Chapter 15: Salamander

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.

Betad by Mike God of Lore, Malcolm Tent, Priapus, Beans, and Marethyu, who forgot his name again.

The Guild of Gamers: The Warlord

Chapter 15: Salamander

– Tsunade Senju –

"I realise your ego can barely fit inside Konoha, but this has nothing to do with you," Hei spat, sitting on the edge of the bed, not bothering to dress as Shizune hid her face in the sheets.

"Nothing? You expect me to believe that? You know how much I want your boon, and after turning me down, you go and fuck my apprentice? So I'll always be able to see it but not be able to get it for myself, is that it? And you expect me to believe that has nothing to do with me?" Tsunade growled, making Hei snort.

"Okay, it's got a tiny bit to do with you because we met when Shizune came to try and preemptively apologise for whatever insult you managed to throw my way next. Beyond that, I asked her out for dinner because she's cute, and I figured she could use some relaxation after babysitting a drunken fool like you for years," Hei countered, making her growl as she clenched her fists. Even now, she could see that the hints of ageing that Shizune had gained over their years of travel had faded away. It wouldn't be noticeable to anyone who didn't know Shizune so well, but the difference was as clear as night and day to her. "Beyond that, I didn't go out of my way to seduce her because of you because I don't make my decisions based on the reactions of a drunk."

"You-" Tsunade started, gritting her teeth at Hei's casual insults. Hiruzen had made it clear that Hei was a person of great importance and that she would find the leniency she had enjoyed for so long pulled away if she went too far, which was the only reason she hadn't punched him yet.

In truth, his words in the Hokage's Office were still ringing in her head; as insulting as they had been, she couldn't say they were wrong. How many people had died because she ran away? 

"Lady Tsunade, remember what the Lord Hokage said," Shizune sighed, seeing that her temper was flaring. Being scolded, even lightly, by her apprentice didn't exactly make her mood any better as Shizune let the sheets fall, revealing her nude upper body as she placed a hand on Hei's arm. "And please be a little more diplomatic, Hei. You might not make your choices based around Lady Tsunade, but you certainly choose your words to anger her."

Seeing Hei also getting scolded made Tsunade calm down a little, and Hei let out a sigh.

"You're right, interruptions aside. I will try to be more tactful with my words. I understand that you want my boon, Lady Tsunade, and I even understand why, given your technique and true age under that transformation, but I have no desire to let my blessing spread outside of the village, and we both know that you will leave the moment you get what you want," Hei said, more respectful but his tone still accusatory. She didn't deny his words. "My abilities will not remain secret for long, but letting someone as infamous as you run around with my boon is just asking for the other villages to catch on."

She went to respond, but a look from Shizune made her take a deep sigh and, much like Hei, pick her words more diplomatically. She did understand why he didn't want to give it to her, and his loyalty to this damned village was… admirable in a way.

"My transformation is nigh-undetectable. There's no reason to think that anyone would recognise that I look younger under it," Tsunade countered, making him pause before he nodded in reluctant agreement.

"But that doesn't counter my main issue with you. You might be a Konoha Kunoichi on paper, but I don't see any reason to reward cowardice and dereliction of duty with such a powerful boon. There's a waiting list of Konoha Kunoichi, loyal ones, who want my blessing, including every female ANBU. Why should I let you skip the queue when you're just going to use it to continue your drunken antics," Hei asked. He didn't outright insult her, but his disdain was clear as he crossed his arms.

They stared at each other, neither willing to budge as Shizune looked between them nervously. Oddly enough, his disapproving stare reminded Tsunade of someone long gone, sending a barely susceptible shiver through her as she remembered Grandma Mito. 

"What do you want?" Tsunade finally asked, their silent staring competition having dragged on for long enough as she sighed. "I'm not giving up on this, so what do you want to give me your boon? This is getting stupid. Neither of us are this childish."

She wished he was as lustful as his reputation suggested because getting a teenage boy to sleep with her shouldn't be this hard.

Hei straightened up at her words, eyes narrowing for a moment.

"I want you to continue what you started so many years ago. You once argued for a medic-nin to be included in every squad; I want you to take up that cause again," Hei finally said, making her blink.

"Tch, that's a long-dead cause," Tsunade replied immediately. It had died with Dan, and she didn't want to dig that grave up.

