63: Grand Opening: Part III

"What is it?" Kakashi asked after Hanare pulled back from the kiss they had just been sharing.

She smiled as she replied, "Nothing, I've always wondered what you hid behind your mask."

Kakashi chuckled, "You're hardly alone in that. Does my face live up to your expectations?"

"Surpasses them really," Hanare said with a purr, "I'm actually quite indebted to that mask though. I'm sure if not for it that there would have been quite the string of women competing for your attention."

"Not as many as you might think," the Leaf jounin replied. "There have been a few romances here and there in my life. But in the end I drove them all away."

"I see," Hanare said sadly for the man able to sense the despair that he carried with him and she hoped her presence would help ease. Cupping Kakashi's face she said, "I think you'll find I'm rather stubborn, especially when a long awaited dream stands before me."

Kakashi smiled while stating, "Well that's good to know, since I'm sure I'll be testing your patience."

Hanare pulled the hat she wore as part of her entertainer's garb from her head before saying contently, "I'm looking forward to it."

She then leaned forward placing her lips against Kakashi's. Their kiss began slowly but soon the lines between them became blurred as it heated up and Hanare pressed her body tightly against Kakashi's. The Jounin's chest burned as a reminder of Naruto and later Sakura's displeasure at his keeping secrets from them due to the bruises they had left him with. Yet he ignored it, and pulled her tighter into him as their passions grew hotter.

Kakashi shivered from her touch as Hanare's hand slid under his shirt and up his stomach until it rested on his chest. She then leaned back leaving a thin trail of saliva between them before pulling Kakashi's shirt over his head. She then quickly resealed her lips back to his after tossing it away.

She moaned a few moments later as Kakashi began to fondle her breast through the red sleeveless top she was wearing. The Leaf Jounin felt her nipple harden through the shirt so cupping her tit pushed it out the top. Hanare broke the kiss and moaned as Kakashi began to roll the nub between his index finger and thumb, and he took advantage of her leaning back to give voice to her pleasure to lean forward to tease it with his tongue. He flicked the raised flesh with his tongue before sucking on her tit like a newborn.

Hanare cooed delightfully as he continued to tease her sensitive nub even as he sucked on it. Her hands rubbed down his back, until she was forced to raise them over her head when Kakashi raised her shirt over her head. He tossed it away once she came free and then attacked her other breast while he groped the first. Hanare began to grind her hips against his and her pleased moans grew a little louder as she felt an increased pressure against her as he began to harden.

Hanare let out a surprised shriek as Kakashi pushed her back so that she was lying on the floor. He grabbed her skirt and pulled it down when she raised her hips taking her panties with so that when he threw the items to the side she laid exposed before him. The unmasked jounin studied her uncovered beauty with his good eye keeping the Sharingan one closed, although he was tempted to expose it hoping the Kekkei Genkai would commit the moment to memory the same way that it did jutsu.

Hanare didn't feel any shame as his eye drank in her naked beauty; a part of her wished that she could feel the modesty that she liked to believe such a moment deserved. However, the hardships of the shinobi life she had lived, where her looks had just been another tool in her arsenal to gain access to vital information for her village had robbed her of such. Still, despite some of the actions she had taken to get that information, she didn't feel dirty as she was quite aware that Kakashi wasn't a blushing virgin either. Based on his early statement about his failed romances she believed that for him sex had been little more than a means to escape the bleak realities of the present.

With that thought, she wondered and secretly hoped that in a sense tonight would be a first for both of them. A first time where sex wasn't used as an escape or as a tool, but as a means for two damaged people to come together and pursue happiness together. It was thinking like that which did cause Hanare to begin to blush and to fret a little as she began to wonder if the still silent man found her desirable.

But she didn't need to wonder long as the gray haired man's good eye met hers before stating, "You're beautiful."

He leaned forward to taste her lips once more, before kissing down her body. His lips stopped just before the small circular patch of hair above her moistened pussy. He caused her to shiver by first blowing on her mound which caused the fire burning within in her to blaze even hotter. He then began to run his tongue around her snatch, but avoided it directly causing her to whine from the lack of direct stimulation to her needful and growing increasingly wetter snatch. She was on the verge of begging Kakashi to touch her vagina when she felt the first exploratory lick pass over it so softly she almost wondered if she had imagined it.

The next swipe of his tongue was a little firmer causing her to gasp, and then openly moan as it began to glide over her folds. Hanare ran her hands over her body focusing primarily on her chest as she basked in the feeling of having her pussy eaten by the jounin. She began to rock her hips as Kakashi's tongue began to focus on teasing her clit while he began to finger her. He soon was pumping two of his fingers within her while his tongue danced around the hood of her clit.

However, despite the deliciousness of an impending release building within her, Hanare didn't want to be the only one feeling good so said, "K-kakashi... I want to... let me make you feel good too."

The jounin stopped, looking up the Jomae woman's body before sitting back. Hanare instantly missed the feeling of his tongue and fingers, but forgot about it as her anticipation grew from his reaching for the front of his pants. Upon his pulling them down, she was sure her eyes grew wide as his manhood popped free. He stepped out of them before sitting down on the couch and fisted his hardness as he waited for her to join him.

Hanare climbed to her hands and knees before crawling towards him. She knelt on the floor in front of him, but as she gave the underside of his cock a lick, Kakashi reached behind her head and pulled her up towards him until she was straddling his lap.

Kakashi groaned pleasantly as Hanare took possession of his dick stroking it several times before placing the entrance to her core against it. Hanare's brown eyes met Kakashi's lone open one as she rubbed her drenched lower lips against the tip of his cock before sliding down it. Her eyes closed as a look of bliss appeared on her face which grew stronger the further down his shaft that she sunk. Once she reached the base, she let out a content sigh and paused with him fully inside her in order to savor the moment.

Kakashi savored the moment as well before letting out a grunt of satisfaction as Hanare began to rise up his dick. His hands reached back grabbing her butt and pulled her back down as if to prevent her from fully removing him from within her. Hanare allowed his downward pressure to aid her decent fighting it enough just to draw the moment out before, his pressure on her hips relented to allow her to rise back up.

Their pace began to grow wilder as their needs for release began to take over from the joy of being connected. Hanare bounced on Kakashi's shaft while his hands slid from her backside to squeeze her swaying tits. Hanare arched her back as she rested her hands on his knees and began grinding her hips into his.

