There may have been a little gap between uploads but I just wanted to make sure the story is as sound as I wanted it to be.

AS for the reviews I am happy you are all enjoying my take on the subject. I do enjoy being subtle about many character points then hearing about them being picked up on. And yes Anko is one of my favourite characters just because I feel she had just the right amount of back-story in the original source to be interesting and original.

Anyway please leave reviews and rates or however you wish to show your appreciation.

Later that evening you could find Anko with a smile rivalling Jiraiya when he was allowed to enter a mixed gender bath at some spar somehow yet to hear of this man's deeds. Truly those were the sweetest nights. She had managed to shoo Hinata out for a couple hours while got everything ready.

The scene was set. Her apartment had a clearing for space, read shoved to one side, and she had managed to find one of Naruto's orange jacket. To which the Hyuuga questioned to why Anko had something of Naruto's there.

"The idiot forgot it one night and the room swallowed up."

'Unsatisfactory answer' Hinata glared as she stared holes and her supposed teacher.

"Seriously, girl don't worry, he's a brother to me."

"So what are you going to do with it."

"Step one. Pretend this life-sized mannequin is Naruto." Anko proceeded to dress this wooden statue and drew on a couple whiskers. "Don't ask where I got this from."

Hinata was not convinced as the Jonin moved the limbs to a sitting posture on the chair. Said ninja took a step back with a proud smirk on her face.

"So… go on then… let's see what you got."

"W…W what I got?"

"Put your moves on him."

The young girl stuttered for a moment before plonking herself next to the mannequin. Somehow the pseudo Naruto worked as Hinata's face began to glow a warm shade of red. Her fingers started poking each other and all she had to do was ask him to be her boyfriend. A task that may as well be the highest mountain or the widest river.

"Step two." Anko's words cut through Hinata's rambling as she snapped up to the sharp voice. Anko had produced an orange book and was already flicking through several pages to find the passage she wanted Hinata to read.

"Here, I want you to enact this girl in the book. Just read out the lines that Jinata speaks in the book."

Anko tossed the book and Hinata caught the book. She quickly read the words 'Icha Icha' on the cover before settling on the page that Anko found for her.

Jinata's breath was hot. Hot despite taking her coat off to the cool night air; at the request of her object of desire. Those azure eyes undressing her further.

Nipples sensitive against the fabric of her own clothes. Excitement mixed with fear ran down her body.

The man in front of her gulped loudly. "So err what did you need me for?"

Hinata having read a little further on had to check herself. Her breathing had become heavy and a slight sense of giddiness. With a deep breath she continued.

"I… I was hoping for you to help me with… some pain."

"P-pain?" Karuto asked. His vision consumed with the figure in front of him. Having seen Jinata's body for the first time since he had always known her to wear a heavy concealing coat.

"I've been alone Karuto, so alone." She carefully picks up his hand and lays his fingers across her chest. The strong hands instinctively cupping around her wonderful mounds.

"Please Karuto. Touch me." She quickly reaches for the hem of her jumper and pulls herself free of the garment. Her large breasts bounce momentarily before resting under the gaze of Karuto. Nothing needed to be said. He simply reached forward and ran his hands over her nipples. They felt firm and neither would know if it was arousal or the cool night air.

Jinata had to hold back a moan. She threaded her fingers into his hair and brought him close to her. The gentle nip of his teeth against her sensitive nipple made her gasp in ecstasy. She couldn't help but lightly moan his name.

"You have no idea how long I wanted this." She cooed. Carefully she was pushed down to the bed. She watched as her skirt and panties melted away before the man she loved. Keeping her legs clasped shut in an effort to prolong the grand reveal. Not that Karuto hadn't already stole a glimpse of her womanly treasure.

"You're really getting into it." Anko broke Hinata's concentration. She had spread herself over the couch and had almost traced her hand to go under her pants. In front of Anko.

Said kunoichi found the proceeding events to be utterly hilarious. The young woman practically leaped two feet into the air. Throwing the book to the floor and grabbing the nearest thing to cover herself up. That being the 'Naruto' mannequin to which was promptly also thrown to the floor.

It had taken Anko nearly ten minutes to fix herself out of a laughing fit. Hinata had just been apologising profusely with cheeks redder than any tomato in the world could ever dream to be.

"Super sorry there. I had to intervene." Anko said, still smirking and the occasional giggle escaping. "You did well though."

