Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Warmth of a Cold Touch	By : ChocolateRedVelvet Category: Naruto > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 4563 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 9
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Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Chapter Seven
The skyline was a thick, heavy, pink, as the clouds covered the sun. The bright color was broken up with streaks of white, and in some places it even appeared a dark, almost navy blue. The sun was lowering behind the valley that encased the western region of Land of Hot Water and as the afternoon turned to dusk, the horizon darkened, became a kaleidoscope of lovely colors only nature could recreate. Kimimaro watched the golden orb disappear as he tried to keep himself centered. It was harder than normal. Today was the second day he was spending in the area. With the children he rescued. They were so different. So unusual. They made him feel and think things he never would have.
They reminded him too much of himself.
The way they gazed at him made Kimimaro so damned uncomfortable. Their eyes were always wide with joy, love, and adoration when they looked at him.
He was their savior.
Just as Orichimaru was his.
Except where Orichimaru saved him from loneliness and gave him purpose, he saved these children from death, disfigurement, and insanity.
He hated it. Hated them for making him so important to their existence.
"Brother Kimimaro?"
He turned and glared at the blond girl he secretly thought of as The Prophet. "I am not your brother." He ignored the question in her tone. She saw too much, knew too much.
She tilted to her head to the side and peered at him. Then she smiled. "Yes, of course, Father Kimimaro."
Kimimaro flinched and took an involuntary step back. She couldn't have surprised him more of if she leapt up and slapped him. "Father..." he mumbled. His mind seemed to have shut down. He wasn't able to get his mind around the new title. Another child, this one younger, appearing to be around three years of age, stumbled forward on unsteady legs to stand beside The Prophet. He had peaches and cream-colored skin, chin-length light silver hair, robin blue eyes, and a pink rosebud mouth.
He was absolutely beautiful.
The kind of child his master would have gladly allowed to grow so he could acquire his body.
A lump filled his throat when the child took a few steps to him and held out his hand. Clasped in his pudgy, little fingers was a single, furled white rose. He watched with eyes wide with apprehension and surprise as the flower opened up, revealing each beautiful petal one at a time. "Papa," the pale haired toddler said with a child's lisp and lifted the item, holding it out for his inspection. "Take."
He stared at the gift with unseeing eyes, remembering a similar flower from his past. He thought of the flower that was his friend when his father, fearing his abilities, caged him. He only let him out of that cold cage when he needed Kimimaro to fight for the clan. Then the Kaguya clan was wiped out when they attacked Hidden Mist, and he had no reason to live, nothing to do. He wandered through the Water countryside with no focus, not until Orichimaru found him and made him his servant, became his new father.
When he was locked away by his father, he looked to that flower, admired it as he felt like a furled flower himself, someone who wasn't allowed to bloom. He flourished under Orichimaru, gained a reason to live, and felt a little closer to that flower that grew from a crack in the concrete and a tiny sliver of sunlight. Then he grew sick and Orichimaru stopped giving him missions, and rarely visiting him. Then he relegated Kimimaro to Kabuto and made Kimi his assistant's problem. He didn't even visit him anymore.
He knew he could gain great favor from his father Orichimaru if he presented this beautiful child to him. This gardener of flowers.
Kimimaro didn't take the offered rose. He simply turned around and strode out of the room. He needed to return to Sound. He was losing his focus.

Naruto was livid. He was angrier then than he'd ever been in his whole life, despite having to deal with stupid ninja and civilians that couldn't tell the difference between a chakra demon and a child. This man, this idiot thought he could take his first friend, his Haku-chan, away from him without suffering some kind of injury. Well, Naruto fully intended to show him he was wrong.
He watched the man step forward and responded. He lifted his hand, handle side of the kunai out, and jabbed the man hard in the middle of his chest. He gasped hard, pressed his hands to his chest and stumbled back. From his peripheral vision, Naruto saw two men move to take his place and attack. Haku went for the guy on the right while Naruto took the man on the left. He lunged forward, punched the man, a brunet in the face, hitting one cheek, and then swept his leg out. The bone cracked under the pressure of his fist. The pain and hit to the face disoriented his attacker, and when Naruto kicked his legs out from under him he fell back hard, never getting the chance to break his fall. His head smacked the stone floor and Naruto could tell from the sound that he wouldn't be getting back up anytime soon.
When he turned around he saw that he and Haku weren't the only ones defending themselves. Ino and Choji were tag-teaming some pale blue haired ninja who looked to be about Kakashi-sensei's age. Kiba was fighting with a black haired chunin and Akamaru was biting the leg of what appeared to be a brunet civilian female.
The first man was back and he looked pissed. Naruto flashed him a fanged smile and lunged. He tackled the man, throwing him to the ground. He had his kunai in his hand and the sharp edge was pressed against the man's jugular, right at the vein. He purposely nicked the skin. The man flinched. A thick, heavy bead of blood rose to the surface and coated the tip of his blade. If the fool moved, the nick would become a slash and the bastard would bleed to death quickly.
Someone moved to the right of him and Naruto tensed ready for another attack. It never came. A whistle ran through the air and those who were ninja trained froze at the sound. The melody and tone was distinctive and meant a commanding officer was calling attention. Considering even jounin stilled, he knew the individual beside him was wearing an animal mask to hide his or her features. ANBU had arrived.
