Eroninja

Kyuubi was waiting in the woods several miles from the prison having used her variant of the Hiraishin to teleport to a marker Nibi had left before running into the Anbu patrol led by Yuugao. She had considered Hiraishining directly into the prison but considering they didn't exactly know the security layout of the prison both she and Nibi considered it too great a risk. Instead the two-tailed cat believed she could extract herself with a minimal of fuss. Still if her fellow Bijuu didn't show in the next several minutes Kyuubi would be forced to return to the village since Ino and a rare appearance by Shiho the two currently assigned to observing her would be relieved and replaced by two not aligned with Naruto. She'd reappear the next day at a different time to see if Nibi was waiting for her.

It proved unnecessary though when with a rustle of leaves a naked and dirty Nibi, still looking like the assassin whose body she now possessed, dropped down in front of her. "My, what interesting attire you choose to make your exit in."

"Oh shut up," Nibi replied unamused by the smirk on Kyuubi's face. "I had to wait in a freezer while keeping my body functioning at the same time as I needed to keep it in a death like state. Do you know how hard it is to do all that?"

"I'd imagine it would be rather difficult."

"That's putting it mildly," Nibi said, "Luckily this Akame character didn't want my body lying around when Ibiki showed up, so the guards that took me down to the morgue slipped another body's toetag that was scheduled to be cremated on to me."

"I can't imagine he'll be too thrilled with that. I mean his best lead as to how the assassins got into the village ends up dead and then any evidence on where they came from goes up with the body due to a paperwork error. They're just asking for an investigation of the prison. Something I'm sure they'd be hoping to avoid."

Nibi just shrugged saying, "They're probably planning to pin the screw-up with the bodies on the attendant in the morgue. He's a civilian and a creep." Kyuubi raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner to which Nibi responded, "The bastard groped me before sticking me in the oven. What kind of sick fuck feels up a corpse?"

"Someone who has probably spent too much time with them, and will probably make an excellent sap to pin the screw up on."

Nibi nodded before saying, "Well in any case, I think it's time I say good bye to this form."

"You might want to take it slow," Kyuubi attempted to say but before she got past 'you' Nibi doubled over in pain as her features began to bubble and shift about. As her face began taking on that of the woman she had looked like in the seal, her skin also darkened to match. Falling to her knees, her hair grew out and began to turn purple which spilled out over her back. Sighing at Nibi's impetuousness since she knew what she'd be expecting next, Kyuubi finished her sentence and waited for the changes to finish. Advertisements

Nibi stood up with a grunt of pain saying, "You could have warned me how much that would hurt."

"I tried," Kyuubi replied and handed her a package, "In any case here." Nibi pulled the string that was tied around the brown paper. Pulling the paper away she saw replicas of the clothes that she had worn inside the seal. Kyuubi could see that Nibi was pleased so said, "I thought you'd like something akin to what you wore while training in your seal."

"These look exactly like them," Nibi said holding open the jacket.

"I have a good eye for detail. Use the scarf to cover your head when entering the village since I didn't know what you'd look like I said I never saw you unmasked. Also tucked inside with the rest of your clothes are forged documents from the Land of Lightning. Although they're the official documents, all the information is fake. I need to get back less my absence is noticed."

Nibi nodded saying, "I'll see you inside the village then, and be sure Naruto is waiting because I can't wait to test out this body."

Kyuubi grimaced having expected something like that so said bluntly, "I'm afraid for you, me, and one other our Naruto time is going to be nonexistent for the foreseeable future."

"What why?"

"Because if I'm guessing right once you return to the village we're all going to be watched like hawks."

"T-that's not fair," Nibi whined childishly.

"What part of our lives up to now has been fair," Kyuubi said with a small shrug. About to teleport away she remembered something she had wanted to point out to Nibi so said, "Oh by the way, I think you'll enjoy Yugito's contribution to the documents she procured for you."

As Kyuubi disappeared in fire and light, Nibi searched the pile of cloths for the paperwork she'd need to establish an identity in Konoha. Pulling it out she wondered what Kyuubi had meant until she read the name that had been entered into the form, "Yoruichi Shihôin." Smiling gently Nibi decided to quickly dress and return to the Leaf village. She'd study the other papers to learn more about the backstory she'd need to give to those in charge of village security, and hoped they'd quickly come to believe she wasn't a threat since she wanted to experience all that being a human had to offer.

*****

Despite the number of water clones that kept throwing themselves against the ice encasing her and in turn freezing to make it thicker, Kushina was easily able to bust free sending ice shrapnel everywhere. Most of the remaining clones were destroyed under the barrage, and the few that remained didn't last much longer as her hair took on the form of several tails and spreading all around her impaled those that remained. As the clones turned back into water, Kushina searched about looking for the real Haku, but could find no sign of the missing-nin. That was until appearing from a puddle of ice behind her, Haku attacked delivering a kick to the side of the Kushina possessed Naruto's head. Kushina reacted immediately swinging around behind her as she turned to face the threat, but Haku ducked beneath the blow and struck Kushina in the face with a palm strike.

