HSA: The Inseparable 3 [Part C]

May 12th

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Dear Naruto-kun, I'm a little late writing about what transpired yesterday — a day late, really. And I'm sorry.

In truth, I was taken to the bathhouse by Ino-san, Tenten-san, and Sakura-san. They insisted I needed a "girl's-night-out". As much as I wanted to be alone, I surprisingly enjoyed myself.

Forgive me, Naruto-kun, but... I ended up telling them about your proposal. Are you angry with me? I really am sorry... If I had just remembered to take off my ring, they wouldn't have seen it and jumped to conclusions.

She sighed inwardly, leaping backwards as her clone stuck the ground with a powerful downward palm thrust, shattering the earth, sending grass and debris flying everywhere.

Our engagement was supposed to be a secret — a sacred union between you and I. I feel so bad for letting the others know about Naruto-kun's proposal. But I will try to make it up to you.

Early in the morning tomorrow, I'll be going to the Iron Country. There, I'll try to get your wedding ring. It's only customary that Naruto-kun receives his ring also. Our marriage is a one-in-a-life-time event, so let's make it as grand as possible!

I want our wedding to be beautiful and perfect... just like you.

The princess smiled, even as her counterpart darted toward her once more with an attack more fierce and challenging than the last. But then, the clone suddenly halted in her tracks, following the original's eyes to the sky.

There was a sudden change in the climate — a flurry of clouds came slinking over the valley, dense and opaque. They were rain clouds, and the abrupt roar of thunder spoke the truth of it.

Besides the inclement shift in weather, an ominous spell of energy hung on the wind that made Hinata's heart swell in anxiety. Instinctively, she reached down and fished her ring from her pocket. It was imbued a brilliant orange. Then, suddenly, a crack appeared.

Hinata felt her eyes popped open in horror. Fear twisted, like a ravenous serpent, in her stomach, its cold, ghostly tail coiling around her heart in turn. And a bolt of lightning pierced through the dark clouds in the same beat, as if a reflection of her shock, striking the earth beyond the horizon, the explosive sound echoing off the distance mountain range in an eerie shrill.

The princess couldn't help but feel that this weather was the bearer of bad news. Now her fear shot up in her throat, exploding out of her in a silent scream, throwing her thoughts in turmoil.

The Kyuubi pushed to his feet in concern when the shadow clone disappeared and the girl dropped to her knees. From where the creature stood, he could clearly feel the rise of her dismay. It rippled off her motionless body, like the sudden downpour that assaulted the towering trees and parched landscapes.

Slowly, robbed of her energy by the anguish that gradually consumed her, Hinata tilted her chin, water undulating down her face, washing away her salty tears. And the high howl of the wind concealed her sorrowful wails, preventing her pleading cries from reaching the goddess of good fortune.

Why? Why hadn't she gone with him? Now Hinata was regretting it more than she thought possible. But, could she have made a difference, if she had accompanied him? What exactly had happened to Naruto? Was it the Kyuubi's doing why he was injured? Was it fatal? Was she, after all, going to be widowed before she had even gotten the chance to wed? And what of their child? Was Hinata Hyūga destined to be alone and miserable all her life?

Naruto-kun... don't leave me all alone. Please!

The Kyuubi continued to watch... watch in discontent and frustration as the woman he adored with respectful devotion flounder in an unforgiving sea of grief and hurt. The Bijuu didn't need to hear her wails above the rain and thunder to know that she was in pain. He could feel her heart breaking; excruciating pain that echoed through him on some hard, profound level.

The perturbed deity wanted to approach her — to bring clarity and reassurance to her cloudy and doubtful mind, to salve her breaking heart and dry her tears. But the Kyuubi knew breaking his vow of silence, to grant her a measure of closure, would be a double-edged sword.

What would be her reaction should his identity be revealed? What would she say when she found out her B-kun is, in fact, the legendary Nine-Tailed Demon Fox — the incarnation of evil and malice responsible for an uncountable numbers of deaths and the suffering of many, suffering that she also knew because of his existence.

The Kyuubi couldn't bear to speak; couldn't bear to jeopardize the only bond he was able to make. So he simply watched — watched as his goddess yielded to the unmerciful serpent of grief and the bitter rain. Wailing to the heavens in a sorrowful symphony, a prayer to protect the man she loved... she man she loved with every fiber and cell of her being.

Garbed in a marina and a pair of Naruto's boxer shorts, a towel draped over her head, Hinata used a separate towel to dry the canine's fur. Her eyes were somber, her lips pursed. "B-kun... I'm very sorry for having you exposed to the rain for as long as I did. My mind was... um, I wasn't myself. But there's no excuse for my inconsideration. I hope you can forgive me."

Misty eyed, the Kyuubi frowned discreetly, even as the princess gently worked on his droopy ears and tails. He was the one who was sorry, and it pained him to hear her apologize, instead. Because of his reluctance to free his tongue, to try to soothe her, his goddess was left vulnerable to the elements, as well as the bitter sting of despair.

How pathetic! Was this the level of commitment he held toward the fragile and endearing treasure he vowed to preserve? Was this the depth to which he was fond of her? His divine protection obviously had a lot to be desired, and something needed to be done. He wouldn't allow this kindred spirit to slip through his fingers; he couldn't allow himself to lose his only bond.

After preparing a cup of tea for her and a warm bowl of milk for her tiny companion, Hinata shrugged into Naruto's jacket and sat in his bed, inching slowly toward the window.

It was still pouring heavily outside. The grey slant of rain obscured the reconstructed buildings of the village, but the princess was looking far beyond the architecture, staring unseeingly into another realm as her mind flooded with thoughts.

It had been a while now since the Aura Stone cracked. Did that mean Naruto would be given the time necessary to recover? Did that mean his wounds were not fatal, that there would be no successive attacks certain to vanquish him completely? Would he be permitted to continue existing in the world she dwelled? Would they eventually meet again?

Resting her mug on the windowsill — her body already warmed by the beverage — Hinata bent her legs against her chest, her eyes glossy as thoughts continued spinning a complex web in her mind.

Seconds, minutes slowly passed and, before she knew it, her fingertip was against the cold, hard glass of the window, slowly connecting crude lines to form a chibi of her knight.

Naruto was the village's hero — the sage who single-handedly defeated the notorious leader of Amegakure: Pain of the Rinnegan. Just who was powerful enough to wound him when he had amassed such incredible power? Was it the Kyuubi? Had he finally arrived at his destination and began striving to conquer the beast? Did his injury mean he had successfully done it, or was it a sign that he had failed?

If only she would receive a message. Where was Messenger-kun at a time like this? Didn't Naruto know she would be worried?

Hinata's eyes saddened as the condensation gradually erased her poorly drawn portrait, and the Bijuu watched her, the girl's grief reverberating through his own heart. He could sense through his counterpart that Uzumaki Naruto was drawing ever closer to his destination. Would his malevolent side concede to the Jinchuuriki's ambitions? Or would the true incarnation of evil and malice bring more sorrow to the woman they both admired?

_______________________________________________________

We Finally Meet!

Enter Kurama: The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox!

_______________________________________________________

Hinata,

Princess,

I have 2-day tickets to a resort hotel in the hot spring country. I want you to join me. Sign your answer to the scroll. If you decide to come, meet me at the village's gate at 12.

I miss you.

- Uzumaki Naruto

Hey, babe,

I'm sorry about the sudden leave.

It couldn't be helped, but I'll make it up to you.

We're still on for today, right?

- Uzumaki Naruto

Hey, what's up?

I thought you would've come and seen Granny Tsunade by now.

She's doing great — doesn't look any different from before.

It's like she was never in a coma.

Oh, two guys asked for my autograph at the campsite. It felt really weird.

It's almost sundown and I know how busy you get in the evenings at home.

So later tonight, I want you to meet me beneath that tree we had our picnic the other day. I'll be there from eight.

I have something important to tell you.

Again, I'm sorry about us getting interrupted.

I'll make it up to you, I promise.

Miss you.

- Uzumaki Naruto.

Hinata slowly ran her fingers across the sheet of the scroll, feeling the smoothness of the ink where the brush had left its mark.

The princess could imagine Naruto writing these characters — manipulating the brush with certain elegance and speed to form neat lines and curves, a hand cupping the crook of his arm to supplement the precision of his strokes. She imagined the excitement on his face and how that delight stretched his lips into his lopsided grin. Naruto-kun looks funny, she would have told him with a giggle, perhaps with a finger lingering dangerously close to her lips.

But giggling was the last thing Hinata felt like doing right now as she re-read the words she'd already memorized. It was the following morning and the serpent was just as tightly wound around her heart as it was the previous day.

How was Naruto doing this morning? He just had to be okay. He was the constant wind that filled her sails, and she would have run a thousand miles to see him, just to know that he would be okay.

Sparing another brief glace to her ring, Hinata returned her attention to the unfurled scroll. Then she did a quick double take, gaping in disbelief at a fully repaired Aura Stone. She sat upright with a jolt, every nerve ending sparking back to life. "Naruto-kun!" She exclaimed, teary-eyed, her cheeks flushed as she beamed at the ring resting on the bed.

The Kyuubi pushed to his feet, stirred awake by the princess's open excitement. Color slowly returned to the girl's pale skin and, in return, the Bijuu could feel a wave of relief wash through his body. But, wasn't it a tad too early to allow such nonchalance?

