A full week basically passed by without too much happening besides more training with Eleonor, my anbu watcher. Training with the Uchiha twins. Hanging out with Naruko and her friend group, and when I got home I would spend time with Quelaag.
So to say the least I was a pretty busy bee, and after getting a couple more mental downloads from Kaori, I definitely was getting better at throwing hands and getting my shit kicked as hard frankly.
And during the week of my life going on at a more reasonable pace without the Celestial Grimoire stirring. I still had one... One slightly thorny issue.
"Akari, you are sparring with Satsuki again," Iruka said in amusement making my face fall.
As somehow... 'Magically' I was slotted into fighting Satsuki every single fucking day at least once during the now spread out sparring exercises across the day.
"Why... Why are you being so petty and making me fight you every day?" I asked just tired of this.
But Satsuki just sniffed and said flatly. "I have no idea what you are talking about. But shouldn't you be proud to be my sparring partner? I am the best in the year after all?"
I just raised an eyebrow and said, "I beat you in every 'sparring' session we had... Plus I don't know about you being the best. After all, you plainly avoided fighting Kamimu after all."
Satsuki's face twitched before she said calmly. "There is no shame in not wanting to fight a demigoddess that can punch your soul out of your body."
You know what... That was fair enough. That wouldn't be lethal to me with my immortality but it would definitely put me on my ass for a good minute.
And figuring out how to stuff my soul back into my body didn't exactly sound like a pleasant bit of training obviously.
"Ok, that's true. But why are you doing this? Don't you have some kind of rivalry with Naruko at least?" I asked with some exasperation.
Satsuki's face twitched before she said in some amusement as she stretched her arms above her head to limber herself up. "Me and Naruko been fighting since before we could walk... I still got a scar on my scalp. Whereas a baby, Naruko stabbed me with a supposedly blunt fork when we were eating vegetables and cheese."
'Ok so they are still basically sibling that just have a love-hate relationship.' I thought before shaking my head and giving Satsuki a look who just rolled her eyes.
"For the so-called genius class, there aren't exactly that many people I can fight evenly. Either I stomp them like Ino and the other civilian kids or it gets political when Naruko, Hinata, and I fight each other."
"There is Dojuu, the Oni?" I said with a teasingly smile and her lips curled in distaste.
"He is even more annoying to fight than you. He has too much of a reach advantage with him being eight feet tall, and unless I hit him in lethal points he will just ignore me like you do."
Taking a breath I popped my neck to the side and said. "Alright let-" Before I could say 'go' a very loud alarm blared out and Iruka called out harshly. "Everyone head into the bunker inside the academy, go now!"
Remembering the lessons from the commoner classes on this, everyone began moving at a swift jog toward our established tunnel and once we reached the large hatch inside the school the girls went down first the slide down to the bunker that connected to the underground systems below Konoha.
"What do you think happened Akari?" Choji asked and I shrugged.
"I have no idea, I don't recognize the alarm," I answered honestly.
But it seemed Shikimaru had an idea as he just said lazily but there was no hiding the hint of tension in his voice. "The alarm is for an intruder, an active intruder found skulking about Konoha's fuinjutsu and array wards around the Village."
'More proof of rising tensions.' I thought with a shake of my head and then it was my turn to take the long slide which swiftly sent me a good couple hundred meters below the surface of the earth.
As I came out of the polished smooth stone shute I was swiftly pulled out of the way so more people could come down without issue by Naruko and Choji. And I asked curiously. "When was the last time this happened anyway?"
Naruko's face turned up in distaste before she said with an awkward expression for some reason. "Like... Four years ago, the Mizukage came to visit and engulfed all of Konoha and the surrounding forest in thick impossible to see through icy mist so she could make her grand entrance. And we thought we were being invaded."
"Well hopefully all our people are fine." I muttered as I took in the cave-like bunker that had a large steel or metal door at the end of the long tube we were in. But either way, we were supposed to stay here until one of the academy teachers picked us up.
-
Massive golden chains hundreds of meters long captured a massive gopher that had sought to dig under Konoha's warded grounds and a loud squeal of pain rang out. "Mercy!" The massive digging youkai screamed out as the golden chains tightened around its form.
Kushina's cold eyes glared at the massive gopher that was larger than most Konoha houses and she snorted. "A random Northern Pika Youkai coming from the Lands of Grass at this time?"
The gleaming golden chains glowed brightly and the youkai screamed as the barbed chains ripped through flesh and bone as Kushina's Uzumaki Sealing Chain's tore the youkai apart into bloody chunks.
Then abruptly an anbu fell to a kneeling position beside Kushina with a male voice speaking past the crow anbu mask it wore. "Lady Hokage, seven more of such digging Youkai have been spotted across the various points of Konoha... All not bearing the blessings of the Forest of Youkai's Daiyoukai."
Kushina gave a slow hum of thought before she spoke more to herself. "Having the Hyuuga continue to keep a harsh watch at the borders and in Konoha itself. Grass itself is making moves knowing it's facing its own invasion... Damn that Demon God Satori."