"Hiruzen agreed with you at the time, but Konoha didn't have the resources to divert to it during the war. We're not at war anymore," Hei countered. "You're one of the best medic-nins in the world, and all that knowledge is just going to waste. Do you even teach Shizune anymore?"

She went to defend herself but saw Shizune look away in embarrassment. Shizune had clearly complained to Hei during their date. She had always been a lightweight. It wasn't that she didn't train Shizune, but as sober as she had been recently, she could admit that she'd slacked on her duties.

"What exactly do you want?" Tsunade asked, making Hei pause.

"I don't know why you're so averse to healing now; frankly, I don't particularly want to know. I won't demand that you return to your duties because that's between you and the Hokage. I want you to start teaching again properly. I will give you my boon in exchange for you teaching medical ninjutsu in Konoha for six months every year," Hei finally said, making her eyes narrow. "You know I can remove my boon. If you fail to keep to your obligations, I'll take it away from you."

She went quiet, looking between him and Shizune for a moment. Spend half her time here? Was it really worth it? Who was she kidding? He was offering eternal youth and the ability to use Creation Rebirth much more freely; he knew the value he was putting on the negotiation table. She caught the way Shizune tried to suppress a hopeful look. Shizune had missed Konoha; she was happy to be back. 

She was almost impressed that Hei was using this to try to benefit the village instead of himself. He really was almost painfully loyal to Konoha. 

"Two months," Tsunade countered, making him laugh.

"This isn't a negotiation, Tsunade. Six months, or you might as well leave right now," Hei replied coldly. "You can spend the other six being the drunken disappointment to your family and village you usually are, but that's the price of my boon. I want you to spend six months in Konoha, putting that knowledge to use."

"Hei!" Shizune scolded, but Hei just shrugged.

"I said I'd try to be more diplomatic," Hei said with an unapologetic look. "Well, Lady Tsunade, do we have a deal or not?"

Tsunade glared at the disrespectful brat as she considered her options. 

– Hiruzen Sarutobi –

Hei truly was a miracle maker.

"You realise that this contract is far more than just parchment. There will be no fleeing from your side of the deal," Danzo said, making Tsunade scoff.

"I know, old man. Even if I did, Hei would just remove the boon from me," Tsunade countered, a glare on her face as they went over the final details of the first true contract created with Hei's powers.

He had expected Tsunade's continued presence in the village to become a problem despite his affection for her. Hei had turned it into a tool for the future of Konoha.

Tsunade snatched the quill from his hand and signed her name before cutting her thumb. She looked away as she placed it on the parchment with a shudder, right next to Hei's as the contract, written on black parchment, flashed to signify that the deal had been struck.

It was official, as the contract split into two, and Hei took one and rolled it up, sliding it into his robes. Tsunade ignored the second, but Shizune picked it up in her master's stead.

"There, but you better be ready, old man. If I'm doing this, I'm doing it properly, and I don't want to hear you complain about not having enough resources this time," Tsunade demanded, glaring at him as he nodded despite Danzo's disapproving look.

"Of course," Hiruzen replied calmly, expecting as much from the angry woman. "It's good to have you back, Tsunade."

"Tch. Oi, brat. Time to pay up your side of this extortion," Tsunade growled, grabbing the front of Hei's robe as he just raised an eyebrow. 

"Very well. Your place or mine?" Hei asked with a smug smile, getting dragged away as Shizune facepalmed and chased after them (pausing to give him a small bow).

It was official. Tsunade was going to be spending six months a year teaching an advanced course on Medical Jutsu at the Academy, both for future ninja currently in the Academy and for those who had already graduated. She was very much not happy about it, but the contract had no room for her to wiggle out of her duties, having been improved by both himself and Danzo. 

When it got out that Tsunade had a fear of blood, Hei had even added a clause about going through mandatory therapy sessions with the Yamanaka, much to Tsunade's anger and embarrassment. She had been even more embarrassed when Shizune had argued for Tsunade to go through with it, pointing out that it was a fatal weakness.

"Hei's contract ability holds much potential," Danzo said simply, an undercurrent of satisfaction in his tone at Tsunade being reined in as he had so frequently suggested they do. 

"I do suspect that that boy is going to be sitting in this chair one day," Hiruzen said, chuckling to himself. "I'm going to divert a considerable amount of resources to this Medical Nin program."

