The Great Shrine of Flame

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I remembered the anime Kannagi (Crazy Shrine Maidens!) and it gave me the idea for this chapter which is a bit of a detour. I present to you chapter 21:

Last time:

Soon, using Hanabi's byakugan they were able to round everyone up and everyone agreed that cooking over a campfire would be a nice change of pace. An hour later they were all outside and Naruto pulled out a scroll. Channeling chakra into it he said, "Campfire." and a smaller scroll popped out. Setting the smaller scroll on the ground Naruto motioned everyone to stand back and channeled chakra to the small scroll while saying, "Unseal!" The scroll opened and a medium sized campfire appeared in all its glory.

Hikari gasped and said, "That's incredible Naruto-kun!" Everyone soon sat down peacefully and had a nice dinner together.

Hanako watched as Hinata, Maya and Hikari all vied for Naruto's attention. 'This Hikari girl has it bad for Naruto-kun and he doesn't have a clue as far as I can tell. It seems it will fall into Maya-chan and Hinata-chan's hands to explain things to Hikari-san. Judging by the looks on their faces they know it too. Ah, to be young, foolish and in love again. On the positive side, Hikari-san is already in ANBU so she's no weakling. She's also quite stunning. She also seems genuinely interested in Naruto-kun as opposed to some sycophant interested in his money. The way he hides it I wonder if Hikari-san even knows that Naruto-kun has any money. He's very conservative with his spending. I suppose it comes from years of being poor. Hopefully it won't break out into a catfight. I really don't need that kind of headache this evening.'

…

Chapter 21

Konoha

It was Saturday morning and a very grumpy Uzumaki Naruto reported to the Hokage's office with his rough draft of his fuinjutsu book duly in hand. He was in his ANBU Fox gear and was being escorted by his student Gazeru. He had to spend the whole morning going over his notes and rewriting things neatly for his presentation. (So much for sleeping in). Gazeru showing up at his door to escort him was unexpected and for some reason or other Hinata and Maya were less than thrilled about his 'escort.' (They knew exactly who Gazeru was from her body language around their boyfriend).

At any rate, Naruto's goal was to get the notes handed off to Jiji as quickly as possible and run back home to have lunch with Maya-chan and Hinata-chan. Then the three of them were going to a movie come hell or high water!

When they arrived at the Hokage's Office Gazeru knocked and said "ANBU Agents Gazeru and Fox reporting as ordered Hokage-sama." After receiving permission to enter she whispered. "Be formal Fox; this is very important to or village's future development."

Naruto nodded but inside he thought everyone was blowing this completely out of proportion. To Naruto he felt his book was rather mediocre but everyone else was singing praises about it. When he and Gazeru entered they found ANBU Dragon and Senju Tsunade were in the Hokage's office as well. Just as importantly, they were waiting on either side of Hiruzen so it was quite obvious they were going to be examining it too. Naruto fought off the urge to bang his head on the wall as Gazeru closed the door behind them.

Hiruzen said, "Welcome Fox and Gazeru. As this is highly classified, I'll activate the silencing seals." He quickly went through the hand signs and activated the seals causing a brief glow on the walls. "It is safe now. Please remove your masks and we-"

"Wait." said Fox. "This soundproof seal isn't sufficient enough for safety." Tsunade raised an eyebrow at her younger cousin as he quickly pulled out a scroll and slapped it on the floor and quietly said, "Disrupt." Four glowing seals quickly revealed themselves on the walls of unknown origins. Each made a loud popping noise as they were disrupted and the seals became visible in their ink forms. Naruto nodded to himself and said, "Surveillance seals." He examined them carefully one by one and said, "I'd estimate this one is Danzo's work from studying his style. Let's find out where they all lead shall we?"

Hiruzen was flabbergasted. "Can you tell who might have been listening in Fox?"

Fox's smiling mask fit Naruto's mood perfectly. "They still are listening. I'll need a good sensor nin with range all over Konoha. I didn't destroy the seals; they are still active but right now it's as if something was set against them, so all sounds are muffled. We'll soon find them Hokage-sama; that I promise you."

