Chapter 16: Of Wavering Resolve?

Primetime: Chapter 16

Welcome to Chapter 16 of Primetime.

Tags: Uzumaki Kushina, MILF, Corruption, Cheating, Voyeurism, Exhibitionism

Discord server (Sublime Vectors) invite code: nm8hVrk7zr

Well, here it is, and I hope you all like it.

Thank you to my Discord server members for their valuable feedback and suggestions. I hope you like some of them being taken into account.

If you liked the chapter, kindly take a minute of your time to leave a review. They help me and encourage me to write the next chapter.

Posted on: Feb 22, 2024

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Chapter 16: Of Wavering Resolve?

"Kurenai-san, look at the coast," Kushina spoke as the plane approached the coastal islands of Uzushio. A sense of melancholy overcame her as she saw her hometown. Memories from her childhood started playing in her mind.

"It's quite beautiful, isn't it?" Kurenai supplied.

"Yes, it is," Kushina replied, admiring her old home a little more from a distance. The surrounding mountains, covered by the lush forests she loved to explore as a child and where there was a small temple where they held a festival every year. The city where she studied middle and high school, although not as big as Konoha City, was where she used to spend her time when she went to have fun with her friends after school. The beautiful beaches with white sands and blue waters made him think of the summers and parties he had experienced there. And a few kilometres from the city, following a road with her eyes, beyond some wide farm fields that were now a set of green lines enclosing flooded areas that shone by the reflection of the sun, she could see the small farming village where she lived with her grandmother Mito and uncles. Looking this way and that, the island as a whole looked very much like the vague image she had in her memories when she took the plane to Konoha when she was 18. Kushina almost felt as if the place had been frozen in time.

The plane banked and turned towards the beach towards the now visible distant airstrip. The view of the shores of Uzushio became clearer as the plane approached the island. Kushina began to have flashbacks of her childhood and that of her family. And among those memories was the end of her family's company. 'I wonder if I would have stayed here if the Uzumaki conglomerate had survived', It had been a long time since she last thought about it. 

"It is indeed. Say, Kushina-san," Kurenai asked, turning to the redhead and bringing Kushina back to the present, "Aren't you from this town?" she asked.

Kushina's eyes widened for a second. "How did you know that?" she asked. 'I don't think anyone in KTV, except maybe the boss, knows this,' she thought.

"I'm a reporter, aren't I?" Kurenai replied with a teasing smirk. Seeing Kushina's face twist in worry, she continued, "Mah, Mah, don't worry. I happened to read your resume when you applied for KTV. It had mentioned this place as your graduation school. I just guessed, and now you all but confirmed," Kurenai replied, smiling.

"Ah, guess it's not a secret then. Yeah, I grew up here, did my schooling here. This place has such fond memories. I actually met and fell in love with Minato here before we married and moved to Konoha," Kushina replied, her face forming a bright smile at the mention of her husband. 'I guess I don't have to tell her about Uzumaki Capital Ventures,' she thought, thankful that her name was officially now Namikaze Kushina on all her documents.

"Ara, not so fast. You've got to spill all the details about your young romance. Come on, tell me the whole story," Kurenai asked as the flight neared the beaches of Uzushio.

"Maybe once we're at the hotel. It's nothing extraordinary; we met and fell in love," Kushina replied, remembering the passionate encounter they had on their very first meeting. Her face turned a bit red at that pleasant memory. The sex they had on the very first meet, her face turned a bit red at that pleasant memory.

"Oooh, there's really something spicy then. I now want details. You're definitely telling me all that at the hotel," Kurenai replied as her red eyes gleamed. Looking outside, the plane now crossed over the beautiful beaches of Uzushio, and they could clearly see people relaxing on the shores.

"Now that we are here, and you are now sort of a local, you've got to be my tour guide for this trip. How about we take a trip once we are done with the shoot?" Kurenai asked.

"Definitely. I myself want to see and explore this place again," Kushina replied in excitement. That was true; she wanted to explore the island again and find out how it had changed in these years of her absence. It was her hometown, and while she may not have said it to Minato, a part of her always remained connected to Uzushio.

The plane was now over the city of Uzushio, and they could see the airport in the distance. "Ladies and gentlemen, we would be landing in a few seconds," the pilot announced.

Kushina and Kurenai both looked outside the window, with Kushina actively recording the memory of her return to her hometown with her mobile. Soon, the flight landed, and the plane started to taxi towards the terminal.

"Kushina-san, let's hope we maintain good relations despite the outcome of this shoot. Let it not come between us," Kurenai spoke as she saw Kushina editing and adding a song to the video she had just shot.

Looking up from her phone, Kushina was surprised by such an offer from Kurenai. She didn't know what to say. 'I thought we were competitors,' she thought. But she smiled and spoke, "Certainly, Kurenai-san. Let's do our best. In the end, it's up to Jiraiya-san to decide. Let's leave everything up to him," Kushina said.

"Yes, that will be the best. By the way, have you read or seen his past works?" Kurenai asked, raising her eyebrows, as she saw Kushina put the caption: "Guess where am I?" on her Ninjagram post.

"Oh, I have heard of his works. He wrote some ecchi works, right?" Kushina spoke as she tapped the post button on the app, sharing the reel of their flight landing at Uzushio.

"It's more than that. While his written works are great, he has worked on big production houses from the West as well. I have read all about the positive response his work got in the West," Kurenai spoke as the plane now reached the terminal. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our destination."

—------------------------------Primetime-Reloaded—----------------------------------------------------------

"Damn, look at them go. Yami, just you see how both of them land on my dick," Jin whispered to his cousin with a smirk while still recording the hot anchors walking ahead of them.

"We shall see who has them, Jin, and don't be so crass," Yami said in an annoyed tone. Frankly, he was getting mild headaches dealing with Jin's antics. Yami was of the strong opinion that dealing with Jin was exactly the same as dealing with an annoying, idiotic, and horny teenager who couldn't keep his mouth shut. The KTV group was now walking in the airport terminal towards the exit, Kurenai and Kushina leading with Jiraiya beside them. Yami and Jin followed them, and the rest of the crew walked behind with all their luggage.

