47: Trouble in Sand and The Pack: Part I

Guren was having a hard time processing just how different she felt at the completion of her journey then she had at the start. It wasn't that she had forgotten Yukimaru or his sacrifice for her, but it was rather hard to remain despondent when there was a vigorous young man who nightly would bring her to orgasm several times and then do so all over again in the morning. It wasn't just the sex that Guren was finding rather addicting, but the cuddling afterwards. The former Sound kunoichi found she rather enjoyed falling asleep with an arm wrapped around her and pulling her close.

Guren watched Naruto sign in at the front gate of Konoha for both of them. Once he finished he gave her a nod and they brought the wagon back to the Great Tree Shipping Company. The blue-haired kunoichi watched as several workers took the wagon from the blond and then began to unload it. The dock came to a stop as a pair of workers pulled a chest from the back and surprised at how much it weighed, one of them dropped the side he held causing it to hit the ground. The chest cracked open spilling its contents to reveal thick gold bars which according to Sara were rather useless in the desert where water was the most valuable commodity.

The two men stared at the treasure that had been the payment given to Naruto and Guren for a job well done, but quickly began moving to clean it up as a voice called out, "Let's not just stand around stupefied gentlemen. We don't need to advertise to thieves now do we?"

"No ma'am," one of the men replied as both of them set about cleaning up the mess.

Karin directed her attention to Naruto before with a smirk she said, "There seems to be more there than I remember negotiating."

Naruto nodded as he replied, "There were some complications with the job. But we handled it."

Karin smiled at the jinchuriki's bravado which made her pussy moisten before turning her red eyed gaze to Guren. Her smile turned flirtatious as she said, "That's doesn't seem to be the only thing that was handled on the job." The female Uzumaki resisted the urge to giggle at the woman's embarrassment. Turning she said, "Let's speak more in my office."

Naruto followed behind as Karin led Guren and him into the company that she ran. He was impressed with the growth that he saw both in the company and her as she would pause in the march to her office to speak with employees that wished her input. Having visited several times before for a variety of reasons, it appeared that at least double the people were working there than before.

Karin entered her office first and came to a stop about midway from her desk. Once she heard the door close behind her the cool demeanor she had been displaying for her workers melted away to be replaced with a horny sexpot. Activating the privacy seals that prevented eavesdropping or spying, she spun on her heel and quickly closed the distance. Leaping the final few feet, she wrapped her legs around Naruto's hips as her lips sought out his.

She kissed him heatedly and repeatedly as Naruto's hands used her ass as handholds which he gripped firmly causing her to mew into his mouth.

Guren was shocked by the red-head's sudden change and a little embarrassed by the make-out session she was witnessing as well as the effect it was having on her. Hoping to perhaps put an end to it before things got too carried away she said, "Don't you wish for a report on what happened?"

Naruto began carrying Karin towards her desk as she broke the kiss to respond, "What's there to hear? Complications arouse and were dealt with, and you learned what a stud Naruto is between a woman's legs."

The writhing female felt her desk behind her so reaching back pushed the papers and other items from it as Naruto set her down. She moaned loudly as he began to attack her collarbone while he unzipped her purple shirt. He slid her shirt open as he kissed his way down her body before arriving at her chest where he sucked on one of her pointy nipples. "Mmmm, yeah suck my tits!" she whispered lustfully as she rocked her hips against his groin and his growing bulge.

Guren watched a little self-conscious and while she had known Naruto was involved with others. Witnessing this truth was making her a little uncomfortable. She believed her discomfort was rooted in the fact that while she hadn't been a virgin when Naruto had taken her, back then it had been more for stress relief or brought about by the adrenaline coursing through her after a battle. That coupled with the fact that she had never felt vulnerable like she had after Yukimaru's death meant her sexual encounters had just been quick romps in which she would dismiss the man afterwards without giving them a second thought.

But with Naruto, not only did she feel vulnerable, but she found herself thinking about things that would never have even occurred to her before. Things like whether or not the jinchuriki was pleased with how she was performing. Now though watching Karin and him she found herself wondering things like, where did she stack up in his pantheon of lovers.

Yet at the same time, watching the two was having an effect on her own libido and she found herself wondering if it was due to the fox mark she now sported between her shoulder blades. Her reasoning was that she could feel Karin's growing arousal and suspected her proximity was having an effect.

She began to squirm a little as she watched Naruto unbutton the tight shorts of his fellow Uzumaki. Karin lifted her ass up slightly as the blond began to pull them down her legs and then watched as she spread them in a V once they were pulled clear. Guren watched on slightly enviously as Naruto bent down and began to kiss and then enjoy Karin's smoothly shaven snatch as she recalled how thoroughly Naruto had enjoyed hers.

Guren could feel her own pussy beginning to drool as she listened to Karin's moans grow in volume and intensity as her legs began to move about due to her inability to sit still as a result of the pleasure coursing through her. She could tell Naruto was doing an incredible job as his fellow Uzumaki arched her back, before collapsing forward to grip his hair and pull him harder into her muff. "Oh gods, your tongue should be classified as an S-ranked weapon against kunoichi."

Naruto pulled said weapon from his lover's snatch to give her a kiss. As their tongues began to swirl around each other and she tasted herself, Naruto began to rub the outside of her pussy. Karin could feel Naruto's clothed cock pressing against her mound, but wishing to taste him said, "Come around here and let me get a taste of you."

Naruto grinned at the idea so pulled back as he ceased his actions. Freeing his manhood he divested himself of his pants as he came around the desk. Karin leaned her head back over the edge as Naruto stepped closer and swallowed about half his length. Naruto groaned as he pinched one of Karin's nipples and shivered as she moaned around his cock.

Guren watched as Naruto reached down his lover's body as she slurped on his cock to begin rubbing her quim once more. The blue-haired woman looked away though as Naruto met her gaze. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about Guren." He slipped a finger inside the red-head's shaved pussy and began to work it back and forth as he added, "Why don't you join us? I think Karin would appreciate if you gave her cute little pussy some attention."

Naruto groaned as Karin hummed her agreement, before letting him slip from her mouth. Guren watched the bespectacled woman rub her face against it almost reverently as she would place kisses against his length. She licked the underside of his shaft before taking one of his testicles into her mouth which she then sucked on until moving onto the other.

Guren didn't really have any intention of joining in, since she had never been with a woman before. But, watching Karin writhe on her desk as she sucked on the cock which had awakened the crystal user to a world of pleasure couldn't deny she felt a pull like gravity towards the two. Guren watched Karin bring her hand up to pull his dick back between her lips and she realized that if Naruto's tongue was to be classified as S-Class, then his dick should have carried a Flee on Sight order for Kunoichi. Because she now knew that it was something that no kunoichi could escape once they had experienced it.

A fact that was highlighted as Guren found herself suddenly in front of the desk. Coming back to her senses she looked confused about when she had moved, but before she had a chance to back up Naruto leaned across the desk to kiss her. The woman surrendered to the kiss as she felt the jinchuriki's tongue enter her mought and engaged it in a fierce duel. As she made out with him, she heard Karin whimper in loss and as Naruto cupped her face realized the sweet scent filling her nostrils was emanating from the finger he had been using to please his lover.

He pulled back and then moved the finger coated in Karin's essence to the blue-haired kunoichi's lips. Guren hesitated for a moment before letting him slip it pass her lips, and she surprised herself as she moaned around the digit which he began sliding in a similar manner as he had when he had been finger fucking Karin. Guren worked her tongue around it like a miniature cock, and was disappointed once she could no longer taste Karin's flavor.

