as her tongue began to tickle her silken folds. Tenten gripped Temari’s knees and pulled her legs back to raise the blonde’s ass for their mutual lover’s benefit as she said, “I think she’s ready for you to enjoy her sweet ass, Naruto.”

Temari stiffened beneath Tenten at the idea of Naruto jamming his cock inside her ass. Something that didn’t escape her male lover’s attention so he held back for several moments and when no protests arose from beneath Tenten, he pressed the head of his dick against her passage to claim her anal cherry. He pushed against her backdoor insistently until his cockhead slipped in and then slowly fed his cock inside until he was fully buried in her. Temari moaned as much from the unfamiliar feeling as from Tenten leaning forward to tongue her pussy so that the pleasure drowned out any discomfort that she might be feeling.

Naruto began to slowly move his hips as he pumped his length inside Temari causing the blonde kunoichi to moan into Tenten’s pussy. They grew in volume as Tenten slipped two of her fingers inside the Suna woman, and began to finger her pussy at the same pace as Naruto drilled her ass. Soon, both Naruto and her worked up to a blistering pace which forced Temari to abandon from trying to please the Leaf Kunoichi as her mind couldn’t focus on anything but the fingers in her pussy and the dick in her ass. Her hands gripped the bedding as she held on for dear life, as Tenten began rubbing her fingers against the thin wall of flesh that separated them from the dick pounding her ass.

Naruto groaned as he felt Tenten’s fingers pushing down on the top of his dick as she fingered Temari. He pulled out of Temari’s ass, causing the blonde to moan in loss even as Tenten grabbed his dick and began sucking on it. He moaned pleasantly as he felt her tongue circle his cockhead, and from the wetness of her mouth when compared to the relative dryness of Temari’s anal passage. However the sensation only last a few moments before Tenten’s mouth released him and she pushed him back inside Temari’s ass. Temari moaned happily upon his return so Naruto picked up where he had left off, as he slammed himself into her.

Tenten rolled off of Temari allowing Naruto to lean down and tease one of the blonde’s nipples as he squeezed her breast. Giving the reddish bud a lite nip he then moved up to drink of her lips. The two made out heatedly as Naruto felt the telltale sign that he was nearing his release.

Temari announced hers as she moaned, “I… fuck… I can’t believe I’m going to come from anal.” Naruto smirked to himself as he redoubled his efforts to make sure she finished on a high note. He buried himself fully in his lover as he bathed her insides with his seed. Temari upon feeling his cum flooding her ass screamed in release, “Cumming!!!!”

The two lovers kissed gently in the aftermath of their respective orgasms. However, a moment later Tenten’s voice cut into the tender moment as she said, “Hey, don’t forget about me.”

Both blonde’s looked over to see Tenten laying face first in the mattress with her ass in the air. Her hands were reaching back and spreading her as she said, “I’m ready to have your fat cock shoved in my tight little ass too.”

Naruto chuckled as he pulled Temari up with him as he replied, “I think we can accommodate you.” He then made the hand-sign for his K-clones. A pair of clones sprang into existence with one quickly coming up behind the brown-haired girl. It quickly slipped inside her backdoor and then pulled Tenten back so that she was impaled in his lap as it sat back. The other clone quickly took up a spot between her as it buried its dick inside her pussy.

Temari spun around while still impaled on Naruto’s hardness as Tenten’s moans began to reverberate throughout the room so that she sat in his lap in a similar manner. Watching the moaning Tenten as she kissed the clone behind her over her shoulder, Temari commented, “That looks fun.”

Naruto chuckled as he said, “Does my Desert flower want to be made a part of jinchuriki sandwich also?”

Temari looked over her shoulder as she gave him a playful smirk as she replied, “Why stop there? Now that I’ve surrendered my ass’s virginity to you there’s all kinds of combinations for us to try.”

Naruto chuckled as he kissed his Suna lover while summoning another pair of clones. Temari moaned into his mouth while one of the clones slid into her wet cunt, and Naruto surrendered her lips to his other clone who promptly had its dick swallowed by Temari who mewed happily as the three Naruto began using her for their mutual pleasure.

Meanwhile, in Kiyomi’s mansion Karura had the sudden feeling that getting her daughter to see reason had become far more unlikely.

*****

Naruto was in Tenten’s living room as he finished putting his clothes back on. He sent a look back to the kunoichi’s bedroom and smiled as he saw Temari draped over the weapon user. Both women were lying on their stomachs with the blonde’s head resting on the small of the brunette’s back. Looking away he held back a chuckle as it hadn’t been easy extracting himself from between the two, and he didn’t wish to undo all the effort by waking them with any unnecessary noise. Truthfully though he wished he could stay, but mindful of the three women currently living in the building who weren’t his lovers felt it would be best not to be spotted coming out of Tenten’s apartment first thing in the morning.

Looking at the clock, he saw that it was approaching midnight and while Miya would know what he had been up too, Toka and Kurenai would likely be somewhat suspicious if they saw him leaving. He smirked as he thought it was a good thing Tsunami had designed the apartments to be sound proof as he didn’t doubt otherwise the entire neighborhood would know his secret. Smoothing out his clothes, he was about to leave when he noticed a smooth rock sitting on the cushion of the couch. Smiling as he picked it up, he saw that unlike the one Tenten and he had fashioned the one in his hand was uniformly smooth. Recognizing it as the one that his two lovers had been holding even as he had pleasured them, he was once more forced to admit Temari’s point about his chakra control.

