With Naruto
Soon after separating from Kakashi, they noticed the figure still followed Naruto. They knew who her target was. Walking a bit, he felt something wasn't right when he got near the stand. 'Ayame-chan, Old man Teuchi,' Naruto thought with concern. As he started running towards the food stand, and quickly entered the stand when he saw it was closed. When he heard soft sobbing from inside.
Naruto walked to an alleyway and looked for an open window. When he spotted it, he quickly jumped in, sneaking in, not knowing what had happened. As he moved towards the front where he was greeted by the sight of Teuchi with tears streaming down his face as he counted a large sum of money.
"Old man Teuchi, what's wrong?" asked Naruto, completely scaring the old man out of his wits."Na-Naruto! How did you get in here?" He stammered, completely thrown off by the sudden appearance of his favorite customer. "I'm a ninja!" The blonde stated, trying to lighten the mood slightly before he turned serious. "But what happened? Why are you crying and bundling all your money?"
"They took her," He whispered, just barely audible to the blonde. "And if I don't pay them what they want, they will bring her back in pieces." This caused the blonde to get angry.
"Where are you supposed to meet them?" He asked coldly, not even wondering why the man didn't go to the Hokage about the kidnapping. "If they suspect anyone else but me, they will kill her!" Teuchi argued. "Teuchi-oji-san, tell me where they are," Naruto repeated. "And I will bring Ayame-chan home and make sure none of them will see the sun set this day."
The two stared at each other for a handful of seconds before the older man relented and told Naruto the location where the bandits were who had kidnapped his daughter. The old ramen chef could see an icy determination in the eyes of the blonde that spoke volumes that he would fulfill his promise.
After receiving the locations, Naruto quickly disappeared in a swirl of leaves. The blonde hanyou was beyond livid that one of his precious people was in danger, and he would ensure that those responsible would be punished.
It didn't take him long to arrive just outside the camp that the bandits were occupying. From his perch on the branch high above the camp, he scoured the sight below him. Looking for any trace of where Ayame was before he made his move against the bandits. A second later, the sound of whimpering caught his attention. There, just outside the campsite, was Ayame. Tied to a tree, though thankfully, she looked unharmed.
Though he didn't know how much longer, as two of the bandits were approaching her. One of which was getting too close and tracing his fingers along her face, causing her to flinch at his touch. She then began to hyperventilate as the man's hand traveled further down her body, looking to grope her breast, before the other bandit stopped him.
"You know the rules." The other man spoke. "We don't want to damage the merchandise until we get the money and kill the old man. After that, we'll send her to the camps to train her," the man finished. "Come on man let me have some fun with the girl she looks like she needs some loving, and I can give her that" he said while sending a look to Ayame while licking his lips, this scared the girl "Besides I'm just doing a review of the products, I bet Mayako-sama won't mind" said the mercenary.
'So they were going to kill teuchi-oji-san anyway and send Ayame-chan to training camps, ' thought Naruto, narrowing his eyes as he felt his anger surge, but he quickly stopped it, not wanting to reveal his position. "Tsk, do whatever you want, don't say I didn't warn you," said the man.
'Perfect,' Naruto thought as he quickly moved through the trees, as he saw the other one leaving, jumping in front of the ramen chef's daughter and the bandit cutting the head off assailant's head off before they had a chance to react. "Damn scum" said Naruto, making Ayame open her eyes when she recognized the jinchuriki's voice, who bent down to her level cut her free from her bond prompting her to embrace him in a tight hug and bury her face into his chest.
And began to wipe the girl's tears. "It's okay, Ayame-chan, I'm here," as he caressed the brunette's cheek, who calmed down a little when she felt his touch, unsealed a cloak, and wrapped it around her. Wrapping his arms around her, he held her while flickering away, appearing a few meters away as he made a shadow clone to guard her.
"Ayame-chan, stay here, cover your ears, and close your eyes," Naruto instructed as he sat her down. "I don't want you to see what I am about to do to these bastards." The young Burnett woman only nodded, but still clung to his chest, not wanting to separate from him. But the clone soon took the girl as he decided to move farther.
Naruto quickly disappeared once more. Even with her ears covered, she could still hear the distant, muffled cries of pain and fear from her captors until, suddenly, everything fell silent. The next moment, she found herself wrapped in another warm embrace. Gathering her courage to open her eyes, she looked into the beautiful cerulean pools of her blonde crush, and a soft blush crept across her cheeks.
"It's over," he whispered to her. "No one will hurt you or anyone again," he finished as tears once more flowed freely out of her eyes as she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Enjoying the warm feeling of his hug and his gentle caress as he rubbed her back up and down. Comforting her. So comforting that she ended up falling asleep in his embrace, causing him to chuckle slightly. "Let's get you back to the old man." He whispered as he picked her up bridal style and melded into the shadows one more time.
Ichiraku ramen
Teuchi had calmed down slightly after Naruto had left, though he had still not opened the stand. Many scenarios played out in his head, from the positive thoughts of the blonde walking through the front gates with his daughter in hand to the more depressing thoughts of both being returned in boxes. However, his latter thoughts were thankfully proven wrong as the blonde boy in question entered the stand with a sleeping Ayame in his arms.