Naruto seemed to read her mood as he withdrew the finger and then cupped the back of Guren's head as he guided her face to the source. Guren paused a moment as she was brought before the red-head's soaking cunt, but smelling more of the heavenly aroma and seeing the way her snatch glistened with the sweet nectar caused her to throw away her reservations as she dove into the tantalizing muff.

Karin mewed around Naruto's cock as the newest member of his Harem began to lick her slickened folds. Karin buried one hand in Guren's hair as the other fondled her petite breast. She ran her tongue around Naruto's cockhead causing her lover to groan while he played with her other tit and nipple.

Guren watched the action going on in front of her as she began to pet herself through the thin material of the shorts that she wore beneath her robe. Her hand joined with Naruto's in fondling Karin's tit as she reached up the red-head's body. Picking up on the way the kunoichi's cries increased in volume she thought of an interesting way to quickly get the woman off and to gain access to the cock she was pleasing with her mouth. Pulling her hand from her self-pleasure she used her Kekkei Genkai to create a crystal phallus which she based off of the one currently sliding between Karin's lips.

Karin moaned contently as she could taste more and more precum oozing from Naruto's cock. Her eyes grew wide as she felt something penetrating her and which continued to spread her in a manner similar to when Naruto was fucking her. She let his cock slip from her lips with a pop to see what Guren had found to slide inside her. Seeing the end of the pink crystal phallus, she cooed, "Oh, what an amazing Kekkei Genkai," before arching her back as the toy stimulated her pleasure buds as she returned to orally pleasuring Naruto's dick.

Guren giggled lightly since while she knew many had coveted her abilities for the power she wielded, having them praised for such a reason amused her. Still as she hoped, Karin's moans grew louder and her concentration on the blowjob she was giving seemed to wan as she neared her release. Yet, the moans she emitted into Naruto's cock seemed to make up for her lack of concentration as he groaned and began ejaculating into Karin's mouth. Her cheeks puffed out as she was unable to swallow the copious amount of semen, so Naruto pulled out and coated her face, chest, and stomach with the several bursts that followed.

Karin followed suit as she arched her back and came. She had a little difficulty giving voice to it as a result of the mouthful of Naruto's cum that she had received so settled for whimpering as she tensed up. Coming down from her orgasmic high, she sat up as she felt Guren extract the crystal toy and grabbed the woman's hand to pull it up to her lips. She licked her release from it and smirked as Guren did likewise unwilling to be denied the red-head's nectar which coated it. Their lips met at the top, causing the two women to abandon the crystal phallus as they began to make out. The toy slipped from Guren's fingers to hit the wood floor as she began to play with one of Karin's tits.

The female Uzumaki busied her hands with undoing the rope which held Guren's rob closed. Once she succeeded she pushed it down forcing the blue-haired woman to pull her arms away, and before she could return them to their previous occupation, she was forced to lift them in the air as Karin removed her maroon undershirt. The two women separated their lips only long enough for the article of clothing to be removed.

Naruto sat in Karin's chair as he watched his two lovers reseal their lips to each other. He felt his dick begin to stir and began slowly fisting it in order to aid in its endeavor to rise once more to the occasion. It didn't take much coxing on his part as Karin worked down Guren's shorts, who quickly stepped out of them, before guiding the kunoichi up on the desk as well. Karin leaned back as she moved Guren so that her dripping snatch was over her face. The blue-haired woman moaned as she felt Karin's tongue begin to caress the soft petals of her pussy.

Karin ended her oral ministrations to lean her head back and spread Guren's pussy for Naruto's visual benefit. She moaned softly as Guren's tongue went to work on her own cunt as she said, "Naruto, let me get a bird's eye view of you fucking this delicious snatch."

Naruto stood from the chair seeing no reason to deny the invitation. Karin grabbed his man meat as he stepped up and guided his cock to its destination. The now connected lovers groaned as he bottomed out, causing Guren to pause in her actions to savor the feeling of being stuffed once more. She tried to return to her task of stimulating Karin's quim, but found it difficult as Naruto began to move within her. Her ability to concentrate was further hampered by Karin's teasing her nipples between her fingers. The red-head also found time to add to Naruto's pleasure as she licked his shaft as he pulled out of the Guren and would then suck on his balls as he pushed himself back into the blue-haired kunoichi's gripping pussy.

Karin was forced to sit back and watch once Naruto began slamming himself into Guren at a blistering pace. The increased friction caused Guren's moans to increase in volume making the female Uzumaki glad the original privacy barriers that had been placed in the office had been replaced by those perfected by Mito. From the pitch of Guren's cries she knew the woman was close, which was confirmed as a moment later she stiffened and despite her best efforts to muffle them let out a guttural cry, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, CUMMING!!!!!!!"

Karin knew Naruto was as well as she watched his testicles contract as they pumped his thick cream into the climaxing woman's womb. Naruto pulled out causing some of his seed to leak from Guren's abused nether lips, which Karin happily caught as it dripped into her mouth. Guren collapsed on top of her, before rolling onto her back as she caught her breath.

Karin sat up on the desk, before spinning around to face Naruto who had returned to her chair. Slipping off the piece of furniture she sat on his lap and impaled herself on his staff which refused to wilt. She held back the moan that she wanted to give voice to as she watched Guren regain some of her composure. Then in a business like voice said, "I take it you have decided to accept my proposition to work here."

Guren gave a soft smile which turned into a smirk as the business like mask of Karin's twisted into one of pleasure as Naruto pumped his hips once. Karin wasn't able to stiffen her moan especially as Naruto began to lift her up and down his cock. She tried to stop him as she said, "N-naruto s-stop there's a lot Guren and I need to discuss. Business before pleasure and all that... Mmm, fuck..."

Naruto chuckled before replying, "Sorry Karin it's going to have to wait. My business is seeing to your pleasure, besides you're the one moving now."

Karin realized that Naruto was right and that he had stopped guiding her to let her work herself on his kunoichi impaler. Knowing she wouldn't be able to stop now until she felt him explode inside her, she shelved what she wanted to talk to Guren about to get to the important task of cumming over his cock.

***************************

The room smelled of stale sweat and spilled beer. It was also currently being filled with the rhythmic sounds of flesh smacking against flesh as Tsume straddled a man. "Fuck yeah," one of the men watching the display shouted into Kiba's ear, "Look at that bitch go."

Kiba looked over at the man before giving him a wide grin and slapping the man on the shoulder before turning back to watch as his mom hit the latest challenger to her position in the face several more times. The man managed to get a hand up and grab the front of Tsume's vest before tossing her off of him. The Inuzuka clan leader landed in a crouched position on all fours and growled at the large muscular man as he got back to his feet.

Kiba shook his head in amusement at the display of Inuzuka politics that he was watching. The current challenge to his mother's title arouse as a result of her stance on a new bill to end a trade embargo that existed between Kumo and Konoha. It was during the current gathering to discuss clan matters that the man presently fighting his mother, Koreshige Inuzuka, raised his objections to her stance of ending the embargo. Koreshige felt doing so would be a betrayal to the Inuzuka that had been lost during the past wars. Not to mention his recalling the attempt Kumo had made at using rabies to kill a canine the Inuzuka had been hoping to add to their breeder program.