As soon as Hinata was through with breakfast and her picnic basket was prepared — as a means of warming up, before she left for the Iron Country — the Hyūga princess made haste to her training grounds, to perfect a technique she thought of when Hanabi told her about Konohamaru's failed Rasengan.

May 13th

Weather: Overcast

Naruto-kun... I have so many questions. Yesterday was a very difficult time for me. There was a crack on the Aura Stone. What happened? How bad was your wound? And are you going to be okay?

She pursed her lips.

Naruto-kun... I won't be able to do this, after all. I have to be by your side; I can't bear staying behind and waiting for you to return home. I want to help. I want to see what you see. I want to protect you in any way that I can. I'll help to shoulder your burdens; we'll get through everything as one.

Taking a deep breath, she looked to the random arrangement of tree stumps placed in a wide-open area. These were her targets — inanimate and hallow — and she focused her mind in preparation to attack; working out the schematics of the new technique she had formulated in theory.

Naruto-kun... I have said it before, haven't I? I can't continue living without you; you complete me. As a Jinchuuriki, you should be able to understand that more than anything. I know you're only trying to protect me but, like you, never forget that I am also I shinobi.

A slight frown creased her forehead as she delved into a deeper level of meditation, summoning that perfect state of mind as she molded the chakra necessary for her jutsu.

The princess deemed getting stronger in preparation for the war crucial. Her contribution would be a droplet in an endless ocean — but that ocean would be a multitude of droplets by the Allied Shinobi Force. Everyone had to pool together to put a stop to Akatsuki and Madara's terrible ambitions, lest the entire world as they know it be destroyed.

Hinata knew with great certitude that she needed to become stronger and even stronger then. She had to protect Naruto, her friends, her family, her future, the present... even the past! More! She needed more power to preserve all the things that she cared for.

Her eyes still closed, breathing controlled, mind calm and resolute, Hinata spawned two large lions that stood at either sides of her, growling and flexing their heads in impatience. The beasts were fierce-looking but obedient, and their jaws suddenly opened wide to accommodate a perfectly forged Rasengan.

With a low exhale, the Hyūga princess raised her hands and the blue deities wrought of chakra charged toward the wooden targets, zipping from left to right in a disarming series of feint attacks. Using razor sharp claws, they sliced through majority of the targets with astonishing speed and lethality, and then careered toward the final two wooden stumps with a menacing glow in their eyes.

Using extremely thin chakra threads that are not easily susceptible to an attack, I'm able to control this lion shape manipulation. In addition, the lions are infused with wind-natured chakra. When this chakra is injected into the Rasengan through the creature's teeth, it triggers a great explosion.

Unlike the Rasengan, Naruto-kun's Rasenshuriken is thrown from a distance. It explodes and expands, creating a giant orb that envelopes everything that's within its range. The principle with this attack is the same, and I wouldn't have been able to devise it if not for Konohamaru-kun's blunder with the Ōdama Rasengan and fighting with Kiba-kun.

The lions leaped into the stationary targets with their Rasengan, effortlessly grinding through the defenseless wood, like butter. Then, Hinata's eyes suddenly narrowed with a flash — a silent command — and the beasts drove their fangs into the spirally sphere of destructive energy, brewing a lethal combination as instructed by their master.

Suddenly, a strong blast of spiritual energy rippled outward, across the landscape, followed by a large explosion that was far beyond the scale the princess had calculated. For this mistake, she was blown away and enveloped by the deafening shock wave, grouped with large clumps of earth and debris in a violent whirlwind. In mere seconds, she was spat out from the chaotic void, like a stray missile, rocketing headfirst toward the ground at breakneck speed.

However, before the worse could happen, in a glorious vortex of orange flames, the Kyuubi transformed and used his body to break her fall and shield her from the falling debris.

With the princess secured by one of his many flexible tails, which coiled around her torso, like a length of plush and refined quilt, the Bijuu stood firm, gazing at the aftermath of the girl's new craft. The wind gusted, sweeping away the blanket of dust that hug over the training sight, revealing the full extent of the destruction.

Her technique was a reckless blend of chakra control and power. The truth of it was written on the crater left in the earth. With the proper refinement, this attack could prove formidable against the enemy and make a valuable asset to the upcoming war. But, for now, the princess needed to rest.

Gently resting her down on the grass, the Kyuubi did a quick scan of her body, to check for wounds. But she was merely unconscious — erecting her cloak-like shield at the last second before she was swept away was to thank for that.

Heaving an inward sigh of relief, the large deity nipped the hood of her jacket in his powerful jaws — as though she were an helpless pup — and brought her beneath the shade of a tree where he rested her down on their blanket. Then he laid down carefully next her and curled up.

In her stupor, the princess smelled the wonderful fragrance of the Bijuu's shampoo and slowly inched closer to snuggle against his plush body, her head resting comfortably in the soft fluff of his fur.

"So warm..."

The Kyuubi was a bit surprised by her unconscious and rather endearing act, but this soothing and sentimental atmosphere was too much to resist. Surrendering to the complacence induced by the cool shade, crisp breeze, and the closeness of the entity he admired, the Bijuu plants his head down atop crossed legs and lightly rested his majestic tails over the princess's motionless body, drifting off into slumber.

Gradually surfacing from a rather pleasant dream, Hinata's hands roamed about for a bit before she clasped soft, silky fur that pressed into her palms like fluff. Then she smelled deeply and recognized the fragrance of wild berry. "B-B-kun?" Her voice was a mere whisper, and her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the bright light.

The Kyuubi's eyes flashed open abruptly in contrast to her own, emerging from slumber with evident agitation. He was certain he would've been able to sense that moment of wakefulness, long before the girl actually regained consciousness. But he had fallen prone to a deeper more uncharacteristic and powerless depth of sleep. Now, his form had been revealed to her and everything would fall apart.

Hinata sat on her heels meekly, staring up at the anxious deity with a mysterious gleam in her eyes. Every second felt like a thousand years to the Kyuubi, and a fiercer creature than himself took a hold of his heart, squeezing, crushing without mercy.

"...We meet at last," the princess whispered with a wanly smile.

The Kyuubi frowned, and then growled a warning for her to leave him alone when she began stretching to cup his face. She didn't flinch. Her eyes shone brightly and her smile warmed as she took the deity's head in her small hands. "Sixteen years ago, if Naruto-kun had any say in your being sealed inside of him, I know he would have objected."

The fox's eyes widened a tad.

"Despite how desperate a situation might be, Naruto-kun has never condoned sacrifices to make ends meet. He wouldn't have deprived you of your freedom, if he had any control over what was happening. Naruto-kun's a good person."

She heard a deep yet soothing voice enter her mind. "Why are you telling me all this? It doesn't change the fact that I'm the Kyuubi; I've done terrible things."

Hinata beamed. "So you can talk, after all."

The creature's eyes narrowed a bit. This woman...

"Have you already forgotten what Kuwashima said?"

— "Hinata, sweetheart... you have always been a good judge of character, so I will confide in what you believe. Besides... whether or not this is the real Kyuubi, what he was in the past has nothing to do with what he chooses to be in the future."

The Bijuu's eyes shot open and quivered for the briefest moment, and then he heaved a wolfish smile. "You're an interesting woman... Hyūga Hinata."

The girl's smile was still radiant. "Now I can understand why you refused to speak all this time. But, we've had lots of fun since we met, and I don't want all of that to come to an end."

The Kyuubi cocked his head to the side rudely, trying to hide his glee. "Humph! I suppose your company up until now has been relatively amusing." Opening one eye furtively, he cast her a sidelong glance. She wasn't offended.

"I have so many questions!"

The Bijuu pushed to his feet and sat imperiously, facing away a little to the right as he tried to mask his cheerfulness. "What do you need to know? I don't mind answering your questions... but only a few."

"Hn!" She nodded her head way too exuberantly. "Etto... um, will you tell me your name?" She averted her eyes and began meddling with her fingers. "I'm sorry I didn't come up with a better name, after all this time."

He grinned, revealing pointed fangs and pearly white teeth. It was the name that you gave me; I liked and appreciated it. "My name is Kurama."

"Kurama... hmm." She made some lovely sound in her throat, as if savoring the sound of the word and testing it on her tongue. "That's a lovely name. Kurama-kun," she said it again, much to the Bijuu's delight. "How are you here?" The princess was more passionate and demanding in her curiosity regarding this. "Has Naruto-kun gained complete control of your chakra, or... have you broken the seal?"

In another glorious vortex of orange flames, the deity reverted to his miniature form and hopped atop her head, sprawling out as he usually did. "Neither..."

"Eh?" Hinata looked up with a blush, confused and desperate for enlightenment. "What do you mean?"

"That fool hasn't tamed my power, nor have I broken the seal."

"Then, how is Kurama-kun here?"

"On the night before Naruto left, I separated myself from him using a special technique taught to me by the Rikudo Sannin."

"A special technique?"

"Bijuu Fission: Heaven's Judgment. Despite the type or level sealing jutsu used to imprison a tailed beast, this technique guarantees success... if the Bijuu's deemed worthy. As you can see, I was deemed worthy and the form I'm currently in was divided from my original self. In other words, I'm the complete embodiment of the Kyuubi's positive energy; his good side."

The princess sighed in astonishment. "Then, by 'being deemed worthy', does that mean this special technique searches inside your heart, to check if there is any goodness, before it can work?"

"Exactly."

Hinata was awestruck. "That technique almost seems superficial."