He didn't know whether to be pleased or not.
"Every one of you put down your weapons, step back from your opponents, and be prepared to be questioned. We will find the source of this altercation and the person will be disciplined."
Definitely not.
"Wow! They got here quicker than normal. Thought I'd get to fight a little more before they broke it up," some ninja in the back of the bar muttered out loud. Judging from the slur the man was intoxicated.
Naruto couldn't help wondering just how often these brawls happened that someone knew when to expect ANBU's arrival.
He knew drinking with Kiba was a bad idea.

Haku wrinkled his nose at the antiseptic that coated the air. He hated the scent that seemed to fill all hospitals. Despite his love of medical jutsus and healing, he couldn't stand the way hospitals and clinics smelled. It was a little too clean and cold. Impersonal really and then there was the scent of death that clung right at the edges. Plus, he preferred to be the one doing the healing. He hated being a patient. He glared at the nurse cleaning his shallow wounds. They weren't an issue, not really, but Naruto refused to be healed until he was done. So he mentally rushed the woman who was taking a little too much time to clean and bandage his cuts.
His master and friend was injured and this woman was taking her good old time to clean every little thing.
He reached his limit. "Have you finished yet?" he asked through gritted teeth. The woman lifted her head. Her eyes were brown and blood shot. The outer edges tilted down just a little. They were the most attractive thing about the plump, plain woman and they were not pretty. She darted a glance at Naruto before looking back at him. Her eyes were wide with surprise and fear. His gaze tightened. She was one of those people who feared his master. He hated her in that moment. "If you are uncomfortable with tending to our needs, leave. I am more than accomplished enough to do your job. Leave the supplies."
She jerked back as though slapped. He suddenly felt the need to make that feeling a little more honest and strike her. How dare she?
"What... I... why... Mr. ..."
He cut her stuttering off. "You are clearly uncomfortable doing your job so leave. I will make it clear to your superiors that you lack the ability to do as you are assigned." He held out his hand for the cotton swabs, and antiseptic.
She sputtered for a moment. Then she glared, dropped the items on the bench where he sat, and straightened. "I am fully capable of doing my job. Apparently my thoroughness is not appreciated."
He snorted. "Thoroughness, is that what they are calling it these days?"
She marched to the door and opened it. At the threshold she paused and looked over her shoulder at him.
"Leave."
She stepped out and attempted to slam the door but another hand stopped its closure. The woman stumbled back, almost tripping and falling to the floor when she realized just how close other individual stood. She caught herself and looked up shock on her face and the surprised seemed to grow as she took in the other. Haku couldn't see just who she was staring at but judging from the weathered nature of the arm it was an elderly person. He suspected the Hokage considering just how close the village leader seemed to be to Naruto.
"I suggest you be on your way, Miss, and make no mistake, I too will be having a discussion with your boss about your deplorable services. This hospital caters to ninja so it needs the best. You are clearly not that."
Haku was a little surprised to hear Homura's voice. He knew they needed to discuss what happened at the Red Bush and the implications and repercussions, but he hadn't expected him to rush to the hospital while they were still being tended to. He expected to see the Elder later, much later.
And he was down right shocked to hear his words. He must have heard Haku's conversation with the nurse and come to the same conclusion. She was one of those people who were unwilling or afraid to help Naruto because he contained the Nine-Tail. He was clearly displeased and was making that displeasure known.
The woman's face turned red and she parted her lips to say something, probably in her defense and then seemed to rethink it. Back straight, muscles tensed, she turned and walked away.
Homura stepped into the doorway and then the room. "Evening Master Uzumaki, Vassal Haku," he called out and inclined his head in greeting. "I ask that you not judge the medic corps by her actions. Leaf has a shortage of trained medics and so has been supplementing the hospital staff with regular healers." He stepped deeper into the room and took the lone seat there for a family or friend, adjusting his clothing so it settled comfortably around him.
Naruto muttered, "Uh, good evening, Elder," and then went back to being quiet. He'd been painfully silent since the fight. Haku knew it was because he now had confirmation that Naruto was a demon vessel and the blond probably thought he was going to leave him because of that. He wasn't and he planned to make that clear to the blond once they were alone.
Haku took advantage of the lapse in conversation to tend to Naruto's wounds. He descended from the bench grabbed a pair of gloves and started to put them on.
"I told you I was fine. The other guy didn't even get a single hit on me."
"I heard you," Haku replied. Naruto could be bleeding to death and he would tell Haku he was fine. He downplayed all the wounds he received during their spars, acting as if his spilt blood didn't matter. Haku wouldn't be so lax. The boy reminded him a little too much of his former master in that way. More often than not after a big fight Haku was forced to stun his master in order to heal him. He wondered if he'd have to be so drastic where Naruto was concerned. Then again, he heard from the medic-nins in other villages that shinobi in general were difficult to help as they never felt they required the aid, even when they were literally at death's doorstep.
