Chapter 25: Chapter Twenty-Five: on the Road to the Gambler
Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned the residing Kumo team to his office to deliver their new assignments. Jiraiya and several of Konoha's most promising jōnin were present, all curious about the roles of their new allies.
After the initial greetings, the grandfatherly leader began the meeting by discussing Kumogakure's elite genin program, which was using the current generation as pilot teams. The Raikage and Hiruzen had agreed that, upon the Raikage's return to Kumo, he would dispatch a diplomat with a proper entourage to represent the village in Konoha. Additionally, some Kumo-nin would be assigned to work alongside the Leaf ninja. That would be Team B's current assignment.
"Jiraiya has requested the Uzumakis for a joint mission. Meanwhile, Karui, I'd like to employ you as a tutor for some of our genin trainees. Until the ambassador is settled, we won't have specifics on the elite team project. So in the meantime, we'd appreciate you assisting some of our volunteers. Elite Jōnin Ebisu, who prides himself on being an excellent instructor, already has a group of genin under his wing."
"Understood, Hokage-sama!" Karui replied with martial precision.
"We've arranged living space in the barracks for Kumo ninja rotating through Konoha. As for you three, under A-san's wing, we've prepared a flat in a shinobi-populated neighborhood," the Hokage said with a kind smile.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. Karui-chan will be using that apartment while we're away, but when we return, we plan to reclaim our ancestral home here in the village. She'll be our guest then," Hinata said politely.
Her words made several Konoha-nin sweat nervously. Ancestral home? What were they talking about?
"Well, it would warm my old heart to see that home open again, that's for sure," Hiruzen said with a soft sigh.
"Hokage-jiji, we need to ask a favor. When we return, we'd like you to release into our custody the most wicked and most deranged prisoners from the war. For clan matters," said Naruko, her eyes serious despite her usually cheerful demeanor.
"Very well. I'll grant you access to those prisoners," the Hokage said, returning the same solemn tone.
"Hokage-sama, who will be the trainees?" Hinata asked. "N-chan and I would love to help. We also want to work with genin around our age to get them in shape."
"All right, H-san. The trainees are my grandson Konohamaru-kun, his friends Moegi and Udon, and your sister Hanabi has expressed interest as well. If we don't get enough for two teams, we'll form a four-man squad under Ebisu."
Hinata smiled at that.
"Awesome! Kono-kun and the gang are great! I can't wait to train them! I soooo wanna whip the Konoha genin into shape. Jejeje… I'm gonna train them 'til they beg for mercy," Naruko cackled with glee.
"N-chan, while you're here, you'll have a Konoha jōnin assigned to supervise. I've chosen Anko-san for the role," said Hiruzen. "She's not the most popular, but she's reliable and loyal. I also want to take this opportunity to promote her to full jōnin. The council has been blocking her advancement for too long."
"Sexy crazy snake lady?" Naruko blinked.
"Ehm… yes. Yes, N-chan. Anko Mitarashi, the proctor of the second exam, now a full jōnin of the I&T department," the old man confirmed.
"Yay! Sexy crazy snake lady!" Naruko and Karui cheered in unison. Hinata chuckled softly.
"I approve of that human. I like her style," Kurama added.
"We could call her Crazy SS Lady! Or SS-sensei… Yes, SS sounds great," Hinata suggested unexpectedly. No one had anticipated Hinata giving the wild kunoichi a nickname, but it was oddly fitting.
The sun rose the next morning to see Jiraiya, Hinata, and Naruko off. Karui remained in Konoha to work with the local ninja and help establish a stable alliance. The old sage and the girls were setting out to find the legendary medic, Tsunade, by orders of the Hokage.
"Well, we're going to be on the road for a while, so… how about some extra training?" Jiraiya offered. "Tell me about your abilities and jutsu—no need to go into too much detail, just give me an idea of what you can do."
"Jiraiya-sama, are you sure we have time for that? Isn't finding Tsunade-sama urgent?" Hinata asked.
Jiraiya grinned. "What do you girls know about Tsunade?"
"Well," Naruko started with a mischievous grin, "last report says she's a tall blonde with HUUUGE knockers, looks like she's in her late twenties, travels with a short dark-haired woman and a pig, loves gambling but sucks at it, and—oh yeah—she's my cousin on the Uzumaki side."