Ten minutes later a Yamanaka ANBU ninja without a mask arrived along with and ANBU squad and the situation was explained to them. Naruto said, "I'm going to send three chakra pulses through this seal and I want you to see if you can detect them. Unless I miss my guess, they will be at the residence of Shimura Danzo. Just tell me when you are ready."

The Yamanaka (he introduced himself as Hiro) raised an eyebrow and then activated his sensory jutsu. "I'm ready ANBU Fox." Naruto nodded and channeled three pulses before the Yamanaka's eyes opened wide. "I have a lock on it Fox. It's due West. If you continue the pulses, I can lead my team right to it."

Hiruzen said. "Go Hiro. You and your squad report in by radio when you've located it."

Dragon hummed. "You think this links up to that receiver seal you identified in Danzo's office don't you Fox?"

They could practically see Naruto's eyes glittering behind his mask. "Yes Commander Dragon, that's exactly what I believe."

Twenty minutes later they received confirmation from Yamanaka Hiro. Following the same procedure, they traced the second seal. It led back to the Senju Clan Compound to the personal office of Senju Tobirama, the Second Hokage. Hiro and the others found it under a layer of dust with Jiraiya and Mito's help. "That sounds just like my Granduncle." said Tsunade. "He always was just a bit paranoid."

"Tobirama sensei was always a very vigilant leader." said Hiruzen with mirth in his voice. "That seal probably hasn't been used in several decades."

The third seal was simple because Naruto was receiving feedback from it. "It no longer has a counterpart seal to receive. It's either been moved or destroyed somehow." Receiving a nod from Hiruzen Naruto moved to the fourth and final seal. After several attempts Hiro and his squad detected nothing. Naruto said, "The receiver seal has been shielded with additional chakra seals." He narrowed his eyes behind his mask and said, "We'll just see about that..."

Naruto quickly got out a scroll and started rapidly making and unusual seal that didn't look familiar to Hiruzen at all. Tsunade's eyes widened. 'It's just like watching Mito Obaa-sama or Kushina-chan!' she thought in amazement.

Naruto soon said "Seal." quietly and then placed that seal over the listening seal they couldn't track. He contacted Hiro through the radio and said menacingly, "Listen for the screams." A second after one of the houses in the residential district was nearly deafened by a high-pitched shriek and Yamanaka Hiro's group and several other ANBU squads quickly converged on the scene.

"We found the seal!" yelled Hiro over the radio. "Please turn this damned noise off Fox! We're going deaf here!" Naruto stopped channeling chakra and the noise ceased immediately. "Thank the gods..." Hiro muttered over the radio.

"What kind of a seal is that Fox?" asked Hiruzen with great interest.

Naruto took the seal down and rolled it up. "It's a modification of an old Uzu seal called 'scream.' It was designed for alarm purposes in case someone invaded your home and it would wake up the whole neighborhood. I just tweaked it so I could transmit it through a chakra burst and it made the noise come out of the receiver seal."

"How long have you known this modified 'scream' seal?" asked Tsunade. "It's amazing that there was a seal in existence just for that purpose."

Naruto kind of shrugged. "I didn't know it Tsunade-sama; I just came up with it."

Everyone in the room's eyes got wide as Tsunade said incredulously, "You just invented it? Right here on the spot?"

Naruto nodded. "Yes, it was just a simple matter of changing the formulas a bit on an existing seal. I really didn't 'invent' anything."

"It's just like Mito-sama was." said Hiruzen. "She routinely created complex seals and designs and then acted as if it was effortless for her. I didn't realize your skill was at this level Fox. What level of mastery are you at by Uzu standards in your estimation Fox?"

"I'm only around level eight Hokage-sama." said Naruto rather shyly.