Naruto began walking towards the apartment’s door as he thought on the matter further. Something that he admitted he had been reluctant to do. Partly as a result of his belief that as far as jutsu went bigger had always been better, but seeing Temari’s control of her wind chakra first hand he admitted to being a little intimidated by it. Primarily since his own issues with control were rather well known, which was why he supposed he had dismissed Temari’s recommendation about working on it in the first place. His reasoning had been that there was no point in it since even if he tended to overpower his jutsu he had plenty of chakra to spare. Furthermore, with the vast amounts of chakra he wielded fine control felt like it would always be out of his reach.

Temari had seemingly accepted his reasoning, but obviously had instead decided to change strategies when she saw her words wouldn’t get through to him. He also imagined that she recognized that the reason for his reluctance was because his lack of chakra control had nearly stood in the way of his becoming a shinobi in the first place.

Naruto paused at the door, using the tracking marks that he had placed on Toka and Miya to make sure they weren’t nearby. He knew both women would likely be upset if they learned he had marked them in such a fashion, but he felt it best so as to not advertise his love life to them. Which although Miya did know about his lovers, he’d been on the wrong side of her Intimidation Jutsu which seemed to conjure an angry looking demon head far too many times to invite another by her spotting him leaving one of his lovers’ apartments.

Confirming that the coast was clear, he got back to the matter on his mind as he muttered, “All of this nearly didn’t happen because of that damn clone jutsu,” upon stepping into the hallway. The idea that his career as a shinobi could have been derailed by an E-rank jutsu had always been a sore point for him. It was however something he hadn’t ever needed to really think about after his graduation since he had just kept learning bigger and badder jutsu, that going back to learn the normal clone technique almost seemed like a joke, at least until Temari had pitched the idea.

Temari’s reasoning was that while Naruto’s power was undeniable, his lack of control could in the future present dangers to the shinobi he was paired with, especially in chaotic conditions such as multi-squad battles. It was something that she had felt needed to be addressed especially after seeing the destruction his jutsu had wrecked on the desert during his and Gaara’s battle with the previous Kazekage. Naruto had wanted to point out that Gaara’s jutsu could be just as destructive, but had to admit that if his friend had wanted he could control his jutsu if a comrade wondered into the path of one. His on the other hand would suck them in whether they be friend or foe, as had nearly happened to Moegi when he had first created the imploding shadow clone.

Thinking about that moment he grimaced as he recalled his first thought after rescuing the orange haired genin had been on how to get the mixtures of his sage and normal chakra right to make a viable clone, not on analyzing the potential tragedy. Yet, while his desire to reflect on perfecting the jutsu could be understood as nobody had been hurt. Naruto knew that he would be devastated if he unintentionally hurt someone he cared for with an errant jutsu, which considering how powerful his jutsu were becoming meant he stood a greater chance of doing so on some of the crowded battlefields that Temari had explained they could someday be a part of.

Although thinking about future large scale battles seemed rather abnormal considering his goals, he knew that unlike him Temari wasn’t the sit back and waiting type when it came to planning. Furthermore, he recognized that Temari was right in that the chaotic battles that Tsuande, Mito, and now Toka tended to describe he could find himself at a disadvantage in those situations. Now alone in the hall, he chuckled as he thought about how Temari had used Tenten in their training with the lovers stones to make her point as the kunoichi had been unable to contend with his powerful and relatively uncontrolled chakra. He had needed to exercise far more control over his chakra than he had in a long time in order to reach a point where Tenten could try to polish the stone with him.

The more he thought about it, the more he realized that not learning to properly control his chakra could be a weakness that others could exploit as well. He smiled as he made a mental note to thank Temari for forcing him to think on the subject since he had avoided it for so long. He also began to suspect that one of the reasons the Third Hokage had never stepped in to teach him the Shadow Clone jutsu, despite likely being aware that the reason he couldn’t perform the basic clone jutsu, was because he would have preferred Naruto overcome his weakness rather than basically cheat the system like he had.

That thought caused Naruto to stop short before entering the stairwell heading up to the top floor where his apartment resided. Looking back, the jinchuriki realized that a lot of his breakthroughs had basically been his developing a short cut, which while not a bad thing on its own. It tended to become one when he allowed it be considered good enough. For example his using a clone to create the Rasengan, and although he had gotten over it, the only reason had been due to his sparring against his lovers like Koharu, and Tsunade since both S-Class kunoichi were not going to stand around waiting for him to complete the jutsu. Naturally, it was a lesson he applied to making his Rasenshuriken as well, but he realized if not for them or his other lovers constant training he likely would still have those flaws in his jutsu.

He also realized that with better chakra control, he might also finally divest himself of the one true weakness that he possessed, genjutsu. Thinking back against his two fights with Sasuke, Naruto realized that he was rather fortunate that his former teammate truly preferred to dominate through power. But recalling his run in with Itachi during the mission to rescue the kidnaped Gaara before he had opened the scroll Kanji gave him, Naruto realized that for Sasuke to contend with his brother, he had to have a wide variety of genjutsu at his disposal as well, which the jinchuriki admitted if not for his mother being a part of him would mean he would be toast should he face another genjutsu user. Unless he went with the Shikamaru route to breaking one, but preferring not to have to resort to breaking bones, Naruto decided to kill two birds with one stone and work on his chakra control as well as overcoming his weakness to genjutsu.

Although he had several lovers that specialized in genjutsu, he decided to approach Toka about training him since her genjutsu had been more powerful than anything Tayuya, or Yakumo were currently capable of. Hoping she’d agree, he spent a few moments thinking over what he had learned about her since her appearance in Konoha that he could use to help convince her. He didn’t think it would take much since she would likely jump at the chance as she would probably be glad he was recognizing her talents. Something he felt was rather strange considering her background of near constant battle, yet he guessed it was a sign of the constant struggle she had engaged in to be recognized by her peers.