He tilted the blonde's head and looked over his face. Naruto was a very attractive boy and with time he would grow into an incredibly handsome man. He had large, bright blue eyes that upturned at the outer corners just the slightest bit, making them more exotic than most. They were heavily defined by thin black lines that made his eyes all the more striking. He wondered if their appearance was a result of the Nine-Tail's presence. His nose was simple, straight and upturned just the slightest bit at the end. His mouth was wide with thin, red-pink lips. His most distinctive physical characteristic were the three whisker like marks across both of his cheeks. He could not spot any bruising or swelling so he continued checking him over, making a path southward down Naruto's body. Haku shivered as his hands moved over the planes of Naruto's hard body. The blond was skinnier than Haku would have liked, but there was no denying the strength of his form. Despite his young age, the blond was more cut than one would suspect. He had lightly defined pectorals and stomach muscles and Haku knew with time he would grow stronger. He could already picture just how good looking and commanding his master would be when he was fifteen, his age. He swallowed thickly.
"What happened to the medic-nin corps that this hospital requires regular healers to fill the gap?" he asked as he lightly pressed Naruto's chest to see if he was injured.
"Tsunade left. War happened. The budget for the medical infrastructure was cut. Then the ninja population dropped. The numbers we had could not be allocated to the specialties. Medic, T&I, Intelligence, and Hunter units all suffered."
"Truly?" he asked, shocked to his core. How could it be so bad here. That meant that nearly all of the ninja in the Leaf were generalist. Having such sectors with low numbers meant Leaf was the equivalent of a fat duck with clipped wings. All their enemies needed to do was strike and Leaf would be brought down without any warning from I&T and Intelligence, and with little chance of mitigating the damages. Right now it was living on its past reputation, but if any other the other hidden villages or those who wanted to become a hidden village figured out that Leaf was severally underbalanced, it would become the prime target of all.
"Yes. It is why I ask again that you not judge the medic-nins based on the woman's reactions as she was not one. She is a healer who splits her time between this hospital and the civilian one. Unfortunately her reaction was one most of our ninja have become accustomed to having to endure. Civilian healers are wary of ninja in general, and the stronger the ninja the worse their reaction. It is why all of our jounin level men and women are seen by the few medic-nins we have, even if the issue is a small one. We once had a civilian nurse almost kill one of our strongest ninja because she gave her the wrong dosage. The investigation discovered she wasn't able to handle the pressure from the female ANBU's chakra." He took a moment and looked over Naruto, who still sat quietly on the medical bench. With each sentence the Elder spoke, the tension that rode his frame lessoned. It was clear Naruto realized that the woman feared him because he was a ninja and not because of his demonic tenant.
"Master Uzumaki, I can't help but wonder, has anyone every explained the difference between the level of chakra you were gifted with and what others have?"
Naruto shook his head. "No, Elder, no one has explained anything about my chakra to me."
Anger flashed across Master Homura's face for just a moment and then it was gone, but not before Haku took notice of it. "I see. We will need to have an in depth discussion of the difference between your chakra and that of others. Master Uzumaki, you currently have more chakra than the ANBU I spoke of. To be honest you have the most chakra of anyone in the village, the Hokage included."
Haku sputtered at the admission. One of the reasons why the Hokage was able to earn the nicknames The Professor and God of Shinobi was his immense chakra levels. The man's capacity allowed him to learn techniques and jutsus that others couldn't touch because he had more chakra than really anyone but a jinjuriki to spare. To find out that genin Naruto had more than the Hokage, even at the village leader's age, was astounding.
He chuckled.
Both men turned to him, looks of question on their face. Haku blushed. "Master Zabuza was a very accomplished ninja and he taught me much. While you are young there is no doubt in my mind you will become a very accomplished ninja and will teach me even more. I have been blessed both times in finding the best masters possible."
Master Homura looked at him for several moments before a slow, satisfied smile stretched across his face. "Yes, I quite agree. Master Uzumaki is truly remarkable, both because of his gifts and what he has accomplished with the little he has been given. I see now that you two will be perfect for one another. Together Clan Uzumaki will go far."
Naruto laughed. "Of course. Haku wouldn't have it any other way."
Haku's blush deepened. He wasn't quite sure what to think but he felt warm inside at the sight and sound of Naruto laughing.
"I am glad to see you are in good health despite what happened at the bar."
"Yes, we are fine. The worst was a few cuts. Nothing more."
"Good, good. Now, Master Uzumaki, Haku would either of you be willing to tell me what happened at Red Bush?"
Haku glanced at Naruto. The blond sighed and then told Elder Homura exactly what occurred to lead to the bar brawl and then the fight between himself and the civilians. Haku inserted his points here and there. It didn't take long to tell and hearing it come from someone else made it all the more real.
Naruto finished and looked to Master Homura for some comment. He was silent for several minutes.
"I was foolish really to not warn you, but I felt you had time to get adjusted to your new title before your position and vassal would be attacked. I thought they would wait until your status was finalized. Stupid, really."
Haku folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall. It was cool against his too warm back and made it a little easier to think. Homura was right. Clan Uzumaki changed the village's dynamics and there were bound to be people who didn't like that. He, they, should have been expecting this.
"They were looking for a weakness."
Haku's head lifted at Naruto's voice. He was pleased to see that their strategy lessons were paying off.
"Yes," Homura replied.
"And they found it."
That threw Haku for a loop. The had shown their strength and unwillingness to back down from a fight. They also showed their restraint by not starting the physical altercation despite the fact that brunet civilian's words deserved it. So what did-
"They know now that I will fight for Haku-chan."
