26 Threat in Dabi Part 1

Two years later:

A meek, irritated groan echoed throughout the lab as a pair of silver eyes fluttered open for the first time in over a century and a half. Her vision was blurry… what happened? Where was…

Miranda jolted up as the memories came back to her - Roxanne! She… she....! That BITCH!? She left her to die! Allowed that awakened to... to… the mere thought of what that fucker did to her made the former Number 35 want to throw up. She could still feel her body getting torn apart, and mutilated.

"Ah, finally!" a male voice chuckled in relief. "I was beginning to think I'd failed again. Well? Can you speak? State your name and rank. Do you remember your generation?"

"M-my name is Miranda," the girl answered robotically. "Warrior Number 35 and the 205th graduate of the 74th Generation." Then, she looked at the man who asked and blinked several times. "D-Dae? Is that you? What happened?!"

What happened, indeed? She didn't remember him having only half a face, nor did she recall the man looking that old! Sure he was pretty damn ancient, last she'd seen him, but the guy looked like he'd aged a good few decades.

"Time has a way of changing people," the man said. "You've been dead for upwards of 150 years, my dear."

Miranda stared at him in utter shock and awe. Then, she slowly lied back down and closed her eyes with her hands over them. "Yup, I'm still dreaming… what happened before was just a nightmare. Oh, thank the gods it was just a nightmare..."

"I am afraid it was more than a nightmare." Dae replied, "Soon after your death, your friend Cassandra tried to kill the one who allowed it to happen. She died in the attempt," when Miranda shot up again, looking at him with wide disbelieving eyes, he quickly raised his hands and added reassuringly, "but rest assured that justice was served, nonetheless." He then nudged her, urging the girl to get off the slab. "Now, please do get up. The Organization has a very important task for you."

"B-but how?" Miranda shrieked, her tone becoming ever more indignant as she went on. "There's no way! I was… I was ahead! There's no coming back from that! Even if there was, why revive me, of all people and not Cassandra?"

"The Organization is in dire straights, my dear." the man calmly replied. "I have been tasked to find a way to revive the strongest of the previous Number 1's - including Cassandra - and some others, to deal with a problem we're facing."

Miranda blinked owlishly. "B-but why-"

"I'm getting to that," Dae interrupted sternly. "Among the others is Roxanne. We need you to keep these two from killing each other, at least until the job is done. I suspect that there are a few others who will want to kill her as well." he then shrugged nonchalantly. "Once this threat is dealt with, you and Cassandra can do as you please with Roxanne, for all I care."

"U-uh… I see... " Miranda nervously licked her suddenly dry lips. "So… what is this task the Organization wants me and the other warriors you're bringing… back to life... to do?" Despite herself, the Number 35 couldn't help wonder what pushed the Organization so far as to bring back dead warriors. She didn't think such a thing was possible!

Dae smiled at her cooperation. She always was the agreeable type. "There is a young man who's been inciting a rebellion of sorts amongst the women of the organization," he explained. "A dreadful, young man, he is. He's seduced and brainwashed the women into thinking we are somehow evil or some such nonsense, convinced them that we are the ones creating the yoma." there had been warriors in the past that implied the Organization were the ones to make yoma, and send them to towns that refused to pay them. Teresa is one of them. While it may be true, Miranda doesn't know that, and telling her a little… 'truthful lie…' can go a long way in getting someone to do what you want. "To make matters worse, he has none other than Riful of the West at his beck and call - along with two other Awakened beings of comparable strength. We need this man and his harem dealt with as soon as possible."

Miranda went white as a sheet. Before her death, the only one comparable to Riful was Isley! Now there's two? The way Dae made it sound, these two were this 'threat's' lovers, so… unless Isley had some preferences, Miranda hadn't been aware of, these two were female, in other words, it was reasonable to assume that the number of Abyssal Ones had doubled since her time!

"Who are these other awakened beings?" information is key, and she wanted to know as much as possible. Lest she unknowingly provokes them, prematurely.

"One is a redheaded woman known as Luciela of the South," Dae answered. " She popped about three generations after yours. The other's a brunette by the name of Priscilla, the One-Horned Monster. Her appearance is fairly recent - a bit more than two decades ago, give or take. She is also the most powerful, by far - nearly as strong as Riful and Luciela, combined."

Poor Miranda nearly fainted from sheer terror. "R-right… no pressure… no pressure, at all. Who is this threat, then?"

"A man from a previously undiscovered continent, where the locals have strange, unimaginable power. He has blond hair and blue eyes, with markings on his cheeks that resemble whiskers like those of a cat." Dae relayed to her. "His name is Naruto Uzumaki, better known by the people here as 'Ladykiller' Naruto. Be warned: he seems to have this uncanny ability to sway women to his side - no doubt some manner of seduction. Nearly every woman he's come in contact with has fallen in love with him to the point that they are sadly beyond salvation. If he is to be dealt with, it must be done swiftly and with great caution." The elderly scientist gave her a firm look as he finished, "I cannot emphasize this enough!"

"Y-yes, sir!" Miranda replied with a salute and the best game face she could muster. "W-when do we begin?"

----

Never in her life did Tsunade need a drink so damn badly! How the hell did Naruto keep track of so many kids?! Now, there were 31 of the little fuckers running about… with five more on the way!

It legitimately scared her…

Just a bit more than a year ago, came Clare's kid, Shauna. Then, Priscilla gave birth to her daughter Nyx, Cynthia had a son named Alexandre, and Riful had a pair of twins named Elspeth and Nicholas, in that order, all in the same damn month!

Not even two weeks after that, Miria gave birth to a girl named Sherlie and Tabitha had a boy named Caiden the next day! About two months later, Luciela had a daughter named Chandra, and then the next wave hit the following year.

How in the hell did he manage to keep it up!? It was impressive… and scary. Having Uzumaki stamina, enhanced by being a Jinchuuriki of the strongest Tailed Beast made for a scary combination.

Sparing Tsunade's sanity, Naruto only produced four kids this year: a girl named Damia with Undine; a boy named Sorin with Yuma; Ophelia had a boy whom she named after her dead brother, Jason; and finally, Luciela had yet another little girl, named Liliana!

The aged, former Kage eyeballed Riful out the corner of her eye. Seeing the Abyssal loli with a sizeable baby bump on her seemed… off. Such a thing didn't belong on such a young-looking body - shape-shifting demon girl or not.

Jean was only about a month in, while Cynthia was due any day, as was Priscilla.

Apparently, those three and Riful, in particular, were having themselves a competition of sorts - each one as hellbent as the other three to pump out as many screaming bundles of vomit and soiled diapers as they possibly could. Whatever the holy hell made them think that was a good idea simply lied well beyond Tsunade's ability and willingness to understand.

Then again, love does tend to make people do stupid things. That much she can understand… from experience, no less. Shaking those depressing memories aside, Tsunade sighed and got back to the person she was checking up.

"Well, while it's too early to tell, I can say that you are a healthy woman Jean." the blonde told the woman in front of her. "Come back to me when the bump is showing and I'll be able to tell you more."

The former Number 9 nodded. "Very well, then," she said, bowing respectfully. "Thank you."