The older man could only look upon her sleeping form in pure happiness and relief as she snuggled closer to the blonde's chest. "The bandits have been taken care of," Naruto said in a soft voice. "And they were planning on killing you after you paid them anyway," but in his mind was different. 'How did they get past and steal a girl in our shinobi village?' The thought of patrolling Anbu and Jonins not sensing a female getting kidnapped didn't sound right. " These might have been on the documents you got from Gato," said Kurama, also feeling his anger boiling at that.
"Thank you for bringing her back," Teuchi stated, tears of happiness evident in his eyes. "From now on, you can eat here for free," as he looked at Naruto. "That won't be necessary, Teuchi-oji-san." The blonde smiled. "I wanted to talk to her anyway, but it can wait until she has recovered," said Naruto. "About what?" asked Teuchi, looking at Naruto.
"I wanted to come by earlier, but I've been busy. I've been approved to enter the Clan Restoration Act," Begun Naruto. "And I know that Ayame-chan has had a crush on me since we were kids, and I made a vow that she would be one of the first ones I'd ask. However, I want to take it slow and make sure she knows everything first."
"While I am not fond of the idea of my daughter being part of a harem of sorts." Teuchi began. "You still went out and risked yourself to save her and bring her back home. That alone earns you my blessing if she accepts."
"I accept." A voice stated, causing both to cast their eyes towards the now awake Ayame in the blonde's arms, who was now blushing up a storm. Gently, Naruto set her on her feet, though she still clung to his arm.
"Are you sure, Ayame-chan?" The blonde asked, unaware of how much she had heard and if she knew what it all entailed. Not to mention the other secrets he would have to share with her."I am Naruto-kun." She smiled. "And I know that you will have other wives as well. Even still, you are the only man for me, and tou-san has already given us his blessing."
"Still, let's take it slow." He smiled. "How about a date this Friday?" he suggested. "Pick me up at six." She smiled once more, leaning up and kissing him on the cheek. "I may have given you my blessing, Naruto," The older man started. "But if you break her heart, I will break you." "Tou-san, stop trying to threaten my boyfriend." Ayame cast a glare at her father. Who thought,' She sure does look like her mother,' Teuchi thought with a small, sad smile.
Different Pov
Izumi had watched everything from Naruto returning the fluttering of memories they had together, until that faithful night as her new life began. She began to feel something she thought was long forgotten: jealousy. She felt jealous of the girls who surrounded Naruto when she and Suki had been the first people he played with.
She felt jealous when he had gone to save Ayame, remembering his promise to her. 'I'll always be there in your darkest moments' were the words she remembered, and those words kept her from being fully broken by Danzo. But now she felt a slight pain in her heart. She had kept an eye on him from time to time, and she was shocked when she saw he would often go to her grave and clean it, making her feel he had never forgotten her.
Nightime time
We see Team Eight training as they stopped when they noticed Kurenai's signal as they got closer to her. "Alright, that's enough for today, you guys have done a great job, and soon we might take another C-rank mission soon" Kurenai said, getting Kiba to yelp excitedly. "Finally, we stopped doing chores," he said with Akamaru barking in agreement, and even Shino agreed. As they separated to go their ways. Kurenai worried walked into the Kurama clan house, where her other, more secret student lived, memories flashing through her mind.
Yakumo's face was crying, saying she hated her and she couldn't become a kunoichi anymore. Unkai Kurama stopped her from even talking to her when she wanted to say goodbye to Yakumo before she left for her team's C-rank mission. How Yakumo had cursed at her for sealing her chakra, not bothering to listen to her, and banishing her from her house.
Something wasn't right with Unkai's rise in the Kurama clan after Yakumo's parents' death. Her sudden behavior changed so rapidly. Her physical health took a hit, and she looked paler and less full of life. She was about to enter the compound when she was stopped by the guards an elderly man appeared beside them.
"What can I do for you, Kurenai-san? I thought my niece made it clear to you that she didn't want to see you anymore after what you've done to her," said the elderly man. "I just wanted to explain something to her, if I may see her, Unkai-san," asked Kurenai. "I'm sorry, Kurenai-san, but my niece isn't willing to talk to you, please leave," said Unkai as the guards looked ready to attack. Kurenai narrowed his eyes but backed away, deciding to investigate a little.
With Naruto
While he had been reminiscing when Kurama pulled him into his mindspace 'Do you feel that, Kit?' asked Kurama as Naruto looked confused. "No, what are you talking about, Kurama?" asked Naruto as he thought it might be something was wrong. 'There's a powerful negative emotion inside the village similar to Sakura yet different at the same time,' said Kurama, making Naruto's eyes widen as he focused and sent chakra to his eyes.
As he sees the emotions in a range of colors, hatred, happiness, and others. Taking this seriously, he made a seal as he said his bye, disappearing in a swirl of leaves. Catching the attention of Izumi as she searched for him when she felt his presence again, quickly followed him. On the other side, Naruto had quickly made a shadow clone while hiding his presence before Izumi noticed and followed the clone while he moved in another direction.