The brown haired kunoichi then deciding a change of pace was in order, stopped her movements before spinning to face away from the man whose dick never left her. She placed her feet on Kakashi's knees and rested her hands on his chest. She let out a loud cry as Kakashi immediately began pistoning his dick within her while one hand reached up to cup a breast and the other began to rub the top of her pussy.

It didn't take long for Hanare to feel a climax approaching, but she held back from giving into the building pressure until she heard Kakashi grunt, "I...I'm close..."

Although it was the last thing she wanted but felt she must due to it not being a safe day for her, Hanare let him slip outside of her but quickly reached down placing his shaft against her pussy and held his dick against it with her hand. She then rubbed her pussy along his cock until he groaned and began to spew his seed onto her stomach. She climaxed a moment later drenching his lap in her own release before sagging against his chest. She looked over her shoulder apologetically before explaining, "Today is a dangerous day for me."

Kakashi nodded his understanding as he replied, "It's fine. Do you want me to run out for some condoms? I'm afraid spending my nights with a beautiful woman was the last thing I expected for this trip."

Hanare smiled before standing as she said, "Maybe later. But in truth, I don't wish to be denied the feel of your flesh inside me." Reaching behind her with one hand and looking over her shoulder she exposed the rosebud of her ass while stating, "And you can cum in here all you want without us needing to worry about the repercussions." Hanare began walking towards where she expected the bedrooms to be without looking back confident that the Legendary Copy-nin was right behind her.

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

Kakashi wasn't sure how to feel as he and Hanare stood before the door of Naruto's suite. However, before they had fallen asleep, Hanare had told him that she intended to still go to the suite if only to apologize for not making the meeting. Although he had agreed to go with her as a way to support her since he wasn't sure if he should or could share the truth about Naruto's harem. His dreams had offered another explanation which was that a part of him was likely afraid she might still end up a lover of his student if he let her go by herself. He felt silly for even dreaming up such a thing, but still placed a protective arm around her after she knocked on the door.

A moment later it opened revealing Rin, who although her eyes twinkled amused at the scene still said, "You're late."

Hanare bowed apologetically stating, "Yes, I'm sorry. I..."

"Well you're here now are you ready to discuss the opportunity we have for you," Rin said opening the door fully.

Kakashi was a little confused by his former teammate's words so stated, "Actually, she's here to explain that she..."

"Oh shut up Kakashi," a voice called from inside the suite causing the Jounin's lone exposed eye to go wide as he recognized the voice of his village leader. Tsunade continued, "Get your asses in here."

Hanare looked at him confused, but the Jounin gave her a shrug before guiding her into the suite as Rin stepped to the side to make room and closed the door after they entered. Entering the living room, they found an obviously annoyed Hokage sitting in a chair with a game of solitaire laid out before her on a coffee table that also contained a stack of files. Kakashi moved before his leader to explain, "Um... Lady Tsunade, I'm sorry she missed the appointment last night but I was..."

Tsunade silenced him by waving her hand dismissively before stating, "Yes, yes, congratulations on getting laid last night. However, despite what you've spent the past few decades thinking the world doesn't revolve around you." Her voice softened as she added, "Although, truthfully I was little better." Focusing an annoyed glance at Rin, she continued while indication the two should sit on the couch next to her, "Not to mention you were likely encouraged to jump to the conclusion that you did."

"I'm sorry, but I feel like I'm entering this conversation half-way through," Hanare said still blushing from the Hokage apparently knowing what kept her from the meeting.

"Basically, Kakashi was under the impression that if he didn't make a claim on you then this morning you'd be another of his students lovers," Rin said obviously pleased things had gone according to her plan.

"I see," Hanare said still confused, "And if he didn't."

"Then last night's meeting might have gone differently, which I for one wish it had since I would now be in the arms of my beloved instead of here."

Hanare's eyes grew wide as she understood the implications of the Hokage's words as she said, "Then that means..."

Tsunade nodded as she confirmed, "Yes, both Rin and I are lovers of Naruto."

Hanare looked towards Kakashi before a small smile appeared as she said, "Is that why you insisted on accompanying me this morning? Perhaps worried I'd run off with your student?"

Kakashi sighed, admitting, "Maybe a little. Listening to his lovers speak, they seem to believe he can charm anyone."

Hanare giggled before looking towards Tsunade, asking, "Just how many women has he charmed into becoming his lovers."

"At present," Tsunade said with a note of pride in how virile her lover was, "Forty-nine officially, with one being questionable but technically bound to him."

Kakashi noted Hanare's eyes growing wide at the number, and could practically see her thoughts turning towards wondering how Naruto could even please so many women. Not wanting her wondering about such things, he cleared his throat before saying, "Anyway, you said this meeting had nothing to do with such matters. So what exactly did you want to see Hanare for?"

Rin giggled as she teased, "It's a little refreshing seeing the usually calm and collected Kakashi acting nervous for a change."

Hanare couldn't argue with the statement, but placed her hand on his knee stating, "Don't worry Kakashi, I'm not going anywhere."

Tsunade smiled softly before turning serious as she said, "Are you sure of that? By that I mean, how much thought have you given to how your relationship would work considering your status as a missing-nin?"

"To be honest not much," Hanare admitted, "I just wanted to enjoy the moment before letting the realities of how difficult it would be settle in. I don't expect Konoha to take me in considering how politically difficult doing so would be."

Tsunade arched an eyebrow stating, "Oh, it wouldn't be the first time. We had little issue with taking in Fu despite it putting us at odds with Taki. However, that will not be the case this time around."

Hanare's eyes widened as she said pleased, "You mean I'll be able to stay in Konoha? How? Jomae is notoriously vengeful against those that betray the village. I've had several close calls over the years."

Tsunade could tell Kakashi had been caught by surprise by the revelation as he looked at the missing-nin worriedly. Hanare gave him a calming smile before stating towards the Hokage, "You must have some leverage over them in order to convince them to drop the matter. I find it hard to believe that you would be willing to use it just to allow Kakashi and me to be together."

Tsunade nodded as she admitted, "Yes, although Naruto does tend to make a persuasive argument." From the way her cheeks colored, Tsunade was sure the others present knew it wasn't just words he had used to convince her to go along with his wishes.

