Kapitel 6: 6
Naruto sank into the onsen with a groan. His head fell back as he let the hot water work magic on his sore muscles. He was supremely grateful that he regenerated - it allowed him to build and tone muscle at a literally inhuman rate, but it still hurt like hell.
To his immense irritation, the supremely important nature of his upcoming marriage meant he was relegated to stay within the village walls. Since Team 7 was officially disbanded – following his promotion and Sasuke being dropped from active duty – he had little to do but train.
A smile found its way to his face when he thought about his recent training. He had known from the exams that Temari was strong and brutal, but he hadn't realized how relieved he should have been that he didn't have to fight her. Her long range attacks were dangerous as hell on their own, and coupled with her brute strength at close range, she was an absolute menace. There had been several occasions during training that he thought she might actually kill him. He was learning to fear that fan of hers.
He was startled out of his thoughts and into a panic when Temari entered the bath.
"Temari-chan," he blurted, "What are you doing here?"
She laughed loudly at him – over the weeks of their pre-marriage relationship, she'd opened up quite a bit. She dropped her robe to reveal she'd put on a light purple bikini with gentle tribal patterns.
"Relax silly boy," she said with a victorious grin, "I'm wearing a swimsuit."
She was further amused when the poor boy couldn't seem to take his eyes off her, jaw dropped in awe. She supposed she could tease him about it, but instead opted not to. It was sort of flattering to be admired so openly.
Naruto was having issues rebooting his brain. All he knew was this was an image he wanted to remember for the rest of his life. Recovering somewhat, he motioned for her to join him and settled back into the water.
"That was a cruel trick Temari-chan." He pouted.
Still snickering at the boy, Temari sank into the water opposite him, sighing in pleasure. A peaceful silence fell between the teens and they relaxed, enjoying the others company. Temari was first to speak.
"Did you hear about the Uchiha?" She questioned.
A brief flash of rage crossed Naruto's face, followed by a pained look.
"Yeah," he said, unspoken emotions making his voice rough. "Sakura-chan told me when she visited today. Apparently the 'great Uchiha' has decided to get married." Naruto gritted his teeth and choked back his anger, "She said he proposed and she's thrilled, but I don't think she realizes he doesn't care about her. He doesn't love her – he just wants to rebuild his clan, and get back at me at the same time."
"I never did see what you saw in that girl." Temari stated calmly. "Still, I agree." She had a whimsical smile as she continued, "Did I ever tell you how glad I was that my groom turned out to not be him? I'd expected it to be, once I found out my husband was from Konoha."
Naruto snorted a laugh, her comment defusing his temper as she had planned.
"Me too. I'd always kind of wanted to be with Sakura, but I'd never really thought about marriage or anything. I started thinking about why I like her so much – I'll tell you, if you want to listen." Pausing, he tapped his chin as he considered where to begin. "No one liked me when I was a kid – back then, I didn't know why. I thought maybe it was just because I was an orphan or something. When I was out walking, I saw a group of girls bullying a girl with pink hair, calling her 'billboard brow'. I scared them off, and she was still there, so I tried to talk to her. I told her I thought she was really cute, and asked her if she wanted to play. We spent all day on the playing and it was great."
Naruto paused and closed his eyes sadly.
"It didn't last long. Her mother found out we were playing together and made a big fuss. She said Sakura wasn't allowed to play with me ever again. I didn't forget her but when we started at the Academy, it was obvious she had forgotten me. Or that's what it seemed like, but looking back I think she did remember. She was mean to me, but she never really meant to hurt me. She would say things to my face instead of behind my back." Naruto snorted. "The rest you know. Lovesick fool gets assigned to a team with the girl he has crushed on for years and the teme he can't really stand but has some sort of odd bond with anyway."
Temari looked thoughtful as she let the information soak in.
"You're right, that explained a lot. I almost feel bad for her."
"Yeah, but it's what she wants, so there's nothing I can do. If I say anything, she'll just think I'm jealous. She'll have to find out on her own."
Standing, Temari draped her towel back around herself.
"Well, this little 'game' is just starting, and I'll always have your back." Blushing a bit at the implications of her last statement, she hurriedly continued. "Anyway, it's getting late so I'm headed to bed. I would suggest you do the same, I've heard about your plans for tomorrow." She finished with a sneer.
His groan brought a smirk to her face. As she walked back to the house, she added some extra sway to her hips when she felt his eyes on her. She had to admit, teasing was much more fun then she'd thought.
