Ch 43 Part 1

Shadow Light

Chapter 43

Hero, Traitor and Dragon

Next Morning

Following the day of intense battle, reflection, discourse, satisfaction, and resolutions, night descended, yielding to a new day ripe with the promise of hope and enjoyment.

As Naruto found himself amid half a dozen bodies, he groggily woke up and readied for the day ahead, fully deciding to spend the time with his girls and thinking of ways to make it up to Yasaka. That's when a brilliant thought struck him.

"Not so brilliant one," Kurama piped up in resentment as he was blocked again following the order of pleasure. Naruto rolled his eyes at the grumpy fox and decided to execute his plan.

He vanished to Yasaka's residence, startling the Kyuubi by his unexpected entrance. Before Yasaka can comprehend what happened, he took her with him, replacing her with his clone. "Time to make it up to you." He said with a cheeky smile as they vanished again, reappearing in Naruto's hotel room.

Startled but soon settling into the sudden change of surroundings, Yasaka looked at Naruto, her eyes revealing a mixture of surprise and relief.

"Naruto-kun, that was rather sudden," she began, "but I suppose you've never been one for formalities. Thank you for saving Kyoto. You saved my realm and my people. For that, I'm eternally grateful." She said with a low bow of respect. Naruto pulled her into an embrace of comfort and they moved to the lounge area as all the girls were sleeping.

Naruto returned her gaze earnestly. "I did what I had to do, Yasaka-chan. Anyone who threatens innocent lives should be ready for a fight. Plus, I had my reasons to make sure Kyoto stayed safe." He said with a meaningful look at her. Yasaka smiled, grasping the meaning, but her mind went to his claim yesterday.

Cautiously, she approached the topic. "Your proclamation earlier, that Kyoto is yours, is it true? Do you stand by it? Are you really committed to protecting the city, to the point where you'd challenge even the gods?" She asked with an uneasy expression.

She knew better than to question Naruto on his ideals. After all, those were some of the important foundations of their love and the development of their relationship. She loved his passion after their lovemaking and decided to follow him. Those words still inspired her.

Naruto smiled, maintaining his sincere expression. "Yes, I stand by it. This city, country and even the world, deserve a chance for peace and happiness. If the gods are lax in their duties, someone has to step up. I might look young and brash, but I've seen enough to know that waiting for others to make the first move isn't always an option." He said with a faraway look.

Yasaka looked deep into his eyes, searching for a hint of insincerity, and found none. "Very well," she said softly, "if that's your path, know that you won't walk it alone. We, the people you've saved, stand with you. I'll walk with you to the end of the world for that peace." She said sincerely.

Naruto's smile widened, he wanted to take her in then and there. "I appreciate that, Yasaka-chan. But for now, let's focus on today, and how we can make the most of it. I had to make it up to you for your spoiled date, shouldn't I?"

Yasaka chuckled. "You have to. Today is a new beginning, and I can't think of anyone better to start it with than you."

While they were in the middle of their deep conversation, all the girls woke up and walked into the lounge to see who Naruto was talking to see the Fox Priestess happily talking to Naruto sitting in his lap.

"Aww, look at them lovey-dovey," Miya cooed.

"Makes me remember those initial days he saved me," Elsha said with a nostalgic smile. Before more of them go into their moments of love with the blonde, he noticed them and cleared his throat getting their attention.

"Girls, this is Yasaka-chan. The first woman I met when I started my journey." Naruto introduced, his voice tinged with a warmth that signalled his affection for her. They all gave Yasaka an acknowledging and welcoming smile. Yasaka, ever the poised and graceful figure, offered a polite nod of her head, her eyes glinting in joy.

Naruto smiled at Yasaka as he gestured towards the girls. "How about I introduce them to you? Meet some important people in my life. The women that changed my life. My family," Naruto said dramatically.

The room is filled with an array of individuals, each with their own unique aura and presence. Yasaka sensed the complexity and depth in each of them, appreciating the diverse group Naruto had assembled.

"First up, my first piece ever to be reincarnated: Lavinia Reni, my Bishop," Naruto gestured to a woman with silvery-blonde hair and an ethereal grace, "and my second Bishop, the ex-rating game champion and our resident nurse, Roygun Belphegor," he pointed to another woman, exuding an air of casual royalty with battle-hardened eyes.

Reni offered a serene smile. "It's an honour to finally meet you, Yasaka."

Roygun nodded, a respectful glint in her eyes. "Thank you for dealing with Naruto-kun's antics."

"Next, my Rook: Kazehana. She has the Fuujin Megumi." Naruto gestured to a spirited woman with free-flowing dark hair. Yasaka's eyes widened in recognition and she smiled widely to which she got an enthusiastic one in return.

"Hello there," Kana waved.

"Following her is Medy-chan. Her name is Medusa, once a goddess now my Rook." Naruto said with a cringe. He pointed to a mysterious woman whose eyes seemed to hold ancient wisdom and mystery with how deep they looked. Yasaka gave her a polite smile and got a flat nod. While Naruto didn't know how to better explain about Medusa and her circumstances, he gave the simplest version he could come up with.

Medusa offered a more restrained smile. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. If Master likes you, you'll have my affection." Medusa said in conviction. Yasaka didn't expect that and so gave a confused smile. Naruto patted, as if understanding her dilemma.

"Now comes my Knights. My sword of Darkness, Saeko," Naruto pointed towards a woman with a serious yet kind demeanour, "and my sword of Light, Mia," he indicated a quieter woman with a guarded yet curious expression.

Saeko bowed slightly. "It's an honour."