Hanare smirked, but kept her tone serious as she asked, "Did Naruto really do it just for Kakashi and me?"

"He did yes," Tsunade replied proudly, "However, despite his vigorous pleading. I am still the Hokage and couldn't give up such valuable leverage without the village in some way benefiting as well."

Kakashi was surprised and touched at his student's efforts on his behalf, but curious about what price his village paid asked, "What leverage are you referring too? I was under the impression we had cut off all contact with Jomae after the incident with Hanare."

"True, but that doesn't mean Jomae was done with us," Tsunade replied handing a folder towards the Jounin. Kakashi opened it and she noticed that he was surprised by its contents, he looked up as if asking for confirmation which she supplied by nodding her head. Explaining for Hanare's benefit she said, "Considering how you were used to get information on us I doubt you would be aware of this, but it turns out that Jomae managed to get a spy in our midst despite your going rogue."

Hanare thought for a second before stating, "The jounin that was to be used to trade for me."

Tsunade smiled briefly as if pleased by her being able to come to such a conclusion. Kakashi spoke up stating, "It's just hard to believe Riichi is a mole."

"Not really," Tsunade stated, "It actually turns out he was one even before his capture. It makes sense when you consider that before Jomae could even begin their plan to put Hanare in our ranks they would need to have a means of extracting her. Attacking us heads on is obviously out of the question, and they couldn't be sure we would deal for just any random shinobi they grabbed. But a jounin and high-level information gather such as Riichi is someone we would almost certainly need to strike a bargain for if only to keep what he knows from being learned. The Third had his doubts about him before his capture, and was almost certain of them afterwards. That was why he was transferred onto Shinobu Mibu's squad afterwards, a squad mind you with the dubious distinction of also containing Yosu Mibuto."

Recognizing the name of the man that much like Anko, had once been trained by the Sannin Orochimaru, and furthermore, had also been the jounin sensei for Kabuto and his teammates, who had turned out to be spies that had also worked for the snake Sannin, Kakashi stated, "So what you're saying is that basically anyone that ends up on Shinobu's squad is possibly a traitor."

"Precisely," Tsunade said leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs, "Under Shinobu's watch it is quickly determined if a suspected traitor is actually one or not, and if not they are then transferred onto a new squad. If they are, they are used as tools to spread disinformation or information which might manipulate those that they report to, to act in Konoha's best interest."

"I'm guessing that in Jomae's case it was the latter," Kakashi said closing the folder.

"Yes, they were given information that caused them to act against several villages that were enacting plots that might have caused trouble for us. These actions were undertaken under the careful gaze of several Leaf Shinobi that just so happened to be in the area to document this." Tsunade smiled as she said, "Something the current head of Jomae was quite shocked to learn I assure you. Naturally, he asked me what it would take for our carefully gathered intelligence to never see the light of day. He quickly decided that rescinding the kill on sight order for one shinobi was the far better course of action then earning the ire of several shinobi villages. Particularly since one of the plots was Iwa's."

Hanare was struck speechless, but then recalling Tsunade's words stated, "I thank you for your efforts on my behalf, but now I believe there is the matter of what you expect in return." Looking towards Kakashi, she then returned her gaze to the Hokage before asking, "Was this leverage to be used to convince me to perhaps become Naruto's lover like you, should Kakashi have chosen to let me leave last night?"

Hanare knew what she suggested had offended the two women that proudly called themselves Naruto's. However, Rin's face softened first as she said, "I suppose I can see why you might believe that. It would likely be true of any other person. However, Naruto had no such designs for you."

For a moment Hanare felt as if she should be offended, which she couldn't exactly explain considering she knew he had close to fifty women in his life. She did suspect that from hearing about the number of women he was with and learning she had never truly been considered a viable target was the reason for it. The Hokage seemed to have an idea of what was going on inside her mind as the woman said, "I assure you that if Naruto didn't already consider you to be Kakashi's then you would have been considered for a more pleasurable opening then why we wanted to talk with you."

The three women laughed as Kakashi stated, "I'm not sure how comfortable I am with hearing that."

"Then just be glad you got to her when you did," Rin said with a wide grin.

Tsunade nodded in agreement, before stating, "You made a friend for life with your actions Hanare. You impressed Naruto with your decision not to go through with your mission for Konoha's behalf. Furthermore, you maintained a certain level of loyalty to Jomae by not giving us any of their secrets."

"I didn't have any to give," Hanare stated.

"True, but you endured a session in the Honesty Room," Tsunade said impressed. "If you had wanted to avoid that you could have offered to turn traitor in a similar manner as Riichi. Instead you chose a path which offered you no benefits, remaining loyal to the place of your birth and the place you actually called home."

Hearing the respect in the Hokage's voice Hanare inclined her head graciously, "Thank you for the praise. But according to your earlier statement you wouldn't have worked out such a deal if Konoha didn't benefit. Plus, you are sharing quite a bit of information that I can only guess is deeply classified. Not to mention your own unique situation with Naruto. However, I'm not sure why?"

"Well first I suppose I should explain why Naurto has taken so many lovers and what our goals are." Tsunade quickly laid out the ground work of how the Harem started and their lover's ambition which united them before stating, "We are trusting you with our secrets for the same reason that we have let Kakashi know about them. But furthermore, because it could be problematic if the woman that I have nominated to head up the Joint Allied Intelligence Network began looking into our actions."

Hanare's mouth dropped down in surprise before asking, "W..what? I've heard of no such group, and more importantly why would you suggest me."

Tsunade smiled at the woman before explaining, "Well you've never heard of it because it doesn't quite exist yet. As to why you, as I just explained you impressed Naruto with your actions and if he believes you are someone worth trusting then as far as I am concerned that's good enough. More importantly though, it almost has to be someone with your background."

"I'm afraid I don't follow," Hanare said not sure why the Hokage thought someone who would betray her home village would be accepted into such an important role.

Tsunade understood why the woman would think she was unqualified, but explained, "Hanare, I'm sure you've heard of the Training Force that Konoha and Suna put together." When the woman nodded she continued, "There were quite a few reasons for its existence, but it also served as an ideal of what all the Shinobi Village's might be able to achieve should they come together. However, it didn't come together without its hiccups due to the old animosities between Suna and Konoha which the Hardliners and Root tried to keep alive. From past experience we can infer that there will likely be a similar element inside Kumo."