Elder Homura grinned. There was something distinctly wicked about it that raised the hairs on the back of Haku's neck and made the skin there tingle. "Yes, they know Haku-chan is your weakness, but do not forget he is also your strength."
"Of course not! I'll never forget. Well, I've just have to get stronger, strong enough to protect Haku and myself."
Haku straightened from the wall and regarded Naruto. "I don't need protecting. I am a fully capable ninja and it is my job to protect you, Master Uzumaki."
Master Homura stood. "Careful now. We wouldn't want anyone to think you two are having a lover's spat."
Naruto turned bright red and sputtered. Haku whipped around to face the Elder a question on his lips. It never came as someone chose that moment to knock on the door. Judging from the chakra presence it was a higher up shinobi. Sure enough the elderly man opened the door to find a male ANBU member waiting there.
"The Hokage and the two councils are meeting in fifteen minutes to discuss the Red Bush incident. All three of your presences are requested."

Fuck ! Naruto wanted this thing over with and he hadn't even started yet.
He was behind Elder Homura and Haku followed him. As a group they walked to the dual council meeting. They stopped in front of a bright red door. It was the only door on the fourth floor of the Hokage Tower. He glanced around them and saw some people were already gathered there waiting to enter. He spotted the famous Ino-Shika-Cho trio. The jounin level ninja were standing together, conversing softly. Naruto's hearing allowed him to know they were talking about their wives. It was quickly apparent Shikamaru got his attitude from his father. The slim brunet with a spiky ponytail and two scars on the right side of his face was complaining about how his wife was "such a drag".
Naruto almost laughed at the sight. It brought a little bit of normalcy to otherwise unusual day.
"Please enter."
A member of ANBU stood in front of the door. It was open. Naruto felt a shiver of excitement and fear snake down his spine at the sight of the superior officer. Even with his senses, he hadn't noticed when he arrived or unlocked the door. He could not wait until he was that proficient in the ninja arts.
One by one they entered the room. It was like nothing Naruto had ever seen before. It was circular and the chairs were placed in rings that descended in size so all the council members would be sitting in one large circle.
"Uh?" Naruto was confused on where he would sit. The last thing he wanted to do was take someone's seat or offend the council as a whole. He suspected that where you sat in the circle, whether in the inner circle or outer, meant something. It probably spoke of your importance in village relations.
"Master Uzumaki, you will be sitting here with us, the Elders and the Hokage as you were involved in the incident."
Naruto turned to look sharply at Elder Danzo Shimura. He was holding out his good arm, indicating a chair for him to seat in. He still wasn't sure about Danzo. The man had pissed him the hell off when he demanded that Haku be seen by the I & T department, but a part of him could understand why he made the request. Haku could be an enemy of the Leaf taking advantage of Naruto.
The man had apologized, helped him buy his apartment building and the surrounding land from his old landlord, and he gave Naruto an extra lot of land next to it.
He didn't trust him. Then again, he didn't trust Elder Homura, not entirely. But he was willing to give Danzo a chance.
"Thank you, Elder Danzo," he replied with a bow.
Haku was teaching him and he knew he needed to remember every lesson he was ever taught.
One dark eyebrow lifted up in surprise and consideration. Then Danzo tilted his head in acceptance. Naruto took the seat. Elder Homura sat to the right of him and Danzo sat beside Homura. At that moment the third Elder entered the room. She froze a few steps from the entrance. Her gaze was on the two elderly men.
"Good evening, Danzo, Homura. Evening, Master Uzumaki."
All three men replied in kind.
Slowly the remaining members of the council entered. They tended to arrive alone, but a few notable members came together. It seemed only the famous Ino-Shika-Cho group came as a trio. Interesting.
Everyone arrived within five minutes but it was a short, tense time. Naruto filled the moments by skimming through the file on his desk. It was short and to the point. It included all the relevant information on the bar fight, including Naruto and Haku's fight. Also, it was all true, at least what he knew of.
The last person to enter the room was the Hokage. Naruto almost smiled at this despite his nervousness. The Old Man must have been waiting for all them so he could have all eyes on him when he walked in, because it couldn't have taken the leader the more time to go down three floors than it did for the council members to cross town.
He sat and looked around the room, his gaze never stopping to catch Naruto's. He nodded to one of the Elders. Danzo. As Master Shimura sat forward a little more and in a strong voice, said, "The Emergency Meeting of the Ninja and Civilian Council of Hidden Leaf has commenced. The issue is the assault of Clan Head Naruto Uzumaki by civilian Jun Yuu."
"Thank you, Danzo." The Hokage glanced around the room. "The topic is open for discussion."
"The topic assumes that the assault is a given. How are we to know that Uzumaki was even assaulted?"
Naruto glanced behind him. The man who spoke sat on in the back of the circle and on the right side. Judging by his dress and figure he was a civilian. But Naruto could be wrong; after all, a number of retired ninja and clan heads let themselves go once out of service.
"My department, including myself, has questioned the assailant. There is no doubt he attacked Master Uzumaki. Also, he did so with the intent to kill."