"I just hope we get to the good part soon," Yami said as they reached the exit point.

As the KTV group reached out, they were greeted by a small, rotund, pudgy man in a black business suit accompanied by a legion of guards dressed in similar black suits and matching sunglasses.

Kushina immediately recognized the rotund man and the one behind him; it was Gato and his guard Zabuza from her last shoot in the KTV office. She tried not to frown, thinking about how the man had looked at her last time. 'Well, it's Uzushio, given he's now a hotshot corporate giant from here and a KTV shareholder. So, it's pretty obvious he would be here,' she thought.

"Jiraiya-san, it's such a pleasure to meet you in person finally. I am a great fan of your work. It's such a delight to have you here on my island," Gato said as he shook hands with Jiraiya. Kushina was internally upset when he called Uzushio his. But she resigned herself to swallowing those feelings.

"Likewise, Gato-san," Jiraiya said.

"I'm glad KTV decided to use this beautiful place as the venue for your photoshoot. I'm sure all of you will enjoy your time here," Gato added.

"Of course, we will. I've been here a couple of times in the past, and I liked it so much that when I saw that this place was an option for me to work, I selected it without hesitation. I have fond memories of here, you know?" Jiraiya told her confidently. To which Kushina behind him tried to hide her boosted ego and pride at hearing him speak so highly of her hometown.

"Haha, well, hope you make some more good memories," Gato spoke as he then turned to the ladies.

"It's good to see you again, Yuuhi-san and Namikaze-san," he greeted both of them.

"Likewise, Gato-san," Kurenai spoke like a true professional, while Kushina nodded.

"I hope you have a great stay here and have good things to say about this place," he spoke, emphasising on 'good things'. 

Kushina internally rolled her eyes. 'He can't be more obvious about throwing positive reviews from us,' she thought.

"Of course, we will, right, Kushina-san?" Kurenai asked, turning to her.

"Yeah, we will. Of course, we will be the judge of that. Uzushio is a beautiful place, and I wouldn't mind sharing its beauty with the world," she added.

"Thank you. Now let's take you to the resort," Gato added after greeting Yami and Jin with nods.

Kushina, along with Kurenai and Jiraiya, joined Gato in his big limousine, while Jin and Yami boarded another car behind them.

"Why couldn't we join them? Does Gato-san not know who we are?" Jin seethed as he took his seat glaring at the car in front of them where the beautiful women and the dwarf man who separated them from them were travelling.

"Relax, Jin. It's a common arrangement. They are the main guests here, and we are just accompanying them. Gato-san knows us and our role very well. It just was not feasible for all of us to sit in that one vehicle," Yami spoke while he, too, was internally disappointed at not joining in with the ladies, but he understood.

Back to Kushina and Kurenai, who were seated together opposite Jiraiya and Gato, the limousine moved and slowly traversed the small city. Kushina ignored the talks between Jiraiya and Gato, who were discussing Jiraiya's upcoming project and trying to pry more information out of him.

Unlike his cousin, Yami decided to be a bit more mature and decided internally that if he ever got the chance, he would get revenge doing to Gatou exactly what that short man just did to them. 

"Come on, Jiraiya-san, let me in on the secret," Gato was buttering up the big white-haired man.

"Hah, where will the fun be in that? You have to see the result and enjoy it. If I tell you all the plans and stories now, it will spoil everything," Jiraiya said with a wide grin.

"Well, you are here…" she heard Gato say before she tuned them out and started looking out of the window and reminiscing about the place.

—------------------------------Primetime-Reloaded—----------------------------------------------------------

As the limo glides away from the bustling airport, the route unfolds like a carefully scripted travelogue. Leaving the airport, the limousine navigates through the outskirts of Uzushio City, where quaint neighborhoods blend seamlessly with lush greenery. The road winds past traditional Japanese gardens, creating a serene atmosphere that sets the tone for the journey ahead. After traversing through scenic gardens, the limo ascends into the rolling hills that surround the city.

The elevated vantage point reveals expansive views of the sparkling Uzushio Bay, with fishing boats dotting the water's surface like miniature works of art. The distant outline of majestic mountains frames the horizon, creating a stunning backdrop against the azure sky. Descending from the hills, the limousine follows a coastal route, offering glimpses of sandy shores and rocky cliffs that line the edge of Uzushio. Crystal-clear waters lap at the shore, reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun.

Kushina smiles at seeing a small fishing village in the distance, her memory bringing her to the past when she used to visit that village almost daily for her supplies. Colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor, their vibrant hulls creating a striking contrast to the deep blue sea.

She knows what lies ahead, one of her favorite places back when Uzumaki Ventures were prominent—the Uzushio Beach Resort, the city's best and biggest resort, funded by her clan some 80 years ago. The limousine traverses a tree-lined avenue, casting dappled shadows on the road. Tall palms sway gently in the ocean breeze, signaling the proximity to the resort's tropical oasis. Soon, the big gates of the resort come into view as the limo turns onto the private drive, revealing the sprawling grounds and luxurious amenities that await guests. 

She remembers when Uzumaki Ventures were thriving, and they used to own major shares of this resort. They used to promise and promote the tourists a scenic adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and captivating views around the island and sea.

Kushina's violet eyes almost glowed in longing and excitement to see again the Resort her great-great-grandfather founded long ago. "uh?" But with the same grace of a window having a stone thrown at it, she shifted to an incredulous, disappointed, and annoyed expression when she read the large, bold letters reading, "Gatou Beach Resort" on the main gates and the place where the Uzumaki clan logo proudly posed had been replaced with a Gatou's logo that was like a cat's paw slashing across something.

For a brief second, Kushina felt the Uzumaki inside her explode in anger and indignation at seeing her precious place soiled in such a way. Kicking and growling as she demanded that Gatou should be punished with violence for daring to erase her family's name from the resort and pass it off as his own.

It lasted only an instant, Kushina crushed that childish side of him under reason.