Tsunade waved her off, "Don't worry about it, I'm just doing my job." then she peered at the loli. "Riful, you're next."

The said brunette nodded, scooting onto the table, just as Jean vacated it.

The former Kage couldn't help but be unnerved by the 'brat' before her. Something about the Abyssal loli never failed to creep her out. Her hair for one didn't look… natural. Tsunade always thought it was the trick of the eyes since, at times, it would sometimes look metallic or get a sharp edge. Then she saw the brat training one day with Naruto and found that no she was not seeing things. Riful was able to somehow turn herself into a sentient mass of ribbons - a trait she seemed to pass down to her kids - and often like using her hair in partial transformations.

Setting those thoughts aside for later, Tsunade blazed through a few hand seals and cast a diagnostic technique to see how the loli's kid was doing. "Hmm, well, it's a boy. I can tell you that much." Riful giggled. "He seems fine, all things considered; but, unless you transform into a more mature physique his growth is going to be difficult for your body to handle." Tsunade scowled what she was about to say leaving a bad taste in her mouth. "A new… shipment from Kumo should be arriving tomorrow. That should help you out until I can finally get done setting up that lab."

While said 'shipment' was entirely comprised of the worst scumbags Kumo had on death row, Tsunade couldn't wish their fate on even them. The Blood Prison was also a viable place to go to get them nourishment - but luckily for the bastards within, they were too important to kill. Or in this case, to have them served as food for the awakened ones.

"Okay." Riful nodded. Then, she hummed thoughtfully, unable to help but ask. "I wonder if anyone back in the Elemental Nations is aware of what their criminals are being used for?"

Tsunade shrugged with an uncaring expression. "Not really. Nine times out of ten, the Missing-nin that are captured are killed off quietly. No one would know or care what happens to their bodies afterwards. We normally collect the heads and burn the bodies after the deed is done so no secrets of their hidden village are discovered. However, if they're too important to kill, then they're sent to the Blood Prison."

Riful shrugged indifferently. Well, that explained why so many of them were headless on arrival. She did so enjoy when they had a live meal for her, though~! "I suppose that makes sense," she said.

"Had Naruto failed to defeat the shinobi and Kunoichi that caused The Suna Incident, there would have been a small chance he would have been killed via decapitation. But since he's far too important to kill, he would most likely have gone straight to the Blood Prison."

"I figured," Riful replied. "He is a war hero, after all." then, she let loose a perverted giggle, rubbing her swollen belly. "I'm glad that didn't happen, though~!"

Tsunade twitched; that particular giggle reminded her far too much of the late Toad Sage. Unlike him, however, the woman didn't deck Riful over the head with her super strength - since, you know, she'd likely try to kill her the instant that happens? And she's pregnant as well… death by literal slaughter was far from being off the table if the blonde were to try something that stupid.

Tsunade let out another sigh as she cancelled the Jutsu. "Well, that is you done. All you have to do now is to eat and transform into a more proper form, so you can support the growth of your child." she told the loli, "Cynthia, you're up next. And where is Priscilla? She's another person who needs to be checked up!"

Cynthia took Riful's place as she slipped off. "Priscilla is, unsurprisingly, with Naruto," the very pregnant blonde muttered in irritation. "She's been by his side for two fucking weeks!" and her hormones were acting up again, making her more easily irritable and quick to anger. Not to mention she's going through withdrawal due to a lack of snuggles from her man.

She. Wants. Her. Snuggles, DAMNIT!!!

"I'll see if I can talk to him about it," Tsunade promised. No need to make this more unpleasant. Then, she blazed through the same hand seals from before and ran another diagnostic."I still find it hard to believe you're having a second pair of twins…" the former Kage muttered.

"Ugh, tell me about it," Cynthia complained with an irritated scowl; it was an expression that looked entirely out of place on such a sweet girl like her. "It was hard enough having one pair of twins. Hell, I don't even know how I survived giving birth to them back to back! But now, I have another pair?! What are the chances of that happening?!" she ranted throwing her arms up and comically waving them around with indignation.

"Pretty low; though, it depends on your fertility," Tsunade answered.

"ARE YOU TELLING ME IT'S MY FAULT?!"

"Not at all," Tsunade assured. "For the record, your little girls are doing just fine. Keep it up,"

And just like that, Cynthia went from being irritated and angry, to bubbly and happy.

She clasped her hands together, gasping with joy. "Daughters?! Yay!" she squealed.

Tsunade was used to this. When pregnant, women tend to go through mood whiplashes very quickly. So their moods can change at the drop of a hat. It didn't mean she didn't find it tiring at times though; the former kage couldn't help but wonder how Naruto had managed to put up with them? She heard what had happened to Priscilla when she went into labour a few years ago; she transformed mid-labour and tried to take off his arm, scaring everyone in the castle they were in at the time.

Then there was Riful… who scared Naruto do much that he avoided her outright for weeks, or months, depending on the person who told it. Shockingly, that wasn't the worst! Ophelia, Luciela and Priscilla threatened to eat him. Tsunade didn't know which one to feel sorrier for, in that case.

Though in Priscilla's case, the number of things she said she was going to do to him getting more and more hilarious. Ranging from shoving a clone's head up the ass of another clone, to elbow dropping him in his sleep!

Then Cynthia brought Tsunade back to the present by asking, "So do you want me to get Priscilla? Or to get Naruto, to get Priscilla, to get her to checkup, with him getting to come with her?"

The former kage blinked owlishly. That was an… oddly phrased question; nevertheless, the blonde nodded and Cynthia grinned cheerfully as she got down from the bed to get them.

"Okay! One irritated Priscilla coming up!" unfortunately for Tsunade, she didn't specify if Naruto should come or not. And with Cynthia out of the room, the former kage couldn't tell her.

And so there Tsunade sat; on her seat, looking at the doorway with her eyes as wide as saucers. Then fucking Riful decided to lean in, pressing her cheek against the frozen blonde's with an arm over her shoulder, and childishly say, "Oooooooh~! You fucked up!"

----

Meanwhile, in the bailey of the citadel, Naruto - the original one - was busy training his girls and children to use chakra in a more proficient and fun way: ninja tag. Originally, it was a game for kids to play when they were in the academy back in Konoha, since he uses to play it with Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi when he was younger.

But he repurposed it for more practical reasons. One person would be assigned as the 'tagger', any people they touched, would be on their 'team'. The more people that got touched the easier their task at tagging the others would be. They were not allowed to use their claymores or any elemental techniques, nor were they allowed to transform - partially or otherwise.

The Uzumaki Patriarch wanted this to be fair on everyone. No one would have any advantages over anyone else. The ones who were not caught had an armband tied to their bicep. Those who were caught had to take them off to show you are on the other team.

Naruto ducked under Harja's hand with a laugh, "Nice try little one!" he said, as he spun out of the way and ran in the opposite direction as her. He suddenly leapt up and flipped over William and Teresa who tried to blindside him with their hands outstretched.

They crashed into each other and fell on their asses with a pain-filled yelp. They glared half-heartedly at their father who chuckled at their misfortune. "Nice try you two; if Harja kept me distracted a little bit longer, I would have been caught there."