Naruko folded her arms. "I know she's my godmother, but I guess she thought I was dead since she never came looking. Don't make that face, Ero-sensei. I don't hate her. I just… pity her."
Jiraiya scratched his chin, thoughtful. "Huh… I didn't know she was your godmother, but that makes sense. Thing is, Tsunade… she's not exactly thrilled with Konoha these days. She drifts from town to town gambling, and the moment she senses a shinobi tracking her, she vanishes. So instead of rushing and spooking her, we'll move slow. Expect at least two weeks before we even catch a glimpse."
He pulled a notebook from his vest. "That gives us time to train. Tell me what you can do, and I'll figure out how to help."
"Me first, Jiraiya-sensei!" Hinata said brightly. "I'm quite skilled with my original water-based nin-taijutsu. It's essentially a water-enhanced version of the Gentle Step. I can perform mid-range water jutsu and a few long-range ones. My Byakugan is… probably the most advanced version there is. I'm decent with short blades, very resistant to genjutsu—though not great at casting them. I also know some short-range lightning jutsu. And, if absolutely necessary, I can call on Kurama-oka-san for help."
"Yeah, and she's terrifying when pissed off," Naruko added with a laugh. "Like, you can run, but you can't hide terrifying."
Hinata gave her a mock glare and a playful punch.
"My turn! I'm pretty good at using Brokage-sama's taijutsu style, but I prefer weapons. I use wind and lightning chakra to enhance my fighting. I know some elemental jutsu, the Shadow Clone, and a few support techniques. I'm a decent seal user—though I don't use seals much in battle, but you already gave me the basics. I also know how to use the Kongō Fūsa, but I still need tons of practice."
She paused, then added:
"Oh, and I'm a fully trained Jinchūriki. I try not to use that power often though, to keep a low profile. Basically, we're a frontal assault team. H-chan takes down key targets, and I bring the chaos and pain."
Naruko laced her fingers behind her head, smirking.
"That's good intel. When you're back in Konoha—or whenever a Kumo team operates here—you'll report to Anko Mitarashi. She can train you in stealth and assassination. Very useful, especially for you," Jiraiya said with a smirk.
"Yes! Crazy SS-sensei is awesome like that!" Naruko cheered.
"I, on the other hand, will focus on teaching you sealing and non-elemental jutsu. I'm not great with wind, and I suck at lightning. But I can help Hinata with water techniques. As for you, N-chan, I'll coach you in combat summoning. I'll figure out what suits each of you best. Tomorrow, we begin lessons. Later today, feel free to spar."
Later that day, Jiraiya stopped by several bars and gambling dens to gather information until it was late enough to look for a place to sleep. While having dinner with the girls, he brought up another intriguing topic.
"Kakashi told me you don't consider yourself human anymore. I don't think Kumo is trying to brainwash you, so please—enlighten me," said the Toad Sage, looking at the blonde kunoichi.
"Sensei, it's not just N-chan," Hinata replied calmly. "According to Kumogakure's scientists, any person with physical mutations is not considered fully human. That includes bearers of altered bloodlines with passive physical effects, users of body-modifying kekkei genkai, and especially Jinchūriki. They can reproduce with humans, but their children are often non-human too. It's basically evolution. Just as all dogs aren't the same species but are related, all... let's say, people, are not the same species either. For instance, the Byakugan is a mutation—Hyuga aren't technically human by that scale. I, a pseudo-Jinchūriki with Hyuga eyes, am further removed from humanity than most. And N-chan is the furthest along that spectrum."
"Yeah, but it's not a bad thing," Naruko added, scratching her neck casually. "I realized early on that I react differently from other people. The Aburame are a good comparison. After my first kills, I understood that I don't feel remorse for slaying humans. I don't like doing it, but I don't feel guilt either."
She leaned back and folded her arms. "You have to understand—I feel about most humans the way you'd feel about animals. I just don't get emotionally attached to them like others might. There are exceptions, obviously—some people are close to me, and with them my emotions are what you'd call 'normal.' But with acquaintances or strangers, my reactions are more distant. Jejeje… Also, I've got a furry tail and a millennia-old chakra entity living inside me! See? Totally not human—but not in a bad way."
Jiraiya sat in thought for several long moments, absorbing the explanation.