"Well, my presence here should be proof enough."

"I suppose you're right," she agreed. "But, what about the other part of you that's still sealed inside Naruto-kun?"

Kurama leaped from her head and approached a plate of unfinished boiled eggs and fish. Eating didn't affect telepathy. "Our consciousness is still linked on some levels, but that other side of me can't influence my mind and the decisions I make."

"Mmm," the girl poked her lip and stared upwards. "I'm not sure I quite understand. You're basically saying even though Kurama-kun is still connected to his original half, he won't do any bad, right?"

"Precisely." His eyes narrowed as he licked the final drop of soy sauce from his plate. "I may have been judged worthy, but I still have a conscience that can be subjected to change. Consequently, I'm still being monitored by the jutsu. One wrong move and I could be sent back."

The princess's eyes were a bit somber, and she folded her fingers into fists atop her legs. "You've been sealed away for over sixteen years; there's so much to see and to do. So why have you decided to stay with me, instead, Kurama-kun?"

The Kyuubi cocked his head to the side again, to hide the insolent blush that crept into his cheek and a bead of sweat hung behind his head.

Hinata heaved an awkward smile, battling with her own bead of sweat, too. "Kurama-kun doesn't have to tell me, if he doesn't want to." She bowed her head. "It's just that... I've been sulking a lot and people don't usually stay around others when they get that way."

The Kyuubi still had his face hidden. "And yet I stuck around. What does that tell you?" It was a rhetorical question, because the canine didn't allow her to reply. Suddenly, he morphed again into his larger form. "We're heading to the Iron Country, aren't we? Get on!"

Still a bit speechless by the impressive transformation, Hinata pushed to her feet and stared up at the notorious Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. He was three to four times bigger than Akamaru and looked exactly like the Kyuubi did, except for being much smaller. His eyes were softer, too, much more civilized and... content.

"So?" Kurama was getting impatient.

"Y-You want me to ride you?" Hinata almost blushed.

"We'll get there faster, and we can talk along the way."

"Um, okay..."

Trick Mansion & Kage Bunshin Challenges

Hinata's hooded coat waved violently behind her back as Kurama sailed along the narrow byroad through the thick forestry. There was no particular reason to be in such a hurry; nevertheless, there was an inexplicable and visceral need for speed. And the Kyuubi delivered — accelerating to the point where the trees and undergrowth around them merged into a wall of green and brown.

They were so caught up in the rush, wind-resistance, and the new level of their bond that they failed to notice when a few of Naruto's clones passed them by on the right, in the other section of the forest, across the main road.

Suddenly, Hinata's heart pounded a familiar symphony and static electricity kindled a warm flame inside her tummy. The red string of fate that bounded her to him reached out desperately, stretching, extending to meet the opposing end. But, in a matter of seconds, the distance proved too great and the spiritual connection was lost.

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata exclaimed, almost reflexively, snapping her head around. Her eyes searched frantically, but there was nothing but dark columns of trees on the other side.

Could she have just imagined it?

"What's wrong?" Kurama's voice drifted into her mind, low and curious.

"...It-It's nothing." The princess rested her head low, clinging tighter to his fur as the temperature gradually fell.

"We're getting closer." Kurama accelerated again, becoming one with the forest, leaving a long streak of saffron in his wake.

Then, they shot passed a threshold and the walls were no longer of green and brown but of pure white. Hinata shivered as a gust of frigid wind whipped across her body, seeming to seep through the fabric of her coat to caress her defenseless skin.

The sudden tree-choked, frozen wilderness told them that they had entered the borders of the Iron Country. Snow clung, like a plague, to the canopy of the trees and layered branches and leaves in a bittersweet spectacle. The ground had to be buried in no less than three feet of snow, but Kurama's speed hadn't faltered. And a memorable warmth emanated from his body, shielding her from the bitter cold as they journeyed deeper into the icy region.

In time, they approached that radiant light at the end of the tunnel and the Kyuubi leaped through, breaking from the gloom of the frozen forest and landing in an expansive field of snow. It was overcast, but a few rays of sunlight still streamed through the thinly made clouds.

Proceeding at an amble pace, as opposed to their speedy career before, Hinata couldn't help but inquire if Kurama was all right.

"I have lots of energy to spare." The Bijuu's eyes narrowed warily, shifting from left to right as he did a sweep of the immediate and surrounding area. "What bothers me is that the samurai might still be on edge since the incident with Uchiha Madara and Sasuke, and it would be troublesome if I'm seen in this form."

"In that case—" she activated her Byakugan and began scouting the surrounding area, as well— "shouldn't Kurama-kun revert back to his smaller form, to be safe?"

"It's fine," he assured, warmed by her evident concern. "I don't sense that anyone's within a few miles of us. I'll withdraw once we get closer to the outskirts of the village."

"H-Hn!" She nodded, relinquishing her ocular ability.

Then, the princess pursed her lips as her eyes hooded. It was becoming much more difficult to keep her lips sealed; to subdue the flood of questions that bubbled up in her throat — questions that were pinned on the cover of her mental journal, prone to be seen and reflected on each time she had a moment's silence.

But, alas, she had to be patient with him. Still, Hinata couldn't help but wonder if Kurama would ever grant her the privilege of having a child. Would he eventually be able to confide in her enough to allow her to make a family? Or would Naruto have to suppress his power and his individually to have what they sought? The princess hoped it would never have to come to the latter.

All of a sudden, the Kyuubi grew apprehensive and his body dipped as he eased into an offense stance, like a canine bracing to pounce on its prey.

"Ku-Kurama-kun, is something a matter?" His anxiety ran through her, as well.

"There's someone... or something here."

Hinata hopped down from the deity's back with cautious eyes, dropping their picnic basket in the snow to brace for whatever or whoever had discreetly joined their ranks.

"Show yourself!" Kurama roared, his deep voice a thunderous roll of bass and battle readiness.

And whoever it was did appear, pushing up from the snow, like a plant sprouting from its seed. But this plant was grotesque — a man with olive green hair and a pale body riddled with spikes, cracks, and bizarre folds. "HELLO! And what do we have here?" He grinned.

Hinata's eyes dilated, her eyebrows descending above those dismayed crystals. That figure... that unforgettable form. There was no mistaking it. "Zetsu!" She exclaimed, her voice devoid of all compassion. He was the one who wanted to capture Naruto-kun before...

"For what purpose did you show your wretched face before me?" Kurama's fury churned on a swift, hard boil. Already the pyrokinetic energy was rising up inside of him; he felt the living heat ripple beneath his fur, coaxing him, demanding that he made use of his lethal power.

Unfazed by the creature's dark sneer, Zetsu frowned curiously. What's with this thing? It can't really be the Kyuubi, can it? "What exactly are you suppose to be?"

Kurama's eyes went as narrow as blade, cutting the man with its malice. "Now that you've seen me, I can't afford to let you leave here alive."

Zetsu allowed a smile. "I don't know whether or not you're a fraud, but I do intend to capture you and find out. As for you, cutie," the man turned his attention to the Hyūga princess. "I watched the entire fight between Pain and the Kyuubi and witnessed how he lost control when he thought you had been killed."

"What are you trying to saying?" Hinata couldn't bear to watch him any longer.

The man heaved a deceptive smile, climbing out of the ground with undue excitement. "I've come to take you back with me. The Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki obviously holds much affection for you; so we plan to use you to lure him into a trap and acquire his Bijuu."

Hinata gasped.

Kurama's gaze was suddenly feral and hot. Such impudence toward his goddess was utterly deplorable, and he would make certain this abomination was thoroughly crushed as retribution. "I'll tear him apart," he reassured without breaking his scowl.

Abruptly, the fuming deity darted toward the provocative creature who responded by spawning over a hundred copies of himself. But the Kyuubi wasn't daunted. Instead, his rage burned fiercer, searing hot lava that coursed through his veins. "You'll all feel the wrath of my fangs," he bellowed menacingly, leaping into the chaotic white swarm.

His assault was swift and savage, successive and effective. With a single sweep of his paws and tails, Zetsu's forces flew hopelessly across the field, like stuffed animals. Bones were being cracked and dismantled, flesh torn and seared, and sounds that were nothing close to human split the air as the battle intensified.

Through the blanket of snow and debris between them, Hinata could just make out the bared teeth and fiery, crimson eyes of her overprotective comrade. The clones were constantly climbing and clinging to him, trying to topple the ferocious deity with their sheer numbers. But, every now and then, Kurama would shake his body to throw them off, pivoting his head around to mangle those persist ones with his powerful jaws.

The princess was trapped between the fear of him being hurt or captured and the horrific manner in which he chose to destroy their enemies. Kurama heaved a frustrated growl; the knowledge of her dread hit him like a stab to the chest. And he bristled at the thought that this mere abomination would force him to rampage in such a crazed manner.

Gradually, he felt that crackling, uncontrollable trace of heat begin to bloom in his gut. Pushing the fire down deep, he finished severing the arm from another clone, and then focused all his energy into making his way back to Hinata. He would end this skirmish with a single, devastating attack.

All of a sudden, a few dozen clones merged to form a large titan that used its brute strength to pin the Kyuubi to the ground. Simultaneously, a flurry of thick roots bored up through the snow, coiling tightly around his neck and tails, assisting the titan in its flawless capture.

Kurama roared in irritation, and Hinata's eyes narrowed to dangerous slits in response. Without hesitation, she charged toward the horde of vile atrocities, activating her Byakugan to capture the small army in her Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.