"Only level eight you say?" asked Hiruzen. 'You've got to be kidding me! He's above the level of an Uzu Jonin! He's at least Kushina-chan's level if he hasn't already surpassed her...and he's only sixteen years old. He'll be at Mito-sama's level within a few years if not sooner.' The Hokage said seriously, "Your ancestors would be proud of you Fox. I have no doubt in my mind."

Naruto swallowed a lump in his throat. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

"Is this room secure now Fox?" asked the aged Hokage.

Naruto created another seal and within a minute placed it on the floor. He channeled chakra through it and lines and ornate designs went up the walls before they flashed. "The room is fully secured now Hokage-sama." he said.

"Gazeru and Fox, please remove your masks." As they did, Hiruzen said, "I meant what I said Naruto-kun; you ancestors would truly be proud. As for being 'only' level eight; you've already surpassed Jiraiya as this village's greatest seal master."

Hikari was smiling in amazement at Naruto's actions. 'Yes! If that doesn't prove you are the best Naruto-kun; then nothing will.' she thought as she blushed slightly.

"Both of you take a seat; I'm interested in this book of yours." said the Hokage as he took a more relaxed stance.

Naruto sat down and said, "Thanks Hokage-Jiji." Hikari nearly face faulted as Hiruzen laughed at her expression along with Tsunade's shocked one.

"I guess the time for formalities is over, eh Naruto-kun?" chuckled Hiruzen. "Well, that's fine. I want you to tell me about this book instead of report about it anyway…"

…

Saturday didn't turn out as planned. Naruto was stuck in ANBU duties making a new permanent privacy seal for the Hokage's office and then was involved in the investigation of the receiver seal in the residential district. As it turned out the seal was of Kumo origin and the family that owned the place didn't even know it existed. It seemed the spy that was using it left Konoha about a decade ago…It was just one more reason Dragon wanted to have Naruto start checking the seals around the village for the upcoming conflict. "So much for my plans this weekend…" moaned Naruto.

"Consider this job security Fox." supplied Gazeru helpfully. (She was really enjoying watching Naruto work his magic with seals –plus he was always fun to be around). Naruto just groaned.

The upcoming week would turn out odd for Naruto as well…

…

Later that week; Fire Country, The Great Shrine of Flame

It was Wednesday and the Advanced Genin Class was performing their first real mission; they were acting as undercover bodyguards at the Great Shrine of Flame which was about a ten kilometer trip from Konoha. A very high-ranking Priest was there for the Festival of Flame and it was the genin's job was to keep him out of trouble. Apparently (for some odd reason) there had been some threats against his person at the Fire Capitol the last time he was there though nothing ever surfaced. The boys in the Advanced Genin Class were in the small town that surrounded the Shrine dressed as civilians who had come to attend the holy festival. They were under the supervision of Lee and Neji and would form an outer line of defense if necessary.

The girls on the other hand were inside the Shrine dressed as Miko so they would be able to form an inner line of defense around High Priest Wataru. They were under the supervision of Hikari (who was pulled from ANBU duty for this mission just in case) and Tenten. Hikari's side job was to keep an eye on Yakumo. The Kurama heiress only joined the class Monday and she'd already been thrown into a situation that she probably wasn't prepared for. Uzuki Yūgao and Maito Gai were also there hidden somewhere but the ANBU Brats were pretty much on their own. Yūgao said she and Gai would be monitoring from the shadows but would remain uninvolved.

…

Flashback…

On Monday the Hokage was talking with the High Priestess Miwa-sama of the Great Shrine of Flame about the mission parameters. "Hokage-sama, we have no idea why there would be threats against High Priest Wataru-sama. When his predecessor passed away there was a great deal of sadness but I don't think there was a speck of ill will against him in his entire life. As we are concerned for Wataru-sama's safety having a small group of ninja around just in case would be a great relief."