Naruto whipped around to glance at this speaker. He wasn't surprised to see it was Ino's dad, Inoichi Yamanaka. Ever since learning he could become a clan head, he starting learning who was who in Leaf. Yamanaka was the Captain of the Leaf's Allied Forces Intelligence Department. He was a brilliant man and great fighter. The civilian audibly gulped at the look on the blonde's face. He was not pleased to discover someone doubting the information he provided.
"If you had been more cautious, Mr. Kenishi, you would have read the preliminary reports on your seat and read what our forces have discovered." The Hokage paused. "Or do you doubt the truth of my ninjas words?"
"No, Lord Hokage. I withdraw my statement."
"All other questions or concerns before we consider what punishment will be given to Mr. Yuu."
"Pardon me, Lord Hokage, but I must question why the civilian council is present for this discussion?" Hiashi Hyuuga asked.
The whole right side of the room bristled at the question.
"Yuu is a civilian. They have every right to be here," Elder Koharu Utatane bit out. It was clear she did not appreciate Hiashi's inquiry.
"I beg your pardon, Elder Utatane, but no they don't," Shikaku Nara replied. "The civilian council has never spoken on clan issues as civilians can never head a clan. The Leaf charter and laws are clear on that."
And it was. Naruto was surprised to discover that when learning about his responsibilities as a clan head. In the Leaf, the only clans that existed were ninja clans. Ninja clans could include civilian members but the head had to be a ninja and a majority of its adult members had to be in the Allied Forces. There were clan like civilian families in the Leaf but they were not actual clans and never could claim the benefits a ninja clan received. For example, while Sakura was a member of the large, political Haruno family, she could never claim to be a clan member.
"But this is not actually a clan issue. Uzumaki's clan status is not final."
"All the more reason for us not alter what is normally done," Shikaku responded.
The Hokage leaned forward. "Please, explain yourself, Shikaku."
The brunet sighed. "First and foremost, let us not pretend that Master Uzumaki's finalization is a formality. He is a clan head. Period. Second, we speak now as though Master Uzumaki will be the last person to apply for clan status in Leaf. I hope he is not, but the actions some propose may make it so."
"How?"
"Regardless of how one feels about the two groups, they are different. We do not have one single counsel for a reason. This is also the basis for the Second's rule that no civilian shall speak on any matter that involves a clan. We are on the precipice of a slippery slope. Today we are discussing the punishment of a civilian who attacked a clan head, tentative or not, knowingly and with intent to kill. If we do as suggested, I can easily imagine a future clan leader deciding Leaf is would not be a good home for his or her people if civilians are allowed to speak on their issues. We will lose clans to the other villages. This is particularly problematic considering what is going on in Mist."
Silence filled the room, clogged the air.
Wow! he thought. Wonder if Shikamaru is half as smart as his dad when he's awake.
"Lord Nara is correct. There is no need for the civilian side as this is not a civilian matter, this is a ninja and clan issue, despite the man being a civilian. He and his men attacked a clan leader, his vassal, and the heir of several other clans," Danzo added.
The Hokage glanced around the room, face grim. Naruto didn't need to turn around to see that the civilian council was livid. He could hear them shuffling around and even a few whispers. "Forgive me, for having you called, civilian council members, but I must request that you depart the meeting."
Chairs were pushed back and papers rustled. Then in a single line, backs straight, faces tight with anger, the civilians left the room. The Hokage waited until the last member closed the door behind her before addressing the room.
"Now, let us speak of punishment."
"In light of the severity of Mr. Yuu's actions, I recommend that he either receive life imprisonment with no possibility of parole or death."
The statement hung heavily in the silent room.
Naruto couldn't help agreeing with the man. He turned slightly and looked at the speaker. This time it was Choji's dad. His son looked just like him, but smaller and softer. And a lot less frightening. The clan leader was livid and it showed. Naruto had never witnessed such anger on Choji's face. He hoped he never did.
He could only assume the reason behind the rage was the danger to Choji's self as the other genin had been in the brawl and unlike, Naruto, he didn't walk away unharmed.
"I would like to second that, especially in light of the words Mr. Yuu spoke. He not only attacked a clan head, and therefore Clan Uzumaki, he started an altercation that involved three clan heirs. Finally, he spoke of the sacrifice Master Uzumaki makes every day by caging the Nine-Tails," added, Yuki Kurama. He was a member of the second branch of the Kurama clan, and acted as clan head as the heiress, Yakumo, wasn't able to because of her illness.
"The law states that one can not tell of the secret. The bar was filled with those old enough to already know," Koharu replied.
"This is not true. While the civilians may have been old enough to know of what happened, we know the genin present, including the three heirs were not informed of the what happened to the beasts. He has broken the Third's law. Death is my recommendation. We have been lax for too long and in return have grown weak. Many violate the spirit, if not the word of the law every day. This is the second person who has blatantly disrespected the rule. The first we imprisoned instead of abiding by the law and executing. Now another does the same thing but informs more. This can not stand." Finally, Elder Homura spoke. Naruto had been wondering when he was or if he was going to join the conversation. He had and the Elder had pointed out something Naruto hadn't really considered. He was so worried about how Haku would take his secret, he never considered how his former classmates would.
Gods, he was starting to feel sick.
This day was getting worse. As if that bastard didn't do enough. Now he would never be able to look at Choji, Ino, or Kiba the same again. That is if they even looked in his direction.