His mom hadn't been swayed, claiming, as she had countered, that Konoha had run plenty of its own plots against its rivals to the North in order to weaken them. Plots, that the Inuzuka as one of the clan's best suited to scouting and infiltration had taken part in. Kiba had noticed that it was an argument that didn't seem to have much sway with many of his clansmen. But in the Inuzuka, words held little value if they couldn't be backed up by physical strength. Since the Inuzuka tended to fight in a near feral state, fists were more often used to communicate ideas than words. The reason for this was because words could be twisted in order to deceive, but it was the clan's belief that liars and deceivers were less likely to back up false words with the conviction that was needed to win a fight.

While Kiba didn't doubt that Koreshige's disagreement was born from a general belief his opinion that Kumo should continue to be treated as an enemy was valid. He also believed that another reason for the man's quarrel with his mother was because of the opinion that it was his birthright to rule the clan as the first male Clan Leader since the First Inuzuka had fallen in battle and one of his several wives had taken over the position. Since that time, it had been an uninterrupted line of females which had directed the politics of the clan.

Looking at Koreshige, Kiba could understand why the man thought he would be the one to end that particular tradition as he towered over his mother by almost two feet, and appeared to be almost pure muscle as the challenger stood over his crouching mother wearing only a pair of pants and his shinobi sandals. He roared in anger as he charged Tsume, who growled menacingly as the man barreled down on her. The man reared back a clawed hand that he intended to bury in Tsume's back, but the kunoichi was more than ready for him as she flipped backwards lashing out with a foot which connected with the man's chin snapping his head back. She landed on all four's again before launching herself in a Fang over Fang that caught the still reeling man in the chest. The jutsu carried them both towards a wall forcing the spectators in the way to scatter as they smashed into it. Tsume ended the jutsu and pushed off of the man into a flip. She landed back in the circle of spectators on her feet and dropped down into a crouch. She held her hands out to the side as she waited to see if her opponent intended to continue the political discourse.

Kiba watched his mother's opponent pull himself from the depression his impact with the wall had made. He felt his own hackles raise as the man eyed his mother with a great deal of anger and even some lust. Kiba wondered why his mom was giving her opponent a chance to recover, but guessed it was due in part to the rumors that were swirling around him and the recent challenges that Tsume had faced to her position over the past year. While the current fight might have been a result of the disagreement Tsume and Koreshige had over Konoha's future relationship with Kumogakure. Kiba also believed that it was due to a scheme that Koreshige had been putting in place to take his mother's position. A scheme that he had started by his bedding several of the strongest females in the Clan from his generation, and once those women had succumbed to their Inuzuka lusts and accepted him as their mate, he had turned them loose on his mother.

It wasn't a great taboo for a man or even a woman to have multiple lovers or mates due in part to the First Inuzuka having had several. If anything his being able to bed several Inuzuka women, which was no small feat as Kiba's father could attest having found Tsume to be too much of a handful, had led credence to his claims that he would be the first male leader of the clan in almost countless generations. If that had happened it would have left Kiba with conflicted feeling about the future of his clan. Not as a result of his mother's losing, but in the way Koreshige would have claimed it. He had used his women as pawns to wear down Tsume by having them issue challenges on almost every decision she had made. It had been a relatively easy thing to pull off since Tsume had made some decisions that quite a few in the clan didn't seem to understand. Her backing of the trade bill with Suna being but one of the largest to date, and despite her decision having resulted in the Inuzuka benefiting a great deal from the greater funds brought about due to the sales of the high class perfumes the clan sold, which most would likely consider a surprising export of the Inuzuka, but made sense considering their keen sense of smell, at the time Kiba was sure half the clan had wanted to challenge her. Only her reputation and the esteem of her fighting capabilities had silenced most of them.

Yet, it hadn't silenced a challenge from one of Koreshige's mates. Kiba had been present at the time and heard the murmur that it had raised among his clan. Primarily since it had been the sixth such challenge and as he would learn it was one coming from a woman mated to the imposing male Inuzuka. Kiba would admit to feeling a bit heartbroken as the woman stepped forward since she had been one that Kiba had harbored feelings for, Kagome Inuzuka. He remembered receiving a smug look from Koreshige as she left his side, and to Kiba's shame he looked away. His shame was due to his conceding to Koreshige without even bearing his fangs which is ultimately why a woman like Kagome would choose the other male.

Watching his mother in the present though, Kiba wondered if he perhaps had more of his father in him then he might like. The man that had abandoned his family because he found his wife too hard to handle and thus found a woman he could dominate. It was a rather bitter pill to swallow, especially in light of the fact that he hadn't been willing to put up a fight for Kagome.

Thinking back to his mother's fight against Kagome, Kiba recalled how many in his clan had likely assumed that the title would change hands that night since it had been obvious that the several fights prior Tsume had barely hung on. However, to everyone's surprise, she had easily trounced the challenger, and to many of the elder Inuzuka, including the women Tsume had claimed the mantle of clan head from, she had moved like she had in her prime.

Some had attributed his mother's performance to her anger at Koreshige likely using his other mates to wear her down until Kagome could take her, and in turn would likely claim it from her. A few of the other women had attributed to Tsume's overall change in attitude having noted that she was less sourly then she had been ever since her husband had left her. Of course, they attributed it to her finding a new man to satisfy her needs.

Kiba had doubted that since he hadn't seen any man showing an interest in his mother. Not that he kept tabs on her, although he did think that it might be tied to the Konoha Woman's Bathing Association since a lot of the changes he had noted in both his mom and sister had taken place after they had become members. He simply guessed there was something special in the water.

But whatever the case, his mother was proving that her resurgence wasn't a one-time affair as she began to more easily handle Koreshige as he grew winded. Kiba winced sympathetically as the big man tried to swipe at his mother's face with his sharp nails only for Tsume to duck and score two punches to the inside of both his thighs. The blows caused the man to wobble and fall to his knees as Tsume grabbed his head and slammed her knee into his face causing his nose to crunch as she broke it. Then as if to prove just how tough she was, she slammed her forehead into Koreshige's not once but twice. She let go of his head and Kiba could see that nobody was home, a fact highlighted by his slumping to the floor.

Tsume howled in triumph which was mirrored by her clansmen, until they grew silent as she addressed them, "Now I expect to have your support on this matter of becoming trading partners with Kumo going forward." Directing her gaze to the women that had backed Koreshige she said, "Get that man out of my sight."

Many in the crowd nodded as Koreshige's women dragged him away. Kiba watched his mother without another word, since her dominance of the clan was once more proven, turn on her heel and walk out of the Clan's longhouse where it gathered to handle its political matters. The rest of the clan began to leave as well, but as he followed behind his mother's predecessor he heard one of the older women walking with the elder say in an amused whisper, "Now where do you think she's off to in such a hurry?"

The elder chuckled as she responded, "Well if she's anything like how I used to be after a challenge, she's probably going to go burn off the excess adrenaline pumping through her veins. I can think of a few ways in which she plans to go about it."

"You're not one of those suggesting that she's found a new mate," another of the women suggested. "Considering how she ran off her husband, there aren't many willing to take on such a willful woman."

The elder shrugged as she responded, "It's none of my concern how Tsume spends her nights. But something has reignited the fire in her belly. She's not defending her position just out of tradition any longer and going through the motions. There's a real passion behind her actions."

The other women walking with the elder nodded until one said, "Still, to be willing to drop the embargo against..."

The elder silenced the woman as she harshly said, "If you wish to go against her decision then you know how to brooch the subject. But after the show she put on I doubt you'd last more than a handful of moments. I know many say she's been performing much as she had in her prime...but those people haven't squared off against her. I have and I can tell you that she's even better. If there is a man behind her resurgence then he must be something truly special indeed to be able to handle a reinvigorated Tsume."