The red-haired Hokage then flickered in a red blur as she used her own Hirashin and the anbu then quickly zipped away to relay orders to the Hyuga Clan Patriarch to tell their clan members to keep a close eye out.
Back at the Hokage's Building, Kushina fell into her padded office chair with a light groan and then she pulled open a cabinet that after she was done pulling out its contents it was a large bottle of wine that she began drinking straight from the bottle.
A firm yet respectful knocking rang out at the door and she called out. "Come in!"
And striding into the room was Shikaku Nara himself who was already wearing his fur-lined jonin jacket and although slouching slightly. There was a sense of purpose in his steps.
Steps that Kushina knew and understood their weight as they had run out of time clearly.
"The Lord General has already sent news. His own compound and several barracks have been collapsed via underground tampering leading to many injuries but not too many losses of lives in the Samurai caught unaware of the coordinated attack."
And obviously, the forces of Grass didn't dare to directly attack the temples of the Land of Fire. That was a good way to get Amaterasu to personally fry you with a beam of sunlight.
"So we managed to ward off such sabotage... That is good, but I imagine the Lord General is livid at his own castle within the capital being destroyed." Kushina said flatly already knowing the Lord General who was the nominal leader of the all noble clan's warriors when the time for war came... Would be rather emotional.
Shikaku's face was hard as he replied calmly. "He is indeed very angry. His son and heir died when one of Satori's demonic spawn attacked them during the chaos. The Daimyo has ordered for Konoha to begin major sabotage operations to be done in the Land of Grass."
Leaving Kushina to take a deep breath before she said. "Grass knew from Satori that they were going to be invaded regardless... But now by forcing Konoha into war early, Iwa and Kumo won't be fully at war with one another and will be able to interfere with our invasion of Grass."
Kushina's Jounin Commander simply nodded as it was the truth, leaving Kushina to exhale before she spoke with finality. "That means once our reprisal becomes clear we will be at war officially within the next week. Two weeks max depending on how long it takes Grass to react to our revenge."
There was a pause before Shikaku asked bluntly. "Who are we sending and what are we doing?"
After a moment of thought Kushina spoke coldly. "Send an order for Jiraiya and Orochimaru, they are to destroy the Blood Prison allowing Satori free. Who will cause Grass more issues while Fire's army begins their march across the Land of Fire."
"Yae Miko and Amaterasu won't like Satori being set free." Shikaku warned needlessly but Kushina just shrugged and said plainly.
"It doesn't matter what happens, Satori would be freed anyway. If we came close to conquering Grass they would release the Demon God to make it our issue. If we release it first it will soften up the nation if it doesn't just flee and still won't be our issue."
The Jounin Commander bowed his head knowing his orders leaving to the encryption and decryption office to have messages sent to the two Sannin of the Leaf of their mission.
Meanwhile Kushina groaned as she covered her face with her hands as she whispered. "Dammit... I didn't want you to see war for another half a decade, at least Naruko."
But to say nothing of the ambitions of man, but there were also the very gods who had their own pieces to consider.
And thus the war machine that was Konoha stirred from its slumber. As war was just over the horizon.
-
We remained within the bunker for twenty more minutes of mostly tense conversation being shared before the large metal door at the end opened up with Iruka pushing open the metal door and calling out.
"Alright! All of you, spread out a good fifteen meters away from one another. You will all be walking in the footstep-shaped puddles of water, if you walk elsewhere... You will likely hit a trap so do not step out of my path."
We all made noises of agreement and after another wonderful twenty minutes of us slowly walking through the underground section upwards to the surface. We finally hit the surface.
With Iruka then calling out. "The Academy is closed for the rest of the day, continue your physical training from home ladies and gentlemen."
"Well... Time to go home I guess." I muttered as I knew Kaori and Kiyomi wanted a break today anyway. So it was a good chance for me to just chill out.
But as I got out of the academy I was waylaid by someone I had steadfastly ignored and avoided... For a long while actually.
"Kamimu." I greeted calmly as she walked beside me as I headed back home.
And the daughter/granddaughter of Izanami gave me a small smile before she spoke. "Hello Akari, I was hoping to have some your time. Perhaps we could speak at the park, or one of the training zones?"
Which meant that she wanted at least some semblance of privacy... Which included away from my anbu minder in Eleanor which I hadn't seen after getting out of the academy which was kinda unusual at this point.
But then again with the intruder alarm, she might be busy or something.
"Well, alright then. That should be fine." I said with Kamimu giving a demure smile before she began following just behind me as I made my way towards the nearest park where the families typically within the downtown section of Konoha let their kids play.
Once I found a bench a good ways away from everyone so no one could eavesdrop, I took my seat on it with Kamimu sitting next to me.
There was a moment of silence... And then she took a breath and asked frankly. "Jake... Are you involved with my mother Izanami?"
I paused at her words and she gave me a long look with those glowing crimson eyes before she continued.