Kushina's head rocked back, but a chakra claw appeared from her chest and buried itself in Haku's. The long nails appeared from Haku's back clamping down to hold the missing-nin in place. Channeling her energy into Haku, she began to construct a new body by converting the matter of the ash surrounding the sacrifice as well as the cement beneath their feet. For the first time since the fight began Haku screamed in pain, but it was soon joined by a second voice as the sacrifice began to appear from out of Haku's back as if pushed out as the Ice User became more rooted in the living world. Kushina could see that the sacrifice had been a young woman about Naruto's age who was wearing a headband from a village whose symbol she didn't recognize. Once the kunoichi appeared fully she collapsed to the ground appearing physically unharmed confirming to Kushina the body had been held in flux in some pocket dimension between the two worlds. Once fully free of Haku the sound kunoichi hit the ground hard as she hadn't even tried to brace her fall still unconscious or even dead. Kushina watched the girl out of the corner of her eye for a moment to see which it was and seeing her chest moving kept her guard up in case she proved to be a threat.

Kushina began to tire which surprised her considering she had the power of the nine-tails at her disposal but figured that actually creating a body by converting the matter of the environment was a difficult thing even for a Bijuu. Digging deep into her reserves, Haku's body began to slide off her claws as it became more and more solid almost like how a kunai would be pushed out as a wound quickly healed from the inside out. Guessing that meant it was nearly over she channeled more chakra into the girl in a final push. Haku slipped free collapsing next to the kunoichi who had been the sacrifice used to bring her back to the impure world.

With her task complete her focus returned to the seal where she let go of her son stepping back and tried to remain standing. Her son shook his head waking from the unconscious state he had entered as Kushina's will took over for him. "What happened?" he asked, spinning to look at his mother.

"I-I think I used up a tad too much energy," Kushina said swaying before sinking to her knees.

"Mom," Naruto said worriedly, but as he took a step towards her began to fade from the seal. "What's going on?" he asked looking at his hand as he turned transparent.

"T-the seal's reacting to my taking over," Kushina answered trying to stand and exit the cage of the seal to her apartment recreation and her bed. "The seal will probably temporarily reassert a stricter control on my chakra. It's most likely a defense against the K...me from taking control despite how much Jiraiya has weakened it. It should return to normal soon. Naruto, there's something you should know about Haku. He's a..." Before Kushina could finish her sentence the seal fully expelled Naruto from it. Sighing, since she could just picture the scenario her son believing Haku was a boy would lead to. She knew there was nothing to be done about it since the seal was even preventing her from talking to him mentally at the moment so she dragged herself to her feet and after what felt like an eternity finally collapsed into her bed and channeled what little energy she felt she possessed into healing Naruto's body from her take over.

*****

Naruto sank to his knees as he took control of his body once more. "Ow, ow, ow, ow," he said over and over again. He stopped as he noticed his hands were dark red and looked like a layer of skin had been peeled away leaving fresh but delicate skin behind. However even as he looked at it he noticed the skin turning white so figured his mother must be healing him. "Let's not do that again anytime soon mom," he thought towards her. But receiving no reply he guessed that since the danger had passed it seemed, so too had his ability to communicate with her.

"My, what an interesting ability you have developed," came an oily voice from behind him. Although it seemed slightly different from when he had last heard it, Naruto easily recognized Kabuto. Spinning in his kneeling position temporarily forgetting the pain he was in he reached for his pouch but found it missing. Noticing for the first time the ruined state of his clothes as well he cursed before growling, "Bastard, so it was you were behind this as well as behind defiling Zabuza and Haku's graves."

"Was that the name of Zabuza's companion?" Kabuto replied amused at Naruto's attempt to intimidate him. Kabuto was sure to keep the hood of his robe in place and held his hands down so that the sleeves kept them covered as he took a step towards Naruto and the two unconscious kunoichi behind him. He smirked although the blond didn't see it when Naruto stood weakly and stood in-between him and the girls. "Always playing the hero aren't you?" Giving a small shrug when Naruto didn't rise to the bait, he said, "Any way, yes it was me obviously. I had come to Wave to complete my collection and was surprised you showed up, but considering the name this bridge carries shouldn't have been I suppose. I did leave a mess of their graves after all. I thought I'd have a little fun with you and test my control, but as is often the case you've seem to have created a problem for me. Perhaps you'll be so kind as to tell me how you've managed to disrupt my control of Edo Tensei?" Seeing Naruto narrow his eyes at him Kabuto said, "No, I suppose not."

Naruto was formulating battle plans but no matter how he looked at it he knew he was in trouble. He could Hiraishin, he supposed, to any of his girls, but that would leave Haku and the other girl to Kabuto something he'd never do. Or summon Kyuubi, who would in turn bring back-up, to him by using the fox mark, however that could backfire big time as the cat would be out of the bag if Kabuto got away. But much to his surprise instead of attacking Kabuto tossed something at his feet. Keeping one eye on the robed man he looked to see what it was and saw a leather-bound book. "What's this?"

"You haven't just been a nuisance in my side," Kabuto replied. "Since it appears I'm going to need to reassess my plans to accommodate for this new wrinkle. I figure you can put the information in that book to good use in order to further delay Akatsuki as well." Kabuto pulled the hood of his robe down enjoying the shock he saw on the jinchuriki's face as he revealed his new look as Orochimaru's cells tried to take over, "I should take my leave before your two friends arrive. But we'll be seeing each other again Naruto, probably sooner than you think."

Kabuto began to sink into the ground as he took his leave of the blond. Naruto let him go but knew that was the best he could have hoped for considering his weakened state. Naruto moved towards Haku and felt for a pulse. He was surprised to feel one and quickly checked the Sound kunoichi as well. Struck by a sense that he should know the girl from Sound he tried to think of from where but gave up as he heard Sakura shout, "Naruto."