Recovering from the massive nosebleed Temari had just caused, Naruto stood up and grabbed his towel. Feeling eyes upon him, he froze, relaxing when Reynard approached him.
"Your mate is certainly spirited, Naruto-Sama." The fox spoke with amusement in his voice. Following Naruto towards the house, he adopted a businesslike manner. "Lord Regent, have you considered the matter I brought to your attention?"
Gritting his teeth, Naruto responded.
"Hai, I believe I have a solution, but I'm not sure I can convince Inoichi to cooperate. The last time a Yamanaka entered my mind, things went.. poorly, to say the least." Pausing at the door, Naruto faced the fox, "I'll discuss it with him tomorrow after my appointment with Baa-Chan. I'll let you know what he decides."
"Very well Naruto-Sama." The fox said with a bow. "I bid you good evening my lord."
Sighing, Naruto waved goodbye and entered the house to get some rest. He had a feeling the next day was going to be above and away the hardest day of his life.
Slipping through the window in imitation of both his sensei, Naruto was somewhat amazed to find Tsunade both awake and sober.
"Good Morning Baa-Chan" He called out, ignoring the twitch over Tsunade's eye. Tsunade gently coughed into her hand and Naruto paused, then snapped to attention. "Chunin Uzumaki-Namikaze reporting as ordered, Hokage-Baa-Chan."
Grumbling under her breath at being called Grandma Hokage, which was possibly even more annoying then just plain Baa-Chan, Tsunade adopted a stern professional manner.
"With your wedding coming up a week from yesterday, we have several things we need to cover. First, I need you to create 3 clones."
Tsunade made three of her own clones, and paired a Naruto clone with each of hers.
"Alright, you two," She said, pointing at the first pair, "You are to go and review everything he needs to do during the wedding ceremony. We will have dignitaries from the capitol and Sunagakure so everything needs to be perfect." Pointing at the second pair, "You, take him and get him fitted out with a formal kimono and no, it is not allowed to be orange." Rolling her eyes, she turned to the last pair, "Last, you are to take him and get everything prepared for the reception. Food, flowers, drinks, everything."
As the clones left on their assigned tasks, Tsunade pulled out a whiteboard, several thick books and a folder that appeared to be stuffed with photos.
"Ne, Baa-Chan?" he questioned. "While the clones are out doing their thing, what are we doing?"
Tsunade had a predatory smile as she answered.
"One of the holes in your education has been brought to my attention and I will need to remedy that before your wedding." She tossed one of the books at him and her smile turned truly evil. "I believe it's time someone explained the 'birds and the bees' to you and you're just lucky I'm the best medical kunoichi there is."
Naruto blanched as Tsunade began hanging medical pictures of genitalia on the whiteboard. Glancing at the book in his hands, the title made him sweat. A Complete Listing of Sexually Transmitted Diseases? I wonder if I can escape? Edging towards the window, Naruto cursed as Tsunade activated the privacy seals, trapping him.
"Going somewhere Gaki?" she sneered at him. Turning around, Naruto gulped and faced his doom.
Several hours later, a pale and drawn Naruto entered Konoha's premier flower shop unsteadily. If getting the "talk" from his Baa-Chan wasn't bad enough, all three clones had dispelled filling him with memories of complete boredom - or utter horror, in the case of the clone sent shopping. He was so distracted he didn't notice a certain blonde trying to get his attention until she smacked him upside the head.
Ino still wasn't allowed to go on missions – Tsunade wouldn't sign off on her return from medical leave until she was sure the slowly simmering rage had passed. That meant she was trapped in her parents flower shop, bored out of her skull.
The door chime signaling a customer grabbed her attention and she looked up to see a distracted Naruto walk through the door. Trying and failing to get his attention, Ino decided to take a page from Forehead's book and punched him in the head. While this did get him to pay attention, Ino cursed under her breath as she rubbed her knuckles. Hitting his head really hurt.
"I said," She said in a near yell. "What can I do for you Naruto?"
"Gomen." Naruto said hurriedly. "I was distracted by some of the things I had to do today." Eying the shop inventory, he had a sudden flash of inspiration. "Alright, I need some stuff for gardening. And I need to see your dad."
"Alright, my dad should be back shortly. He went to meet with Shikaku and Choza." Pursing her lips, she examined Naruto critically. "What did you need as far as gardening supplies?"
Naruto just shrugged.