Kiba broke off from the pack following behind the elders. He didn't know how to take the conversation he had just heard. What confused him most was that if there was a new man in his mother's life, then why was she keeping him a secret? He considered going to look for his mother in order to ask her about some of the rumors surrounding her. But, dropped the idea since he figured she deserved to celebrate her victory in whatever way she saw fight. There would be other times to find the answers he wanted.

*****************************

Naruto looked around his new apartment and felt a little guilty due to how lavish it looked. He had been allowed to move in early and would be helping several of his lovers do so as well the following morning. Kiyomi had given him a quick tour, but refused to stay as she would not reengage him in the discussion about the three Taki-nin. Not wishing to tarnish the night and her gift by starting another argument with her, he had reluctantly let her go.

His guilt had less to do with his argument with Kiyomi then it did with just how much his life had improved since opening the scroll that had started him on his journey to unite the Shinobi World. He knew it was perhaps a little silly for him to feel guilty about his life being so good, but he couldn't help it as he looked around the large three bedroom apartment which was one of the four that took up the top floor of the building he now lived in. He guessed that his feelings stemmed from the fact that the entirety of his old apartment would fit in the combined kitchen, dining, and living room that comprised the main living area of his new one.

Naruto shook his head at himself for feeling such, but ultimately he believed his feelings stemmed from his personally benefiting from his ambition since he didn't know what it would normally cost to rent such an apartment. He was about to take a bath to get over his concerns when a knock sounded against his door. Opening it, his eyes went wide as Tsume stood in his doorway. His surprise didn't come so much at her visiting him, since that was supposed to be one of the benefits to living in the new building since the secret entrance to the Den was in the basement. But from her appearance, which was rather disheveled giving him the impression she had likely been in a fight.

Tsume smiled wildly at his surprise as she replied to his questioning gaze, "Don't worry, just a little political disagreement." Naruto stepped to the side as he let the woman enter. Tsume whistled in amazement as she took in the large apartment as she said, "It seems it pays to have a Harem of women with large reserves of disposable cash." When Naruto didn't respond Tsume queried, "Let me guess you were probably feeling guilty about accepting such a lavish gift?"

Naruto chuckled drily as he began to respond, "Perhaps a litt..."

"Don't be an idiot," Tsume said cutting him off, "this home was built as much for the other women that will be living here as for you. At least now most of us that live in the village won't be drawing attention to the Den by constantly visiting an abandoned building. Hell, if it wouldn't confirm half the rumors going around my clan that I've taken a lover I'd move here as well. It makes me a little envious of Ino since the Yamanaka clan is spread out all over the village so it doesn't appear strange for her to be moving here."

Naruto shook his head as his previous concerns about moving into the apartment faded due to Tsume's words. His eyes reflected his gratitude to Tsume as he said, "I was just about to take a bath. Would you care to join me?"

Tsume nodded so Naruto led her to the changing and laundry room that was just before the large bathroom. The two quickly stripped out of their clothes, which Naruto stuffed into the washing machine before following the Inuzuka clan head into the bathroom. Tsume turned on the water to the large tub as Naruto grabbed some soap and a rag. Coming up behind the brown haired woman he said, "Here let me wash your back for you."

Tsume allowed Naruto to guide her to a stool where he crouched behind her and after pouring a bucket of warm water over her skin began cleaning her body. Tsume sighed as her lover scrubbed away the sweat and dirt that had covered her from her fight. She winced slightly as he passed over a bruise that Koreshige had left her with when he scored a punch to her side. Naruto leaned forward to kiss it before asking, "Was she a tough opponent?"

"He was," Tsume responded. A measure of disgust entered her voice as she added, "Koreshige didn't have any more bitches to hide behind. He finally had to challenge me himself."

"I imagine he came to regret it," Naruto said confident of the outcome as he was able to sense the satisfaction Tsume was feeling.

Although her back was to him, he could easily picture the feral grin she was wearing as she replied, "Let's just say I hope those bitches weren't just enamored with his face. Plus, since most saw him as the next heir apparent, my kicking his ass means the rest of the clan will fall in line when we vote to drop the embargo. Of course I'm going to have a lot of egg on my face if we drop it and the Raikage stabs us in the back at some point." Tsume felt Naruto stiffen behind her as a result of her words causing the Clan leader to feel some trepidation as she asked, "What is it?"

Naruto frowned as he said, "Well as you know this is the time of year when the Fire Daimyo tells us how much tribute he is going to give the village. It seems to be a practice the other Daimyo follow."

"Okay, so what's the problem?"

"The Fire Daimyo cut the amount he is giving us in half," Naruto said with some dread. "It seems that the Wind Daimyo has followed suit according to Temari."

Tsume could see where things were going so said, "Let me guess, the same thing happened in Kumogakure."

"Yeah," Naruto said with a fair amount of worry entering his tone. "Mabui let me know this morning when I visited her."

"Do we have any idea as to why?" Tsume asked, "From what I heard I can't imagine the Raikage took such news gracefully."

Naruto frowned as he answered, "It appears that all three Daimyo had the same reasoning for their actions. They feel that since it appears Akatsuki has been dealt with there is no reason for them to send such a large tributes to the villages."

"Those fucking shitheads," Tsume growled angrily, "We might have given Tobi a black eye, but they had no way of knowing how badly his operation has been crippled. Not to mention..."

"Not to mention," Naruto said as he knew what Tsume was about to say due to his having the same concerns, "by cutting the funding to the villages it may create a situation where tensions rise to the point where we end up attacking each other. Or since it is unlikely that Iwagakure has seen its tribute cut due to Earth Country Daimyo's desire to expand his Western Border, it may invite them to attack Suna or even us."

Tsume nodded as she added, "It's almost like they want to stir shit up."

Naruto chuckled as Tsunade had made a similar observation when she had heard the news. He felt some measure of hope that his ambition would avert the situation as he said, "It's hard to say why the Daimyo have done what they have. It is hardly without precedence though since the previous Wind Daimyo acted in a similar manner after the Third Great Shinobi War."

"Yeah, and because he kept cutting Suna's tribute they eventually aligned with Orochimaru out of desperation."

Naruto nodded as he began to wash Tsume's front, but he doubted that history would repeat itself as he explained, "All too true, but this time things are going to be different. Despite the smaller tribute both Gaara and Tsunade are expecting to have a surplus when they develop their budgets for the year. The expanded trade routes between our villages are making up for the smaller revenue from the Daimyo."

"And you expect it will be a similar story for Kumo," Tsume said.

Naruto grinned as he said, "Absolutely. If anything the Daimyo's actions may end up working out in our favor. I imagine that out of pride the Raikage may have rejected our offer before, but now he's going to be hard pressed to since he's no doubt receiving reports of how well Suna and Konoha are doing."

Tsume smirked as she could imagine Mabui reading about some of the benefits that Suna and Konoha were reaping from their newest trade alliance. "Reports that are no doubt being delivered by a certain assistant, who is perhaps whispering in his ear that it may be wise for him to follow suit."

She could hear the amusement in Naruto's voice as he said, "Karin, and Koharu already have an appointment to meet with the Raikage." His voice grew more serious as he added, "We just need to finalize a few of the details on our end, and find out what it will take for the Hyuuga not to act against the spirit of the bill."