He had asked Mito about it, and had been rather surprised to learn that the Uzumaki was not all that thrilled to be sharing the present with Toka. Naruto had at first assumed that it was because with someone who had known her from her previous life nearby, Mito might be a little uncomfortable with their relationship. Yet, contrary to his belief it had turned out that the red-head just did not care for the woman. Mito had admitted that while Toka had faced a considerable uphill battle in her desire to be accepted as an equal in the predominately male shinobi system before the founding of the Hidden Villages. She hadn’t made any friends among other woman in that pursuit primarily because to her way of thinking. To her if a woman had accepted the status quo then they were as responsible as the men trying to hold her back. To Mito, who had genuinely been happy with her role as a wife and mother, that attitude had been the cause of more than a few heated arguments between the two.

Naruto could see where his Uzumaki lover was coming from primarily due to Toka’s rather standoffish attitude with several of his lovers, but primarily Tsunade, Fu, and Sakura. He suspected the reason behind it was due to the annoyance she felt at the freedom the kunoichi around her exhibited. For a woman like her, who had needed straddle the line of fighting against the system of her era, while at the same time being a part of it, suddenly finding herself in a time period where for the most part the women had all the things she had longed for, and had thus turned their pursuits to more leisurely concerns rather than maintaining the iron discipline that she had felt she had needed to maintain in order to get by made her question her dedication to her cause. He imagined that for Toka watching some of the younger kunoichi talk about their latest crushes or the newest fashions and diet crazes made the woman wonder what she had struggled so much for. She also apparently did not care for the modern kunoichi’s desire to show off their wares as she had put it while making it sound like she half expected most of the kunoichi she encountered to turn up working in a red light district.

Naruto supposed he could also partially understand where Toka was coming from considering how most shinobi of her era dressed in armor. After all, Koharu had shared a similar opinion at one point. Yet, he suspected that Toka didn’t realize that her attitude was rather reminiscent of the men that had held her back in her time. Toka in many respects represented something that Naruto was concerned about his own dream, which was primarily that although it was a noble purpose. His achieving it didn’t necessarily mean he would end up liking the results. Especially as more time passed and the succeeding generations forgot the struggles of the past to focus on what mattered to them, which might seem trivial to Naruto and his lovers. Granted, it was more extreme in Toka’s case due to her sudden appearance in the future, but that wasn’t to say that he and his lovers wouldn’t experience a similar dissatisfaction with the world due to their potentially long existences. Naruto wondered if such a thing happened would they have a right to step in, or much like how he felt Toka needed to accept the world, would have to adapt and let it continue on the course the generation of the time was staring it towards.

Yet, those were concerns for the future. His present one was his hope that his choosing to learn to overcome genjutsu from Toka didn’t send waves through his harem. Primarily, since he suspected several of his lovers would prefer not to see her become a member, and thus would feel rather nervous about his spending a great deal of time with her. Naruto would like to be able to tell them, that his spending time with a woman didn’t necessarily mean he was going to sleep with her, but he knew his recent history would easily be tossed in his face.

However, he doubted he needed to be concerned about such a thing in Toka’s case in particular. He imagined that for the most part should Toka learn of his many relationships it would undoubtedly damage his reputation in her eyes, due to her dislike for the role women had played in her era. He didn’t doubt that as far as Toka would be concerned his having a harem would cast him in the same light as the men that had tried to force her to accept her place as a source of future shinobi to be used in the constant strife of the Warring Clan Era. It was one of the reasons that he was glad that neither Toka nor Tsunade seemed inclined to develop some sort of familial bond between them as it wouldn’t force the issue to come to light as it had with Kiba due to his relationship with Tsume. As the last thing Naruto needed in his life was a pissed off woman that was a master of skills that he was particularly weak against.

“Naruto?” a surprised voice cut into his thoughts causing him to curse mentally.

“Kurenai,” the Jinchuriki said spinning around in surprise.

He was about to offer an explanation for why he was leaving the floor of Tenten’s apartment so late at night, but fortunately the red-eyed kunoichi had already formed her own as she said, “Don’t tell me you three are just ending your chakra training now.” Naruto breathed a little easier as she added, “Kakashi often said you tended to push yourself to extremes, but I can only imagine what state you left the other two in.”

Naruto’s chuckle contained some of his mirth that it was apparent that the Jounin Sensei had no idea. But commenting on how his lovers kept pulling him back to bed when he had tried to end things earlier said, “Actually, it was Tenten and Temari that wanted to continue. I knew how it would look to some for me to be leaving the apartment so late at night.”

Kurenai smiled at his comment as she replied, “Afraid word would get back to Ayame?”

Naruto shook his head as he answered, “No, I’m fortunate that she isn’t the jealous type.”

“I’d say,” Kurenai said wryly, “I don’t know how comfortable I’d be to know my boyfriend was living in an apartment building where he was the only male among a bunch of unattached women.”

Naruto chuckled a little uncomfortably since he didn’t want to outright lie about his or the other women’s attachment since he tended to get by on people just not thinking a man having a large harem was possible. Therefore he settled for shrugging as he said, “Like I said, I’m lucky.”

Kurenai arched an eyebrow as she had the feeling Naruto’s response was meant to be interpreted several different ways. But before she could inquire further, her own activities were called into question as she was put under a spotlight as he commented, “It seems I’m not the only one burning the midnight oil.”