He then sidestepped when Helen's outstretched arm tried to grab him by the arm. He grinned and gave the woman a cheeky wink before leaping up and backflipping onto a wall to avoid Miria, who suddenly appeared behind him with her arm outstretched also.

Miria tsked in disappointment, but she had a smile on her face as she looked up at her husband who was grinning and waving cheekily at her and the others with closed eyes. Then he snapped his eyes open when Veronica landed on the wall beside him, using chakra in her hands and feet to stick to the surface. He looked at her and blinked owlishly when she tapped him on the shoulder with a triumphant grin. Sighing, Naruto closed his eyes and took off his armband as he dropped to the ground with an audible chuckle, with Veronica following after him.

That is what he gets for closing his eyes.

Both blonds, plus Miria, Helen, Harja, William and Teresa all looked around to see who still had their armbands on still.

"I have to admit this game you got us playing is damn fun!" Helen said with a chuckle. "I thought it would be stupid, but, boy was I wrong."

"Anything boring can be made interesting." Naruto pointed out to her. "I had to adjust it a little so this can count as training. It's a fun way to train, as well. It keeps us focused on our surroundings and our chakra control sharp. Not to mention it's a good way to keep your control over your yoki as well."

Miria nodded in total agreement with that, "So when are we heading out again? It's been a few months…" then she looked off in the distance, with narrowed eyes. "and those yoki signatures have not left the outskirts of Morris for long periods, after these two years."

"They haven't tried anything yet." Naruto pointed out. "I met them once - they seemed like nice people; then again appearances can be deceiving. One of them was so damn lazy, she reminded me of someone I know back in the Elemental Nations." if he remembered right, that one's name is Europa - a former single digit.

And she looks like a loli as well; and wise too… when they spoke for a brief moment, she displayed wisdom that would be beyond her age. So that told him that one was older than she let on, like Riful.

"Besides, you do know I will put them down if they do try to attack the populace here. Not to mention with Riful, Luciela, Ophelia and Priscilla here, along with twenty-eight of you, attacking Morris would be committing suicide. They know this; so they wouldn't risk attacking unless they want to kill themselves five times over. Now, let's go and see if we can get those armbands off of everyone else." Naruto told them conclusively.

"Right! I see Yuma and Ophelia over there." Helen said, pointing at one part of the bailey where Ophelia was dodging and weaving through the hands of many children trying to catch her with a joyous laugh. Yuma was using a combination wall walking and acrobatics to avoid their grabby little hands.

They were doing a very good job at keeping ahead of the kids, that's for sure.

Naruto chuckled. No sooner than the instant that thought crossed his mind did Harja leap into the fray. Teresa and William followed after her with a loud war cry that took Ophelia and Yuma both by surprise, leaving the women open for the others to tag them.

They cried out indignantly when they were dogpiled by the kids, with Harja, William and Teresa leading the charge.

Naruto couldn't help but smile at the sight. It was so adorable! "Well... that happened." he chuckled.

Miria, Helen and Veronica chuckled in agreement, thoroughly amused as they watched a smiling Yuma trying to crawl out of the mass of tiny limbs. Poor Ophelia was nowhere to be seen.

Finding a few others wearing the armbands, Naruto stretched his fingers before leaping into the fray. He was going to do this again, sometime. It was fun, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

----

Sometime later in the day

When Kurama opened his eyes, he found himself back in the shared mindscape he has with the other Tailed Beasts. He sat up and looked around; it seemed he was the only one there for the moment.

So he waited, and waited… and waited some more.

With a snort, the Nine-Tailed fox laid back down and closed his eyes after nearly ten minutes of waiting. Whoever called him here can wake him up when he or she arrives. And if they don't like it? Too bad! They should have thought of that before they decided to waste ten minutes of his time!

And so, he waited; and waited; and waited… and then waited some more. By the time twenty minutes had passed, Kurama was fast asleep and snoring.

An hour passed, and Kurama, without provocation whatsoever, jumped awake and sat up. Blinking owlishly the Nine-Tailed fox rapidly looked around his surroundings, before remembering where he was.

He hung his head and closed his eyes, "Tch… I don't know why I got startled…" Kurama said aloud; then his eyes opened and he looked around again with a frown.

"There you are Kurama…" said the familiar voice of Isobu. He seemingly faded into existence, like a mirage had been lifted.

Said fox looked in the direction he heard his sibling and deadpanned at the turtle. "Here I... Isobu, I've been here for what felt like ages. I've been here for so long, waiting for someone to show up, that I fell asleep out of utter boredom! Where in Sage's name were you?"

Isobu looked sheepish, "Ah, sorry about that Kurama. Something had caught my attention where I was stationed."

"The Organization?"

"Who else?" The turtle said rhetorically, "Not too far from their headquarters - I'd say fifteen miles out to the North/Northwest and heading in that direction - I detected several sources of yoki just showing up out of nowhere. For someone like Naruto, and those women who were with him in the Elemental Nations two-years-ago, they're nothing to worry about. However, they will pose a problem for the towns and villages if they're not taken care of soon."

Kurama closed his eyes and said, "I see…" then they opened again, "Thank you for bringing this to my attention Isobu, I will let Naruto know about this immediately."

With that Kurama closed his eyes and faded away from the shared mindscape.

----

While he was in the middle of chakra jumping after Jean, Naruto shoulders jumped in surprise when he heard Kurama suddenly speak to him. "Brat, we have a little problem."

Hearing the seriousness in his tenant's voice caused the blond to stop chasing after his wife and adopt a serious expression, catching Jean's attention in the process. "What is it, buddy? Is the Organization up to something stupid, again?"

"I doubt it, but it is a possibility. There are several sources of yoki to the North/Northeast of our location."

"North/Northeast? That's Isley's territory, isn't it? Um… Alphonse, right?"

"That it would be," Kurama replied. "The thing is, this yoki have popped up out of nowhere. While they may not be of any threat to you or your… 'family', they're going to cause a lot of problems to many towns and villages in the north if they are left by themselves."

"I see… awakened beings then?"

Kurama grunted, "That would appear to be the case." he said, "Their yoki is pretty big, but compared to what you faced brat, they're ants. The same goes for your family here, now that they're proficient enough in using chakra." if there is one thing Kurama doesn't like, it is when warriors are a one-trick pony. So his host training his women and soon, children, to use chakra and have them use to fighting opponents that like to fight dirty and use underhanded tactics is something he likes to see.

"Alright. Chances the Organization is going to send someone over there?" Naruto asked.

"I'd say the chances the evil fuckers of sending several people over there to 'eliminate' the threat are pretty high." The fox was doubtful about that though; since the Organization was the one creating the youma in the first place, the chances are they're being sent out there to die. And with Isley still in the North - as far as Naruto and the fox knows - they're probably going to get slaughtered.

"Honey," Jean asked, "Is something wrong?"

Naruto blinked and regained focus on the present. "Kurama's telling me several sources of yoki popped up, North/Northeast of here." the blond told her, "They just suddenly appeared, and seeing as the Organization are the ones that are making yoma and awakened beings, he thinks the organization is behind it. I believe him."

The former Number 9 frowned. "I see... I take it you'll be heading out to investigate, soon, then?" What a time to be pregnant… She wanted to go with but knew it would be too dangerous for their unborn child.