Turning to his lover, he saw her face twist from worry to straight up concern so figured he must look as bad as he felt. She quickly closed the distance between them saying, "Lie down let me heal you."

"Don't worry I'm fine," Naruto said although he had to fight down a hiss of pain from the hand she placed on his chest, "I probably look worse than I feel. Plus my mom will heal me up as good as new."

"Your mom?" Tenten said confused but was ignored for the most part due to how softly she had spoken

"Liar," Sakura said but knew Naruto was probably more concerned with the two unconscious shinobi. Looking at Haku, Sakura knew the theory she had come up with when she had seen the ice was true so said, "I thought as much. The reason the graves were disturbed was so someone could use Zabuza and Haku to perform..."

"Edo Tensei," Naruto said surprising her, "Yeah it was Kabuto. He also seems to have done something strange to himself as his skin was turning white like Orochimaru and it looked like he was growing scales."

Sakura looked worried but before she could ask about it further Tenten tired of being ignored said, "Look not that I don't mind not being in the know...but what the hell is going on?"

Naruto grunted in pain as he picked up Haku as well as the book Kabuto had left and not for the first time really questioned whether or not the ice bloodline limit user was a guy said, "I'll explain on the way back to Tsunami's but the short version is, Kabuto dug up the graves to resurrect Zabuza using this Edo Tensei jutsu. Apparently whatever my mom did while she was controlling me has prubably fucked with what he has planned since it appears she really managed to bring Haku back to life."

"Um, when you say your mom are you talking about the Kyuubi?" Tenten asked now more confused than ever.

Naruto sighed since he was really hurting and just wanted to get going. Sakura sensing that picked up the Sound kunoichi she recognized from the chunin exams saying, "Let's save the long version for later okay? I want to check out these two since from my research this shouldn't be possible. Plus once we reach Tsunami's you are going to sit still and let me heal you. Is that clear Naruto?"

Naruto smiled hearing Sakura use her stern tone of voice with him feeling it showed things had truly healed between them. "Yes ma'am," he replied beginning to walk back to Wave with Haku in his arms. He tried to rejoice in the miracle his mother had performed but couldn't completely in part to his concern about Kabuto. Another reason though was also due to his fear of how Haku would react to being alive once more in a world where Zabuza was not.

*****

Haku could feel the strong arms cradling her, but wasn't truly aware of much else. She could hear snippets of conversation here and there as it sounded like two people were explaining something to a third, but it sounded like it was reaching her through a fog. Her awareness began to sharpen though as she noticed a shift in temperature like she had entered a warm home. As a result she could make out a fourth voice as it said, "You can take that one up to Inari's room, I'm sure he'll understand."

"Thanks," a familiar sounding female responded. It took on a questioning tone as it asked, "Naruto, are you sure you should be the one to check... um him?"

She could almost feel the nod the boy gave in reply as he answered, "Yeah, I know what you're thinking but I'm sure he'd be more comfortable knowing a guy undressed him before you checked him over."

Haku could sense the look that probably passed between the three women present before an unfamiliar voice said, "Uh... I really don't think that's a guy."

"Why would he lie?" Naruto asked walking up some stairs. Haku although on some level aware they were talking about her was still much too tired to do anything as she was laid on a large bed. She heard a bowl filled with water being sent on a nightstand next to her as well as a body sitting next to her on the bed.

"Thanks," Naruto replied to the woman that had left the bowl.

"You're welcome," Tsunami replied, "I'll let you get to it then."

A rag that had been dipped in warm water ran over her face as Naruto cleaned it from the grim and sweat accumulated during a fight. The feeling was enough to nearly put her back to sleep but then after he soaked and wrung out the rag again he again began cleaning her face and began working his way down. Something in the back of her mind began to panic which grew more pronounced as the robe of her hunter-nin costume was parted. Naruto sat her up to then to pull her turtle neck sweater off.

Once free of her sweater she began to force her eyes open since all that remained covering her chest was the tightly wrapped band of bandages she wore to hide her bust.

"Weird," Naruto said upon seeing the bandages that looked like they were wrapped around Haku's chest painfully tight.

Not thinking twice about it, he pulled free the clip holding them in place but immediately regretted it as Haku's chest suddenly expanded in a way he had seen happen numerous times when freeing his lovers' breasts from the various ways they contained them. His regret also stemmed from the sudden girlie shriek of, "Eeeeekkkkkkk," that was coupled with the ungirlie punch to the side of his jaw.

Sent flying from the bed, he crashed into the wall next to the door, and sat on the floor stunned not so much from the punch but from the fact that sitting on the bed with one arm covering her breasts was Haku and she was definitely not a boy. Wondering if his mom had somehow screwed up, he pointed at the kunoichi about to ask her if she had always been a girl but unfortunately he found himself on the wrong side of the door as it swung open as Sakura and Tenten rushed into the room from checking on the Sound kunoichi that between them had remembered was named Kin.

He grunted in pain causing Sakura to peer around the door saying, "Naruto! I'm sorry we just heard a shriek..."

She helped him back to his feet as Tenten simply said, "I told you that wasn't a guy."

Having grabbed up her robe and wrapped it around her revealing quite a bit of cleavage Haku said, "I'm sorry. I-I couldn't stop myself."

Naruto waved off the apology saying, "Happens all the time. But why'd you tell me you were a boy?"