Despite the serious topic that they were discussing, feeling Naruto's soapy hands moving over her front as he cleaned her reminded the Inuzuka head what had brought her to her lover's apartment. Wanting to get her night heading back in the direction she had intended she said, "That's interesting and all, but I didn't come here for a status update."

"Really," Naruto said dropping the rag he had been using as his touch became more sensual. He caused the Inuzuka to moan as he gave her tit a squeeze while tweaking a nipple. He scooted closer pressing his hard cock against her back before pouring the bucket of water over them to wash away the soap as he asked, "And pray tell, why did you come over tonight then?"

Tsume moaned as Naruto's other hand reached between her legs as he began to slowly rub her pussy. She looked over her shoulder with barely contained desire as she took in the young man she was bound to. "Your hands seem to have the right idea," she replied breathlessly before pressing her lips to his.

The two made out passionately as Naruto's hands continued their action. After several minutes, the kiss ended and the jinchuriki spun his lover around before effortless picking her up as he stood. Tsume tried to maneuver her vagina so that Naruto would penetrate her, but the blond had other ideas as he carried her to the tub where he set her down on the back edge so that she could sit against the wall. He shut off the water, before returning his attention to Tsume whom he kissed as he buried his hand between her legs once more.

Tsume pulled back and immediately moaned as Naruto clamped his lips to her neck. Her hands found their way to his ass in an attempt to pull him closer to her and ultimately his cock into her needful quim. In a plaintive tone she said, "N-naruto...don't tease me...fuck me already."

Naruto grinned hearing the need in Tsume's voice as he pulled his lips free of her neck to stare into her eyes. Confident that he was the only man to hear the proud woman in such a state he answered her desire with his body as he slammed his hips forward to bury himself to the hilt in the Inuzuka kunoichi. Tsume howled as she found herself suddenly full of his man meat. She didn't have any time to savor the sensation as Naruto began mercilessly pounding her with deep hard strokes.

But Tsume wouldn't have had it any other way as she locked her ankles behind his driving hips. Her hands gripped his back and Naruto pulled her up so that he stood in the center of the tube as he gripped her ass and began to pull her up and down his cock. Tsume leaned her torso back and yelped as Naruto nipped his teeth against one of her nipples before running his tongue around her areola.

She pulled her body back close to his forcing Naruto away from her chest and bit down on his shoulder as she neared her release due to his cock's continuous knocking against her womb. Naruto tensed and she could feel his manhood grow even larger as he attempted to stave off his release. But the sudden growth spurt caused Tsume's inner muscles to spasm around him as they attempted to milk him of his essence. Something the woman herself encouraged as she tightened her legs grip behind Naruto's ass to pull him as deep as he could go inside her. Naruto relented causing her to moan into his shoulder as he flooded her core with his seed.

Naruto sank into the tub causing his lover to moan contently as the warm water surrounded her in a similar sensation as the one she was feeling inside. As her body relaxed she pulled back to see the bite marks she had left and began to lick them even as they began to heal. Once the marks were gone she rested her head against his shoulder as he began to gentle stroke her back while still buried inside her.

They sat together in silence for several moments until Naruto groaned as Tsume began grip and release the cock inside her. Hearing the pleased moan, Tsume pulled herself free of Naruto and moaned in loss as he slipped from her velvet lips. Once on her feet she turned and, she placed her hands on the opposite side of the tub as she spread her legs. Naruto watched as some of his seed began to leak from her just fucked snatch. Tsume waved her ass invitingly and was quite pleased as she felt Naruto come up behind her and grip her hips. She moaned lowly as he slowly entered her this time around.

Naruto planned to take his time in pleasing Tsume a feat made rather difficult as she began to throw her ass back against him in time with his thrusts. Leaning forward, he reached around to grip her hanging breasts and began to lick and nibble on Tsume's ear. As he continued his slow lovemaking, Naruto mentally thanked the Inuzuka for coming over as her presence had reminded him that while his surroundings had improved, it was the women in his life that were the true gifts.

************************

Naruto turned off the shower, which shut off the three heads that resided in the stall. Stepping from behind the low wall that separated the shower from the rest of the bathroom, he grabbed his towel and began to dry himself while whistling happily. He let the tune die out as he entered the main bedroom of his apartment since he didn't want to disturb his guest. He smiled as Tsume continued to sleep contently with only a sheet which stubbornly clung to her despite how she had spread herself out over the bed.

Moving to his closet he threw on a simple black shirt with the Uzumaki crest on the front and a pair of pants. Looking forward to the tasks before him since he would be helping quite a few of his lovers to move into their new home, he leaned down to kiss Tsume on the cheek. Stepping out of his apartment he locked the door behind him and took the first step in the next chapter of his many relationships which would be living under the same roof with most of them.

*****************************

Kurenai felt a great sense of depression and loss sweep over her as she stood in her ruined apartment. It was scheduled for demolition in a few days so she wanted to make sure that there was nothing of value left behind. Sadly, there were still plenty of valuable things, but they were only painful reminders of a life she wouldn't be living. She was tempted to look in the room that she had set aside for the nursery, but felt doing so wouldn't serve a purpose other than to make her feel worse.

She was pulled from her thoughts as a voice asked, "How are you holding up being back here?"

Kurenai looked over her shoulder to see her friend Yuugao leaning against the broken doorway of her apartment with her arms crossed. Her face showed her concern as well as that she was of the opinion that Kurenai's returning to her apartment was not something the red-eyed kunoichi needed to do.

"I'm okay," Kurenai replied which was a relative truth, considering where she had been emotionally before. "Thanks, for letting me come back one last time."

Yuugao shrugged as she said, "I understood why you needed to. Is there anything here that you want to take?"

Kurenai looked around the apartment which was filled with reminders of a life that could have been, and shook her head no. Yuugao nodded and standing straight said, "Then let's say we get going."

She followed behind her friend who was dressed in her off-duty clothes which consisted of a tight black t-shirt and matching pants. Kurenai was dressed in her own civilian clothes which was the black dress that she favored.

As they made their way through the ruined apartment building she asked, "Are you sure about this? Until they clear me for active duty again I'm not going to be able to help out much with rent. I can stay at the hotel I was going to be assigned."

Yuugao looked back at the kunoichi and aware that she might also be feeling like her friends wanted to keep an eye on her because of the attempt she had made on her life said, "Kurenai, we told you not to worry about it."

"I-I know," Kurenai responded quickly, "but with everything I can't help but feel that perhaps you're letting me stay with you rent free to keep an eye on me."

Yuugao stopped and turned to face Kurenai. She seemed unsure of what to say, but then finally admitted, "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a part of the reason." The dark-haired woman looked like she wanted to protest, but the Anbu Captain quickly cut her off, "Look Kurenai, you tried to kill yourself. Don't be surprised that we are worried about you."

Kurenai nodded self-consciously recalling how Yuugao's reaction to hearing of the kunoichi's suicide attempt, while not as severe as Anko's had been, had been no less emotional. What's more the argument Kurenai had made to Anko about her not knowing what she was going through had no more effect on Yuugao then it did on the other kunoichi, but was especially ineffective due to the Anbu Captain's having lost a lover as well. As a result she had only offered token protests when Yuugao had insisted that Kurenai would be staying with her until she was cleared for duty again.

Yuugao surprised her red-eyed friend as she stepped up to her and linked her arm with hers as they traveled the final distance to step outside. Almost sounding like a girl inviting a friend to a sleep over Yuugao said, "Besides, don't you remember when we were kids and we said we'd one day move in together. Well now that day."

