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The Huntress and the Monster

Written by SSK

Edited by Slicerness

Chapter 2

An Oni's Lament Part 2

Naruto crawled forward, his paws scraping along the ground quietly, his big ears pulled back, while Hinata and Sakura walked evenly, though Sakura was bent low slightly to keep her horns from occasionally scuffing the dirt. "So... what do you plan to do once you're done escorting us?" Naruto finally asked.

Sakura kept walking, her pace not slowing down.

"I dunno, definitely get as far away from you two as I possibly can" She finally replied, "That's on the top of my list. After that... I dunno." She said.

Hinata turned to focus on her. "Obviously you want to live among humans." She pointed out.

"W-Well yeah, I... I mean I'll live among them in secret again. Humans are so fascinating, and I'll look for more on transformation magic and try to get it going so I can do so within a day instead within 4 hours. I mean humans do so much in such a short time and if I can last a day then I'll be able to do more activities and-and..." It was then she realized she was babbling. "Eh heh, sorry..." She muttered before pausing suddenly. "Hold it."

Hinata stopped and looked to see an empty path. "What's the big idea?" She demanded.

"There's danger nearby." Sakura warned, causing Hinata to blink and look around.

"I don't see anything." The Huntress huffed.

Naruto had paused and sniffed. Nothing smelled wrong yet but...

Hinata walked forward-

"Whoa hold it!" Sakura reached for Hinata, but the bluenette brushed the hand off.

Naruto's ears twitched as he heard a cracking sound. "Hinata get back!" He shouted, but that was effectively all he could do as he wasn't mobile enough to reach her before the ground beneath her cracked.

It took all of an eye blink for Hinata to realize what was happening, and she tried to reach back but the ground collapsed and she was falling before she had a chance to jump back.

She would have continued falling if Sakura's hand hadn't shot out and grabbed Hinata by her hair. The white eyed girl gave a roar of pain as Sakura yanked up and she flew up hit the ceiling before falling to land on solid ground fell onto the ground. Naruto neared Hinata and sniffed making sure she was okay, stepping back as she groaned and rubbed her head.

"Okay, mind explaining that?" She snarled, pointing to the new hole in front of them.

"That's the result of a Stone Worm fixing the tunnel." Sakura remarked casually, experiencing a nice bit of schadenfreude at seeing Hinata injured. "They do that to lure in their prey but they don't always do very good job of it, sometimes on purpose. That being said they'll fix any hole they find if it means getting a meal, so watch out the holes they fix seem as good a normal wall. There's no real way to tell, that I've figured out for sure."

"Oh..." Hinata said, remembering the words of the Mayor. 'So he wasn't bluffing about the danger... I'll have to watch my step from now on.' Hinata steeled herself and stood up. She rubbed her head and she felt Naruto's nostrils sniff her head. Then his tongue licked her head. "Oh Naruto come on!" She moaned her hair now wet with spit.

He chuckled and the trio continued their march.

"So, anything else we should watch for in here?" Hinata asked.

"Yeah quite a few things; the tunnels could collapse, we could fall into a gas pocket and suffocate, or we could run into some of the fauna here, which include Stone Worms, Snakes, Mice, and some lizards. Watch out for the Snakes in particular, those thing got powerful poisons. I don't think even you or your pet could handle it. Only reason I can is because the chief made us build up an immunity to it." Sakura said.

"It's amazing how easily chatty you are." Hinata stated offhand.

Sakura blushed as she stopped then jumped over a hole. Hinata also jumped over while Naruto morphed his paws into his clawed hands and used them to traverse over, still unable to stand fully.

"So when did you meet your first human?" Naruto inquired.

"What?" Sakura stopped at that.

"You've seen humans way before this, that much is obvious, but you must've met one to suddenly want to live with them." Hearing his explanation Hinata stopped as well, arms folded over her chest.