Whatever she might think. Gatou owned the place. He had bought it legally and had the right to change whatever he wanted to change about the place. Though recognising that gave her a certain weight in her heart.

The scenic ride from Uzushio Airport to the charming Gatou Beach Resort, formerly known as Uzushio Beach Resort, is soon over. As they slowly step out of the limousine and into the reception area, Kushina's mind takes note of the changes in the surroundings. The furniture had changed in both style and layout. The traditional Japanese style decorations, such as paintings, plants were still there. Even the miniature waterfall on the wall was where she remembered it. The staff that used to wear blue and grey uniforms now wore green and white ones. Even the background voices of the other guests, who seemed engrossed by her arrival, were similar to the best moments of Uzumaki Ventures that she could remember.

Things haven't changed much. The resort was the same. The air was the same. But with the only difference that Gatou had changed the name of this place. And that now it all belonged to Gatou.

—-----------------------------Primetime-Reloaded—----------------------------------------------------------

"Welcome, welcome, esteemed guests! It's a pleasure to have you here at the Gatou Beach Resort, my humble abode," Gatou greeted warmly as they reached in front of the main reception room.. "For your stay here, you all are free to enjoy any services.

Jiraiya looked at the resort and then at the open beach just beyond a pool, whistling. "Ah, Gato! Feels like déjà vu, doesn't it? This place hasn't changed much since the last time I was here. It feels the same. I really like the renovations you have done. I even find it hard to believe that there was a time when this place had a time when this place had financial problems."

"Ah, Jiraiya-san! This is a testament to the timeless beauty of Uzushio. I strive to maintain that charm while continually enhancing our services. In fact, I remember this beauty was almost on the verge of collapse when the Uzumakis had their issues. But I rescued this place," Gato boasted.

"Ah, the Uzumaki. I still remember them." Jiraiya nodded his head at that surname. "They were the most prominent and influential family on the island during my youth. At least until they went bankrupt about... 15-20 years ago? if I remember correctly"

"20 years and yes. Those guys might have had a good eye for seeing the potential of a place like this, but too bad not so much business sense to exploit it" said Gaotu pointing his staff at the crowded pool area "Before me, the Uzumakis could barely get a tenth as many customers as there are now. But when I took over I just had to make some slight changes and make good corporate decisions and BOOM! look how successful this place is hahaha!" Gato wore a smug, smug smile as he boasted loudly about his accomplishments.

"You make it sound like it was easy buddy. You didn't actually pull some dirty trick and scam them right?" Jiraiya jokingly suggested. And though it was obvious from his tone that he didn't mean it, Kushina felt the need to sharpen her ears to hear the answer."

"bah! Those silly Uzumakis swindled themselves," replied Gato dismissing Jiraiya's comment. "They were the ones who ran this place so badly that they reduced its value to almost nothing. You know how businesses are Jiraiya-san; do it right or go home. They learned the hard way and lost everything."

Kushina, overhearing the conversation, couldn't help but feel a pang of internal conflict, remembering those painful days when they had to sell everything.She wanted to say something as she realized the subtle way he was mocking her family, but bit her tongue. She quickly closed that line of thought. 'It's the past,' she thought.

Noticing Kushina's expression, Gato turned towards her. "Kushina-san, you are from here, aren't you? I think you would remember how the fall of one company had almost wiped this island."

"Yes, Gato-san, I remember. I think you have done great work with the resort," she spoke, giving the compliment when it was due, wearing a mask of professional courtesy to hide her annoyance. For two centuries the island's economy had been sustained by fishing and agriculture and, until a few decades ago, also by tourism. She had heard that Uzumaki Ventures reduced costs by having exclusive contracts with several local food companies and made tourism hover around them and the resort. And that when the Uzumakis went bankrupt, it had disastrous effects on the whole island that lasted for a while. 

It was never explicitly told to her, but Kushina believed that the reason her family moved to a rural area instead of an urban one after the sale of their fall was because of the shame they felt for the effects they had on the people, the people they thought as a part of their family.

During her youth Kushina's ears were not free of the occasional comment or gossip about it.

"Haha, well, as long as you enjoy and give positive views of the place, I'm good. We have worked hard to renovate this place. All it needs is more guests," Gato added with a big grin.

"I appreciate your dedication, Gato-san. It's just... nostalgic, you know? I never thought I would visit this place again," Kushina replied.

"Nostalgia is a powerful force, Kushina-san. We're here to create new memories and ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary," he then turned to everyone. "Please, make yourselves at home and indulge in all the services and amenities the Gatou Beach Resort has to offer. Our spa, gourmet dining, and beach activities await you."

"Hooray!" she heard the camera crew cheer, looking at Kurenai who was checking the view with a mesmerized expression on her face. "Wow, this place is truly surreal. I can't imagine why I haven't been to this place yet," Kurenai spoke.

"It's one of the best places in Uzushio. I'm glad this place is back to its glory," Kushina spoke.

"Come on, everyone, let's go inside," they heard Gato speak.

The guests followed the short man through the lobby of the Uzushio Beach Resort, Gato signals to a fit-looking tall white-haired man in a well-tailored suit. "Allow me to introduce you to my esteemed resort manager, Shiro Tanaka," Gato spoke as the white-haired man came near his boss.

"Konnichiwa, everyone. It's a pleasure to have you here. If there's anything you need during your stay, don't hesitate to contact me personally. I hope you all have a very pleasant stay here," Shiro speaks.

 As the resort manager, nods with a gracious smile and extends a welcoming hand to each guest. He especially smiles and nods at Kushina while shaking her hand, leaving her with questions as if she had known him from somewhere.

As the introductions conclude, Kushina, normally composed, visibly stumbles for a moment as she recognizes Shiro. He was one of her ex-boyfriends, and the surprise is evident in her eyes. She hadn't recognized him immediately, as he had grown a lot, but she couldn't forget that distinct hair colour of his.

As Shiro completes introductions with everyone, he assigns an attendant to each Jiraiya, Kurenai, Yami, and Jin, and assigns a couple of attendants to the rest of the camera crew. Walking to her, he speaks, "Kushina-san, it's been a while. Welcome to Uzushio Beach Resort. Or should I say welcome again? Haha." he said, taking the resort's old name.