"I agree. I now have to go home and explain to my daughter exactly what sacrifice Master Uzumaki makes everyday. I never expected or wanted to have this conversation, but I must because of Yuu," Inoichi added.
"Death is a harsh sentence. I recommend a prison term, five years."
Naruto's eyes widened at the Hokage's words. He understood he was supposed to be the peacemaker and all, but come on; the guy attacked him and blurted his nine-tailed secret to the whole bar. Five years in jail seemed a little light. The bastard could have killed Haku, Ino, Kiba, or Choji. Then what?
"I believe we should ask the victim what punishment he believes would satisfy the Leaf and his need for justice. After all, he was the one attacked?"
Naruto damned near groaned at Shikaku's suggestion. He took everything nice he'd ever thought of the man back.
"I second. Anyone opposed to the rule that the victim, Naruto Uzumaki, in this case will decide the fate of his assailant?"
Of course no one objected. The clan leaders would not want to find themselves in the same situation and leave their attacker in the hands of the group. Plus, ninja were vengeful people. It was a learned trait.
However, it looked like the Hokage wanted to object but didn't dare. When no one spoke up, he sighed and turned to Naruto. "His fate lies in your hands, what do you say?"

Naruto rubbed his hands up and down his thighs. He grimaced. His pants were dove gray and cotton and fit him perfectly, without showing the fact that he was just a little too skinny. Haku purchased them, the simple black long sleeve tee he wore, and the five other articles of clothing in his apartment. He was so happy when he received them. That asshole almost ruined that.
Almost.
He rubbed his hands on his pants hoping to warm them up. He felt cold, emotionless for sentencing a man to his death and not caring.
He should care; he should give a damn that because of him and his unwillingness to back down that asshole was going to die. But he didn't. He didn't give a shit because, Naruto knew all too well what that man planned on doing to Haku if he ever got the upper hand and killed Naruto, and that was the reason why Naruto refused to let the Hokage convince him to lower his punishment.
Naruto saw the glint of malice and pleasure in his eyes. If that man and his friends managed to incapacitate Haku, he fully planned on raping the boy. Probably Ino too. He'd seen the look in the eyes of men before. The men who came to the slums looking for an easy lay but wanting someone who would fight them for it. He was one of those men who took perverse pleasure in destroying a person from the inside out.
He'd be damned if he let that happen to Haku. So, when the Hokage asked him what he wanted, he told him. "I want him to serve the harshest punishment possible for what he did. It would be wrong of me to ask for anything else," he replied. He made it seem like his choice was made because it was what was best for the village. It was. If people could get away with attacking clan leaders and shouting S-class secrets as if it didn't matter, well, there would be a lot fewer clans in Leaf and that was not good for the village. But the real reason he'd asked for the guy's head was Haku. He couldn't let people get away with harming his clan. It would set a dangerous precedent. He'd come to realize that while he could take quite a few hits and get back up, thanks to his furry tenant, few others could say the same. If he responded to danger to his clan the same way he did when he was hurt, he wouldn't have much a clan very soon. Not that he had much of a clan right now.
The sound of gravel being crunched underfoot reached him and together, he and Haku, turned to spot the source. He spotted the silhouette of four people standing a little south of one of the main street's lights. Naruto pulled out his kunai and gripped them in both hands. Out of the side of his eye, he saw Haku had eight senbon out, one between each finger of his fisted hands.
Elder Danzo warned them to be cautious of secondary attacks. They planned to take his words to heart.
He waited for the group.
They moved silently, walking across the street with quick sure steps. There was something about the controlled yet easy way they moved that told Naruto they wished him no harm. When they crossed the path lit by the lamp, Naruto was surprised. Though they were under the light for less than three seconds and moved quickly to the shadows, he saw all of their faces. He recognized three of the individuals and knew one pretty well. Still, he didn't lower his blade. His first attack might have come from someone unexpected but his next might not.
Honestly, it was likely to come from someone he did know.
They finally reached he and Haku. They stood no more than five feet away and the nearest streetlight was close enough to illuminate their features. "Tenten, Hayate-san, Shiranui-san, how can I help you?" he asked.
Tenten gave him a big smile and waved. He inclined his head in greeting.
He was more than a little uncomfortable with the impromptu meeting. He went to the ninja academy with Tenten. She was a year ahead. They rarely talked in school. But they went further back than that. They both lived in the Living Springs Orphanage on Senju Road. They weren't friends, she was a girl and he still thought they had cooties then, but she was kind to him.
Hayate released a hacking cough. The sound seemed to spur the group on because a look passed between them. Then Shiranui tilted his head to the side and Tenten stepped from the group. She bowed low. "Master Uzumaki, we have come to seek an audience with you tomorrow to speak of joint benefits and a lifetime of companionship."
Okay, that's weird, Naruto couldn't help thinking. He never expected such stiff politeness from Tenten. It took him a moment to figure out what she said. She, well her group, wanted to talk of an alliance. They wanted to see what they would gain and give up if they promised fealty to Clan Uzumaki.