"Let's start from the top, you are without death... You have no candle of burning lifespan all other living beings have, you have a core of literal death energy growing within yourself, and you even bear a divine weapon that conveys Death's touch upon those it harms."
'My immortality, my Death Bed Companion perk, and the Black Knife. She can sense them.' I thought with a weak smile crossing my face.
I took a breath before I spoke. "I have never had contact with your mother in my life Kamimu... I can't help but consider myself the playthings of the gods already, look upon my head. I literally have the sun goddesses stamp over my head marking me as hers."
Now it was Kamimu's turn for her face to twitch as she realized the truth in those words. "Then... You are deeply favored by the two goddesses at the very least." She said with something in her tone.
"Is my... Deathless nature what's driven you to stalk me?" I asked Kamimu plainly.
Making her snort and say honestly. "Correct! I am the daughter of the goddess of death itself. Why wouldn't I be fascinated by a man who is literally untouched by death. No, embraced so wholly by the concept that they simply eclipse its state upon their form."
She looked away from me and then she pointed at a young man who was sitting in the large roots of one of the nearby trees with a girl in his lap as they whispered sweet nothings to one another.
"See that man right there? He is slotted to die in the next five years due to his terrible drinking habits. But he is covered in death energy... Most likely he is going to die much sooner due to some other factor bringing about his death."
She then pointed at several other people and begin listing off their natural lifespans while remarking on people who had much shorter than natural lifespans who were getting involved with youkai, ninja life, or just doing stupid shit.
Then she looked to me and said. "Akari, I don't see that with you. I just see you, no death counter, no burning down the wick of mortality. Just the man you are because death refuses to touch you."
There was a moment of silence before I asked the obvious question. "And what does that mean? Beyond just watching me, is there something you actually want from me?"
Kamimu was silent, she had to consider that question. And then after a full minute of consideration, she said quietly. "I don't know Akari, I don't know what exactly I want from you. However... I hope that we can be friends maybe even more. Because we share a great many similarities with our situations."
Now it was my turn to be silent as I considered her words, then I gave her knee a kimono-covered knee a soft path that made her softly inhale as I said. "I can be a friend Kamimu, we all need friends anyway."
Kamimu had been nothing but respectful for being all but inhuman in our prior interactions despite me trying to keep a healthy distance from her. So I wasn't opposed to spending a bit more time with her.
But I didn't want her getting into my secrets as my Celestial Grimoire wasn't exactly fucking subtle in its gifts and power-ups.
And after a moment she slowly nodded. Then she smiled and spoke. "Indeed everyone needs a friend after all. So are you planning on taking the early graduation test as well Akari?"
I exhaled and then said frankly. "Yeah, I guess so, learning history and how to decode common ciphers isn't going to be all that useful for me. Getting an actual jounin teacher is what I really need."
As there wasn't any way in hell I wasn't going to get a Jounin teacher that was going to be on my ass teaching me how to become strong. And most importantly, making sure I didn't get honey potted once I was out of the village.
Though... I was very curious as to who I would get as a Jounin teacher. Would it be someone I knew from canon? Or someone completely new? Hell with me having the Mokuton, I wouldn't be surprised if one of the Sannins picked me up as their apprentice or something.
"Well, you have made great strides in your taijutsu which was your biggest issue Akari... And the instructors know that with your growing chakra making illusion clones is a bit stupid. So you are well on your way to passing." Kamimu said with some encouragement.
"How about you? Will you be taking the test as well? I asked curiously.
And Kamimu's small relaxed smile tightened before she exhaled and said more neutrally. "Yes, I will be. I don't have quite as many options besides doing it. I do have responsibilities I need to be ready for after all."
After that our conversation swerved to more common topics, what we liked to eat. How school at the academy had been, and her laughing at how even when I twisted another dude's balls into a pretzel with a jutsu people were still willing to fight me.
But no one would fight her at all in taijutsu as they were just that scared of her.
The lighter conversation went on for a good half an hour until she gave a light hum and said. "Well Akari, I am glad you aren't avoiding mere conversation with me now. However, I have my own responsibilities at my mother's shrine. So have a good afternoon Akari, but I must be going."
I stood up and then said more lightly. "Alright, you be careful Kamimu, and have a good night."
With that, I made my way back home without anything happening and after making me and Quelaag dinner I went straight to bed.
-
On the other side of the village, within the walled-in section of the Uchiha Clan a family were sharing a rare dinner together. The primary head family in Fugaku Uchiha, his wife in Mikoto Uchiha, his son and pride Itachi Uchiha, and his daughter Satsuki Uchiha were all in attendance.
"Hmm. A full week has passed. And you still haven't beaten Akari in any of your sparring matches." Fugaku calmly noted.
Satsuki's face took on a flush of some frustration but she took a deep breath and said with an amount of forced calm. "He is a monster in close combat... It's like he is wearing an invisible war plate as he just ignores any non-lethal hits he takes."