"Which does beg the question of why you think I would be accepted to an intelligence position for such a group?"

Tsunade smiled as she replied, "Not just a position, but to run the intelligence division of it. You see Hanare nominating a commanding officer for the troops is easy. The man sitting next to you for example is who I plan to nominate when the Alliance Task Force is assembled after the next Chunin Exams."

Hanare looked towards Kakashi in surprise who shrugged stating, "It's the first I've heard of it."

Tsunade smirked as she said, "True, it is still very hush-hush. But the J.A.I.N is something that we want to put in place beforehand. Now the reasons that I believe you are perfect for the job is twofold. First, as I stated nominating a commander is easy. Shinobi that reach the rank of chunin can very quickly determine if a commander is acting with a squad or units best interest at heart. They are, after all, trained to step in if a commander is killed or incapacitated so are often presented the same information or can read a fluid situation in a similar manner as those giving the orders. However, it is in the realm of intelligence gathering that battles are won or lost without men ever entering the field. A bad commander here could cause untold damage with no one being the wiser depending on how they disseminate the information they have access to. But they don't even need to have evil intentions to cause cracks within the Alliance Task Force. For example, almost anyone we nominate will have ties to one of the villages that comprise the alliance. So let's assume they receive information which they believe would benefit their home village. Well they might be tempted to pass that information only onto their own village and if word got out then cracks could begin to occur which would cause the alliance to fracture."

Hanare could see why the Hokage thought she would be useful so said, "Then I'm guessing the second reason that you wish to nominate me is because technically I don't have a home village."

"Don't be silly," Tsunade replied quickly, "Konoha is now your home." The Hokage smiled as Hanare's eyes began to grow teary from her statement. She gave the woman a moment to compose herself before continuing, "However, your background does tend to lend itself as why you would want to make the alliance work. You're a woman that never had the chance to set foot in the village you were born to serve. The reason for that was due to the suspicious and guarded nature of the Shinobi World which Jomae takes to the extreme. The alliance is something which might help prevent future generations from having to suffer an as lonely childhood as you did. Therefore, it would be expected of you to call all the villages on whatever bullshit they might try to pull. We also hope that the J.A.I.N will also prevent schemes like what the criminal Tobi tried to pull by using Akatsuki. By spreading their numerous crimes over the entire shinobi world, and our not working together to stop them, they could have pulled off something quite large and dangerous before we even mobilized to stop them. One of the jobs this Allied Task Force will have, and for which you, if confirmed, will be tasked with providing them the intelligence for, is to prevent any such group from trying to exploit similar cracks in our response time in the future."

Hanare felt a heavy pressure on her shoulders which lessened as Kakashi placed a hand on her shoulder and confidently stating, "You'll do fine." He followed it up with an eye smile and due to their night together she knew was mirrored on his lips.

Hanare nodded, but asked, "I'm guessing that my being given the position is still far from a done deal?"

Tsunade nodded before responding, "Let's just say that not everyone who has a say in the matter is as enlightened as I am."

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

The Raikage sneezed and then stated, "Damn, I better not be getting sick because of having to look for that idiot brother of mine." Promising himself that Bee would suffer for making him worry, especially coming so soon after the last time, although it had been a little over a year since Sasuke and Kisame had attacked him. Wondering what had made his brother decide to sneak off of Turtle Island this time, the Raikage was concerned that it centered around the Chunin Aisha.

Looking at the report that had caused him to arrive to his office early and was from Yugito it read, "I've made contact with Aisha's family; it appears that her story of needing time off to look after her sick grandmother is false. They have no idea about where she actually is."

Ay felt his teeth begin to grind as he recalled how the Chunin had appeared before him claiming she needed to care for her sick relative. A part of the Raikage had felt that he was being lied to, especially as the woman had never come off as anything but spoiled and only caring about her own interests. Furthermore, she barely applied herself towards being a shinobi, instead slacking off on her duties to pursue a singing career. Ay tolerated her behavior only because for whatever reason his brother, as well as a good number of his shinobi did enjoy her music, which considering how Kumogakure's finances had been in such desperate straits before its joining the alliance. He had felt any distractions from the situation had been welcome ones for his people. However, with the turnaround brought about because of the trade going on between all the villages of the allaince, he had intended to set her straight on the requirements necessary to be a kunoichi of Kumogakure.

Ay had sent Yugito to check on Aisha to see if Bee was there, since shortly before Aisha had taken her leave, there had been an escape from the Kumogakure Maximum Security Prison: Iron Mountain. The escapee was a man named Nyau, a Jounin level shinobi in his mid-twenties despite his child like demeanor. He also was an accomplished genjutsu user, who used a recorder to play melodies in order to cast his jutsu. The village the man hailed from remained unknown although Ay suspected he was a missing-nin from Sound even though the village had become defunct after Orochimaru's death so the term didn't quite apply. He had been caught though, after seemingly becoming infatuated with Aisha, and the person who had apprehended him had been none other than Killer Bee during one of the woman's concerts. Not that Aisha had shown any gratitude instead growing upset at the disruption of her show.

Despite his anger at the kunoichi for lying to him, Ay was still worried for her safety as Nyau was a particularly bloodthirsty and sadistic individual as even though his escape due to outside intervention had gone off smoothly. He had still taken the time to kidnap and skin the face off of a woman at an Inn he was supposed to lay low at and had done so while she was still alive. Ay only hoped that he wouldn't be receiving a similar report in regards to Aisha soon.

Sitting back in his chair, he closed his eyes and listened to a television he had brought up to his office. He normally didn't bother watching anything on the device, but with the Grand Opening of the Whirling Tides Manor which he had been invited to, but had to decline due to the current situations going on with his missing shinobi. Still, he was glad to hear it was a success as the event was useful in building connections to further bolster the Alliance.

Letting the words sink in he heard, "Thank you for the report, Akihiro. Now let's tune into Ana Ketsuno's report from this morning about the third day of the celebration which is the grand opening of the Whirling Tides Manor."

"Thank you everyone," the woman the announcer had introduced said cheerfully. Ay spared a moment to look at the screen taking in the cute brown-haired woman wearing a pink yukata and was standing next to Koyuki Kazahana. Due to the limits of broadcasting technology Ay knew the video had been recorded almost a full day before, and had even been old news when it had first been broadcasted the night before since currently it was the start of the fourth day of the celebration that morning.