This man was a monster who wanted to take her love away, and now he had his eyes on Kurama, too. But she wouldn't allow him to take them away — not her knight or her faithful guardian. "I won't let you have your way!" She shouted, closing in fast on a taunting clone.

But suddenly, unexpectedly, a Zetsu generated a repulsive third leg in his stomach, stomping Hinata in her chest as she pelted toward him with a lethal Rasengan in hand. With a pained yelp, the princess catapulted rearward in a high arch. But, instead of crashing into a tree that stood between her and a hill of snow, she heard a soft grunt as a comforting chest and a pair of attentive hands broke her fall.

This aura... Na-Naruto-kun? As they skidded backward in the snow, she glimpsed her savior's calm, soft saffron eyes. No! It's... it's Kurama-kun!

"I learnt this new transformation so that I could save you more... humane in moments like this," he prompted lightly, gently setting her down on her feet.

Hinata couldn't believe her eyes.

"Are you seriously hurt?" His voice was buttery soft, even as he assumed an offensive stance in front of her, watching through his peripheral vision. And she shook her head slowly, still incapable of speech still. "Stay behind me; I'll take care of this vermin."

Hinata swallowed pass the hot lump of shock in her throat. The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox... Kurama was... in a human form — and he was extremely beautiful. Clad in an orange kimono adored with white, black and red designs, and pants tucked into tall boots, he was a lovely god that almost rivaled Naruto's irresistible flair.

Long Persian red hair sat in gorgeous locks over his forehead and cascaded down his back to his thighs. Atop is head were cute, fox-like ears and a red haori jacket partly concealed a plush tail.

"Oh my!" Zetsu scoffed. "It would seem the Bijuu has learnt a new trick!"

Despite the mocking remark, the lovely deity wore his composure and decorum as if the man hadn't uttered a single word. His eyes were soft, hooded, proud, and his lips were a thin, unenthused line. It was about time this atrocious fiend be slain, along with all his copies.

Without as much as a frown, a massive, intricate sword wrought of flames materialized in Kurama's hands. "I'll end that giant in a single sweep of my sword."

Hinata took a step forward, her eyes worrisome. "Kurama-kun..."

"Hime... there's no need to worry."

Hime?

"Maneuverability was difficult in my previous form but I'll be fine now. These spineless pieces of trash can't hold a candle to me."

"...But there's so many," Hinata persisted.

"While I was crushing them before, I noticed that they're not good at close combat fighting. They try to use sheer numbers to overpower their enemy."

The princess thought about that for a while. "Now that you mention it, Madara did say something like that."

Kurama cast her a sidelong glance and allowed a neat smile. "This is the perfect opportunity to work on that new technique, don't you think?"

Hinata smiled, almost impishly, and she nodded her head with innocent glee, spawning her lions as Kurama vaulted into the violent abyss once more.

As boasted, he was effortlessly able to down the giant in a single sweep of his sword, his blade heaving a toxic breath of flames upon impact that scorched surrounding clones. Then his weapon was suddenly a scythe with a chain attached to its pointed hilt. Like the grim reaper, he dispatched mobs of clones in a single sweep, stabbing enemies with his fire-forged weapon and throwing it to extend the reach of the blade.

Clones yelped and roared as they were swiftly acquainted with oblivion, and even those few that tried to escape were shown no mercy; their retirement into the dark abyss was just as swift and brutal. Perhaps even more so — there was no place in the world for cowards.

Time slowed, even as Kurama leaped into the air to avoid the reach of a pursuing root. And he smiled fondly at Hinata from the chaos, reassuring her with soft, cool eyes.

The princess returned a warm smile of her own, awestruck by the Bijuu's power. So much had happened that it was proving difficult to digest everything all at once. To think that the little furry fox she had taken into her home that slept on her bed and ate Kuwashima's homemade cooking was, in fact, the legendary Nine-Tailed Fox. And now they were friends.

Kurama was like a human typhoon: slipping through attacks with lethal retaliation, dodging and deflecting kunai, slicing, carving, and severing clones in an impressive display of agility, decisiveness, and aerial dynamics. As cunning a fox as he was, the deity was able to maneuver around every attempt to restrain him in using numbers and, at the same time, even avoid Hinata's range of attack.

Gentle Step: Mobile Lion Charge! A pack of six lions pounced into the horde of clones with a fierce roar, slashing and biting everyone in range — immobilizing dozens through the Gentle Fist before eventually being slain.

Gentle Step: Mobile Lion Charge - Kamikaze! Another pack of six ferocious lions entered the battlefield. And after inflicting their share of slicing, ripping, crushing, and grinding, the chakra-forced beasts bit down into their Rasengan, eliminating more than a hundred of Zetsu's fearless army in a great and suicidal explosion.

The man sneered at the opposition, livid with rage. "I still have a few hundred strong; I can still capture you both!"

"Hime!" Kurama suddenly called, reverting to his previous form, as he broke free of the congested crowd. "It's time to leave!"

"Ri-Right!" Hinata obeyed, quickly retrieving her hamper and securing herself on a moving Kyuubi as he made his way toward the mouth of the valley.

"It's no use!" Zetsu warned, his army sprouting extra legs and racing toward the speedy fox. "There's no escaping us!"

"Who said I was escaping," Kurama retorted, and then softly instructed the princess to hold on. "Taking them out one or two at a time is useless; the others just keep calling more clones. We have to annihilate all of them in one fell swoop."

Focusing power into his hind legs, he leaped high into the air and then turned around, firing off a thin but powerful laser beam from his mouth, wiping out the entire infantry in a great and fiery explosion. Bedrock blasted skyward in a blinding mass of flames and heat and thick, roiling smoke. The plumes of fire shot out in all directions, showering large chunks of splintered wood and burning embers down into the snow.

Hinata gasped, impressed and terrified all in one. "A-Amazing! But... won't that draw attention to this place?"

"Maybe. And that's exactly why we won't linger." Kurama was already leaving the valley behind at an unbelievable pace, proceeding farther into the country's borders.

"I didn't know Kurama-kun could transform into a human form."

The Kyuubi allowed a wolfish grin. "Naruto's apprentice is to thank for that."

"Konohamaru-kun?"

"Mmm. Learning to walk upright was as infuriating as it was to actually learn the transformation process, but some rigorous training solved that problem."

— "I learnt this new transformation so that I could save you more... humane in moments like this."

Hinata blushed, and her eyes gleamed. "Thank you."

The Kyuubi grunted as a traitorous blush crept into his cheeks in turn.

"This is the second time you've saved me now. And, for opening up to me, I'm happy that you did. Your company is even better now." Her smile was warm and sincere.

"Humph!" He cocked his head furtively. "This new transformation is for my benefit, too; I didn't do it specifically for you."

The princess giggled endearingly at his contradiction.

Kurama growled in his embarrassment, her charming voice a perpetual song in his ear. "Keep a careful lookout," he said to cut her off. "We'll be arriving soon.

"Hai!" She nodded exuberantly.

Meanwhile, oblivious to the princess and her guardian, was the fact that a small army of Naruto's clones were gathering in Konoha, each one declaring an official challenge against a formidable comrade. And amongst these many challengers where Lee, Tenten, Ino, Sakura, Sai, Chōji, Shino, Kiba, Neji, and more. Everyone's question was the same: "Naruto... what're you doing here?"

Disguised in an ANBU attire, the nonchalant sage pushed his mask to the side to reveal cool, oceanic eyes. "I'm here to test your power, and to gain battle experience in return. We'll both grow in skill from this duel."

Shikamaru frowned, disconcerted. "What's the point of having you take a long detour to your destination, if you're going to let Akatsuki follow your trail and figure out your location?"

Naruto was still calm. "Relax. I haven't been in contact with the original in over a month so I haven't jeopardized his mission. And my identity is safe."

"A month?" Shikamaru was astounded.

Elsewhere.

Kakashi frowned, secretly enthused. "I see you've gotten serious with this training method, Naruto." He charged a Chidori in his hand, his chilled decorum mirroring his apprentice's own. "But... just how much stronger have you become?"

Naruto allowed a modest grin. "How about you come and find out," he suggested challengingly, independently constructing a Rasengan in one hand.

Kakashi's eyes shot open in surprise, and then he raised his forehead protector to reveal his sacred eye. "Heh — that much, huh?"

Everyone clashed.

After being interrogated, identified and searched by cautious officials, Hinata was granted permission to enter the dreary, blizzard-prone town.

As she ambled into the village's icy embrace, she looked up in awe at the three hallow mountains that stood far north of the region, each one sharing an uncanny resemblance to a wolf with its jaws wide open. Hence it was dubbed the Three Wolves— a famous landmark of the Iron Country. It was truly a remarkable sight, eerie in all its glory.

Apparently, architects had done an incredible job in taking advantage of the space inside these mountains to construct a complex arrangement of residential areas. Inside was where, Mifune, the general of the country was stationed — and the Kage Summit also took place inside. But from what she was told by the guards, the blacksmiths would be found here in the outlying village.

Icicles hung from the trees and buildings. It was difficult to admire the country's unique architecture when everything was covered in snow and ice.

The samurais were garbed in thick armor and ominous-looking masks, while the standard citizens wrapped themselves in many layers of clothing as protection against the harsh elements. The residents were so close and yet so distant; sealed away in their thick garments, minding themselves.