Hiruzen sighed. "It isn't so much the issue of sending a couple of teams to help Miwa-sama. It's the matter that you need several young kunoichi dressed as Shrine Maidens. We just don't have enough free kunoichi of that age group to pull in the numbers you've requested. They are needed on their own teams they are assigned to." Hiruzen held his hand up to forestall Miwa's arguments before she started up again. "The money isn't an issue Miwa-sama; Konoha has always supported both the Shrine of Flame and the Fire Temple. They are both national treasures of Fire Country. It is rather a lack of manpower or rather, woman power in this case."

The aged Hokage pondered a few moments and then motioned to one of his ANBU. "Boar; retrieve Uzuki Yūgao from her class. I have an idea and I need her input." Boar bowed and vanished in a body flicker. He returned with Yūgao about ten minutes later.

"Reporting as ordered Hokage-sama." said Yūgao as she bowed formally.

Hiruzen nodded. "I have a mission here that will last Tuesday through Saturday. It is very basic guard duty at the Shrine of Flame that genin can easily accomplish. I'm wondering if your students would be up to the task. I need eight kunoichi of a young age group to impersonate young Miko hired for the Festival of Flame coming up this weekend. They will double as covert bodyguards for the visiting High Priest who is going to be at the shrine for the festival." He handed the mission parameters over to Yūgao and the purpled haired ANBU sword mistress looked it over carefully.

Finally Yūgao asked High Priestess Miwa, "So everyone in the Shrine of Flame is female? Is this a religious doctrine I've never heard of?"

Miwa shook her head 'no.' "It's simply a long standing tradition at our particular shrine Yūgao-san. It's not some sort of convent. Most of my followers live in the small town that surrounds the shrine with their husbands and families. The kunoichi would be housed in the shrine dormitories on site of course."

Yūgao nodded. "I believe my students will be up to the task with the possible exception of Yakumo. I can have the new tutor Tenten act in a chunin capacity over three of them but I'll need another girl to watch over the other three."

Hiruzen could read between the lines and knew Yūgao already had someone in mind. "Who would you recommend for that position Uzuki?"

"ANBU Gazeru. She already knows my class and they are comfortable around her. She could protect Kurama Yakumo should it become necessary. I could station the boys in the town proper for additional protection. It would be a good learning experience for them all. I believe it could be worked into the schedule despite the missed class time."

"Well, it seems the issue is solved Miwa-sama." said Hiruzen with a warm smile. "I have eight kunoichi Miko for you and eight additional ninja that can keep an eye on the town. They are young but you will be in good hands. What do you say?"

Miwa sighed in relief. "I am ever so grateful Hokage-sama. I'll need to inspect the kunoichi's since we have to comport ourselves a certain way in both manners and appearance at the Shrine of Flame."

….

High Priestess Miwa soon inspected the eight young kunoichi and found they were all too alluring for her tastes (Let's face it; kunoichi were trained to be that way). At any rate, all of the girls were to wear their hair in conservative ponytails which meant Tenten couldn't wear her hair in her usual buns and Emi had the get rid of her fancy ringlets and get her hair straightened much to her irritation. Hinata was also to wear contact lenses to hide her Hyūga heritage. All in all, Miwa was happy with the six Academy Students plus Tenten and Hikari. The girls underwent basic training of how they were supposed to carry themselves and found it was simple enough…

Flashback end…

"Alright ladies." said Hikari as she inspected the girls in their dormitory to make sure their assorted weapons were well hidden under their Miko robes. "We're going to have two squads of four. The first will be myself; Yakumo, Emi and Hinata. The second will consist of Tenten, Sakara, Ino and Maya. Any questions before we head out?" Hearing a chorus of 'no's' Hikari said. "Let's get to work then."

…

Meanwhile, out in the village surrounding the shrine…

Kiba was observing the girls through binoculars as the kunoichi came out of the Miko's quarters they were staying in. He was drooling. "Duhuhuh…Miko outfits are the best!"

"Can you see the youthful flower Sakura-chan?" asked Lee with hearts in his eyes. It was love at first sight for Lee when he met Sakura on Monday. (For her part she was terrified).

The dog ninja nodded as he continued to stare through the binoculars. "Sure I can see Sakura but why? I mean there's Emi…and Maya…and Hikari…and Hinata…look at all that bounce…"

"We get the idea!" growled Naruto. "They are women; not pieces of meat!" The idea of Kiba eyeing his girlfriends was pissing the blonde off. He didn't want Kiba gawking at Hikari and Emi either and that irritated him too.

Shino said, "We shouldn't make our surveillance too obvious. If the townsfolk see you with binoculars up there so conspicuously, they are going to get suspicious of our presence."

…

At the other end of the shrine village…

Neji, Choji, Shikamaru, Sai were observing the same thing from their vantage point. Neji said, "It looks like they've blended in well enough. Choji, must you continually munch on those chips? The noise is starting to grate on my nerves."

"Sorry but I already ate all the ice cream and muffins." said Choji. "Chips are just noisy, I guess. I'll try to crunch quieter."

Sai was about to say something rude about Choji's plumpness but Shikamaru slapped his hand over Sai's mouth and said, "Not one troublesome word out of you Sai." Seeing Sai nod uncomfortably Shikamaru released the pale boy and scooted back to his spot in the shade and started dozing again…

…

Thursday…

In a great deal of fanfare High Priest Wataru arrived and the boys were in nearby positions to assure his safety. The bald, elderly priest seemed to be a very outgoing and friendly person and from what the young ninja could tell; he didn't have a care in the world. He did have two Samurai guards but neither was really close enough to protect the High Priest should an assassination attempt take place. Neji was keeping both of the boys' squads apprised of the situation with his byakugan in case they had to move in.

Kiba and Naruto were together near the gates as a rear guard. "The old man's a sitting duck!" whispered Kiba. "Any single one of us could take him out without breaking a sweat."

Naruto nodded. "Those two Samurai should be right there with him and their stances are totally relaxed. This could be bad…"

Neji and Lee were discussing the situation by radio. "The situation is most unyouthful Neji!" said Lee. "The Samurai we've met in our travels were very professional and observant but these two seem to not possess those youthful traits. I think one of them may be sleeping on the job."

"I understand Lee but we have to make do with what we have." said Neji. "Shikamaru already estimated that you and Shino to the left are the most likely to be able to intervene should and attack arise. Sai and Choji would arrive from the right side shortly after you. Stay sharp."

In spite of how tense the eight young ninja were; nothing happened and soon High Priest Wataru-sama was safely inside the Great Shrine of Flame. The boys quietly regrouped and started patrolling in pairs watching out for trouble in the shrine village…

…

Inside the shrine…

"I welcome you to the Great Shrine of Flame Wataru-sama. It is good to see you have made it here safely." said High Priestess Miwa in a relieved tone.

The old priest laughed. "The enlightened have no reason to fear Miwa-sama. Still, I am glad to be here. It has been a long trip. It is nice to finally meet you in person. Once I've rested a little bit, I'd like to review your followers; they are the future that will lead the younger generations someday."

Miwa nodded. "Of course, Waturu-sama. Please enjoy our hospitality."

After dinner the Priestesses were all gathered and High Priest Wataru went around and spoke to them individually. He seemed like a kindly, rather charming old gentlemen until he started picking out the priestess he could feel were 'enlightened.' "Now this is enlightenment!" declared the old priest as he pointed directly at Emi; or rather Emi's breasts. If it wasn't for all her kunoichi training, she would have broken out in an enormous blush at being singled out like that. Things went predictably downhill from there…It seemed that young, busty women were very enlightened and older and/or less endowed women didn't make the cut.

By the end of the evening most of the priestesses regardless of age (and build) were muttering mutinously among themselves. The kunoichi gathered in their dormitory to have a 'discussion.' "It seems half of us don't 'stack up' girls." grumbled Ino irritably. "The old geezer is obsessed with big racks. I'm not that small. How insulting."

"I'd rather not have been picked!" growled Maya. "After all that eye humping that old lecher was doing, I feel like I need a damn pregnancy test!"

