Chapter 4

With a raised eyebrow, Scathach watched her student as she had taken note of the stupid smile on his face, one he had been wearing since she had seen him after these couple days.

She didn't think much of it initially and just let it be but seeing that smile still on his face and she would be lying to herself if she wasn't curious. So, she did the thing that came to mind and asked him. ''Naruto,'' She called out his name, getting him to pause as he was doing push-ups. ''Can you come here for a second?''

Blinking, he complied nonetheless as he got to his feet and skipped over to his sensei, his smile never leaving his face. ''What's up sensei?''

''I'm wondering as to what the reason is that has you smiling like that.''

''Ah..'' He scratched the back of his head as his cheeks gained a light blush, increasing Scathach's curiousity. ''Sensei, i think i'm in love.''

''Love?'' Scathach repeated curiously as she watched her student nod. For some reason she felt a weird stinging sensation in her chest, the emotions she could see clearly in his eyes didn't seem to help either.

She didn't even notice that she was frowning, her hand coming to rest on the place her heart lay until Naruto brought her out of it. ''Uh, sensei?'' He waved his hand in front of her face. ''Are you there?''

Scathach blinked a couple times before her ruby eyes regained their focus and granted him with a small, forced smile. ''I'm fine Naruto. I was just curious but you can go back to completing those push-ups i told you to do.''

''O-okay..'' He stared at her for a handful of second before slowly turning around and walking over to the area he was doing his routine of sit-ups and push-ups. He never noticed Scathach watching him as he continued with his warm up, her beautiful face once more adorned by a frown as she her feelings were left in turmoil.

''Urgk!'' Scathach let out a grunt of pain as she felt her student bury his fist into her stomach. She felt her breath leave her lungs as spittle left her parted lips as she was sent to the ground.

She groaned as she felt the stinging sensation on her skin, her body suit that highlighted her curvaceous body did little to lessen the force of his fist that almost left an imprint on her stomach.

''Sorry sensei!'' Flashing over to her, Naruto helped Scathach move into a sitting position as he held her straight with a hand placed on her back while kneeling near her.

''Mfm.. thanks.'' She mumbled as she rubbed her sore stomach, no doubt that hit was going to leave a mark.

''Sensei, is everything alright?''

''Huh?'' She glanced at him, unsure what he meant.

''Well, it's just that you seem a bit unfocused. Like that shouldn't have hit you, i'm even surprised it did myself. I had expected you to block my punch before sending me on my back and then criticize me for making myself easy to read.. Is something bothering you?''

''No..'' Scathach muttered as she bit the inside of her cheek. His hand was rubbing up and down over her back which sent small shocks of pleasure coursing through her. She could feel her heartbeat inside her chest as she felt body heating up due to their close proximity.

This couldn't be happening, right? He was still a boy and she was an old woman, even if she didn't look like it and wouldn't anyone else call her so. He was the first person she had been in contact with since her other student Setanta which had been over a millenia ago. She'd be lying to herself if she would say that she hadn't been lonely.

Not a single person had managed to enter The Land of Shadows which unknown to most was a mirror world encompassing Skye in its entirety. Here, her castle, Dun Scaith was still in its pristine state and used as her home as opposed to the ruins that were left in the human world.

She had come to enjoy her new student's presence as time passed. Getting on more comfortable with him the more they time they would spend together be it training, sparring or just having a simple conversation.

Their relationship started as student and teacher, simple as that and both were fine with it. After all, he was boy that hadn't even entered puberty yet when they first met. A boy with untapped potential she wanted to bring out of him.

Yet, having personally been responsible for his growth the last few years, both mentally and physically, she knew their relationship had changed.

She had caught him staring at her in a more.. appreciated way whenever he thought she wasn't looking. It wasn't that she was upset by that, far from it as she was aware with how revealing her outfit was especially to a boy going through puberty such as himself.

When she was still young and not cursed with immortality she was known as one of the most beautiful and sought after woman throughout the lands. And while she hadn't been out of the Isle of Skye since then, she very much doubted there were many who could surpass her.

And remembering her student's reaction from over a week ago, when she had given him a massage wearing only a thin, see through night robe reaffirmed her belief.

It actually made her wonder.. ''Naruto?'' The Lucifer descendent made eye contact with her upon hearing his name escape her lips.

''Sensei?'' He had sat down next to her and sometime during her thoughts she had began to lean against him.

''I'm wondering, who's the lucky woman you seem to be in love with?'' She turned her head and her ruby eyes looked at his face.

''Aaah~ Her name is Yasaka, a Kyuubi Youkai i met when Vali and I accompanied Azazel during a trip to Kyoto where he had a meeting to exchange info. She's really nice, beautiful too. Actually,'' He moved to retrieve his jacket that he had laid down nearby before returning and began searching through its pockets. ''I have a picture of us two somewhere here…'' After rummaging his pockets he retrieved his hand with in it a rectangular device which he touched a couple times with his finger before holding it up for Scathach to see.

Looking at it, Scathach took note of the beautiful blonde woman that was kissing his cheek as was blushing. Ah, just her luck that she had to be one of the few women that could match if not beat her when it came to looks.

In the picture he had one of his arms trapped in between her chest and Scathach felt her eye twitch as she took in the size her breast which were swallowing his arm whole. She took note of the tails and ears on top of her head which signified her status as Kyuubi.

Hm, it was going to take some effort if she wanted Naruto to herself. Thankfully she had the advantage that he spent a lot of time in her company and so, plenty opportunities.

Was is rude? Yes, but she could be a bit selfish for the first thing she wanted in hundreds of years.

''I see. You two look happy.''

Naruto nodded. ''Yeah, i was smitten by her the moment i'd seen her which resulted in Azazel making fun of me. Heh, joke's on him though as i've succeeded where he had failed. I've spent anytime i had with her when she wasn't in talks as she had shown me around Kyoto. Can't wait to head back there as Yasaka said i could come by whenever i felt like it.''

''Are you saying Azazel, whom you've told is a known womanizer was rejected?''

''Yep, Yasaka told me so myself. I couldn't help but laugh when she described the face he had made upon she declined. Still, i guess there does indeed exist something like love at first sight. I thought it was just bull.''

''Mhm, that's nice to hear…'' Hearing her voice and the certain tone it held caused him to turn his head and look her in the eye. The look she was sending him made him feel… strange. And for some reason he couldn't help but sport a blush under her stare.

It was the same feeling he had experienced with Yasaka but different at the same time.

Scathach's breathing seemed a bit slower, her chest rising and falling and Naruto couldn't help it as his eyes were drawn towards the two orbs that bounced a bit within their confines.

''Uhm.. sensei?'' Naruto's voice brought her out of her daze as she blinked a couple times to clear her mind, seeing him look at her as he ran his fingers through his hair. ''Are we going to continue my training or are we done for today?'' He didn't mind either. While it was quite short, it appeared his sensei wasn't fully there and it wouldn't do any good to spar with her the way she currently was.

''Guess a break wouldn't hurt.'' Naruto perked up at that. ''But only after you've done ten laps within two minutes.'' And just like that he deflated before saw her smirk and tap her wrist despite no watch being there. He understood what she meant though. She was already counting and he wasted no time as he summoned his Sacred Gear. [Boost!] He was off, breaking through the sound barrier as he ran a path that circled the Isle of Skye. He had ran this path hundreds of times by now but this was the first time he was using his Sacred Gear while doing so.

Scathach blinked. ''...I should've told him no Boosts.. I'll just remember it for next time.'' With a soft giggle she rose to her feet just as his form blurred past her, the gust of wind accompanying him sent her hair ruffling about.

An hour later and Naruto could be seen seated at the table, completely engrossed with the book he had open in front of him. The book was about runes. The different sorts, how to recognize runes and what they are for and how to start creating your own.

It was a book written by Scathach herself some time ago when she was bored and had nothing better to do. It was surprisingly easy to understand, at least for the basics, but that shouldn't come as a surprise given that her skill with a spear was said to move over to her skill when it came to ancient runes.

It actually reminded him a bit about Shinto Magic, their sealing magic to be precise. Though unlike the Kanji they used it were much more simpler looking symbols except the theory behind them were just as intricate.

''Huh, still reading that book i wrote?'' His sensei's voice rang out and he nodded as his eyes didn't leave the pages in front of him. He paused however as a sudden weight pressed down on his back, turning his head slightly to see Scathach leaning on him while reading from over his shoulder.

However, as he let his eyes travel down he did a double take at seeing her in her current outfit. Gone was the sensual and revealing full body suit she usually wore and in place was a black top that was a combination of a coat and skirt. Her legs were covered by black tights and letting his gaze travel downwards more showed him her footwear consisted of suede, black high heeled boots.

It was such a simple outfit but his sensei managed to still look attractive in it though that might be because he knew what she looked like without that underneath.

''You look pretty sensei, though i wonder what the cause is for the sudden change?''

''Oh that~?'' She threaded her fingers through his soft silvery hair, tracing the red streaks that ran through the soft locks. ''After the talk we had a week or so ago i decided i want to go out and see how the world has changed.''

''Really?'' He fully turned his head around to get a good look at her face. ''And where are you planning on going?'' He asked her before she pinched his cheek. ''Ow!''

Letting go of his cheek, she wagged her finger at him. ''I think you mean where we are going as we're going together.''

''..Somehow i don't think you're giving me a choice..'' The smirk on her face told him all that he needed to know as he let out a sigh. ''Alright, but you still didn't answer my question.''

''I don't have anything specific in mind. We could visit.. what's it called again, Grigori or something?''

''Eh, i don't mind but why? I kept your identity a secret like you asked me to when we started.''

''Exactly.''

''Huh?'' Naruto was confused and let it show by his expression.

''That was when we first started. Seeing how far you've come now i think it's a good time to introduce myself. Perhaps even brag a bit about my teaching methods and the results they deliver.''

''Oh? Didn't take you for the braggin kind sensei..''

''I'm usually not but you should take it as a compliment to your own improvements that has me doing this.'' She ruffled his hair a bit before stepping back.

Naruto let out a sigh as he gave a light shake of his head. ''Fine. Let me get my jacket and we'll be off.'' He closed the book he had been reading before he got up and moved over to where he had hung his jacket.

He rolled his shoulders after putting it on and leaving it unzipped as he turned to Scathach. ''Well, how are we traveling, by the way?''

''The usual way. You'll head over to Grigori and i'll travel using the shadows.''

''Uhm, alright. I'll see you there then..''

It took Naruto a couple minutes of flying until he reached Grigori. It could've been much quicker if he had wished to but there wasn't any need for the moment.

He greeted a couple of Fallen that were guarding the area as he could walk right past. ''Oi Azazel!'' He greeted as he entered the building he knew he could find the man at. He was either here or out training Vali and he couldn't sense his brother around and neither could Ddraig.

The governor of Grigori looked up from the device he was tinkering with. To Naruto it looked as some sort of small golden colored spear but he very much doubted it was just that. ''Naruto? What brings you here?''

''Well.. my sensei wanted to head out and i decided to come here so you two could meet.''

''Really now?'' Azazel mused as he put down his tools and shifted his attention the boy. He had been wondering who the person that trained him was ever since he told him he had found another teacher. After all, he knew plenty of people who'd love to be trained by a man such as himself.

Though he would be lying if he wasn't curious to meet this mysterious teacher who had turned Naruto from a little boy into a young man that was on his way to become a force to be reckoned with.

Already Azazel very much doubted their was anyone his age that could pose a challenge to him with the exception being Dulio who he heard was one of the church's strongest exorcist and holder of the Longinus Sacred Gear; Zenith Tempest.

It didn't take a genius to see he was further along when compared to his brother which Vali himself too had noticed and had made him much more annoyed but also more determined to catch up if not surpass him.

He considered his own student a genius with his quick growth, no doubt partly due to his Lucifer blood. Yet, if Vali's a genius, what did that make Naruto whose growth was something unheard of?

Though, he also held a certain dislike for the boy. For no reason really.. Nope, not at all and it had nothing to do with the fact that a certain woman in Kyoto he was interested in prefered Naruto over himself. Nope, definitely not jealous after seeing that picture he had in which she was kissing his cheek.. Those soft looking lips that had evaded him all this time much to his displeasure and he won't ever get the chance to taste those himself. Even if he doubted he would've gotten them anyway.

Still, he focused his attention back at the Lucifer descendant who was merely standing there with his arms crossed, an eyebrow raised after seeing him regain his focus. ''I see, and where is this teacher of yours then?'' His purple eyes darted around the room and he couldn't sense anyone around them.

''Hm? Oh. Sensei, can you show yourself?''

Azazel narrowed his eyes and put his guard up as he noticed something happening with Naruto's shadow, fingers twitching as a figure rose from the pool of darkness.

The figure that rose from Naruto's shadow revealed themself to be a woman of exceeding beauty. Long purple hair, hers a more red-purple compared to Penemue's blue-purple with enchanting ruby eyes. A quick look and Azazel just knew that beneath those casual clothes that still made the woman appear very alluring laid a curvaceous body one would salivate to.

''And who might you be, miss?'' Azazel inquired respectfully at the woman he assumed must be Naruto's teacher. If she indeed is his teacher it wouldn't be far fetched to assume she had the strength in order to get Naruto to the level he was now at. That and while she looked rather innocent at the moment, there was this aura around her that told him underestimating her would only lead to his demise.

''Scathach.'' The woman answered in a voice that was powerful yet soft.

''Scathach?'' Azazel repeated as he blinked a few times. ''..The same Scathach from the legends? The one that trained Cu Chulainn?'' He asked warily and received a nod from the woman. ''Impossible! That can't be. You'd have to be over thousand years old and from what i know you are human or at least so is stated.''

The frown on Scathach's face almost went unnoticed by Azazel. ''True, i'm human but at the same time i'm much more. Some would consider it a blessing but to me it's nothing but a curse, a curse of immortality i've suffered from. It's understandable that you're shocked though, from what my student told me no such thing is mentioned anywhere. In some stories it is even debated whether Setanta or I even existed in the first place.''

''B-But… If you are indeed the one of the legends how come no one managed to find you. No offense but i know that plenty of devils have searched in hopes of adding you to their peerage.''

''Simple, i didn't allow them to. It wasn't until Naruto caught my attention that i had resigned to continuing my existence in solitude. Something about him spoke out to me. The determination to become stronger, to let nothing hinder them. The look in his eyes that showed he wouldn't stop until his goals were reached. It was something that was missing from those that and come hoped to find me before. And the few who did have it were too old for my liking.''

''Oh?'' Azazel suggestively rose one of his eyebrows but was ignored. ''Still, to think the legendary Scathach is still alive and right in front of me. You're also much more attractive than the stories describe you..'' He mumbled and saw her eye twitch at that.

''Yes… Those descriptions of me are… let's just say that whomever wrote those stories should be glad they are long since dead.''

Azazel nodded his head to her words until Naruto spoke up. ''Say, where's Vali? I can tell he's not around so did you send him out or something?''

''I did. He's been bothering me to sent him out on more challenging stuff you know? Something about me holding back during our spars which annoys him.''

''Ah,'' Naruto nodded as he understood what he meant. ''Yeah that's Vali indeed. Bit of a freak when it comes to fighting and risking his life. Wouldn't even be surprised if he got off on that as opposed to women.'' He joked which got Azazel to laugh.

''I can see it happen.''

Meanwhile, Scathach was silent as she listened to Naruto joke about his own brother. It was a bit interesting as she did in fact understand what he was saying but found it weird he would do so with his own family. Though, if she remembered right his family was rather messed up so it could be something that ran through their blood.

''So what are your plans? Will you two stay here for some time or continue on?''

Scathach and Naruto exchanged glances. ''I think we'll be moving on to Kyoto next?''

''Kyoto? Ah, you're going to see Yasaka i assume?'' Azazel said as he couldn't help but let traces of bitterness leak into his voice.

''Mhm. Sensei was curious as to who she was and what better way than for them to meet?''

'I don't think that's a good idea.' Was what Azazel wanted to say as he caught a certain expression flash across her face before it was returned to a neutral one. Yet, it was payback for him having the attention of the beautiful vixen him and many had lusted after. Perhaps it was childish but Azazel didn't care. It wasn't like he disliked or held a grudge.

He just was a bit upset and that's all really.

''Alright. See you around then.'' He gave a lazy wave of his hand before focusing back to the device he was busy with before.

Staring at the man, Naruto shook his head before turning towards his teacher and nodded, watching her melding with the shadows as he himself left as well.

''What? I thought I made it clear Naruto-kun could enter whenever he came by yet you have him waiting outside?'' He could hear Yasaka's voice all the way from outside where he was standing with his sensei next to him.

A moment of silence followed before the door that lead to the palace was opened and Yasaka came into view, a bit of an annoyed expression on her face that quickly melted away upon seeing him. He smiled at the foxy woman as she made her way towards him even after seeing her eyes narrow at his sensei who was with him.

Once she was close enough he spread his arms and pulled her in an embrace she returned, her tails swishing around during their hug. ''You're back already?'' Yasaka said though she sounded very happy and pressed her lips against the corner of his mouth.

''Yeah..'' He mumbled as he rubbed circled on her back as he still had her in an embrace.