Kurenai did smile softly and was rather surprised at her friend's relatively upbeat attitude. Having not seen it since she had dated Hayate she commented, "I remember. But if I recall correctly we never did because you got all serious with your boyfriend and moved in with him." Yuugao's face saddened a moment as she recalled her first love causing Kurenai to say, "I'm sorry...I shouldn't..."

"It's fine," Yuugao said giving her fellow kunoichi's arm a reassuring squeeze. "I'll always love and cherish my time with Hayate. It may have taken me a while, but I realized the best way to honor him is to keep moving forward."

"You held it together better than I did," Kurenai said in a tone that conveyed the disappointment that she felt towards herself.

"Do you think so?" Yuugao responded in a tone that suggested she believed Kurenai was wrong. She gave her friend a mysterious smile when she looked at her in confusion. Explaining herself, she said, "The truth is that I reacted no differently then you did, at least in spirit. I was running away from my pain and so threw myself into my work. I may have become the Head of the Anbu as a result, but I can't really say I was alive. I attempted to live a life in which I wouldn't feel anything ever again."

"What changed?"

Yuugao gave her the same mysterious smile as before as they neared Yuugao's single bedroom apartment and where Kurenai had been living since being dismissed from the hospital. She looked away and seemingly ignoring the question said, "Naruto." She waved to the blond in question as he sat near the doorway of the building.

The blond gave a smile to the Anbu Captain as he stiid which turned sympathetic as he saw Kurenai. He brightened immediately as he said, "It's good to see you again Kurenai-sensei."

Kurenai smiled politely as she said, "It's just Kurenai right now. I've temporarily been removed from active duty."

Naruto nodded aware that it was related to the emotional distress she had suffered from losing her husband and child as well as the suicide attempt that had resulted from those losses. "It isn't the position that you held that makes you worthy of the title sensei," Naruto said definitively, "but the lessons that you imparted with to your students. I know for a fact Hinata has considered you to be a surrogate mother to her and misses you greatly."

"R-really," Kurenai said surprised as much by the admission as by the fact that Hinata had apparently become comfortable enough around Naruto to share as much. She had worried about how her student would take the news that Naruto had begun dating Ayame, especially after having enjoyed a date or two with him. To her surprise though, Hinata hadn't appeared any the worse for wear when the news had spread. Hinata's indifference to the news had made Kurenai wonder if they had realized there was no spark between them during the practice dates they had engaged in.

"Yeah," Naruto replied before adding, "I'm sure Kiba and Shino can't wait for you to come back as well." Kurenai appeared pleased by Naruto's words so the blond man changed the subject while they were on a high note to ask, "Are we ready to get some moving done?"

"Everything is marked and ready to be moved," Yuugao said handing Naruto her keys. "I'll settle with the landlord. I hope you don't mind moving Kurenai's things as well."

"No I don't mind," Naruto said sincerely, "Both of you can always come to me if you need my services."

Kurenai felt her cheeks color at the flirtatious tone Yuugao used as she replied, "I can think of a few services that I would like for you to perform."

Kurenai didn't know if the blond was just being clueless, but she had a hard time keeping a straight face as he asked straight-laced, "Would it require any heavy lifting?"

"Some," Yuugao answered with a growing grin as she added, "But you'd be fine so long as you remembered to use your hips."

Kurenai snorted but quickly composed herself as Naruto gave her a confused look. She turned away in embarrassment as she said, "U-um...let me just go check to make sure all my stuff is in order." As she walked away she could swear that she almost felt an amused grin that passed between the two behind her.

*****************************

Miya Asama looked around at the devastating battlefield which had nearly defeated her, but thanks in part to some timely reinforcements; victory appeared to be within grasp. She just wished the battlefield had been strewn with corpses instead of pots and pans most of which were filled with substances that had started their existence as things that were edible. A classification that no longer applied to most of them.

Having been moved to the side, she watched the person that had saved her from the embarrassment of explaining to the new residents of the recently christened Hidden Eddy Inn would need to go elsewhere for their meals. She watched with a little envy as Naruto moved about the kitchen almost effortlessly as he made sure none of the dishes he cooked shared a similar fate as Miya's had. He seemed to sense the woman's eyes on him causing him to turn and give her a wide smile as he said, "Don't fret about it. If you wind back the clock to before I started dating Ayame, you'd find that boiling water was the extent of my cooking skills. But a few nights helping her attend her stand really helps one appreciate just how much work goes into cooking for so many people."

Naruto's attention was pulled back to his cooking as he began to stir fry some vegetables and chicken that he intended to use with the rice he currently had boiling. Watching him work, she felt bad about her behavior towards him earlier in the day when they had crossed paths in a room which acted as a dojo.

Miya recalled the morning as an army of blonds descended on the building carrying boxes and furniture of the women that would be moving into the apartments that comprised the second, third, and fourth floor of the building. The only apartment on the first floor was Miya's which was due to her holding the position of landlady for the building. The rest of the ground floor was a communal area where the occupants could mingle. Despite the fact that each of the apartments came with their own kitchens there was also a large one for preparing meals for all those that lived there. Miya hadn't paid it much mind until she realized that it was expected of her to be the one preparing the food.

Still she had been confident she could easily handle the task, so had dedicated her morning to training. Naturally with so many clones performing the task of moving, most of the women had been finished unpacking shortly after lunch. Miya suspected that despite her wishes that the Hidden Eddy Inn not become a sex palace for the only male occupant, the fact that almost none of the women had emerged after the move was finished told her that she was likely fighting a losing battle.

The blond in question had been one of the few since it appeared he had personally helped Yuugao, Kurenai, and Anko move into the apartment they would be sharing. She would admit to being surprised upon learning that Naruto had no problem with the red-eyed Kunoichi moving in despite her being both unaware of the blond's harem and unbound to him. She would have imagined that he would view the woman as a hindrance to what could otherwise be a house filled with unbridled lusts. But as the three women had left to have a light lunch she had not detected any such resentment coming off the young man as he had saw them off.

Although she guessed it could have been simply due to the fact that she doubted there was much restraint being practiced by the women in their apartments since Miya was quite aware that they were soundproofed. She figured she wouldn't have a problem with it so long as they kept out of sight so she had headed to the first floor Dojo to practice some of her sword kata. However, despite a desire to be left alone she had soon found herself in the company of the jinchuriki.

She had tried to ignore his presence, but curiosity had gotten the best of her as she noticed him practicing using a pair of knuckle knives. Seeing that his stances were full of holes she had snidely commented, "I'm surprised you've survived this long."

"Excuse me," Naruto said a little heat entering his tone, "I think I've proven that I can handle myself."

Miya scoffed as she responded, "Perhaps, but then again you've been born with a great degree of power. Having the Kyuubi sealed inside you practically guaranteed you'd be a successful shinobi. People like you don't understand what it is to feel weak and helpless. As such you just go from powerful jutsu to powerful jutsu confident that by power alone you'll triumph."

Naruto had glared at her, but to her surprise he had quickly calmed before stating, "I suppose considering my recent improvements it's easy to understand why you would think that. But don't act like you know what it took for me to get here. I failed my genin examine three times before passing, and even then I was a mess of a shinobi. But luckily I had great teachers that were willing to work with me."

Naruto looked at the knives he was holding as he said, "That's why I'm glad that I was given these chakra blades as a gift. They remind me that I still have a long way to go."

"How so?" Miya asked surprised by her genuine curiosity.