"Yeah. I will." He replied; when he saw the depressed look, Naruto sighed and pointed out, "If you want you can make a shadow clone to come with me. You'll get her memories and everything if you do. It'll be like you were there. Not to mention our child won't get hurt."

Jean's eyes lit up at that. "A-alright."

He smiled and kissed her on the lips. "I can't believe you forgot about that."

She gave him a half-hearted jab in the arm. "I'm still getting used to it," Jean muttered. "I've only ever used it for chakra training, so I'm still learning what they're capable of."

"They're dispelled with a good hit. But if you put enough chakra into one clone, then they can last for a very long time. They can also take a few more hits too… so long as it's not a lethal wound. But, since they're capable of doing everything you can, that shouldn't be a problem." Naruto told her with a chuckle as he rubbed his arm before taking her into a one-armed hug.

Jean smiled, wrapping her arms around her husband and giving him a peck on the cheek. "Just let me know when you're about to head out."

"Of course," he replied warmly. "I'll let the ones I'm taking with me know as well. Luciela and Rafaela could do with some stretching. Miria too. Then, we can go."

"Okay." Jean kept hugging him for several more minutes, not wanting to let go. Then she did let him go, to do what he needed with a sigh. She hated being separated from him so much, but she would get a nice gift when he returned, at least.

----

The door to a dark chamber eerily creaked open as Clarice cautiously walked in. It was pitch black in here. Was this the right place? Looking over her shoulder, the silver-eyed brunette gave the handler a questioning look. He nodded.

Shrugging, Clarice turned to look ahead of her and cautiously walked on further in. Her footsteps echoed as she entered. Then, she jumped when the door suddenly slammed shut behind her, as if on its own! Taking a calming breath, she squinted her eyes as she looked around as best she could.

"H-hello?" she called out. "Is anyone in-"

Clarice stopped dead in her tracks as her eyes finally adjusted to see a little girl sitting in the middle of the room, curled up in a ball and rocking back and forth.

Her hair was pale blonde like most other warriors, reaching down to mid-calf, and she was extremely young. She couldn't be much older than thirteen!

As if sensing the brunette's upon her, the long-haired blonde snapped her head up and glared. The way her hair covered up her entire face except for a single eye, combined with the dark as fuck room, made for a very scary sight. Then, she moved.

The room spun, and Clarice didn't have the foggiest clue what happened. One second she was standing and the next, she was lying on her back, with the glaring girl straddling her with a claymore held to her neck!

"S-sorry! I didn't mean to intrude!" Clarice sputtered nervously.

"Did you kill them?" the girl hissed, her single eye narrowing dangerously, "Mama and Papa? Did you kill them?"

A wide-eyed Clarice gulped, "W-what?" She was just as confused as she was scared, not knowing what the girl was talking about. "What do you mean?"

The girl hissed before she suddenly got off of her. Clarice slowly sat up as she heard the girl harshly whisper to herself. "Mama and Papa… eaten… yoma, monsters, had to die. Had to eat them to stay alive… Mama and Papa… Had to eat them to stay alive… Yoma killed Mama and Papa, left me alone… Had to eat them to stay alive…"

Clarice frowned at the girl's jumbled retelling. "I… I'm sorry." She flinched when the blonde suddenly looked up at her.

Her one visible eye glinted when she looked at Clarice again as if recognising her. "M-Mama?"

"Wha…?" Now, the brunette was even more confused.

"MAMA!" The girl squealed, tackling a startled but bewildered Clarice to the ground.

Clarice yelped when the girl straddled her, grabbed her top and tore it open on the front. She let out a squeal when the girl latched on to the nub of her breast and started suckling against it like a newborn babe.

Completely bewildered and unsure what else to do, Clarice instinctively wrapped her arms around the young girl. What the hell did she just get herself into?!

----

Naruto let out a tired sigh as he overlooked the town from his bedchamber's balcony. Behind him stood Miria, Luciela, Rafaela, Jean, Riful, Tsunade, and Team Samui.

"Riful," he said, "you're in charge while I'm gone. Samui, I want you and your team to keep an eye on those awakened beings outside of town. I don't think they'll try anything, but if they do, eliminate them."

"You can be rest assured that I won't hesitate, honey," Karui told him. She was understandably wary of so many unknown entities - man-eating ones, at that - so close to her son. Many of Naruto's other wives shared that sentiment.

The blond smiled at her, before addressing Tsunade. "You are the doctor here, so I'm giving you full authority to boss anyone around who is pregnant and should not be doing anything strenuous." He then looked at Riful in particular as he added, "That means you have to listen to her when she tells you to do something. So if she tells you not to completely transform, then do not completely transform."

The Abyssal loli scowled but nodded. She had no intentions to endanger her unborn son.

"Miria, Luciela and Rafaela, you're going to be coming with me. Jean, you can go ahead and make that shadow clone, now."

The former Number 9 nodded and put her hands in the cross seal, pouring most of her chakra into it and reinforcing it further with her yoki. The clone that came forth, as a result, was incredibly sturdy. She also wasn't carrying a clone of the child - a nice perk to the chakra/yoki combination technique.

Jean and her clone looked at one another for a moment; then the clone looked at Naruto and gave him a saucy grin, leaning on her right leg with a hand on her hip. Another thing that came with Jean's clones is that they tend to be a bit… quirky. Nothing too bad, but they were quite a bit more willing to act upon her more repressed emotions - which made for some kinky moments, much to the original's usual embarrassment.

Miria sighed and asked her husband, "When are we heading out?"

"As soon as you're able."

"Raf and I will gather the supplies, then," Luciela said, and then proceeded to drag her exasperated sister out of the bedchambers. "C'mon Raf! Let's go get food and drinks to last the entire journey!"

Naruto chuckled as he watched the ginger pulling her quietly protesting sister out of the room. It was quite adorable, to be honest. Then, he felt something squeezing his arm and looked to see Jean's clone latching onto him.

"Shall we entertain you while we wait for ~?" she asked, unabashedly.

The original buried her face into her hands as she groaned in embarrassment. Why? Why was her clone doing this, offering herself in front of so many people!? They ALWAYS did something like this. She may have… had sex with her man while among other women... but that was totally and completely different! Shut up!

Naruto chuckled, "Sorry, Jean, but I have a feeling we'd be here for hours if we get started." he told her clone.

"Would you please mind not sharing?!" Tsunade barked.

Jean's clone scowled and openly glared at the former Kage. "Would you please not be such a prude?!" She then gave Tsunade an evil grin, making many in the room question their life choices. "I mean, I'm sure we'd love to hear why you're called the Le-"

Knowing what she was about to say, Naruto immediately covered her mouth, before she could finish. "Please don't mind her," he said with a nervous chuckle as a violently-twitching Tsunade glared at the doppelganger. "you know how shadow clones are Granny-Tsunade; they have their quirks and stuff! I'm pretty sure the real Jean doesn't mean it. Please don't punch her head off..." he begged her towards the end and quickly gave the clone he was covering the mouth of a disapproving shake of his head.

Tsunade took a deep, calming breath, before scowling. "You owe me a new bottle of sake."