Gathering her wits, Kushina smiles a bit. "Shiro-san, I didn't expect to see you here," she speaks calmly, trying to hide her discomfort.

"Life takes interesting turns. We can stumble on anything. I took over the opportunity to play my part here," he spoke cryptically, reminding Kushina how he was somewhat the same when they had dated, which was what had attracted her to him. As the group disperses, with attendants guiding their respective guests to their respective rooms, Shiro personally accompanies Kushina. "You didn't have to escort me personally, Shiro-san," Kushina says.

"Hah, nonsense, we have met after so long, Kushina-san. The least I can do is to ensure your stay is perfect. Please feel free to reach out if you need anything," Shiro spoke as he led her to the first floor.

Kushina nodded and just followed after the man, not really knowing how to deal with the scenario. There was an awkward silence as their footsteps echoed through the corridors.

"I must say, I've been following your career, Kushina-san. You've become quite the popular anchor. Congratulations," Shiro spoke as they neared the door.

Smiling awkwardly, she nodded. "Thank you, Shiro-san."

As if not noticing her discomfort, Shiro casually continued. "I've seen your posts on social media. It seems like you're living a fascinating life. I am glad you are doing so well."

Kushina attempts to steer the conversation away, but Shiro continues with a warm tone. "I even caught your recent photos and reels from the party with Taikin-sama. Looks like you're embracing the spirit of Uzushio just like in the past," he chuckled as Kushina's face tinted red, remembering about parties she used to attend and the things she had done in them.

"Yes, well, work takes me to interesting places," she answered a bit sheepishly.

Shiro opens the doors to her big room and hands her the key card. "Enjoy your stay, Kushina-san. If there's anything you need, remember I'm here for you. It was good finally seeing you again; goodness, I say you have become even more beautiful." Before she could reply, he turned away, leaving her flustered.

Still processing the unexpected reunion, Kushina enters the room with a mix of emotions.

—------------------------------Primetime-Reloaded—----------------------------------------------------------

As the evening sun cast a warm glow over the Beach Resort, Kushina and Kurenai found themselves on the deck near the pool, sipping mocktails and enjoying the stunning sunset. Laughter and the rhythmic sounds of waves provided a soothing background. On the beach they could see Jin, Yami and the KTV staff engaged in beach volleyball. They had tried to rope them in as well but the ladies had declined for today.

Kurenai, curious about Kushina's connection with Shiro, couldn't help but ask. " So, you know that handsome white-haired hunk?"

Kushina, deciding to keep her past private, replied with a half-truth. " Ah, well, we were in the same school."

Whether Kurenai caught her lie or not she couldn't tell but she saw her nod " Oh, nice. I really miss my school friends as well." 

Glad that she avoided the can of worms that was her past relationships, they continued discussing Uzushio with Kushina telling her about various hotspot tourist hubs on the island.

As they continued their conversation, Jiraiya, with his characteristic charisma, approached the two women dressed in knee-length loose shorts and a red beach shirt adorned with Hawaiian patterns, holding a mojito in hand.

"So, ladies, enjoying the view?" He spoke 

"Yes, this place is quite something. I'm glad you invited me for the shoot. Even if I don't get the role, this trip is already fulfilling." Kurenai answered 

"Same here. I'm glad I came back to Uzushio. It's a reward in itself." Kushina answered.

The white haired man nodded " Well, I'm glad you're enjoying your stay here."

As they continued chatting, Jiraiya shared his plans for the shoot the next day." I'll send outfits for tomorrow's shoot to your room once you're done here. You can select and wear what you like the most."

Both women were intrigued. And it was Kurenai who spoke " We have choices?"

" Of course! Since it's a beach-themed shoot, there are different styled bikinis. Choose what you find most comfortable and appealing." Jiraiya replied with a big grin.

"Bikini shoots huh,quite exciting " Kurenai replied with a smile on her face. 

Kushina, momentarily stunned by the unexpected turn in the shoot's theme, had a flood of thoughts racing through her mind. 'Bikini shoots? They never told us about that. Will Mianto approve? Am I even suitable for this shoot? Is my body even worth for the bikini shoot ?' she started pondering. She hadn't worn bikinis in a long time. She hadn't worn one since she got married, let alone since she had a child.

"Jiraiya-san, Join us" she heard Jin calling Jiraiya.

"Oh well, ladies enjoy your evening, we will meet tomorrow. Of course, if you want you can join us guys on the beach." He extended the offer again.

"No we will pass," Kurenai quickly replied, answering for both.

Jiraya chuckled and nodded as he walked towards the beach.

Kushina forced a smile, concealing any reservations she had about the upcoming beach-themed shoot. Kurenai's enthusiasm for the bikinis was evident, and despite her own concerns, Kushina didn't want to let any hint of doubt show.

" So, beach-themed shoot! Aren't you excited, Kushina-san?" Kurena spoke 

Kushina nodding with a forced smile " Yes, of course."

"Oh I love bikinis, I hope they have some water themed shoots too. I can't wait to get some stretching out in the water. I'm glad we are even getting paid for practically being on holiday," Kurenai continued.

While Kurenai appeared friendly on the surface, Kushina couldn't forget that they were still competitors in KTV. She was careful not to reveal any vulnerability or unease about the shoot. 'I can't let her know about my weakness' she thought.

"I hope they have selected some good pieces. The guys won't know what hit them." Kurenai replied a bit more enthusiastically to Kushina's liking.

Kushina managed a small laugh, trying to hide her inner turmoil. "Yeah, it sounds like it'll be a fun shoot."

Masking any uncertainty she felt about the shoot. She couldn't shake the undercurrent of jealousy. She admired Kurenai's confidence and wished she could feel the same level of enthusiasm. Deep down, she couldn't shake off the concern of how this unexpected challenge might impact her performance.

As they chatted a bit more, Kushina found it increasingly challenging to match Kurenai's excitement. Picking her phone she opened the camera and started taking some pictures even going to take some selfies with red eyed beauty.