And before Fugaku could scold his daughter for her excuses Itachi spoke up for her as well making Fugaku seem surprised for a second. "She isn't making an excuse Father. Akari does have supernatural durability beyond just chakra reinforcement. I saw Satsuki kick him in the throat and push him back a few meters, but the actual impact of such force to the throat didn't even make him kneel."
Fugaku slowly nodded in understanding. "I see... Inheriting the Mokuton has seemingly indeed increased his natural durability just like in the notes Madara left the clan. Satsuki what kind of weapon would you prefer to learn?"
Satsuki blinked at the surprising question as she honestly expected her father to scold her for being defeated by Akari the whole past week. But after a moment of thought, she answered. "I guess a shortsword. Like an anbu chokuto, I have seen Itachi use it a lot with my Sharingan so I have some grounding in it."
The matriarch in Mikoto then said more firmly. "You do not need to use an anbu sword Satsuki. After all, you are being groomed into being the next head of the clan, and being attached to the anbu at all could be problematic."
The young woman took a breath before she shrugged and said. "Fine, an Odachi style sword then. I do have lightning as my primary element so learning how to use an Odachi in frontal combat would be a powerful statement."
The Uchiha's shared looks before Itachi said calmly but still comfortingly. "If you want to learn more swordplay I can help train you, my silly little sister."
Satsuki flushed in some embarrassment but she still nodded, as she was happy to get some more time with her often very busy older brother who was her idol.
But then Itachi took a breath that made him wince and Satsuku's enjoyment died abruptly before Fugaku moved the conversation on rather than ruminate on Itachi's dying lungs.
"Good, Itachi when you get a chance. Give Satsuki some more sword lessons... Because no matter what happens Satsuki, you are going to be Akari's rival. A mirror of our proud ancestor Madara Uchiha and his rival, and brother in all but blood Hashirama Senju."
"But one thing you should note Satsuki... No one, and I do mean no one. Not even the very avatars of War God's could meet Hashirama fist for fist with his ridiculous durability, healing, and simple brute strength. So I would advise you to master swordplay and other weapons."
Satsuki actually took some measure of relief in that. Her father was saying that if Akari had the same talent in close combat which he obviously did with Hashirama Senju.
Then trying to fight him in hand-to-hand combat was just a damned fool's errand and just an excuse to get your ass kicked.
"I will tell our contacts in the academy to quit fixing the matches Satsuki." Mikoto said with some amusement but then her smile turned mischievous as she said.
"But I want to hear about you beating Naruko you hear? If I have to hear one more tale from Kushina about how her daughter is all but undefeated, I am going to wring her pretty neck!"
"Yes Mother, I will beat her." Satsuki swore before she looked at her father and spoke curiously.
"Father, on the topic of Akari. What is being done about those two cousins of mine, Kaori and Kiyomi. They are hounding Akari, teaching him our taijutsu and how to counter it, and all but throwing themselves at him."
Fugaku was silent for a moment before he shared a look with his wife who gave a sigh and nodded. And with that nod, Fugaku's voice became more cold as he spoke. "They have already been greatly punished for the offense of copying the information within the archives with the intent of sharing it. On the other hand, they have a purpose, they are unknowingly serving in getting close to Akari."
"Can you guess what role that is Satsuki?" Fugaku asked calmly and Satsuki knew this was an important question that had to do with her role as the heiress of the clan. Her father was asking a question that would affect the clan itself.
So after considering the question seriously, she spoke slowly. "Beyond having a couple of Uchiha watching over him to show a strong connection with the inheritor of the Mokuton, we are also able to spy on him and gather information. Beyond that, I am not aware of another point of why they are beside him."
Her father nodded in respect at her two points along with admitting she didn't know of any other points. But he spoke calmly and without blame. "You have good points there my daughter, but you missed the main point."
"The main reason why we are allowing them to remain close is simple. The clan's elders wish for the divine favor that clearly follows the man with the literal halo of Amaterasu floating above his head. To bless the wombs of the two dirty-bloods who are unable to awaken any Mangyekou Jutsus."
The room went silent as Satsuki's face colored in distaste but her father spoke with a slight sigh.
"This world isn't kind Satsuki... Indra Uchiha, our bloodline source traded his bloodline's spiritual power for constant blessings from the gods. Who in turn provide the Mangyekou Jutsu's and in return our eyes remain ever bright and we do not have to worry about going blind even when using forbidden Mangeykou Jutsu's once every few months."
Satsuki nodded and with impatience said with some annoyance. "Father I know the clan's history. It's why the Uchiha's and Senju's have always been rivals if not respectful of one another seeing as we come from the Sage of Six Path's. But why should we even allow dirty bloods near him? Wouldn't a better stock of Uchiha be... More appropriate?"
Unbidden, Satsuki's mind went back to a week ago... To that blasted hug from Akari that set her loins aflame every night, when she attempted to sleep, and those teasing words he shouted out that hit her so deep even if she knew they were said in jest.
Fugaku took a deep breath and spoke softly. "That may be the case my heir, but the reality is that every once in a while, the dirty-bloods need to have their blood strengthened with those with divine favor to have their blood cleansed and gain back their divine favor."