Naruto grew a little self-conscious as he often did when speaking about himself, outside of his usual boasting, as he explained, "Well. I was given these blades just before I confronted Sasuke. One of the reasons was because he had taken to using a sword he could channel his chakra into. It made normal blades rather useless against him." A sad look had appeared on his face as he recalled the encounter which disappeared as he said, "I was kind of nervous about facing him again, especially if I would be relying on a weapon I've never used before. But to my surprise he could barely hold his own against me."

"Just because a person holds a sword doesn't make him a swordsman," Miya had said stating an old saying of her sensei.

Naruto nodded at the truth of her statement before replying, "That's very true I imagine. While I don't doubt Sasuke trained hard with his blade. I also imagine that he came to rely on his Sharingan perhaps more than he should have. Therefore when I surprised him with my new speed and power it caught him off guard. But that I suppose is the truth of all the times I've fought Sasuke." Naruto paused as he thought of the fight on the Hospital rooftop, the one at the Valley at the End, and their most recent. Miya could see in his eyes a sadness that he would likely never be able to consider the Uchiha as a friend again. He focused back on her as he said, "During all my fights with Sasuke it's really almost always been a matter of who had unlocked what jutsu when. The fight at the Valley of the End really highlighted this. He unlocked his Sharingan, then I entered one-tail mode, and he responded by unlocking his Curse Mark level two. As a fight it was determined less by skill, but rather by a series of power-ups." Looking down at the blades in his hands he said, "I was reminded of this by these blades since our last encounter was determined since I had the benefit of Sage Mode. With it I was faster and stronger so the fact that I wasn't necessarily all that skilled with these didn't seem to matter. If I'm not careful, the next time we meet it might go the opposite way if he's managed to unlock some new means of strengthening himself."

Miya could hear the concern in the blond man's voice but asked, "What makes you think you'll meet again. From what I heard if he is still alive his chakra network has likely been compromised."

Naruto shrugged as he responded, "Sasuke's life has been dominated by his various hatreds and I've given him a very big reason to focus that hatred on me. I don't think he'll let anything stand in the way of his getting revenge, even something like not having access to chakra. I have little doubt he'll appear again at some point and in all likelihood stronger than before. If I'm going to protect everything precious to me then I can't rely on the hope that there's some power-up for me to achieve that will give me the edge. I'm going to have to make sure that those skills that I've already unlocked are honed to perfection."

Miya felt a smile tug at her lips, but quickly killed it. She hefted her bamboo blade up and held it in front of her as she said, "Interesting, let me see if I can feel your determination in your blades."

Naruto looked down at his weapons and eyeing her wooden sword asked, "Are you sure?"

"Just come at me," Miya answered, "I assure you that without your chakra this stick is all I'll need to handle you."

Miya was pulled back to the present as Naruto put the finishing touches on the meal he prepared. She smirked at his back as she recalled that she had nearly been forced to eat her words, since while she had been the far superior swordswoman. His stamina had nearly been her undoing, since no matter how many times she sent him down to the floor; he would constantly get back up with the same bright smile. It had also forced her to realize that she still had a long way to go if she wished to settle her own grudge with a certain Seven Swordsman of the Mist.

The smirk melted into a more genuine smile as she also recalled how despite her original hostile attitude, the young man had quickly leapt into action to help her out when he had discovered her plight with making dinner. He had also in order to ease her pride offered to teach her how to cook provided that she continue to help him hone his skills with his chakra blades. A deal she had rather enthusiastically accepted.

****************************

Kurenai watched as Yuugao frowned at the back of Anko's head as she asked, "Are you sure you don't want to come down to dinner with us?"

"I'm fine," Anko said dismissively with a wave.

A small growl emanated from the woman's stomach, but Yuugao didn't push the issue as she headed for the door. Kurenai followed the Anbu Captain out of the apartment and waited until she closed the door to ask, "What's bothering Anko? She's been rather standoffish all day."

Yuugao shrugged as she replied, "She's just in one of her moods. You know how she would sometimes enter them every now and then when she felt like people were judging her because of Orochimaru."

Kurenai nodded although she didn't think that was the case, since she had noticed how Naruto seemed to be uneasy around her. Kurenai was about to comment on this but her stomach growled as her nose picked up several delectable scents as they descended the stairs to the first floor. Kurenai followed Yuugao to the dining area and the large table that they would be kneeling around as they ate. Her eyes went wide at the number of people currently gathered around the table. Immediate focusing on Tsunade she asked, "What are you doing here, Lady Tsunade?"

The Hokage smiled at her as she said, "Not one, but all three of my apprentices have moved here. I figured it would be rude if I didn't enjoy a good meal with them in their new home."

Shizune smiled as she said teasingly, "I'm sure that's not the only reason you came over."

"Hey, can you blame me?" Tsunade asked with an amused tone, "You decided to move out all of the sudden and left me all alone in that big mansion. It's going to take some getting used to being on my own again."

"My door is always open to you Ts...Lady Tsunade," Shizune said with a sweet smile.

"Careful Shizune," Ino teased, "Or else you might find yourself with a permanent guest."

Kurenai smiled at the banter as she took a seat next to Yuugao. She was a little surprised that Naruto hadn't joined those around the table since she had imagined that he would be there first. Therefore, she was rather surprised when he stepped out of the kitchen holding several serving dishes followed by the landlady. He looked around the table as he set them down and Kurenai noticed a slight frown appear on his face as he looked at where Kurenai and Yuugao were sitting no doubt noticing Anko's absence. It disappeared just as quickly as it appeared as he asked, "Is this everyone?"

"Hey hold up," Tenten said as she and Hinata entered the dining room.

Kurenai was surprised by her student's presence so quickly asked, "Hinata, what are you doing here? I can't believe your clan would allow you to live away from the compound."

Hinata smiled politely as she took a seat next to Naruto, which although she knew her student wasn't as shy around the blond as she used to be it still surprised her. Giving a small shake of her head she said, "I don't live her. But Tenten was kind enough to offer me the use of her spare bedroom from time to time."

"I see," Kurenai said, although truthfully she didn't since she had no idea when Tenten and Hinata had become so close. But she theorized it may have been a byproduct of Hinata's taking on some of Shizune's duties as the Hokage's personal assistant seeing as it may have resulted in the Hyuuga spending more time with Tsunade's newest apprentice.

Sakura leaned forward as she to the landlady of the apartment building, "This smells delicious Miss."

Kurenai noticed the landlady appeared conflicted for a moment before attempting to say, "I didn't..."

"Cook it all by herself," Naruto said giving the woman a quick smile. "Jeez Sakura, you did notice I was in the kitchen too, right?"

Sakura quickly countered, "I just assumed you were being a pest as you impatiently waited for the food to finish cooking." She softened the blow of her words by sticking out her tongue playful as Naruto chuckled at her response.

He gave those sitting around the table a wide smile as he basked in their presence. Looking around he let his eyes drink in the presence of Fu, Guren, and Karin who all sat towards the end of the table. "Well I do think I've waited long enough then," Naruto said grabbing some chopsticks from a cup in front of him. "Let's say we start digging in."

The others at the table quickly followed his example as they picked up their own eating utensils. Kurenai paused a moment longer than the rest as she watched those present break into various conversations. The scene filled her with a measure of happiness although she couldn't exactly express why. But a part of her understood that it was because despite the feelings she had earlier that morning about having lost out on a chance to start a family. A new one was taking shape in front of her, one that she might someday fully join.

*****************************

Kiba watched his mom cook dinner. Not all that rare an occurrence, although Kiba would admit that listening to his mother hum to herself happily as she performed her task was a rather new occurrence. He wasn't sure when she had returned home after her victory over Koreshige, but she had seemed in rather high spirits all day.