Haku shrugged before saying, "As a missing-nin I found myself surrounded by unscrupulous people. Many of who wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of a young girl. Zabuza thought it best that I pretend to be a boy to protect myself, although there were quite a few who would also take advantage of boys."

Naruto chuckled to himself as Sakura set him on the bed taking the opportunity to scan him despite his earlier insistence that he was fine due to his mother healing him. "Maybe it doesn't help going around wearing such girlie looking clothes."

Haku smiled prettily remembering what she wore upon first meeting the amused blond. "I didn't think I'd run into anyone in the woods that day." Haku's smile melted into sadness saying, "Has it truly been four years?"

"Almost four years give or take a few months," Naruto replied, "Can you remember anything of what happened after your..."

"Death," Haku finished for the jinchuriki before shaking her head, "I remember the pain of your sensei's attack piercing my chest and grabbing his arm to give Zabuza the chance he needed to defeat him but after that nothing. It seemed like no time had passed at all when I found myself on the bridge."

Happy with what her scan of Naruto revealed to her, Sakura was tempted to kiss him lightly but resisted instead saying, "I believe that's due to those resurrected by Edo Tensei retain no memories of the afterlife."

"Why?" Tenten asked.

"I'm not sure," Sakura admitted, "My research didn't say, but maybe because a soul pulled from heaven would be too traumatized by the loss of paradise to be of much use while one from hell would by the torments it suffered."

"You sure do know a lot about this jutsu Sakura," Naruto said brightly and wondered why Sakura frowned at his compliment.

He received his answer when she said, "R-right after you left the village on your training trip...and before I realized just how important you had become to me..."

Seeing Sakura struggling he figured it was because she feared broaching the subject of her old feelings for Sasuke. Grabbing her hand gently he said, "I understand, you knew we'd be forced to go up against Orochimaru when we saved Sasuke from him so wanted to know what we could expect to face from the snake bastard."

Sakura smiled at him giving his hand a squeeze and wished she could be a lot more affectionate. But such thoughts were put on hold as Haku asked, "I remember the fight with Naruto just now though so know I wasn't truly alive. How am I now so?"

Sakura let go of Naruto's hand to focus on the kunoichi to explain, "Well as near as can tell..." she paused to look at Naruto who nodded his head so she continued saying, "Naruto's Bijuu used it's chakra to give you a new body. There was a large amount of concrete missing from the bridge near where you were laying. I believe she used her chakra to transform the matter of the bridge into a flesh and blood body for you. It would also explain why Kin survived as well since Edo Tensei requires a living sacrifice, who joins the soul in death upon the completion of the jutsu."

"Kin?" Naruto said confused, "Who's that?"

"The girl that was on the bridge with you and Haku," Tenten answered. "Don't you remember her from the Chunin Exams?"

Naruto shook his head saying, "Not really, although she did seem familiar." Despite his words with the mention of the Chunin Exams he suddenly recalled, "She was the one Shikamaru beat, right?"

"Yes," Sakura answered, "She disappeared after the exams but it appears she was used as a sacrifice to power the Edo Tensei."

"Wait, are you suggesting she's been a sacrifice all these years."

Sakura shrugged unsure but said, "It seems likely I'm afraid. I can't find anything physically wrong with her but she's unresponsive which makes me believe it's mental. Since my research showed that her Teammate Zaku's body was used to revive one of the Hokage who battled the Third during the Invasion it seems likely. One of the Anbu watching the battle reported that Orochimaru summoned three caskets but one of the summonings was suppressed. It's likely that third casket contained her and I doubt Orochimaru would just release her afterwards so he probably stored her somewhere till Kabuto used her to summon Haku."

"That poor girl," Haku said having difficulty imagining being trapped in darkness for four years, "It's little wonder her mind would shut down."

Sakura nodded before saying, "Anyway we'll take her to the Leaf with us and I'll have Ino look at her."

"What about Kabuto?" Tenten asked rather glad for the situation since it took her mind off of her being bound to Naruto.

"We'll search the surrounding area for whatever rock he's hiding under. I don't want to leave until I'm sure he's not hanging around anymore." He added, "Plus it'll give me time to come up with something to report about what happened."

"You mean to the Hokage," Tenten said, her voice making it clear she didn't like the idea of Naruto lying to her idol.

Although his Hokage lover would be told everything Naruto didn't want to tarnish Tsunade's image in Tenten's eyes by admitting she was one of his lovers so said, "Don't worry, I'll tell her everything. I just don't want that it appears I can bring those resurrected by Edo Tensei back to life to become common knowledge."

Tenten seemed to accept his explanation so Naruto stood saying, "I'll let Sakura take over checking you out Haku. We'll talk more after she's done." Haku nodded giving him a weak smile, but behind her eyes Naruto could see an emptiness that made him fear the young woman was berating herself as a tool that had failed its wielder and didn't deserve her second chance at life.

*****

Haku awoke to the feeling of a warmth beginning to spread through her that was followed by a desperate need for relief. Opening her eyes she saw Naruto snoring contently in the bed as he laid next to her and felt the warmth and need coursing through her spike. Fighting it down as she had most of the afternoon of her rebirth, as it was, she tried to concentrate on something else. Unfortunately the topic her mind chose was how she ended up sharing a bed with the attractive man.