Sakura was silent until she noticed the two weren't moving. Clearly this was something she had to answer. With a sigh she began explaining. "Honestly I've never met a single human in my entire life, at least not on a personal level. What made me so fascinated was several days before my brethren were planning an attack and I was sent to scout out the humans several days ahead of time." She began to walk again, her eyes scanning the walls and floors. "The place was very heavily defended so we needed as much intel as possible." She added, "Anyways I snuck in and scouted like I was told, and while I did it turned out there was a special holiday or something the humans were having and I saw..." She slowed slightly. "It was truly beautiful, men and women dressed in extravagant clothes and dancing to music... I was... blown away..." She said dreamily.

Naruto flicked his big ears picking up a very faint rumbling. "We should keep moving."

Sakura looked at him and saw his twitching ears. Instead of voicing anything she simply nodded before they resumed their walking, trusting his abilities.

-Several Minutes Later-

Sakura stopped and looked around, "Hold up." She ordered with a raised hand.

Hinata stopped, her gaze set on Sakura. "What's wrong?"

Sakura looked left... right... up... then left again. She then turned to face the two, her face grim. "The path's gone." She said solemnly.

Hinata's eyes widened. "What?" She gasped as she pushed past and saw nothing but rock wall, Naruto crawled forward and looked as well.

"So a Stone Worm closed it?" He guessed.

Sakura put a hand on her chin. "That's the most likely option, but I don't know why; there's nothing that way that would benefit it for hunting." She mused aloud before she began to think hard.

"Is there another creature that can imitate the habits of other animals to trap certain prey?" Naruto suddenly quipped.

Sakura blinked her hand on chin thinking. "Not that I can think of..." She answered slowly.

Naruto's ears flicked then they began to rotate and he closed his eyes.

Sakura looked at him, surprised by the sudden odd movement, "What's he doing?" She asked.

"He's hunting..." Hinata said simply with a small smirk before she stood perfectly still, not making a sound.

"Wha-" Hinata held up a hand, silencing Sakura, much to her annoyance.

Naruto's ears rotated and his head turned and a low rumbling gurgled from his throat. He then turned his head and ears, slowly facing just above Sakura's head. "Hey there's something there." He pointed out, "I dunno what it is but it's big... and ugly." Sakura turned to where he was looking, seeing nothing, and then turned to him again.

"How do you know that? You don't have X-ray vision or something do you?"

He shook his head. "Echolocation." He supplied.

"Isn't that something bat's use?" Sakura was skeptical now.

"Bats, mice, rats, owls, various creatures use it. A human could too if they tried hard enough." Naruto said, his eyes shining with a cunning that belied his body, "Anyway, I used echolocation and I found I could use this to see the weak walls and to a limited degree what's behind the walls. That way-" He pointed 60 degrees to Sakura's back left. "Is a passage, so is that way-" 45 degrees back right, "And that way-" 70 degrees to her right and a few degrees up, "But right there-" He pointed back again to where he was looking. "Something big is there."

Sakura turned again. "Well not my problem, remember? You guys do the fighting I do the guiding." Sakura said.

"Fine, use your club to break the rock wall, then get behind us." Naruto instructed, lifting his body as best he could from his cramped confines.

"What? You? Fight? You can barely stand straight! You'd die no problem!" Sakura jabbed.

"You don't want to fight so I will." Naruto stated with a shrug.

Sakura huffed and turned away, thinking. Then she gave a heavy groaning sigh. "Alright! Fine I'll fight just this once! But I'm gonna ask for some compensation for this!" She snarled before she grabbed her club, which was at her waist.

"You really are quite the negotiator." Hinata whispered as she drew her sword, slipping a few throwing knives between her knuckles just in case.

"So where is it again?" Sakura said, swinging the club experimentally, mainly to get her arm ready for a fight. Naruto pointed again and Sakura set her gaze on it solidly.

"Swing to kill." Naruto advised.