Kurenai felt a little self-conscious as she was dressed in only a sports bra and running shorts. Furthermore her skin still glistened from the long run she had taken as she tried to get back into shape. Explaining her appearance she said, “I’m still on my forced leave of absence so I am unable to reserve the training fields. I tried running during the day but with all the construction…”

“It’s kind of hard to find a good route?” Naruto asked.

“I was going to say, run for more than a couple blocks without hearing wolf whistles and cat calls,” Kurenai said annoyed.

“Ah,” Naruto said before chuckling. Kurenai smiled as well which turned into a blush as the blond added, “Well, despite their rather rude nature, and you potentially avoiding me in the future, let me just say I for one can at least understand where they are coming from.”

Kurenai was surprised at Naruto’s statement primarily since it seemed to roll off his tongue so easily. Something, that caused a small crack to appear in her more innocent image of the blond jinchuriki, as she had up until that moment had a hard time seeing him as anything but the young man that had been oblivious to Hinata’s obvious infatuation. She did suppose that his relationship with Ayame had caused him to mature, but it also raised several more questions for her. The primary one being how Ayame could be so at peace with Naruto being the only male living in the Hidden Eddy Inn, especially since he had at one time had gone on dates with several of the residents. Granted, she knew they had been described as play dates, or training, but looking at things with her new perspective she began to wonder. Primarily as she found herself getting lost in his clear blue eyes as she searched for a way to reply.

Time had apparently passed more slowly for her as she suddenly realized Naruto was calling her name a little worriedly as he asked, “Hey, is everything okay? I didn’t say something I shouldn’t have, did I?”

“Um… no,” Kurenai said getting her bearings, “You just surprised me that’s all. But thank you for the compliment.”

“Oh okay,” Naruto said slightly restoring Kurenai’s more innocent view of him as he continued, “I was actually afraid you’d start avoiding me.” Naruto waved up the stairs as he asked, “Well, may I escort you to our floor?”

Kurenai smiled at the gesture as she nodded and began to walk past him. Naruto then proceeded to follow until reaching the fourth floor. Where upon reaching it he placed his hand on her shoulder as he said, “Well this is where we part. Goodnight Kurenai.”

“Good night,” she replied a little surprised by the contact, as she watched Naruto head down to his apartment.

Naruto could feel her eyes on him and wonder if perhaps he had overreached himself by applying his locating mark to her shoulder. He had decided to take the chance since he didn’t want to find himself surprised by the woman again at a less than opportune moment. He looked back as he reached his apartment causing Kurenai to look away as she turned to head to the one she shared with Anko and Yuugao. Naruto had a hard time looking away as a part of him admitted he still desired Kurenai for all the reasons that had originally had him adding her to the “Wants” list Ino had suggested back at the beginning of his quest.

However, Naruto believed that pursuing the recently widowed woman would simply be an act of hubris on his part. As such, his primary reason for placing his locating mark on her had been to prevent her from stumbling on him in a compromised position. Yet, he also did so because the Hidden Eddy Inn was his home and that meant all the women that lived there were under his protection, even if they weren’t with him in the more intimate fashion as most of the residents. Stepping into his apartment, he decided on a quick shower before getting some sleep in order to be rested to meet the challenges of the new day.

*****

Tsunade sat down in the Hokage’s box of the Chunin Arena and after taking in the crowds directed her attention to the man she had invited to join her, “I’m glad you decided to accept my invitation Jirocho.”

“Who could turn down the invitation to view today’s competition in a way usually reserved for Kage?” the man whose semi-respectable family was in charge of Degarashi Port said. Aware that he bordered on the line between respectability for his control of the Port and infamy for his controlling interests in gambling halls and brothels he asked, “Are sure it’s alright for me to be up here? After all…”

“Hush now,” Tsunade said amused at seeing her friend appear uncomfortable, “You’ve always been a good friend to me and it was under those circumstances that I invited you up here. Also, I was hoping that being up and away from the others might get you to open up on your recent troubles.”

Jirocho didn’t bother hiding his surprise that Tsunade knew of the recent struggles his family was having in maintaining the Daimyo’s favor and with it, control of Degarashi Port. He recovered quickly though as he said, “I thank you for your concern, but a part of my strategy in dealing with my new rivals in the Nagatomi Family is why I’d taking part in this competition. Speaking of which, is my ace in the hole ready?”

Tsunade nodded as she answered, “Yes, as you requested he’s unaware of his participation in today’s event. I admit it’s was a wise precaution since I doubt he’d be able to keep his exuberance at participating under wraps and it might have clued some of your rivals into realizing they could technically have hired shinobi as well.”

“Good,” Jirocho said as he looked for some orange among the spectators. Not finding what he was looking for he commented, “Strange though, I figured he’d be in the crowd still.”

Tsunade smiled as she said, “Oh, I’m sure he’d love to be, but his schedule tends to be rather…busy. He’s currently helping his sensei with some training.” Seeing her friend’s look of concern she said, “Don’t worry, Kakashi assures me it won’t be anything too intense. Recent events have made him question some of the conclusions he had arrived at concerning a jutsu of his.”

Proving to Tsunade that his own information sources weren’t to be underestimated Jirocho inquired, “Would the events you mention be tied to the sudden appearance of your long lost relative?”

Tsunade was amused by her friend’s attempt to one up her as she answered, “Yes, Kakashi believes she was hit by the same jutsu that he had developed in his Sharingan. Considering that up till now Kakashi has only ever used it as an offensive weapon that warped away sections of his opponents. Toka’s appearance would seem to suggest he hasn’t explored all the possibilities of the jutsu.”

“Interesting,” Jirocho said even as he wondered how Naruto would be able to help his sensei explore his abilities further.