After Sakura had finished her scan, Haku had asked to take a shower to clean up. She had quickly showered and found Tsunami had left her an oversized shirt and some sweats that were too big but could be tied to fit. She had joined the others downstairs afterwards, and had smiled as Tenten said, "I can't believe you actually though she was a boy." Haku had wondered why there seemed to be hint of an accusation in the tone of the brunette's voice.

She didn't give it much thought though as Sakura said, "Trust me I can. Naruto tended not to question what he was told back then. Besides Haku admits she was the one that told him that so drop it." Haku did wonder though if Sakura and Naruto were involved due to her stern response to Tenten something she could see was mirrored in Tsunami's face. Trying to figure out the dynamics between the three was proving confusing since Tenten seemed upset at the other two, who in turn seemed somewhat apologetic but with Sakura willing to push back when she felt the other kunoichi was just trying to start something.

Tenten let the matter drop probably due to it appearing that she might have been a little catty to the other two women present. Crossing her arms though she sat on an arm of the living room couch where it appeared someone had slept the night before. What followed was a planning session about possible places Kabuto may have holed up during his time in Wave. Haku tried to follow along and had managed to suggest the old treehouse hideout that she and Zabuza had used while working for Gato, but after that had needed to concentrate on suppressing the burning need her body began to feel. It had been an omnipresent feeling since awakening and probably since her rebirth, but it had suddenly spiked in intensity. Haku had been tempted to tell Sakura about it when the kunoichi had asked her about any strange feelings, but had been too embarrassed to bring up the fact that if felt like she really needed to give her body some relief.

She wasn't sure how long the meeting had gone on with Tsunami suggesting some places she had found during her many years in Wave, but from looking outside saw that the sun had set. Luckily the feelings welling up inside her had died down as Naruto said, "You two don't mind sharing with Haku right? I know we stashed Kin in Inari's room but I doubt Tsunami wants to listen to her old man complain about us using his room too. Plus I don't think Haku wants to be alone right now."

"Actually would you mind staying with me, Naruto?" Most of those present were surprised except for perhaps Sakura, but certainly no one more so than herself as she didn't know why she had asked the blond that.

Sakura quickly took charge saying, "You should do as she asks Naruto. We'll stay down here for the night."

Tenten looked less than pleased, but kept her displeasure to herself. "Okay," Naruto replied before moving towards the stairs with Haku falling into step behind him. After she pulled back the covers and climbed into the bed, Naruto waited until she pulled them over herself to take off his jacket revealing his black shirt and then climbed into the bed.

"Aren't you going to be cold?" she asked worried for his health since it was approaching fall so the weather tended to get cold at night.

"Nah, I'll be fine," Naruto answered, "I tend to run hot anyway."

Haku nodded although she wasn't sure if he was just uncomfortable sleeping in the same bed as a girl or not. In truth she was surprised she wasn't more uncomfortable with the idea of sharing a bed with him, but figured it may be due to his sleeping above the covers meant he was doing it for her comfort as opposed to hoping something might happen. "Thank you," she said before turning over to get some sleep. Naruto followed suit and was asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Now though with her body heating up Haku found herself wishing he was sleeping under the covers as well as pressed up against her. Perhaps due to the close proximity of the jinchuriki or even a lingering attraction she felt for him since the day on the bridge four years ago, her body wouldn't quiet down. No longer able to resist the call of her body she discreetly began to rub between her legs as she was curled up in a fetal position. Hoping that Naruto was as sound a sleeper as he had been in the forest when they first met she turned her face into her pillow to muffle the moan that nearly escaped. Stopping in her self pleasure long enough to untie the knot that had held the sweatpants up, as soon as it was free she plunged her hand into the pants past her shaved mound and began running her finger over her slit directly. Wanting to stare at the boy driving her wild at the moment she brought her other hand up to her mouth to bit on her knuckle to keep from moaning too loudly. As her folds grew slick with her excitement, she buried a finger inside her which in turn caused her too temporarily to release her finger allowing her to moan out loudly. Quickly biting down again, she slowed her pace but didn't stop while hoping he remained asleep. Luckily he did so only adjusting his position slightly so Haku soon found herself working her pussy back into a frenzy. Feeling her relief approaching she rubbed the palm of her hand up against her clit the small action causing her to stiffen as her orgasm washed over her body. Panting due to the exertion, she felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her as she pulled her finger from her snatch. Still the embarrassment she felt still didn't prevent her from leaning up to place a light kiss against the blond man's cheek. But it doubled in intensity when he wrapped an arm around her to pull her tightly against him. Suddenly glad for the covers that separated them due to the wetness that had soaked into the sweats she wore. She debated about pulling free but was sure that action would wake Naruto so settled in against him while hoping she woke up first and tried not to think about how good it felt to be held in his arms.

*****

Kyuubi was being pushed through the village in a wheelchair by Kaori the nurse that had been assigned to her. "You did quite well today at physical therapy. You must have been quite eager to begin to move it to such an earlier hour."

"Oh I wouldn't say eager," Kyuubi replied, "After all; you can be quite the sadist. But thank you for agreeing to take me in this morning." Truthfully Kyuubi's interest in attending her therapy session earlier had less to do with getting it out of the way but with Hinata, who was tailing her as part of the rotating set of guards and observers. Now under the watchful gaze of the Hyuuga princess, the Bijuu turned human could conduct one last piece of business before laying low for a while to hopeful appease Ibiki that she wasn't a threat.

"It was no problem," the nurse replied as she wheeled her patient deeper into Konoha's food district.

"This should be far enough," Kyuubi said making a show of trying to stand.