He turned back to the day's reports that he needed to attend to as the reporter said, "I'm standing next to a woman that needs no introduction, but if you have been living under a rock is the actress and Daimyo of Spring Koyuki Kazahana. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."

"You're quite welcome," the Daimyo said charmingly.

"I understand you are just arriving today."

"That's right, you actually caught me on the way to checking in. I would have loved to be here for the opening night, but sadly I had matters that needed attending too."

"One of those matters wouldn't have been the filming of the new Princess Gale movie would it," Ana said eagerly.

Koyuki laughed softly, but said, "I'm afraid not. Although I can say that everything is coming together nicely. Currently we are working on the costumes and finalizing the shooting locations. I excited to say we will be the first major motion picture to be filming at the base of the famed mountain Nantai."

"That's in Earth Country correct?"

"Yes it is," Koyuki said pleased.

Ana's eyes seemed to widen as she looked at something off screen and obviously wanting to be the first to get the scoop said, "I'm sure I've kept you from the celebration long enough. Thank you for the time and know that I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Princess Gale series."

Koyuki smiled as she said, "You and me both. Take care."

Ay's interest was piqued as he wondered what guest would be important enough to cause the reporter to cut the interview with Koyuki short. He wondered if his ears had failed him as he heard, "Lord Raikage... Lord Raikage. I'm Ana Ketsuno with..."

Ay caught sight of himself as the camera came into focus on the man the reporter was talking to. The doppelganger's face took on a look of concern as he said, "Ya fool, ya fool. Who gave you permission to film me?"

His hand reached for the camera blocking the lens, as Ana called, "Hey stop that you'll break the..." The screen went blank before cutting back to the two in studio reporters with the woman that had announced the news section saying, "Who knew the Raikage was so camera shy?"

The other announcer began chuckling at the woman's joke which as Ay watched he felt as if every vein in his body was standing at attention due to his anger as he growled, "Bee, I'm going to make you wish you had never been born." Without a second thought he turned away from his desk and leapt, smashing through the window as he began the journey to Wave to fulfil his declaration.

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

Mabui was on her way into the office when she saw the large window of the Raikage's office explode outwards. She caught sight of the Raikage taking off over the rooftops and heading towards the gate. She sighed, but was at least partially glad that she would be able to speak with the maintenance department on her way up to her desk instead of needing to make a special trip. Figuring the Raikage had an idea of where Bee was and had decided to collect him personally; she also made a mental note to send a chunin to inform Darui and Shee of their leader's sudden departure so they could follow him. Moving to complete the tasks that she had just given herself and adding a note to let Yugito know as well, she wondered if whether or not she'd soon be feeling any new presences via her foxmark as the opening ceremony entered its fourth day.

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

Naruto sat back in his chair enjoying the dinner that had just been served bringing to close the fourth day of the celebration. He smiled at his lovers present and favored Toki with a grin as well. He could tell the woman was a little uncomfortable with the sitting arrangements primarily as at present she was the only woman not bound to him. Sitting beside him was Ayame as had been the case for every night thus far enjoying the benefit her official girlfriend status afforded her. On his other side was Tayuya, who had arrived with Koyuki, and had beaten out Sakura for the spot. Sakura had chosen the next seat followed by Koyuki, Fubuki, Shion, and then Toki herself.

Naruto looked around suddenly as he felt a strange ghostly voice that he couldn't quite make out what it said and upon looking in the direction that it seemed to have originated from wasn't surprised to be looking towards a table that contained several more of his lovers. The reason for that was every time he felt it; the voice seemed to feel as if it was coming from the Raikage. He smiled as he could see Tsunade was growing annoyed with Kumo's village leader due to her trying to press him about making a decision about Hanare. Instead the Raikage had claimed that he had just come to take in some of the acts and to party. Naruto found the man's behavior rather strange, but figured he probably didn't get very many chances to cut loose so wanted to take advantage.

Naruto frowned though as the whisper of the voice he had been hearing seemingly spoke once again conveying a feeling of annoyance, although he had the opinion that for him to hear it the whisper was actually shouting. "What's wrong," Tsunami's voice came from behind him upon noticing the frown, "I know there wasn't any ramen on the menu tonight, but I hope the dinner was to your liking."

Naruto nodded stating, "It was fantastic, and I do eat more than ramen you know."

"Only begrudgingly most of the time," Ayame teased.

"Then shall I endeavor to keep ramen on the menu," a voice asked from behind Tsunami. "I'm afraid I was a little unprepared for the demand for it, although in truth most of my stock was consumed by the occupant at this table."

Naruto focused on the woman that had spoken and was a taken aback by her garb. Although he could easily picture her as a chef, due to the white apron like gown that she wore over what appeared to be shinobi like red shirt and pants. Yet she also seemed to want to project the image of a shinobi as wrapped around her arms were orange arm warmers which appeared similar in design to the kind Gai used around his legs. To complete the shinobi motif the woman's face and hair was covered in a mask which matched the red of her shirt and where the forehead protector would be for most shinobi was an unusually smaller square metal plate, instead of the normal rectangle, with a halo over a cloud on it.

Tsunami smiled having noticed how all the customers seemed to react to the woman's style of dress. Making the introductions she said, "I figured now would be a good time to introduce everyone to the head chef behind all the food that has been served. Her name is Chiru."

The woman bowed polite as she said, "It is an honor."

Tsunami having received the same question from all the other tables thus far prepared to explain the woman's background. As such she was caught by surprise as Naruto said, "You're a Ryouri Ninja right?"

"Indeed," the woman said pleased someone had heard of her group, "I like many of my brethren originated from the Land of Lightning. However, some like myself have begun to move into other lands hoping to improve our ninjutsu as well as our culinary skill. May I ask how you have heard of us as we rarely left the Land of Lightning until very recently?"

Naruto grew a little nervous scratching his cheek before explaining, "Well, um... a cooking-nin named Hakkaku kidnaped Ayame in order to get her old man's secret recipe, which didn't actually exist."

Chiru's eyes grew wide as she bowed deeply and apologetically while she said, "Please accept my humblest apologies. I suppose then it is a good thing that Hakkaku was excommunicated from our order."

"Really," Sakura said surprised, "I mean yes kidnapping Ayame was wrong, but what else could he have done to get booted out."