If he was seen to be taking this seriously, they may be able to hook Tsunade in for good. Hei was wise to use her old cause as a weapon against her, and having more medics was always going to be a good thing no matter the situation.

"War is coming. Maybe not during the Chunin exams, but it is coming. We need all the medics we can get. Of course, you could have pulled her back and ordered her to do this years ago," Danzo replied, his tone accusatory. Hiruzen just sighed at the reminder of their long-standing argument.

"She'd have been more likely to refuse, and then we'd have had no choice but to declare her a missing-nin. She may have even gotten dragged into another village, willingly or otherwise. Hei has offered the carrot, but she knows the threat of the stick is hovering over her," Hiruzen replied with a stroke of his beard.

Of course, Hei was probably giving her the stick as they spoke. Heh.

"The important thing is that Tsunade is back willingly, if reluctantly. We may as well take full advantage of her skills while she's here," Hiruzen continued, making Danzo nod. "She's going to recognise Kushina."

"Of course she is, and when she does, this boon will seem insignificant in comparison to the chance to get her brother and Dan back," Danzo agreed. "Especially if you go along with Kushina's request to bring Mikoto Uchiha back or to bring the Jinchuriki into the secret, even bound by a contract to silence her."

Hiruzen just hummed. He could see Kushina's arguments for Mikoto, and he did want to bring Naruko in. The contracts worked, but it was still a risk. This little resurrection trick of Hei's was a game-changer. In truth, he wanted to ask for Biwako to be resurrected in a new body as well, but the risk was considerable.

He'd have to have Hei bind Asuma and Mirai to secrecy with a contract later; people had noticed the change in the moods of all Sarutobi, but it wasn't like most of them could even begin to guess that it was because his wife was now haunting their family home. Konohamaru was the only one who hadn't been brought in on the secret due to his age, but if they could bind him to secrecy as well…

Their meeting continued, discussing what Sasuki's new golden Sharingan meant and making plans to watch other women that Hei bedded for new abilities. Tsume had acquired a bestial form, and Sasuki gained a new evolution of her Clan's bloodline. What else could be gained?

Given the plans for Hei to bed every female in the ANBU division, they would have plenty of subjects to watch soon enough. In truth, they were still discussing the best way to achieve that particular goal.

– Hei Nara –

"How does this work?" Tsunade asks, making me blink and smirk slightly as she removes her robes. Her transformation is flawless, but [See Beyond] allows me to see the older woman under the disguise. She's not ancient, but she's still looking good in her fifties. After a moment, I stop focusing so I don't see through the henge.

"It's called sex, and this is called a penis," I say in a deliberately slow tone as she rolls her eyes, gesturing to my cock.

"Very funny," Tsunade says blandly. "You know what I meant. How do you give people your boon? Does it have to be vaginal? Does oral work?"

"So far, it's all been vaginal. Oral could work, I suppose, but it's not like I've tried that yet," I admit with a frown. I think it would work, but Mai, Tsume, Hitomi, Sasuki and the Hayabusa shrine maidens all got fucked for the boon. Technically, it works when I claim them as my mate, but sex is how I've been doing that.

"Fine, we'll start with that. If I don't have to, I don't want to let some brat like you between my legs," Tsunade says, pushing me back onto her bed. "Keep quiet and try to finish quickly."

Moving to her knees, she grabs her massive breasts and leans forward. In a swift movement that tells me this isn't her first time using those giant tits like this, she engulfs my cock as she spits down into her cleavage to give it some lubricant.

"Don't look so surprised; you could barely take your eyes off them when we first met. Few men can," Tsunade scoffs, heaving her chest up and down as she bounces her tits in my lap. "If you hadn't been such an asshole, you could have done whatever you wanted to these massive breasts right then, but instead you had to be so serious. Make the most of it; once I've got your boon, you're never going to see or feel these puppies again."

– Tsunade Senju –

Hei just smirked down at her, somehow fulfilling her request for him to keep quiet while still irritating her. The sooner this was done, the better, pushing her tits together to trap the large cock between them.

Reminding herself of what she had to gain, she reluctantly took the tip of his cock into her mouth. Honestly, she was mildly impressed that his cock was big enough not to be completely swallowed by her breasts. She could see why so many girls hung off the brat. 

"The Legendary Sucker, in action," Hei taunted, unable to keep his mouth shut as she glared up at him. Something told her that he was enjoying her anger, as his opinion of her had been clear from the start. His hands gripped her twin ponytails, pulling her head further down as she reluctantly let him have his fun. "How many of your bets have you settled like this?"

Her glare intensified at his words. She'd done a lot of shameful things over the years, but she'd never resorted to prostitution to pay off her debts or gambled with her body. Disrespectful little shit.

Wanting this to be over as soon as possible, she sped up the bouncing of her breasts, her tongue writhing and swirling around the tip of his manhood whenever it popped free of her cleavage. Slipping free of her breasts, she took his length into her mouth entirely as she closed her eyes. Legendary Sucker might be more accurate than she'd care to admit as she heard him gasp, feeling the vacuum tightness of her lips locked around his cock.

She might not do this for money, but she was very good at it. 

His grip on her hair tightened, and she smirked up at him challengingly, even with his cock filling her mouth. Where were his taunts now as she easily deepthroated his entire cock, her nose pressed into his pubic area? She was practically inhaling his cock, her throat milking him for that magic seed that he had basically extorted her for access to.

It was ridiculous, six months a year for the rest of her life, in exchange for the honour of sucking his cock. She'd call herself a prostitute if she weren't the one paying him. Hei might just be the best-paid manwhore in the world because she'd sold herself into slavery for six months a year for the chance to suck his cock. Still, it would be worth it when he blew his load and pumped eternal life into her.

Bobbing her head rapidly, she watched one of his hands move to the bedsheets as he gripped them for dear life, trying to hold back as she choked herself on his cock. She had an amazing understanding of the human body, and that was useful for more than just healing as she blew his little mind. He probably thought he was experienced, but she wasn't one of his little girlfriends. His taunts faded as he desperately clung on, trying to drag this out. 

"Fuck," Hei grunted, the hand on her head gripping her hair tightly as he pushed her head down. Her hands weren't idle either, massaging his fat balls as she considered how god damned lucky this little shit was. How many Kunoichi would pay to be in her position, wanting the same cum she was milking him for?

In truth, he was lasting longer than she had expected. She figured he'd have blown his load the moment she pulled out her A-game, but he was hanging on and dragging this out as her tongue danced around his shaft. 

Come on, cum already, you stubborn bastard. She tried not to think about the fact that this cock had been in her apprentice only a couple of hours ago. One hand slipped between her legs, playing with her pussy and making herself moan so the vibrations would enhance his enjoyment. If he hadn't forced her to teach again, she might be more eager and willing for a repeat since he did have a nice cock, but she just wanted this over with and never to see Hei Nara again.

He tried his best to drag this out, but before long, she was smiling as she swallowed his load, the precious seed spurting into her mouth and down her throat. It didn't taste bad, but she wasn't swallowing it for her enjoyment.

Pulling back, she swiped up the last drops as they tried to leak out of her mouth and swallowed them, taking no chances as she looked at herself.

"How fast does it normally work?" Tsunade demanded, seeing Hei catching his breath.

"Wha- oh, it was instant with Hitomi," Hei admitted, making her groan. She should have just fucked him from the get-go, but it was worth a try. "Legendary Sucker is right, damn."

"Tch, of course that's what you finally compliment me over," Tsunade scoffed as he pushed her panties down and kicked them off.

"Well, I could also tell you that you have amazing tits and a great ass, but beyond that, you've not exactly done much else worth complimenting. Besides, I called you the greatest healer alive, didn't I?" Hei asked as she pushed him down, glad he was still hard as she climbed into his lap.

"That's not a compliment, it's just true," Tsunade said simply, grabbing his cock and lining herself up before she dropped herself onto it. In a single movement, her wet pussy enveloped his entire cock to the base as she let out a small moan. "Also, I told you to shut up. Just because I have to fuck you doesn't mean I have to listen to you."

His hands came to her hips, stroking them as one snuck around to play with her ass, his eyes on her tits as she started to bounce. Each movement made the massive mammaries bounce wildly, hypnotising the horny brat that was currently enjoying the way she was tightening down on his dick. His other hand moved up to play with her breasts, her own breathing becoming more heavy from the reluctant pleasure.

"Stop smirking; it's a natural reaction," Tsunade said with a roll of her eyes as she caught him grinning from her moan, the way her nipple hardened to his touch. "Just hurry up and cum already, you big-dicked bastard."

"Oh, you want to speed this up? Lemme help with that," Hei said, gripping her hips and flipping them over so she was beneath him. Before she could do more than shout in annoyance, he started to move as his grip on her hips tightened. Hei smirked as she moaned, his cock hitting her in places that had been left untouched for years at least. 

He set the pace quickly, pounding into her with ruthless strokes, each long, deep thrust fully sheathing his fat cock inside her wet pussy before he pulled back almost entirely. She glared up at him, not stifling her moans as he pumped into her again and again, his smug look cut off as she grabbed his head and pulled it into her tits. Immediately, he latched onto one of her nipples with his mouth, nibbling and suckling on it like a baby as he had his way with her. Was this how he'd treated Shizune? No wonder her apprentice seemed to be smitten with him. She was pretty sure Shizune had been a virgin, and Hei had probably blown her mind with his large size and stamina.

She wasn't as easily impressed, even as she let out a moan as one of his thrusts hit her just right. Fine, he had a bit of technique to go with his impressive body. Or maybe she was just out of practice.

"Come on, cum for me already," Tsunade growled. "Pound that fat cock into me and pump your hot, sticky seed into my pussy, you little bastard."

Hei went to respond, but she pulled his head deeper into her cleavage and muffled whatever insult he was going to counter with, but his thrusts did speed up as the entire bed shook from his movements. Each thrust split her in two, leaving her feeling full until he pulled back again and left her body aching for more. Her legs locked behind his back, forcing him back into her every time he tried to pull back, refusing to let him take full control.

"H-harder," Tsunade demanded, scratching his back with her nails as she felt her breathing speed up. "Fuck me harder, you little shit. I'm one of the Sannin, not one of your little genin friends you need to hold back with. Show me what you can really do."

"You asked for it," Hei growled, his fingers digging into her hips tightly enough to draw blood as his thrusts took on an almost primal quality, claiming her pussy with rough, powerful movements.

She came first, despite her best efforts, letting out a cry of pleasure as her body shuddered and her pussy drooled. She wasn't alone for long, and with a triumphant roar, he slammed into her and let loose. Despite his recent climax, he still had plenty left over as he released his seed into her, and her eyes shot open.

As good as she was with chakra, there was no way she wouldn't have felt the way his amazing chakra flooded into her in both a physical and spiritual way, intermingling with hers as he changed the very nature of her body and chakra.

He pulled back, slipping free from her tight pussy with an audible pop, watching his cum leak from her well-fucked cunt, but her mind was elsewhere. Dropping her transformation, she watched as the signs of her age faded away. It was slow but noticeable; she could watch the small wrinkles start to vanish and the way her breasts became even perkier despite their size. With her medical knowledge, she could even feel the changes inside her body as his power restored her to perfection.

Her medical mind tried to study it, but it was like nothing she had ever seen before, and she could only pant in satisfaction and pleasure as she got what she had paid for. 

Hei Nara, Konoha's top gigolo.

As she kept getting younger, she laughed at the realisation that she would still need to use her transformation… to make herself look older if this kept going. 

"A pleasure doing business with you," Tsunade said with a snarky look, sitting up as Hei laughed.

"A pleasure doing pleasure with you, but I'm not done yet," Hei growled, making her raise an eyebrow.

"I have what I wanted; why would I let a brat like you have another round?" Tsunade scoffed, making him laugh as he gripped her and flipped her onto her front, slapping his cock against her amazingly perky ass. 

"Because you enjoyed that as much as I did," Hei growled into her ear, one hand groping her tits as he pulled her onto her knees. She bit her lip in indecision, but her moment of hesitation cost her as he slid right back home.

Tch, fine. He could have his fun for this gift, but there would be no repeats afterwards.

– Later –

That… that was impossible. 

Now dressed, she stared in front of her with utter shock and confusion. She'd done it instinctively, not even thinking about it until it had happened.

In front of her, the wood she had just created stood there mockingly. She knew enough to recognise wood release when she saw it, especially since it was her grandfather's favourite style. The style that he was known for and the one that nobody else in the family had inherited.

She had never been able to use it herself, despite her Grandpa having tried to teach her when she was younger. She simply hadn't inherited it, but…

She had inherited the genes; they were just dormant. Hei's chakra made her body perfect, which included awakening the dormant genes she had. It wasn't something she had even considered; had she gained the freakish durability and powerful chakra of the Uzumaki from Grandma Mito as well?

This… this needed testing. Every time she thought she understood Hei and his freakish chakra, it laughed in her face again. It was like he was breaking the laws of nature, chakra and common sense just to offend her. She couldn't deny that seeing a bit of her grandfather awaken in her made her briefly feel a mixture of melancholy and joy, but it was erased moments later. She had to study Hei; he was unlike anything she had ever seen before… and that meant dealing with the brat more. She'd need to be in the room when he gave someone else his boon, despite her desire to avoid him now that she had what she wanted…

She firmly ignored the way her panties dampened at that idea, cursing Hei once more. 

Lucky brat.

– Hei Nara –

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Guy-Sensei," I say, making the admittedly oddly dressed man beam widely.

"Of course, I always have time for such a promising youth, and Tenten speaks so fondly of you, especially after you gave her her new toy," Guy jokes, patting me on the shoulder with considerable force. "But I have to admit, I didn't expect to hear from you. What can I do for you? Are you seeking taijutsu training?"

"Well, I wouldn't say no to any advice you have; I've got big shoes to fill, after all. But no, that's not why I'm here. I've got two reasons I wanted to speak to you, but first, I wanted to know who this is," I say, mentally moving through the hand seals to use a hedge. Taking on the form that scared Kushimaru, I see Guy's eyebrows rise. "I recently used a technique to draw out the worst fears of a target on Kushimaru of the Seven Swordsmen, and this is the form the jutsu took."

Guy pauses for a moment before he laughs. 

"I heard of your fight against that sadist. Honestly, I found it highly amusing that Kushimaru's sword found its way into Team Guy. That is the form of Might Duy, the Eternal Genin, and my father. It is good to know that those who survived his final stand still fear him all these years later," Guy says with a beaming smile as I drop the henge.

"It's that fear that let me beat Kushimaru," I admit. It distracted Kushimaru, and when he realised the trick, it enraged him to the point where he kept me alive to punish me, dragging the fight out and letting me sneak out a win. "I wanted to know who could cause such a reaction in one of the Seven Swordsmen, and the resemblance is uncanny."

"My father fought the Seven to a standstill to protect me and my teammates, slaying three of them at the cost of his own life," Guy explains, a beaming smile on his face. "To think Kushimaru has carried that fear for so long. I wonder if the others feel the same?"

"The Eternal Genin? A strange name for someone capable of fighting those bastards," I say, making him chuckle.

"It's more complicated than that. It was not the Seven who killed him, but a forbidden technique he used to gain that power," Guy explains, a strange smile on his face. "You said there were two reasons you wanted to speak to me?"

"There are. The second is simpler. I was hoping you could teach me the Summoning Jutsu. I gained this on my mission," I say, pulling out the Salamander scroll. "The Salamander Contract. However, there aren't that many people capable of summoning in the village, and I know Kakashi is busy."

I could have also asked Anko, but while I like her, the idea of training under her scares me a little. Tsunade… well, I think I should give her some time to relax and the other that I could think of was the Hokage himself, and he's always busy.

"Ah, I see. Are you sure about this? Hanzo was a powerful man, and his summons were rather infamous. Creating a contract with any of the summons is not easy, and the Salamanders may not approve of you holding their contract," Guy explains, but I just nod.

"I know, but for all my powers, I'm still too weak. I've survived twice now because of dumb luck and my opponents' arrogance; I can't turn down a chance to increase my strength with all the chaos that is coming our way," I admit, making him pause and close his eyes. I can tell he's considering his options before he opens his eyes again with a beaming smile.

"So be it, my young friend. You should join Team Guy's training sometime. I'm sure they wouldn't mind another training partner, but for now, I will assist you in summoning the Salamander and dealing with the consequences," Guy agrees, making me smile. I already train with Tenten on occasion, and I know Guy is supposed to be the best when it comes to Taijutsu. "Let's get started."

– Later –

"Hmmm. You're smaller than my last summoner. Konoha?"

The giant brown Salamander rumbles as it looks down at me, head tilted. Its words are spoken in a slow, deep tone.

"That's right," I admit. "I claimed this scroll from the body of a Hidden Rain missing-nin."

"To think our contract ended up in the home of those three brats. Hm. I know who you speak of. He was too weak to summon me," the Salamander replies easily. "I am Ibuse, leader of the Salamander Summons. And you?"

I hear Guy take a breath at the name, but I've done my research. Ibuse was the Salamander summon of Hanzo himself.

"Hei Nara, the next Dragon Ninja," I say, making Ibuse lean down to look at me. I can tell he's staring at me, even if he doesn't seem to have eyes.

"You're smaller than the last Dragon Ninja as well. Did he die?" Ibuse asks.

"He did," I admit, making Ibuse rise up again as he looks around. Everything he does, he does slowly. 

"So, you wish to become our summoner? Interesting," Ibuse says simply. Tilting his head to stare at me. "Are you sure? You will probably die."

"Oh?" I ask, making Ibuse seemingly laugh briefly.

"Our summoner must survive a day in our poison. You summoned me, so you must endure my poison for a day. You will probably not," Ibuse admits with a calm tone.

"Hei-" Guy starts, but I hold up my hand.

"And if I do, then you become my summon?" I ask, making Ibuse nod easily.

"We have no loyalty to any village, and Hanzo is gone, killed by that Pain child. If you have the contract, it is your right to attempt this trial," Ibuse agrees with an almost shrug-like movement. I suspected Hanzo was dead, given that his scroll had been taken, but this is the first time it's been confirmed.

As far as the ninja world at large knew, Hanzo was still ruling the Hidden Rain village. I share a look with an unusually serious Guy who nods.

Passing through some hand signs, Ibuse watches with mild interest as I breathe out a cloud of poison into the air. He breathes it in, humming again.

I have [Toxin Magic Mastery], even if I've not used it much yet.

"I have a major resistance to poisons. Will that be a problem?" I ask, making Ibuse hum.

"I don't know of that poison. Interesting. Another Hanzo? That is good. Are you ready?" Ibuse asks.

"I can't recommend this, but if you are sure…" Guy says, making me nod.

"Thank you, Guy-Sensei. I appreciate you taking the time to teach me, but I must do this part alone," I agree, making Guy nod. "I'm ready."

"Some of my kind prefer to breathe their poison on their potential summoner for the duration. I simply eat them. Survive in my stomach for a day, and you can become our summoner, little dragon," Ibuse says, laying down and opening his mouth as an incredibly long tongue rolls out like a red carpet.

The risk is clear, but I am not strong enough as I am now. Giving Guy a nod, I remove my robe and weapons and place them down, asking Guy to watch them for me as I turn and head into the gaping maw. 

I am strong enough for this.

The tongue rolls back, pulling me into his throat and down his gullet, filled with a purple mist that I quickly lose sight of as he closes his mouth. If all goes wrong, I can use [The Beyond] to escape as I feel the poison seep into my body.

Kneeling in the slimy pit, I breath in the poisoned air and close my eyes. 

– Anko Mitarashi –

Standing guard by the giant fucking Salamander, she reconfirmed what she had already suspected. Hei was hardcore as fuck.

Ibuse was actually helpful, informing them that Hei was still alive whenever they asked. The Hokage was less than pleased to learn that their golden child was currently in the poisoned stomach of a giant salamander and had posted guards around the training arena that Ibuse was simply lying in.

Checking the time, she prepared herself. It was almost time for Hei to get out. Shikaku stood not far from her, a mixture of amusement and worry on his face. Being Hei's father had to be an experience. His mom had been here, but she was a little hysterical at the whole 'eaten son' thing.

Without any prompting, Ibuse opened its mouth and rolled out its massive tongue. 

Half-naked, covered in slime and clearly exhausted, Hei rolled off the tongue and struggled to his feet, pale and sweating as he rose to his feet.

"I thought you'd die," Ibuse admitted, making Hei let out a tired laugh as he coughed up some purple mist. "I only kept Hanzo in there for an hour. I didn't want another summoner, so I figured I'd just kill you."

Anko blinked at that bland admission, Hei doing the same as he looked up at the unapologetic salamander. Shikaku looked like he was considering stabbing Ibuse as he helped his son to his feet.

"But I didn't die," Hei finally replied, making Ibuse hum in agreement.

"You're interesting. You won. You're our summoner now. Time will tell if that's a good thing," Ibuse agreed, rising to his full height. "...I'm tired. Summon me another day."

Without another word, Ibuse unsummoned himself as Hei snorted tiredly.