"Are you sure?" Kaori asked concerned although the woman's recovery seemed to rival some of the shinobi that had awakened in the coma ward.

"Yes quite sure, thank you" the Bijuu answered accepting the cane she had brought along from the nurse, "I'm sure you need to get back to the hospital and I need to meet with someone. It should also prove to be some good exercise."

"Just be careful not to overdo it and take plenty of rest breaks."

Kyuubi inclined her head at the advice before walking towards her destination. She had sent the letter out the night before to its intended recipient when one of the shinobi watching her had not been one of those loyal to Naruto. She had little doubt when the shinobi had reported it to his supervisor it had raised more than a few eyebrows. But with Nibi due to return to the village soon and the chances of all three of them being watched carefully as a result of this meeting, Kyuubi felt it was best to get it out of the way while Naruto was busy outside the village. That way, things would hopefully settle down by the time he returned.

Naturally she had timed the meeting for when one of Naruto's lovers could observe it so it would allow a more honest conversation. Spotting the woman she had sent for she walked with the cane as best she could and would be glad when she no longer needed to pretend to rely on it. Stopping at the table Karin was sitting at she said, "Sorry, I hope you weren't waiting long."

"N-no," the former Sound-nin and Heibi member replied having been startled from her thoughts.

Taking the open seat, the Bijuu said, "Good, I'm glad you agreed to meet with me."

"Um, what's this about exactly? And who are you?"

Kyuubi smiled at the question saying, "I'm like you in that I find myself bound to a certain man, but unlike you I know what my role is going to be."

Understanding that she was talking to one of Naruto's lovers, Karin relaxed since the letter had been rather vague just giving a time and place to meet. Glad that she guessed right that it had been the woman Tsunade had told her about she asked, "Am I to take it you're the one who is going to define my role now that I can't be a shinobi."

Kyuubi raised her arm to laugh musically into the sleeve of her kimono before saying, "Now dear Karin being a shinobi is something no one can take from you. However, there are dare I say roles that may very well be just as important to Naruto's ambition as those of the kunoichi he has thus far recruited."

"Like what?"

"Like say running a shipping company," Kyuubi said and smiled at the disbelief in Karin's face.

"You can't be serious," she replied shocked, "I have no experience in doing something like that."

"Are you sure?" Kyuubi paused to wave over a waitress and gave Karin time to mull over her statement as she ordered some tea and snacks.

"I think I'd know if I did."

"True, but you aren't looking at the big picture. You might have never run a company before but you have run one of Orochimaru's facilities. I doubt he was one to suffer fools so you must have done quite well in that regard."

"Sure, but there's a world of difference between running a prison and science facility and running a company."

"Probably not as much as you might think," Kyuubi replied as her order arrived. Pouring herself and Karin a cup she began to explain her reasoning saying, "For instance you have employees in both that serve under you. Not to mention a need to deliver a final product. However, instead of receiving the praise of a psychopath you get money for a job well done."

"But seriously, why me?" Karin asked sure there were those better suited among Naruto's lovers.

"Well because I feel you are most uniquely suited for the job. Not just of running the company but for how I want to use it in pushing forwards Naruto's goals. With your skills as an administrator as well as your knowledge of how shinobi tend to think it will make you an excellent facilitator."

"What exactly would I be facilitating?"

"Why opening new branch offices in the other shinobi villages. With your ability to read chakra you'll be able to know when you are pushing too hard or when a person is bluffing. In time I expect these offices to be raking in cash making it so that the other kage practically beg us to open one in their village. But it'll be the first couple of ones that will prove the most crucial which makes me believe you are the one best suited for the task."

Karin was pleased that she would have such an important role but before she agreed said, "It'll be likely that you and I will be put under a lot of scrutiny. Just meeting with me will probably throw up a red flag with the Interrogation Department."

Kyuubi nodded before gracing the red-head with a smile saying, "Yes but I've thrown up a few already, which is why it's best that you hurry and agree so that our self-imposed celibacy as result will be over by the time Naruto's business in Wave concludes or as soon after as possible."

Karin laughed, but growing serious stuck out her hand saying, "I accept."

"I never doubted you would for a second."

*****

Naruto stood behind Haku as she prayed over Zabuza's grave. He, after awakening and finding that at some point during the night he had pulled Haku close to him, h had quietly extracted himself having had loads of practice with leaving a kunoichi's bed without waking her, and had sent several clones early that morning to fill the hole that Sakura and Tenten had dug when they had been investigating who had disturbed them. To buy his clones some extra time after she woke up several minutes later, he had taken Haku clothes shopping after breakfast. Haku had resisted at first, but relented when Naruto said he wanted her to have something nice to wear as they visited Zabuza. After she tried on several outfits which he had secretly bought and sent back to Tsunami's via clones, she had finally settled on kimono in much the same vein as the one she had worn when they first met.

He had asked if she wanted to buy some flowers but she had shook her head saying that she'd like to pick some on the way. The journey to the graves had been silent since Naruto knew Haku had a lot to process as it wasn't everyday one stood over their own grave.

Shaking himself back to the present, he figured Haku had been praying for roughly an hour. He didn't mind since Sakura and Tenten were currently checking out some of the sights they had thought Kabuto would be hiding at. He wasn't worried for their safety knowing he was just a jutsu away, and although Tenten wasn't wearing his mark he knew Sakura would stay close to her fellow kunoichi aware of just how dangerous Kabuto was.