"I feel like I'm dirty and need to take a bath." agreed Hinata grumpily.

Hikari sighed. 'We're protecting a disgusting old pig.' "Unfortunately, due to the High Priest's requests we have to rearrange our teams. Tenten; you, Yakumo, Ino and Sakura will be patrolling the outer areas. I want you and Yakumo to be partners and Ino and Sakura will be partners. The rest of us will be stuck in the inner areas catering to the High Priest so count yourselves lucky."

Seeing the stares from Tenten's team; Emi said, "Besides; it wasn't just us four! He picked out a lot of women besides Hinata, Maya, Hikari and I. It's embarrassing!"

"And all of them coincidentally have big breasts." griped Ino. "Say something Forehead! You got stuck on Team Molehill instead of Team Mountain too."

"Internal dissention isn't going to help us at all girls." said Tenten. "I don't like this blatant sexism either, but we have a job to do."

"Right." agreed Hikari. "We have to do the best we can in spite of this obstacle. Now let's try to figure out our patrol routes…"

…

Out in the village…

Neji's group was eating at the inn they were staying in listening to several conversations going on around them. Most of the men from outside of town were there to smack around Wataru-sama it seemed. They all were grumbling he was a dirty old man and had been hitting on or making passes at the men's wives, girlfriends, mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins, etc. As the list of offences continued to grow and Neji's entire group had a sinking feeling. After dinner they went up to the room where they were bunking in to discuss this.

"We are faced with an overwhelming number of angry civilian males that seem intent on doing High Priest Wataru harm." said Sai.

Shikamaru nodded. "I'd say that sums it up pretty nicely."

"Hearing some of the stuff the old priest did I don't blame them for being angry." said Choji.

"It's disgusting seeing him abusing his position of authority that way." agreed Neji indignantly. "Nevertheless, we are supposed to protect the High Priest."

…

On the opposite side of the village…

"It's so unyouthful!" declared Lee. "He could be attempting the very virtue of Sakura-chan and our other youthful comrades as we speak."

"Calm down Lee." said Naruto. "The girls can handle him. What I want to know is how we are going to handle this growing mob."

Shino said, "On the positive side this mob seems to be made up of small groups of angry civilians that are not organized as one group. It's highly unlikely that they are going to attack en masse."

Kiba was rubbing his head. "What I want to know is how he got to be a High Priest if he's such a dirty old man to begin with."

…

Inside the Shrine that evening…

Wataru said, "Thank you for helping me get unpack Emi-chan. Such a righteous girl as yourself is destined to go places…"

Emi's skin was crawling as the old man's eyes took a walk all over her body. 'Hehehe. It's time for old wandering hands Wataru to make his move.' thought the old lecher as he reached for Emi's firm rear end.

The red haired kunoichi reacted on instinct and quickly lifted the multi kilogram trunk that all of his belongings were in and set it down on his 'wandering hand.' "So, where would you like for me to put your trunk Wataru-sama?" Emi asked smiling sweetly as she pushed down on the trunk to squash the offending appendage further.

Waturu's hand and libido were being crushed and his eyes were wide with pain. He squeaked out, "Please set it in the corner Emi-chan."

"Will there be anything else before you retire for the evening Wataru-sama?" asked Emi innocently.

"No, no Emi-chan. Thank you for your help and have a good evening." said Wataru in a high-pitched voice.

Emi was smiling evilly as she closed the door behind her…

…

Friday morning…

Hinata delivered breakfast to the High Priest in his sleeping quarters that morning. Waturu smiled at her lecherously. "Such an enlightened young priestess as yourself could go many places Hinata-chan. For the right favors I could put in a good word for you with the higher ups. What do you say Hinata-chan?" he asked as he reached for her breasts. "Oooops; my hand slipped." Wataru said with a giggle.