But before he could inquire the crowd grew hushed as the red-headed woman that most believed responsible for the day’s contest approached the balcony where the potential chunin usually waited for their chance to compete. However, Tsunade knew that instead of being Kiyomi it was her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki who was preparing to address the crowd. She admitted to being a little apprehensive at the switch, but acknowledged that it was perhaps the best solution available to bring Mito out into the world. Granted, her grandmother was henged so that some of the changes Kiyomi had made appeared to the crowd like the Bijuu’s shorter hair. But Tsunade knew a henge was only as good as the person playing the part, and while Kiyomi had kept a relatively low profile. She had interacted with some of the village’s higher ups, who could cause the Harem trouble if they began to suspect the deception. Yet, despite her concerns, Tsunade was forced to admit that in the few test appearances Mito had made no one appeared any the wiser. The Hokage supposed that one thing that would help keep things that way, was Kiyomi’s ability to communicate telepathically with her former host as a result of the bond they once shared should she encounter a situation that required the Bijuu’s direct knowledge.

Speaking into the microphone, her grandmother said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you for helping the Great Tree Shipping Company get back on its feet by purchasing a ticket to view today’s excitement. By making this event a sold out show, should we need to pay the prize, you’ve helped to ensure it doesn’t come out of our limited funds. Although we do hope we can make a profit naturally.” The crowd laughed at Mito’s light joke as she continued while holding her hand out behind her causing the women taking part to step forward, “Behind me are the women that we’ve hired to help secure the valuable cargo that we hope today’s demonstration will encourage many of you to entrust to the Great Tree Shipping Company in the future. As you will soon see, their services will come at a premium, but it will also come with the guarantee that your deliveries will reach their destinations regardless of the borders that need crossing.”

As the Bijuu turned humans became visible behind her Mito pressed on, “Furthermore, I’m pleased to announce that my company in partnership with the leadership of Konoha has secured several trade routes throughout Fire Country and into Lightening Country. These routes will allow us to use Leaf or Kumo-nin to move shipments between the two countries without having to hire full teams of shinobi from each village. Now a set number of shinobi from each of the villages will be able to escort the cargo throughout the journey and therefore lower costs. But, you all didn’t come here today to hear a business pitch. Today you came here to see if we’re all talk so let me explain the rules so we can get this competition underway.”

******

Mito paused for a moment before indicating a section of the arena that had been set aside for those participating and the people who hired them. Looking at the assembly of characters, Mito smiled as she saw that most of those who had sponsored people had gone for the quantity over quality mentality. Something that didn’t surprise her since many of the Great Tree Shipping Company’s rivals were hoping to use the contest as a means to stop its revitalization. Something the competition had actually encouraged since once the people paid the hefty entry fee; they could enter an unlimited number of people under their name. Of course they were limited by how many men they could afford to throw into the contest, but some of the wiser sponsors had offered nothing up front and were simply providing their entrees the opportunity to compete with the promise that should they win they would keep the hefty ten-million ryo prize.

Kiyomi, of course had encouraged her company’s competition to throw everything they could into the contest by making the rules favor them so heavily. It was her hope that should they persevere then it would double or even triple the amount of business the Company received. Something that it desperately needed to do as several of its other investments had yet to make a profit, primarily the multiple apartment buildings it had purchased among which the Hidden Eddy Inn could be counted as well as the Whirling Tides Manor. Both projects were currently eating up resources that had yet to generate any wealth to pay back the initial investments let alone generate capital for new ones.

It was risky, but obviously her former Bijuu was of the opinion that most of the entries wouldn’t have access to people capable of matching her siblings’ power. Mito, directed her gaze to the Hokage viewing box where a man named Jirocho was sitting with her granddaughter. Watching him, she felt a little nervous since he was taking advantage of the sponsors right not to name their entries before their respective matches outside of telling how many people they were entering. The head of the Wasabi family had only listed one competitor and something told Mito that although in combat, quantity over quality tended to carry the day on most battlefields. That didn’t mean it was always the case.

Readdressing the crowd she said, “Okay, so as far as rules go the sponsors of the competitors are able to throw as many of their men into each match as they like. Furthermore, to stack the deck against us even more, I’m making the following add on to that rule in that the sponsors can also pool their resources if they so desire. Our response will be of course depend on how many opponents are put against us in a single round, but we’ll use no more than the women standing behind me.”

From behind her she heard a small shout of joy as Nel said, “Yeah, that mean Nel gets to play too.”

“Nel,” Rangiku said surprised, “I told you to stay at the mansion.”

“Nel didn’t want too,” the diminutive Bijuu said sticking out her tongue, “Nel wants to compete too.”

Mito ignored the conversation behind her in favor of continuing as she finished, “We’ll give the sponsors fifteen minutes to make their decisions. Again thank you all for coming and regardless of whether we win, lose, or even draw. I think you’ll all be amazed at the collection of talent that we have assembled to deliver the goods.”

*****

Urd ignored the bickering siblings as she approached Mito to say, “Nice speech. You don’t think you’re stacking things too heavily against us do you.”

Before Mito could respond Mirajane stepped in as she commented, “What’s a matter, scared? If you’re so concerned sit the competition out. But a real Bijuu is more than a match for the collection of punks waiting to engage us.”

Urd narrowed her eyes at the Six-tails who appeared to be a girl of around fifteen years of age and had taken to wearing a rather revealing black outfit. Urd knew that Kiyomi was of the belief that the reason her sibling had taken the form of a woman on the cusp of womanhood was so that she wouldn’t be locked in it. Urd imagined that should Mirajane choose to drastically alter her bust or height, she’d explain any sudden changes as the onset of a sudden surge of hormones. Still due to her youngish form, the woman that had come into being from the sacrificed tail of the eight-tails often had the urge to take her over her knee and spank her for her attitude. However, instead she simply fired back, “I’m not scared, but neither am I so foolish as to believe that one or two of those we may face might not give us a challenge.” Focusing on Mito, she added, “Giving them the chance to all gain up on us is just asking for trouble.”