Mikoto added calmly. "Beyond Fugaku, you and Itachi. There are only another three Uchiha within the clan that have access to the Amaterasu, Mangyekou technique. If Akari's divine favor can fix them, or at least allow any children they have to also have the technique. That would be for the best of the clan."
Satsuki's face was colored with distaste, not out of disdain for the dirty bloods of the clan. But she had... Very conflicting feelings about Akari at this point.
And after a minute of quietly eating Fugaku spoke again. "Now Itachi, it's possible you may be called to lead anbu strike teams into Grass country alongside Kakashi Hatake. You do need to be careful my son."
Itachi put down his chopsticks and he said with a small smile. "I will be careful Father, you have trained me well. And Kakashi and I have worked together for most of my ninja career so we know what we can and can't do."
The dour-face clan head gave a proud smile before he went back to finishing his dinner while Satsuki and his wife Mikoto started talking about some more relaxed topics.
-
I awoke back in my newer bed inside the house that the higher-ups of Konoha had given me with a sharp yawn as my alarm went off with a soft ringing noise.
"Haaa... Another day, another day closer to war, gods this world is fucked." I muttered to myself as I realized this world was basically Percy Jackson but everyone had access at some level to the ninja magic. And the gods were very much active in this world.
After getting my breakfast sorted and checking on Quelaag who was hard at work knitting a large ornate robe out of her own silk for me to wear at some point when she finished.
I went out onto the back porch of my small lot and took in the small acre-wide backyard to take a breath of fresh air before I left the house to go the academy.
But as I took in my yard, my lips twitched as I saw the weird form of Eleanor standing on the edge of my porch in her extremely covering anbu uniform.
"I didn't see you yesterday, Did anything happen?" I asked as Eleanor's anbu clothes abruptly unfloofed or something and she stood up straight so her very full figure was on display as the anbu outfit became tight fitting.
And her voice came out slightly muffled from past her anbu mask. "I was put on more distant recon on you to see if the intruders were hunting for you in particular. Which was not the case."
I shrugged and I leaned against one of the pillars holding up the roof over the porch as I responded. "I see. And I am surprised you haven't been rotated with another anbu to watch me?"
Eleanor's masked head slightly tilted to the side before she stated calmly. "Why would I be switched around? Do you have a complaint about my watching of your form?"
My lips twitched before I waved my hand and said. "Nah, I am used to it. Just I thought you would get flip-flopped around. Or at least new eyes are being put on me. Either way, I need to get to the academy."
I left the backyard and picked up my notebook I kept for some light note taking and when I got to the front of my house, my lips twitched seeing Eleanor was standing there in a tight-fitting sweater and pants that stretched outwards with her prodigious bust.
"I will walk you to the Academy beside you this time if you want," Eleanor announced a bit shyly making me raise an eyebrow.
And while I was very curious how she got out of her armor-covered anbu outfit and changed so quickly I just nodded and said with a bit of teasing. "Sure let's walk together, did you want to hold hands as well?"
Before she could react though I paused as I felt something like the Celestial Grimoire which had been silent for a full week had decided to suprise attack me with a powerful perk that slammed into my mind... And then my body.
"Damn!" I hissed as I felt a sunbeam seemingly slam onto my body and my mind filled with the information on the perk as I slipped forward with Eleanor grabbing me and moving me back behind the wall surrounding my house.
[Nine Tails to Be- With time and intent, as well as experiencing many struggles in life, you can slowly regain your lost glory. This occurs in nine stages, like a kitsune slowly regrowing its lost tails until they have all nine once again. Each stage greatly increases the power this option provides but takes progressively longer to unlock. The ninth stage is unlikely to happen before a thousand years have passed but would make you an equal to Amaterasu herself, the original form of Tamamo.]
I felt cracks in my body as my legs gave way underneath me as my spine and tailbone shifted and I hissed at the pain as I felt Eleanor hurriedly flaring her chakra several times in a row in a certain pattern.
But before I could properly react to a big fucking fluffy tail popping out of my back, I heard Eleanor speak hurriedly. "Akari, listen to me. Have you been praying to Amaterasu or something to become her champion?"
And staring at her wide blue eyes that were completely at a loss as to what to do with me. I responded in blank confusion. "I literally got a stamp over my head screaming I am already hers don't I?"
I could feel the sun-like glare on my body strength with Eleanor hissing and saying weakly and submissively. "I understand Lady Amaterasu! Please forgive me!"
And I felt the burning sun-like gaze above our heads fading fully with the world seemingly darkening as clouds covered the sun as though Amaterasu had pulled shut curtains in front of herself after getting mad and having to yell at the stupid kids next door who were doing stupid things.
'Can the local divine's fuck with the Grimoire?' I couldn't help but think as I managed to stand up slightly on my own... Only to freeze as I took in the big fluffy single tail that I felt all too clearly on my back.
