Onsen no machi

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Not much to add on this one. Enjoy!

Last time:

Yūgao read the headlines from over Natsuko's shoulder. 'WANDERING HANDS WATARU TO BE HUNG AT DAWN!' The Nadeshiko kunoichi hung her head in disbelief.

Yūgao slapped Natsuko on the back and started to laugh crazily. "I took my team to hell and back so you could kill a man who is already sentenced to die?! Bwahahaha! Tell me there is some booze here Tenzō! Bwahahaha! If I don't get a drink fast, I won't be held responsible for slowly choking Natsuko to death with my bare hands! Bwahahaha!" Yūgao had a bottle of sake in her hands faster than you could say 'bartender' thanks to Tenzō's lightning-fast reflexes…

Within the hour Naruto and Hinata (Maya was sleeping) were informed by their sensei that the series of unfortunate events (also known as a simple escort mission) was all for naught. On the positive side, the old fool of a High Priest Wataru that made passes at both Maya and Hinata a month back was finally going to be put down for good. It was small comfort given they'd been ambushed, trapped in a town that was literally a vision of hell and then had to face off with Maya's insane brother Shin and his merry band of missing ninjas. On the other hand, they had a tale worthy of telling their children and grandchildren in the future…

It had been a long trip and Team 11 was glad to see it was over.

…

Chapter 33

Fire Country, Konoha, Hokage's Office

It was early morning and Tsunade was looking over her first batch of mission reports when she saw she had a priority report come in from Captain Tenzō down at the southern Outpost Station 6. It was a preliminary report concerning Team 11; Uzuki Yūgao's Team. Tsunade's honey colored eyes kept getting larger and larger as she read the abbreviated version of the mission:

-Team 11 accepted C ranked escort mission to Tea Country from Third Hokage. Mission: Escort Miko from Hekison Village in Tea Country to the Fire Temple at the Fire Country Capitol.

-Attacked by eight missing nins en route to Hekison Village, seven enemy nins killed, one escaped. Estimated at least B rank threat. Genin Uzumaki Naruto injured severely but recovered due to his healing factor. All other team members suffered minor injuries. Further details to be provided verbally to the Hokage.

-Picked up 'Miko' Manami Natsuko -Later revealed to be a disguised Nadeshiko chunin kunoichi Natsuko.

-Razed the Village on Numa no Mura in Tea Country to the ground due to 'demon infestation.' Estimated A+ rank threat. All team members suffered minor injuries, exhaustion and severe mental fatigue. Details for Hokage's ears only.

-Attacked by six missing nins led by S ranked Natsume Shin formerly of Konoha. Estimated S rank threat. Enemy nins withdrew after short but violent battle. Two enemy nins badly injured, one severely. Genin Natsume Maya badly injured. All other team members suffered minor injuries and exhaustion. Further details for Hokage's ears only.

-Reported to Outpost Station 6 for medical treatment (Kumadori's medical reports enclosed). Nadeshiko kunoichi Natsuko revealed that her mission was to eliminate former High Priest Wataru (already sentenced to death at Fire Capitol). Declared her mission officially scrubbed.

-Team currently recovering and awaiting further instructions from the Hokage. Doctor Kumadori estimates they should rest a day before travelling. Nadeshiko kunoichi Natsuko was the true target of the missing nin attacks. Jonin Uzuki Yūgao estimates the safest route would be for Team 11 and their client to come straight to Konoha. Standing by for further instructions.

-Tenzō

"By the gods!" thought Tsunade aloud. "Their first C rank escalated to B and all the way through A to S rank?" Setting the report down on the table Tsunade pondered just what these ANBU Brats were made of. 'We all knew Yūgao did an outstanding job with those kids but the fact that they all survived and are intact from these medical reports is astounding. Kumadori's medical report recommends they each see a Yamanaka after the mission but physically they are just worn out and should recover nicely.'

After pondering a few more minutes Tsunade decided to send a team down to escort the beleaguered Team 11 back to Konoha. 'After the hell they've been through they deserve a bit of extra protection.' Sending out a set of orders to team 11 via messenger bird; Tsunade started looking over her options on what team she could send down to escort the battered group back to Konoha.