"There is a winery; get four bottles of the stuff in there," he told her.

Sighing Tsunade looked at Riful and Team Samui. "Come along. Let's leave them be. I want my bottles of sake."

"...Fine." Riful grumpily said, but before she left she walked over and gave her husband a tongue filled kiss. "Be safe, my love~!" with that out of the way she strode out of the bedchamber.

Karui went over and did the same thing; though she used less tongue. She then yelped when Jean's clone gave her a playful swat on the rear.

"Nice ass~!" the doppelganger whispered with a teasing grin.

"Oh, behave, you," Naruto chuckled.

Karui went red-faced in embarrassment but smiled at the compliment. "Take good care of him. We both know how insatiable he is~!"

"Oh, I think Miria, Luciela and Rafaela can handle him. We'll wring out as much cu-" Jean's clone blinked and gave her man an amused stare when he stopped her from finishing that sentence.

Naruto gave her a pointed look as he said. "No kinky talk, please. I want to get through this as unaroused as possible."

"Oh fine." Jean's clone said through his palm. She'll keep from getting him worked up. But once this whole thing was done, then all bets were off~.

...As long as he didn't forcibly dispel her that is.

Then Karui and Team Samui followed Tsunade out of the bedchamber, leaving Naruto, Jean, her clone that no longer had her mouth covered, and Miria alone.

"So… what do you girls want to do - that is not sex!" Naruto quickly added when he saw the perverse glint in the eyes of Jean's clone.

"Spoilsport…" The clone said, "I dunno… tell us a story of your past? Like how you fucked that princess in a porno or maybe the psychic nun?"

"Shion isn't a nun, and that is still sex..." Naruto said with a sigh and a rub of his forehead. This Jean was going to take some getting used to… kinky as fuck, but something he just had to get used to.

----

Two weeks later

Clarice's teeth clattered as she hugged the thick, woolly cloak closer to her body and adjusted the hood to keep the blizzard out of her face. She peered down at her side and found little Miata clad in a thick woolly cloak the same as her, walking by her side. She was unaffected of the biting cold winds.

Number 47 couldn't help but be jealous of her. How she wished the cold didn't affect her as well. But, something went wrong during her conversion. She barely had yoki, had trouble fighting off the weakest of yomas and had trouble carrying her claymore with both hands. And she had brown hair instead of the common silver and pale blonde, or sandy-brown. Apart from her silver eyes, you wouldn't be able to tell she was a hybrid if she were in civilian clothes.

Out of everyone; she was more human. The only reason she graduated from a trainee was that the Organization was short-staffed. Really, she shouldn't even be out here. And then there was little Miata… the girl who thinks she is her mama… she is the child's handler. Or guardian. Or… or parent? Was she even capable of taking care of this kid? She's about 13-years-old but has the mentality of a 7-year-old. Or even younger! And she's a lot stronger than her too!

Clarice scowled bitterly. She hated feeling so inadequate, but, damn it, she wasn't exactly experienced in caring for a child! Let alone one that is mentally unstable!

Miata whimpered, grabbing into Mama's leg. "Why are you, angry Mama?"

Clarice sighed, patting the brat on the head. "I'm mad at myself, honey," she said. "I'm not very good at being a mommy, but I'll do my best. You have nothing to worry about, okay?" She hoped there was nothing to worry about, at least. She allowed Miata to breastfeed on her to calm her down, and as much as she didn't want to admit it, she felt something. She didn't know what that was, but it was something. "We're getting close to our destination, Miata; the rest of the awakened being hunting party should be in Dabi up ahead."

And Dabi was near the crater that was once Pieta, no less. Luckily the Ladykiller was no longer here in the North, so, the chances of them encountering him should be minimal. However… that left Isley of the North. She hoped they aren't here to deal with him.

Thankfully, the amount of time it took to close the gap and enter the tavern their comrades were waiting in was mercifully short. How this village survived was a good question, but Clarice chalked it up to Dabi being out of Isley's direct path. Several survivors of Pieta had taken up residence here, as well - most of the ones who opted out of trekking to Morris, a fortified town that had been abandoned for decades, no less. That said, this place had become quite the goldmine for information about the Ladykiller. According to the rumours, this was even where his nickname had originated!

As soon as she and Miata stepped in the two hybrids sense was assaulted with the thick scent of beer, music, and people chatting. No one took notice of them; good. That would make things a little easier. Now all they had to do was find out the one who's leading them.

Technically it would be Miata, due to her being a Number 4… but considering her mental state, that would not be a wise idea. So, what was this chick's name, again?

Off to the side, a woman with short, wild, side-swept hair and a sultry grin leaned down against the bar, her position accentuating her sizeable breasts. Despite being a warrior of the organization, she'd become rather popular with the male patrons throughout her stay, here.

This woman was Camilla the Charmer, the current Warrior Number 20 - so named for her natural charisma.

"So, you don't know where the 'Ladykiller' came from?" She asked, sensually stroking the chin of a young teenage boy with a flirtatious smile. "Are you sure? I'll make it worth your while if you tell me, I promise~!"

The poor fucker wanted so badly to say he knew, but damn it, the guy never told anyone! "I really don't know, miss," he replied in the calmest tone he could muster, doing his damnedest to conceal his raging boner. "He just showed up out of nowhere during the beginning of the attack and seemed to know at least two claymores who were in Pieta. All I can say for sure is that he came from the south, but that's not saying much..."

Meanwhile, sitting at a round table, playing a round of poker with the guys, was an attractive woman with her hair styled in a bowl haircut, parted in the middle. Her lips were curled up in a cocky grin as she laid down her hand - a full house. "Pay up, ladies," she chuckled. "I win, again~!"

Many men grumbled at that, though they pushed the small pile of Bera to her.

The winner of the pot was none other than the Organization's Number 21, Elise the Tease. Despite her nickname, though, she was most notorious amongst the other warriors for her gambling addiction. Though nine times out of ten, she tended to win, it was still quite the irritating distraction amongst her handlers and the Single-Digits.

And lastly, in a corner with a pint of ale, sat Shadow-Hunter Nina - Warrior Number 9 of the Organization. Her hair was mostly put up in a tight ponytail, but with a fringe trailing down the left side of her face. She took the pint to her lips and closed her eyes as she drank down the liquid; while she isn't affected by the cold, she had to admit the way ale warmed up her body felt… nice. "I was wondering when you'd finally show up," she called out, after taking down her mouthful of ale and lowering the mug to the table.

Just like that, all eyes within the tavern were suddenly upon Clarice and Miata. The former went stiff under her cloak upon having all eyes on her, though no one but her noticed thanks to said garment. Miata slowly surveyed the room, looking at the patrons with disturbing intensity.

"If any of them hurt Mama," Miata thought as she clenched Clarice's cloak, "I will hurt them back."

Clarice cleared her throat and marched on up to the woman who spoke, Miata in tow. Then, the brunette bowed apologetically. "M-my apologies. We got held up by a large group of yoma along the way."

"A large group you say?" Elise said, getting up from her table after taking her share of Bera from the poor suckers. "How many?"

"At least 10." Clarice replied, "half of them ran away after the other half were killed."