"He's tired?" Hei mumbled, taking several deep breaths.

"Hei, we are going to have a long talk about this later, but the next time a giant monster asks to eat you, just say no," Shikaku said tiredly as Anko looked over Hei's bare chest. As he saw her looking, she wiggled her eyebrows with a grin, making him laugh as he was lectured by a tired Shikaku.

She wanted to talk to him about learning his pain jutsu, but that could wait as she told Shikaku that she'd inform the Hokage that he'd survived, knowing that Hei had an appointment with Tsunade waiting.

Hei was undeniably badass, had pissed off her old shithead of a master, and had cool techniques she wanted to learn. The poor bastard had no idea how much danger his hips were going to be in when she got her hands on him.

— Bonus Scene — Hiruzen Sarutobi – Next Day

"While I have to admit that gaining another summon contract for Konoha is useful, especially given the synergy with your toxic style jutsu, please don't get eaten again," Hiruzen asked tiredly, making Hei chuckle tiredly. "You're one of Konoha's most important assets now. I'd rather you didn't feed yourself to every creature you come across."

Tsunade had claimed he would be fine, though Ibuse's poison had wreaked havoc on his system. His own regeneration was fixing him up better than she could.

"I will try my very best, Lord Hokage," Hei agreed, making Hiruzen sigh. In hindsight, Hei's desire for power should have been obvious. He had big shoes to fill and had nearly died twice in short succession. A genin should never have been faced with Orochimaru or Kushimaru, but Hei's luck was rather questionable.

"As tempted as I am to lecture you, I'm sure you've had enough of that at home," Hiruzen joked, making Hei wince. Yoshino had not been pleased, to put it lightly. "Instead, I have a mission for you, should you feel up to it."

"Genin Nara, reporting for duty," Hei agreed easily, making him smile.

"Your work with Team Seven has been impressive, and as you know, Kakashi has found himself distracted from training his team. As such, since it is time for Team Seven to go on their first proper mission, we have come to the decision that you could lead them in his position," Hiruzen explained, making Hei nod.

"Sir? I'm no Jounin," Hei started, making Hiruzen hold up a hand.

"I am aware. This is a simple mission to the Land of Waves, and it is entirely optional. You may refuse, and Team Seven will simply have to wait as another team will take this mission instead. You will be taking both Cat and Kitsune with you, should you choose to go," Hiruzen explained, seeing Hei relax slightly. Strength aside, he was well aware of his capabilities. "I'll be frank. The client is lying about the danger involved, as we believe that the man currently in control of the Wave, a businessman named Gatō, has hired some missing-nins to help control the Land of Wave."

"So why are we taking the mission?" Hei asked, eyes narrowing.

"Because there is opportunity in this," Danzo explained, making Hei jump slightly. Hiruzen smiled, barely noticeable. Danzo could be very sneaky when he wanted to be. "Gatō and his company are both very wealthy and well-connected, gained through very illicit means. We want you to capture Gatō and bring him back to Konoha so that his resources and connections can be put to better use. This is also an opportunity to bring the Land of Wave into the Land of Fire's influence, putting them into our debt and under our protection."

"How risky are we expecting it to be?" Hei asked, making Hiruzen smile grimly at how quickly Hei had fallen into intel-gathering mode. A true Nara.

"We know that Gatō has many mercenaries, including several disgraced samurai. We don't have much intel on the missing-nins, but I want to be clear. Your survival is paramount. If you believe the threat is beyond you, Cat and Kitsune, you are to pull back immediately and request reinforcements," Hiruzen explained sternly. "Cat will be trailing you with orders to defend or extract you from any threat she deems beyond you. Kushina will be travelling with you as your team's Jounin, but this will be your mission."

In truth, Hei was almost certainly going to get fast-tracked to Jounin after the Chunin exams. This was just adding to his already impressive record. He also wanted to see more of what Hei could do, hence having Cat observe him and not interfere unless it seemed necessary to save Hei's life.

There was also the matter of Sasuki's eyes, which they wanted more information on, and how good 'Kitsune' was in her new body.

"Well, at least I shouldn't run into any of the Seven Swordsmen this time," Hei said optimistically, making Hiruzen chuckle with a proud smile at Hei's agreement. 

If Hei managed to run into three legendary missing-nin in three back-to-back missions, he truly was cursed.