Chiru straightened after Ayame assured the woman that she didn't think poorly of the Ryouri due to the actions of a few bad apples. The cooking-nin then explained, "Hakkaku and a few others like him let their passions get the better of them. Our ordered was founded to feed shinobi due to the original Ryouri-nin nearly starving while on a mission. For a while, Kumo barely tolerated our presence in their lands, but on a few occasions our being present has helped badly malnourished shinobi returning from difficult missions, so a type of truce was established. Yet, men like Hakkaku tend to forget that noble goal instead seeking new tastes to increase their skill and then sell it to wealthy clients."

"Um not to point out the obvious, but are you not doing the same thing?" Fubuki asked.

Tsunami shook her head stating, "Hardly, she's working here only for the event and is charging substantially less than some of the other chefs that applied for the position. The new fully time head chef starts next week. I'm trying to convince Chiru to stay on, or to at least let me pay her what she deserves, but she has refused."

"I do thank you for your kind words, Miss Tsunami. However, with the recent inclusion of Kumogakure into the Alliance between Suna and Konoha, it is my hope that my order can soon begin to help hungry shinobi in other countries as well. It is my deepest wish that by serving the leaders of the other villages at this event that they will see the benefit of having us around as Kumo has."

"Well I for one wish you the best of luck," Naruto said pleasantly, "It will be a nice treat to stumble along someone with a warm meal that they are willing to share on some missions."

"Thank you," Chiru said, "I hope we meet again." Bowing politely the woman followed Tsunami to the next table where she graciously explained why she was dressed as a shinobi along with her goals and aspirations.

Naruto watched her for a moment, before hearing the whisper again. Turning towards what he suspected might be the source; he frowned as he saw the Raikage again. But his gaze shifted to Mito, who was sitting opposite the man and noticed she also was wearing a slight frown although her gaze seemed to shift about as if trying to find the source of what was bothering her. Naruto stood excusing himself to approach Mito, who upon seeing him stood as well to find a spot where they could talk.

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

Kin sat in one of the back areas where the wait staff and entertainment staff took their breaks. She was there observing a potential future candidate for the Harem although she was recommending that the woman not be added.

Looking over her notes she read, "Aisha is currently a chunin of Kumogakure. Although popular in her home village it is my opinion that she has let it go to her head. I've observed her constantly belittling 'the help' myself included. She doesn't seem interested in anything other than using the current alliance as a means to grow her music career and it appears that she views her shinobi duties as an unwanted distraction. I suppose she could be potential valuable should her music career blossom as she hopes, but she would need a massive attitude adjustment. I'll volunteer to help provided that adjustment if it is to be administered via someone's fists. Ultimately without such an adjustment and even should she become attracted towards Naruto, I don't know if she would be able to accept playing second-fiddle to anyone. Therefore, it is my recommendation that she not be considered a viable target, although maybe we could let Anko play with her."

Kin felt a small smile appear on her face at the idea of the Diva with a ball gag in her mouth while Anko "played" with the woman. However, it faded as she let the currently nervous looking Diva fade from her focus to think about her upcoming role as a client of Naruto's looking for her long-lost sister. Kin like some of the other women who had returned from the dead, which although wasn't a term that exactly applied to her, it would have had Kushina while still inside her son not found a means to resurrect Haku, and keep her alive in the process, had needed a backstory to explain her sudden reappearance. A part of her had wondered if such a thing was necessary, as she doubted that Kabuto even remembered who he had used for the sacrifice that brought Haku back, but nonetheless those that looked into her background would find that she had defected from Sound during the Sand/Sound invasion. After providing some intel on Sound which in truth had been gathered by Jiraiya, but had been changed to show she was the source, she had been kept in protective custody until Orochimaru had been reported dead.

Kin was a little nervous at the prospect of returning to the Land of Rice Paddies now that the Sound Village was considered abandoned, although calling it a village had always been a stretch. Yet, her nervousness wasn't due to the idea of some ninja looking for revenge as a result of her fabricated betrayal, but due to the cover story that Naruto was escorting her to look for her sister. Kin and her older sister had been close growing up due to their parents having died when they were just children. However, that had ended after Orochimaru had appeared in their town with promises of power, and money. Kin had grown tired of a life with precious little of either, as had many youths like her particularly due to the barely tolerable conditions that had been most of Rice Paddies citizens existence after the Daimyo's disastrous campaign to expand his territories which had also decimated the Fuma Clan.

Kin's sister, Kotohime, had cautioned her against believing the Snake Sannin's honey-filled words. However, Kin had been blinded by the prospect of a life without needing to beg, scrape together, or steal everything they needed just to survive. The last words either woman had uttered towards each other had been in anger as Kin had stormed out of the house never to return. That her sister had been right, wasn't necessarily a bitter pill to swallow, but as both had said incredibly hurtful things towards one another, Kin worried she'd find her sister still nursing a grudge and would reject her. Considering how her near death experience had filled her with regret over the destruction of their formerly close bond, she wasn't sure how she could take knowing her sister still wanted nothing to do with her which was why she hadn't sought her out on her own.

Figuring she'd know soon enough and glad Naruto would be there if things went poorly. She was about to return to work when a man in a white suit burst into the room. He quickly moved towards Aisha before stating angrily, "What the fuck are you thinking canceling last night's show? More importantly why the hell have you been avoiding me?"

"Look I couldn't go on okay," Aisha said her usual attitude cowed somewhat which surprised Kin, who quickly stood leaving the room, but remained nearby to eavesdrop.

"What do you fucking mean you couldn't go out? Do you know how..."

"Yeah, you told me like a dozen times, but the situation's changed. I'm going to need to cancel tomorrow's show as well."

"What! Tomorrow's the finale, you can't cancel."

"Why not? It took that Tsunami woman like three seconds to find a replacement for last night."

"This doesn't have anything to do with the Raikage's appearance yesterday, does it?" Kin guessed the answer was apparent on the dark-skinned woman's face as without receiving an answer Gantetsu said angrily, "Goddammit Aisha you told me you spoke with him."

Aisha sounding like a child caught in a lie said, "I was going to, but well I heard Bee had gone missing and so the Raikage wouldn't be attending so might have told a small lie instead. The Raikage hasn't exactly been overly supportive of my career."

"Yeah, and what were you going to do when he found out you lied?"