Regardless, Hinata brazenly searched around for a jeweler but, those who were not jostled by the recent upheaval and had kept their shop closed out of fear, declared that they were unfortunately out of stock. Most of the shop-owners were aloof and insincere but, finally, Hinata came across an elderly couple who were nice enough to suggest another jeweler. They warned the old man was a bit eccentric, but the princess wasn't intimidated.

Despite the poor visibility induced by the intensified blizzard, she carefully followed the directions she was given, until she came across the small workshop described in the couple's meticulous description. And, sure enough, there was a massive, castle-looking mansion right behind the shop, too, just like she was told. It was an odd-looking structure, constructed with iron and steel, instead of the occasional wood or stone.

Suddenly, Hinata spied a bit of movement, and then a silhouette made its way to the counter. "Hello, comma... can I help you question sign?"

The princess felt a prick of confusion. Comma? Question sign? What is he talking about? "Hello, Sir... um, I was just wondering if you sold accessories — perhaps a lovely ring that could pass as a wedding band?"

Kurama had his head poking out of her jacket.

"I'm sorry to say that I'm all out of merchandise semicolon; all our resources were broken down and crafted into tools to be used in the upcoming war full stop."

A cold gust seemed to blow through Hinata's body, settling behind her sternum, and it wasn't because of the inclement weather. "No," the word came slow and glum. "No! Isn't there anything that can be done? I wanted to give Naruto-kun his ring before the war started. Who knows what will happen, once we're on the battlefield..."

The man paused, gauging the girl's wide-eyed reaction, and as tears tipped her eyes, he couldn't help but assess her. She was young — a naïve teenager with a pure heart and beautiful dreams and aspirations despite being a shinobi. She cried when faced with sadness but, deep down, she was headstrong and tenacious. He could tell from her sorrowful eyes that the she was deeply in love — hopelessly, profoundly, extraordinarily so, and she had traveled a long way in search of a symbolic piece to equalize her nuptials.

Finally, the old man's eyes veered to her fingers where he spied her engagement ring. Overwhelmed by its beauty, for a moment, he couldn't muster a full breath of air into his chest and almost clambered over the counter to clasp her hand for a closer look. Such superb craftsmanship and the extremely rare Aura Stone perfectly embedded at the top — it was only fitting that this breathtaking masterpiece be coupled with an equally remarkable item.

Surely, fate must have brought the girl here. But, was she truly worthy?

"Mmm... I just might have a special ring tucked away for a stormy day such as this full stop."

"R-Really?" Hinata beamed.

"Hmmu," the man nodded, taking another step forward, finally, to reveal himself. Standing less than 4 feet in height, he sported a crude garment ornamented with chain mail. Thick, sagging eyebrows concealed his eyes and a mouth stash and beard, his mouth. "It might just be what you're looking for full stop."

"Thank you so much!" Hinata bowed her head politely.

"Don't mention it full stop." He waved his hand dismissively, and then scooted from the shop into the mansion, closing the door to a slight and curious ajar.

"He has to be on the English Language's list of most detested human."

Hinata didn't argue with that analogy.

Time passed.

"He's really been gone a long time," she whined cutely, breathing puffs of hot air into her gloves in a futile attempt to regain a measure of feeling in her fingers.

Kurama frowned wearily. "That senile old fool must have forgotten he left us out here waiting. Or maybe he had a stroke and keeled over and died."

"Ehh? That's a very mean thing to say, Kurama-kun."

"Doesn't change the fact that it could be true."

"S-T-A-R-E..."

The Kyuubi sighed stubbornly, secretly charmed by her adorable pouting. "I'm sorry."

Triumphant, she beamed with a horizontal 3 of a smile. Meanwhile, the impatient Bijuu looked up at the eerie building obscured by snow. "Isn't it a bit strange that old geezer owns a mansion and yet he wastes his time running this small, rundown 'ol shop?"

The princess looked up also, thinking about that for a while. "Um, not everyone works for the sake of gaining a profit. Some people work for the joy of the trade."

Kurama didn't have a comeback; he couldn't relate to all levels of human sentimentality. There was still much to learn about this fragile and complicated race, and being with Hinata promised a most amusing adventure.

Suddenly, the wind gusted and a flurry of snow whipped across her poorly concealed face, pressing icy kisses to her cheeks. Her body shivered violently against the bitter caress and the Kyuubi could hear as her teeth chattered in protest.

"Hime," he called, concerned.

"I-I'm fine," she defended awkwardly. "I'm sure he'll be back... any second now."

Reluctantly, he surrendered to her determination but the Bijuu would at least take the liberty of keeping his goddess warm. And, with that intention in mind, a soothing heat was already radiating from his tiny frame, protecting her from the frigid climate.

"...Kurama-kun," Hinata whispered with an edge of gratitude, recognizing the familiar and comforting warmth of her fire-natured friend.

Energy flowed in and through her, seeming to thaw her joints and relinquish the numbness. And blood circulated hot and fast through her veins anew, color returning to her cheeks — a brighter hue than usual. Suddenly, the princess pursed her lips to hold in a cute whimper. Heat gathered around her sensitive breasts and nipples, inadvertently coaxing those pink summits to pointed peaks. And her eyes hooded in response, her legs gradually converting to wet noodles beneath her.

Naruto-kun...

Kurama sensed the girl's distress, her pulse raging an erratic tattoo in his highly receptive ears. He knew, despite whatever troubled her, she wasn't about to abandon this cold, dreary town without first getting what she came for. "Why don't you just go inside?"

"Eh?" Through the wayward thoughts that flooded her mind, the princess considered that for a while, pursing her lips.

Despite the cataclysmic storm that lurked ahead, she had traveled a very long way in search of what she sought, and was even ambushed along the way with another one likely lying in wait for the return journey home. In addition, she had to be dishonest with her father once more.

This was the only chance for her to seek out Naruto's engagement ring, and it was crucial that she attained it. Our snugglie-wugglie didn't want to seem pessimistic, but she knew the symbolic trinket might very well be the last gift she was able to give him. And, with that notion in mind, she decided to cast aside her courtesy and pride — just this once — to enter the edifice without permission.

If Kurama was right and amnesia or senility had prevented the man from recalling his promise, then she would find him and brazenly jog his memory.

Inside, Hinata closed the door behind her, cutting off the eerie howling of the icy wind. And, with a sigh, she pulled back her hood. Then the tiny deity leaped from her chest onto the ground, bringing his dangerous pheromone-laced warmth with him. The princess could already feel her temperature dropping and strength returned to her legs. She also regained enough rationality to realize that the dark and narrow corridor that stood before them was a path supposedly leading to something unpleasant.

Pulling up the zipper of her jacket, Hinata looked to the rows of old-fashioned lanterns embedded along the wall. "This place is very creepy. It's almost like a dungeon."

Kurama's brows furrowed in his irritation. "I hate dark places."

"Will Kurama-kun stay here by the door, then? I won't be long."

The Bijuu ignored her and began walking ahead. He would always accompany and protect her. Even if this depressing hallway reminded him far too much of the hellish realm within which he was sealed... within which his other half was still sealed.

A few meters ahead, the placement of lanterns came to a halt, leaving absolutely nothing to illuminate the desolated path. But Hinata wasn't just about to call it quits and retrace her steps the exit, no matter how many things were wrong with this picture.

Her persistence led her to find a torch latched onto the iron wall. And Kurama ignited it with a controlled breath of his pyrokinesis. Then they followed the lonesome corridor until they approached and climbed a flight of stairs. The second floor was just as narrow and dreary, but at least there were lanterns and they were lit.

Walking with casual confidence and Kurama, with irritation and impatience, they both failed to notice the subtle alterations in the floor and ended up falling through a trapdoor — plummeting hopelessly back to the first floor on their behinds.

Slowly, Hinata pushed to her feet, whimpering as she rubbed her battered backside. "Ouch! Wha-What just happened?"

"We fell through the floor." Kurama wasn't amused, not even remotely.

"But... the floor is made of iron."

"It was a trapdoor."

"A trapdoor..."

"Traps are usually made when there's something important being protected."

"That doesn't matter!" The princess was upset that she would be thwarted in her endeavor. "Let's just find the shop owner."

With renewed determination, she and Kurama ascended to the second floor once more and carefully avoided the almost undetectable trapdoor. Sustaining that same level of caution, they were able to proceed up the flight of stairs leading to the third floor.

Along the poorly lit corridor, they eventually came across a cardboard sign. It was positioned in front of a crude cobblestone used as a substitute filling in the floor. It was obviously a trap, and the cardboard sign stated as much to boot: Caution! In the middle of the walkway lies a trap!

"How informative!" Hinata said with casual glee, walking to the far left to make her way pass the hazard. But that casual glee was suddenly a shriek of terror as the cubicle of floor gave away.

Kurama transformed into his second form just in time to catch her by the hood of her coat, his eyes closed in his controlled annoyance. "That was obviously a decoy to have you walk into the real trap."

A few seconds later.

"Yosh! Then this must be the ideal route to take!" The princess marched with confidence to the far right corner this time, smiling like a guilty feline when she was saved by the hood again.

Kurama was about to burst a blood vein.

A few seconds later.

Hinata pressed an index finger to her lip, considering the notion. "Then you're saying the right path is actually through the middle?" She frowned. "But the sign says—"

"The sign's just a lie!" The Bijuu clarified.

Our snugglie-wugglie gasped, teary-eyed. "But that's... that's so mean!" She whimpered comically. "Why would the old man do something like this?"