"Morning everyone," Hana called as she entered the kitchen wearing a pair of black tight shorts along with a button down shirt which was open to reveal the grey sports bra that she wore.

Kiba was used to seeing his sister in such a state so didn't pay it much mind, although he had gone through a period where he looked forward to such moments. But as time went on, he had decided that although his sister was a beautiful woman he didn't harbor those kind of feelings for her. Giving her a teasing grin he said, "I think night would be a more fitting description for the time."

Hana smirked as she stepped fully into the kitchen as she countered, "Morning is a state of mind, and considering I just woke up it applies." Hana closed with their mother and said, "Mmmm, something smells good." She then placed a kiss against her cheek.

Kiba watched as the two women remained close and to his surprise his mother even seemed to lean into Hana a bit. A perverted part of Kiba began to imagine his mother and sister suddenly making out, but he was pulled back to reality as the two women separated. For a moment he wondered where such a thought had come from, since for most of his life he would have described his mother and sister's relationship as strained. He had always attributed it to the fact that Hana had chosen a path that likely wouldn't lead to her becoming Clan Head. And while none in the clan would speak against the profession she had chosen, he could imagine how his mother had likely hoped Hana would show the drive needed to succeed her.

It was something Kiba had been rather glad about his coming from a Clan with a strong matriarchal tradition. In that he didn't have the same pressures placed on his shoulders that his mother had put on Hana's. But ever since the last Inuzuka Dog Show the strain in the mother and daughter's relationship had slowly vanished. At first he had just chalked it up to his mother recognizing that Hana performed a vital function to the Clan. But recently he had begun to wonder if it was related to the other changes that had come over the women and kunoichi he knew.

He recalled the mission that had resulted in the capture of Karin, as his sister took a seat next to him at the table. He still had a hard time believing that the red-head had gone from captive to head of a shipping company in the span of a few weeks. Not to mention she had been out of prison with a deal before the ink had dried on the report that Kakashi had needed to file. Plus there had been how strange he had found the way Sakura and Hinata had acted as they had almost switched personalities in regards to Naruto. Hinata had been confident and not stuttered around the blond, while Sakura had been unsure of herself and had often sent furtive glances his way.

Sakura's normal personality had returned shortly after the mission though and she had even gone on what many had assumed was an actual date with him, until he had begun dating Ayame that was.

A move he figured that would have devastated Hinata. Yet, strangely enough the Hyuuga had barely batted an eye at the change in Naruto's relationship status. Not to mention, her confidence seemed to have grown substantially since his return.

"Hey, earth to Kiba," Hana said attracting his attention by waving her hand in front of his face.

"W-what," Kiba asked as he came back to the present.

"I asked what you were thinking about," Hana said, before teasingly adding, "I could smell the smoke pouring from between your ears."

"Hardy har-har," Kiba said less than amused.

"Leave him be Hana," Tsume said as she placed the plates she had prepared in front of her children. Joining her children at the table after grabbing her own she asked, "So what do you have planned for your night since you wasted most of the day?"

Hana shrugged as she replied, "It couldn't be helped. Tsunade was all hot to trot about my team returning so she could get samples of the liquids we found in one of the collapsed labs that we had been combing at the Akatsuki Hideout in the Mountain Graveyard. I didn't get back till this morning after running all day and night."

Tsume nodded as she said, "She's probably hoping to see if any of them were the Synthetic Hero's Water she's taken an interest in."

Hana nodded as she confirmed Tsume's theory, "She said as much when I dropped off the samples this morning."

Tsume began to cut into her meal as she asked, "Will you be returning to the Mountain's Graveyard again?"

Hana paused in the midst of eating her meal to say, "No. Ibiki's taken over the task of shifting through the base. I doubt he'll find anything, except for a few of the rooms that collapsed from the attack the enemy was quite thorough in grabbing everything of value as well as covering their tracks."

Kiba added his own thoughts on the matter as he asked, "Why aren't we dedicating any resources into looking into the people that attacked Akatsuki? If they could make them abandon what appears to be a major base of theirs, you'd think there would be more concern over this new group."

Hana shrugged as she said, "Not my concern. I think considering the fact that Tobi was proving to be a pain in all the villages sides the powers that be are just glad somebody stepped in to handle him. But, that isn't too say nobody is looking into the attackers. They are just being quiet about it. Keep in mind that the only villages with jinchuriki are now Konoha and Kumo. I'm sure the other villages are trying to determine just who has the remaining Bijuu now. It's possible that Tobi still has them, but so too could these new players."

"Which is why you'd think there would be more of a scramble to learn what happened to them," Kiba replied around the piece of meat he was chewing.

Tsume never one for table manners ignored the infraction as she replied, "Give the matter some proper thought, Kiba."

Kiba paused to swallow his food as he wasn't bothered by his mother's blunt way of speaking. Something may have made her less bitter and angry over the past year, but she was still Tsume Inuzuka and didn't have much use for flowery words. Yet after several moments he shrugged as he said, "If the Bijuu are such powerhouses then I really don't get why it seems nobody cares where they are or who has them."

Tsume frowned at her son, but said, "Because it would send the wrong message. Remember what started the Third Shinobi War. The Third Kazekage went missing and in their panic to locate him Suna gave the impression that they were weak which invited Iwa into attacking them. It isn't that nobody is interested, it's just that they are looking discreetly. It's one of the reasons I imagine Tsunade is sending Ibiki to the Mountain's Graveyard."

Hana agreeing with her mother added, "True, plus my team noticed quite a few Mist and Stone shinobi poking around the base. I think it is one of the reasons Tsunade pulled us back. One, to prevent some ambitious commander from working up the nerve to attack us in order to uncover what we may have discovered."

Kiba snapped his fingers as he cut in, "And also to give them a chance to access the base."

Hana nodded as Tsume said, "Very good pup. I'm sure all the villages save Suna would have poured over the base by the time Ibiki's team gets there."

"Okay, but why give the other villages a chance?"

"Simple," Hana said answering for her mother, "We might learn something from what the other villages uncover after their own walk through. For example some of the samples I brought back might not mean anything to us, but they might mean something to the other villages. The first thing Ibiki will likely do when he arrives is see where any people searching through the base spent most of their time. And if say someone removes something that was in my notes we'll have an idea that it was more important than we may have thought."

"Well if there is something to find from the other villages interest in the base I'm sure Ibiki will uncover it," Tsume said as she neared the end of her meal.

Hana placed her utensils down as she finished hers and without being told, picked the plate up and began the task of cleaning the kitchen. Tsume finished hers and stepped up behind her daughter as she placed her plate into the sink. Kiba again noticed the contact as she pressed against Hana's back. "Now that you are back do you have any plans," Tsume asked as she stepped away.

Hana paused in her task of washing the dishes before answering, "I figured I'd head to the hotsprings tonight. It's a full moon you never know who might decide to take a late night dip."

Despite his sister's words Kiba had the distinct feeling she knew who would be out that night. He didn't really think anything of it at first until he realized that the Konoha Women's Bathing Association was a common link among all the women whose behavior he currently found strange. His interest grew stronger as his mom said, "That sounds like a great idea. You wouldn't mind if I join you."

"Not at all," Hana said with a smirk before heading up to her room with a noticeable sway to her hips. Kiba turned his eyes away as he realized he was staring at his sister's ass, but as he did noticed he wasn't the only one.

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