"Well if you had lived up to your end of the bargain and made me a star outside of Lightning it wouldn't have mattered. If my career exploded like you said it would from doing this gig then I'd have just not gone back."

Kin could practically hear the dark smirk in Gantetsu's voice as he said, "So, you're willing to become a missing-nin to become rich and famous, huh?"

"It worked out for you mister Legendary Dark Shinobi," Aisha said smugly.

"I haven't done too badly for myself. Too bad you lack the courage to make the leap when it really matters," Gantetsu said turning away.

Kin prepared to bolt, but the man stopped as Aisha asked angrily. "What's that mean?" The woman's heels clicked as she moved to bar the man's path as she said, "Sure, I've been playing to the crowds outside. But they aren't going to rocket me to the levels of stardom that will guarantee that the Raikage doesn't send his Anbu after me. I need to become so big that his having me arrested or killed only blows up in his face. Your give it time approach isn't going to achieve that."

"Don't try to lay the blame on me. If you had been honest about your intentions then I would have known to change my business model for you. In any case, I'm just going to have to call in one of my other talents. I'm not giving up the coveted last show on the night of the closing because you've grown cold-feet."

"You make it sound like you got something big planned."

"That's right; I got a show planned which will guarantee that everyone will be speaking about you and your music for days and years to come. Take care of yourself Aisha. I'll be sure to hire you when my soon to be megastar needs protection," Gantetsu said.

"Hold on now. I'll perform tomorrow, but you're going to have to get me out of here afterwards. You don't have any idea what the Raikage can be like when he is pissed."

"I'm glad you can be reasonable," the man said pleased. "Don't worry, after tomorrow, no one's going to be able to touch you. This will be a show which will make you into a legend."

Kin frowned, but figured it just went to show why the woman didn't deserve to be included in Naruto's family. Although, she considered informing someone, she decided against it as she felt Kumogakure would also benefit from not having the woman around either.

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

Kiyomi smiled as she entered the main ballroom of the Whirling Tides Manor having switched places with Mito, after being summoned via her foxmark. Naruto followed her in a few moments later, and almost immediately she could hear what her lover had described as a ghost like whisper. However, to her it was as clear as day, and was shouting.

She had explained what she thought it was to Naruto, as well as theorized that the reason he could hear it was because he had absorbed her original form, although he kept the power still locked behind the seal most of the time, like a walkie-talkie picking up on the frequency the Bijuu communicated through. Yet perhaps due to not having developed the skills to talk in such a way, he was having trouble locking onto it.

She wondered why Yugito wouldn't have reported feeling a similar sensation, but felt that it was likely due to her being used to it as Yoruichi and Gyuki had probably communicated often. Kiyomi wasn't concerned by Gyuki trying to speak with Yoruichi but getting no response, as the two-tails had assured her that she had often ignored the eight-tails for an extended period of time whenever it would let Killer Bee do something stupid and cause Yugito trouble. Considering the previous time Yoruichi had given Gyuki the silent treatment it had lasted for three-years, Kiyomi knew there was still some time before they would need to worry about their fellow Bijuu growing suspicious about it.

Still despite her own reticence to speak with her siblings in the past, it appeared the Gyuki wasn't keen on being ignored by two of its siblings. Kiyomi took a seat accepting a champagne glass from a server that walked by and sipped it as her sibling said, "Dammit Kurama, I know you can hear me. Stop being as stubborn as Matatabi."

Deciding to let her sibling know she was listening she said amused, "Hm, I'm sorry did you say something."

She heard the Bijuu let out an annoyed huff before replying, "You know I did. I've been calling out to you since I've felt your chakra. Although strangely, it seems different somehow, and like its split in some way, but each...."

"Perhaps because my host has a shadow clone running around," Kiyomi covered quickly. "Your own chakra feels different from how I remember it. Have you melded with your host then? That's not like you."

"I've changed; I'm no longer the wild and untamed beast that I once was."

"Well that's quite nice to hear, that you've become domesticated," Kiyomi said. "Your host must be something quite special."

Gyuki sounded suspicious as it asked, "What's gotten into you? You were never so cordial."

"I could go back to ignoring you if you would prefer," Kiyomi said with a mental shrug.

Gyuki sighed, but said, "No, it is good to hear a voice, even one as grating on my nerves as yours. Speaking of which, that seems to have changed as well."

Kiyomi smiled, but replied, "Perhaps, but my host likes it better than me sounding deep and menacing."

"What other changes have you made for the pleasure of your host?"

Kiyomi looked down her body and smirked as she responded, "Oh there have been quite a few. But that's not something I wish to discuss at the moment."

Focusing her gaze on the Raikage she said, "You know, my host says the Raikage is here, but strangely enough he's made no mention of your host."

"Um... well that's..."

Kiyomi smirked as she said, "I imagine when the real Raikage finds out he attended this gathering, your host is going to have some explaining to do."

The eight-tails sighed before stating, "The moron wouldn't listen to me. He insisted on coming here, when he heard that bitch's stalker had busted free of Iron Mountain."

Kiyomi sensed some jealousy radiating from her sibling so said, "I see, so he has feelings for this woman."

"If you want to call it that," Gyuki said annoyed and angrily. "She is an ungrateful bitch, who although he saved her once from the psychopath didn't so much as offer him a thankful. If she didn't have that body or that voice then maybe..."

Kiyomi heard the slightly wistful tone of her sibling, but remembering how Mito had stated that she had sensed evil intentions nearby stated, "He may be asked to do so again. Something nearby is intending to do someone harm, but since it isn't directed at my host it is difficult to gauge exactly where."

"Dammit, why would you tell me that?"

"Do with the information what you will," Kiyomi said giving no hint of what she would have thought if Gyuki kept it to itself. Yet, she did smirk somewhat as the man disguised as the Raikage stood suddenly stating he had to urgently use the bathroom. Rather amused at the situation Gyuki found itself in, Kiyomi nevertheless was worried at the potential danger faced by those attending the ceremony. Wondering if it might not be wise to cancel the festivities, she decided against it, but would alert Naruto to the danger confident that with two jinchuriki hanging around Aisha, any sane person would wait until another time to move against her. She stood to inform her lover of the develops as well as to alert him that the Raikage was in fact Killer Bee, although from the suspicious face Tsunade wore as she watched the man leaves suspected she wouldn't be the only one reporting such to him.