"I don't really know." he said. "The garden at the estate is sort of overgrown, so we need to clear the yard. And some spots need to have grass replanted, too. Temari has been working on a small flower garden near the house, but that's only because the original patch was growing on the stairs and we had to trim it back."
"Hmm, that's not a lot to go with Naruto. Can you tell me what sort of flowers and plants are currently there?" She openly frowned at him when he just shrugged. Palming her face, she resisted the urge to smack him. "Alright, how about I go back to your house with you and figure things out. I'll help you figure everything out."
Naruto just shrugged again.
"That sounds like it'll work Ino-chan." Further conversation was cut off as Inoichi entered the shop. "Ah, looks like your dad is here. I'll come grab you after I finish speaking with him."
Waving bye to the girl, Naruto braced himself and approached Inoichi.
"Good afternoon, Yamanaka-san," Naruto greeted him politely. "I have business I must discuss with you." Eying Ino standing nearby staring attentively, he added. "Privately please."
Nodding to the boy, Inoichi gestured for him to follow as he headed back through the rear of the flower shop to the office. Closing the door and activating the privacy seals after an amused glance at Ino - who had followed the two, curiosity written all over her face - Inoichi moved behind his desk and sat down, waving for Naruto to have a seat as well. He drummed his fingers as he considered his guest.
"So, what did you need to speak with me about Uzumaki-san?"
"I'll get right to the point," Naruto said sitting forward intently, "I need you to help me bring someone inside my mindscape for a meeting with the fox."
For a moment Inoichi couldn't believe his ears, "You want me to what?"
"I need you to help me bring someone into my mind to meet with the fox." Naruto repeated calmly. "As you may be aware, several fox families have made my estate their home. What you don't know is that those foxes are all that are left in the forests near Konoha. The alpha male of the remaining foxes approached me seeking sanctuary, calling me Lord Regent. Reynard, that is his name, informed me that I am Lord Regent of the foxes due to their Lord Kyubi being sealed inside me."'
Nodding his understanding, Inoichi considered the new information. Obviously foxes weren't popular after Kyubi's attack, but he hadn't known that they had almost been exterminated. Kyubi being Lord of the foxes wasn't too surprising, it was a giant fox after all. Still, he didn't understand how the foxes knew whom Kyubi was sealed in, and more importantly, who would want to meet the fox?
"I see from your expression you still don't understand my request. I need to speak with Kyubi regarding the foxes, but I want to take Reynard as well. I can enter my mindscape, but I can't take anyone with me. That is where you come in. I'm willing to pay S-Rank for the mission and you do not have to come anywhere near the fox. I just need Reynard transported in."
Inoichi sat back as he considered the offer. True, he could use the pay - S-Rank was really nice and it sounded easier then most. Still, anything dealing with the fox was a major security issue for Konoha.
"Very well," he said. "You'll need to turn in a mission request and have it approved by the Hokage. Anything dealing with your 'tenant' could be a security issue. Once you have the mission request in, I will need to meet Reynard. I'm not sure if a fox can actually meditate, but if I can teach him to do so, the process will be much smoother. I figure with your wedding approaching, and the need to recover after it," he said with a small smile Naruto didn't really get, "We can do this in two weeks or so."
"I understand," Naruto said standing. "I'll go get the paperwork in. Baa-chan might have something to add. If you want to meet Reynard, I'm headed home and Ino is already coming along to survey the damage to the garden. If you wish, you're more than welcome to come along as well."
Deactivating the privacy seals, Inoichi ushered Naruto from the office, "I don't have anything else right now, and I'm curious to see the garden you're talking about anyway." Entering the flower shop proper, Inoichi addressed his daughter. "Ino, looks like I'm coming with you to the Namikaze estate tonight. Is there anything you need before we go?"
Rolling up the taijutsu scroll she had been reading and darted for the door.
"I'm ready to go anytime, daddy." She chirped.
Inoichi eyed his daughter with amusement, "Minding the shop isn't that bad hun, you don't have to act like you want to be anywhere but here you know."
Rolling her eyes, Ino ran and pushed her dad out the door, grabbing Naruto's hand in passing and yanking him out as well. Slamming the door closed she turned and jumped in the air, arms stretched out.
"Woohoo! Freedom Datteboyo!" Clapping her hand over her mouth, she glared at her smirking companions. "Not a word!" She yelled and stomped off.
Smiling at each other, Naruto and Inoichi set off for the Namikaze estate. Several minutes passed and Naruto broke the silence.