"I did? All I did was…"

"Read it out loud? Yeah that's the start. Now what does Jinata do differently to Hinata?"

"Urm urm… she always gets what she wants with short commands."

"Always?" Anko raised an eyebrow.

"D-don't tell Kurenai b-but I've already read this one."

"No shit."

"So you're saying I should incorporate short commands? I think I can do that."

"Yes I am sure you can. Just get it over with in a couple short sweet words. Jinata gets what she wants despite her own shyness. You see where we are going?"

"But Jinata wanted to have… to have s… s…

"Oh please don't you want to have sex?"

"No! I mean yes! I mean…" Hinata's voice failed her as she goes back to twiddling with her forefingers.

"Just a few hours with me and I'll have you commanding Naruto like an Inuzuka! Leave it to the sexiest ninja in Konoha!" Anko boasted with a proud smirk written all over her face.

Hanabi took a deep drag from a cigar. She took her time and savoured the taste between each breath. Her mind was finally relaxed in what little sunlight that shone through the blind of the room she was in. Lost in thought about the morals over how she stole the cigar from her own father. Not that he would have ever smoked them.

Perhaps there was something wrong with these cigars.

Perhaps something wrong with her family.

Perhaps maybe the problem lay with her. She grinned wickedly. That last thought was too much of a joke for her to take seriously. Hanabi was a Queen and this was her kingdom. No need to listen to her father. Long live the Queen.

She leaped up with some spirit in her step. Letting the adrenaline from her self-proclamation drive her to bound out of the building and down the alleyway.

The Hyuuga eyes being the only giveaway of her lineage. Training ground forty-five was dark, dingy, down and dirty. A result from when a village needed to push all its problems somewhere. She walked with purpose down an alleyway. Filled to the brim with people and yet probably has never seen the sunlight as the crowed was flanked by tall buildings to either side.

Took a turn here and there. Passed a brothel and even walked through a shop to reach her destination. By now the streets were empty and nothing but a cold wind blew down the cobbles. Swaying curtains and signs.

'Kunoichi's secrets' was the name of the shop she entered. A book shop filled to the brim in scrolls and books. The smell of the age and dust quickly overpowered the Hyuuga. Information was powerful in the ninja world. Power was desired and what was desired was profitable. Behind a desk in one corner of the shop in full view of the entrance and the only other door to the back room sat a kunoichi busy cleaning her nails with a senbon. She wore her hair in a ponytail with glasses perched on her nose. Sitting in a flak jacket as if she would be called out to a mission at any moment.

"How may I help you Hanabi?" She never raised her eyes to greet the princess, but obviously it was well established she made it her business to know who entered her shop.

"I'm looking for something that cures stupidity."

"Curing it you say? I know of many ways to cause stupidity but nothing to cure it. Care to be more specific?"

"My dear older sister has fallen in love."

The kunoichi behind the counter snorted.

"I feel it's best to help her by giving the individual she is infatuated with something to help him take a clue."

"Men." She snorted once more.

"Men indeed."

"Hmm I think there is something that enhances the serotonin levels that reacts to your sister's pheromones or chakra signature."

"A love potion?"

"In so many words, yes."

"Hmm acceptable. Name your price."

"Oh, I would absolutely love some Hyuuga related knowledge." She had raised an eye in hopes only to see the stoic face of Hanabi. Young as she is, she was unmovable. "I guess twenty thousand ryo."

The young genin clicked her tongue before rummaging around for her money.

"Now now, you know how hard it is to collect this stuff. You highborne have it so easy with your own libraries and complete forms of information. I've been transcribing pieces of the same scroll for days now."

"I accepted the price, haven't I?"

She clapped her hands in thanks, senbon now hidden from view. "I suppose I better go and find the scrolls."

"You ok if I read it here? You know what us highborn are like."

"I prefer it of course. Come by as many times as you like. I'll keep it in your personal scroll" She seemed to walk to a random shelf along the wall and quickly performed several hand signs. After a moment she began to rummage around the scrolls. She handed over a tightly bound scroll. The paper looked faded but Hanabi accepted it anyway. Handing over a bundle of notes.

The classic Shiki-Ino-Cho trio had made their way to the Hokage tower in search of answers. Well Ino still insisted that she had other business to attend here but everyone saw through her façade of feigned interest. Just the two men in the group had neither the energy nor the time to call her out. So there she is trailing behind and striking conversations with people.

Choji noticed something. Instead of reaching for his next snack, he reached for his best friend, Shikamaru. A tug and he pulled his friend out of the way of a flying Ninja wearing a long blue scarf. Splinters of wood showing the corridor that lead to the Hokage's office. Standing now in the hole was a very pissed off Moegi radiating the physical manifestation of anger.

Shikimaru raised and eyebrow as behind the angered Genin was an even angrier Hokage quickly fixing her Gi. Then folding her arms to further cover he chest.

"It was an act of god I swear!" Konohamaru. Quickly backing up and holding his hands out in supplication.

"Act of god or not. You should not have looked!"

"I… I… didn't mean to!"

"So, you wouldn't just ogle at any woman?"

"Never!"

"Even if she was prettier than me?"

"Even if she was a goddess, I would still choose you over her!"

"Moegi!" Tsunade snapped. She struggled to keep a straight face. "The pervert is right. I have no idea why, but my straps snapped." She then muttered something along the lines of 'bloody tits'.

Moegi clicked her tongue. "I can't take you anywhere." She took a deep breath before grabbing Konohamaru by his scarf and dragged him out. "Come with me I'll get your stupid perverted head checked out at the hospital."

Shikamaru was about to figure out this would be too troublesome and turn away when Tsunade called up his name.

"What can I do for you Shikamaru?" She still had a dusting of red on her cheeks.

"To put it bluntly I'd like to know where Naruto lives so Ino can talk to him. I have not been able to find the blond all day now." Choji offered Shikamaru a crisp to which he accepted and munched on it while the Hokage answered.

"Bit of a strange thing to ask the Hokage."

"Well it is surprising that he is actually very secretive about himself."

"Is it though?"

"No, this is a drag, forget I asked anything." The Nara clan heir turned to leave with his friend.

"26 Hobbs street. The idiot lives on the first floor."

"Thanks."

The trio spent the new couple of hours searching for Hobbs street. Asking the locals for directions and getting very little information out of anyone. Konohagakure was no means a huge city but the term 'village' was a very loose description after all. Still they pressed on, zeroing in the concrete forest and navigating the winding alleys of their beloved home. In short order Ino got distracted and had left the pair to continue their musings.

"Demon." Choji spoke, breaking the silence between them.

"I've heard people say that near Naruto you think they are one and the same?" Shikamaru.

"And I would not pry any further." A new voice added to the pair. Elderly but still full of authority. The Nara and the Akimichi turned to face the newcomer.

"Oh, it's you. Lord Akui." Shikamaru recognised him from the various council meetings he was privy to as heir to his clan.

"They say those who seek the demon end up unconscious and their chakra sealed." Now next to them and looking at the graffiti. Upon closer inspection the group could make out occasional bells and notes hung up on the wall. Many aged considerably. "Many locals mark its territory like this as warning. A reminder. Young Lords I implore you to turn away."

"I thank you for your warning, but I don't believe i have heard about a demon in this village."

"Ah, you can thank the third Hokage for that law. But I cannot tell you more than to turn back for your safety. We've found three people in the last three days in critical condition. One of them dear old Mrs Roba, the head librarian no less. She was in her seventies and now can't stop babbling about 'those eyes'."

"I appreciate your concern, but we aren't after a demon." Shikamaru waved away, getting a little uncomfortable under the elders' gaze. "I'll let you know if I find one."

"Well I've been told you have been asking around for one." Shikamaru's eyes narrowed.

"Hey guys I found him. He is this way!" Ino broke the stalemate.

"What Choji and I were asking for was a friend of ours. Choji this is a drag; you heard the lady." Shikimaru spoke in a low voice so that the councilman barely heard him. He then sighed heavily before walking away from the councilman. He looked like he was going to say something, but the Nara beat him to the punch.

"I'd be careful about that law over those next few words."

"I'll pray for your safety."

It had taken the trio a couple minutes before they felt it was safe to speak.

"What's his problem?" Ino asked. Having missed the majority of the conversation.

"It's a drag but this constituency in the council favours the more… religious types."

Choji nodded before he saw something and flicked a hidden shuriken out in front. The projectile singing true to its target.

Naruto was having a tough time. Carrying around large panes of glass was simply asking for some trouble. Sure enough, trouble did indeed find him. For the most part he was able to duck, dive, and weave out of danger causing minimal disturbances. But that still left the last street before he reached the safety of his home. The last glass panel for his broken windows.

Despite his best efforts, of course it would have been a passing bored ninja to greet him with a lazily thrown set of kunai. Not enough strength to cause damage to anybody bar the glass pane he held. Even a Jinchuriki can only bend and twist so much as he cured the only projectile that would strike the pane of glass.

Had it not been for the shuriken that collided with the kunai in a shower of sparks. The assaulting ninja had been long gone before any of the kunai had a chance to hit. Naruto Uzumaki was able to reach the safety of his apartment without further incident.

"Hey hey Naruto." The blond turned to thank whoever had helped him.

For Shikamaru it had not gone unnoticed the slightly change in his emotions. From concentration to shock to genuine embarrassment. All a split second before he smiled to greet them.

"Hey there you three. W-Why are you here?"

"Came to find you." Ino spoke, taking charge.

Muffled giggles. A strangle sound. One might expect a small child to be present but there was not. Konohamaru was expected to take on adult responsibilities as a Genin while Jiraiya had significantly more years under his belt. Both could be described as 'researching'.

The young grandson of the late third Hokage had managed to get away from Moegi when he found Jiraiya who had suggested his sexy jutsu needed more variety. Being the easily lead lad that he was he could not say no to a trip to the women only hot springs.

Taking refuge in an inconspicuous set of boxes crafted by the great sage himself and we all wonder how he got so good at espionage. Perfectly in full view of the baths and when the conditions were met, and they were, the steam billows away and reveals great many sets of breasts for the men to ogle.

They were in for a treat as one woman, civilian, but shapely at the height of her youth. Had decided to bend over and reveal her assets to the peeping men. Blood rushed out of their noses as well to their aurosals. Committing everything to memory.

It had been a series of unfortunate events that lead to their fates to become sealed. First, an energetic female came running towards the hot water. Giving the two men a great view of her bouncing breasts. She caused a massive dive bomb into the deepest part of the pool. Much laughing and scolding to the delinquent who had sent a wave of water splashing over the nearby boxes. The loud cry of disappointment naturally attracted the spring attendants who calmed down once they realised there were no perverts present.

Tatsukete had been the new girl present who was eager to prove she had initiative and saw the wet boxes and thought the logical 'I should put those away and let them dry'.

Jiraiya and Konohamaru looked up at Tatsukete who in turn looked down at the two men who had a small trail of blood running down their noses. Not wasting any time the two ninja made their get away. Konohamaru heart sank and a firm hand grabbed his ankle. He could hold himself at the top of the tall fence but the pulling had been threatening his grip.

"Jiraiya!" He cried as he resisted another pull on his leg. The Sage turned to see such horror written on his face. He needed to save him. Precious time it took to cover the distance back to the top of the fence and just as Jiraiya reached Konohamaru to grab the lad he was finally pulled from the fence. With great effort the Sage managed to grab his peeping companion by the hand. His grip strong and true.

"I got you."

"It's... it's too late i'm going to fall."

"Just hold on damn it!"

Jiraiya winced as a stray kunai embedded itself into his shoulder.

"There's no time, just leave me!" Konohamaru cried.

"Don't talk like that just..."

"I'm sorry." He mouthed before letting go and falling down to his doom. It was enough to make the aged man shed a tear for his fallen comrade. Thumping his now empty fist against the fence.

"Now now Jiraiya. The Hokage would like a word with you. Come quietly." A certainly feminine sounding ANBU spoke. It didn't take a great Sanin to work out he was surrounded. With a quick set of hand signals a toad burst into existence and promptly swallowed the sage. Only to poof straight back out of existence.

Naruto was not happy. The shame of his home welled up in his heart. To understand this was because clan heirs were considered the 'upper' crust of society and now he was about to play host to three of them. He swallowed hard. Thinking of a million excuses to explain his living situation and they climbed the cracked stairs to the abandoned set of apartments. Almost becoming aggressive as if he was about to be under attack.

However no amount of preparation would have allowed Naruto to expect a large white haired man burst from his door and begging to be saved at his knees.

"So you were peeping?" Ino broke the mans babbling with a sickly sweet voice.

"He's just a harmless pervert." Naruto naturally came to his defence before he quite realised what that implied. "Oh err... Let just go indoors."

The sound of the kettle breaking the silence. For once the hyperactive ninja had nothing to say. Fortunately the Sanin had understood Naruto completely. Of course no one had ever been in Naruto's house. He remembered about how secretive that orange idiot can get when he wants to save face. His masked persona, his rebellious attitude, and his carefree demeanour all needed some downtime otherwise Naruto would be easily overwhelmed years ago.

"It might not be much but it is Naruto's home and he should be proud of it."

"If i had time to fix it I would." Mumbled Naruto.

"Well I think it just needs a woman's touch." Ino spoke after taking a sip of her tea.

"Guys I think the coast is clear if you want to sneak Jiraiya out." Shikamaru, who knew what Ino wanted, counted that there were three too many people present.

"But I'm safe in-" Jiraiya tried to reason but Naruto cut him off.

"Go you old pervert. They'll eventually find you here anyway."

"I can take him through the Nara district."

"I suppose." Jiraiya muttered as Ino was already ushering them out.

"Ah finally alone." Ino sighed in contentment. Finally taking a good look at the 'blond-shell' in front of her. "I guess it is as they say 'nothing to compensate for' Imagine if that ice had not been broken I think I was about to freeze.

Naruto smiled. "Heh thanks Ino, sorry just you have such a gorgeous house and flower shop. And then there's this..."

"And it's cool you live alone, though this place could do with something green in it. You liked plants didn't you?"

"Surprised that you remember honestly. But yes, I've been meaning to get some new plants once my house is fixed up."

"Yeah, why is it like that?"

"It's just kids, no need to worry."

"Well if you're lonely here you are welcome at the flower shop."

"I mean who better to see for plants?"

Ino sighed again. "If only i had known you'd like plants, we would have had something in common back at the academy."

Naruto snorted. "Nah us kids would have found it lame."

"Probably true. So, hey what are your favourite plants?"

Ino cuddled up to a cushion as herself and Naruto talked about what he found on his adventures. How different things were in the land of Grass compared to the Land of Fire. About how colourful desert flowers actually turn out to be. It was a couple hours before Ino realised that she had spent all evening with her newfound crush. Who had now started to sit right next to her. Ino resting her leg over Naruto who seemed to enjoy the company.

"I suppose I should go."

"Yeah it is getting dark. But don't worry I'll drop by in a couple days."

"And I'll see if i can get some cacti in the shop for you."

Naruto carefully moved her leg off him, noticing how soft her skin was. Hard to think that she was a trained ninja. But Naruto knew more than most just how much you can squeeze into a day when you plan efficiently. No doubt Ino was able to balance her 'to do' list well.

Hinata's hands gripped the balcony bar as she looked at the sight of two blonds. One was her light and her love while the other was her traitor and her trash. She had spent all day with Anko only to find her beloved in the arms of some bimbo. How dare she hold him so close. Even go so bold to leave a kiss on his cheek!

First Sakura and now Ino. It hurt.

She grabbed her chest as her heart threatened to pound itself out of her chest.

Why does it hurt?

The Hyuuga idolised and loved Naruto since she had first escaped her retainer all those years ago. After learning so much about him yet teaching him nothing.

He was alone and it hurt. She is alone and it now hurts.

Her feet turned to walk away. Maybe he would be happier with Ino or Sakura. Both clearly offering what she could not even find the courage to do so. Colour seemed to fade from the world as life sapped away from meaning. As if on cue the rain opened up and heavy drops pounded the ground kicking up the smell of petrichor.

The heir only managed a few steps before her body felt too heavy to keep itself up. Falling down on a bench that overlooked the view.

"Hey." Some solum words cut the sound of rain.

Hinata's eyes barely rolled to see who interrupted her wallowing. She soon felt someone accompanying her seat.

"It's never a good thing to see. Someone you love in the arms of somebody else. But I will give you some advice and I know that you can use it effectively."

Hinata made no attempt to interrupt.

"You have not lost him yet. From what I know Naruto is not one to rush things, but he is adaptable to change. Ino won't have him so easily and nor will Sakura. There is still time; granted not much time."

"I can see how you doubt yourself but remember what you have that they don't. You understand his burdens and know his past. You are truly a kind person who will soothe his wounds. The cool water to his burning fire."

"Conversation will come naturally once you get over the fear of rejection. Not that he will. I can guarantee it. You both love the same food, same people, same hobbies. Honestly, I am surprised that neither of you grew up together, but the past is just that. I suggest you make some grand statement. An introduction that you exist and sure enough he will see all your talents and quirks that makes you perfect for him."

"Bu-."

"No buts. You are a princess; you simply must do."

Hinata slowly stood up. Her legs struggling to find their strength.

"You, the heir to the Hyuuga clan, care more about that man than anyone else in the world. He needs you more than you know. Someone worthy to be by his side in the world."

Her head spun but she forced herself to look through the rain. She always had a plan. Hundreds of plans that involved her making steps towards her finally being in the arms of Naruto. All it took was one step forward.

The rain never held her back.

Still Hinata's plan had taken a couple hours to prepare. Locking herself in her room and shutting the window to the world outside. The dim glow of twilight illuminating the Hyuuga who was currently disguising herself. Lavender colour hair to match her favourite flower. She had considered blond, but the important rule was to keep it believable. Blond was only really known in the Yamanaka clan and Naruto himself.

She had picked herself a red combat kimono that stopped at her thighs. First of that kind of dress having often gone for more concealing attire. Her days with Ino were not wasted. Her Henge had also left her thinner and taller with the laces on her sandals snaked around her calves. She looked different but she needed to be convincing. She relaxed her face and let years of Hyuuga stoicism free itself from her discipline. She smiled a powerful smile that almost understood her status.

She coughed and strained her voice. Anko had taught her it did not need to be drastic and in fact the closer to her own the easier to pull a convincing act.

"Now to do something 'bout those eyes." Hinata spoke with less of the well-articulated and discipline in her pronunciation. Irony being she sounded more confident with herself although her father would be utterly lost for words. Hell looking the way she did in that dress would probably ground her from seeing daylight until she could dress as a Hyuuga should.

With some concentration she closed her eyes. The feeling of chakra circling through them. Once opened she revealed the same deep sapphire eyes as donned by a certain Jinchuriki. Giving a long stretch to the heavens and getting used to her look she silently agreed it fitted the image of her ideal self in the mirror. Illuminated by a flash of lighting in the brewing storm.

Naruto happily sighed as he wiped his brow. Motivated by the conversation he has with Ino. His home finally looked inhabitable with all the broken shards of his life put to tidied away and the windows finally replaced. He needed new stuff that was for certain but for now he had finally arrived to somewhere worthy of the title 'home'.

The kettle clicked off which briefly cut the droning noise of the rain outside. Dinner was ready. Humble Ramen in a pot of boiled water. The strong flavoured warming both body and soul as Naruto devoured his meal.

Minutes later he settled for one of the books he had acquired from the library. History of the Hyuuga clan no less. Of course, it was written by a branch family, so it praised the very ground they walked on. Jiraiya's teachings taught him to always be mindful of why someone writes. Their intentions: were they to tell history or to impress someone of their family title? A conundrum that could only be solved by further reading.

Young Naruto would find reading dull and would often skip out reading in favour of causing mayhem, but older Naruto realised just how much of a world he could escape into while reading. Enter a realm of peace and quiet. No Biju. No villages. No hate. The life he always wanted to live.

A loud bang made the Uzumaki jump up and out of his bed. Kunai at the ready.

Silence.

He felt the great Kyuubi shrug his shoulders from within. A second later Naruto entered his living room only to discover his front door wide open. Letting the wind and rain pour itself in.

"Heh I knew I had forgotten something." Naruto spoke to himself. Having realised that his latch was still shattered in the door. All it took was a strong gust of wind and his open was once more open to the elements. A simple solution was to plonk his sofa in front of the door and barred it closed. "Gonna have to fix that in the morning."

Just at that moment his lights had flicked off. Bathing his home in a dark shadow. Naruto enhanced eyesight managing to pierce the night. You could be mistaken to think his eyes almost glowed much like a fox.

"Hey… Furball why are you laughing?" Naruto nervously chuckled along.

A sharp paint hit his neck. Like a fly he swatted what had attacked him. He looked down at a small dart. The last thing he saw was someone standing above him. He could swear those sapphire eyes shone something familiar and yet, so foreign. His body went numb as the Kyuubi clearly was not helping him out of this situation.

laughter rang in his ears from the beast within.