Kurama ignored her and continued along the center of the corridor without incident.

So that really was the true route, after all. "Ku-Kurama-kun! Wait for me!"

Walking along a straight line took the two explorers safely to the end of the corridor, where they took the flight of stairs to the fourth floor. And the Kyuubi's annoyance stemmed even deeper.

"This time it's a maze," Hinata said openly, already accepting the challenge.

Judging by the size of the mansion, there could only be roughly three or four more floors remaining. They were almost there... wherever there was, so why throw in the towel now. They had to get to the bottom of all this — there were answers that needed to be given to explain their trials, even if they were mere intruders.

Watching each other's back, they ventured into the complex walls of hard, cold iron, trying to memorize each curve and dead end. Until, finally, they got the brilliant idea of drawing arrows and leaving notes on the walls. But, no matter how thoroughly they combed the puzzling maze, they kept revisiting areas already explored without finding the right path.

"Maybe there's a secret passage hidden in the walls," Hinata suggested, even as she looked around, scanning the dark walls.

"Wait! Can you hear that?" Kurama erected his ears, listening keenly, focusing on the low, rasping sound originating beyond a few layers of iron walls.

"What is it?" The princess's voice was low.

"There's a door closing not far from here."

"Byakugan!" Scanning the surrounding area did reveal a closing door a few meters away. "Kurama-kun's right — there is a door closing. And there's another one just like it on the far right of the room. That one is slowly opening; it doesn't seem like both doors can be opened or closed at the same time."

"Hurry — lead the way!"

"Right!"

The flight of stairs leading to the fifth floor was completely frozen over — an ominous foreshadowing of what lie ahead. But the princess wasn't discouraged; nothing would drive her away now, not when she was surely closer to finding that old shopkeeper. And, boy, oh boy did he have a lot of explaining to do.

There were windows on this floor, opened windows that left the room subjected to the shrewd storm brewing outside. The floor was layered in twenty inches of snow, and Hinata's knees buckled as an icy draft whipped past her — again and again, easily stealing the warmth from her body.

"Wh-Why's there snow here?" Her teeth had already begun chattering. "Why's this floor so different from all the others?"

In her inability to stand still in the freezing temperature, the princess staggered backward. Then there was a sudden beeping sound, as if something had suddenly been activated... something bad.

"This isn't good," the Kyuubi muttered, transforming into his human form and forging his scythe on the defensive, allowing his senses to swell in preparations for what was to come.

Abruptly, something fired at them from behind. Time slowed as Kurama turned gracefully on his heels and cleaved the object in twine, allowing either side to fly passed them without impact.

"A snowball?" He frowned, a bit addled.

Simultaneously to that prick of confusion, small square chambers began opening up in the walls around the room, and then a volley of snowballs fired at them. One. Two. Three. Four. Thirty — groggy on her feet, the princess was the only one to fall victim to the assault. She looked like a crudely made snowman by the time it was quiet again.

"...S-S-S-So cold!" She whimpered, trembling out of control.

"Hime!" Kurama rushed over to attend to her. "Why didn't you move?"

"T-T-Too cold to move..."

She dropped the picnic basket to her feet as her fingers went numb, which triggered another trap. But, before they could react, a pile of snow fell from a large container in the ceiling, covering her in a mountain of snow. Now she had transcended from Frosty the Snowman to a human Popsicle.

Kurama tried to maintain his composure, but it was difficult when he could sense her distress. And the thought of failing her for a second time was a loathed reality. "Hime..." his voice was soft and reassuring. "I'll give you some warmth; just hold on."

Gently pressing a hand to her chest, he carefully regulated his temperature to raise her body heat. But this convenient source of warmth didn't come without his almost irresistible and dangerous drug — the overwhelming pheromones of the pyrokinetic deity. In response, Hinata crawled backwards until she was safely a few feet away from him — frantic, breathless, wide-eyed. She hugged her chest with scarlet cheeks, still feeling the forbidden imprint of his hand over her breast.

"What's wrong?" Kurama's expression was of genuine confusion.

The princess pursed her lips, still a bit jostled. But that feeling was suddenly lost when the sound of multiple traps sounded. And she ran, whimpered and screamed as she was assaulted with series of snowballs, rice balls, tennis balls, even candy balls.

Finally, Kurama could take the drama no more and he drove the hilt of his scythe down to the ground, releasing an outward ripple of intense heat that melted all the snow and liquid from the floor. But, suddenly, the alarm sounded again, signifying the trigger of another trap.

Embarrassed, he cocked his head to the side as Hinata looked at him accusingly, almost playfully so. The princess had an excuse: being clumsy, but what was his excuse?

A pack of seven white wolves with spiked collars appeared out of nowhere. Their eyes were blue and feral, their bodies buff and bristled in their hostility.

The princess's eyes narrowed in her seriousness, and she eased into a defense stance. "Why are there wolves inside this building?"

"Hime!" Kurama called calmly. "Don't move!"

"Eh? But Kurama-kun..."

"Use your shield and try to decipher the secrets to this room. I'll take care of these pesky creatures in the meantime."

"Okay, but be careful."

He heaved a neat grin. "Of course."

The princess smiled in return then activated her cloak. In a race against the elements, before the ground covered with snow again, she used her ocular ability to scan the floor, layer after layer.

To her astonishment, there was a large pictograph depicting a family dining by a fireplace. The father was sitting around a table prepared with a wide assortment of food, including rice balls and candy, while the mother was bringing more dishes to the table. And, through the window, their kids could be seen playing outside in the snow.

Hinata's eyes dilated a tad when she spied a few odd contraptions beneath the floor, one of which linked by a tube to a tapestry depicting a wolf pack in the pictograph.

To refrain from springing any more traps, which would harm both his pride and his goddess, Kurama stayed in a single spot to battle the wolves. Despite being master hunters with a notorious reputation for their efficiency, the beasts' assertion, agility, and combined power couldn't compare to that of the legendary Kyuubi. His presence; his existence, was more profound and prominent than theirs. The wolves knew the truth of it but, blinded by their pride and their duty, they challenged the deity, anyway. And regardless of surrounding him and pouncing simultaneously, they all met and swift and just end, vanishing in a cloud of smoke.

"Summoning?" Hinata was a bit surprised.

"They were called forth by the old man," Kurama informed.

"The shopkeeper? But why?"

"Maybe because we're intruders."

The princess pursed her lips at that unsavory truth. Still, she would not retreat.

"Did you find out how this room works, and where the door is?"

"H-Hn! I think so." She walked over to the hearth on the pictograph to verify her hypothesis. Stepping on the imagery caused all the windows to close and, almost immediately, the room wasn't as cold anymore. "Just as I thought."

"I see." It seemed Kurama had figured it out, too.

"Mmm," the princess nodded. "It would seem majority of the elements in this drawing are symbolic and linked to pressure-triggered switches beneath the floor. That's why when I stepped on the fireplace, which represents warmth, the windows automatically closed."

Kurama's eyes slitted; he was once more impressed by the level of human ingenuity. "If that's the case, then what would symbolize the door to the next floor?"

The princess rested a curved forefinger beneath her lip, deliberating. "In this case, anyone would guess that the front door in the drawing represents the same door that we're searching for but... I don't think so."

"What do you mean?"

"Etto... well, I may be over thinking this but, if these symbols are as technical as I assume, the front door would lead us backward and not forward. Plus, it's too obvious."

"Then, what do you believe symbolizes the true door?"

"That clock."

Kurama stepped on the clock.

"Ku-Kurama-kun!" Hinata felt a spasm of panic.

But, instead of the worst-case scenario, a door did open in the wall — revealing the path into another narrow corridor.

"I trust your intuition," he smiled warmly.

The princess sighed, pressing a hand to her chest in relief. Her pulse was still a bit wild but instead of chiding the gorgeous deity — not that she could actually do that — they both proceeded into the dark hallway.

"How did you come to the conclusion that the clock was the right trigger?" Kurama's eyes were soft and inquisitive, but still cautious as they proceeded into the perilous abyss.

"Remember on the third floor with the warning sign? From then, I realized that whoever created this place enjoyed misguiding people — and the door in the illustration was too obvious. Assuming it was a trap, the only other thing remotely close to signifying a door was the clock.

The hands of a clock always tick clockwise, never anti-clockwise. Like time, it was always moving forward — progressing with the motions of reality and capturing new occurrences. In a sense, time was another door."

"Amazing deduction," Kurama complimented coolly, saffron eyes bright with adore, and even more so, when she blushed.

The architecture and decor of the sixth floor resembled that of a cathedral — in that it was more refined in design and cultural. The room was more spacious and brightly lit with vibrant color schemes and furnishings. Lanterns were forged in the walls and expertly placed columns that illuminated the room and its exotic array of statuary, tapestries, and antiquities.

The dome-shaped roof was constructed purely of multicolored glass of intricate designs. And, in the center of the tiled floor, like the fifth level, was a pictograph enclosed within a circle. Illustrated in magnificent detail was a majestic bird wrapped in a sea of fire. But the creature showed no distress, as if the flames were innately apart of its being.

Awestruck by the scenery, Kurama and Hinata looked around in their fascination — studying, admiring, careful with their footing as much as they were on the previous level. This ostentatious hall might very well be another means deception to lure them into trap.

"That must be the door to the final room," Kurama suggested quietly, looking straight head.