"But you can form human-like relationships with others, right?"
"Yes, Jiraiya-sensei," Hinata answered. "But it's more difficult for her. Take our friends and family, for example—they mean just as much to her as they do to me. But other Kumo ninja, unless she's close to them personally, hold little emotional weight for her."
"It's more like… I can form real bonds, it just takes longer," Naruko said with a sigh. "Acquaintances don't matter to me the same way. They're just… less important."
She grumbled under her breath. "The brain-digger—OUCH!" she yelped when Hinata smacked her shoulder.
"Fiiiiiine! The mind doctor says it might also be because of my childhood before I got to Kumogakure," she admitted, pouting.
"Jiraiya-sama," Hinata said, smoothly changing the topic, "considering that Tsunade-sama is known for gambling, do you think other gamblers might be willing to trade information for money?"
"Well... I suppose so..." Jiraiya said slowly, narrowing his eyes.
Hinata and Naruko exchanged a mad grin.
"Why do I get the feeling I've just unleashed a plague upon humanity?" the Toad Sage muttered.
The next few days were fairly amusing for the Toad Sannin. He had front-row seats to watch Naruko win every game and ludicrous gamble she could find, while Hinata mercilessly haggled for every bit of information she could get—and every ryō she could add to the Uzumaki account.
Back in Konoha, several Jōnin gathered to celebrate the promotion of one Anko Mitarashi. Kakashi was especially pleased, as this also meant that his sensei's legacy would be spending more time in the village.
"Anko-san, congratulations! I do hope you'll agree to have our teams train together sometime. I think I speak for all four of us," Kakashi said politely.
"OF COURSE, MY RIVAL! TEAM GAI IS MORE THAN READY TO STEP UP TO THIS YOUTHFUL CHALLENGE!"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"Well, you see… the thing is, I already got a few requests about training together," Anko explained with a smirk. "N-chan's fine with training with Teams 8 and 10, but she has conditions for the other two. For Team Gai: no shouting! She's got really sensitive ears. Same goes for Haruno. And no Sharingan if your broody-broody wants to join."
"H-chan asked that all of you try the same training regimens they're going to give Team Ebisu, just on the harder levels. For one, I'm actually excited about group training," the snake mistress added.
"How come so?" Kurenai asked, curious.
"You'll see. Kurenai-chan, those girls are crazy! Total workaholics. They take being kunoichi very seriously… and they're nice eye-candy too. Just like you," said Anko with a wink. Kurenai flushed, and Asuma growled and stepped forward.
"Oh relax your anus, Asuma! Until you ask her out properly, she's fair game. And don't come to me with your 'a proper ninja doesn't invade another's turf' crap. I was with her, and I'm giving you space—so back off, caveman!"
"Asuma, please! We've already talked about this and I'm not in the mood to make a scene. Besides, we're celebrating Anko's promotion." Slightly ashamed, Asuma backed off, while Anko grinned and stuck out her tongue.
"So… do you know when they'll start training?" asked Gai, hoping to change the subject.
"The Uzumakis are out on a mission. But I did some light training with Karui-chan this morning, just to get to know the basics of her skill set. Really aggressive, but she's aware of her weaknesses. Nice girl, with a funny quirk too. She says 'hot' every few words. Hilarious. I also heard she's got the hots for your Akimichi boy, Asuma. Careful—she might snatch him right under your nose!" Anko giggled.
"Good evening. I wonder if you could help me with a little rumor I've been hearing a lot lately," said a man in a dark cloak as he approached the group. "What happened to the legacy of the Fourth?"
"YOU!" Kakashi nearly shouted as the elder Uchiha brother removed his hat.
"It's good to see you, Kakashi-sempai. Tell me—is it true that our little bundle of trouble is alive?" Itachi, in stark contrast to his murderous reputation, appeared genuinely concerned.
"How dare you ask about her, you traitor! Guys, don't look into his eyes!" barked the Copy Ninja as he pulled up his headband.
"I'm not here to fight or harm Konoha… even though this place, so infested with corruption, might deserve it. Just answer my question, Kakashi-sempai, and I'll be gone."
Seeing the Jōnin readying for combat, Itachi sighed. Morphing his eyes into the next stage of the Sharingan, he muttered, "Sorry, sempai… but you're not ready yet to face my eyes."