“I know,” Mito responded calmly, “But it was an addition to the rules that Kiyomi always intended. She believes that since the goal of most of the sponsors is to defeat you in as definitive way as possible. The prize money is actually secondary to them, and so the temptation to combine forces will cause them to use up most of their resources quickly. Kiyomi doesn’t doubt that you’ll prevail, but fears that a long drawn out contest would begin to favor them.”

Kukaku snorted dismissively as she said, “Her concerns are unwarranted. But, I’ve got places to be later so if we don’t need to spend all day taking on these chumps one at a time I’m all for it.” Kukaku sent a smug look towards Yoruichi since her tone of voice left little doubt that her plans included entertaining some man.

To her surprise though, her sister didn’t rise to the bait, which Yoruichi owed her restraint to a recent talk with Naruto. Yoruichi kept her smirk at Kukaku’s reaction to herself since she wanted to honor her lover’s request that she stop being so confrontational with her sister about her choice to be with other men. Naruto had explained to her that despite her belief in her father’s prophecy the important relationship wasn’t the one between Kukaku and him, but the one between the two sisters. As he had explained it, Kukaku had suddenly found herself experiencing knew thrills she hadn’t realized were possible, and since she hadn’t had the same attachment to him that Yoruichi had developed through Yugito. It was only natural that she would wish to explore them on her own terms rather than binding herself to someone else right after gaining a new form.

Still the dark-skinned woman took some satisfaction in taking some of the wind out of Kukaku’s sail by not giving her the reaction she had been looking for. Deflating them a little further she added, “We’ll do what we can to get you out of here in time for your date then.” Turning to her sisters, who had given themselves to Naruto, she grinned cat-like as she proposed, “Speaking of dates, how about we make things a little interesting by seeing who can take out the most opponents?”

Rangiku put her argument with Nel, which had degenerated into a childish set of name calling on hold by placing her hand on the diminutive Bijuu’s head to ask, “What’s the prize.”

Yoruichi smirked as she said, “The privilege of escorting Naruto to the unveiling of the new playroom.”

Both Seven and Rangiku were both tempted by the proposition, but the Seven-Tails commented, “What makes you so sure you’ll be in a position to decide such a thing. I thought the plan was to open it for Naruto’s eighteenth birthday, I imagine the competition to escort him to it is going to be rather stiff.”

Yoruichi smirked as she admitted, “Plans change, and I have it on good authority that since it might be difficult to get everyone together on his exact birthday, it’s being decided to open it the next time we can get everyone together, even if it’s a few months early.”

Rangiku sensing that Yoruichi was the mastermind behind the change said, “Let me guess, you just so happen to know what that date is.”

Giving a cat that ate the canary grin she admitted, “Not only that, but secured a date with Naruto that night already. But I’m feeling generous and felt a little contest between us might add a little spice to today’s entertainment.”

Rangiku smirked as she accepted the deal saying, “Well I’ll be thinking about you as I’m wrapped around his…”

“Rangiku!” Seven said quickly interrupting her sister.

“What?” the blonde asked but remembered who was present as a result of a pointed look from her sister as she motioned down towards Nel.

“Nel wants to play too,” the child-like Bijuu said excitedly.

Which earned her a quick, “You’re too young,” from the busty blond.

“That’s what you always say,” Nel said angrily as she puffed her cheeks and began to pout. “Nel is the same age as you according to Kiyomi.”

“Yeah, but you don’t act the part,” Rangiku fired back.

“Neither do you,” Seven said amused before adding, “But count me in as well.”

The three women shook on their agreement as Tier watched in silence. In truth, she still wondered what it was that had her siblings so eager to please the young jinchuriki. She admitted that he was kind and despite knowing of her origins didn’t treat her any differently than any of the other women she had seen him interact with, accept for not as affectionately as he was with the women bound to him.

She would admit to being a little surprised that he wasn’t trying to actively claim her as he had her other sisters, since she believed that had been Kiyomi’s intention in releasing the other Bijuu. More to the point, she had overheard Naruto’s conversation with Yoruichi as it had taken place in the mansion after a particularly nasty argument between the purple-haired woman and Kukaku. She had been rather shocked to learn that Naruto felt Kukaku had a right to explore a life that didn’t involve him. Yet, while his belief that Yoruichi shouldn’t let Kukaku’s choices ruin the bond between them due to her interpretation of their father’s prophecy would seem to me he had no desire to claim any of the other Bijuu, it had perked Tier’s interest in the blond man. Still, she felt her cheeks color as she recalled needing to leave as Yoruichi decided to make herself forget her argument with her sister by entertaining herself with her lover.

As a result, Tier was glad that they were covered by the collar of the jacket that she wore since she hadn’t moved as fast as she could have as she would admit some of the noises her sister made had intrigued her. She was glad for the distraction as one of the women she had given life to Emilou Appaci asked upon noticing her gaze resting on her sisters, “Don’t tell me you are considering joining in their competition Lady Tier.”