"Ne, Yamanaka-san, how long till she realizes she went the wrong way?" Inoichi never answered. He just started laughing.
Ino caught up before Naruto made it home, and her glare warned the guys not to say anything about it. Entering the grounds, Naruto was mobbed by a handful of excited fox kits, sending Ino into cuteness overload. With a loud "Kawaii", Ino scooped up one of the kits and began hugging it, much to Naruto's amusement. It had taken several days before Temari could get close to the kits without shorting out. Must be a girl thing.
Kneeling, Naruto addressed one of the older female's keeping an watchful eye on the kits.
"Would you please get Reynard? Tell him to meet us in the garden." The vixen nodded and headed back into the trees on the far side of the grounds. Turning to his guests Naruto spoke. "Well, Reynard will meet us there, so let's go check out the garden."
Both Inoichi and Ino let out low toneless whistles as the somewhat trashed garden came into view. They were impressed by the potential to be found, but 14 years of neglect followed by the ministrations of an army of inept clones trying to garden had left it a complete mess.
"Sweet Kami," Ino screeched. "What the hell did you do to this poor garden!?"
Stepping back away from the irate girl, Naruto waved his hands defensively.
"Wait, wait. Hold on, this was completely overgrown when I inherited it. All I did was send something like a hundred clones to try to clean it up."
With a sniff of disdain, Ino turned and stalked away, surveying the garden for its needed repairs. Inoichi just sort of loitered listening to Naruto muttering under his breath with a smile. Ahh, this generation truly is something, isn't it Minato? He perked up when a large gray and red fox approached Naruto.
"Good Evening Naruto-Sama." The fox said, startling Inoichi.
"Evening Reynard." Naruto cheerfully returned. Jerking a thumb at Inoichi, Naruto did introductions. "Reynard, this is Inoichi Yamanaka, head of a clan here in Konoha that specializes in the arts of the mind."
"I see," Reynard replied. Facing Inoichi, Reynard bowed. "Good Evening Yamanaka-san, as Naruto-Sama stated, my name is Reynard. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Ano, I am pleased to meet you as well Reynard." Inoichi replied a bit uncertainly. Naruto didn't tell me the fox spoke, but that should make things easier I guess. "My apologies if I seem surprised, but I wasn't informed you could speak."
Naruto looked a little put out.
"I told you we were going to talk with the Kyubi. What did you think that meant?"
Inoichi palmed his face.
"Never mind." He gritted out. Looking far more cheerful, he continued. "This is actually a good thing as far as the mission goes. Reynard, for me to bring you into Naruto's mind, I'm going to have to teach you to meditate. You being able to speak with me should make the process go much smoother."
"Truly excellent news, Yamanaka-san." The fox replied. "May I inquire as to when we will be doing this training? Also, how long will this take?"
Inoichi tapped his chin as he thought.
"I'm not sure how long it will take. Most I teach don't take more then a few sessions but they were all human. As for when, we have two weeks at a minimum with Naruto's upcoming wedding."
Before Reynard could respond, Ino came storming up, slowing in caution at the sight of the large fox.
"Daddy," she exclaimed. "This is going to take forever to fix, but I have a list of supplies Naruto-baka is going to need." Handing the scroll to her father, Ino stuck her tongue out playfully at Naruto. "You're gonna need someone to show you what you're suppose to be doing as well, Whiskers. It's going to take a while."
Inoichi's eyes bugged slightly at the amount listed on the scroll. Adding the costs up in his head, he had to hold back laughter. Haha, between this and that S-Rank pay he offered, I'll be able to afford one of Ino and her mother's little shopping sprees and still have sake money left over. When he looked up, Ino was looking at him in a distressingly knowing manner. Ahh crap, there goes my sake money.
"Excuse me Lord Regent, Yamanaka-san, but I believe I have a solution for both the 'garden issue' and also my meditation training." Seeing interested looks on both Naruto and Inoichi's faces, and ignoring Ino's wide eyed shock, Reynard described his solution. "I need training, and Naruto-sama needs someone to teach him to care for the garden. I smell the scent of flowers and potting soil on your kit Yamanaka-san, am I correct in assuming she would have the skill to teach Naruto-Sama?"
"Yes, she is quite capable of that , I've taught her horticulture for most of her life."
"Very well, my suggestion is that I come stay with you until we mind walk, and Ino-san stays here to teach Naruto-Sama."