"The man who knows the answers is heading west—to the province of Tanzaku. I'm truly sorry, sempai." With that, Itachi dissolved into a murder of crows. Kakashi dropped to the ground, unconscious. None of them noticed the young boy spying on the scene from outside the tavern, kunai in hand.
"Asuma! Kurenai! Get him to the hospital! Gai, go inform the Hokage and try to get permission to contact Jiraiya. I'm alerting the ANBU and tracking him down myself!" Anko barked as she bolted from the bar.
A few days later, Jiraiya and company arrived in a village near Tanzaku Town, one of the most important cities in the province. While the girls read through jutsu scrolls gifted by the Toad Sage, Jiraiya scribbled notes in his notebook—for once, not related to pervy topics.
"N-chan, why don't you lend me a little money so I can gather some quality intel from this town's finest establishments?" he asked with a grin.
"Ero-sensei, you have no shame. Asking a lady like me for money just so you can hit the brothels? Shame on you," said Naruko, shaking her head in mock disapproval.
"C'mon, don't say it like that. A brothel is prime real estate for rumors and intel! Lots of info brokers use them to cover their operations. And you just keep raking in more and more money at those gambling dens! The number of zeroes in your account is downright obscene—dirtier than my books! C'mon! Help me out!"
"Fine, Ero-sensei. But you will not disturb us until tomorrow morning. And we expect you to be fully alert—because we'll... well, we'll be distracted." Hinata's voice was sweet, but the look in her eye made Jiraiya groan.
"Not you too! You're supposed to be the polite one…" he muttered under his breath.
"What was that? Someone getting lucky tonight?" he teased. "Do you need your mature and wise godfather to give you some advanced techniques for your 'special training session'? I've got pointers galore!"
Jiraiya wasn't prepared when Hinata grabbed him by the collar and hauled him down to eye level, her pale eyes glowing with warning.
"I do believe that someone intelligent enough to enhance hair with chakra for battle styles is also intelligent enough not to spy on our private time." Her tone was icy. "If you try… I'll know. And I'll be most displeased."
Jiraiya shivered. "But of course! You're a perfect gentleman, right?" she finished sweetly, releasing him.
"N-chan, be a dear and give our sensei some spending money. He's been doing a marvelous job so far."
Both Jiraiya and Naruko nodded solemnly, silently exchanging money without even checking the amount.
"…I don't know if I feel wet down there because angry H-chan is sexy, or if I peed myself a bit. Maybe both?" Jiraiya muttered.
"Your mate is indeed terrifying when she wishes. Do not be ashamed of either reaction… I think I have them too," added Kurama.
"MOTHER!"
"What? She's kind of sexy-scary when she gets like that! I won't apologize for saying it!"
"N-chan, would you like to find a nice hotel and turn in early tonight?" Hinata asked, her voice calm but firm.
That wasn't a question. It was a formality hiding a very pressing order.
Naruko nodded immediately, and the girls walked off, leaving their still-shivering sensei behind.
Once in the cozy hotel room, both girls dropped onto the sofa with a sigh.
Lemon Warning
"Alone at last. Since we arrived in Fire Country, we haven't had a single moment to ourselves. It's been so frustrating lately!" groaned Hinata.
"Tell me about it, my love. Dealing with those idiots on the council drained almost all of my patience. And I really didn't want to get touchy with you while the Toad was nearby… And I'm still turned on from watching you bring those bastards to their knees. Kami, you have no idea how sexy you are when you outsmart people like that."
"N-chan! It's been days since that happened—almost two weeks! Don't tell me you've been holding back all this time!" Hinata said, scandalized.
"My love," Naruko purred, crawling closer to her, "I hold back every single moment I'm awake and not jumping your bones. But I didn't want to be rude to our hosts—or give Jiraiya material for the next Icha-Icha book. I'm hopelessly in love with you… and I long for your body like a fox in heat."
"Don't you say the most flattering things, dear husband," said Hinata, mock annoyance in her tone and a teasing smile on her lips.
"It surprises me how much restraint you're both showing lately…" Kurama chimed in dryly. "I would've sworn you've been in a prolonged heat cycle since the first time you mated. No doubt, if not for birth control jutsu and the like, you'd have a litter by now."