As he watched Haku, he wondered if he should attempt to seduce the beauty but was a little nervous in the face of just how upset Tenten had been. A part of him felt that it would give the young woman something to live for since he feared without Zabuza that she would succumb to the hell that had been her life before meeting the missing-nin. But the part that held him back felt it was perhaps a bit of hubris on his part as for all he knew all Haku wanted to do with her new life was find a quiet place to live.

Clapping her hands to signal the end of her prayer, she turned to Naruto to say, "It was very kind of you and your team to give us a burial."

"It was the least we could do," he replied turning to walk next to her as she passed him. Falling into step he said, "Have you considered what you are going to do now?"

Haku remained silent for several minutes as they walked through the forest back to town. As they entered an area of the forest that struck Naruto with a wave of familiarity, although he couldn't place why she finally said, "No, in truth I'm now simply a tool without an owner. I do not know why the fates would choose me for this second chance, but I don't deserve..."

Naruto couldn't stand what he was hearing and before he could stop himself he had grabbed Haku by the shoulders and pushed her up against the tree. Looking down at his feet he said, "Stop right there! You aren't some tool incapable of dreaming yourself."

"Naruto," Haku said surprised at the passion in the boy's voice but not believing his words added, "Even though he was precious to me, Zabuza saw me as nothing but a means to an end. However I was happy, but knowing that I failed to save him..." She trailed off before shouting, "How am I supposed to go on living knowing that?!"

Naruto looked up meeting her brown eyes and she was surprised at the tears she saw there. Naruto couldn't help the tears in part due to the memories of the day but also that Haku, someone who had such an impact on him, viewed herself as worthless. Setting her straight he said, "As much as you loved and cherished Zabuza, he cherished you Haku. After you took Kakashi's Lightening Cutter, Zabuza acted as if your death simply gave him the advantage. He tried to remain the cold emotionless shinobi that he always presented to you. But deep down his heart was broken..." Haku's eyes grew wider and tears began to appear but he could tell a part of her didn't believe him so he continued, "Eventually Kakashi-sensei disabled both his arms though effectively ending the fight. Gato chose that moment to reveal he always intended to double cross the both of you. Zabuza still tried to act as if your death didn't matter even when Gato disrespected your corpse by kicking it in retaliation for his arm. I couldn't stand seeing your most precious person walking away as if you hadn't mattered so called him out on it. I can't recall exactly what I said but I'll never forget the sight of him crying as he told me how fighting broke your heart. Zabuza didn't die fighting Kakashi but traded his life to kill Gato using nothing but a kunai he held in his mouth in order to avenge the disrespect he paid to you."

Haku broke down into tears so Naruto pulled her into a hug adding, "Before dying he only wished that he could join you in heaven to remain at your side." As she vented her sadness he held her tightly saying, "The reason Kakashi was willing to let us bury you two here I think was because your lives taught me and my team so much about what it was to be shinobi. I vowed on your graves to live true to my own shinobi way, which was to protect those precious to me no matter what. I include you in that as well Haku."

Naruto felt her stiffen in his arms as her tears ended. He just held onto her but after several heartbeats felt a feather light kiss against his neck. He was wondering if he imagined it until he felt another and then another as Haku worked her way to his mouth. "Haku," he said surprised pulling away but looking into her eyes saw a combination of need and raw emotion. Swept up in her feelings he lowered his mouth to hers to drink of her lips. As they kissed Haku's arms moved from around his torso to wrap around his neck as she tried to pull herself deeper into the kiss and against his body. Naruto's hands wrapped around her torso but as their passion ignited he soon was gripping the cheeks of her ass.

Moaning as a result of his groping her butt she broke the kiss saying, "I-I've never felt so hot before. Naruto... I-I want you."

Gently kissing her, Naruto smiled at her saying, "I want you too, Haku. But you should know I've taken quite a few lovers and should we do this you'll be bound to me forever."

Placing her head against his chest she could hear his heartbeat, "Do you cherish your other lovers?"

"Yes, they're all very precious to me. They, much like you told me, are the reason I'm truly strong" Naruto replied and Haku could hear his heart beat steadily indicating he was telling the truth.

Moving her head to look into his eyes she placed a hand over his heart and asked, "Could you eventually view me to be as precious to you as them?"

"I already do," he said and Haku didn't need to feel his heartbeat to know he was being honest as his eyes conveyed the truth of it to her. Closing her eyes, she knew Naruto would see it as the invitation that it was and when his lips met her again allowed herself to be swept up in the feelings the blond was causing inside her.

As they kissed she began to backpedal until she was pressed up against a tree. Naruto broke the kiss in order to loosen the sash that held her kimono closed. As he worked the knot loose he began to focus on her neck and when it finally gave way began to move lower covering her chest in kisses after freeing her breasts of the bra he had just bought her. Grabbing one of her breast, he clutched it gently and then raised it to his mouth where he ran his tongue around the small areola of her tit. When her nipple stiffened in response he sucked it into his mouth where he flicked it with his tongue causing Haku to moan in pleasure.