Nina narrowed her eyes. "And you didn't think to pursue them?" she accused.

Clarice shook her head. "No. We were told to come here, so we did," she answered politely and respectfully.

Nina narrowed her eyes, hearing the teeth clattering from the young woman in front of her. "Why are you wearing that hood? Take it off and tell us your name and rank," she demanded. Miata didn't take too kindly with that and would have gone and made her pay for insulting her mama, had Clarice not put her hand out in front of the preteen.

The brunette did just that. "My name is Clarice, Number 47. I was wearing the hood because it's cold outside."

Nina, Elise and Camilla inhaled sharply, becoming wide-eyed in shock when they saw the colour of her hair.

The Number 9 stood up abruptly as she exclaimed, "What the- what's up with your hair?! It still has pigment in it!"

Clarice blinked owlishly, taken aback at their reactions. "Ah… Well… it's special… the original colour was strong and not all of it went away." she replied in utter bewilderment. It wasn't that much of a big deal, was it?

Apparently, it was, if the scowl, narrowed eyes, and gritted teeth Nina had was any indication…

"When we become half-human half-yoma, the colour of our hair fades out. But yours hasn't. And you can't control the temperature of your own body." Nina leaned against the table and her eyes narrowed, even more, her scowl of irritation becoming more pronounced. "You're dead weight, a loser who barely scraped by to get the lowest number." she coldly and ruthlessly drilled.

Clarice was hurt by this, but didn't let it show; she opted to show more confusion. "Uh… deadweight?"

Miata clung to Clarice, growling at the bitch yelling at her mama.

Nina ignored the growling brat as she looked down at the table. "The Northern region is a pile of shit; the worst of the worst voracious eaters are holed up here. What's a single-digit Number like me doing here dragging your worthless ass arou-"

She stopped dead in her tracks when the edge of a claymore pressed against her throat. Nina looked up from it to see that the brat had apparently teleported onto the table in front of her and giving her the most psychotic glare she'd ever seen.

"Say you're sorry!" the kid demanded.

"M-Miata, it's okay," Clarice assured. Then, with a commanding tone, she said, "get down from there and put your sword away, you're scaring the people here."

"Miata?!" Nina could barely believe it. But, that would explain how insanely fast this kid was. "As in Blood Eye Miata?!"

Nina was promptly ignored as the brat in question looked back to Clarice with a pout. "But, she called you worthless, Mama…"

"I heard her, honey," the brunette said. "But, she's…" she quickly looked around and saw the mug of ale on the table Nina was at. "...drunk. People say stupid things when they have too much ale. It's okay. She didn't mean it. Now, come on. Off the table, as I said."

Miata was so terribly confused. If ale did that to a person, then why would someone drink it? Still, she didn't want to make Mama angry at her, and she said it was okay... so, she put her sword away and hopped off the table.

Clarice sighed in relief and patted her… 'daughter', on the head. "That's a good girl, Miata." She then looked back at Nina. "This is Miata, Warrior Number 4 of the Organization. Due to her… youth, she can't lead this party, so if you are truly a single digit, then you're in charge. Please try to refrain from provoking... my 'daughter' in the future, though. She's a bit unpredictable." she took a deep breath and asked in a polite tone, "So, um, now that that is out of the way, what are your names and numbers?"

The first to answer was the woman at the bar. "I am Number 20, Camilla," she said. Then, the sultry woman smiled warmly. "Nice job there, by the way. I'm impressed."

There was a chuckle from the woman dealing out fresh hands for another round. "I'm Number 21, Elise," she said. "The chick with the stick up her ass is Number 9, Nina. Don't let her get to ya."

Miata looked at Nina and back at Clarice. "Why does she have a stick in her butt, Mama?"

Feeling just a bit spiteful from such a cold reception after that long-ass trip here, the brunette just couldn't help herself. "I don't know, honey. You'll have to ask her yourself."

Elise couldn't help but laugh at that.

Miata blinked, looking back at Nina, before doing just that. "Why do you have a stick in your butt? Does it hurt? Who put it there?"

The Organization's Number 9 glared at Elise, not looking forward to this mission.

----

A mile outside of Dabi was a heavily clothed and cloaked, Naruto, Miria, Jean, and finally Luciela and Rafaela. The blizzard wasn't so bad it impeded their movement, but it was thick enough to cover their approach. Oddly the cloaks they're wearing didn't seem to even move or ruffle as the bitingly cold wind battered against them.

"How many are there, Naruto?" Luciela asked.

"...inside of the town itself, there's five. Two of them are stronger; single digits it looks like one is… barely there. she is worse than Clare was five years ago. So she would be a Number 47. Elsewhere, five awakened beings are lingering around. I guess they're waiting for the girls to come out."

"In other words, they're planning to kill them first, before moving on to Dabi." Miria deduced.

"Most likely," Naruto agreed. "Seeing as how two of the warriors here are single-digits, I'd like to avoid fighting them... maybe make a few friends if all goes well."

"You want to fuck them, don't you?" Jean asked teasingly.

Naruto chuckled. "That depends on the girls, themselves. I don't go after them unless they show any interest in me." That and he is a patent mother fucker; he'll wait for years for them to make the first move. Or if they do show interest in him then he'll go for them personally.

Miria scoffed, she didn't believe that for a second. "You're just saying that; we all know you want some new harem members to fuck silly."

"Oh?" the clocked blond leaned against his woman with a teasing laugh, "Is that jealousy I hear?"

"No. Of course, it's not. It's an irritation." Miria quickly replied; though she leaned back against him.

The Uzumaki Patriarch chuckled, "I see. Well, I think we should wait here and see what happens next. What about you girls? Stay here or go book a room?"

"Book a room~!" Jean predictably cooed, throwing herself against her man and rubbing herself against his body in an attempt to entice him.

Luciela giggled. "I like this version," she commented. Then, the redhead looked to her mate and added, "I also concur."

Rafaela looked at her sister, then to Jean's clone, and Miria before sighing. "A room is a lot better than staying out here in this damn cold." the cold may not affect her, but that doesn't mean it can't get uncomfortable.

"I'm outvoted." Miria merely said. They might as well book a room now and see what happens next.

With that, Naruto waltzed on up to town, made his way to the tavern and entered with his women in tow. When he lowered his hood, he noted that never in his life had he seen someone as terrified as the chick in the corner when he entered.

Nina was so close to shitting herself in sheer fright. The Ladykiller was here… he was right here, in front of her! Why? Was he hunting down the warriors of the Organization?

Naruto waved at her. "Hi!" Seeing the woman flinch, he shrugged and moved along.

Off to the side, Miata looked up and asked, "who's that, Mama?"

"That's L-Ladykiller Naruto," Clarice said, visibly trembling. "W-w-what's he d-doing here?" Clearing her throat and regaining her composure, she then looked down to Miata and whispered, "the Organization has us under strict orders not to engage. Don't provoke him, okay, sweetie?"

Miata frowned in confusion but nodded.

Next to enter and lower her hood was Luciela of the fucking South, followed by her sister Rafaela, Phantom Miria, and finally, Drillsword Jean.