Naruto almost groaned out loud. Elder Homura and Haku warned him that there might be ninja individuals and families who sought him out to give fealty. He hadn't really paid they any mind then thinking that all the people who might want to do that already had alliances. After all, Leaf had some of the Elemental Nations most famous clans. Plus, he was the vessel of the Nine-Tails and no matter how he pretended it was otherwise, people feared him. While the vast majority of ninjas simply let him be, there were those that hated him. And he couldn't imagine even the most indifferent ninja tying themselves to him.
To say this was unexpected would be an understatement.
Still, if they wanted to talk he was willing to listen.
"How about we meet at my apartment building tomorrow at 0900 hours?" he asked. He planned to sleep in. He figured he deserved the extra rest after the night he had.
"Thank you immensely, Master Uzumaki," Hayate said.
"You're welcome," Naruto replied and waited for them to depart. He turned to Haku once they were gone. "We are not sparing tomorrow morning."
The brunet laughed.

"You need to own the Nine-Tails."
Haku felt foolish the moment he spoke the words. He was waiting for the right time and had mentally composed what he was going to say to Naruto. Yet, the words burst forth at the wrong time and they weren't even the ones he planned on saying, but there was no turning back. The conversation started. He only hoped he didn't make any more stupid mistakes.
Naruto turned and stared at Haku in surprise. It quickly morphed to fear and for the first time Haku saw Naruto blanche. He stepped back and dropped onto the small, battered loveseat. "When you didn't say anything immediately I was hoping you didn't understand what that bastard was saying. Foolish wish, huh?" he said dejectedly after a moment.
Haku sighed and walked across the small studio to take a seat right next to him. He grabbed Naruto's hand and intertwined their fingers. They were long and blunt at the top with thicker fingertips, calluses. There was a fine dusting of hair on the top of the bottom knuckles. Belatedly, Haku realized just how intimate their touch was, but he didn't pull his hand away. No, he tightened his grip.
"I already knew you were the vessel for the nine-tailed kitsune demon."
His confession landed heavily and thickened the tension that rode between. The fingers clasped with his started to tremble just the tiniest bit but the shakes left Haku unsteady. He thought he knew what he was doing until them. The truth. Haku figured he could only tell the truth as he had nothing left. The carefully crafted speech was forgotten.
"I wasn't a hundred percent sure, but I suspected. Your chakra signature is strong, stronger than anyone's I ever ran across including the Mizukage, the human sacrifice for the Three-Tail." He pressed his index finger to the underside of Naruto's chin and lifted his face. "Then there are these distinctive marks," he whispered as he brushed his hand across the three lines that highlighted the strength of his cheekbone. Naruto shuddered.
"Plus, there were the things you said and did not say."
"What do you mean?"
The words were spoken softly. The tone was so alien coming from Naruto, it broke Haku's heart to it. He licked his bottom lip. "You are not the only person sacrificed to become the vessel of a tailed demon. Master Zabuza was always on the search for the next mission and our missions took us all over the Elemental Nations. While I have not been everywhere or seen everything, I've seen enough to know that most vessels are not treated well by their certain portions of the population."
"Certain portions?" Naruto questioned.
"Those who fear strength, and those who are weak. The vessel of the weakest tailed demon could bring about much destruction. People who can not claim that power and do not respect it, come to fear it."
Naruto seemed to consider his words for a moment before admitting, "Yes, you're right."
"You need to own the Nine-Tails," he repeated from earlier. "Whether you like it or not the Nine-Tails is a part of you and is here to stay. You can do exactly what these stupid villagers want you to do and continue ignoring it, cowering at the very mention of the word demon, or you could take charge of it and make it bow to you. Own it as it should be owned."
Naruto looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean own it? Do you mean that I should use the Nine-Tails' power, take advantage of their fear?"
Haku shook his head. "Yes and no. I don't think that would be a good idea to use the beast's chakra. He is a demon and you're a human. As far as I know demonic chakra is harmful to humans. It might not be bad for you because you are a vessel, but I doubt it's helpful. What I mean is that you need to accept the fact that you are the Nine-Tails' vessel and stop letting ignorant people make you feel bad about it. You did nothing wrong. You're not the Nine-Tails. You didn't kill those people. You're the vessel who is doing them a service by keeping the monster at bay. If they can't acknowledge that then you don't want their recognition."
He leaned a little closer and smiled at Haku. "You're right. Thank you, for helping me. You're a great friend, Haku."
"You're a great friend too, Naruto. That's the reason why I help you." He paused and glanced out the window. "You mean a lot to me," he admitted as he looked at the blond. He couldn't help the heavy blush that swept across his face. He wasn't used to being so emotionally frank. Master Zabuza didn't care for emotions and demanded that Haku ignore his own. Things were different with Naruto. The blond saw him as a person. The situation they found themselves in often required that Haku take notice of his feelings. Also, Naruto needed him to feel so Haku could help him deal with his issues.
Naruto grinned, immensely pleased. "You mean a lot to me too, Haku. You're my most precious person."
"As you are mine."
"I don't know what I would do without you. You've helped me so much. I..."
"You're welcome and it's okay, Naruto. I'm not going anywhere."
"Thank you," he said brokenly, tears swimming in his eyes.
"You're very welcome, Naruto. We should go to bed."
"Okay."