"Kurama-sama, that was… quite graphic. We're not that bad… are we?" Hinata asked, flushing slightly.
"You rut more than the Raikage breaks his desks. Tell me I'm lying. I dare you," the mighty fox chuckled.
"H-chan, I really long for your taste," said Naruko, crawling to her side. "I'm Hinata-starved, and every time you show how great—" she kissed Hinata's knee, "—intelligent—" a nip at her thigh, "—dominant—" a bite at her waistline, "—and cunning you are—" a nibble next to her navel, "—it's like catching the scent of food while starving. And this girl already knows what dishes are being cooked for her." Naruko smirked, tugging at Hinata's kimono.
"And what makes you think I'm not hungry too?" Hinata responded, surprising Naruko. She pushed the blonde onto the sofa and kissed her passionately as soon as she landed.
"Wow!" gasped Naruko, breathless after the heated kiss.
"Did you really think you were the only one with urges? Come to bed, my dear… and give me what I crave," said Hinata as her clothes slid off her silky skin.
Naruko howled in anticipation—until Kurama's voice interrupted the mood.
"Before you behave like lust-crazed beasts, do yourselves a favor and send a clone to the old hermit to let him know where you are. So he doesn't barge in with some excuse about 'checking in.'"
"THANKS, MOMMA/OKA-SAMA!" both girls shouted in unison, suddenly realizing exactly what kind of excuse Jiraiya might've tried to use to interrupt them.
LEMON (from here to the end of the chapter. Skip it if you wish.)
Naruko undressed herself in a flash and leapt into the bed, where the already waiting beauty lay. Hinata spread and crossed her legs, deliberately revealing her glistening womanhood to her lust-crazed partner, fully aware of the effect her scent would have on Naruko's sensitive nose.
Naruko pounced like a wild beast, but Hinata rolled away, teasing the fox-tailed kunoichi.
"Tell me, my love, my knight, my fierce swordswoman… what makes you desire me so much?" she taunted, knowing from experience that if she didn't pull Naruko out of her lust-driven trance, there would be no foreplay. And after such a long time without intimacy, she fully intended to savor every second and every skill her lover had to offer that night.
"You, my moon-eyed princess," Naruko whispered, trailing her fingers along Hinata's side and around her hip, drawing soft moans. "You are the most beautiful and fierce flower of them all—noble and gentle, yet brave and strong."
"I need to taste you more often," she cooed, nibbling around Hinata's navel and slowly descending.
"Oh? Are you trying to make me blush with your silver tongue? Trying to make me sweat in anticipation of your skillful ministrations? You shameless flatterer," Hinata teased, spreading her legs further to give Naruko access to her damp inner thighs.
Naruko ran her long tongue from the base of Hinata's slit to the peak of her clit, burying it into the deepest folds she could reach. The pale princess arched her back with a loud moan.
"So yummy... I could (lick) spend all (lick) day down here (lick)," Naruko said between licks, burying her tongue deeper and teasing Hinata's insides. "Your juices are clearly nectar meant to seduce naïve fox-girls like me."
"Oh—you—oh! You won't (gasp) fool me. You... oh, right there! You voracious (moan) sex predator. A wolf in sheep's clothing…" Hinata gasped between cries of pleasure.
Naruko hugged Hinata's legs tightly and buried her face between her lover's thighs, licking, slurping, and nibbling with expert precision, determined to draw out the loudest moans possible.
Hinata twitched and arched her back, but Naruko's grip was iron-strong. Eventually, the bluenette gave in, holding Naruko's head tightly against her soaked core. Naruko growled approvingly and doubled her efforts the moment Hinata clutched her hair. Seconds later, Hinata muffled a scream and came hard against Naruko's face.
"Wow, seems like I wasn't the only one in need," Naruko chuckled, licking her lips.
"I'll have you know girls have needs too!" Hinata huffed. "And anyone who says otherwise is a liar! Besides, if girls didn't masturbate as often as guys, why are there so many toys designed for us?"
"Oh? Does my wife need some of those toys, by any chance?"
Hinata smirked, grabbing Naruko's cock.
"Why bother? I have my favorite toy right here. And it feels amazing—so big, so hard, so smooth... Look, it even comes with natural lube," she said, pointing to the precum beading at the tip.