My hands left Eleanor who had been clearly enjoying our forced hug entirely too much for how much I was inwardly panicking, and then my hands went to the top of my head and found that. A- I had lost my fucking human ears, and B- My ears had been replaced with big floofy ears that partially went into my big fiery sun-like halo that was above my head!
A loud buzz rang out with a deep male voice speaking. "What happe-"
I looked up and I saw a cloaked anbu figure who froze at seeing me. And the area went quiet before I heard Quelaag's voice call out. "That is still my summoner, another divine clearly touched him and caused the transformation, however."
The male Anbu looked back at my house then back to me... Before he audibly took a deep breath before saying. "Use the Mokuton right now Akari."
I held up my pointer and middle finger as I invoked one of the hand signs and I pushed my chakra outwards which I could feel was flowing smoother. But still, a normal tree began breaking through the tiles of the walkway I was on.
"Alright stop... I will pay for the walkway." The male anbu spoke before he paused and then I blinked as he took off his hooded cloak before throwing it at me. "Akari put on the cloak, it will dampen your chakra signature. Eleanor take Akari to the Hokage's office while I tell them what has happened."
But as I caught the cloak, the reason I was surprised enough to blink. Was the fact that the stark silver hair that shot up once Kakashi was uncloaked, utterly unmistakable
Kakashi then shot off with a shunshin as Eleanor took a deep breath and muttered. "I thought I left this excitement behind when I was given this cushy job... Well better than dealing with the hordes of youkai and demons that spawn in the capital."
Eleanor then refocused back on me and said. "Well Akari, come on and put the cloak on to cover up that tail and ears along with using the transformation jutsu to hide their appearance in the cloak as well."
"Isn't just the transformation jutsu enough?" I grumbled as I threw on the cloak.
And without a second Eleanor said firmly. "No, other people like the Hyuga can see past it. Now let's go to see the Hokage."
-
At the Hokage's office itself, Kushina Uzumaki was rubbing her face in tired exasperation as she groaned loudly. "What the hell do you mean Amaterasu turned Akari into a damned kitsune! Why! Why would she do that!?"
Kakashi who was standing there after reporting said rather stiffly. "The whims of our goddess isn't for us to say... But as soon as she baked Eleanor for questioning if it was really her that turned Akari, she pulled a thick layer of clouds over in front of herself."
Kushina groaned into her hands again as she whined. "That is exactly what that useless bratty goddess would do... Dump a massive fire in our laps, and then go back to hiding in her damned palace."
The red-haired beauty wasn't stupid, she knew that someone or some force of the Land of Fire would make a claim at Akari with how he was clearly unattached and although she previously thought that just the Halo was enough of proof of ownership by Amaterasu.
'Well... It's clear that the sun goddess is being far more hands-on saying that he is hers just like how she claimed Hashirama and Madara as her own. So the Daimyo couldn't even claim them and now Akari in turn.' Kushina thought with annoyance.
As that now meant that Akari was on the same level as Hashirama and Madara were. Or in other words, equal in status to all but the Daiymo and the Head-Miko who was her mortal avatar and will upon the mortal world.
And to a lesser extent, herself as the Hokage was one step lower than the Daimyo and Head-Miko in the Lands of Fire which were Amaterasu and Inari's divine territory in the mortal world.
"Ok, so he is on his way right now right?" Kushina clarified just to be sure and Kakashi gave a firm.
"Correct Kushina."
So Kushina had to take a deep breath and then she spoke. "Ok... So we are going to get on top of this Kakashi, I want you to go to all the clan's and share the news that Amaterasu has blessed the leaf with a new Hashirama with her blessing Akari personally with her... Own bloodline."
Even with much of his face covered in his face mask after taking off his anbu mask. Kakashi's whole form just radiated pure 'doubt' with him saying flatly knowing well that this room was warded to all hell and back to keep out any divine gaze.
"Trying to make this a boon for Konoha itself is a play. But what if Amaterasu wants Akari to be unattached to Konoha?"
And after a moment Kushina said bluntly. "Because she is too lazy to wipe Konoha away. Especially when we are the answer to the other ninja villages and clans of the world. Plus she likely wants someone else to train Akari up without needing to devote one of her perverted Miko's or more martial Kitsune towards Akari with the upcoming invasion."
Kushina took a deep breath and said. "More than anything. I think this is just the goddess very firmly and clearly staking her claim for all to see... I wouldn't be surprised if the Uchiha were making idea's to use Akari as a breeding stud in an un-warded room or something. And this is her reacting possessively at that."
Then out of nowhere a loud rapping rang out and Kushina's face twisted in pure disgust at the sight of a large fox with three tails sitting primely on the ledge of the windows behind her.
"No! Go away, shoo!" Kushina yelled from her seat as she spun around dramatically and waved her hands at the fox.
Then Kakashi sighed and said. "Gotta let the fox messager in Lady Hokage." He said with a bit more weight in his voice as the fox looked at Kushina with naught but smug enjoyment at the 'hate' in Kushina's eyes.