Alas, Wataru was stopped cold before he could make contact by a wall of killing intent so thick that it was like a force field freezing him in place. Hinata's byakugan glare was terrifyingly effective even from behind her brown contact lenses. "If you lay one dirty finger on me, I will remove what makes you a man Wataru-sama." she said in a tone that would freeze hell. (It seemed Hanako Obaa-chan was rubbing off on her more than she realized). Then Hinata said regally, "Will there be anything else Wataru-sama?" Seeing his pale white face shaking his head 'no' rapidly Hinata said, "Then I'll take my leave. Do enjoy your breakfast ALONE Wataru-sama."

…

Friday afternoon a young priestess went to Miwa-sama terribly upset about the things High Priest Wataru said to her over lunch. Miwa was outraged and had the girl pulled from her duties.

…

Friday Evening…

Hikari had been forewarned by Emi, Hinata and High Priestess Miwa-sama about Wataru-sama's atrocious behavior. Deciding she wanted to nip the old man's behavior in the bud she decided to take the role of a clumsy airhead she brought in his dinner. "Hello Waturu-sama! I am Priestess Hikari and I've brought you your dinner."

"That's lovely my dear Hikari-chan." said Wataru. He giggled lecherously. "Have you considered your future as a priestess?" Sadly for Wataru all his efforts seemed to be wasted as the ditzy young woman didn't seem to understand one witty inference or clever innuendo he made and every time he tried to lay a hand on her she would glide out of his way to get something. After a half hour of this bizarre game of cat and mouse and getting nowhere; Wataru thought to himself, 'By the gods! What is it going to take to get a piece of her sweet ass?!'

"Would you like some more tea Wataru-sama?" asked Hikari in a spacey tone with an equally flakey smile. 'I'm nearly at my limit! I hate playing stupid and this old geezer is even worse than I imagined!' She started pouring Wataru's tea as he gawked at her breasts as she drew near.

"Oooops!" said Wataru as his hand reached for Hikari's thigh…

"Oooops!" said Hikari as she 'accidentally' poured boiling tea on the old man's crotch…

Hikari made it back to the dormitory the kunoichi were using with her virtue intact needless to say. The twinkle in her green eyes was telling. It seemed that scalding tea was a real turn off for old High Priest Wataru…

…

Saturday morning…

"The Festival of Flame is this evening and the natives are getting restless!" said Neji over the radio to Tenten.

"It's not much better on this end Neji." answered Tenten. "The old man has made passes at almost every Priestess he can get alone and they are threatening to revolt. Hikari is talking to Miwa-sama about the problem now."

Neji got a shocked tone in his voice and said, "Did he make a pass at Hikari?"

Tenten sighed. "He's made passes at Hikari, Hinata and Emi. Currently Maya is serving him breakfast and he'll probably make a pass at her too."

"He made a pass at Hinata-sama?!" asked Neji with rage in his voice.

"No need to worry Neji." replied Tenten. "He is absolutely terrified of Hinata now. I don't know what was said but he hides if he sees Hinata coming." The mirth in her voice was obvious to Neji over the radio.

"Still…he should be punished." said Neji.

Tenten took a placating tone. "Neji, you and Lee just keep the mobs outside the shrine under control and Hikari and I will try to control the mob of angry priestesses inside the shrine in order. I've got to go. I'll relay your message to Hikari. Tenten out."

"Neji out." acknowledged the male Hyūga in the party.

…

Saturday afternoon…

Maya and Emi were taking care of the old priest since he was supposed to give a grand opening speech at the Festival of Flame that evening. He'd made numerous passes at both of them when Maya came up with a devious plan. "It's simple Emi. The old pervert is always drinking water like he's dying of thirst so we put a tiny bit of wine in it. As he gets comfy, we add a little more and a little more until the geezer is completely tanked. He'll make a fool out of himself at the festival and the crowd will demand his dismissal later."

"It sounds like something Naruto-kun would do." said Emi smiling evilly. "It's a lot less destructive than what I had in mind."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "And what might that have been Emi-chan?"