"Shut up! I plan to!" Sakura huffed irritably. She gripped her club with both hands and electricity began to dazzle along her club - a sight that caused Naruto's ears to flatten. He couldn't help but utter a growl, his lips curling back to reveal the gums. Hinata looked at him reassuringly and he lowered his hackles and shook his head. Hinata turned back to Sakura who gave a step and swung her club at the rock wall as hard as she possibly could.

The thin rock gave little resistance under the mighty blow, and exploded in a shower of rock fragments and dust.

Hinata gave her sword a powerful swing, a gust of wind emitting from her swing blowing the dust back into the hole. Sakura looked inside then at them. "Looks like I took care of that!" She declared proudly.

Naruto's ears flicked.

"Get out of the way!" He shouted suddenly.

Sakura barely had time to turn when a large bladed appendage came at her right. She held up her club, which blocked the attack, but the force of the blow ended up throwing her into the wall, burying her several inches into the rock.

There was a loud shrieking and Naruto snarled while Hinata held up her throwing knives. A large black and brown colored creature appeared, it had large spider limbs that ended with sharp pointed blade points. The body was covered in hair but one could see the thick shiny carapace underneath. It had a large maw that dripped with drool, and sharp teeth and pincers. It had a thin long abdomen that was hidden by darkness. Eight eyes shone like rare jewels but conveyed a vicious intelligence.

Naruto growled challengingly, but his options were severely limited - Sakura had been right, he was useless in this state, he needed more room!

He tried to crawl forward to get into the roomier passage, but then he felt a great weight on his hip and back legs. He hissed in pain as he turned back to see that rocks had fallen onto his body.

Hinata, meanwhile, recognized the creature. It was a monster called 'Takubabari', it was known for its abilities to imitate the hunting patterns of a dominant predator in an ecosystem regardless of its species. It's body was highly adaptable and was capable of altering itself to best fit the predators habits, a process which took as little as 3 years to fully adopt the mannerisms and even sometimes the abilities of the predator animals. It was very clever, elusive, and never left it's prey alive.

As such caution was the main advice when dealing with these creatures. Their size could vary but most were roughly the size of a horse, while some grew to the size of elephants. As to the size of this particular Takubabari, that was up for debate as visibility was low. However, she could get a rough estimate from it's forelimbs. If she added it all correctly this monster was bigger than a horse by a meter or so. Not huge but still big enough to pose a threat. If it was imitating the Stone Worm then it possibly had the Stone Worms substance that kept the rock walls together.

Naruto growled as he tried to crawl away but the rocks on his body were heavy. He glanced at the rocks then at Hinata as the spider-like creature moved into the passage away hissing as it did. Then its mouth closed a gurgling rumble emitting from its stomach. "Hinata move!" He shouted Hinata did as told jumping to the side just as the Takubabari opened it's mouth a large filmy substance shooting out. Hinata threw her daggers but the substance held fast and the daggers stuck to it as it hit the wall with a wet 'splat' she looked to see the substance suddenly harden.

"So it secretes a type of hardening mucus. Probably what it uses to seal up the tunnels." Hinata analyzed. The Takubabari screeched then advanced on Hinata when the ground began to rumble. All eyes turned to the source which was where Sakura was currently buried. The rumbling was such that the tunnel began to threaten collapse! Then the rocks exploded out and Sakura stood there her arms raised high her legs spread she glared at the Takubabari a vein throbbing on her temple.

"You stupid arachnid! I'm gonna pound you into jelly!" Sakura snarled and she grabbed her club with both hands and approached the monster slowly. The Takubabari hissed and it's mouth closed.

"Watch out it's spit can restrain what it hits!" Hinata said it was then that Sakura did something unexpected she raised her club and threw it. The club sailed like a arrow and smacked the Takubabari straight on it's mouth. A gurgling sound emanated and the Takubabari opened it's mouth but the mouth was quickly shut as the filmy substance forced it shut.