…

Ninja Outpost Station Number 6

Maya awoke in the morning feeling sore but actually rested. Remembering they were at the Outpost 6 she looked around and saw Naruto and Hinata in the bunks on either side of her. Naruto was sleeping peacefully in the bunk to her left. Hinata cracked an eye open and whispered from her right, "Are you awake Maya-chan? It's safe to sleep in if you want to. Naruto-kun is still out like a light."

The Natsume heiress smiled tiredly. "I'm okay Hinata-chan. I don't remember much after we arrived here. What happened?"

"Doctor Kumadori used a jutsu to help you sleep while he fixed you up." explained Hinata. "I'm glad you are feeling better. You really took a beating. I wish I could have helped more."

"You had your own problems to deal with; don't worry about it." said Maya. "I'm just relieved that we're all safe and actually rested. I haven't had a decent night's sleep since we were in Hekison Village in Tea Country. Speaking of which, where is our decidedly non-miko client now?"

Hinata giggled, "Have I got a story to tell you…"

"…"

"…So she was on a mission to kill that old pervert Wataru and he's already sentenced to die?" asked Maya with a huge sweat drop.

"That pretty much sums it up Maya-chan." said Hinata. "We've nearly died on multiple occasions for nothing. At least Wataru will be history at eight o'clock."

"What time is it now?" asked the silver haired girl with a yawn.

Hinata yawned as well. "It's six-thirty. Let's sleep a little longer Maya-chan. Since Yūgao-sensei told us we could sleep in as late as we want I think we should take advantage of it."

Both of the girls were soon sleeping soundly again knowing they were safe.

…

…Naruto's Dreamscape…

Naruto was eagerly working on a new seal in his fuinjutsu office in the Natsume Clan home. He was deep in thought when he heard Maya call him from the doorway. "Na-ru-to-kun…you've been playing with those seals all day. I need some affection."

The blonde put down his seal brush and said "I'm almost done here Maya-chan." He looked over at her and all the words died in his throat. The little black leather outfit she was wearing she was wearing made him hard beyond belief. The criminally short shorts and incredibly tight, black mini ANBU vest made his mouth run dry. The fact it was only held closed by one teeny tiny button was the coup de grace. "Oh. My. Goddess!" squeaked Naruto before he fainted from a nose bleed as Maya laughed.

The blonde ninja awoke and saw Hinata atop of him. "Are you okay Naruto-kun?" she asked with concern in her voice.

'Wow what a dream.' thought the blonde. "I'm okay Hinata-chan I just…"

Hinata leaned back showing she was wearing midriff exposing silver silken top that barely covered her breasts and bikini cut panties…and they were all see through. "Now that you've had a nice appetizer; how about the main course?" she purred seductively.

The blood rushed to Naruto's arousal at record breaking speeds and the poor blonde passed out hearing Hinata giggling...

'Oh geez…I'm so hard it's painful…' thought Naruto as he finally awoke. "Hinata-chan and Maya-chan are going to be the death of me."

"Naruto-kun, we need to take care of that." said Hikari as she walked into the room in a yukata.

"Hikari-chan?" asked Naruto a bit absentmindedly.

Hikari smiled and said, "We can't let you go around unsatisfied. Let me just take this off." Shedding her yukata she smiled hungrily as she revealed a lacy green teddy that was v cut down to her navel. Naruto's eyes were big as saucers as she ran a finger down his throbbing manhood and licked her lips. "Time for a tasty treat."

Naruto's eyes rolled back in his head. It was just too much for his hormonal young brain to handle…

When Naruto woke up he saw Yūgao standing there with a look of disappointment etched across her face. "Good grief Naruto-kun! If you keep passing out you're never going to please all your future wives."

"I'm sorry Yūgao-sensei! They were all way too hot for me to handle in those tiny little outfits." exclaimed Naruto.

That's when a whip cracked in front of him and he noticed his sensei was wearing a purple, skin tight cat suit with cat ears and a tail as she brandished a whip. "It looks like Cat nee-chan is going to have to put you through some harsh training Naruto-kun. Don't you worry; I'll whip you into shape and train you just like I did my pet Hayate-kun."