Naruto turned to his lovers, "I'll go find a manager and rent us all a shared room. Go find yourselves a vacant table." he told them. The girls nodded and did just as they were told while he greeted the man behind the counter. "Jakob, it's been a while. I see you've set up shop here."

The man in question was a lanky, silver-haired gentleman with his hair in a rat tail. He wore a leather sleeveless tunic, dark brown undershirt with matching linen pants. He smiled a small smile when the Hero of Pieta finally found the rest of the survivors.

"Yes. Business is not as good as it was in Pieta though." Jakob said with a sigh; then he gave him a narrowed eyed look. "I have to say, did you really have to utterly destroy it?"

"It wasn't my intention. Something… happened that really made me angry. Rest assured though, I have no intention of starting something here. Unless Dabi was to be suddenly attacked, or something, then I will take action."

Jakob sighed. "Just try to spare my place, this time, eh? Buildings aren't cheap."

"I'll try," Naruto promised. "If things do go south, there's always Morris. The other survivors of Pieta have set up shop there. And I'm keeping a very close eye on it."

"I see. Thank you for telling me." Then the barman leaned against the counter, "So what brings you here? It can't be… they can it?"

Blinking Naruto followed his gaze and found the other hybrids staring at him. "No. It's not them," he then looked to Jakob once more and said, "long story short, I've gotten reports of some voracious eaters showing up in the area. I was in town, so I decided to deal with them. My girls and I could use a place to stay for the night though." He placed a handful of Bera's on the counter. "Will this do?"

"That's more than twice what I charged, back in Pieta," Jakob pointed out.

"Good," Naruto chirped. "You'll be able to put that back for expansion, or maybe moving to a place with more potential clients."

"Well, well," Camilla purred, sliding up beside him. "Looks like the Ladykiller's loaded… and handsome~!"

Naruto looked at her with an arched brow, he had to admit the blonde woman beside him is smoking hot! He grinned, "Well, it's not every day I see a smoking hot babe just waltz on up to me like that. What brings you over here to talk to me?"

"I'm simply… curious." Camilla purred, leaning to him with a mischievous grin. The Organization said to not engage him, they never did specify what type of engagement that entailed. "I've heard quite the interesting yarns being spun about you and just had to see for myself what was and was not true~!"

"Well that depends; are you here to fight me? Because I'd rather not hurt a fine ass babe like you."

Miria's eye twitched at her man blatantly flirting with a woman he'd just met.

"So bold," Camilla giggled. "Oh, I see why you're so popular with the ladies~!"

Naruto chuckled. "A near-decade ago and that would have been an entirely different story. Was never popular with the fairer sex when I was younger." he sighed and leaned against the counter. "So, what brings you all the way out here to the North? Is it the yoma or voracious eaters that suddenly popped up?"

Camilla smiled at him. "Well-informed, too, are we~? The voracious eaters in the mountains are why we're here. They've been causing a small fuss in the area, so we were sent to eliminate them."

"That is quite enough, Camilla," Nina called out. "Please do bear in mind that the Ladykiller is not on good terms with the Organization."

"It's their damn fault for sending two of my lovers on a suicide mission," Naruto pointed out flatly. He then turned to the Number 9, "I lost one of my lovers, a warrior named Natalie, in that fight, too; and not long after that, they tried to kill another one of my lovers, God-Eye Galatea. And then two years ago, they had the gall to try and dig up Natalie's body from her resting place. So, yes, the Organization is on my shit list." he snarled, then he took a deep breath to calm himself and added in a much calmer tone, "You warriors are fine though since I have no bone to pick with you."

Camilla sighed. Well, that killed the mood she was trying to set. Time for plan B. The blond was really lucky she found him genuinely attractive. "I'm sorry to hear that, truly... Would you care for a drink to get your mind off it?"

He quirked an eyebrow at her. Did she really think she was being subtle? Nevertheless, it really would help get his mind off of it; even if being a Jinchuuriki won't allow him to get wasted. "Alright…"

Elise quickly sat down beside him on the opposite side and said, "I-I'll join in!" She then slammed a few Beras down. "A bottle of your strongest drink, sir," the Number 21 said.

"Elise!" Nina cried out aghast; he was the enemy! What are they doing, fraternizing with him!?

"Oh, lighten up will you," Camilla chided the Number 9, "You heard him, he's not here to fight. So what's the harm in getting to know him? Oi, Number 47, Number 4 come join us will ya?"

Clarice jumped, taken by surprise at being called out like that. "Ah… I'll pass-"

Miata lightly tugged on her hand. "Mama, I'm thirsty."

The poor woman was caught in a bind at one hand she wanted to be as far away from the Ladykiller as possible. On the other, she didn't want Miata to be set off because she didn't get what she wanted… and she was thirsty too.

"...Okay." She relented.

With a chuckle, Naruto turned to the barkeep and said, "Jakob, a cup of milk for the youngling. I'll give you fifteen more Beras if you do."

Jakob stopped what he was doing to look over his shoulder at the blond. And he was not kidding; Naruto put down an extra fifteen Bera's on the counter for him. "You got it, Naruto."

Meanwhile, Miria was glowering at Camilla, Elise, Clarice and Nina from where she sat, as they have seemingly forgotten about their very presence. How dare those harlots to flirt with her man! She was so very tempted to get up and go over there to show them just who he belonged too! A hand on her cloaked shoulder from Rafaela stopped her from doing just that though. When she looked at the one-eyed woman Rafaela silently shook her head as she returned her gaze to her husband with the newer generation of hybrids.

"Don't go over there. Let's see how this plays out first."

"What?" Miria hissed lowly, "They're flirting with him! He's ours; we had him first!"

"He may be gathering information on them." Rafaela pointed out reminding, "Really, you, Jean, Luciela and myself all have read the book on his own life once it got translated. You know he was trained by someone who was once a very skilled spymaster - someone who did this sort of thing for a living. Have faith in him."

Miria growled; she didn't like it but relented. The scarred woman had a point after all. And she did remember the book saying Naruto had gone on a training trip with Jiraiya for two and a half years. He learned a lot from the man, ranging from seduction to lying, to seals and finally hand to hand. Getting information by flirting and seducing his target - usually females - was one of the things he had done during that training trip.

Back with Naruto, he flashed a friendly smile at Miata when he saw her. She was pretty damn adorable, with the long hair covering almost the entirety of her face. "My, my, aren't you the most adorable, little thing?" as she looked up at him, cocking her head to the side in curiosity, his smile grew wider when he felt how strong she was; this little girl has the potential to go quite far if she puts her mind to it. "Strong too. You'd be quite the powerhouse when you're older." then he looked at Clarice and frowned when he discovered the dangerous lack of yoki was coming from her. "Strange… your yoki is almost nonexistent. It's like a lantern being unable to run properly because there's not enough oil to keep it going. That must be the reason why your hair hasn't lost its tinge. You must get a lot of flak for that, huh?"

Clarice blinked, "Uh…"

"I think the colour suits you." he complimented her, "I just can't see you with silver or pale blonde hair. It would take away your uniqueness. It makes you special." hearing those words made the Number 47 perk up; when she had the blood and flesh of yoma spliced into her body, and her hair retained its natural colour, she had felt she had become special and hearing him, the infamous Ladykiller call her that special word... special… it gave her a feeling of gratitude though she kept it from showing. "Having a lack of yoki doesn't mean you can't grow strong though, there are other ways for a person to become truly strong."