"Che, damn bug I'll turn it into squash!" Sakura snarled and she began to approach it. But the Takubabari would not go down without a fight it swung it's razor sharp leg at her and she dodged it smoothly more flew toward her and she dodged them easily her rage fueling her senses. It was then that the Takubabari changed tactics withdrawing it's arms then sending them out again this time hitting above the blades carving the rock causing a shower of rocks. Hinata though was there to counter. As she ran forward and jumped her blade held up and she began to swing her sword rapidly a blur of steel. She then stopped and landed to Sakura's left and flicked her sword. The rocks began to cut apart then atomized into nothing.

"You're welcome." Hinata said dourly.

"I didn't ask for it!" Sakura snapped back before she charged the Takubabari. She managed to hump over it's claws before it suddenly retracted back into the hole. She stopped slightly, but resumed her pace to grab her club. It was then that there was a rapid skittering sound. "Oh boy, this isn't good." She said.

Naruto looked up and closed his eyes, a rumble forming in his chest as his ears swiveled. He pointed just behind Hinata.

"There!" He shouted.

Hinata turned to him then saw where he was pointing and leaped back just as a pair of bladed legs burst from the wall. She swung her sword at the attempted attack, but the legs were already back inside the hole and more skittering sounded.

Naruto listened and the two females waited, watching him. He pointed to the right of the wall. Sakura turned and, just as Naruto predicted, limbs came bursting out and tried to impale her. She smashed one down and then swung at the other, the Takubabari shrieking as one of it's limbs became disjointed. It tried to withdraw it's limbs but Sakura's attack prevented it from doing this quickly.

Hinata ran forward, pulling out two more daggers mid-step and throwing them at the non-bladed limb. The daggers bounced off, but the Takubabari shrieked and retreated, still pained by the attack.

Naruto raised his ears again, but there was no skittering. He rumbled once more, but even with that he could detect nothing. "The Takubabari's in a tunnel, but it isn't moving." He declared as he opened his eyes and saw Hinata and Sakura looking at him.

Sudden skittering caused him to instantly start sensing again. Aiming at the direction of the sound he found it to be... rocks?

He opened his eyes again and looked at the direction, confused.

"Where is it?" Sakura asked.

"I don't know, that was a decoy. Where could it be going?" Naruto asked.

Hinata tightened the grip on her sword. 'If that was a decoy then that means that... oh no!' She ran to Naruto. "Naruto, move!" She shouted.

Naruto blinked, turning towards her, his senses still not detecting anything. Not like he could move even if they were. "Uh I ca-arggghhhh!" He gave a bellow as something stabbed his back, piercing through his body and just missing his heart. He growled and gave bark, but roared again as the Takubabari's leg pierced his right hand. He snarled and his face shifted, his new jaw clamping down on the leg.

The Takubabari screeched and withdrew it's first leg but Naruto held the second one in his jaws, refusing to let go. The metal cracked and the leg crumpled then was crushed in his jaws, the monsters blood spilling onto his nose and tongue as he began to chew on the severed limb. He felt it then, the desire to feast on monster's flesh and blood. He growled, his eyes becoming red slits.

He raised his head and saw the retreating beast.

"You're mine!" He growled mightily as his muscles bulged and he roared again. Springing into motion he swung his arms, his elbows crushing the rocks on him, freeing him to move again. He went into the hole and a loud shriek sounded, the sound of fist colliding with flesh following it.

The cave began to rumble, Hinata and Sakura wobbling, off balanced by the shifting.

"Oh shit, your crazy pet is causing a cave in!" Sakura shouted.

"We gotta go!" Hinata yelled.

The two ran, not even sheathing their weapons as Naruto began his destructive hunting of the Takubabari. The tunnel started to collapse, the ceiling falling where they had been standing moments ago. Sakura and Hinata paused, looking behind them when the ceiling of the tunnel they were in also began to crumble.