Moving his focus to her other breast to give it a similar treatment, he occupied his other hand by sliding it down her body. As it passed over her stomach she shivered at not just his touch, but the knowledge of where his hand was heading. Sliding past the band of her panties he began rubbing along the outside of her pussy. As Naruto began to tease her pussy into readiness, Haku whose hands had been rubbing along Naruto's back brought them to his front where she slid the zipper of his jacket down. She missed his hands and mouth as they moved away from her erogenous zones in order to free himself of his jacket. Before he could put them back though she moved forward to grab his shirt and pulled it over his head. Once his shirt was lying on the forest floor she placed several kisses against his chest and paid extra care to his nipples as well. Naruto placed his hands on her shoulders to push her kimono free which slid to the ground pooling around her feet. He took a moment to stare at the beauty as she stood before him in only her panties he said, "Beautiful."

Haku blushed at the compliment, and as he held his arms open to her, she quickly closed the small distance between them. Once she was wrapped in his strong arms they kissed again their tongues moved around and against each other in a slow dance. Grabbing the cheeks of her ass he lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He broke the kiss to search the area for a comfortable place to set the kunoichi down and finding it proceeded to carry her towards it. Laying her on the ground he resumed kissing her along her neck, chin, and cheek before zeroing in on her mouth as his hands ravished her body.

As they made out among the trees and grass he ran his hand along her side sliding it into the waistband of her panties and as she raised up her hips he slid them down her legs. Then placing kisses along her body he worked his way down to her wet core. "D-don't look," she said trying to cover her vagina from his eyes with her hands.

But Naruto insistently moved them away saying, "Don't get shy on me now Haku. There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Haku could think of plenty to be self-conscious about but her mind went blank as Naruto began to please her pussy using his very talented and experienced tongue. Soon the hands that had been trying to hide her quim away were buried in Naruto's hair as they pulled him towards her. As her body released more and more of her juices, he began to focus his tongue on her clit as he added two of his fingers inside her. Working them in and out he began to flick her clit with her tongue and soon Haku was moaning his name. With a loud shout of, "Oh kami yes eat me," she came and coated his mouth in her release.

Naruto worked his way back up Haku's body and reaching her mouth kissed her allowing her to taste her own essence. "Mmm," she moaned into the kiss as her tongue wrestled with his.

While making out with the kunoichi, he freed his cock from the confines of his pants and as it pressed up against Haku she stiffened as if it burned her. She tentatively reached down to grasp it causing Naruto to groan as she began to lightly stroke it. Emboldened by his sound of pleasure she asked, "Does this feel good?"

"Mmhmm," he moaned as her pace increased.

"I imagine it will fell much better when it's being gripped by my tight pussy," Haku breathed into his ear nearly causing Naruto to blow his load right on the spot. Guiding it to her hole she said, "There's no need to hold back Naruto, all that I am is yours to take."

Naruto hesitated at her entrance to stare into her eyes saying, "From this point on Haku you're mine. But that also means I'm yours as well and I'll do all that I can to protect your dreams for a change."

Naruto then pushed inside her and the tears that appeared in her eyes weren't all due entirely to the pain of losing her virginity. Naruto kissed them away as he remained still to give her time to adjust to the new experience. Once she had grown used to being stuffed with his cock she moved her hips ever so slightly which he took as a sign she was ready for him to move. He moved slowly concentrating on pleasing his newest lover through kisses and touches over simply plowing away at her. As his actions worked Haku up, she wrapped her legs around him locking her ankles behind his back. Her hips then began meeting his thrusts and she began moaning louder and louder every time his dick was fully buried inside her.

"How...how is it?" she asked trying desperately to get him to increase his pace.

"Your pussy? It's fucking fantastic," Naruto groaned resisting the urge to simply churn away at her, "It's so fucking hot and wet inside you that it's hard to believe this is your first time."

"It's because I've never felt so hot before," she panted reaching her breaking point she pleaded, "Please, I need...I can't stand it anymore.... Pound me into the ground. I...I need this release." Advertisements

Naruto smiled in the midst of a kiss to her neck and getting to his knees pulled Haku up as well. There he began to forcefully slide her up and down his cock causing the Ice Maiden to begin writhing in pleasure. Shaking her head back and forth her long hair flying about behind her she moaned, "Yessss...that's it...oh yes it's so good Naruto."

"For me to," the jinchuriki moaned, "It almost feels as if my dick is going to melt your that fucking hot... like there's a fire burning inside you."

"Yes...melt me Naruto...make that fire burn as only you can...oh yes..."

Naruto groaned as Haku suddenly bit into his shoulder to prevent her yells from getting any louder. Suddenly she grew taunt and clung to him as if her life depended on it. Her pussy began convulsing around his cock letting him know that she was cumming. Being milked of his essence by her thirsty pussy he let go as well coating her insides and letting her womb drink of his seed. Haku sagged in his arms and as their two sweat soaked bodies cooled down Naruto though he could feel a chill growing in the air.

Moving with his new lover towards a tree he rested against it and smiled as the sleepy sounding Haku snuggled into his chest muttering, "Mmm, so warm." He looked up at a nearby tree and to his surprise spotted the old hatch marks that he and Sasuke had carved as they practiced tree climbing. Figuring that was why the area had seemed familiar he was lost to his memories of the happier days of Team Seven. But he supposed that was just him looking at things with rose tinted glasses as it wasn't long after that before things began to fall apart. However, before he could get too depressed about the matter he noticed that it had begun snowing. Although summer was turning into fall it was still too early for snow so looking at the woman in his arms wondered if she was behind it like he had though her spirit had been after Zabuza confessed how much she had meant to him. Although never one to have enjoyed the snow, if Haku's happiness was tied to such a change in the weather then he hoped it snowed every day.