"EEEEEEPP! Whatever you and Hayate-san do in the bedroom; leave me out of it sensei!" shrieked Naruto in terror as he got up and ran away in fear...

…Dream end…

Naruto woke up with a start. His blue eyes were looking around wildly and his heart was racing. He was panting and sweating heavily. The bit with Yūgao and the whip was way too much to handle. "Gods above there are some things I don't want to know." he whispered to himself. Looking over he saw Maya and Hinata sleeping peacefully in their bunks. The color had returned to Maya's face and she looked peaceful. The blonde ninja sighed in relief knowing everyone was safe. 'Now all I have to do is get this painful erection to settle down…' he thought miserably.

…

Fire Country/River Country Border; Kazekage's Camp

After crossing through River Country from Wind Country, the Kazekage and his entourage realized they were making much better time than expected. They had camped out the night before and were now finishing breakfast. The group would be ready to proceed soon. Normally the all business like Rasa would simply have forged ahead but instead he searched the map and decided they should stop at Onsen no machi which was a small resort village in the southwest tip of Fire Country. His children had never even seen a hot springs resort in the desert (let alone relaxed in one) and he thought it would be a novel experience for them. Turning to Baki he said, "Inform everyone we are going to detour to the resort town of Onsen no machi since we are so far ahead of schedule. I haven't visited a hot spring in years and several in our party never have. There is no harm in relaxing a bit, eh Baki?"

Baki was a bit shocked at his leader's cavalier decision but decided to keep it to himself. "As you wish Kazekage-sama." Going around their camp and informing everyone Baki came to his genin team. "Temari, Kankuro, Gaara; we are stopping at a hot springs resort village called Onsen no machi to relax for a while since we are too far ahead of schedule. I trust all of you will continue your model behavior. Kazekage-sama felt it would be a good opportunity to relax since we have the time to burn."

The three sand siblings all had looks of confusion in their eyes and Temari said, "Wouldn't it be better to get some training in? This is…unusual."

"I believe Kazekage-sama wishes for you three to enjoy a good soak in a hot springs. It is quite luxurious so let's take advantage of it." said Baki. "There will be plenty of time to train later so try to enjoy it." With that Baki left the three Sand Siblings to their own devices.

Hearing several other members of the entourage being excited for this opportunity; the Sand Siblings decided to discuss it a bit among themselves. Kankuro said, "Ummm…I don't know what's so great about a hot springs resort but don't you think that Kazekage-sama is acting a little strange on this trip? He's actually gone out of his way to talk to us."

Gaara replied, "Mother is so shocked that she's not even talking right now. This is very odd. What is the point in a hot springs resort anyway? It seems like a terrible waste of water."

"Water is plentiful here in Fire Country." said Temari. "These hot springs are supposed to be relaxing and good for your skin from what I've heard."

About that time Rasa came over. "That's correct my daughter. You three should enjoy this little detour. There is also a hot springs in Konoha that you can enjoy if you wish." He turned to Gaara and asked, "How are you doing my son? Your behavior on this trip has been exemplary. Well done. You too Kankuro."

'What the fuck? Who is this person and where is Kazekage-sama?!' thought the three siblings.

"Well, make sure to enjoy this." said Rasa as he went to talk to others.

Kankuro said, "Must be smoking some of that imported wacky weed."

With a face palm Gaara replied, "I agree entirely. There is no other explanation."

…

Konoha, Hokage's Office

"ANBU Gazeru, Bear and Dove reporting Hokage-sama." said Hikari with a crisp salute. 'Finally I'm back on active duty!' thought the purple haired Gazeru with a smile behind her mask. 'After all that physical therapy I'm back in fighting trim.'

Tsunade said, "At ease ANBU. As you all know the Kazekage and his entourage are supposed to arrive tomorrow. I've made arrangements for you three to be pulled from your guard duty the first day as I have had an unexpected assignment come up." Seeing she had their undivided attention the Fifth Hokage continued. "Genin Team 11 headed by Uzuki Yūgao ran into some trouble on their first C ranked mission and are currently at Outpost 6 with ANBU Captain Tenzo. They had a run in with two separate groups of missing nins one of which was led by the S ranked missing ninja Natsume Shin. He and his group were after Team 11's client that they escorted from Tea Country."

Hikari stifled a gasp and was terrified inside for Naruto and her friends. Dove asked, "Are they in need of medical attention Hokage-sama? That is my field of specialty."

The straw blonde Hokage shook her head. "No, our medic Kumadori has things well in hand from the reports though it wouldn't hurt for you to check them over as well for battle fatigue. They are just resting today and will be ready to return to Konoha tomorrow morning. To be honest I believe the danger has passed for Team 11 and their client. I simply want an ANBU escort for them on the way back just in case. Even the abbreviated report of their mission sounds like a huge trial by fire for the whole team. I believe even ANBU level ninjas such as yourselves would have been hard pressed in the hell that Team 11 went through. Your mission is simple. Head down to Outpost Number 6 and escort Team 11 and their chunin level client back here in the morning. Any questions?" Seeing her ANBU had none Tsunade dismissed them.

When they got outside Dove turned to her teammates. "I say we pack up and leave as soon as possible. That way we can get down to the outpost before dark. Kumadori is a very good medic nin but I want to talk to him in detail once we arrive in case there are mental issues that need to be taken into account. We can bunk there for the night and escort them back in the morning. Will that work for you guys?"

"It works for me." said Bear. "Let's meet at the South Gate in an hour."

Gazeru nodded. "I'm packing a week's worth just in case. See you both in an hour."

The three ANBU nodded and each vanished in a body flicker to their own homes to get ready.

…

The town of Onsen no machi

Temari was more or less kidnapped by the four other kunoichi in the Suna party to go soak on the women's side of the hot springs. Airi was a jonin and Chikako, Haruna, Michiko were all chunins. They were all quite excited to be able to relax. "Temari-sama, I had no idea Kazakage-sama was so generous." said Michiko happily. "This is heavenly."

'He isn't….' thought Temari dourly. "I was just as surprised about this stop as much as all of you."

"Kazekage-sama is so cool and handsome." gushed Haruna. "Tell me Temari-sama, does Kazekage-sama have a girlfriend?"

Temari found herself wanting to be sucked under the water in a sudden whirlpool…never to be seen again. "If Kazekage-same has a girlfriend I've never heard about it." said the sandy blonde.

Airi smiled at her younger comrades. "Surely Temari-sama wouldn't want to pry into her Father's love life girls. Besides, I can't think of any single kunoichi in Suna that wouldn't love to date him; myself included."

"I agree entirely." said Chikako. "The Kazekage is a total dreamboat."

The eldest of the Sand Siblings simply sat there cringing as the other four kunoichi's carried on about how wonderful the Kazekage was. 'Someone please kill me now.' thought Temari.

…

Over on the men's side…

Gaara was soaking in the hot springs though it didn't do much for him. He was sitting alone with Kankuro. "What do you think is going on?" asked Kankuro. "This whole situation is surreal. Seeing the Kazekage being friendly to us is really disturbing."

"Baki-sensei just said to roll with it." said Gaara. "For once I'm inclined to agree with him although I still fail to see the point in this."

"It's probably not much of an experience with your sand armor up Gaara." said Kankuro. "Not that I'm suggesting you drop it or anything." The elder brother added hastily.

Gaara shrugged. "It is a waste of time but the Kazekage has ordered it so I guess we'll soak awhile. Baki-sensei is over there with Kazekage-sama. Perhaps they are plotting against me."

Kankuro sighed. "I doubt it Gaara but be on guard just in case."

"You look strange without your makeup." commented Gaara.

The puppet user ground his teeth. "It's war paint." he growled.

For a second there was a ghost of a smile on Gaara's face…

…

Konoha, South Gate

The ANBU team comprised of Dove, Bear and Gazeru met up and quickly took off at ninja speeds towards Outpost 6. "We should easily be there by afternoon." said Dove. "Assuming they are good to go we'll bring Yūgao and her ANBU Brats home tomorrow morning. If we are lucky we'll get back in time for the Kazekage's arrival and be able to help out."

Bear replied, "ANBU Brats or not I doubt they'll be able to keep up with us that well. They are only genins. Of course that's assuming they are in good enough shape to travel at high speeds to begin with."

'You'd all better be safe Naruto-kun. I'm really worried.' thought Hikari to herself.

Hikari was brought out of her reverie by Dove. "You okay there Gazeru? I know you just got out of physical therapy."

Gazeru nodded. "I'm fine Dove senpai. I was just concerned about Yūgao senpai and Fox-sensei. I still have a lot to learn from him."

Dove chuckled, "I was under the impression you had OTHER interests in ANBU Fox as well Gazeru. I heard he visited you every single day while you were in the medical ward."

Hikari was blushing under her mask. "Fox-sensei is a brilliant teacher…." defended Gazeru weakly. Dove just laughed at her younger comrade's expense.

…

Ninja Outpost Station Number 6

Naruto, Maya and Hinata were all up and showered before changing into some fresh uniforms for a late brunch. They were soon joined by their sensei Yūgao who was glad to see all her students looking healthy and well. "How are you feeling Maya?" asked the purple haired jonin kindly.

Maya said between bites, "Really hungry! But aside of that I'm just sore. I should be able to set out soon. When are we leaving Yūgao-sensei?"

"If we leave by noon we could easily make it back to Konoha by nightfall sensei." said Naruto.

Hinata added, "Well need to resupply here before we move out sensei. We went through a lot of rations and weapons in Tea Country."

Yūgao smiled at their enthusiasm. "There's no hurry kids. Captain Tenzō reported our situation to the Hokage and an ANBU team is being sent to escort us and our client back to Konoha tomorrow morning. If we were to run into more trouble on par with Natsume Shin's group we could be in real trouble and Hokage-sama doesn't want to risk it. Judging by the trip so far our client Natsuko is apparently a prime target for just about everybody."

"So Natsuko is travelling with us instead of heading back to the Nadeshiko Village?" asked Hinata in a flat tone.

Seeing Yūgao nod Maya asked, "Is our mission considered a failure because we didn't deliver her to the Fire Capital?"

Naruto said glumly, "The Fire Temple in the Capitol wouldn't pay us for delivering a kunoichi to them anyway is my guess."

"Actually there are several parties involved." explained Yūgao. "The Fire Temple paid us to deliver a Miko but we discovered the 'Miko' was actually a kunoichi so they still may have some obligation to pay us for discovering that because we protected them. That's up to the Hokage to negotiate. Also the Nadeshiko Village may need to pay part of the bill because they sent in one of their own in our territory and that could be considered an international incident though I doubt it will escalate to that level. It's a hard call that will probably take weeks and maybe some litigation to hammer out. Luckily for us we will be compensated for this mission from Konoha's vaults and all the other litigation will be handled by others."

"What rank is this mission even considered sensei?" asked Hinata. "Both Naruto-kun and Maya-chan were seriously hurt."

The purple haired sword mistress replied, "I'm not even sure what rank this mission should be considered now. All the insanity and battles we went through are worth a hell of a lot more than a C rank. That's for sure. The Hokage will have to review the situation in detail. The whole mess in Numa no Mura alone is more than most experienced ninjas could have survived. I'm very proud of all of you."

"I wonder what Hokage-Jiji is going to think about all this." pondered Naruto aloud.

"That's right!" exclaimed Yūgao. "In our absence Tsunade-sama was inaugurated as our honorable Fifth Hokage and Sarutobi-sama retired. I verified it with Captain Tenzō earlier when we received our instructions."

"Jiji retired?!" asked Naruto in shock.

"He retired before." said Yūgao humorously. "I think he earned it; don't you?"

"That means he's probably going to be spending more time with Hanako Obaa-chan." said Hinata with narrowed eyes. "He'd better not try anything perverted with her."

Maya's blue eyes glittered with malice. "We told him we were watching him but he may try to pull something while we're out on missions."

Yūgao was a bit amused and said, "Correct me if I'm wrong but Hanako-sama and Sarutobi-sama are consenting adults last time I checked. They legally can do whatever perverted things they want." The girls both blushed and Yūgao laughed.

Naruto was sitting there thinking about Sarutobi-Jiji and his picture of a teenaged Hanako Obaa-chan in her striped bikini. Naruto thought to himself, 'Yeah, the Old Man is a total pervert…'

…

Konoha, the Natsume Clan Home

The Third Hokage sneezed. 'Somebody must be talking about me.' Sarutobi Hiruzen and his grandson Konohamaru had gone over to the Natsume residence where Hiruzen planned to leave his grandson under Natsu's watchful eye while he and Hanako-chan went out for a nice lunch date…Alas, the best laid plans…

"Let's go to Amaguriama Sweets Shop after lunch Obaa-chan!" said Hanabi happily. Using the dreaded puppy eye no jutsu; Hanabi turned to Hiruzen, "Don't you and your grandson want to go there too, Hiruzen-sama?"

Hanako matched her granddaughter's terrible attack and said, "I'm sure the children would enjoy it Hiruzen-kun." The poor old man never stood a chance in hell. Hanako hid her smile as she watched Hiruzen melt under pressure a double puppy eye no jutsu.

Konohamaru was buckling as well and he was hardly old enough to understand the most terrifying jutsu in a woman's arsenal. Hiruzen patted Hanabi on the head and said with a weak smile of utter defeat. "Of course we can Hanabi-chan. I'm sure Konohamaru-kun would like that too."

Only decades of self-control kept Hanako from bursting into laughter at Hiruzen's expense. 'Ah, it seems Hanabi-chan has it too. I'm so proud to be a Grandmother right now!'

As Hanako and Hanabi went inside to get their sandals, Konohamaru said, "What just happened Jiji?"

Hiruzen answered, "Don't worry about it Konohamaru. It's an ancient spell that has rendered Sarutobi men defenseless since the dawn of time. It appears we are on a double date grandson of mine."

Soon Hanako and Hanabi came back with matching smiles on their faces and Hiruzen couldn't help but smile back. 'I swear Hanako-chan makes me feel like a teenage boy again.'

…

The town of Onsen no machi

The Kazekage and his entourage set out in the early afternoon. The morning's relaxation at the hot springs had everyone feeling refreshed and eager to head to Konoha…and the Sand Siblings were a bit confused. As they got back in travelling formation Temari and her brothers were discussing things quietly amongst themselves. Between love struck kunoichis and the Kazekage actually seeming…jovial all three of them were completely baffled. "Even Mother agrees this is not normal and wants to go home to Suna." whispered Gaara to his siblings.

"Finding out the Kazekage has a huge fan club of Suna kunoichi scares me too." said Kankuro. "What has he possibly got that we don't Gaara?"

"The Kazekage's popularity is baffling. Mother thinks so too." agreed Gaara.

Temari wanted to face palm. 'My brothers are actually behaving like ....brothers now. Maybe if I smack them both around a bit they'll start acting normally again…Then again, finding out a respected jonin kunoichi like Airi-san has a picture of the Kazekage on her dresser at home was too much information. The fact she wanted to know his favorite foods is worse. I'm glad the others already knew it is basically anything with meat. I almost blurted out that he is a vegan.' Turning to her two siblings she said, "We have to be strong and endure this trip. I'm sure once we get back to Suna things will return to normal. -It's that or I'll hang myself."

…

Ninja Outpost Station Number 6

Gazeru and her team arrived in the late afternoon and reported in to Captain Tenzō. They all saluted and Dove said, "ANBU Dove, Bear and Gazeru reporting. We are on escort detail for Team 11 and their client under the orders of the Fifth Hokage." She handed her orders over for inspection to Tenzō who confirmed them.

Tenzō said, "You'll have your hands full then, the client is a Nadeshiko Village chunin kunoichi who claims her village's convoluted laws require her to marry genin Uzumaki Naruto because he saved her life somehow or other."

A massive killing intent and the sound of grinding teeth came from behind Gazeru's mask made Dove and Bear slowly turn back to their younger teammate in fear. Gazeru hissed, "I'll just have to 'talk' to this Nadeshiko kunoichi and set her straight then, won't I?" Then she stormed back towards the common area.

Bear said unsteadily, "You must have nerves of steel Captain Tenzō. Dove and I were shaken by that killing intent. I never knew Gazeru had it in her."

Tenzō shrugged. "The two genin kunoichi's on Team 11 reacted the same way. Killing intent that potent is hard to find. I guess Uzumaki must be really popular with the ladies. I wonder how many casualties there will be."

…

Gazeru burst into the common area and saw Hinata sitting there at a lunch table looking peeved. Hinata looked up and said, "Hikari?"

Waving her finger in front of her mask in a shushing manner Hikari said, "I'm on duty; it's Gazeru."

"Oops." said Hinata covering her mouth. "What are you doing out here Gazeru? Not that I'm not happy to see you and all…"

Gazeru sat down opposite of Hinata and said, "My ANBU Team is here to escort your team back to Konoha. Captain Tenzō said that your client is a Nadeshiko kunoichi that is trying to steal Naruto-kun."

Hinata nodded. "She has a lot of gall. Her name is Natsuko and she's been trying to seduce Naruto-kun this entire mission. Now she's claiming that she is to marry Naruto-kun because he rescued her in Numa no Mura. Supposedly a Nadeshiko kunoichi is required to marry a ninja who has proven himself to be stronger than her in combat. It's some Nadeshiko Village law according to her."

What did Naruto-kun say?" asked Hikari.

"Naruto-kun said he already loves someone else and can't marry her." said Hinata. "That should have been the end of it but Natsuko won't take no for an answer and is doing her best to hang all over Naruto-kun. Maya-chan and I trust Naruto-kun but we're both very angry that she's messing with our man."

Gazeru sighed. "Well, it's not as bad as I expected. Where are Naruto-kun and Maya?"

"Maya is getting checked over by Doctor Kumadori and Naruto-kun is back in the bunk area working on a new fuinjutsu seal." said Hinata. "He is rather annoyed with Natsuko."

"I'm going to go see him then." said Hikari.

Hinata nodded as the purple haired ANBU kunoichi left to see Naruto.

…

Naruto was surprised to see Gazeru come in the room. He was even more surprised when she took her mask off and gave him a passionate kiss. When they separated, she gave him a big smile and her green eyes glittered with happiness. "I've missed you Naruto-kun. I'm so happy to see you."

The blonde seal master smiled happily and said, "I'm happy to see you too Hikari-chan. What brings you down to Outpost 6? Are you on a mission out here or can you talk about it?"

"My mission is to escort Team 11 and your client back to Konoha along with ANBU Bear and Dove." explained the kunoichi.

"It's a shame you have to keep your pretty face under a mask the whole trip." said Naruto.

Hikari giggled before she set her mask down. "It will just be something you can look forward to when we get back to Konoha." Then Hikari got more serious. "I heard you had a run in with Natume Shin. Is Maya okay?"

Naruto nodded, "Maya-chan got pretty beat up but she fended him off. She seems okay but I'm worried about her. That had to be a huge stressor. I plan to talk to her about it once we get back to Konoha."

"I'm sure all of you will need to see a Yamanaka after this." said Hikari. "You weren't meant to take on high level missing nins on just a C ranked escort mission."

"Compared to the village we had to destroy the missing nins were a cakewalk." replied Naruto with a shudder.

"What exactly happened?" asked Hikari with concern in her voice.

Naruto answered, "Until we clear the situation with the Hokage I'm not sure I can talk about it. Let's just say it was a living nightmare for now."

Hikari gave Naruto a warm hug. "Once we get back to Konoha we'll take care of all three of you Naruto-kun." The pair sat together talking about inconsequential things and were soon joined by Hinata and Maya. Naruto was happy to see all three girls were getting along so nicely. He hoped that Hikari-chan could 'officially' be his girlfriend as well with Maya-chan and Hinata-chan's approval.

After a quiet dinner everyone turned in a bit early so they could leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

Well, this was basically a filler chapter though that wasn't my original intention. Anyway, that pretty much wraps things up for the Tea Country Arc. I really planned to get everyone into Konoha in this chapter but the aftermath of last chapter took up way too much space. The Sand Siblings are banding together in total confusion in the face of Rasa actually trying to spoil them a bit. Natsuko seems to have fallen back on the old Nadeshiko laws out of the blue. More on that next chapter. The question is why? Hikari seems closer with Hinata and Maya than before as well. Next chapter the Kazekage's entourage will arrive and Team 11 will return to Konoha. See you next time. Blue out. 7/7/23