"Crap, follow me!" Sakura exclaimed as she took off, Hinata hot on her heels. The two sprinted as the tunnel began to slowly collapse on itself. The two continued to run, jumping over gaps and came to a split in the tunnels, forcing them to pause.

Hinata hurriedly looked at Sakura in guidance, "Which way?" She demanded.

Sakura looked at the left then right she began to head for the left. "This way-" She said, only for Naruto to fall from the ceiling of the left passageway, snarling, his hands wrapped around the Takubabari's legs and his teeth darkened with purple-blue blood. He then pulled and the spider monster fell onto him-

"That way! That way!" She squealed as she ran down the other path. Naruto pushed the spider onto it's side and crushed it, causing the pathway to seal up as they once again resumed their underground battle.

Sakura and Hinata ran, stumbling every often and crying out as Naruto and the Takubabari erupted behind them before quickly being submerged by rock.

"Goddamn he's a living wrecking ball!" Sakura shouted.

It was then she felt the wave of heat. "We're almost there keep running we-woah!" Sakura suddenly fell forward, only for Hinata to grab the back of her top and pull her back up. Sakura landed on her butt and looked to see a sudden large chasm that lead down to a fiery pit. "Oh, whoa, okay, that might be a bit of a leap." Sakura joked.

Hinata looked behind at the tunnel; it was completely collapsed, only way to go was forward. On a positive note there was no sign of Naruto or his foe.

"We can relax for a bit but I'm worried about Naruto." Hinata said.

"Hmph! And here I thought it would be impossible for a monster to love a human and vice versa... well all that aside we need to get across this, we went way off course." Sakura said.

Hinata looked around, searching for some way to cross the gap but there was nothing she could see that would solve the problem. Finally she turned to look at Sakura, before her eyes widened briefly and she declared. "Toss me."

"Excuse me?" Sakura inquired, voice tinged with disbelief.

"Throw me to the other side." Hinata said.

Sakura stared at her for several silent seconds before she chuckled.

"You're really something else. How do you know I won't toss you into the pit?" Sakura teased.

"Because then you'll have broken our agreement... and Naruto will devour your flesh. Think you can deal with him in this state? That club is just going to piss him off." Hinata replied coolly.

Sakura frowned at that, not doubting her after seeing his pain tolerance. "Alright, alright. hold your tits." She sighed.

Hinata flushed, but it didn't last long as Sakura grabbed her, raised her over her head the roared and threw Hinata bodily over the gap. The Hyuuga flew through the air and landed on the other side, rolling briefly before she regained her balance and got to her feet to turn to Sakura, who was watching her silently.

Hinata nodded and pulled out her sword she stabbed it into the ground and made sure it was sturdy. That done, she looked at Sakura and nodded, her hand outstretched.

Sakura exhaled and backed up to get a running head start when suddenly the caved in entrance blew open and the Takubabari screeched as it fell onto the path. Sakura turned her head, distracted, but the ground began to crumble and suddenly there was no time for thought as she just ran and jumped just as the ground collapsed and the Takubabari fell.

Hinata held out her hand ready to grab when she realized something. "It's too short!" She growled to herself aloud. She pulled her sword out and ran forward she then hopped over the edge, turned, and stabbed her sword into the ledge and thrust her hand out. Sakura grabbed it and Hinata grunted as she felt the weight of the oni girl, her shoulder screaming with pain. She felt her sword bend but not break as she solidified her grip.

Then there was a screech and she turned her head to see the Takubabari burrow into the earth. In that brief instance she could see just how heavily wounded it was. Naruto had been as vicious as ever.

Speaking of, Naruto gave a snarling bark and retreated back into the tunnel to catch his prey again.

"Oi! Pull me up already!" Sakura shouted, breaking Hinata from her observation. She grunted and swung Sakura side to side then gave a roar as she hurled Sakura up.

The pink haired Oni flew up and grabbed the ledge, desperately pulling herself up. She sighed, grateful to be on solid ground for just a few precious moments before she turned and held out her hand to grab Hinata.