The princess followed his saffron gaze. At the back of the hall, beyond mirroring rows of lanterns mounted atop pedestals, were a few flights of stairs leading to a tightly sealed door. "Hn! But how do we open it?"

"Look — there's a door made of stone over there," Kurama pointed to the far right of the room. "We might get some clues by checking it out. If we've learnt anything so far, it's that we have to work before we can proceed further into this place."

Carefully making their way over to the next point of interest, Hinata and Kurama examined the curious structure. Perfectly cut stone slabs made the door appeared as if it was a puzzle set, and there seemed to be something inscribed on all the pieces.

"Why is this door made of stone?" Hinata wondered aloud.

"My thoughts exactly. It's strange considering the fact that all the others doors are made of iron." He frowned. "Wait a minute, there's something written on the tiles."

"Kurama-kun!" The princess was assessing a marbled-tablet erected on a stone column. "There's something inscribed here:

Revered is the legendary bird illustrated in the pictograph — a beautiful creature said to have perished by flame and born anew from its own ashes. Likewise, the blade of sword lives a long life and is broken down by fire to be made anew by its own alloy.

This deity born of fire is an inspiration to many that treasures the forge. Show your respect by forming the name of this mythical beast upon the stone barrier, only then will the path reveal itself onto you."

"Forming its name on the stone barrier," Kurama reiterated questioningly. "I think I understand that part, but what's the name of this so-called mythical beast?"

Hinata puts on her invisible thinking hat and rests an index finger below her lip. "A creature said to have perished by flame and born anew from its own ashes. Umm, I think it's called a phoenix."

Kurama raised one eyebrow curiously. "How do you know that?"

"I read about it once in a book. The phoenix is an immortal firebird that appears in a foreign mythology." She stuck her tongue out embarrassingly. "I'm somewhat of a bookworm."

Kurama smiled fondly at her, his eyes soft and alive with fascination. "You never cease to amaze me..."

The princess blushed and averted her gaze. "It-It was nothing."

By the time she turned around, he had already shuffled about the stone slabs to establish all the characters of the word in the right order. The ground trembled as the door withdrew into the floor and, as promised, revealed the path that they sought.

Inside was a small, bland storage room with only a few stone tablets scattered about on the ground. The adventurers were not impressed and, for a moment, they stood in abject shock; at a lost as to what they were to do next. But Hinata soon shook off the despair, adamant that the tablets held meaning. Everything in this bizarre mansion held meaning and, like all the others, they would decipher this, as well.

Further inspection of the stone pieces revealed an unfamiliar pattern on one of the four sides. And a few of them had a circular edge instead of being entirely squared, like all the others. Kurama and Hinata reached the same conclusion simultaneously.

With excited anticipation, they carefully brought all the tablets into the hall. And using the pictograph of the phoenix as a reference, they were able to arrange all the patterns painted on them in the circle, to mirror the original illustration. The ideal weight of the perfectly placed stone tabs triggered a pressure-gauged switched, which opened the final door beyond the flight of stairs.

Kurama reverted to his first form and, in mere moments, the shopkeeper came ambling outside with a ring resting on a red cushion in his hands. "Well done comma, young lady semicolon; you pass exclamation sign!"

"Wh-What do you mean?"

"From the moment I left you outside comma, to the moment you opened this door behind me comma, you were being tested full stop."

"But... for what reason?"

"Why to prove your worth comma, of course full stop. Within my hand comma, I hold a unique and priceless ring full stop. There is only one of its kind comma, and it is called Coatlicue full stop.

Long ago comma, a powerful seal was placed on this ring by a smithy's wife comma, who had a strange bloodline full stop. By pouring a large measure of chakra into this ring comma, one can use its special powers to heal any wound comma, and it is even said it can bring back the dead full stop.

Like the phoenix's ability to be born anew comma, we blacksmith have created a power that can revive anyone from the void full stop. It compliments your Aura Stone well comma, and I am sure it will serve you greatly in the upcoming war full stop.

But comma, before bestowing you with this ancient gift comma, I was curious about your bond full stop."

"My... bond?" The princess was still in awe by the ring's proclaimed power.

"Yes, that's right," an old woman said, coming forth from the recently opened door. She looked just like the man, except she had taller hair and no mouth stash or beard.

Hinata cringed, and she felt her chest tighten in horrible recollection, her cheeks pink in embarrassment. "You-You're that lady who sold me the p-p-p—"

"Panties, yes — sacred panties," she contributed casually.

"Oh comma, I see you have met my older sister comma, Tabitha full stop."

"Sister?"

"That's right — this young whippersnapper is my brother, but enough with the formalities. You have been deemed worthy of the Coatlicue. Despite being left outside in the freezing weather by a seemingly deranged old man, you waited patiently for my brother's return. Then, for the sake of your fiancé, you abandoned all modesty and courtesy and rudely entered the mansion in search of the missing shop owner.

By besting all the traps and doors up to this point, you have demonstrated great endurance, tenacity, strength, wisdom, insight, and commitment. You have impressively proven the depth to which your love and affection stems for your fiancé, and we feel honored to rest the care of the ring in your care from now on."

The man nodded with a smile, lifting the cushion in his hands for her to take the ring. She did so slowly. "This is now yours full stop."

Hinata looked down at the silver ring in the center of her palm. It was so breathtaking in its simplicity. "I...I don't know what to say."

"There's no need for thanks," the woman said bluntly, suddenly taking her hand and pulling her in the direction of the stairs, toward the next room. "You've already proven yourself. Now, I have a few sacred lingerie that I want you to try." She giggled, almost ominously. "Since you got the ring for free, I'm sure you have lots of money to spare."

The princess whimpered in her distress. But she knew this was one trap beyond her ability to escape, even with her insight as a bookworm.

The man chuckled, and then turned an enigmatic eye toward the silent Bijuu. "That ring could prove dangerous if fallen into the wrong hands full stop. Protect it and protect her as well full stop."

Kurama frowned. He didn't need to be reminded as he had taken his current form specifically for the purpose of doing just that. Hinata was a goddess — a beautiful and divine goddess whose existence demanded longevity. She kindled a flame in his heart that didn't seek destruction and malice, but knowledge and compassion, instead. The girl was his medicine, his salve, and he would not allow her light to be extinguished. Ever.

Cupid Reincarnated? Kurama's Sensual Ordeal

Having safely returned to Konoha without being subjected to frostbite or hyperthermia, Hinata made her way to the bathhouse before the sun could settle into its routine slumber beyond the distant horizon, secretly smuggling Kurama inside to join her for a much-deserved soak.

Hours had passed since they left the snowy landscapes of the Iron Country, but still their joints and muscles felt as if they hadn't completely thawed. Their journey was a hectic one. And a period of relaxation in the hot bath was the perfect way to enjoy a long day transitioning into night.

Sure enough, the night also had its own share of drama to offer. The princess was surprised when Ino, Tenten, Sakura, and Hanabi sauntered into the room from the changing area in nothing but their birthday suits, chuckling as they shared in casual conversation.

When did Hanabi and the others get so close?

"Hey, look — it's Hinata!" Sakura pointed with a smile.

The girls called out to her blissfully, and then Ino and Tenten screamed in excitement when they spied the small, cuddly canine relaxing beside the nervous Hyūga. Despite their nudity, in a sudden hurtle of friendly competition they scooped up the defenseless deity as a predator would its prey before skidding off into the bath in a great big crash.

Water erupted into the air, spraying sparkling droplets everywhere. Sakura and Hanabi jumped in response, startled as water hit their unsuspecting bodies. Their breasts jumped, too, magnificent curves, edges and creamy surfaces beautifully flushed.

"Hey, you guys!" Hanabi protested as she grew demon horns. Then she stomped her foot before making her way into the bath to extract revenge.

Shannaro! Sakura's inner goddess drove her fist into her palm with a devilish grin, eager to extract some sweet revenge of her own. But, instead, the cherry blossom went to a far corner of the bath to sulk and silently grudge her more fortunately endowed peers. Even the younger sister of her rival had a far more impressive bust line. How their breasts taunted her. Every bounce and giggle of those monstrous melons was a painful insult to hers.

Ino and Tenten were on their feet now, fighting over and smothering a relatively annoyed Kyuubi while Hanabi splashed them with water. But, despite Hinata's plea that they be gentler, the girls couldn't subdue the overbearing furry in them. And, finally, Kurama couldn't take it anymore.

Squirming from their suffocating possession, he impolitely stepped on Ino's face and leaped into the air. Then there was a sudden outburst of fluffy white smoke, which slowly receded to reveal sleek, Persian red hair dripping wet with water, sexy fox ears and a plush tail, firm masculine curves obscured by the rising mist, a soft, cool countenance. And, on either one of Ino and Tenten's breast, was his hand — keeping the pesky females an arm's length out of his private space.

For a moment, the girls merely looked down at that capable hand crushing the pert peak of their nipple. Then they screamed in embarrassment, pink as they hugged their chest and ducked beneath the water. Hanabi, Sakura, and Hinata ducked, too, feeling the sudden spell of unnerving masculine energy that jostled that of their femininity.

"Hi-Hinata-sama!" Neji shouted from the male section of the bath on the other side of the wall. "What happened? Is everything alright?"

"Ha-Hai!" She responded shyly. "Everything is fine!"

Kurama allowed a neat smile, leaning against the border of the bath, garbed in his loincloth-like underwear. "Strange. Why do you hide when you possess such a fascinating form?"

"Because we're naked and you're a guy," Tenten snapped.

"Hime... the water really is wonderful, like you said."

Monster-face. "You, don't ignore me!"

As their shock gradually dissolved, as well as the primeval urge to clobber the male species that dared intrude on their privacy, Ino and Tenten resurfaced a tad, their torso still submerged as they studied the bold stranger that had their heart hammering a fierce rhythm in their chest. This... lovely creature, just who was he? They were quickly bewitched by his soft saffron eyes and furry ears — seduced by his otherworldly beauty. And his supernatural pheromones, his masculinity, washed over them with dangerous effectiveness.

But Hinata, Hanabi, and Sakura, who were already in love, didn't fall prone to his intoxication. They did, however, find him beautiful and attractive nonetheless.

"Hinata... what's going on? Who's that?" Everyone shared Sakura's curiosity. But, unlike the others, the girl's rage was still boiling beneath her skin.

The princess smiled awkwardly, the only one garbed in a two-piece bikini and didn't seem as startled or mesmerized. "Everyone... this is B-kun," she explained quietly. "But his real name is Kurama. Konohamaru-kun taught him how to transform."

"Konohamaru-kun did?" Hanabi was shocked.

"Hn! I was surprised, too."

"Then you were able to speak all this time, after all," Ino said. "But why didn't you before?"

"A lot has happened, "Hinata explained with a tepid smile.

"Who are you, exactly?" Sakura asked the right question again.

Everyone watched the deity intently, strangely not in the least bit troubled that they were stark naked in the presence of a half-naked guy. Tenten and Ino swallowed hard as he slowly swept locks of hair behind his ear with a far too enchanting flair.

"Just think of me as... a secret agent from Naruto's newly formed contract."

"Then, are you here to protect my sister?" Hanabi asked politely.

"You could say that, yes." Kurama's eyes drifted close followed by a smile.

Ino and Tenten flashed the princess a grudging leer, their faces grotesque. "First Naruto and now Kurama!"

Hinata went pale.

"Ino, Tenten-san — get a hold of yourselves!" Sakura chided, but they ignored her.

Hanabi frowned. "I've never seen them act this way before."

"It's Kurama-kun," the elder princess informed, her eyes gleaming with a hint of contrite.

Sakura approached her, still submerged enough to conceal her torso. "Eh? Hinata... what do you mean?"

She gazed at the Bijuu who was busy giving the girls the cold shoulder. "I think he has the power to make girls attracted to him, but he doesn't realize that he's doing it."

"A kind of inherent pheromone effect," Sakura contributed, a bit troubled by this fact.

"If that's true," Hanabi began. "Then why aren't we affected, too?"

Hinata averted her eyes. "I'm not sure. But I do know that Kurama-kun is a fox; there's no reason why he would take advantage of a girl."

"I really don't find that hard to believe," Hanabi agreed in a lazy tone, gesturing to the Kyuubi's evident annoyance as the girls continued to bother him incessantly.

Sakura sighed, ashamed to call them her best friends.

While Ino and Tenten were still busy creeping slowly toward the deity with hearts in their eyes, requesting to touch his ears, requesting to see his tail, Hanabi took the opportunity to tell Hinata that Naruto came to the estate in search of her while she was gone.

"Naruto-kun did?" Her eyes dilated in shock, and she felt a sudden mixture of glee and unhappiness, coursing hot through her veins.

"Maybe he wanted to fight you," Tenten prompted.

"Fight?"

"It's more like a challenge to measure our skills and improve his own," Sakura clarified. "He challenged many shinobi in the village, including Kakashi-sensei."

Hinata pursed her lips, her eyes a bit glum. Does that mean I had really sensed him back in the forest?

Ino grinned. "Naruto looked really cool in that ANBU uniform! To think that annoying prankster from our academy days would one day be wearing that suit. You really hooked yourself an awesome guy, Hinata!"

The princess blushed, but she couldn't push aside the grief of missing out on a rare opportunity to see him again. She had so many things to say, so many questions to ask.

"Don't feel bad, Hinata." Sakura rests an attentive hand on the girl's shoulder. "Maybe it was for the best; think how difficult it would be to part with him for a second time. Plus, he was just a Kage Bunshin."

"I...I suppose you're right." She attempted a wholehearted smile.

"So, has Naruto-oniichan gotten any stronger?" Hanabi passed a glance over them.

The girls hug their head. For a moment, there was silence and presumably a tinge of shame. The gap between Naruto's power and their own was too great — and they had seen the undeniable truth of that when they faced him. It made them wonder if what they had to offer in the war would be enough.

Tenten was the first to lift her head. "Naruto's gotten so much stronger that I think we'd undoubtedly win the war, if they just allowed him to fight."

"But he's gotten so much smarter too that I wouldn't be surprised if he already knows the war's about to start," Ino added.

"What do you mean by that?" Kurama asked, a bit assertive in his demand.

"Umm. Well, Naruto was sent on that S-Class mission as a front to prevent him from finding out about the war wasn't he?" She slapped her hand over her mouth. "Y-You can't tell him what I just said, OK?"

The Bijuu was calm. "Not that it's any of my concern but, if that masked man is truly Uchiha Madara, then this Shinobi Alliance will need all the military might at their disposal. And, even then, it might still not be enough."

"Is he really that strong?" Tenten sought a tad of closure, but there was only silence.

"Worrying has yet to actually solve any problem," Kurama was curt, nonchalant, his eyes closed. "Just focus on what you have to do now. And don't worry, Hime... I'll protect you."

The girls leered at Hinata again, and she raised her hands in surrender, her smile awkward.

"But he's right, you guys," Hanabi began. "Worrying solves nothing. Besides, I thought we came to the bathhouse to relax."

"Hanabi's right," Tenten agreed. "Talking about the war now just defeats the purpose of coming here."

"True," Ino murmured, creeping closer to the Bijuu again. The chibi of her inner furry had stars in her eyes. "Kurama... tell us more about you. How did you come to meet Naruto?"

Tenten inched closer, too, careful to conceal her breasts. "Do they have any special ninja tools where you're from?"

The Kyuubi sighed.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the bath, Shino, Kiba, Lee, Neji, Shikamaru, and Chōji was taking their customary soak. Their workload had more than doubled over the span of a few weeks since the declaration of war, and the therapeutic properties of the water always did their muscles well.

"Neji, what's going on over there?" Kiba demanded impatiently as the overprotective Hyūga used his ocular ability to spy on the girl's bath.

Chōji was a bit worried, haunted by flashbacks. "Are you guys sure you should be doing that? Ino and Sakura are over there, too, y'know."

Ignoring the coward, Neji's eyes narrowed, adjusting his vision to pierce through the thin layer of rising mist. "Th-There's a guy in the bath with them!"

Nani?! Everyone was shocked — Lee and Kiba especially ushered to anger by their uncontrollable jealousy. Neji was relieved that Hinata wasn't entirely naked, but he was disconcerted nevertheless. Hanabi was there, too, and she was much too young for such dangerous exposure.

"Oi-Oi," Shikamaru drawled, sensing impending danger. "Are you sure you should be peeping into a woman's bath? Neji, you're the last guy I expected this from; peeping is Kiba and Naruto's forte."

"I have to protect Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama," the Jōnin defended hotly. "This is nothing compared to how Hiashi-sama would react if something were to happen to them."

Shikamaru sighed, refusing to argue like his mother would. "How troublesome..."

As the girls conversed and giggled buoyantly behind the stone wall, Kiba's blood was surging hot through his veins, and he made a low growl in his throat, his fangs bare. "Oi! How come you guys allow some weird outsider in the same bath, but not us?"

Hinata gasped.

"How does he know about Kurama?" Ino said with shock, hugging her chest tighter.

"It can't be!" Tenten's eyes were wide in disbelief. "Did Neji use his Byakugan?"

The girls panicked and rushed out of the bath through the mist to fetch their towels. Kurama reverted to his smaller form and sprawled out atop Hinata's head, just in time to watch the night's drama prolong, drifting into its final phase.

Lee dashed excitedly toward the wall to meet Kiba and Neji, to ask for a detailed explanation of what his comrade had seen. But he slipped on a stray bar of soap and smashed through the wall onto the other side of the bath. He opened the ninth gate!

The girls screamed in alarm, flushed from head to toe.

And Lee looked up at his potential harem, admiring their damp hair, startled eyes, soft lips, exposed collarbones, and poorly concealed curves. Blood trickled from his nose, and he heaved a lewd smile. This had to be heaven, he thought with a blush. But when the girls' faces suddenly became dark and grotesque... hostile, he had to wonder if he had actually stumbled into hell.

"Lee, you PERVERT!" Tenten snapped, sharing everyone's sentiments.

They ganged up on the daring bastard, stomping him repeatedly, especially where it hurts.

"Go to hell already!" Sakura roared, stomping ruthlessly.

"Die! Die! Die! Hurry up and die!" Hanabi mostly targeted the scrotum.

Ino was just as unforgiving.

Kurama was amused by the carnage.

Kiba and Neji hid behind the wall, sweating bullets.

Shino sat on the small tool by the mirror, washing himself peacefully.

"It's all over!" Chōji had a feeling he would be pulverized, too, even though he didn't do anything wrong. The fat guy always gets victimized.

"What a drag," Shikamaru sighed, still soaking in the bath.

Hinata smiled, ignoring her barbaric friends.