"Damned foxes... Always making trouble." Kushina muttered as she stood up and went to the window to take the scroll offered up by the three-tailed fox.
The fox just gave a high-pitched whine that could only be described as an inhuman laugh and then once Kushina snatched the scroll from the fox youkai. The fox just jumped down off the window ledge and Kushina didn't even bother looking down knowing that the youkai would be teleporting away using its patron's power.
Kushina then just went back to her seat before opening the scroll over the table with her eyes glossing over the paper with her eyes visibly twitching as she read the clearly hastily written letter.
[Dear Kushina, the one who holds the fluffiest of them all.
Allow me to offer a gentle reminder about our dear Akari Sadra. While Konoha is fortunate to count him among its own, it's essential to remember that he's Amaterasu's champion—not merely a soldier of the village. Tying him too firmly to Konoha's systems might seem practical, but champions of the divine thrive best when given a little... flexibility. After all, Amaterasu has her own far more important plans for him.
Trust that his loyalty remains to the village... {If you even have managed this much.} But his true calling is to a higher purpose. Letting him have that freedom will, in the end, serve you both far better than a heavy-handed approach ever could. {Amaterasu will smack you down if you get greedy teehee}
With all due respect/amusement- Yae Miko- The Head-Miko of Amaterasu and the second fluffiest of them all.]
"I swear... On every damned divine, there is. I am going to wring that Miko's neck one day." Kushina muttered as she snapped the damned scroll shut.
-
After a rather quick run through the village across the rooftops so we were generally out of view of the people. We had arrived at the Hokage Building and once we had gotten inside. I quickly took off Kakashi's cloak.
It was kinda weird to be wearing another dude's thing obviously.
And a minute later I was all but pulled into the Hokage's office by Eleanor with my eyes naturally landing on Kushina who was looking like she wanted to throw me out of the windows behind her.
"Akari... I don't like foxes they are trouble in all shapes of the word." Kushina said flatly and I gave her my own flat look before I retorted.
"Naruko has literal whiskers."
Kushina's face twitched at my blunt statement with her taking a deep breath and saying. "That is an unfortunate fact... In either case, you are now a Genin of Konoha. Congratulations Akari Sadra, however, what remains to be seen is your Jounin Instructor or teacher who will take you on."
I had to take that in for a second... Then I asked bluntly. "What about the tests? Will I be alone now on the field or are you just tossing a Jounin or something to begin teaching me?"
My Hokage just raised an eyebrow before she took a breath as she seemingly reminded herself of something. And then she spoke. "You will have a teacher Akari. I am not just throwing you into the meat grinder as it were. Now, do you have any idea why Amaterasu has claimed you as her champion beyond you having the Mokuton?"
Now it was my turn to consider the question... And after a minute I decided to be 'honest' and use Kamimu as an excuse. "Uhm the reason the goddess might have been so heavy-handed is probably because Izanami has also blessed me as well. And Kamimu can confirm it"
"Kamimu huh." Kushina muttered with a slightly troubled expression before she took a deep breath and then spoke. "Well Akari, I can confidently say you still have your core of humanity. Although you are certainly a kitsune, your soul is still that of a human as you haven't expressed an ounce of discomfort for the wards surrounding the Hokage Building."
There was a moment of silence before Kushina reached into her desk below her and then she pulled out a Konoha headband with her held it for a moment to seemingly inspect the metal. And then she tossed it towards me. "There you go Akari."
I caught the headband with my lips twitching as I realized I basically pulled a Naruto and became a ninja via pure nepotism obviously.
"Now Akari, I suggest you put back on Kakashi's cloak... And just head straight back home. I will be considering what Jounin will be assigned to you over the rest of the day." Kushina ordered.
After a moment Eleanor's hand found my shoulder and I woke up from my thoughts and said. "Thank you Lady Hokage."
And just as I turned around to leave I saw Kushina's mouth twitch at my words before I left the room and headed back home without any incidents happening to slow me and Eleanor down.
But once we got home, Eleanor shifted and spoke somewhat quietly. "Akari, could I come in and talk for a bit?"
Hearing that I paused before nodding and saying with a wry smile. "Yeah, that's fine... I could use some company that's not Quelaag."
I knew all too easily that Quelaag would have all but zero sympathy for me transforming into a kitsune... It wasn't like I got mutated into some kind of half-demon who was leaking lava from every orifice and several sores that she had.
So I brought Eleanor into my house and I quickly noticed that Quelaag was downstairs in the stone basement... Where she was probably relaxing in her true form and doing her own thing. So I left her alone as she didn't really like interacting with other people outside of her own web.
I brought Eleanor to the living room to relax, and after she sat down I put the radio on to provide some white noise as I took a seat next to her on the couch.
"So anything in particular you wanted to talk about Eleanor?" I asked curiously.
The darker-skinned woman took a deep breath before she folded her hands together on her lap with her thumbs kind of awkwardly moving about.
"I- I wanted to speak... No, I wanted another hug if you don't mind Akari." She said very quietly to the point I almost couldn't hear her voice.