A little more than an hour later Naruto found himself staring at the teenager laying across from him. He and Haku were forced to share his small bed until they had a chance to visit one of the home goods stores outside of Hidden Leaf. All of the furniture stores within the village were civilian owned and Haku refused to purchase it from them. He wanted it custom made for some reason. So they were sharing.
Naruto didn't mind sharing with his friend. To be honest he liked it. The first night back he'd been pleased to wake up and find Haku asleep and breathing softly beside him. It was confirmation that, yes, he was no longer alone.
He continued to look at Haku. He was such a nice person, a very good friend. Naruto was lucky to meet him. He couldn't imagine what his life would be like without Haku. The brunet seemed to have turned his life around. Before Haku, he was so lonely. He tried so hard to ignore it, did everything he could to pretend he wasn't alone, but it hurt knowing he had no one.
Gods above and below, he couldn't help thinking about how bad it was when he was younger, before he started the academy and the pranks, when most of the village would ignore him, pretend as though he didn't exist every time he left his apartment.
He flinched, startled by the touch of callused fingertips moving across his cheek. He thought the brunet was sleeping.
"Go to sleep, Naruto. We have a long day ahead of us."
"Hey, Haku?"
"Hmm?" he murmured softly, sleep calling him.
"Thanks for talking to me about, you know, the Nine-Tails. Most people wouldn't."
"Of course. I'm your friend. I knew something was wrong. I knew you were worried. A true friend wouldn't ignore your suffering and so I couldn't ignore your suffering."
Naruto reached across the bed and clasped Haku's hand. He intertwined their fingers for the second time that night. "Thank you," he whispered, not really knowing what else to say in response to Haku's words.
He lay there for some time thinking over what Haku said. Naruto knew his friend had spoken with purpose. All his life people had ignored his pain simply because he refused to tell them about it. Even the Third did it. Haku was telling him without being explicit that those people he surrounded himself with weren't his friends, at least not his friends to the degree Haku was his friend.
Just as he wasn't as close to some people as he would have pretended to be before.
A few weeks ago admitting this would have been painful if not impossible. Now he could see the difference and though it hurt, it wasn't that overwhelming kind of pain. That was because he had Haku.
Though it was dark, he could still see the shadowed face of the boy across the bed. Haku's eyes were closed and his chest rose with the steady rhythm of sleep. Naruto moved just a little closer. He smiled. For the first time in his life he didn't feel lonely.
"Naruto-kun?"
Haku's breath was warm across his face. He hadn't realized until then just how close the other was. It suddenly didn't seem close enough. Naruto shifted to the right until he was less than a few inches away from Haku.
"Naruto-kun?" Haku called out again.
"Mmmm," he murmured softly.
"Is everything alright?" he asked and propped himself up on one elbow. The lustrous strands of his mahogany hair slid over one naked shoulder. Naruto couldn't help the way his gaze followed the movement.
"Everything's perfect," he replied before leaning forward and pressing his lips to Haku's.
Naruto wasn't sure what made him do it. He was impulsive by nature but after his mistaken kiss with Sasuke and what his fan girls did afterward, he hadn't considered kissing anyone, not even Sakura. But there was something about Haku that called him to him, left him feeling like he needed to be as close to him as possible and the most intimate thing he'd done with anyone was kiss.
And so he kissed Haku.
He pulled away, realizing that the brunet was not responding. Oh gods, he thought. I made a mistake and now Haku is going to be mad at me.
Naruto didn't get very far. Haku reached out, grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him down, initiating a second kiss.
The brunet tilted his head to the side and brushed his lips against Naruto's. Thick heat filled Naruto's abdomen as tingles of pleasure raced from his chest to his belly. He responded by placing just the tiniest bit of pressure against Haku's mouth. The boy moaned something undistinguishable and pulled away.
Their heavy breathing was the only sound in the otherwise quiet room for long moments. Naruto couldn't believe it. He kissed Haku and the gorgeous teen kissed him back! After some time, he finally got a hold of his emotions and lifted his gaze. Haku's face was a pretty shade of red. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. That was my first kiss," he admitted.
Naruto smiled. "It was my first real kiss."
One dark eyebrow lifted. "First real kiss? Care to explain?"
He didn't really want to. Ever. "Uh, I will some other day. Don't want to ruin the day."
Haku grinned. "Such a sweet-talker," he murmured before laying back down.
Naruto watched him for a moment, a wide grin on his face. He couldn't help it. He had his first kiss. He was totally and forever ignoring what happened with Sasuke. And it was with the nicest, prettiest person he knew: Haku.

AN: Woohoo! The first kiss. Yes. Finally. *Does Happy Dance*
1. So, I was thinking about the children Kimi saved, and decided to ask you, the readers, to define them. There are twelve kids in total and you've met three of them, two in this chapter: The Prophet and The Gardener. So feel free to send me the 1) name, 2) age, 3) what they look like, and 4) bloodline limit he/she has. Not all of the children will have a gift so feel free to just send name age, and looks.
The only thing I ask is that you don't send me established bloodlines such as Hyuuga or Uchiha. That would open up a can of worms and I don't want the fic to go there.
2. I am also asking you guys to tell me what you think of Kimi. Is he realistic? I love his character and want to do him justice.
3. Please review. I love each and every one. Every time I get a review I am inspired to write just a little faster.
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Warmth of a Cold Touch