The Huntress took it and pulled her sword out while Sakura worked to pull her up.

Hinata sighed and slotted her sword onto her back. "Well that was adventurous..." She declared sarcastically, "Let's keep going." She advised Sakura, who nodded in agreement before the two continued walking.

-Several Minutes Later-

Hinata crawled forward and looked down from the overlook that Sakura normally used for peace and quiet. "This is a perfect view." She noted.

And indeed it was, she could see everything; the Oni, the setting of the tables and chairs, the human women, and the leader. At least she thought was it was him. He was an impressive specimen, massive even amongst the biggest Oni. His body was as wide as it was powerful. Beside him was an assortment of weapons, all of them heavy and shining with an unusual sheen. "Great Mythrilian..." Hinata moaned.

"Yeah they all have their weapons made of the stuff. Turned out this place was pretty rich in it, so we can splurge almost as much as we want. Though that's not what they want." Sakura said, sidling up next to her. "They're looking for some ore called Dragonium." The female Oni informed her.

Then it all clicked for Hinata.

"Dragonium? That's the 3rd rarest of the 5 near unbreakable metals!" She said aloud, 'And it's very powerful considered almost the strongest of the 5, even a small amount, could forge a weapon of great power... or armor of great strength.' Her mind wandered to Naruto when he had punched a club and he retracted his hand in pain. He could certainly use some kind of defensive wear.

"Do you know what that stuff is?" Sakura asked her, personally having no idea what the stuff was.

"In this world there are 5 metals that are almost completely unbreakable. They all have one specific weakness that can break them but you need to know what it is ahead of time. Take my sword for example, it's made of Mythrilian another near unbreakable metal. The only thing that could break it is constant amount of large pressure so if you were pressing on it with a great weight it would break. However. Mythrilian is rather common compared to the other near unbreakable metals." She said. "Dragonian though is much harder to find and it forges both weapons and armors of great power. It's weakness is very unique in that it's only weak against itself. Anything else and it's unbreakable... virtually, anyway." Hinata finished, trailing off. She had heard stories of things destroying Dragonian weapons, but they were all rumors. Even then, she wouldn't discount all of them out of hand.

"As such the demand is incredibly high, and even a gram is worth a small fortune." Hinata explained, 'It would make excellent armor for Naruto...' She noted to herself, mind think back to his lack of defensive resources again. She set aside a goal to find the armor once the Oni were killed. She looked back down, her mind scanning the floor and the Oni alike.

Sakura was plotting. If this Dragonian was really so good, if she could get it and forge armor out of it... she would be more than well off. Even selling it would help. With funds like that it would be child's play to create a new identity! She had originally intended to leave but now she might stay to find this Dragonian ore. "So how can you-" Sakura began. She turned her head to Hinata, but upon seeing the look of extreme concentration on her face she wisely shut her mouth.

In the room was several Oni, at least 10 from what she could see. From earlier in the morning and her ambush she had cut the 40 down into at the very least 26 of them, meaning there were 14 left. She didn't know where the other 4 were, but the 10 here would only be a simple matter of stealth and elimination if done right. She scanned the tables where the majority of them were watching human women dancing. There was a passageway that seemed to lead off on both sides of the two tables.

If she could lure a few in there then she could-

The cave rumbled and everybody stopped. Just in time for the ceiling to burst open, and from it the Takubabari fell, bleeding, and missing several of its legs and it's head severely mauled. It landed on the ground with a wet 'thump' where it wriggled its remaining legs, screeching pathetically.

Then from above a form fell, Naruto's, and he landed on the Takubabari hard, doing even more damage to the creature. Growling darkly, the Takubabari giving a final screech that was promptly ignored, Naruto opened his mouth and bit down on its head, silencing it. He then pushed its body down and used leverage to pull its head clean off. A jerk of his neck sent it briefly into the air before he bit down on it with loud smacking chomps.