Naruko moaned as Hinata started jerking her off. The dark-haired beauty smiled sweetly, watching her lover's face twist in pleasure as she experimented with paces and patterns. Then, with a devilish grin, she rubbed her own wetness and smeared it over Naruko's shaft, arousing her further. She brought her other hand down, repeating the motion and stimulating Naruko's pussy just beneath her cock.
"Not both at once! I'll cum too fast if you do that!" Naruko whimpered, her voice thick with need.
"That's the idea, silly," Hinata teased.
With a few more strokes, Naruko twitched and released, covering Hinata's face and chest with thick ropes of cum.
Hinata wiped some off and tasted it with a provocative smile.
"Bitter… mmh, definitely bitter. Love, you need to find other ways to relieve yourself when we can't be together," she chided gently. Naruko tried to respond, but Hinata gripped her cock again and began licking from base to tip.
"Love, no more foreplay, I beg you!" Naruko groaned.
"No, my dear. I won't let you have me until you've been spent enough not to break me." Hinata grinned, full of mischief. "Mmm… I know! I'll pay you back."
She grabbed Naruko's legs and, mimicking her lover, started licking her pussy hungrily.
Naruko enjoyed having both sets of parts, and she especially loved how her wife worshipped them. Usually, Hinata focused more on her male bits, but this time she gave full attention to her folds.
Hinata's tongue danced through Naruko's slick folds, making the blonde squirm and moan. She followed every twitch and whimper, delivering long, deep licks and eventually sucking the clit with intense focus.
"H-Hinata... you're gonna rip it off! Hinata—too hard! Ooh!" Naruko gasped, her voice trembling. Hinata eased her suction but intensified her tongue work.
"Oh... (gasp) So good… (moan) I'm close! H-Hinata, I'm—nggh!"
Naruko held Hinata's head in place and climaxed, this time from her female parts alone.
She expected Hinata to stop, but her wife kept going, licking her relentlessly. Though her cock had softened, her pussy remained sensitive and stimulated. This was new—she was going to have multiple orgasms!
Naruko bit the pillow and came again, harder than before, squirting more cum that pooled on her belly and soaked the sheets. When Hinata finally pulled away, her face glistened with Naruko's juices, and her grin was pure satisfaction.
The bluenette crawled up and sat on her lover's cum-slick belly. She leaned down and licked Naruko's face, arousing her anew. A few teasing kisses later, she felt Naruko's cock hardening again, rubbing against her rear.
"How was your first multiple orgasm, my dear?" she whispered.
Naruko groaned and started thrusting between her cheeks. Hinata smirked and demanded an answer.
"H-Hinata, I need more! Let me inside you, please! You're tormenting me!" the blonde growled huskily.
The once-shy Hyuga was clearly the dominant one in bed now, claiming control over their play. But she was merciful. Gradually, she rose higher, aligning Naruko's cock with her entrance. In a slow, deliberate motion, she lowered herself onto it, inch by inch, until she took all of her lover inside.
Hinata began to move, arching her back and rolling her hips with practiced grace. Her rhythm built steadily as Naruko tried not to lose control.
Soon, Hinata was bouncing hard and fast on Naruko's shaft, drawing out deep moans from her lover. That was all the fox-girl could take.
Naruko gripped her hips tightly and began thrusting up in a frenzy. Hinata's walls clenched around her, and she grabbed Naruko's breasts, both of them howling with pleasure as Naruko came hard inside her, flooding her with heat.
Hinata collapsed atop her, too spent to move.
"That... (pant pant)... was intense!" the girl moaned.
Naruko kissed her lovingly.
"Kami, that was incredible. You're the best, my love."
Hinata caught her own reflection in Naruko's hungry, slitted blue eyes—eyes that seemed to reach into her very soul—and smiled.
She rolled over and spread her legs wide, exposing herself completely.
"Come, my love. I know you're far from satisfied. Come, take me—ravish me to your heart's content. I lie open before you, so give in to those instincts and breed me like your body is begging to."
With a wild growl, the fox-girl pounced, her tail lashing furiously as she drove into her wife with renewed madness. Hinata clung to her, arms and legs locked tight, determined to ride out the many rounds to come.
Only her medical ninjutsu kept her body from giving out completely. But it was worth it. Because no matter how exhausting, she loved the wild, passionate love Naruko gave her.