Going to a Mountain before reaching the top in a few minutes, he noticed a small shack that left a lot to be desired in terms of comfort. Taking a cautious look around, he noted that what the small shack lacked in aesthetic comfort, it made up for in open space. Off to the side of the building was a small garden with various vegetables and flowers, well taken care of. Meanwhile, on the other side was a small gazebo with an easel in the center. An unfinished painting rested on the stand.
Sensing no immediate danger, Naruto made his way to the front door and firmly knocked on it, followed by an awkward silence until the door cracked open, giving him a small glimpse of a young girl no older them himself with light brown hair, accompanied by light brown eyes filled with pain and betrayal.
"What do you want?" the girl demanded. "Forgive me, but I felt something was wrong around here and couldn't help but look around. My name is Naruto Uzumaki," said Naruto with a small and relaxing smile. "Did that Bitch sent you?" asked the girl earning a confused look from Naruto.
"I don't know who you are talking about, but if I had to guess, they care about you," Naruto said, trying to get some information from the girl. "So you expect me to think that after she comes with her ANBU bodyguards and tells me that I am wasting my time training to become a kunoichi and that I should find a different path, and now she is pretending that it never happened?"
Naruto's eyes widen, realizing something from what Hinata had told him, she had started to train another student around the same time they were in their second year. At first, Kurenai seemed hesitant to do it because she didn't believe she could make it until she saw a small change in Hinata that made her try her luck. "Wait, you are talking about Kurenai-san, are you in any way Yakumo Kurama?" he asked, hoping his suspicions were wrong.
"Yes I'm Yakumo Kurama so what and you know that bitch she was the one who destroyed my dreams." She screamed but was confused when Naruto patted her shoulder. "If I may ask, when was this?" asked Naruto as Yakumo calmed down, looking into his eyes, making her notice how handsome he was. "A month ago," she said.
"And she had Anbu with her?" he asked as she nodded. "Could you describe them to me?" she looked at him suspiciously. "What do the Anbu have to do with anything?" asked Yakumo, starting to get angry. "Everything because Kurenai-san was out of the village with her team in their first C rank mission," Naruto said.
"What do you mean she was out of the village!?" Yakumo exclaimed in fury, throwing the door open to fully confront the blonde teen. "She was right here in front of me with those damned ANBU and put that fucking seal on the back of my neck to seal off my powers!" At this revelation, Naruto narrowed his eyes as he looked at the browned haired girl.
"They put a seal on you?" He asked, turning to face her completely. "Can I see it?" Yakumo was hesitant for a moment before turning her head and lifting her hair to expose the seal that was placed on the back of her neck. Upon seeing what the seal was, Naruto was infuriated.
"Yakumo-san, that was not Kurenai-san who came to you three months ago." He began, pushing down the anger inside of him. "That was an impostor, no doubt a ROOT member that is only loyal to Danzo, who used a henge to look like Kurenai-san. And the seal they put on you doesn't just seal off your power. It's the start of a loyalty seal, combined with an enslavement seal. I suspect you were told they would come back at a later date to check on you."
Hearing this, Yakumo's eyes widened in fear, while she wanted to deny that the blonde teen was telling the truth, deep down, she knew it was a fact. She then realized that she had lashed out at Kurenai for no reason, completely blaming her for everything. Realizing this, tears began to flow down her face as she sank to her knees.
"She must hate me now." She sobbed as Naruto knelt beside her. Wrapping his arms around her in a comforting hug as she cried into his shoulder. "No, I'm sure she doesn't hate you and is very concerned about you," he replied in a soothing voice.
"I have to get this seal off of me." She said in between sobs. The thought of being blindly loyal to someone and enslaved to them greatly frightened her. "Don't worry, I'll help you get rid of the seal. Okay, Yakumo-chan?" Naruto stated, giving her a warm smile. Though he didn't miss the blush that crept up on her cheeks at the -chan suffix he added to her name. "Now, when did they say they'd come back?" he asked, noticing how Yakumo became sad.
"They said they would be back at the end of the month to finish the seal." She informed him. "Then I think it would be best if you were no longer staying here," Naruto suggested.
"But where will I go?" Yakumo asked. "Ever since my parents died, the rest of my clan has turned their backs on me, and my uncle has even gone as far as to petition for my execution, but lately he changed and managed to get the clan to banish me from my clan," said Yamuko with a frown at the thought of her nice and kind grandfather figure she knew change after the death of her parents.
"You'll come stay with me at my compound." He stated. "After you get settled in, I'll take care of that seal for you." Nodding, the brown-haired girl got up, wiped away the tears still in her eyes, and set off with the pack what she felt was required. Which included a few keepsakes she had from her parents, her painting supplies, clothing, and what she had of her clan's jutsu. Once done, she left the house and joined the blonde teen who had been patiently waiting for her to pack.
Three hours later, Naruto and Yakumo made it to his compound safely. He quickly introduced his roommates and fiancés, which prompted a quick explanation of his place in the Clan Resporation Act. After introductions, he let Haku and Sakura help the rising genjutsu mistress settle into a room and gave her a quick tour around the compound grounds.