Despite herself, Clarice could not help but lean in. "Ah… really? How? How does one such as me become truly strong?" She looked at the mug of ale that was put on the counter in front of her and found Miata had a cup of milk in her hands.

"It differs for each person. For me, it's when I have people that I love with all my being, that I want to protect them with all I have." he looked at the irritable Miria and smiled genuinely. "Like Miria."

The said woman turned beet red at that.

Then, Naruto looked to Clarice again and said, "For you, it can be something as simple as 'being strong because you want to be strong'."

Looking down at her mug of ale, Clarice brought it to her lips and took a mouthful as she thought on his words. Then after setting the mug on the table, she asked, "What happens if I can't find a reason?"

"Well, that's all on you." Naruto told her, seeing her inquisitive look he elaborated, "There are other ways for a person to become strong. You are the weakest 'claymore' of your generation now, maybe in history." he gave Miata a bemused smile when she growled at him and seeing the downcast look on the brunette's face he added, "But… that doesn't mean it will stay that way forever. How does a person at the very bottom become strong? They train their asses off." with a chuckle and looked at Camilla, Elise, Nina who had joined them when he began to speak with wisdom, and then finally he looked to Clarice and Miata. "Let me tell you all a secret: eleven years ago, when I first became a warrior, I was the weakest of my generation." he paused to let that sink in for a moment, and when he was being given looks of awes he continued. "Now I am one of the strongest. Training for two and a half years had helped me out of being the loser, the dead weight. If that can work for me then it can definitely work for you. Never underestimate the underdogs."

Clarice thought hard on that. It certainly made her feel better. She took another swig of ale.

Miata smiled. She could tell this man was making Mama happy.

Camilla giggled, deciding to add in her two cents. "So, I take it to you like her~?"

The poor brunette nearly choked on her drink and Naruto patted her on the back with a chuckle. "She reminds me a little of myself. She's a hell of a lot more level headed than I was, though; smarter, too. And what can I say? She's beautiful, so, of course, I like her."

Clarice had previously never known she could blush so hard.

"Oh? So what can you tell us about yourself?" Camilla asked.

"I've told you quite a bit, already." Naruto chuckled. "How 'bout we play a game? You tell me a bit about yourself and I do the same? It'll be like asking 20 questions." he then leaned in and asked in a seductive whisper, "how does that sound?"

"Oh-ho-ho~!" Camilla chuckled back. "Well, well, feeling bold, are we?"

"Look who's talking," Naruto teased. "You're the one who offered me a drink while blatantly flirting with me~!" he lightly elbowed her on the arm, "So, go ahead; tell me about yourself, cutie."

She leaned in, pressing her bosom against his arm and whispered into his ear, "I have a 37-inch bust~!" The impish woman then slipped her hand under his cloak and fondled him. "So, tell me, how big is your little Ladykiller?"

He grinned at her blatant groping; going straight for second base is she? "You wouldn't believe me if I told you~!"

"Try me," she purred.

Chuckling Naruto leaned in and whispered into her ear, "15 inches."

Camilla jumped. "No way!"

"Told you~!" Naruto chuckled, again. Then he pulled away and said in a louder voice, "Tell ya what, I'll give you a freebie since that one has a bit of a farfetched answer. Fire away."

Elisa immediately asked, "Is it true you turned into a giant Nine-Tailed fox?"

"Uh, kinda?" Naruto said, regulating his breathing when Camilla got a little… enthusiastic in rubbing his mini-Naruto. Before she could call him out for cheating, he elaborated. "It's more like I was wrapped in that form… kinda like a suit, rather than actually turning into the fox, itself."

"Like a… voracious eater?" Nina asked.

"Not exactly. Voracious eaters actually change physical form. As I said, I was wrapped in that form. It's not a physical transformation, though it does feel like one because the yoki I use to manifest the... 'fox cloak', if you will, is so thick it takes solid form. The more tails I bring out, the stronger that form becomes. Nine is the strongest, at least of those fox transformations." Then, he gave a flirty grin. "Now, it's time for one of you lovely ladies to tell me something about yourselves."

"I like milk," Miata chirped.

Naruto let out a loud, hearty chuckle and ruffled her scalp. "Alright, I guess that counts. What do you want to know about me then, kid?"

Miata giggled. "Why do you smell like a fox?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

"Hmm… good question." Naruto rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "No one ever said I smelled like a fox. I guess it's because I can kinda turn into a giant, fluffy one? Your guess is as good as mine, honestly."

"Bitch, I ain't fluffy!" Kurama grumbled.

"I'm sure the kid would beg to differ," Naruto internally chuckled. "Since I don't really know the answer to that one, I'll grant another freebie. So, any of you got another question?"

Camilla was not about to let this opportunity pass. She leaned in and whispered, "is it true that you fucked Riful of the West and three warriors in one go?"

Naruto grinned at her. "Yeah. It is. It kept on going towards the end of the week, too, in Riful's case. Poor Raf still hates me for that, because she was ordered to keep an eye on me at the time." He smiled sheepishly at the thought. "I can only imagine the embarrassment she felt at the time. Now, it's one of your turns to tell me something about you."

Clarice took several swigs of ale before putting the mug back down on the table and covered her mouth with embarrassment as she let out an unladylike burp. "E-excuse me!"

Jakob, meanwhile, handed Naruto a key to the finest room in the house.

Camilla slipped her hand into the blond's trousers and cooed at the prize she felt. "While I am still a virgin," she whispered, "I have quite a bit of experience in pleasuring men with my mouth and hands~!" Then, she asked just loudly enough for everyone to hear, "so, where are you from, prettyboy~?"

"I'm from… around." he leaned in and said low enough for no one to eavesdrop but loud enough for the four of them to hear him "I'm actually from a different continent altogether. Across the sea to the West… pretty far, too. We didn't even know this place existed until I found it."

Elise, Clarice, Nina, Camilla and Miata all looked at him with wide eyes at that. There was another continent out there?! Clarice was about to ask why no one had discovered this continent he belongs to until she remembered what he had said towards the end. He didn't know this place existed until he found it, so it can work both ways…

Now that she thought about it, have the Organization tried to find where he came from? Since the handlers have given them very strict orders to not engage him, they consider him to be a very legitimate threat; it would make sense for them to find out where he came from.

"Now it's one of your turns to tell me something else about yourselves," Naruto told them and kept his disappointment from showing when Camilla subtly took her hand out from under his pants and cloak. Nevertheless, he was thankful she finally stopped; he didn't want the little girl to ask the more… awkward questions if she so happened to find out what the hell she was doing.

Wondering what they were talking about, Miria whose curiosity had finally gotten the better of her, steeled her face and made her way over to her husband to make sure those hussies aren't doing anything... inappropriate to him. And there's a child there as well, so that gives her all the more reason to go over there and make sure he doesn't say or do anything inappropriate for someone her age to see.

With a sigh of exasperation, Rafaela rolled her one good eye and got up to follow after the former Number 6.