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

Toki entered her suite with a sigh. She was still rather disappointed by her learning of Naruto's relationship status, but recently had begun to feel uneasy around him. Her unease wasn't due to any pressure that he had put on her as he had seemingly accepted her not being willing to enter a relationship with a person she would have to share. However, the feeling was born of the fact that as she watched him interact with the women she now knew were his lovers, having been shocked to learn the three new arrivals from the day before were also with him, she was finding it difficult to remain true to her stated beliefs about love.

Although it was growing late, she didn't feel any eagerness at the thought of turning in as she knew she would be assaulted by her dreams as they further tempted her to a life she had been raised to think of as being debauched. Her dream from the night before had starred Koyuki Kazahana, her manager, and bodyguard all sexually pleasing Naruto and judging from the smiles that she had seen them wearing throughout the day, he had pleased them in turn in reality. Not eager for the repeat performance, she considered heading out to take in some of the nightly entertainment going on outside the manor as it tended to go on until later into the night.

However, the thought was put on hold as a knock sounded at her door. Her heart skipped a beat as she briefly imagined it was Naruto, and wondered if he was there to try and seduce her. She frowned as she felt her body respond positively to the idea, and considered ignoring the person. The knock repeated although it sounded softer than before, and she suspected that despite what she and her body secretly hoped her nighttime visitor wasn't the blond man as he had seemed preoccupied after talking with a red-headed woman she guessed was also his lover.

Deciding to answer it, Toki was a little surprised to find Shion on the other side, but nonetheless invited her inside. Closing the door, she felt and could almost taste the bitterness of her words as she said, "Did you come here to explain how my stance on love is wrong and that I should be thrilled at the idea of being one of however many?"

Shion shook her head as she replied, "No... not really... well maybe it might seem that way."

"Then please leave," Toki said annoyed, "I've had enough of hearing about how great being with him is and why we should all share. I've agreed to help him move his ambitions forward that should be enough."

"I'm sure it is," Shion said, "I'm sorry that it seems we are rubbing it in your face. But..."

Toki held up her hand cutting the priestess off as she said, "Don't. You don't think I realize that what I just said hints at my wanting to be him. But, it's wrong and sometimes just wanting something isn't enough to make it right. I agree his ambition is a good thing, but can you honestly say you are okay knowing that this entire celebration was a ruse to get us together so he could sleep with us?"

"Well honestly I would have to say... yeah!"

Toki smiled at the woman's energetic response saying, "I forgot who I was talking to. I must sound so bitter to you."

Shion smiled, but replied, "Not bitter, just someone who knows that something she has desired is within reach, but since it isn't how she expected to get it is torn about pursuing it."

"I'm not torn," Toki said sounding definitive. But when Shion looked at her knowingly admitted, "Okay, perhaps a little. But as a priestess aren't you going against some of your long held beliefs?"

Shion shrugged before answering, "You're talking to a woman that expressed her desire to be with Naruto by asking him to knock her up."

Toki laughed, "I'm surprised he didn't take you on the spot."

Shion giggled admitting, "So am I, especially since he well already establishing his Family as he calls it. If the past few days are anything to go by, then I missed out on years of great... um I mean..."

Toki smiled but some of the mirth she felt fade to be replaced with jealousy as she stated, "I think we both know what you mean."

"Sorry," Shion said, "It's just I am happy as crazy as it sounds. The other women are great too..." Toki watched Shion's cheeks color and had the strange feeling that the priestess was imagining her naked. Shion composed herself before saying, "I'm sorry if my coming over feel like I'm pouring salt in a wound."

"No, I do appreciate the gesture," Toki said, "I shouldn't have been bitter towards you if I was truly content with my choice. Our conversation has helped me settle my lingering doubts." Toki kept her face blank but had needed to call on all her diplomatic training to sound like she meant what she had just said.

Yet, she doubted that Shion had bought it as the blonde woman stood while saying, "I should get going."

Toki had the feeling the woman's wanting to leave was so Toki could maintain her façade of truly being at peace with passing on Naruto. Although she knew it would be best not to ask she nonetheless did, "Shion, why did you visit me tonight?" The woman paused before looking back obviously conflicted about saying anything, so the Daimyo said, "Please tell me."

Shion sighed, but explained, "I had a vision."

"You mean someone is going to die? Am I?"

"No, no, no, no," Shion said quickly mental slapping herself for forgetting what those words used to entail, "My vision wasn't so much me seeing a person's death, but my own." Toki's eyes widened in concern causing the priestess to say, "I assure you in the vision I had I was fine. I would even say better than fine."

"I don't understand, if you had a vision then how could you be okay?"

"The visions I receive are sent to me from a future self, one who when I experienced them in the past had been killed and by presenting it to me I would see who was nearby and then proclaim that person would die in my place. Since I was always surrounded by loyal retainers meant to die for me, my death visions were more like self-fulfilling prophecies. They only worked so long as the person was willing to die in my place." Shion smiled brightly and Toki knew exactly what the woman was feeling as she continued, "Naruto, was the first and only to challenge my predictions and although he was willing to die for me. By touching my heart he convinced me to gamble my fate along with his."

"Still if you had a vision."

Shion's cheeks colored as she admitted, "Well to trigger a vision certain requirements are needed to be met by the future me... and it turns out a lot of them also happen when I'm in a state of bliss."

Toki eyes grew even wider then when she thought Shion's vision had been related to her death, "You mean..."

Shion nodded as she said amused, "I guess they don't call it, 'the little death' for no reason, now do they?"

"I suppose not," Toki said. She began to ask, "But why share this... I was there."

Shion nodded, "I shouldn't have come. I am sorry for..."

"You said a person isn't bound by your visions, that we can change our fates." Shion nodded so Toki said, "Then I thank you for sharing. The me in your vision was weak and compromised her beliefs for pleasure. Thank you, for not letting me walk towards such a fate blindly."

Shion fought back a frown, as she replied, "I'm glad I could help." Turning she began to leave, but stopped upon looking back as she couldn't help thinking, "Oh Toki, the woman in my vision might not have been your definition of strong. But she looked everyone's definition of happy." Shion didn't give voice to her thoughts instead giving the Daimyo a soft smile before leaving while hoping she hadn't prevented a future she had wanted to see from happening.

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