—------------------------------Primetime-Reloaded—----------------------------------------------------------

Upon entering her room, Kushina discovered a package delivered by an attendant. As she unwrapped it, she found an array of bikinis, each more revealing than the last. From cute one-pieces to standard two pieces to more revealing micro bikinis. A sense of hesitation gripped her as she examined the skimpy attire, and thoughts of her family, particularly her husband and her son Naruto, flooded her mind. Also, thoughts of her body not being fit for a bikini also entered her mind. 'Oh my god, I can't wear these, my body is not fit for them. Oh Kami-sama, I will definitely fail this role,' she thought.

"I'm sorry, Danzo-san, I am not up to the standards and expectations you have of me," she thought out loud. As she pranced in the room, her mind tried to find a solution for the event; she couldn't help but consider worst-case scenarios in case of failure to get the role. "Will the boss fire me? He will definitely fire me."

"I'm disappointed, Kushina, and I don't like failures and disappointments," Danzo's stern and cold voice echoed in her imagination. "You are FIRED."

"See, Kushina, you can't even keep a job, and you were fighting me over this," she could hear Minato speaking.

Lost in her thoughts, Kushina found herself sitting on the edge of the bed, contemplating her next move. It was at this moment a message from Kurenai about dinner interrupted her thoughts.

"Hey, Kushina-san! Dinner is starting. Would love for you to join us." The message read on Ninchat. With a deep breath, Kushina decided to put her concerns aside for the time being. She washed her face and marched to the dining area, where the scene had transformed into a vibrant display of buffet-style food. The aroma of various dishes wafted through the air, tempting her senses. She could see KTV staff was already there enjoying the food. Kurenai, noticing Kushina's arrival, waved her over to the buffet.

"Kushina-san, you made it! Come and grab a plate. The food here is amazing," Kurenai gushed.

Nodding, she loaded some food on her plate, trying not to think about the shoot. Jiraiya re-joined them as they engaged in some small talk.

"So ladies, what do you think of outfits?" he asked as he took a bite from his spoon.

"They are beautiful, Jiraiya-san, I love them," Kurenai answered.

"Well, I'm glad you like them; I can't wait for the shoot tomorrow," Jiraiya replied with a big grin, though he noticed Kushina not saying anything but nodding alongside Kurenai he didn't say anything. Soon dinner was done, Kushina quickly bid Kurenai goodnight and started back to her room, pondering what to do next or how to say no to Jiraiya.

"Kushina-san," she heard her name being called, and as she turned, the man in question was walking towards her.

"Jiraiya-san," Kushina replied as Jiraiya neared.

"Can we talk for a moment?" he spoke as he gestured her to the balcony at the end of the corridor. Nodding, she followed him towards the balcony. She could feel the cold nightly sea breeze touch her skin.

"Kushina-san, is everything alright? You seem a bit off," Jiraiya spoke a bit casually. Kushina hesitated for a moment; seeing her hesitation, Jiraiya spoke again, "Is everything alright at home? I saw you a bit off during dinner."

She stood there silent for a few seconds before deciding to share her concerns with Jiraiya. "Well, Jiraiya-san, it's about the outfits for tomorrow's shoot," she spoke nervously. Jiraiya raised his eyebrows and signalled for her to continue, "They're a bit... revealing," she spoke.

Leaning on the railings as his gaze turned to the sea, he spoke, "Ah, the bikinis. It's a beach-themed shoot, after all. What's the issue?"

She answered, her volume quite low, "I... I can't wear these. I'm married, and I have a son. I can't imagine Minato, my husband would be pleased with me wearing something so revealing for everyone to see. And Naruto...my son….. I don't want him to see his mother like that," she spoke, hiding the fact that she didn't think her body was made for a bikini.

Jiraiya made an understanding nod then spoke with a reassuring tone. "Kushina-san, I understand your worries. But in this industry, sometimes you need to separate your personal life from your work. It's a step forward to boost your career. Look at Kurenai-san; she doesn't seem to have any qualms about it."

"I know, but it just feels... wrong. I don't know what to do," she replied a bit uneasily.

"Kushina-san, your talent and dedication got you here. This is an opportunity to showcase your versatility. Don't let personal concerns hold you back. Your family would want to see you succeed. Besides, it's just a professional shoot. We have set boundaries and maintain dignities," he said in an encouraging tone.

Seeing her still a bit uncertain, he said, "How about you think about it overnight and let me know your decision tomorrow?". Kushina nodded, "Good night, Kushina; I hope you make the right decision. Your boss believes in you, and even I too some extent believe you will be a good fit for this role," Jiraiya said as he moved back to the corridors, "a friendly piece of advice, do talk with your husband; I'm sure he would help you reach decisions," he added before marching away. Kushina, though still uncertain, felt a bit more at ease with Jiraiya's words. She nodded, appreciating his perspective, and decided to give it some thought. 'Yes, I have to talk with Minato,' she thought as she too marched to her room.

—------------------------------Primetime-Reloaded—----------------------------------------------------------

Walking to her room and greeting a few of the crew, she prepared herself for the upcoming talk with Minato. She didn't know how he would respond; she saw Yami and Jin waving at her. She just smiled at them and carried on walking to her room.

Reaching the room, she closed the doors and took a deep breath. She stood beside the window and dialled her husband. The bell rang for a few seconds as she was greeted with the pleasant voice of her husband.

"Hey, it's me. Just wanted to check in and say hi. How's everything back home?" Kushina started.

"Kushi-chan! We're good, just missing you. How's everything there? It must be exciting to be back in Uzushio," Minato said from the other end.

The warmth in Minato's voice brought a sense of comfort to Kushina, momentarily easing the anxieties that had been building within her.

"Everything is good. Yeah, it was a surprise for me as well that we were travelling here. This place is almost the same as before. It's so nostalgic," she replied.

"If I had known you were going there, I would have also booked tickets with Naruto. I also wanted to visit that place," Minato spoke from the other end. Her heart skipped a beat as thoughts of having her family come here flooded her mind. She wondered why she hadn't thought of having family vacations in Uzushio until now. 

But then she remembered something "I guess, but I don't think it's the best time for a vacation. Considering that Naruto is on the verge of failing in maths and will be starting his tutoring classes." Her son was doing very poorly in Mizuki sensei's classes.

"Oh, that's right," Minato replied, sounding a little embarrassed that he forgot that important detail about their son "But man, it would be great to cheer you up during the shooting."

Minato continued, bringing her back to her current predicament. Her face tinted red with embarrassment at the thought of doing a bikini photoshoot in front of her family, especially her son.

"About the shoot… Minato, I wanted to talk about that," she said.

Hearing her troubled tone, Minato changed his tone as well. "What happened? Is it cancelled? Did someone misbehave?" he asked.

"No, no, nothing like that. The shoot is scheduled for tomorrow. Everything is going well. It's just... there's a bit of a surprise in tomorrow's shoot. They've added a beach theme, and, well, you know how I feel about unexpected changes," she spoke, probing his reply.

"Beach theme? What's the problem with that?" Minato asked.

"It's a bikini shoot, Mina-kun. Kurenai-san is so comfortable and happy, and me? You know me, Mina-kun, how I don't like to wear bikinis much. And I'm married and have a son. And I don't even think I would look good in them. I don't want the world to see me in those skimpy outfits. What should I do, Minato? If I don't do well, I might not get the role, and my boss might be disappointed. But if I do, what will everyone think? What will Naru-chan think of his kaa-chan? What should I do, Minato?" Kushina spoke in one breath, running her motormouth, laying all her troubles on her husband.

"Calm down, Kushi-chan, take deep breaths," Minato spoke from the other end.

Following his instructions, she took some deep breaths. The room felt quiet, only the sound of her inhales and exhales reaching Minato through the phone. "Okay now?" Minato asked.

"Yeah, sorry for being such a mess, Mina-kun," Kushina stated.

"It's alright. I'm here for you. And regarding the shoot, it's just a shoot. I believe in you, in fact, Naruto-kun also believes in you. And you will look good in a bikini, who told you won't? In fact, I can't wait to see you in them. Do you want me to come there to cheer?" Minato spoke as he chuckled in the end.

"No, you are just saying that to cheer me up. I will not look good," Kushina stated playfully, her worries about Minato's negative reaction being washed away.

"I'm not. How about sending me some pics right now as you try them? You have them with you, right?" Minato suggested.

"Yeah, I have them," Kushina replied, her heart feeling lighter with Minato's reassurance. "Wait, I will send you on Ninchat," she added before disconnecting the call.

Laying out the bikinis, Kushina took pictures of them, arranging the outfits neatly. She hesitated for a moment before deciding to share it with Minato. Sending the pictures to him of a couple of tame ones, she added a playful message, 

"So you want me in them? 😜".

A few moments later, Minato's response came through. "Of course! I'd love to see. 🥵 come on, don't be tease."

Encouraged by his positive response, Kushina decided to start with the more normal one-piece dark green bikini with the white Gatou resort logo on the stomach and the small of her back. She closed the curtains of the room, ensuring that no one from outside could see her. After a quick scan to confirm her privacy, she eagerly stripped out of her clothes, standing naked in the room. Despite her earlier misgivings about bikinis, she couldn't help but feel excited about donning them and showing them to her husband.

Picking up the one-piece bikini, she quickly put it on her body. It was a bit of a tight fit, and she noticed how she may need to do waxing before the shoot, contemplating whether they still offered that service here. 'I hope they have that service still here,' she thought, recalling past experiences.

Walking into the washroom and standing before the mirror, she took a few pictures. She sent the pictures to Minato.

"What do you think, Mina-kun? Do these look alright?" she asked, feeling a bit insecure. 'I hope I don't look fat in this,' she thought.

"Beautiful, as always. You look stunning. 😀" came Minato's response.

Emboldened by his words, Kushina decided to take a step further. "Ok, let me try the next one," she replied.

Picking up the simple two-piece next, she carefully pulled off the current one-piece. She pulled on the second outfit—a simple orange-coloured two-piece bikini with Uzushio resort logos on one of her breast cups. Though she had trouble fitting her big breasts in, she managed to put them in. After ensuring it was well-fit, she decided to click a few pictures. Some were simple, others a bit provocative as she leaned towards the mirror, displaying more of her well-endowed bosom.

Sending the pictures to her husband, she asked, "How's this one?"

"🥵🥵🥵 you are killing me Kushi-chan, absolutely gorgeous," came Minato's immediate reply. 

"You really think so?" she asked, feeling that she could definitely wear these in front of everyone. 

"Absolutely. I don't think it's crass; it looks beautiful on you. So what's next?" Minato asked in a message. The next one was a lace two-piece bikini with smaller cups and a more exposing bottom. 

She pondered whether to try the next one. "Mina-kun, the next one is a bit more revealing. I don't think I can wear that for the shoot," she replied.

"Well, we will never know unless you try. So try on and send me pictures," Minato suggested. 

She made the decision to continue and put on the show 'as long as it's for Mina-koi' she thought. She knew her husband was probably enjoying it and was probably excited about this little game.

And so did she. Ever since the fight they had recently, things have been tense between them. So getting back to having these kinky messages between them made her feel like things were mending and getting back to the way they were. Plus, wearing those revealing, tight bikinis and then sending pictures to her husband was turning her on a bit.

Picking up a red lace two-piece bikini, she slowly pulled out of her current two-piece. She noticed how her nipples had hardened. The marks from Taikin were still there but were now fading. 'Damn, I'm also turned on by this,' she thought. 

Tying the lace bikini bottom, she realised it was skimpier than the previous one, showing joints of her pelvis. Hints of her red pubic strip peeked out from the skimpy fabric. 'This one will definitely need waxing,' she thought. Her face turned red as she saw the Gatous resort logo at the centre of the bottoms, just over her intimate area. 'It's like they are branding us,' she thought. 

She knew it was wrong to see that logo on her like that, but maybe it was her mind thinking dirty. However, she found the idea of being branded like this by the Gatous brand like laying claim on her. It was as if it were not enough that he had taken over the island that was her home and what was once ruled by her clan and its company, but it was also as if he wanted to take over her and own her as his property as well.

She pushed those thoughts out of her head and tried to ignore them. 'Surely reading so many of Kunochihub's comments is giving me these strange ideas.' she thought

Picking up the matching lace bikini top, she tied it, and like the bottom, it was also a bit smaller than the previous one, exposing more of her cleavage. Looking in the mirror, a part of her couldn't help but feel empowered. "What would everyone think if I wore this?" she thought out loud. Taking a few pictures, one of them winking at the camera, she decided to send the pictures to Minato, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Okay, brace yourself for this one," she wrote as she clicked send.

"I'm ready! 😉" Minato's response came immediately and enthusiastically. 

"Wow, Kushina! 🥵 🥵🥵 I think I might die here. You look amazing. you should definitely wear something like this for the photoshoot?" he asked.

She hesitated for a moment. "I'm not sure, Minato. It's a bit revealing, don't you think?" she asked.

"I love it. But if you're unsure, it's your call. Try showing me others," Minato replied. Kushina's face turned red as she saw the next piece, which was a micro bikini. "I don't think I can wear that one, Mina-koi… it's too much," she replied.

"Come on, wear it for me at least," he asked.

"I'm not sure if I can do that," Kushina replied.

"Come on, don't leave me hanging, let me call you," his reply came. Her phone rang as Minato initiated the video call. Picking up, she was greeted by the grinning face of her husband. Looking at his face, she could clearly see he was aroused. 'It's all because of me, I haven't been a good wife to him,' she thought, recalling how she had blocked him off sexually since his arrival.

"Wow, you look more stunning than in the picture," Minato said. Kushina realised she was still in her red lace bikini, and Minato could clearly see her upper body. She blushed, internally happy at his praise.

"Let me see the other options, Kushi-chan," Minato spoke, his voice filled with childish enthusiasm. Nodding at him, Kushina displayed the rest of the bikinis, and Minato's excitement grew.

"Those all look amazing. Wear them, Kushi-chan," he spoke immediately, seeing her hesitation. He continued, "Wear them for me, please," his voice almost pleading. Thinking for a moment, "Alright, only for you," she spoke. She put the phone down, the camera away from her.

"What, Kushi-chan? No show?" Minato spoke.

She giggled, "No show, you get to see the final results only," she replied playfully.

 Discarding the lace two-piece and standing in the room naked for the nth time today, her confidence grew. 'I wonder if I could do a naked shoot,' she thought, as thoughts about comments from her fans on Ninjagram or those lewd ones on KunoichiHub came to the forefront of her mind. She quickly shook her head. "No, how could I?" she muttered, mocking at the silly idea.

Picking up the white micro bikini, she quickly tied the bottoms around her pelvis. Her face immediately turned red, "Oh, kami-sama," she muttered. The bottom exposed almost all of her nether regions, the white piece of bottom barely managed to go over her slit. 

She could see how her red pubes were all over the place, striking out of the thin, skimpy fabric. Turning around, she noticed how it barely had any coverage from the back, exposing all of her thick ass. 

Despite feeling embarrassed, she couldn't help but feel a bit excited. She could definitely feel heat building inside her. She noticed her reflection in the mirror and how her nipples were now erect as erasers. She could see faint lines of marks from Taikin still around them. "I could have teased Mina-koi," she muttered at the lost opportunity. 

Quickly tying the white micro bikini top, she noticed how they were barely little triangular pieces that hid her nipples. And being aroused, she noticed how her nipples tried poking out of the fabric.

"What have I signed up for?" she muttered, looking at herself in the mirror to see if she was showing anything unintended, not that there was left for imagination. She walked to her phone and said, "Are you ready, Mina-kun?" she asked playfully.

"Don't tease me, Kushinaaaa, I'm dying here," Mianto spoke from the other side with desperation evident in his voice.

She giggled, "Lo behold," she spoke as she turned her phone, allowing the camera to capture her.

Minato's face hung open, seeing his wife in the microbikini. His expression grew more aroused as Kushina placed the phone down and stepped back, allowing the camera to capture her full frame. She took precise steps to make sure none of the marks from Taikin were visible, and even if they were, they couldn't be noticed over the video call due to them being a bit fainter now.

After a moment of silence, Minato's voice broke through, "You're stunning, Kushina. Wear them for the shoot. I don't see why anyone will reject you for any role after this shoot. Go for it. Don't worry about me or Naruto-kun. Let people talk, and I will say I have the hottest damn wife in Japan, no, the hottest wife in the world," Minato spoke.

Kushina felt a mix of relief and exhilaration at his confirmation once more. She laughed blushing at his praise and nodded playfully before doing a quick twirl, giving him a quick view of her backside.

"Are you sure, Minato? You are not saying this in the heat of the moment? Are you ?" she asked.

"Absolutely. In fact, send me more pics tomorrow. Maybe some steamy ones. And this is not the heat of the moment. You are fabulous, and there is no point in hiding how fabulous you are," Minato said.

Kushina blushed at the suggestion, but Minato's arousal was also palpable on his end. He continued, "Besides, let them all see, but they will all know you belong to me and only me," he added. 'Seeing her like this brings back memories of the wild Kushina. It's a side of her that I missed, and it's exciting to see it resurface,' Minato thought on the other end.

'I'm so sorry, Mina-koi,' Kushina thought as she heard Minato's proclamation, her mind going back to last week when she cheated on him with Taikin. 'That won't happen again,' she resolved, smiling at Minato.

"I'm not sure I could wear this one, Mina-kun, or the next one even. This is too much. But I will share the pictures tomorrow, for sure."

"Of course it's your call, Kushi-chan. Remember, you are secondary to none. You have a competitive side which I love. Remember to believe in yourself, and everything will go your way," Minato supplied.

"I will," Kushina replied, smiling at her husband.