Naruto had looked at Anko, who gave him a serious look, knowing something was wrong. "Can you get Kurenai? She might want to know what happened," he said as Anko's eyes widened, but she nodded before she left. She grabbed him. "We are going to have a lot of fun after this. Yugao-chan has also been thinking about it." Anko teased as Naruto looked at Yugao, who blushed. "I guess we'll have time for that later, don't you think, My queen of blades?" he smiled at Yugao, who blushed even more at his nickname for her.
"You could say that," she muttered as Anko giggled before leaving. Naruto quickly chuckled as Yugao pouted before sitting in his lap and kissing him. A few minutes later, Anko and Kurenai entered the living room of the compound. "Okay, Anko, why have you brought me to your new home and are telling me it has to do with Yakumo?" asked Kurenai, anxious about her student.
"Well, this is technically Naruto-kun's compound, and the reason is that Yakumo-chan is in our home now," Anko said as they turned. Kurenai blushed at the sight of Yugao sitting on Naruto's lap while they cuddled. "Can I join?" asked the Snake mistress as she jumped in with Naruto and Yugao, making space for her as Kurenai had more than clean thoughts. "S-so Naruto-san, why did you want to see me, and why is Yakumo here?" she asked, ready to go to the point.
"The reason is that I sensed a large negative force consuming her, which caused her mind to, in a way, create a defense that took all the worst parts of a human, and Yakumo was in constant battle with it," Naruto said as Kurenai locked eyes with him, asking. "What can be done to save her? And you didn't answer the other question," she narrowed his eyes.
"Yakumo-chan has a powerful bloodline that allows her to trick the brain into thinking her genjutsu's are real. As for why she's here is very simple. When I discovered the negative emotion, I wanted to investigate it, and I found something very concerning. She had been tricked while you were on your team's C-rank mission into thinking that you were in the village didn't believe in her and sealed her powers along with several Anbu. This made her resent you." Naruto paused, knowing it was difficult enough as Kurenai looked shocked, then angered.
"What! Who would do this?" she asked, looking at them as Anko hugged her. Naruto also moved to place a hand on her. "That's not the worst part I found out that she had other seals have started that they were going to continue when I found that out I decided to take her out of that place and bring her into a safer place my compound," Naruto said as Kurenai felt gratitude towards the blonde for helping Yakumo.
"Thank you for everything you've done, Naruto-san. But won't her clan want her back?" she asked, looking at Naruto, who shook his head sadly. "She said she was banished from her clan and, without their protection, someone took advantage of that isolation to destroy your relationship and put seals on her," he finally said as he watched Kurenai's body tremble from anger.
"Right now she's safe, and I'll talk to the Hokage so she's under my clan's protection," he said as Kurenai looked at him, surprised, but nodded if someone tried to send forces after Yakumo, she wasn't sure her security would be enough.
"Tomorrow I will remove the fuinjutsu in her and fix the problem she has, but it'll take some time," Naruto said. "I don't know how to repay what you are doing thank you very much Naruto-san," Kurenai said as the redhead turned to look at her while staring at her, then nodded. "There is something you could do," he said, causing the black-haired girl to look at him with her eyes half-closed and then cover her breasts with her arms. "What are you doing?" the Uzumaki asked. "If you think I'll give you my body, you're very wrong, Gaki," said the red-eyed jonin, sending an annoyed look to the redhead, who blinked for a few seconds, then closed his eyes.
"Yeah Na~ru~to~ I thought you might have had enough with me and Yugao-chan~. And Nai-chan, you're finally going after my mate," asked Anko while giggling, earning a blush from Kurenai. "While I admit that you are without a doubt a beautiful woman, that wasn't going to do what I was going to ask you," said Naruto while the crimson-eyed teacher's blush increased. "But no, what I want is for you to teach me Genjutsu," said the Uzumaki, smiling at her to see how the woman slightly opened her eyes. "And you know you wouldn't mind it, would you hebi-hime?" asked Naruto, looking at Anko, who blushed but didn't say anything.
"But why don't you ask someone else to teach you?" asked the raven-haired jonin as she lowered her arms from her attractive figure. "It just happens that not many people are specialized in Genjutsu. Both Kakashi-nii and Mikoto-chan taught me sharigan genjutsu to use with my Sharingan. Aside from that, I was taught the basics by Kakashi-nii, but it still takes me a while to cast them," said Naruto as Kurenai looked at Yugao and Anko, who nodded as she began to think about it.
"Also, the way you use them in combat is very impressive, not to mention that it was very beautiful to see how you fought; it almost seemed as if a butterfly was flying through the air. From what Anko and Mikoto told me." With this, Kurenai's eyes opened a little, along with a pink tint on her cheeks. "Eto, thank you," said Kurenai, unconsciously looking away and then clearing her throat and looking at the hanyou. "Very well, I will train you, but I have conditions," she said, watching as the redhead indicated for her to continue.
"I want you to let me see Yakumo at any time," she said, so that the blonde nodded. "I will let you know when I have time to train you, but knowing your sensei and seeing how close you two are, I will not accept that you are late. If you do, I will punish you," the raven-haired jonin said.
"Ara ara, we haven't gone on a date, and you want to play like that, Kurenai-sensei?" asked a smiling blonde, making the raven-haired jonin blush while pouting. "Sorry, sorry, couldn't help it," Naruto said jokingly as Anko gained a glint in her eyes. "Now that business is done, we need you to help us release all our stress," said Anko as she grabbed Yugao and Naruto, dragging them to Naruto's room.
With Kureani blushing as she decided to leave, she was thinking. 'When I get home, I'll take a cold shower,' as she left the compound, only to see Naruto approaching her. "I thought Anko dragged you to a room," she asked. "I am with them right now, but leaving such a beauty to walk home alone isn't fair. So allow me to be your companion until you reach your home," said Naruto with a smile.
"Oh my Naruto-kun, you haven't invited me to a date yet, you want to enter my home," teased Kurenai, though there was a light blush on her cheeks. Naruto then held her hands with a smirk, looking at her. "We can remedy that, just name the place and time," Naruto said. "I-well-uh," Kurenai stuttered, trying to come up with something. "Relax, Kurenai-san, I was joking," Naruto said, making Kurenai pout. "Not funny, Naruto-san," she said, pouting. "Fine, fine, I'll never say how cute you are when you pout," said Naruto with his arms up like he surrendered with a gentle smile, making Kurenai blush at the unexpected compliment.
When they reached her home, Naruto smiled and kissed her hands as he said goodbye, making Kurenai blush as she entered her apartment. Her thoughts went back to Naruto. "Kami, he might make me fall for him," thought Kurenai as she looked at her hand. "Maybe Anko was right," she thought with a small smile.
The next day
Sakura came over from her newly acquired apartment after another fight with her mother, and thinking about Naruto's offer, she decided not to accept it yet, wanting to prove she could live on her own and not rely on others. While Inner thought it was a bad idea not to spend as much time with Naruto-kun, but agreed with her, saying maybe this way Naruto would see how she was already changing with his help. As she went to visit Naruto, wanting to spend some time with him after the mission. When she entered, noticing almost no one home, she knew Anko and Haku both had work with Haku working on the hospital part-time until she could become a medic ninja while also going to I&T to search her mind. She had seen Yugao with a clone on groceries like they were a married couple with a smile. She had noticed a slight limp on Yugao and a certain glow about her that made her a bit jealous, thinking about the time she would do it, as Naruto would always try to make it as memorable as he could, from what she heard from Anko.
She was brought out of her mind when she felt some arms around her. "So what were you thinking, my little cherry blossom-chan?" Sakura turned around with a smile as Naruto kissed her on the lips. "N-nothing important, what were planning on doing today?" she asked, looking at him with a loving smile. "I'm going to help Yakumo-chan with her little problem. I could use a medic nin by my side to do a check-up after we are done. Would you mind helping me?" he asked, his breath coming into contact with her ears, making her shiver with excitement while also smiling. "Of course I'll help you, Naru-kun~" she said before she gave him a kiss that Naruto reciprocated.
A bit later, all three went to a training ground with seals scattered around the ground in a circle. As Naruto thought about what he learned and shared with Sakura about Yakumo. Due to all the negative emotions and thoughts she had manifested an entity named Ido. But Naruto suspected Yakumo had always had it, but only after the seal was applied, freed her. Still, it was something that needed to be addressed immediately.
The seals he placed had the purpose to link those who were inside the circle's minds together in a safe manner, as well as contain any power that could potentially leak out and cause damage. "Are you ready, Yakumo-chan?" asked the blonde as he knelt inside the circle.
"Y-yes." The girl hesitated, clearly afraid of what was about to happen. Regardless, she too knelt in the circle, just across from where Naruto was. "Are you sure this is going to work?"
"You don't have to worry, Yakumo-san Naruto-kun is skilled in fuinjutsu, and I'm here to help in case anything goes wrong," Sakura said as she smiled to reassure Yakumo. Naruto also gave her a reassuring smile as he bent over, channeling his chakra into the seals. In an instant, a blinding white light erupted around the two, prompting Sakura to cover her eyes while feeling around.
Yakumo's Mindscape
When the two opened their eyes, the first thing they noticed was that they were not in the training ground anymore. Instead, they were in what appeared to be a nightmarish hell scape. Barren rock cropping and ruined buildings littered the horizon as the sky above was filled with black clouds with red lightening striking at random. In truth, the entire scene frightened Yakumo.
'Is this my mind?' She thought fearfully as she took in the environment around her. However, she was broken out of her thoughts when she felt a hand on her shoulder, turning she saw Naruto standing beside her.
"It's only like this because you have an alternative personality fighting for control." He explained. "Just remember. This is your mind, you're the one in control. No matter what Ido says. Nothing can happen unless you want it to happen."
Encouraged by the blonde at her side, Yakumo nodded her head and steeled her resolve as the two of them set off towards a large, broken tower-like structure. No doubt where Ido was residing. It didn't take long for the two to arrive at their destination. Stepping into the center of the broken tower, they were greeted by the sight of an individual who looked similar to Yakumo, except for horns that protruded outwards, and elongated fangs coming from the mouth. Its skin is a darkened grayish brown, with an almost animalistic cat-like face, and eyes..
"So, my weak, pathetic shell finally comes to me." The demonic entity growls out.
"You must be Ido," Naruto commented as they approached the figure, unaffected by its appearance.
"How cute, she brought a friend." It sneered. "Too bad you have only come to your death."
"I don't think so." The blonde stated casually. "You see, this is Yakumo-chan's domain. Not yours. You are merely a false queen in this mindscape."
Taking this as her cue, Yakumo stepped forward. A steeled look of determination in her eyes. All the while repeating what Naruto had told her. Despite Ido's intimidating appearance, the demon could do nothing to her or Naruto without her consent.
"You have plagued me for the past three months." She stated. "Filling my mind with thoughts of destroying the village, torturing Kurenai-san to death, and setting the world on fire. No more!"
"Foolish girl! Those were your thoughts and desires!" Ido exclaimed, lashing out with a wave of power, sending debris and large dark energy tendrils towards the two.
However, before the attack could hit, the tendrils smashed into an invisible wall as the various debris of masonry shattered upon colliding with the invisible force, as Yakumo stood there, mildly flinching at the closeness of the attack. Naruto, on the other hand, didn't even bat an eye. Seeing that Ido's attack couldn't touch her, the young girl was filled with more confidence as she brought up her right arm and swung it to the side in a sweeping motion, sending out her wave of power that obliterated the dark tendrils and kicked up their dust and debris.
"You have no power here!" Yakumo stated with finality. "This is my domain!"
As she stated this, she began to stalk forward towards the demonic-like entity. All the while, her power kept the tendrils that Ido kept sending towards her at bay as they were destroyed upon impact with the powerful barrier Yakumo kept around her. Gradually, the young girl drew closer to the Ido, causing the entity to begin to panic as its powers were not affecting the girl or the blonde that had accompanied her. As Yakumo drew closer, Ido began to panic further.
"STAY AWAY!" Ido cried out as she started throwing more attacks at the girl in desperation, though as expected, none got even close to her. "STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
"You're right." Yakumo finally spoke once she got within arm's length of the demonic-looking entity, using her power to hold Ido in place. "I did have those thoughts. I wanted to see the village burn. I wanted to see Kurenai-sensei suffer for what she did to me. I wanted everyone who had wronged me to pay. But I was wrong."
"So what now?" Ido asked, resigning herself to her fate, since she couldn't escape from her captor. "Will you banish me from your mind? Lock me away, or just snuff out my existence?"
"No." The brown haired girl replied, to the surprise of Ido. "You were created by my own negative emotions and thoughts. You were able to grow and nurture due to the seal that was put on me to suppress my power. However, despite how you created, you are still part of who I am."
It was then that Yakumo did something that neither Naruto nor Ido had expected. She brought the entity into a hug. Upon doing so, a bright light flashed, temporarily blinding the blonde from seeing what was happening. As the light faded, the brownish skin began to shed away from Ido, revealing a fairer complexion underneath it.
The horns that adorned her head became smaller before twisting and changing into a more elegant-looking set, looking almost like the horns of a ram. Her fangs also became smaller, almost to the point that they only barely protruded from under her upper lip. Her eyes, while still keeping their cat-like appearance, had changed color. What was once yellow filled with malice was now a pinkish color.
As this happened, Ido's eyes widened in shock at what had just happened. She felt as if all the darkness that had clouded her mind had been cleared. This was further reflected as the environment around them began to shift and change. Buildings that were once crumbling repaired themselves, as the darkened sky cleared, to allow rays of sunshine to wash over the newly repaired city. Leaving the three of them standing in the center of a beautiful park.
"I'm sorry." Ido cried, allowing her head to drop onto Yakumo's shoulder, to which the brunette stroked the girl's hair to comfort her.
"No, I am sorry." Yakumo smiled. "I thrust all of my negative emotions upon you unfairly."
Meanwhile, Naruto merely smiled as everything unfolded. He was honestly surprised at Yakumo's approach to handling Ido, how she had accepted that Ido was part of her, despite what the being had represented. He knew that had Yakumo tried to fight it, Ido would have only become stronger and increased its chance of completely taking control.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun," Yakumo stated, breaking the blonde out of his musings. "I couldn't have done this without you."
"How did I help?" He asked, a little confused. Sure, he may have set up the seals to allow them both in her mindscape so that they could confront Ido, but aside from that, he did nothing.
"With your words and belief in me." She smiled while still stroking the hair of the still sobbing Ido. "At first, I fully intended to fight with everything I had. But when you told me that she couldn't do anything as long as I didn't allow it, it made me realize that she was born because of me."
"So instead of fighting her, you decided to embrace that she is a part of you." Naruto surmised with a smile. Approving of her resolve. Yakumo merely nodded with a smile.
"Of course." She replied. "As one, we can move forward towards our dream to be the most renowned Genjutsu Mistress in not just Konoha, but all of the Elemental Nations." At this, Ido nodded in agreement. "Together." She said.
Real world
Sakura quickly rushed forward when the glow that the seals had once given off when activated had died down, as she started to check Yakumo and see any changes. "H-how long were we out?" asked Yakumo, seeing that Sakura had gotten a notebook and started noting things. "Only half an hour," she said casually to Yakumo, who looked confused as Naruto chuckled. "Time flows differently on a mindescape. But how do you feel?" asked Naruto while also answering her unspoken question.
"I feel whole and…." She paused, scrunching her nose slightly. One thing that she noticed right away was that she felt physically stronger. Stronger than she had been in a long time. "Stronger. Like I was missing something that I just got back."
"That's good." Naruto smiled as he moved to stand from his kneeling position, only to be tackled in a hug by the brunette. Tears streamed down her face as she muttered 'Thank yous' over and over again. Smiling, the blonde rubbed the girl's back as he was forced to sit back down while she cried into his chest. Sakura, knowing this was difficult, stayed quiet and also consoled her. Another half hour passed as they sat there, Yakumo having finally calmed down from her emotional state and having fallen asleep in the blonde's arms.
Seeing this, Naruto softly chuckled to himself and carefully stood up, adjusting the brunette into a bridal position, and proceeded to take her to her room. "Get some rest," Naruto said as he turned to leave the room. "I am sure Kurenai-san will be coming by to visit later today." As he left, Yakumo cracked open her eyes and smiled once more. 'You know, he is cute. You should see about dating him.' Ido commented from within her mind, prompting Yakumo to widen her eyes in surprise as a blush crept across her face. Earning a giggle from Sakura, who guessed what she was thinking.
With Kakashi
As he entered the Uzumaki Compound, he heard a clone had to discuss something. He noticed Sakura humming happily while she was cooking. Kakashi's eye smiled, "I see someone is getting close to Naruto," he teased, earning a blush from Sakura. "Um, W-we are dating Kakashi-sensei," Sakura answered embarrassedly. Chuckling, "I know it was hard to miss your crush on him," said Kakashi, making Sakura blush even more. "By the way, where is he?" Kakashi asked.
Naruto entered soon after. "Yo," said Naruto. " Hey Ottuto seems like you are more popular than expected, but why did you call me?" asked Kakashi, apart from teasing Naruto. "Well, it's about a problem we encountered," said Naruto, explaining everything that happened with Yakumo and how she had been banished. "I see this is indeed concerning, well, we can do this," said Kakashi, looking seriously as they had already failed Izumi, with them trying to plan on how to get her back. After which, Sakura and Naruto headed out on a date, with Naruto making a clone to send towards the Ichiraku's stand
Ramen Ichiraku
The purple-haired beauty, known as the 'Queen of Blades', was sitting by herself at the ramen stand, enjoying a bowl of pork miso while chatting with Ayame. The subject of the course was Naruto. Ayame was a little disappointed that Naruto had been unable to come see her the previous day, but Yugao explained that he intended to before something serious came up. Going on to explain how Naruto had helped out Kurenai's student and potentially saved her from a very bleak future.
As the two were conversing, two shadows were cast over the two women. Ayame scowled, having a good view of the two that had just entered the stand, prompting Yugao to sigh to herself. 'Guess it was too much to hope that the bastard would leave me alone.'
"Hey Yugao-chan." Hayate greeted as he entered the ramen stand, ignoring the scowl Ayame was sending his way, as Genma entered along with him, looking bored. "What do you want?" The sword's mistress asked in an annoyed tone.
"Don't be like that, Yugao-chan," Hayate said as he took a stool next to her, ignoring the glare he was receiving from Ayame. "I just wanted to have a friendly chat."
"I've already told you, I am not interested, and I will not forsake my fiancé," Yugao said. "Come on, Yugao-chan, I know you were forced into that arrangement against your will." The coughing swordsman continued. "But I can take care of you a lot better than that brat can. In more ways than one."
This, of course, prompted both women to scowl at the man's words. "If you're not going to order something, then I am going to have to ask you to leave," Ayame stated, glaring at both men in the stand.
Turning his attention to the ramen waitress, Hayate couldn't help but notice her beauty as he let his eyes travel up and down her body. This, of course, did not go unnoticed by the two women, earning him another pair of heated glares that he ignored.
"Don't even think about it." The ramen waitress stated with a cold edge to her voice. "I have a boyfriend," she said heatedly at the man watching her as if she were some prize. "Fine, fine." Hayate held up his hands in mock surrender. "I'll have a beef ramen."
"And you?" Ayame turned her attention to the bandana-wearing jonin. "Pork ramen, please." He replied before turning to take out a senbon to chew, clearly showing he would much rather be anywhere else but here.
The brunette ramen waitress made eye contact with the swordswoman's mistress before disappearing back into the kitchen area to prepare the orders. Normally, her father would cook while she took orders, but he had an errand to run and wouldn't return for another few hours.
"So, how about you forget about that brat, and I will take you out on a nice date." The male swordsman pressed on. "That brat probably doesn't respect you anyway."
"What harm could it do to give Hayate here a chance, Uzuki-san?" Genma piped in lazily while trying to tell Yugao he owned Hayate."Go out a few times as friends, and you may be surprised." Genma also didn't know she had a fiancé, so he was a bit shocked when Hayate mentioned it first
'So that's his plan.' Yugao thought to herself with a scoff. 'Bring along a wing man to pressure me into going out with him. Dumb asse .'
"I assure you, I am quite happy with my engagement to my fiancé." The purple-haired woman stated with a clipped tone. "And as far as our relationship goes, it is purely professional. And even that is pushing it."
"I just don't get what you see in the brat." Hayate scoffed. "He should have died on his first mission out of the village."
Genma couldn't help but frown at his friend's words. While he was friends with Hayate, he also knew Yugao tolerated him at most. "What I see in Naruto-kun is none of your business," Yugao stated. "And to see you sink so low as to wish death upon a fellow Konoha shinobi just further lowers my opinion of you. You truly are pathetic."
At hearing Naruto's name come out of the purple-haired ANBU's mouth, Genma nearly dropped his senbon in surprise. Stealing a glance at her surprised by the revelation. However, he didn't get to dwell on it further, as another person entered the ramen stand, immediately causing Hayate to scowl at the newcomer.
"How's my Queen of Blades?" Naruto asked as he wrapped his arms around the purple-haired woman's waist from behind, giving her a light kiss at the base of her neck.
This, of course, prompted her to smile and lean back into his embrace, all the while getting a sense of enjoyment as jealousy and rage washed over Hayate's face. Meanwhile, Genma stayed silent. He was from the fourth bodyguard platoon he had tried to stop some of the mobs from attacking Naruto when he was young.
"Now, haven't I already warned you about harassing my fiancé, Hayate-teme?" The blonde inquired as he settled into a stool on the opposite side of his purple-haired beauty, who, of course, after Naruto got settled and slid over into his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck while he supported her by holding on to her waist. It was clear that she was relishing the fact that she could be openly affectionate with him.
"Like you have any power over me." Hayate scoffed. "I outrank you as a shinobi." Said Hayate. "As a shinobi, maybe, but you're forgetting something," Naruto smirked. "As the clan head of the Uzumaki and Senju clans, I outrank you. And with myself being a shinobi as well, it gives me a voice on the Shinobi council." At this revelation, the sickly swordsman paled.
"Now, so far, I have been polite about your unwanted advances towards Yugao-chan." The blonde continued. "However, I am beginning to grow tired of your foolish pursuit of my fiancé. As such, I am tempted to bring this before the Shinobi Council, in which one of many things could happen to you, as you would be perceived as a threat to one of my future clan members."
"Firstly, you could find your shinobi license revoked and your chakra sealed. Secondly, you could find yourself stationed far outside of the village to ensure no 'accidental' contact with the affected clan member. And lastly, as I just overheard you stating your desire that I die on a mission outside of the village, it could be seen as you conspiring against a clan head, for which the punishment is public execution. So what will it be, Hayate-teme?"
While scowling at the implications, Hayate wisely remained silent. Meanwhile, Genma couldn't help but shudder, not just because of the words the kid had said, but the tone he used. Which promised that he would follow through it it if needed. As silence fell over the four, Ayame returned with the two orders, placing them each before Hayate and Genma.
"Ah, Naruto-kun, you're here." Ayame smiled as she made her way around the counter and enveloped the blonde in a hug from behind, as the young blonde craned his neck to give her a soft kiss on the lips, while the purple haired beauty moved slightly out of the way to allow her future sister-wife and fellow jashinist in for some affection from their mate.
"Sorry, I didn't come by last night." The blonde apologized. "Something came up that I had to look into."
"It's okay, Yugao-chan, let me know what happened." The brunette waved off his apology. "Her too?" Hayate inquired as he watched the two girls surround the blonde.
"As the last of the Uzumaki and Senju clans, I'm in the Clan Restoration Act," Naruto spoke up with a slight sigh. In all honesty, Genma wasn't surprised by Ayame being in a relationship with the blonde, given how he loved ramen.
As silence settled over the group, Ayame ducked back into the kitchen area to prepare a few orders of the blonde's preferred dish. Meanwhile, both Yugao and Naruto merely enjoyed each other's company with the purple-haired woman sitting comfortably in the blonde's lap. Once again, much to the dismay of the swordsman, eventually the man had had enough and left the stand. While Genma made some light chatter with them and asked Yugao to forgive him afterwards, he left.
"So how is she?" Yugao finally asked, inquiring about their new roommate. "We took care of her inner demon this morning." The blonde stated. "Truthfully, it wasn't that hard. It was more about Yakumo-chan acknowledging that Ido is part of her," Naruto said. "You know he is going to come after you, right, Naruto-kun?" Implying that Danzo would no doubt be sending more ROOT after the blonde hanyou.
"I hope he comes after me himself." He grinned as Ayame sat down the first of many bowls of the Kushina Special in front of her mate. "Save me the trouble of having to hunt him down with all the cloak and dagger bullshit." Both girls could only chuckle at their mate. "Plus, we are hoping to bring Izumi-chan back to us."