Naruto went completely pale, Ino had a sort of bemused smirk and Inoichi was visibly conflicted. By far more experienced then the two younger humans, Inoichi was the first to recover.
"If you are willing to sleep in one of the greenhouses, you are more then welcome. However, I'm not ready to let Ino stay over for several weeks with a boy - not to mention Naruto is getting married in just under a week."
Ino was nodding her head until her father made the mistake of saying "let her". She had an evil gleam in her eye as she laced into her father.
"See this Father?" she spat, pointing at her hitai-ate. "This says that I'm an adult and you can stuff 'let her' straight down an Akimichi toilet." She paused in her rant, fist raised near her fathers face when she noticed Naruto edging away. "And where do you think you're going, Whiskers?"
Naruto froze, opened his mouth, then disappeared in a brilliant yellow flash, leaving Ino standing there shaking with rage.
"Grrr, when I get my hands on him...how dare he leave when I was yelling at him." Losing Naruto as a target, she turned back to her father.
Inoichi, while annoyed at being left to face his daughter, was also quietly amused. That was almost exactly like the time after Kushina got pregnant. Minato had said something about her gaining weight. Not listening to his daughter, while maintaining an outward appearance of rapt attention, Ino continued down memory lane.It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Minato constantly flashing away as Kushina destroyed everything in her way.
Ino's rant at her father was stopped as Naruto flashed back into the garden with an arm wrapped around Temari. He suspected that she knew he didn't need to hold her quite that tight to transport her, but she wasn't complaining and Naruto found he liked holding her close. Reluctantly letting Temari go, Naruto held up a hand to forestall an outburst from Ino.
"No, I didn't run away," he said quietly to force the temperamental girl to shut up and listen. "I went to go get Temari-chan. She does live here, and in less than a week will be my wife. I figure that since this would affect her, she should know whats going on."
Not to mention she is way stronger than you, Ino-chan, and you know it.
Temari already knew what was going on thanks to a quick briefing from Naruto before he flashed them back to the garden.
"So," she said with a smirk, "We trade the overly formal fox with Flowergirl for the next few weeks huh?" Ignoring Ino's glare at the nickname, she considered. "I don't really have a problem with it. It's not like we don't have extra room here. And it will be nice to have the garden all fixed up. I don't know much about maintaining plants in this kind of climate."
Inoichi seeing the look on his daughter's face and sighed in defeat. After some minor haggling with Naruto on the cost of both the supplies needed and Ino's services, Inoichi left, taking Reynard and Ino with him.
"Hmm," Naruto said, taking a quick glance at the sky to check the time. "It's still early, Temari-chan. You want to do something?"
Temari considered that, "Its too late to spar, and we've both already eaten. I feel like a quiet night in. Tell me, do you play shogi?"
"I know of it," Naruto replied. "But if you're willing to teach me, I'm willing to learn how to play." Motioning for Temari to follow, Naruto lead the way inside.
"I don't get it." Temari said, half hysterically.
"I know Temari-chan." Naruto grumbled lifelessly.
"No, I really don't get it. I just taught you to play a few hours ago!"
"I know Temari-chan."
"ARGH! You have no strategy, you make the most bizarre moves, but I can't beat you!" Temari yelled in frustration.
"I don't know Temari-chan. It's just like in a fight – I just sort of do things." Naruto said with a shrug. Stifling a yawn, "Alright, I have some things to do tomorrow before I go pick up Ino-chan. I'm headed to bed."
Struck by a sudden impulse, Naruto walked behind Temari and gently rubbed her shoulders briefly. Giving the girl a quick kiss on the check, Naruto headed upstairs.
"Goodnight Suna-Hime."
Temari was floored, not saying anything as she watched him head up the stairs. Raising her hand to her check, she smiled gently. He had surprised her with the brief shoulder rub - it had felt great but she hadn't been expecting the kiss at all. It was very sweet, she thought with a blush. She missed her brothers and the dessert, but little things like tonight reminded her that her life was good.
The next week passed quickly. Ino may have been a giant pain but she knew her stuff and the garden began to show its natural beauty. Naruto found, to his surprise, that Ino was fairly pleasant company without Sasuke around. He had enjoyed working the garden with her and even Temari pitched in, though plants weren't really her thing. She was no good with the local plants, but Ino had promised they could convert a greenhouse to maintain some plants from her home country.
Time passed all too quickly for Naruto. Before he knew it, he was standing outside the shrine, bracing himself to go through with getting married.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein