Hey, everyone. Hoping that you're all safe. This romance between two very unlikely people is back with another chapter, one that'll be wrapping up one arc and kickstarting the next. I'm pretty sure some of you know what that next arc will be, but hey, it's all the little fun things and change ups before we get there. Anyways, onto the story!

I do not own anything.

Poison Dove & Maelstrom Fox

Chapter 23 - A Dove Amongst the Leaves Pt.4

"Gotta say, I'm a little surprised, Miss Semiramis." Answered the old chef with a pleasant smile on his face. "Very few can keep up with Naruto."

With the dignified grace of a queen, the Assassin wiped her face with a napkin. "As his partner, I make it my duty to keep up with him, albeit the dinner table is usually another matter. This time though, well, Mr. Ichiraku, I rose to the challenge on account of your cooking. It was truly a first-class meal." As she leaned, both chopsticks were placed atop her bowl, her hands clapped together and her head bent in gratitude. It was a subtle gesture, but one that she'd come to silently enjoy, especially after a meal that was…fulfilling. Just because she didn't need food didn't mean that she couldn't enjoy it. And she'd just enjoyed a rather delectable meal.

Her words were like a rush of water into a desolate wasteland. Smiles and laughter lit up the ramen stand, something that she was rather pleased with. It was a nice little reminder of her time alive, when her word as queen had the power to make or break certain establishments. Such things were always nice little ego trips, but there were times she paid some thought to the workers behind said boast. This time, the feelings of the latter outweighed her own. Semiramis felt surprisingly happy seeing the jubilant expressions of the Ichirakus and Naruto and Iruka. While she'd chimed in offering praise, it wasn't until now at the end, as the meal was finished could she give her full opinion. That opinion was one that everyone had been apparently hoping for, and the feeling was just as good as they would have hoped.

Naruto was certainly happy, she felt his pure joy mixed in with a bit of relief. It figures, if I rejected this place, I'd have been rejecting a part of you. If I had lied…you probably would have felt it. For someone who on the surface looked so book dumb, her Master was rather well-attuned to matters of the heart. It was…something she was thankful for. Likewise, he also seemed to be incredibly lucky.

"Um, Ms. Semiramis?" Spoke the brunette daughter of the cook she'd recently added to her good graces. "If you don't mind me asking, what kind of food did you eat before? Back in your homeland?"

Almost immediately, a wave of nostalgia washed over the Assassin. "The finest of foods, but for specifics, I had a soft spot for fish."

"It's her favorite." Winked her blonde-haired Master.

"That said, I have tasted other fine dishes as well. Another favorite of mine was a meal called kofta, a meatball dish that…always left me feeling quite satisfied, much in the same way that your ramen has." Explained the long-haired woman with a warm smile on her face, a sight that Naruto knew was a rarity. In the last few weeks, not so much. Now that the Ichirakus had seen it, he knew that she'd be showing it to them on perhaps a more regular basis. "If you ever feel like trying your hand at anything other than ramen, then I am more than willing to tell you what I know." There was a beat as Naruto's face split into a Cheshire grin. "Or rather, I'm willing to loan Naruto out to you as a means of…extra payment. He can see it as more parts of his survival training."

"You know, as appealing as that would be, it might open him up to too many of the family secrets, so I'm afraid I'll have to turn the request down. Still, I'm glad to hear that my cooking measures up to what you have experienced in the past." Declared the tan-skinned chef with an air of pride that enveloped his daughter as well.

"Speaking of training, Naruto, I certainly hope you've been keeping up with yours." Iruka spoke up.

"Hey, no need to worry about that. I wouldn't have been able to keep up with Kakashi-sensei with his Sharingan out if I wasn't. Besides," A sideways grin on his face, he jabbed at the long-haired woman beside him. "Semi-chan's one hell of a harsh instructor, but she's actually pretty good."

"I oversee him, Jiraiya did most of the heavy lifting…as did you, Mister Iruka, from what I've heard. Naruto told me that you yourself played a significant part in his education, and that he was quite an unruly student." Added the Servant with a smirk fit for a she-devil. It was one that her Master was all too accustomed to seeing, and usually at the worst possible time for him, and the best for her.

Laughter from the scar-faced teacher filled the booth. He reached out and placed a comforting hand on the whisker-faced teen, now having a pout expression. His pouting was short-lived, barely a few seconds long at best. His eyes twinkled as they looked into the warm dark orbs of his academy professor. Semiramis had seen the exchange several times, and it never failed to quietly melt her heart.

"Hey, how are the students and the academy doing anyway? I heard the Konohamaru and his team did pretty well during their time there!"

"Y-Yes…well…" Trailed off the chunin with a half-pained, half-amused smile. He had a feeling when Naruto got back, he'd ask about how his young protégé was doing, and if he'd managed to live up to the blonde's reputation as the class clown and hellraiser. Iruka knew that he could only conceal the truth for so long, Konohamaru himself would no doubt have some stories to tell. He supposed he could be happy telling the other side, including all the positive little details that might have slipped the scarf-wearing boy's mind at the time. "There's certainly been quite a lot happening at the academy since you left. We finished repairing pretty much all of it since the attack, on top of that, we've seen a pretty good rush of new students. Quite a few of them from none ninja families."

Semiramis watched a slight shadow fall over not just Naruto's face, but the faces of the Ichiraku as well. During one evening discussion with Jiraiya, she'd been given more details regarding the aftermath of Orochimaru's attack on the village. It had left it crippled, something that would have been a death sentence had things gone differently, had her Master not been able to bring Tsunade Senju back to take up the mantle of Hokage. Or worse, someone else had taken up the position, a particular someone whom Semiramis had encountered earlier on. Such dark times had reached the young, especially them; choosing to learn how to fight wasn't at all unreasonable.

Quietly, her gaze shifted to her Master. Even so…children need role models. Naruto…could you…no, knowing you, there's no doubt. "Mister Iruka," began the female Servant. "If you don't mind me asking, have there been any…golden eggs so far?"

"We've had some." Admitted the scar-nosed man with a smile. "If you want, you both could stop by to meet some of them, especially you, Naruto. Some of the students actually saw your match against Neji and took it as an inspiration."

"Heh, when you say it like that, I'm thinking that I can talk him into stopping by too so we can recreate our match. Or try to top it." Mused the whisker-faced blond genin. He had to admit, the thought deeply tickled him, practically made his heart bounce with joy. His memories of his time at the academy would never leave him, for good and bad reasons, but that didn't mean that he couldn't add onto them. "Think your students wouldn't mind getting a visit from me or some of the others?"

"The legendary Rookie Nine?"

"Oh, so we're legendary now?" Naruto jabbed with a growing smirk. His old teacher laughed, confirming his suspicions as well as feeding his ego. "Hey, Iruka-sensei, if you don't mind, could we stop by the academy? I mean, just to see it?"

It was a question with an obvious answer. Practically everyone in the booth knew that Naruto was going to ask it as he'd been rather curious as to what had been happening at the academy since he left. Mr. Ichiraku and Ayame certainly seemed to happy to see such an attitude. The reason could no doubt be pinpointed at the long and often somber days that he spent in academy classes, the sober moody usually being remedied by them, or Naruto training himself rigid…or pranking someone. The two chefs had a gut feeling that not even the passage of time and easing into adulthood would stem the latter habit; a part of them were actually looking forward to it.

The payment for the meal was made by Naruto himself, just as he promised his Servant what felt like a lifetime ago, but in reality, it was actually little over a year. It had been a hearty meal that he had no trouble paying for; as a matter of fact, he made it an open secret that he always kept some change stashed away for ramen. Semiramis couldn't ever say that she was disapproving of the habit, in fact, she was quite happy in knowing her Master made sure he always had money on hand. Her part was simply making sure he had a substantial amount, especially now that he was traveling with her. As a rule, Semiramis made sure to always keep money on either of their persons; after the mundane yet surprisingly good meal at the ramen booth, the resolve to uphold that rule was strengthened. Along with it was something else.

"Have a good night, Naruto, Iruka, Semiramis!" Called the shut-eyed chef as the three began to depart. "And Naruto, make sure to bring your partner back for another bowl!"

"I will!" Called back the whisker-faced teen. "Goodnight, Mr. Ichiraku, Ayame!"

Semiramis found herself waving back at them, a ghost of a smile on her face. Unlike the sort that she usually wore, she could say there was something fundamentally different about this one. It was coming from her formerly closed-off heart. They were…nice. She mentally spoke to her teenage Master as they began to walk through the village streets. To her quiet relief, she found no one giving Naruto odd or disrespectful looks. Either it was the charms of the nightlife or her presence combined with Iruka's that warded them off. That said, she still felt some looks being directed her way. She supposed that was one thing that was never going to change.

Yep, that's old man Ichiraku and Ayame! He answered even as he began to verbally chat with his old academy teacher. Naruto had grown quite good at carrying on two conversations at once, one with his mouth and the other with his mind. Of course, there were still times he made slip-ups, from time to time, Semiramis took mercy on him and kept their mental conversations light. So, how do you feel about going back there to eat?

I am not against it, especially since the ramen you spoke so highly of…actually lived up to the boasting. Answered the queen with a smirk that she hoped was hidden from the two discussing males. She was wrong as she caught the sideways glances of both, both men smiling. That said, Naruto, we will not be having ramen every day for lunch and dinner.

Kind of figured you'd say that. Besides, I heard you and Pervy Sage talking every now and then, something about trying some of the other restaurants around the village, including some of the bars.

You are sixteen, there's no need to worry, especially with me by your side. On top of that, who knows, maybe one of those ventures may turn out more beneficial for you than for me. One of them could end up helping you become a man.

Aaand just like that you turned the conversation weird.

Only doing my part as your Servant and partner, my dear, not-so-innocent yet naïve Master. Laughed the Assyrian queen. Caught up in it, she failed to notice the puzzled look of the academy instructor acting as their guide. His confusion was brief as it quickly melted in a smile of warmth and understanding, especially as he served his gaze back to his former student.

When he first met this mysterious woman, he felt an immediate sense of unease, dread almost, even if it was only for a few seconds. Over dinner, that feeling had faded, just as it had when he first began to sit down and really get to know Naruto Uzumaki. Iruka couldn't exactly say he was surprised. He'd learned that looks could be deceiving, especially when it came to those who tended to leave a…bewildering first impression. He had to admit, when he heard some news that his former student was traveling with a woman, Iruka hadn't quite known what to expect. A part of him was happy and a part of him was worried. As they all walked together, he felt that worry gradually fade away into the cool night air.

⊲=≡▷-ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ ᕳᕲ-◁≡=⊳

The concept of a school was one that Semiramis had a…interesting relationship with. Back in her time, very few things existed, and certainly not so for the common folk. The royalty, on the other hand, made damn sure that their young were as well educated as they could be. Albeit that didn't always work out. After all, book smarts and competency were often confused to being one in the same when they were rather different. A person could have one while lacking the other, a prime example being her Master who could prove rather competent on the battlefield, and even in life, but when it came to academics he could be found lacking. Semiramis herself had once been the same.

Her education had come from her fisherman father, who did his best to teach her all that she needed to know about life and how to survive. After that, when she slowly ascended the social latter, she received would be called "proper" education. It'd taken her climbing up the social latter to become royalty to receive such a thing. She thought next to nothing of those who weren't so lucky, and not once during her reign did the thought of a public school ever really cross her mind. It's part of why she'd been admittedly curious as to what her Master's school life had been like.

Naruto had been upfront in telling her that it hadn't been pleasant, but he had fond memories of his time at the Leaf's ninja academy. Speaking of the academy, she felt it was more of a military school than anything. Still, it was a step up from the training regimes of her time.

If you wanted a warrior, it was wise to have them start from childhood and go from there. At long last, she saw the place where such a process began.

"I must say it, the Second Hokage choose an interesting place for the academy to be placed." Having seen his memories, she felt a laugh rising up within her. The Third Hokage had to make some very short trips from his office down to the academy to occasionally scold Naruto, or rather, she felt like he made the short trips down specifically to see how the jinchūriki was doing along with the countless other students he called his classmates. "I take it you weren't the only one who aspired to have his face carved into that mountainside, were you?" Questioned the pointy-eared Servant.

Naruto grinned at her, then took off running. While he was happy to see the academy again, he felt an immediate urge to run to one of his old "safe zones" from his school days. Said safe zone was the top of the school, which he'd learned how to get to within a month of starting school. He lost track of the number of times he'd done so, but he always loved looking up from the academy grounds up to the Hokage Stone Faces. It'd made for some fun daydreaming…and means of getting away from classes. He could never get over how the teachers could look high and low, yet rarely thought to simply look up on the rooftop, the simplest place imaginable. Then again, Naruto knew how to hide himself with a few cloaks for camouflage whenever they did look on the rooftop. Those had all been some fun games.

Stars hung above the Hokage's office and the stone faces. Before he knew it, Naruto found himself sitting cross-legged before it all, his hands laid out and a smile on his face. "Feels like it's been years."

"Two years to be exact." Came the gentle voice of his old teacher. "So, how do you feel about Lady Tsunade's face being added to the set?"

"Heh, she's…earned it, don't tell Granny that though." Truthfully, a part of him had been slightly disappointed to learn that the Senju's face would be added after he left the village. Naruto still took it all in strides, the image of it being one more thing to keep him going through the training he went through, as well as giving him something to look forward to when he returned home. Just as he thought, it left a sweet and somewhat bitter feeling seeing the blonde's face alongside those of his hero's and his grandfather figure's. She was the only one still alive unlike the past four, especially her predecessor, Minato Namikaze.

"The Fourth Hokage…unfortunately died young, incredibly young at only twenty-four years old."

His perverted teacher hadn't even tried to disguise the sorrow in his voice as he recited that fact, a fact that Naruto had failed to properly absorb in the academy. Upon hearing it, he felt horrible about himself; the Fourth Hokage was his hero yet he knew little of how he had died. In fact, looking back on it, Naruto realized that when it came to details on the Fourth's death, his sensei was the only one who knew the finer details, or details that he thought would have been common knowledge. Naruto knew something was being hidden from him, and perhaps the rest of the village, or at least a majority of it. What really happened to him? How big a secret was it, and what does any of it have to do with me? Contrary to what many thought, Naruto wasn't as unaware as he let on, especially when it came to the people around him. Strike that, when it came to them, he found himself unable but to keep his eyes and ears open.

He knew perfectly well how from time to time when the Fourth Hokage was brought up, his perverted teacher's gaze would sometimes shift to him, and even linger on him as if he were some sort of specter. Naruto had a sinking feeling that he was, after all, within him was the monster whom the Fourth had sacrificed his life to seal away. At the very least, Naruto could say he'd done a decent job in making sure the beast wasn't set loose.

Yet, you little runt.

Heh, here I was thinking that you were napping. Chuckled the human while subconsciously rubbing his stomach. "Granny Tsunade's gone on to inspire a whole generation of kunoichi, hasn't she?"

"All Hokages do that, Naruto." Chirped the scar-nosed man. "I suppose the key difference is what each Hokage inspires. For Lady Tsunade, while she has certainly inspired a generation of kunoichi, she's also done the same to a generation of medical ninja. On top of that, she's…let's say convinced some to take up the arts of healing on top of what they already had as their area of focus."

Naruto could have been given the tiniest of hints and have picked up on where Iruka was heading. Truth be told, he was rather happy to hear that his old teacher was sharpening his skills. "Awesome! Guess this means if any of the students hurt themselves, you'll be there to treat them, huh?"

"J-Just basic first aid and the like, it's not like I have any immediate talent in becoming a medical ninja. I'm far better off as an all-around teacher."

"Then you've taken another step in doing that, not to mention an ideal teacher is one who can heal their students' wounds, mentally…and physically." Semiramis had grown somewhat used to feeling almost like an…intruder when it came to these private moments between Naruto and those in his inner circle. She'd interacted with so few of them save for Jiraiya, and even then there were certain barriers she dared not cross. She felt like she was crossing one now, yet she decided to press on. "That aside, Mister Iruka, I do believe that from time to time, you yourself are sent out on missions, correct? Surely in your absence, someone else must be there to teach the students."

"That's happened before, and still happening. Though the village looks like it's recovering, we're still attempting to stabilize in some areas. Matter of fact, about a week before you came back, there was a minor scuffle with some shinobi from the Hidden Cloud Village." Iruka caught the momentary scowl that painted the faces of Master and Servant. "Um…I take it while you were out training with Lord Jiraiya…you two encountered some Hidden Cloud ninja?"

"Rogue ninja." Corrected the blond, his scowl dissolving into a frown. He didn't relish the memory of his attempted kidnapping, even if it had ultimately bought him two oddball but loyal demons who were nothing more than floating heads. Speaking of which, the hyperactive genin wondered just how was he going to explain the Ōkubi to his academy teacher, or his jonin sensei…or his teammate…or the rest of his friends. His mind jumped to Hinata, whom he was somewhat eager to meet again. Naruto had a sinking feeling that as soon as she saw Chokai and Teshio, she'd outright faint…and Sakura and Ino probably would as well. Then there were was Chōji, whom he feared with him choke on whatever snack he was chowing down on at the moment. I suppose this is that trouble down the line that Pervy Sage mentioned before I went to sleep that night.

It's often the smallest things that can have the most unforeseen consequences. Added the Assassin, sounding equally displeased with the prospect of explaining the demons' existence to his friends. All that said, something in her gut told her that explaining her unique nature would make the Ōkubi seem like stray animals Naruto had taken in at best. At the very least, they were of this world unlike her. "That scuffle, it didn't end on a…sour note, did it?"

"Hm? No, but I don't think it's going to be warming relations between us and the Hidden Cloud any time soon." Iruka answered. "Rumor is that they've quietly had ninja scouting out across the country in yet another attempt to amass more power. Almost four years ago, they certainly made an attempt at that when they tried to kidnap Hinata while the Konoha Crush was going on."

Naruto's eyes darkened at the mention of the incident. Though he hadn't been present, it still aroused his anger. Anyone who sought to harm his friends were worthy of his animosity, especially when said friend was amongst his most cherished. As quickly as the anger came, he let it go, knowing that it was rather useless to let an incident long past nip at him, especially on the closing night to his homecoming. To further calm himself, he looked back up to the stars and stone memorials of his idols. Whelp, I'm aiming to have my face put up there…but how is it going to compare to them? The First and Second who built the village, Grandpa Third who led it through wars and sacrificed his life for it just like the Fourth. Then there's you, Granny, who's guiding us through now, and keeping us all alive when we come back banged up as well. What's my contribution to the village going to be? Of all the past Hokage, he'd been told that the second was the most warrior-like; Naruto couldn't exactly say he found that unappealing as he himself liked fighting and brawling…but war wasn't something he wanted to take part in. That said, he felt like he'd gotten some taste of it and seen the makings of it in various missions.

While her Master's mind was turned toward the future, Semiramis' mind was more focused on the present, specifically the powers that were shaping it. She had an unsettling feeling that the Hidden Cloud's actions might have been in part motivated by her. After all, her scuffle to rescue her Master hadn't happened in a vacuum, not to mention Chokai and Teshio had told them that they'd technically been "stolen" from the Hidden Cloud village when their previous owners went rogue. That meant that the village knew greater powers were out there, some waiting to be seized.

"That is…unless you come across a more…interesting prospect in terms of a potential Master."

Just the mere memory of the cyclops' voice sent a shiver of anger rolling through Semiramis. She supposed that was a testament to the loathing she felt for Danzō. It was also most likely an indicator of how much trouble he'd cause her in the future. "That scuffle…is there any chance I could read up on it?"

Iruka looked surprised at the in-depth reactions that the incident was getting out of the two, more so for Naruto. "I-I believe so. There's a records log that you can be directed toward and look through. If there's something of interest to you, surely you'll report it to the Hokage."

"Of course." What she didn't say was that she'd also do her own private investigation, and likely set her own plots in motion. While Semiramis doubted that the one-eyed ninja would resort to treason, she didn't doubt that he wouldn't take advantage of a potential incident. Danzō gave off the look and feel of a schemer, somewhat like herself; she was sad for the village as two such people living in its walls was a recipe for disaster. "Mister Iruka, if it's not too much trouble, could we perhaps take a private tour of the classrooms? If only just a few, including some that my partner vandalized in his childhood youth."

"I'm curious as to how many of those stories he'd told you." Grumbled the chunin. "And how he might have…embellished some of them."

"You're making it sound like I've twisted the truth to make myself look bigger and cooler than I really am." Wistfully mused the whisker-faced teenager. "There's no need for that, at least not anymore."

"Oh, now I'm definitely hearing a request for you to come in and teach, and I can think of the perfect batch of students who'd love to meet you!"

A shiver of comical fear shot through the genin. Knowing his old teacher, the "students" he was referring to would no doubt be hellions almost on par with him during his time at the academy. Acting quickly, he threw an arm around his black-haired Servant. "Sounds an awful lot like we're have something else to look forward to, Semi-chan! Come on, let's go see the academy after dark!" Still holding onto her, he jumped from the rooftop, landing safely on the ground alongside her. Peering to the side, he saw the look of minor discontent on her face. It didn't last long as her scowl quickly gave away to a half-resigned smile. His ears registering the second set of footsteps indicating that Iruka had joined them. With a laugh, he watched him move on ahead, fishing out the keys to the building for them.

Having grown up in a completely separate time, the concept of a public school was rather outlandish to Semiramis. Matter of fact, the royal that still lived within her questioned the very concept of letting the "common folk" get educated, wondering how much that education would serve them. Of course, that side of her was subdued and quietly proven wrong by a number of things. One of them was the maternal instinct that slumbered within her.

She could only speculate as to how many mothers had watched from the sidelines as their children entered these doors, watching with pride and no doubt varying degrees of worry. Her Master hadn't been so fortunate as he was an orphan. Semiramis herself had never known a mother's love, yet motherhood was a fate she believed every woman would arrive at. Deep at heart…it was a role that she wished she could arrive at. Of course, she was a Servant, her body was incapable of bearing children. Not to mention to produce one of her own, she'd need a partner, someone she trusted enough to give her body and soul to. Did such a man exist in this world? The immediate answer was the teenager beside her, pulling her along and marveling at the interior of the rather simple building. He stopped and took a mouthful of the night air within the academy.

It's a nice thought…a nice dream, but only that, a dream. Semiramis told herself as a feeling of tranquility washed over her while watching him. Naruto…I may not be able to achieve that, but you…I will do all in my power to ensure that you are able to do so. You…you deserve it, you'd make a decent father.

Maybe one day she'd have the courage to say those words directly to Naruto's face, perhaps when he was just a tad older and he himself in a relationship with a woman worth settling down with. As his Servant, she saw it as her duty to ensure he reached that point…and hopefully, she'd be there to see it. Semiramis wasn't exactly an optimist, but she planned on doing her best to stay alive; after all, she was steadily growing to like this world and its inhabitants. On top of all of that…she wanted to believe that she'd finally found a home to call her own.

"So, what should I expect?" Quipped the blond-haired genin.

"Expect from what, Master? I have no idea what it is you're talking about." Replied the pointy-eared Servant in a faux innocent tone.

Naruto played along with her, for the moment at least. Hands in his pocket, he shifted his gaze skyward. "Well, since I haven't heard anyone screaming and shouting, I'm going to assume you kept the remodeling tame. Thanks for that."

Shaking her head caused her tied up hair to sway to the side. "As much as my ego demands me to make our presence and status known…I too would like to remain somewhat…low-key. That said, don't be surprised if in the future I decide to do some remodeling."

"Which you will run by me first, right?"

"Maybe."

"Semiramis, I'm serious about this." Bemoaned the teenager. "Look, I get that we're going to be sharing living space, but I don't want to…well, give the wrong impression. I know how that sounds coming from me, but still."

"I understand where you're coming from. Besides, anything too grandiose will make you come off as pompous, or rather, it'll make me come off as pompous."

"Well, you are a queen." Naruto countered.

"Yes, I was…but not anymore." There was a slight hint of longing in her voice showing that she didn't even try to hide. Said longing was doubtlessly for the splendor and grandeur that she once had as queen of Assyria. "Now…I am simply your partner, the brains of this working partnership. No doubt as we venture out our names will become known throughout the land…and within the village ones."

A cheeky grin grew along Naruto's face. "Still shooting for infamy over being famous, aren't you?"

She mirrored his grin, her copper-colored eyes gleaming like razors. "But of course, can you say that you're opposed to it, Naruto?"

"Nope, I just want to keep it at a certain level. Besides…that apartment, it's where I grew up in." The jinchūriki stopped dead in his tracks and looked at his Servant, who came to a stop to face him. "Semiramis, the remodeling you did…I…we won't have to worry about the landlord, will we?"

Silence greeted him, then came a sigh. Standing up straight, the Assassin walked over and placed both hands on the boy's shoulders. "No, we will not. Naruto, your home is now under my control, our control, as well as my protection. A home is where one is meant to feel safe and secure, while you were sparring with your sensei, I ensured that your apartment will be that and more in the foreseeable future." There was a pregnant pause where she watched her words sink into her Master's head. Just as he opened his mouth to speak again, the Assyrian woman placed a gentle hand on his cheek. He was warm, he was always warm, almost like a walking bonfire she could always turn to, even if she did so with an attitude. "Don't worry, I've made improvements to ensure that is just…homey enough for me. Heh, never did I think I'd use such a word."

"Hey, it's proof that you're getting more and more used to modern life." Chirped the teenager.

An eyebrow rose. "I'll have you know that I can be a modern person. I'm not so enamored with my past that I'm blind to the styles and pleasures of the modern area. Better than tell you, I'll show you. Come, we're going home, now." Her tone made it clear there would be no further arguments, or discussions, until they were back home. Naruto grinned showing he had no complaints. Steadying her breathing, Semiramis grabbed hold of his hand and began to pull him along. She'd become familiar enough with the village's layout so that she knew the way back home.

A spark fluttered inside of her reminding her of those long-forgotten memories of her time with her father. Pulling him back to their home, a simple hut, usually carrying the day's haul brought forth from the river. Or sometimes, carrying none at all. She had him though, and that was always something for her to be happy about. She instinctively squeezed Naruto's hand as she briefly relished the sweet feel of the memories caused her to lose control. Only at the last second did she register the fact that Naruto was squeezing her hand back; waves of warmth and euphoria washed over her, causing the Servant's reconstructed heart to beat several ticks faster. It was surreal for as brief as it lasted. Quickly pushing the feeling aside, she hurried her pace, her heels clicking against the ground. Once more, she cared not for the attention that they drew; that said, Semiramis knew beyond a doubt that rumors would be flying before the sun rose above the horizon. She'd deal with them accordingly.

Naruto's eyes rose upward, scouring the buildings that they passed. He was obviously on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. While he hadn't seen or heard anything out of the ordinary, Naruto couldn't help but feel like something would jump out at him, something that would make him stop and realize that his Servant had "worked her magic", almost quite literally.

That's exactly what he saw when his nose picked up an all too familiar scent.

Semiramis had explained to him that in her world, magecraft was the norm, he'd then point-blank called it magic which she'd begrudgingly accepted. Afterwards, she spent several long hours teaching him how to sense it, no matter how faint it was. Naruto had a gut feeling it was preparation for if the day came when he had to face another Servant, one who used mystical powers on par or greater than those of the Wise Queen's. She'd at least succeeded in one department; he could indeed sense the magical energy that surrounded his home as they came within twenty yards of it. He was somewhat taken back to find that on the outside, it looked normal. Absolutely everyone on the outside of the apartment building looked the same as he'd left it two years ago. Granted, when he looked through his "mind's eye", he saw the massive concentration of magical energy condensed around his apartment building.

Yep, she did something to it. Delving deep into his mind, Naruto recalled the explanation that Semiramis had given him regarding her existence. Her primary "Noble Phantasm" was a massive fortress the likes of which he told her right off the bat she couldn't use unless absolutely necessary; she agreed with him then informed her of her secondary Class, Caster. Territory Creation. He thought as they walked the hallway, which too seemed normal. From now on…my home is her territory, her "temple".

When he pushed the door open, that wasn't exactly what he got.

"Welcome home, Master." Spoke the long-haired Servant, a smile evident in her voice and hidden by her bowed posture.

Three steps in and Naruto found himself standing before a short hallway that led into a massive well-lit living room. Said light was coming from a massive circular chandelier that hung above his head, casting its illumination across the apartment. It was now much more comparable to a loft, something that he'd secretly dreamed of and thought of working towards during his shinobi career. Here it was in front of him, quite literally granted through magic, something that had him chuckling as he stepped into the newly remodeled space. Sparing a quick glance down, he smirked in seeing his blurry reflection in the polished hardwood floor. Indulging in whims, he crouched down and laid his hand flat against the wooden floor. Shutting his eyes, he focused solely on the flow of magical energy running beneath the floorboards, and apparently the walls as well.

He could "see" it all, the rivers of magical power that were flowing throughout the apartment. He saw various magical sigils floating all over the place, acting as defensive measures to keep out intruders. They were all deep purple in design, ringed in the Assyrian lettering of his Servant's native homeland. Speaking of which, he caught several strong whiffs of the scent that permeated the apartment complex. In a heartbeat, he recognized it that of scented flowers; he remembered them as being the flowers from Semiramis' homeland, some that she'd been blessed to have along with her when she was summoned. The scent permeated almost every inch of the home, marking it.

"I…hope you don't mind." Came her surprisingly quiet voice. The Assyrian Servant averted her eyes as he looked back at her.

"It's fine, Semiramis. In fact, it kind of adds a bit more charm to the place." Naruto noted.

"That's…good to hear." She started, still avoiding his gaze as if she were afraid of it. Naruto chose to spare her further discomfort and continued to look around his-their apartment. He saw that she had been honest when she spoke of accepting the modern era. That was the design theme she'd chosen to go with instead of something more…classical. "While working, I pondered replacing the fragrance with poison that would cripple anyone who wasn't you or I." She had been tempted though, truly tempted.

All her Master did was laugh showing that he'd been expecting such a thing, and was glad that she'd chosen not to do something so extreme. Naruto could only imagine the questions and problems that would have created for the both of them, to say nothing of the possibility of said poison leaking out. That said, Naruto did give some thought to the idea when Halloween rolled around.

Are you REALLY sure you want her doing that? Growled his inner demon, half-mocking and half-serious. Naruto immediately took the demon's advice and dropped the idea, and prayed Semiramis didn't consider it in the future. Filing away the possibility, he got back to examining the apartment space. As his eyes fell upon the kitchen, he found taking steps toward it, his mouth quietly dropping in awe.

"You know…for an ancient sorceress queen from a bygone time from another dimension, you sure do have some modern tastes." Started the blond genin, running his hands along the white marble surface of the island counter. The rest of the kitchen curved into an angular U-shape with a stainless-steel refrigerator built into the sidewall, a stove and oven at the center, and the sink directly across from him. They were all far cries from the somewhat rusted but reliable kitchen appliances that he originally had. "Um, Semiramis, did you…?"

"Use some of my own money? Yes, yes I did." Answered the slit-eyed woman with pride in her voice as she joined him. "During our travels, I amassed my own little fortune for something like this-strike that, exactly for something like this." In the seconds-long pause that followed, her eyes connected with her Master's. "Naruto…I respect your humble upbringing…but there was no way in Irkalla that I was going to live in the small poverty-ridden hut that you called an apartment."

Naruto made a face. "Geez, don't you think that part is a little harsh? I mean it's not like I was poor or anything."

"Maybe not by your standards, but by mine, not so much. By the way, Konohamaru may have safeguarded your home, but he did not clean it. When I arrived in your apartment, everything was coated in a layer of dust with spider-webs. And spiders." The teen's face contorted in disgust and depression, yet his eyes twinkled. A sigh of relief slipped past his lips as he realized he'd been spared the burden of cleaning up the apartment himself. She wondered if he'd have a word with his self-proclaimed pupil about the upkeep of his home. "Just so you know, I spent most of the day running out and doing furniture shopping so there is no food in the refrigerator or pantry." No sooner had she said the words did she lay eyes on her Master cracking up the former. He looked back at her with a lazy smirk. Semiramis felt her brow narrow. "I'll have you know this wasn't easy! It's the first time that I've ever tried something like this! Normally when I use my Territory Creation, I am allowed to go as far as I please! But this!? Keeping it contained to a level such as this took effort on my part!"

"Exactly what were you planning on turning the place into?" Naruto asked with genuine curiosity in spite of feeling his Servant's temper starting to flare up a little.

Semiramis went silent, her cheeks flushing a light shade of pink. Once more, she looked away to avoid meeting his gaze. "Naruto…if I were able to, I would have demolished this entire building and the adjacent two beside it to create a housing complex just for the two of us."

Just…the two of us. He repeated again and again in his head like an echo in a cave. Naruto couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about all of that made his heartbeat just a tick faster. There was no doubt he liked spending time with Semiramis, and he did take to the idea of living together with her, albeit it wasn't like he had much choice on that one. Strangely, when he thought about living apart from the snake-eyed woman, Naruto felt disappointed, saddened even. When he thought of living with her in a mansion-sized complex, well, a part of him was happy, yet another part of him wondered exactly what would they do with all that space. An answer came as he remembered what kind of person Semiramis was, and where her "hobbies" lay.

Shutting his mouth, he closed the door and moved out of the kitchen, taking in the rest of the apartment. Or to be more accurate, he was now looking for something, one room in particular.

Naruto was no fool when it came to exactly what category his Servant fell into. She wasn't a ninja like him, she was something more akin to a witch spoken of in fairy tales and ancient fables. He'd heard enough and read enough comic books to know that if she'd truly set down roots here then she had a "lair" to call her own. Someplace that would make hearts stop with fear and eyes widen in horror as they took in what was undoubtedly a magical workshop…crossed with a torture chamber. Naruto knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that his remodeled apartment building now had one of those. He pushed walked past the living room, now far larger than it had been before. A massive L-shaped mass of brick marked it off from the rest of the apartment. Naruto felt an unexplained sense of age coming from it; if he to guess, the stone had also been pulled directly from Semiramis' Hanging Garden. That certainly explained the slight sense of power it held. Likewise, the fireplace had been built into wall. Naruto had never really been one for them, but he had a feeling that Semiramis had chosen it herself. Fireplaces and hearths were rather common in her area. Before it lay rectangular table sandwiched between two wingback chairs. Rounding things out was a sandy brown-colored sofa the looks of which Naruto felt an inclination to feel for himself.

Behind it was the dining room, further reinforcing how much of an expansion there was, sat a dining room table. Said table looked exactly like one he'd seen in her mirrors, massive, wooden, and the legs being carved to resemble those of legs of lions. Breaking away, he ran his hand along the wooden surface. They too gave off the same ancient feel as the stone did proving that it too had somehow been drawn from his Servant's fortress Noble Phantasm.

He came to a stop in finally noticing his apartment had something else it didn't have before - stairs leading up to a second floor. Naruto blinked in modest surprise. Quietly, he began to ascend them, his heart faintly racing faster and faster with every step. He knew that the more he explored, the more surprises he was no doubt going to be in for. On the second level, he found himself faced with four options on where to go. Going straight ahead led him to a door that hung open. He sensed no hostility or danger from it thus chose to let it go. Behind him lay two doorways, one straight behind him and the other to his right. To his immediate right lay a well-lit hallway that he chose to follow. Turning right at the end of it opened to a set of double doors that hummed with magical energy. Sucking in a breath, Naruto reached toward, his fingers hitting what felt like glass. Right before his eyes materialized a mystical sigil engraved with Assyrian runes. He'd been taught enough to know what some of them meant.

"If you…want, I can grant you access to that chamber." Spoke his Servant. Turning his head, Naruto saw that Semiramis was keeping a respectful three-foot distance from him, her face passive. "As my Master, you have a right to-"

"Respect you." He answered for her, a light smile forming on his face. It always silently took Semiramis' breath away how…genuine he was. The whisker-faced teen was no magus, not by a long shot…and she was surprisingly grateful for that. Likewise, he was no schemer like her. Naruto Uzumaki was indeed a strait-laced and honest young man, the type she'd normally take advantage of. She thought about doing so until she realized she couldn't for a number of factors; one of them being Naruto wasn't quite as dumb as he appeared. "So, behind this door is your lab and torture chamber. I take it it's soundproof?"

"Naturally." She answered with a thin smirk. "After all, I don't want to wake the neighbors or you with my…work." Of course, that last part came with a dark chuckle. Semiramis was very much looking forward to said work. In accordance with that, she was a little eager to set back out on the road and see what sort of trouble they could stir so she could have some opportunities to explore as she had done before. "Naruto," she started, placing her hand against the wooden door. The magical defenses deactivated; her hand drifted down to the door handle. "Thank you for…not…restricting me, too much."

His short but sweet laugh made her elfish ears twitch. A full-on blush consumed her face feeling his hand atop hers. "Hey, you're you, and you're not as malicious as you made yourself out to be when we first met."

"That's because you gave me no reason to be." She immediately responded. "You've yet to give me a reason to show that ugliness. As for your enemies, or shall I say, our enemies…"

"Will you at least promise me that you'll run…eh, 'prison interrogation' by me? And Grandma Tsunade?" He'd somewhat expected the cross look she gave him. "Look, if someone escapes, I don't want rumors going around that I torture people!"

"Don't be absurd. Once locked behind these walls, the only way our foes will be coming out will be either with my say-so or as corpses…provided there's anything left of them at all." That last part came out with a dark chuckle that caused the jinchūriki to shiver in fear. He knew it wasn't an idle threat, his Servant was perfectly capable of creating poisons and acids that would leave nobody and nothing behind, including bones. It was a dreadful fate that he would wish upon very, very few people. Semiramis on the other hand, such things were reasonable as decapitation with one of her chains. "Fine, fine. I'll behave myself…but as I said before, thank you for not restricting me too much."

"You're welcome."

"By the way…I worked on the ventilation system to ensure that there would be no runoff."

"That's good to know. I mean, I wouldn't exactly be sleeping then waking up in the middle of the night feeling acidic poison dripping onto my face. Or that happening to a house guest." Naruto chirped while vaguely imagining such a thing happening.

Semiramis chuckled. "Such a thing would be a good way to deal with your late-night snoring." It was his turn to give a silencing glare, albeit it was more humorous than frightening. "Worry not, my…lab, is sealed off from the rest of the apartment. Should worse come to worse, I can use a spell to cause the entire thing to remotely collapse on itself, denying whatever secrets and recipes I have concocted to potential enemies. Of course," her eyes flashed with murderous intrigue. "Should anyone be foolish enough to attempt to steal any of them, they'll pay dearly for it."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you'll do that…and then some." Muttered the blond.

"Anyone who intrudes upon the home of a queen had best be prepared for retribution. Anyone who would attempt to steal her secrets…might as well have made their peace, and better have a high pain tolerance. Not that it'll matter once I get my hands on them."

Naruto mused on the growl she spoke the words in. He was tempted to question her about it, but this time he chose to stay silent. Something happened while I was sparring with Kakashi-sensei. Deduced the genin. It wasn't hard to imagine someone earning Semiramis' ire…through him. Though she tried hard to hide it, Naruto could see that she'd grown somewhat protective of him. He had to admit he didn't exactly dislike the feeling. For him, it was the closest he thought having an older sister felt like. Kiba had told him that while she could be quite nagging, his sister Hana was quite defensive of him, and how happy it made him. Naruto was happy that he'd learned what the feeling was like, it felt good to have another sister-like figure in his life.

The voice in the back of his head rumbled; he could have questioned it if he hadn't felt Semiramis' hand on his shoulder. "Come with me, there's…something else I'd like you to see. Something better than this."

Silently, he followed her back down the stairs to the living room. It alone was little over half the size of his older apartment. Not to mention it had far more furniture in it than his original home did. It was evident that Semiramis had blown through at least a quarter of her accumulated money in buying basic furniture to feel up their home. Actually, the furniture she bought was actually a step above average. Naruto wondered if some of it had been store bought or pulled directly from her Hanging Gardens, which was itself a luxury palace of an ancient time. That influence could be seen in the brick-composed walls that composed a good chunk of the apartment space.

Arriving at the balcony, Semiramis pushed open the doors, revealing something else that defied logic.

Originally, Naruto's balcony was little more than four feet with some railing he made a mental note never to lean too hard against. He'd learned the hard way that doing so would result in a painful trip down to the ground and a sore head. Now, he had a new worry, getting lost in the giant-sized balcony garden that extended out before him. His mouth fittingly dropped as he was greeted with rows of greenery that swayed in the nightly wind. Hand-in-hand with it was the sound of water and chirping. Already having an idea of what it was, he began to walk toward his left, passing through rows of flowering plants until he came upon the five-foot tall bird fountain. The design was Assyrian, its ancient-feeling stone decorated with reliefs featuring birds in flight across a blue sky and watery waves beneath them. Situated at the top of the fountain was a stone carving of a bird spreading its wings out, as if welcoming its brethren to come and rest upon the waters and stone ledges of the fountain. It appeared some had taken the invitation, including his Servant's own dove familiars, many of whom looked like they were making themselves home in the garden.

"I…hope you don't mind that addition." Semiramis called.

"It's fine." Naruto answered. "Think they wouldn't mind the company of Gamakichi and Gamatatsu?" Adding to the good mood was the disgruntled face that his Servant made at the mention of the sons of the Chief Toad. While Semiramis had…accepted his preferred summoning animal, she was still quite a long way from cuddling up to them. Except for maybe Gamatatsu, whose dimwitted nature she found somewhat appealing even if she tried hard to deny it. "You know, I've always thought about getting one of this even though birds have never really been my thing."

"You certainly have a fondness for cats." Noted the black-haired Servant. "Of course, given what we have now, I'm going to tell you right now that they're somewhat off-limits. I don't want them harassing my birds."

"You're never going to let that go, are you?"

"If you ever tell anyone-"

"That the Wise Queen of Assyria nearly jumped out of her skin when a common house cat managed to sneak up on her?" Naruto's grin was all but begging for a reprimand, yet Semiramis could do nothing but puff her cheeks out at him. It simply encouraged him to go on. "Speaking of that incident, I mean, it's not like your doves were lost forever! Some of them even got some exercise!"

"Then how about I give you the same in making you run half a dozen laps around the village?" Semiramis snarled. Sadly for her, Naruto had long since grown past being frightened by her half-hearted threats. This one wasn't even half-hearted, more like only one third. "Gah, if you wish to add more…pets to our household, clear it with me first! I have no wish to have this garden wrecked beyond comprehension! I've worked hard on it and long to make it the most beautiful all of the village, perhaps even in the Land of Fire!"

Naruto raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. In no way was he fooled by her faux humility.

"Alright, fine, in all of the Five Great Nations. Even though the Hanging Gardens aren't technically mine." There was a pregnant pause as she sat on the words. "Granted, no one in this world knows that. As far as they're concerned, they're my gardens."

"I don't think anyone's going to be disputing you, I'm sure as hell not." Remarked the teen while swooping his eyes around the balcony garden. In his dreams, he'd seen the Hanging Gardens, the massive floating fortress ringed greenery and plant life that his Servant could summon. Of course, said plant life could be so overwhelmingly hostile it could put the dangers of the Forest of Death to shame. "To do all of that, you'll have to reveal what this place really looks like now."

"I will…one day." She answered, meeting his sideways glance. Once she did, she couldn't help but hold it. "If you want me to…or rather, when the day comes when you tell me I can dispel the illusion."

"You're looking forward to that day, aren't you?"

For a brief moment, Semiramis' eyes drifted to his hands. An old memory accompanied an urge to take hold of them as she guided him over to the edge of the balcony. She suppressed it in favor of a simple glance. He followed her without a word to the edge, where she leaned against the railing. Looking in from the outside, everything appeared normal, but from the inside of the Bounded Field, one had a bird's eye view of the surrounding portions of the village. A sea of lights and chatter that made her heartbeat with a sense of familiarity…and longing.

"Well…welcome home, Semiramis." Naruto spoke to her with a nervous smile.

"Yes…I suppose from now on…this is my home." She added, giving him a light smile. He always tried to make her feel accommodated, like she was a part of this world of ninja. Semiramis thought that sometimes he tried a little too hard, but it was the thought that counted. "Naruto…you have my word, should anyone turn its eye to this village and its people…I will use all things in my power to defend it. I swear it on my father's name."

A streak of red-colored the genin's cheeks as he nervously looked away. "Y-You know, you don't need to go making vows like that, Semiramis. It makes me feel a little…well, they make me feel weird."

"Oh? Yet you're always making vows yourself, vows that you usually follow through on." Giggled the serpent-eyed Servant. "It is that…trait of yours that makes you a Master that I feel is worth following. It makes you someone that I feel I can…rely on you, just as you rely on me."

Leaning over the railing, the teen's nervousness evaporated into calmness, and relief. "I don't think I'd be up for being called Hokage if I couldn't get people to rely on me."

"From what I understand…quite a few people do, your friends, your surrogate family, and now…me." Her spiritual heart leaped at the inclusion of herself in that circle of trust and unity. It was such a far cry from when they first met, her admittedly wanting to use him up and then throw him away. A slight surge of anger crept up within her as she looked out over the village, realizing that there were some in this village who would undoubtedly do the same to Naruto…and knowing him, he'd put his life on the line for them. "Would you want them to rely on you?" She asked, letting the emotions seep through in spite of her attempts to keep her thoughts to herself. "Those same people whom ridiculed and shunned you? Would you want them to entrust you with their wellbeing?"

Having gotten to know him for the better part of a year, Semiramis knew the answer she'd get.

"Yep, even if they hate and fear me…I'd still protect them, do what I can for them." Answered the whisker-faced teen whole-heartedly and without a hint of hesitation.

Giggling, she indulged herself, reaching out and caressing Naruto's cheek. The act caught him off guard, and caused his cheeks to flare up and his heart to race. It accelerated as he felt her fingernails softly caressing his skin. If she wanted to, she could so easily puncture the skin and carve a chunk of flesh off his face. Of course, as she was now, Semiramis would never dream of such a thing, nor would she let any other being, man or beast, attempt to do so. Slowly, her hand glided up from his cheek to his headband. The original blue cloth had been lost and replaced with a deep black that she had reinforced in hopes of preventing a repeat of the first's destruction.

"Spoken like a true leader." She spoke with tenderness in her voice and eyes.

The same feelings bloomed within the jinchūriki, who placed his hand atop hers. "Coming from a real-life queen, I guess that means I'm on the right track. I'll still be counting on your help from here on out."

"Here's some royal advice, shower then go to sleep." There was really nothing else she could say after hearing him yawn, which she expected to come along eventually. At some point, Naruto was going to hit a stopping point as his homecoming had been nothing short of eventful. Capping it off was his return to a vastly improved home, one that had more secrets than he was up for exploring tonight. Not to mention as vast as the place was, it still needed to be filled in regarding some areas, the kitchen being a primary example. Suppose we'll have some shopping to do tomorrow. Lots of it. She always looked forward to shopping, albeit when she did Semiramis tried to be mindful of how much of it she was burning through. That was yet another difference in her current situation, money was plentiful in the past, but not so much anymore. As she watched Naruto depart, her mind turned to the future. Greater missions will mean greater rewards, not counting what money we're able to pick up along the way. Then again, neither of us are the top to sell out life for coin. Or at least I won't unless it's a mountain's worth of it. Did a part of her long for the luxury that she once held? Certainly, but Semiramis had been content in accepting what she'd been given. Now, as she looked out over the Hidden Leaf Village, that sentiment was slowly changing.

"Welcome home, Semiramis."

Naruto…I do not think I have it in me to live as a peasant, just as you do not have it in you to accept scorn and ridicule. Both of us hunger for more, but your hunger…it is far more pure and well-meaning than mine. Declared the Assyrian Servant. It was a realization she'd made peace with before, and she hoped she would be able to hold that peace within her. What will I become in this village? To its people? I vowed to you that I would help you become Hokage, and I shall…but what will be my place in that dream of yours? If she asked him, she was sure he'd answer he'd have her at his side; in other words, he planned on keeping her alive come what may. Looking out over the cityscape, she pondered what exactly would they face from this point onward. Would the unthinkable happen and another Servant appear in this world? Would they face more challenges from the ninja world? Semiramis felt her heart thunder with excitement at the possibility of meeting those challenges…and crushing them under heel as they'd done before.

When dawn broke over the horizon, they'd face the next challenge, or more accurately, she would-proving herself in a trial by combat. Semiramis wasn't a fighter, nor did she think she'd ever gain the "fighting spirit" held by warriors such as her Master…but she'd be damned if she didn't muster something resembling it up. She had done so several times since coming to this world, and she would continue to do so until she left it. After all, she had her pride: as a queen, as a sorceress, and lastly, as a Heroic Spirit.

Let them see my worth on the battlefield, albeit a limited display. Decided the copper-eyed woman, finally turning on her heels and walking across the outdoor garden. Her alluring vintage seemingly vanished amidst the swaying plants and flowers, all of which were masked from the world via her magecraft. One day, they would reveal themselves, catching the eyes of all who passed. They would look up and marvel at them, as well as tremble in dread as to who had planted them. That was how it had been in the distant past, and how it would be again in this new world.

"Nervous?" Sakura asked with the makings of a grin on her face.

The answer she got was somewhat unexpected. "Y-Yeah, k-kind of. A little scared to be honest, though not really for Semiramis. It's for who she'll be fighting."

Sakura and Kakashi looked at the blond with intense expressions. They trusted the word of the whisker-faced teen completely, albeit they'd never known him to be this…jumpy. In all honesty, they could somewhat understand the sentiment.

Semiramis had been an oddity in their eyes, one that seemed to bask in their curiosity…and even their unease around her. Surely her eyes played a part in that, slit pupils that reminded one of snakes, especially in the midst of pouncing on their prey. It went without saying that both had a rather…negative impression of the armless and legless reptiles; Sakura more so considering Naruto had told her that her area of expertise was poison. Not for nothing was she called "Assassin".

But how well could an assassin fight in the open? And against an opponent who knew more than a thing or two about fighting dirty and from the shadows?

Yes, it went without saying that Team Seven was on edge, which was a stark contrast to the Servant herself, who stood tall and regal as she waited for her opponent.

Just as her Master had been given the chance to show what he learned, so too would she, a demonstration of how well she could fight. All Semiramis wondered was who it was she'd be fighting. Upon arrival, she saw the Copy Ninja standing on the sidelines indicating that he wouldn't be her opponent. It was a shame though, she'd been looking forward to testing herself his Sharingan Eye.

The same type of Mystic Eye or dōjutsu which belonged to her Master's wayward rival. It seemed she'd have to wait for another time to get in some practice in combating it.

Naruto felt a shiver ran down his spine. It put him on instant alert as his eyes began to dart from side to side searching for the source of it. As it turned out, it came from his six o'clock, along with a familiar voice.

"Well, well, looks like someone's grown up from the little squirt that I knew and loved!"

Eyes wide and heart racing, Naruto held out his hand, catching the kunai knife thrown directly at him between the fingertips. He used just a small amount of chakra to protect his fingers keeping them from getting cut by the thrown projectile. Two gasps of shock greeted him, one surge of hostility roared loudly in his mind. Cursing, he swerved his head back, his mouth opening to call out to his Servant. It was too late as Semiramis had already sent one of her chains out. He could do nothing but watch as it disappeared into the thick branches of the forest.

CLANG!

"What?" Semiramis questioned in naked shock. She was far from alone.

"Hey, hey, I've heard some stories about those chains of yours, coated in poison if I remember right. Likely, poison is one area I've got some expertise in." Came the female voice from all around them, at least for a little while. The three ninja and Servant looked in a singular direction where a whirlwind of leaves had sprung up. As it began to fade away, a bladed spear tip was impaled in the ground. "Hey, runt, long time no see!" Shouted Anko Mitarashi with a wink and a grin directed toward the Leaf's sole Jinchūriki.

Who nervously waved back. "H-Hey, good to see you haven't changed too much, Anko-sensei."

"Were we so lucky." Sakura added with a look of minor dread on her face. Naruto took one look at it and knew there was no doubt a story behind it. "Looks like we got an answer on who Semiramis' opponent is going to be."

"Yep, and it seems instead of a mission, we're going to get treated for quite a show." Kakashi mused, pulling his headband up. The act caught the attention of both of his students. "This is going to be one fight we should get clear of, but keep our eyes on the action."

Semiramis took the time to size up her opponent. The coat-wearing kunoichi was exactly the same as she had been in Naruto's memories right down to her aura. Unlike the soft and gentle auras of Sakura and Tsunade's assistant, Shizune, this woman gave off air just like her own, that of a snake coiled up and ready to pounce. That feeling was furthered when the two women locked eyes with one another. "You said poisons and the likes were your areas of expertise. I assure you, you've never seen venom quite like the kind I can produce. I look forward to seeing if you can withstand it." Spoke the Assyrian woman with glee in her voice.

"And I look forward to seeing if you live up to all the hype that's been going around." Boasted the purple-haired ninja with an audacious grin. The spear she'd previously planted into the ground was raised and pointed directly toward the long-haired woman, giving the audience of Team 7 a good look at it.

"Why am I getting a bad feeling about this?" Naruto whimpered. He'd seen his fair share of ninja weapons in his admittedly young career, but the one wielded by the second exam proctor was in another class of its own. If he had to guess, the weapon somehow reacted to chakra, that was the only explanation for the rather bright glow at the edge of the azure-blue blade that extended from one end. Said blade was sticking out of what he believed to be a guard vaguely resembling a snake's mouth. He was unsettled, to say the least.

Naruto was far from alone. "She's been meaning to try out that spear and the other new moves she picked up from that mission." Sakura explained.

"What mission?"

"Oh, just a bodyguarding mission to a long lost tomb supposedly timing with lost treasure, which turned out to be kind of true." Quipped Kakashi with amusement on his face in contrast to his two pupils. "As the legend goes, said tomb belonged to a race of serpentine humanoids called the-MOVE!" The Copy Ninja was in motion as he shouted out the warning.

Luckily, his students got the hint, and sensed the oncoming disaster just in time to bring their arms up to shield themselves. They couldn't shield their ears though; they rang with the teeth-rattling clash of metal against metal. Peaking up, the two teens saw a set of chains being flung backward, a look of modest surprise on their owner's face. The shock quickly morphed into excitement as Semiramis regained her composure and sent the chains back at the chunin, who reeled her weapon back then swung it forward in a swift counter-attack. Semiramis saw the attack coming and twirled out of the way, her sharpen pupils watching the spear zoom past her. Planting her foot on the ground, she quickly counterattacked with a spinning kick that hit Anko right in the side. It sent her sliding across the ground, but it wasn't anywhere close to being enough needed to put her down.

From that point onward, nothing else existed to the two women, which was all the more reason for the trio to fall further back. Considering that one combatant was using chained whips, they had good reason. Doubly so since Naruto pointed out that his Servant could extend her chains anywhere up to thirty meters if she put the effort into it. While they doubted a simple sparring match would bring produce such a feat, it was better safe than sorry.

"So, um, exactly how strong is she? Semiramis I mean." Questioned the medical ninja once Team Seven had moved a safe enough distance away while still being able to catch some viewing of the battle. The sound of metal clashing and wood breaking was like a nonstop buzzing in their ears.

"Pretty strong, although I wouldn't exactly say she's what you'd call a direct fighter, and fighting at close range really isn't her thing. Pervy Sage and I actually had to teach her a few things." Answered her blond teammate.

"You and Master Jiraiya? Teach her?" Kakashi inquired with a smirk evident behind his mask. "Oh, any chance we can get the details of such lessons? Were there any promises of bodily harm when it was all over with?"

"Only towards Pervy Sage, granted she makes those against him on a regular basis." Naruto laughed. Frankly, he didn't mind sharing some of those memories with his teammates; he had a sneaking suspicion that his teacher would be sharing them with the Fifth Hokage; how that ultimately ended…well, it was a coin toss. Naruto was willing to take his chances, if only to the reaction he could invoke out of his Servant.

Becoming quite the masochist, aren't you, runt?

Hey, what's life without a little pain here and there to keep you frosty?

The genin, chunin, and jonin halted their conversation as they sensed the presence of another. Collectively, they looked to the left where an Anbu Black Ops ninja kneeled on the branch they stood on.

"Lady Hokage has demanded your presence, Team Seven. It's an urgent matter." Spoke the cat-masked woman. Her gaze turned to the scene of the battle. "Hers included, in fact, especially hers."

No sooner were the words spoken did a two-sided geyser erupt. Throughout the forest echoed the hissing sound of wood dissolve and being torn asunder. All eyes went to it, marveling as one half of the geyser was sickly dark green color whose steam eroded the greenery around it. Countering it, opposing it, was an upward torrent of bright blue water which furiously beat against the poison.

Naruto was impressed, and a tad worried as he summoned his blades. "I'll go stop them, then we can head over to see Granny." He took off without a word, his heart pounding in his chest for some unknown reason. Perhaps it was because he was about to wade into a battle between two of the scariest women he knew, it certainly wasn't something he liked doing. Another possibility was simply the unsettling feeling in his gut, like something he'd eaten mere hours before finally reacting in his stomach. He hoped that's all it was, and he hoped that whatever mission his team was to receive, it would be an important one. After all, surely his first mission after a two-year training trip warranted something more important than chasing after a stray cat, right?

I don't think I need to spell out what said urgent mission is for you all, do I? The idea of characters tempting fate is something I can't help but ignore, especially when it turns into a complete mood changer as it will be the case next chapter when Team Seven heads out into the desert.

Now, as for the topic of Naruto and Semiramis' home, I decided to split it between extravagant and being somewhat low-key, or at least appearing that way on the surface. The latter had a bit of a struggle between wanting to live large like she used to, yet wanting to humble Naruto's desire for something that isn't too eye-catching. The reason is rather obvious as a just palace in the middle of the village would be very attention grabbing, and not in a good way. On top of that, I've got another little reason for that I'll keep hidden for now. As for the interior, well, I figured Semiramis going for a modern feel over something archaic wouldn't have been too bad. I definitely wanted to add in a garden since it's just as much a hobby for Naruto as it is for her and something they can bond over.

Since I know some of you will be asking, yes, the torture chamber will eventually be used. As for who gets thrown into it, I won't say, but being a lab rat for the First Poisoner's poisons is not nor will it ever be a fun experience. Feel free to speculate who gets the honor! And if Naruto himself will see the inside of it (hopefully not as one of said lab rats).

Until next chapter, when Squad Seven gets its first official mission and Semiramis gets a little taste of home in leaving the forested Land of Fire for yet another rescue mission involving yet another Jinchūriki! Stay safe and healthy everyone!