Mia nodded, her eyes meeting Yasaka's. "Nice to meet you."

"And my Pawn, Alice," Naruto gestured to a younger woman whose eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and burgeoning strength.

Alice grinned widely. "Hiya! Can't wait to get to know you!"

"Lastly, though not a part of my peerage, an important member of our club—Elsha, the strongest Red Dragon Empress," Naruto said in a grandiose fashion, indicating to a woman standing a bit apart, her eyes filled with mirth and wisdom.

Elsha stepped forward, offering a warm smile. "It's a pleasure, Yasaka. Been a while since I saw Kyuubi."

Yasaka looked at each of them in turn, feeling the energy in the room, the unspoken bonds of loyalty and love that tied them to Naruto. "The honour is mine. To have garnered such loyalty and assembled such an eclectic yet harmonious group, Naruto-kun, you truly are special."

Naruto grinned, "Well, it takes a village, or in this case, a peerage to keep me happy." Naruto said smugly and Yasaka smiled widely while all the girls had mischievous looks.

"Aren't you forgetting someone, honey?" Mia quipped and Naruto got a star-struck look.

He smirked, his eyes glinting with a mix of pride and mischief. "Ah, yes. There's one more introduction to make. Someone who's been with me through thick and thin, battles and peace."

A low rumble echoed throughout the room, emanating from the shadows. The atmosphere grew tense as if anticipating something monumental.

"Allow me to introduce you to… Kurama," Naruto declared.

As he spoke, the shadows in the room seemed to come alive, swirling and condensing until they coalesced into a massive, shadowy figure. His eyes are a deep red, piercing through the darkness, and his mouth is a terrifying maw of sharp teeth, with fangs protruding menacingly. Then, like a shroud being lifted, the shadows dispersed, revealing an awe-inspiring orange dragon.

Kurama stretched his large wings, while his four smaller sets of wings fluttered in a display of both power and grace. His tail swung from side to side, as if anticipating action, surprisingly not destroying any furniture.

The room is silent for a moment, each member of Naruto's peerage giggling silently watching Yasaka's reaction.

Yasaka's eyes widened in a mixture of fear, surprise, awe, and got a touch of recognition. As if she found a missing connection somewhere. Though it was her first time seeing Kurama, she felt an odd kinship. It is as if he is not just a dragon and one of her kin, there is a kind of primal energy they both shared, a natural majesty that transcended form.

Her thoughts raced, 'Skiadrum, the Dragon of Shadows changed into Kurama, after bonding with Naruto-kun.' As Yokai lived for generations, they are aware of all the Dragons that roamed the worlds and Skiadrum is a very popular Dragon known for his protective and kind-hearted nature even among the Yokai.

But seeing him as Kurama resonated deeply with Yasaka. She didn't understand if this change was due to Skiadrum choosing Naruto or something else, but she felt a bond of kinship forming between herself and the Dragon in front of her.

Kurama locked eyes with Yasaka, offering what could be interpreted as a dragon-sized grin.

"Naruto-kun," Yasaka finally spoke, her voice tinged with wonder and newfound respect, "your life is full of incredible beings. And Kurama... it's an honour to meet one so majestic." She said with a bow.

Kurama emitted a pleased rumble, and Naruto grinned. "Definitely your honour, Yasaka." Kurama agreed with a boastful laugh. Naruto pinched the Dragon for his cheeky remark.

"Ow, ow. Let go of my scales, you blonde moron." Kurama said, his tail swinging wildly and destroying the room's door and the corridor that followed. Naruto fixed it immediately and due to the silencing seals around, no one noticed the destruction and its repair in an instant.

"You had enough fun, now get back," Naruto said, pulling Kurama in and as he vanished into Naruto's body, he gave a toothy grin to all girls present and promised to share a story of Naruto and the reward of being a Hero.

"Oh my, what naughty things did you do, Naruto-kun?" Reni asked with a teasing grin.

"Nothing more than what I did with you." Naruto taunted with his tongue out. This led to a genuine smile on Yasaka's face.

"Now let's eat! I'm hungry!" Naruto said and everyone scrambled to cook something for Naruto as the blonde wouldn't gather them like this often, Yasaka decided to cook ramen, becoming part of the women for the day to stay with Naruto. Everyone offered help to her when she needed it and even went out of their way to do a taste test and giving her feedback.

Yasaka looked around at the eclectic gathering, feeling oddly at ease. It wasn't just the acceptance that put her at peace, but the genuine warmth and camaraderie she got among them. Naruto had indeed surrounded himself with strong, capable women, each one unique in her own way.

As she served the ramen, she couldn't hold the remark to herself. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you?" Yasaka finally spoke, her voice laced with both humour and a hint of awe.

Naruto chuckled, wrapping an arm around Yasaka's waist. "Well, it takes one to know one," he replied, pulling her closer. "Your ramen is fantastic. Today is about relaxation and enjoyment. We've all been through a lot lately."

As laughter and conversation filled the air, each woman presented their dish, Naruto ate, gave them some pointers and they all shared warm laughs and happy stories, spending more time with the blonde.

Yasaka formed a bond of comradery with all women, becoming part of them with ease and enjoying herself with her Naruto-kun. She realised how the blonde somehow managed to weave these disparate threads into a tapestry of companionship, loyalty, and love.

For Yasaka, the day offered not just an introduction to Naruto's closest companions, but also a glimpse into the complexities and richness of the life he led. And as she looked into his eyes, she felt more certain than ever that she wanted to be a part of that tapestry, however intricate and unpredictable it might be.

And Cut!

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