I gave the woman a raised eyebrow before I shrugged and then despite her making a noise of surprise I just picked up the voluptuous dark-skinned beauty and pulled her into a tight hug.
As I had every reason to enjoy pulling beautiful women into my arms. Because A- she was a beautiful woman, which was of course very pleasant. But also B- there was also the fact that by cycling the chakra between our forms our chakra fused and became stronger.
So I had every good reason to pull one of the local women into hugs.
Her silver hair-covered head tucked itself under my chin and I just relaxed on the couch with her arms slowly encircling my body after she seemingly realized I wasn't giving her a simple quick side hug or anything.
And once again... The power of the Deathbed Companion's hugs was undefeatable! As Eleanor just melted against me totally and completely.
After a few minutes of silently snuggling which honestly felt good for me as I had been obviously stressed as fuck with all the ninja shit I been going through. And the simple reality that my Celestial Grimoire was entirely too unfucking subtle for me to be a ninja at all.
Eleanor quietly spoke up as she untucked her head from the chest she had been leaning it against. "So how have your efforts in finding a woman to train against honey potting gone?"
My face twisted at the abrupt out of fucking nowhere question. And at first, I wanted to say I didn't have any such luck, but then I considered saying maybe Ino Yamanaka would be a woman who was more expressive and would possibly be willing to jump into a relationship.
But then I had a more pressing thought. What if Eleanor met herself... And by that, I meant she wanted to train me on the honey pot resistance training. "Are you offering yourself up for that Eleanor?" I asked with a wry smile as this was obviously out of left field for me.
The silver-haired beauty leaned back with her bright blue eyes staring into my own eyes for a long moment as she seemingly looked for something in my gaze.
Then she said slowly. "That could be a good idea, but I am not sure how that would go... I do get attached and-" She bit her lower lip and paused as her hands slowly moved from behind my back and drew across my sides before she folded them across her slim stomach right below her large breasts that were stretching out her sweater.
"I don't want to play such games... And then hurt either of us Akari." She finished in a whisper while I had to shift as my gaze was pulled to those Tsunade-sized mega chocolate milkers that were so close to my face with how Eleanor was still sitting in my lap
"Is this you testing me even now Eleanor?" I asked quietly as my hands went to her tight waist and her legs which were on the sides of my own tensed at the feeling.
Her blue eyes bore into my own before she spoke slowly. "Maybe? Maybe this is, but the point of my thought was to simply acclimate you to a woman's touch, a seductive gaze... And of course to make sure that you will not have your mind ensnared by a jutsu or technique."
To say the least, I was confused as to where she was going with this. But I did know Eleanor a good bit as she had been helping me train for a couple of hours each day for the last week. Not to mention when she would walk me to and from the Academy.
So it's not like she was remotely a complete stranger or anything.
I decided to just be straight up. "Eleanor, although we have spent some time together, and you have been training with me for the past week. I would like to get to know you better in a more intimate way."
Eleanor didn't make me wait as her hands gently slid from where she was somewhat propping up her breasts as she held her stomach, back to my chest, and up to my face with her holding my jaw where she whispered. "I would like that."
And then she lowered her head with her face tucking into my shoulder as we silently resumed the hugging cuddle session where I could feel our chakra mingling together. And hers especially almost needily grasping at my chakra.
The next couple hours I just snuggled up with Eleanor and from that couple of hours I could feel my chakra having grown a couple percent in total depth and that was with us being fully clothed, and also not having sex which would have even further increased the chakra growth.
But after the snuggling session, Quelaag came up out of the basement in her human form so we could have a dinner of some chicken and rice with the two ladies sharing conversation while I did the dishes as Eleanor was the one who did the cooking.
After the dinner and such I spoke up. "Eleanor, are you in charge of watching me overnight?"
To which the silver-haired beauty paused and then replied. "No, Mermaid is typically pulling the night shift while I watch you during daylight hours."
We continued sharing some small talk until it got late and then Eleanor had to go home to get some rest where I continued talking with Quelaag.
"The assassin huh? What made you decide to court her?" Quelaag asked quietly.
I shrugged and said honestly. "It's a work in progress, I am still getting to know her better frankly, but having some romance and snuggles to look forward to. Will make my harsh days of training easier."
Quelaag gave me a long look, before she said flatly. "You were staring at those breasts when she was the one leading to start a relationship right?"
There was a moment of silence as I met Quelaag's molten-like eyes and then without a hint of shame, I said. "They are rather distracting aren't they?"
To which Quelaag just face palmed and said. "Dammit Akari, alright you will deal with the fallout. I am going back to making you a robe of actual taste that you can wear in combat... Congratulations on becoming a Genin as well."
As the spider demi-goddess got up however and went to head back into the basement she paused. And then looked over her shoulder at me and asked curiously. "Actually, are you even still going to the Academy tomorrow?"
And now it was my turn to look flummoxed and confused as I knew I was supposed to get my Jounin teacher tomorrow... But heavens know whether I still needed to do the other normal stuff.