“I do not believe it was proposed for my benefit,” Tier said turning to the three women that had pledged themselves as her serfs, despite her insistence that they did not need to. Tier could see Appaci wasn’t going to drop the matter which would result in either Cyan or Mila jumping in as they reprimanded their comrade for questioning her, which in turn would likely result in an argument. Not wishing to see their energies diverted as she knew how important the contest was to Kiyomi, she intervened in the cycle that had played out many times by saying, “I expect you to give your best efforts today. Do not disappoint.” Redirecting the conversation back to its origin point further she said, “Also, Urd’s concerns are genuine Mira. I sense several of our opponents are trying to suppress their chakra to get us to underestimate them. They only need to defeat one of us to emerge the victor; we need to defeat all of them. We have already surrendered the knowledge that we believe ourselves to be strong by agreeing to faces so many opponents. Those we face are under no such obligation and a moment of inattention can cost us the contest.”

“Don’t lecture me number three,” Mirajane said annoyed as she mentioned Tier’s reduced number of tails.

Tier didn’t rise to the bait as the women pledged to her threatened to do which she prevented as she calmly replied, “My number of tails has no correlation to my current level of power. Furthermore, if it did would it not do for you to show more respect to Urd.”

Mirajane looked like she was going to fire back a harsh retort, but a buzzard sounded indicating that the time limit had been reached. The women watched as a man approached the microphone situated in the area for their opponents and announced, “I’ve been elected to announce the decision reached by several sponsors who’ve decided to join forces. We pledge all our entrees which number over two hundred.”

Yoruichi smiled as she watched a large section of the arena begin making their way down the aisles to leap into the center. It soon became apparent that a good portion wouldn’t fit so the rest remained back to act as reserves. The dark skinned woman leapt into the area as she said, “Game on girls.”

But she found both Seven and Rangiku had landed in front of her with the blonde saying, “Oh no, you don’t. You’re not settling our bet in the first round.” Before Yoruichi could comment, Rangiku turned to the three women on her right as she asked Tier’s shadows as she thought of them, “And what are you three doing? Don’t tell me you want to muscle in on our bet.”

Cyan raised her hand to her mouth as she responded, “Hardly, but Lady Tier warned us against underestimating our opponents and you three are obviously thinking more with your loins then your brains.”

All three Bijuu narrowed their eyes as Seven commented, “Do I get the ten-million ryo if I knock that bitch out?”

“Possibly, but you’ll be the one to explain it to Naruto,” Yoruichi commented drily. Spotting the first wave charging she said, “Come on, let’s show them even with our loins calling the shots we’re twice the women they are.”

Appaci, Cyan, and Mila seemed ready to accept the challenge as they took off after the three Bijuu who tore into the opponents’ ranks hoping to secure themselves a little Naruto time. As a result most of the people in the first wave didn’t know what hit them as they were sent flying.

****

“Come on Kakashi-sensei,” Naruto said bored as he lay on the ground while he waited for his teacher to show up, “I’m missing the fight.”

“Well then I suggest we get to it then,” Kakashi said as if his student’s words had summoned him.

Naruto leapt up to his feet as he said, “I’ve been waiting here for hours. You said to meet at around one in the afternoon.”

“Which means you should have known I actually meant to meet at three,” Kakashi replied looking up from his book.

“If that’s what you meant then you should have just said so,” Naruto replied annoyed. “Can’t you just announce a time and show up at it like everyone else?”

Kakashi chuckled as he replied, “Now who is wasting time?”

“Argh,” Naruto said as he rubbed his head in frustration before asking, “Alright you win. So what is it you need my help with?”

“Simple,” Kakashi said amused, “Do you have one of your Hiraishin kunai?”

“Sure,” Naruto said digging it out of his pouch as he procured the kunai. Tossing it to his teacher he asked, “But what do you need it for?”

“Simple, I’m going to use Kamui on it to teleport it away. I just want you to report on what it is you sense in regards to its location.”

“That’s it?” Naruto asked surprised.

“That’s it,” Kakashi confirmed as he lifted his headband and then tossed the Kunai in the air. Focusing on it he caused space to warp around it before it was pulled in and disappeared.

“Whoa,” Naruto said although Kakashi believed it had more to do with what he was feeling rather than the jutsu that he had just witnessed.

Pulling his headband down, he asked, “Can you feel where it’s at?”

“It feels kind of like its everywhere and also nowhere,” Naruto said struggling to put what he was feeling into words. “I definitely don’t think I’d want to try to retrieve it.”

Kakashi nodded as he would hate to have to explain it to Tsunade that Naruto was lost in much the same way as Toka had been. Shivering from the thought of a bunch of enraged females looking for his blood he said, “Can you release the mark on the kunai?”

“I’m not sure,” Naruto said as he made a hand sign for release to dispel the mark on the kunai. Kakashi suspected it worked as the Naruto’s face lost the slightly confused look he had been wearing as he tried to place the kunai’s exact location. Focusing on his teacher the jinchuriki asked, “So was that where Toka was all this time?”

“I don’t believe so,” Kakashi answered, “Truthfully, if I had to guess she was trapped somewhere between the dimension that Kamui created and this world. It’s likely that since Toka described the Uchiha that sent her there seemingly had just unlocked the Mangekyō Sharingan the dimension never fully formed. She was likely caught somewhere in the pull of this and that dimension. It’s likely that she snapped back as a result of that dimension collapsing and surrendered its pull on her.”

He could tell his student didn’t quite understand, but was eager to watch the event being held at the Chunin Exam Arena as he said, “Right, well is there anything else?”

Kakashi chuckled since he knew Naruto would be getting an up-close and personal view of it as he said, “Nope that was all I needed. Now that I’m certain my Kamui is feeding into something I can work on exploring different avenues for accessing it.”

“Okay great,” Naruto said turning to leave as he was eager to see his lovers and the other Bijuu showcase their skills.