Minato reminisced, thoughts of Yami and Jin crossing his mind. Their jealous looks when he had kissed Kushina hadn't gone unnoticed. Minato's chest swelled with pride at the realisation that he had someone as incredible as Kushina as his wife. He understood the underlying dynamics – the unspoken competition that lingered in the air, especially as she was basically competing with younger women—and could understand her insecurity.

'I hope my words have encouraged her,' he thought. 'Let the men be jealous; they can see but can't have it,' he thought as a smile formed on his face.

"What are you smiling at?" Kushina asked.

"Haha, nothing but seeing how incredible you are and how lucky I am," Minato said.

Kushina nodded, feeling a bit guilty but suppressing it, "Thank you, Mina-koi. You know how to talk to me. You are the best. I will send pictures tomorrow, and if everything goes well, I will even reward you," she said as she winked at him and disconnected the call.

Minato called back, but she giggled and cut it off, "Patience, Mina-kun," she sent the message.

"Damn, tease 😠" Minato's reply came back.

"😛 😘😘😘" Kushina replied back, giggling to herself.

Deciding to play a bit more, she quickly pulled off her small micro bikini top, revealing her hardened nubs. She hid her nipples and marks on her breasts with one hand, which was an effort in itself. Her small hand barely covered the required area, exposing a lot of her ample bosom. Turning on the camera, she placed it over her head, sitting on her knees spread wide on the bed, giving a teasing smile at the lens.

"Snap," the camera clicked.

The camera clicked, capturing a moment of her looking up at the lens, topless, with her hand barely able to conceal her large bosom, with her hand barely able to hide her nipples, the focal point of the picture. The image hinted at a small cloth covering her bottom, leaving the details to the viewer's imagination. She zoomed in and out of the picture, ensuring no marks from her time with Taikin were visible in the picture. Feeling satisfied, she nodded to herself.

"Reward for today 😈😈😈" she wrote as she sent the picture to Minato.

"🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 more, Kushinaaaaa," Minato's immediate response made her giggle.

"Tomorrow," she replied.

"Gn 😘😘😘😘😘😘," she added.

"🥲 😪 damn tease. GN, Kushi-chan."

With the issue around the bikini shoot resolved, she smiled at herself and then looked at her still almost nude self. 'I wonder,' she thought as a grin formed on her face. Discarding the small bottom, she stood nude in the room. 'I remember times I did skinny dip in the ocean around here,' she thought as she walked nude to the closed curtains, her core heating her breasts jiggled with each step, her hand unconsciously reaching the curtains to open them. But suddenly she stopped.

"What am I doing?" she muttered, 'Those were different days, I am different now. What if someone saw me like this from outside?' she thought, pulling back her steps to the bed.

Kushina, wrapped in the warmth of a blanket, extinguished the lights in her room. "Let's try to sleep. I hope for good things tomorrow," she murmured to herself, replaying Minato's supportive words in her mind. A swell of pride washed over her as she remembered the hunger in his expressions. 'I've still got it,' she thought, a confident smirk gracing her lips.

As she lay there, attempting to find solace in sleep, a sudden series of knocks disrupted the quiet of the night.

"KNOCK" "KNOCK" "KNOCK"

Perplexed, she wondered, "Who could be at this time?" Hastily rising, she reached for the conveniently placed switch near the nightstand to illuminate the room, letting the blanket fall away. The cold air embraced her naked form, and a blush crept across her cheeks. "What's wrong with me?" she chided herself as she realised her predicament 'I was going for doors like this'.

Hurriedly, she grabbed a robe from the bathroom, preserving a modicum of decency. 

"KNOCK, KNOCK"

Responding to the persistent knocks, she called out, "Coming," while securing the robe around her body. As she opened the door, surprise painted her face upon seeing the visitor.

"Shi-Tanaaka-san," she began, almost slipping into a first-name basis. The white-haired resort manager's gaze, however, was more focused on her robe-clad figure.

"Sorry for showing up so late at night; I hope I didn't disturb you," Shiro said.

"No, I was just getting ready for bed," she lied, trying to downplay the awkwardness.

"Ah, well, my shift just ended, so I thought I would come talk with you to catch up," he explained, his eyes momentarily lingering on her face. But as he looked down, she realised where his gaze was fixed. The robe, though decent in length, had loosened around her bust, revealing a very generous glimpse of her cleavage It certainly showed she wasn't wearing anything under or at least was – an unintentional invitation to wandering eyes.

Blushing furiously, she hastily adjusted the robe. "Umm, Tanaka-san, it's a bit late, and I have a shoot tomorrow. Maybe we can catch up tomorrow evening?" she suggested politely, her mind automatically reminiscing about the past when his grey eyes held the same lust-filled gaze that used to captivate her.

"My bad, I should have realised. Sorry for disturbing you, but I will definitely meet you tomorrow then," he apologised, bowing slightly. She nodded in acknowledgment.

"Good night, then." He spoke as he turned to leave, he halted and added, "You really have grown more beautiful than ever." His eyes take in the sight of her barely clothed body, sending shivers down her spine " And even more alluring.I wonder if that's the only thing that has changed in you. Kushina, my foxy vixen," he finished, using his old nickname for her that sent a fresh wave of crimson to her cheeks, chuckling at her flustered expression as he turned and walked. 

She stood there, dumbfounded, processing his words. As he disappeared from view, she couldn't help but question herself: "Is he right? And what did he mean by the changes? Does he think I'm still like my younger self? Argh, this is just giving me a headache." she muttered looking at Empty corridors.

Once he was gone, she was back in the room. She discarded the robe again, contemplating the unexpected encounter. "I hope I didn't give him a show," she thought, covering her naked body with a blanket. But deep down, a part of her couldn't deny the thrill of showcasing herself to Shiro, his hungry gaze which was fiercer than Minato's, somehow sparked something in her and dug out the old memories she had locked away. She remembered the look all too well and what it led to..

Wrapped in the blanket, she lay there, grappling with conflicting emotions and contemplating the changes unfolding in her life.

TBC

Ok, here's chapter 16 of Primetime. What do you think? What should I do next? What happens next?

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