Eventually though their embrace was broken and Yasaka straightened herself before focusing towards the purple haired woman that he was with. ''Naruto-kun, who is this?''

''This is my sensei, Scathach. She has helped me get as strong as i currently am.''

Yasaka let out a sigh of relief, one that wasn't missed by either of them as she inspected the ruby eyed woman. She could tell she was more than capable of holding her own. Something that was expected given that she trained Naruto. Pretty as well, while she wouldn't say she was prettier than herself, she seemed more than able to turn heads where she'd walk.

If it wasn't for how Naruto was treating her she might've felt threatened as they no doubt spend a lot of time together but it seems like he saw their relationship strictly as teacher and student.

Though she wasn't as sure if his teacher saw him the same as Yasaka didn't miss the look in her eyes when their gazes locked. She looked away as she felt her tails being played with and turned to see Naruto petting a couple of them.

''Well then. Moving on, how about we head inside?'' Yasaka tilted her head towards the palace that was also her home.

''Sure, lead the way Yasa-.'' Naruto froze and his head snapped towards the east and the Boosted Gear formed on his left arm.

At his sudden pause Scathach and Yasaka looked at him in worry as for the reason to his current state. Their unsaid question was answered as moments later they sensed a large amount of energy heading their way.

''Let's check it out as it might be an attack.'' Yasaka blinked before she realized she was in Naruto's arms, carried like a bride as four pair of wings came out of his back. He didn't even need to communicate with his sensei to have her understand what he had planned as he shot off into the direction the energy was at.

It was only a couple of seconds of travel until Naruto and Yasaka arrived near a clearing surrounding by forest on all sides near the border of Kyoto. He let Yasaka stand on her own feet though she stayed close to him with Scathach rising from their shadow shortly thereafter.

Their attention went towards the middle of the clearing were a boy around Naruto's age was standing. The ground around him was scorched as light seemed to be absorbed by his raven hair.

As they got closer the teen opened his eyes, revealing onyx orbs that looked at their group before stopping on Naruto after taken note of the red gauntlet covering his arm.

''Who are you and what is your business in Kyoto!'' Yasaka all but demanded from the teen as she sent him a glare.

''Hn,'' The teen grunted towards her, dismissing her even if she was pleasant to his eyes it wasn't what he came here for.

Being dismissed like that, Yasaka growled as flickers of blue flames left her parted lips before Naruto stopped her as he pecked her cheek. ''Easy Yasaka.'' Naruto sent the teen a narrow eyed look as he crossed his arms. ''So, how about you answer her question? It's obvious you're here for a reason as you don't seem as weak as you look.''

''Hmph, very well.'' The raven haired teen muttered as he rolled his neck. His onyx eyes changing color to red with three dots present in his iris and a rise in power could be sensed from the boy. ''My name is Sasuke Uchiha, son of Indra and i'm here to see if the rumors regarding you are true.''

''Rumors?'' Naruto questioned as he kept himself surprisingly calm after the teen's revelation regarding him being the son of a man that's considered on of the strongest beings in the world. He could tell however that Yasaka was feeling worried, more so for him than himself and he calmed her as he gave her hand a soft squeeze.

''Correct, Naruto Lucifer.'' Naruto's eyes narrowed upon him knowing his full name. ''Rumors of a boy around my age that's considered a prodigy amongst the supernatural world even if they don't know your identity like i do. Your brother seems a bit more disappointing so when i knew you'd be here i couldn't let an opportunity to see so myself go to waste.''

''I see.. So just me versus you huh.. Alright, guess i could have some fun for a couple minutes.'' He smirked at seeing the twitch of his left eye.

''Are you sure Naruto-kun?'' Yasaka asked as she worried for his safety.

Naruto cupped Yasaka's cheeks, making her blush from the unexpected contact before her eyes widened as he leaned in and connected his lips to hers. ''Of course i am. Don't worry about me, okay? I'm just going to see if he actually has the power to back up the shit he spews or just relies of his daddy's name like a little princess.''

''A-alright. Just be careful then and you'll get more of these later.'' This time it was her that initiated their kiss before breaking it and stepping to the side with Scathach, a barrier forming moments after they left.

''Heh, ready Ddraig?''

[Of course partner, let's show Indra's spawn the power of the Red Dragon Emperor!] The gem on his gauntlet glowed in excitement as both got ready for their fight.

Chapter end.