"I wanted to tie him up, stuff a demolition level exploding tag in his shorts with one of Naruto-kun's delayed timer tags and get the hell out of town." said Emi malevolently.

"Too much collateral damage but a good thought." chuckled Maya darkly. "Hikari and Hinata-chan had some interesting ideas too."

"They had ideas too?" Emi's blue green eyes were sparkling with mischief. "Tell me what they were!"

Maya smiled maliciously. "Well, Hikari wanted to burn the old man at the stake since this was the 'Festival of Flame'. You have to admit it would go with the theme but there would be too many witnesses."

"And Hinata-chan's idea?" asked Emi with glee in her voice.

"Hinata-chan wants to drive tent spikes into the old man's eyeballs with a mallet….one agonizing whack at a time." said Maya in a dark tone.

"Damn!" laughed Emi. "That's so grisly and brutal! I wonder what he did to make the always kind Hinata-chan that angry."

"I don't know." answered Maya. "But I did make her promise to tell me once this mission is over."

…

And so, Maya and Emi slowly got High Priest Wataru more and more inebriated as the afternoon wore on. By the time the festival was ready to begin a six in the evening the old man was completely wasted. The two kunoichi made sure he wasn't so far gone that he couldn't give his speech but aside of that the Honorable Wataru-sama was totally tanked.

Emi and Maya were both smiling with gleaming eyes as the High Priest stumbled up to the podium to give his speech. Then Wataru suddenly regained his composure and said in a rich voice filled with years of authority, "As the High Priest of Fire Country I am so honored to be opening the Festival of Flame here at the Great Shrine of Flame. In my years of experience rising up through the ranks I have…"

"It seems Wataru-sama is going from memory." said Emi feeling both vexed and disappointed. "If I didn't know the kind of person he was I'd say this speech was inspiring. Do you think he was faking us out Maya-chan?"

"No, I don't." said Maya in a calculative tone. "I think he's giving this grand speech as a result of years of conditioned reflex." She picked up a tiny pebble and flicked it into the back of Wataru's bald head using chakra. The old man rubbed his head and blinked for a moment since his thoughts were jarred off course by the tiny impact against his lecherous skull.

The crowd listened in silence as High Priest Wataru regained his bearings and resumed his eloquent speech…

"Opai, Opai, Opai! I am the harem king!" yelled the drunken Wataru to the heavens above. "I want all the blessed children with D cups or larger to stand before me and shake it like you mean it!"

Everyone was shocked at the inebriated old man's speech to open the Festival of Flame. His drunken declarations were getting worse and worse by the second. There was a great silence and then a quiet murmuring before High Priestess Miwa stepped in and took action.

Miwa lost it and screamed, "Feel the heaven's wrath you dirty old lecher!" as her fist hit his jaw with a satisfying crunch.

Hikari tried to intervene and said, "Stop Miwa-sama!"

Miwa turned to Hikari and said, "You and your kunoichi have done an admirable job. But now it is completed and that old coot is going to get what he so rightfully deserves! Get him girls!"

Pandemonium ensued as High Priest Wataru received a righteous ass kicking at the hands of the enlightened Priestesses of the Great Shrine of Flame. The amount of sheer feminine fury was staggering as the males in the crowd who had come to beat up the old codger decided it would be best to remain uninvolved. Wataru would wake up from his near coma in a body cast at a hospital some time later…

On the positive side, no one in Fire Country doubted the righteousness of High Priestess Miwa-sama and her followers and the Festival of Flame was a huge success for them. The bewildered members of the Advanced Genin Class set out for home Sunday morning after receiving great praise from Miwa-sama for their diligent work and a commendation from her to the Hokage.

All in all, it had been a very disillusioning first mission…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

Yes, Wataru's speech was influenced by High School DxD. I've never seen it but between the trailers and previews I've seen I know the main character is some sort of young Jiraiya level pervert. It seems like I recall him saying something to the effect of being a harem king. Anyway, now that our little mission is aside, we'll be heading back to Konoha. See you next chapter. Blue out. 6/17/23