"I've...definitely given that issue some thought, I think I might actually have a way to achieve that lofty goal one day. But I can't change anything as I am now. I need to make a name for myself in the Underworld somehow first." the shinobi whispered conspiratorially.
Yuki raised an eyebrow, she supposed that was a pretty reasonable way to influence culture, but the bigger question still remained.
"How exactly would you even gain such influence? If you haven't noticed, devils that are in the upper echelons of society are quite...inclusive." the hero pointed out, yellow eyes inquisitive.
Naruto puffed up his chest, grinning. "This is where my brainstorming becomes awesome...you see, I think that if I manage to do well enough as a...uh...'broker' for peace, that I can get my name spread out fairly quickly through association alone!"
The hero nodded, that made sense and crossed with his former goals as it was. So she waited to see how he could expand on that.
...
...
"...And?" Yuki prodded, waiting for him to continue.
Naruto just scratched the back of his head nervously. "Well...that's all I got so far."
Well...that was a little disappointing.
Then again, the young female probably should have expected something like this already, it's not like the blond always made fool-proof plans.
"Yeah, a bit lackluster, I know. At least I got something to build on though." the shinobi admitted freely, leaning back again and raising his feet into the air playfully.
Yuki didn't look convinced, but for now decided to let it go as her friend continued to keep his feet in the air and looked at the window.
Naruto was silently watching the blurred scenery, marveling at it. He supposed it looked like this when he was running as well, but he was always focused on something else during those moments. Now he could just...watch.
It was nice.
The blond finally dropped his feet, allowing it to fall on the bag that he brought with him.
"Ouch!"
Naruto froze, turning slowly to look at the bag that was now under his feet.
Yuki stared too, since when did a bag say 'ouch'?
The shinobi leaned towards it, slowly zipping it open so that he could cautiously-
"Surprise!"
A certain succubus popped out of the bag with a large grin and an even larger bump on her head, courtesy of the blond's foot.
Neither of the other teens said anything, they just watched as the silverette tripped over herself and fell face-flat onto the floor.
"...Yuki?" Naruto asked, the tone more than enough to discern what he wanted.
"...No idea." the hero answered honestly, thinking back to see if she ever-
'You should...ah...not be too surprised later should...something happen.'
Oh.
Ohhhhh...
"...Naruto, I think you've influenced your 'sister' too much." Yuki grumbled, facepalming all the while.
Naruto was crossing his arms over his chest, giving the succubus a not-so-amused look.
Maria was just smiling and taking in the sights of the train, thoroughly content with the state of affairs.
Meanwhile, Yuki was just alternating between watching the two of them. Unsure what her blond friend would do.
As expected, Naruto eventually opened his mouth to ask the inevitable question...
Too bad Maria opened her mouth first.
"Mio-sama sent me to help out!" Maria claimed, looking entirely too pleased with herself. "So she forced me into your bag last night with some food so that I can sneak in! I didn't think Yuki-san would be coming too though."
The shinobi wasn't sure whether he should feel amused or annoyed, seriously Mio...?
The worst part was that the red-head told him that Maria was out getting groceries, more specifically; ramen. Mostly to give him some on his return.
He knew it was too good to be true...
Naruto then shook his head, the fact was that they were too far away to go back and drop off the silverette...so she was stuck with them, whether they liked it or not.
...Damn it, that sucks.
"So! How much longer until we get to Kyoto? I've never been there before! This is gonna be so cool!" Maria gushed, completely unrepentant.
The hero just placed her hand on the blond's shoulders as he stewed in his frustration. "Sorry, but it seems that we must endure her presence for now."
"Hey!" the succubus protested. "I'll have you know...that I'm very good company! Besides, you don't really have a right to talk!"
Yuki raised her chin in defiance. "I asked."
Naruto gave the young human a look. "Not really..."
"Informed." she quickly amended.
Maria nodded, giving them all understanding looks. "I know, we don't like it when our plans don't go our way. But sometimes...those plans get ruined by unforeseeable circumstances! So then I ask you...won't you let this slide? Just this once?"
The blond's facial features changed not a whit. "I did. For Yuki. You'd be the second."
The succubus blinked slowly.
"...Just this...twice?" she asked awkwardly.
Naruto sighed, he began rubbing his forehead in irritation. Why the hell did he have to deal with this again?
Seeing that her plea wasn't working, she tried a different tact. "Naruto-sama...come on! You can do this for me can't you? Look past your previous plan and make room for a new one! After all...the Naruto-sama I know would never allow a mere 'unforeseeable circumstance' to slow him down, right!?"
The shinobi's eyes widened. "...You're...you're actually right! I never did allow stupid shit to get in my way! Why the hell would I start now?"
After that, he quickly grabbed the succubus by the shoulders, giving her a grateful look. "Thank you for reminding me of that Maria..."
Maria could only giggle lightly. "No worries Nar-"
Suddenly the blond's grip on her tightened, his grateful look shifted to an oppressive one.
"Thank you for reminding me...that I really should just get rid of those 'unforeseeable circumstances'!" the human male declared loudly, before opening the window besides him and pulling the loli towards it-
"Nooooo! You jerk! Meanie! WHY!?" Maria wailed, flailing as the blond manhandled her.
"Hey...what can I say!? You gave me the inspiration!" Naruto retorted hotly, pushing her slowly to the open window.
Yuki could only cover her face as several passengers around them gave them the stink eye, they were causing such a ruckus...
As the two struggled for dominance, the hero's ear twitched as she heard a new sound, causing her own eyes to narrow. What was that...?
She looked up, noticing an air vent, frowning as she stared at it. This sound was...
*hisssss*
Realization reached those wary yellow pupils.
"Naruto! Maria!"
Both stopped moving, surprised due to the hero's vehement tone.
"Cover your noses with your clothes! Hurry!" Yuki ordered, bringing her shirt up to her nose to lessen the amount of air she took in.
Neither Naruto or Maria argued, quickly hiding their noses under their clothes as well.
All of them were silent as they waited, the blond and silverette only just hearing that strange sound from the air vent...
Then Naruto saw it.
Several passengers began to yawn, many more began to look entirely exhausted all of a sudden...
Finally, almost as if on signal, several passengers began to fall asleep on their seats. Completely and without warning.
"Sleeping gas." Yuki muttered starkly. "I think we have a problem."
.
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