Kakashi watched his student leave and let some of the concern he felt about his discovery reach his face. His mask hid most of it, but he was sure his eye reflected it as well. He knew his theory about Toka was a sound one, but what concerned him was the realization that both he and Tobi appeared to share very similar techniques. He believed that the differences in them could simply be a result of how each of them had come to realize they had access to Kamui and then developed the technique.

Kakashi still wasn’t sure at which point he had unlocked the Mangekyō Sharingan as he had only explored the possibility that he had it after his run in with Itachi in the wake of the Sound Invasion and having the Uchiha use his Tsukuyomi on him. In the three years that Naruto had been away with Jiraiya, he had eventually learned to activate it, but was unsure of the conditions of how he had initially advanced his Sharingan to it. As a result of his limited chakra when using the Sharingan in the first place, as well as his awareness that using the Mangekyō Sharingan had apparently put a great strain on Itachi. He had focused on honing Kamui into a quick but efficient mean to end a fight.

Yet, if he was correct in his thinking about his Kamui being the same as Tobi’s jutsu except developed along a different path, then he realized that it was possible that it might be possible for him to use it in a similar matter. Also, Tobi seemed capable of using Kamui multiple times in quick succession although Konan had alerted Naruto and by extension him of the limitations she had noticed in the masked man’s technique.

Kakashi would admit to there being another concern in regards to his recent revelation about his jutsu. He wondered if both he and Tobi were actually sharing the same technique. If so, he knew that it meant that they could possibly counteract some of the masked man’s intangibility techniques since if their jutsu were connected then that meant they might be sharing the same dimension that Kamui had created as well. Something his belief that the dimension that had held Toka trapped collapsed would seem to suggest the dimensions created for Kamui were unique to the eyes which used it.

Kakashi hoped he was wrong as while Tobi had apparently had two Sharingan one of which he had sacrificed against Konan. The fact that he had hidden it behind his mask suggested to Kakashi that as far as Tobi was concerned it had always been expendable, and that it was the right eye that he truly valued. An eye that if the theory Kakashi was forming was correct he had believed had been crushed beneath a boulder. A cold dread began to run down his spine as he began to wonder about the possibility that if he had been wrong about that, then was he equally mistaken about the fate of the man whose left eye he know wielded and truthfully whose jutsu he was going to dedicate the foresee able future to perfecting.

The possibility sent Kakashi’s mind racing and he wasn’t surprised that most of them had centered on Rin. He began to realize that if Kiyomi’s theory that the old broker Rin had encountered had been an ancient Madara. Then the fact that Tobi had claimed to be Madara upon first introducing himself to the Ame Orphans could scarcely be a coincidence. That the ancient Madara had set out and targeted Rin had in Kakashi’s mind all but sealed the identity of Tobi since he had appeared shortly after Rin’s supposed death. Yet, despite the certainty he felt, he didn’t want to cast a dark shadow over the memory of a man that had as far as the village was concerned died a hero. Not without proof at least.

Kakashi pulled his headband up as the first step to collecting that proof would be in mastering Kamui to a similar degree as Tobi, or as his mind was already calling him Obito. Kakashi, was surprised at the calm acceptance he was displaying that his teammate may very well be alive and behind much of the suffering that his village had gone through. Ultimately, he believed it was because while Obito might very well still be drawing breath, the earnest young man he had been had been dead for decades as the actions he had performed showcased, such as his attack on their sensei on what should have been his happiest day, and as a result had deprived his student of his parents.

In truth, the man that called himself Tobi stood in mockery of everything that Obito and now Naruto believed. An abomination, which had likely been given life by the true Madara Uchiha through the apparent death of Rin. Kakashi paused as he sent a look in the direction that Naruto had left as he wondered how Obito would react should he learn that not only had Rin not died, but she was alive and in a relationship with Naruto. On the one hand it might be the sparked needed for his teammate and friend to abandon the dark path he had walked for decades if he learned Madara had set the events in motion. Yet on the other hand, a man that already had abandoned everything he had been might no longer harbor the same attachments that he once had, or upon learning the truth could be driven to even more acts of depravity as he saw the person he had desired most had found happiness with someone else.

In either case, Kakashi felt it would be wise to make sure Rin’s existence remained a secret and to monitor whether anyone ever began to suspect otherwise. While he knew, that if Tobi was Obito such knowledge would elicit a strong response, he was also aware that it was likely that Madara had taken precautions incase his puppet had ever tried to deviate from the plan he had spent decades putting into place. Yet, once more he returned to the first step in proving any of his theories correct which laid in mastering Kamui to a greater degree, so set about spending the foreseeable future pushing himself in a way that would make his student proud. As since Naruto had taken on his self-appointed duties in stopping Sasuke, he figured the least he could do was show his appreciation by handling the bad apple of his old team in a similar manner.

Next Chapter: Blast from the Past: Part Deux: Toka Senju Part III

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[*Author’s Note: Let me thank everyone that has wished me well during my recent forced sabbatical. I’ll admit to being disappointed by returning with a cliffhanger chapter, but with so much more to cover before wrapping up Toka’s chapter, I felt it better to post a twenty thousand word chapter now rather than wait another couple weeks to post a forty or so something chapter later. Although my goal would be to have a new chapter ready next week, since I would be starting from square one I admit it might not be in the cards.

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[*However, I should be able to dedicate myself fully to the task of writing so it shouldn’t be another month wait like it was for this one. At least here’s hoping. So once more thank you to all those who take the time to review or comment/discuss this story. Your continued support of this story really keeps me pumped about churning out chapters. Therefore until next time take care. Sincerely, The Lemon Sage.

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