Silence permeated the air as the Oni stared in stunned silence. In the perch above Hinata slapped a palm to her head in exasperation. 'Thank you Naruto, for utterly destroying my plan in one move!' was the sarcastic and somewhat snide remark.

Basara was speechless; the notion that a monster would be able to eat another was laughable and utterly insane. Yet here stood a monster eating another monster like it was nothing! It was then his intuition kicked in. If this thing didn't die today it would be a threat to all monsters! He grabbed his axe stood up, pointed at this bizarre cannibal and shouted two words. "KILL HIM!"

The other Oni grabbed their weapons and charged on command.

Hinata groaned once again; Naruto was so fixated with killing that monster that he was oblivious to what was happening. Really, the only thing she could do now was support him. Such was her responsibility as his loving mate.

She grabbed her sword and stood up, causing Sakura to look at her. "You cannot seriously think of just jumping in there are you?" Hinata nodded as she unsheathed her sword.

Naruto could sense the Oni approaching him, and he raised his head with a low growl, flesh falling from his jaws as he looked at them, anger flowing through him as he looked at these idiots who dared to interrupt his meal. 'No... they're just readying themselves for me to feast on them next.' He licked his chops and a dark smirk spread across his fox face before he turned to one and lunged at it, his jaws open and his eyes blazing, almost leaving a trail of light in his wake.

He tackled the Oni and his teeth were headed for its neck, but the Oni frantically raised an arm. His teeth sunk in before stopping, but Naruto was ready and twisted his head, breaking it before he jerked his head, ripping off the flesh with a single move.

The Oni screamed and rolled away as Naruto quickly snapped up the flesh and swallowed just as another Oni came from his right and behind him. He didn't even bother with the one behind and moved to head-butt the right. The Oni behind him raised its club only to fall still as Hinata came from above and her sword sunk straight into its brain and spine. She pulled her sword and jumped off, landing on the ground. Naruto growled at her but moved to finish what he had started with the other Oni before the interruption.

Hinata flourished her sword and held it behind her. The blade held up in a ready stance she then looked at the Oni, who gazed at her; stunned.

It didn't take long for their tiny brains to realize that they were being ambushed and exterminated. Instead of running they charge. If they were going to die they would do it fighting. Basara, the leader, watched this quietly, Basara knew the secrets to winning a fight. One of which was to wear the enemy down and then kill them in a moment of weakness. When that would come would be entirely up to his men as they died paving a blood path of victory for him.

Sakura looked from above at the carnage below. 'Jeeze these two are just nuts!' It was then she realized they were both down there, "I should get the fuck out of here while I can." She said.

Her heart sank when there was a slight crumbling sound as she took a step away. "Oh no..." She whimpered.

She tried to run but her platform crumbled away. Instinct took over and she grabbed her club to somehow get back up but she fell, screaming and flailing around.

A loud crunch caused the already hyper alert Oni to turn towards Sakura as she landed atop one of her tribesman. Her club sizzled and crackled the magic within the enchantments discharging into her accidental victim's skull, frying his tiny brain.

It was Sakura's turn to freeze in shock as she took stock of the situation. While it was completely unintentional, her landing, and subsequent murder of one of her ex-comrades, had made it look like a very badly choreographed joint attack between her and Hinata instead of the unlucky break it actually was.

Hinata saw everything, came to the same conclusions, and decided to add some fuel to the fire. "Thanks partner!" She shouted before leaping at a stunned Oni and beheading him.

Basara's face turned purple with rage as his shock gave way. "Kill that traitorous bitch!" He bellowed.

The Oni nearest her held up their clubs, tapping them against their hands as they advanced.

This just wasn't her day...

Naruto reached up grabbing an Oni and slamming it's head against the ground, stunning it. He then grabbed it's leg and, with a twist and a jerk, lifted the Oni off the floor and hurled him in a solid arc up, then down onto the nearest table. The Oni gave a weak groan then he fell still.

Naruto turned, only for an Oni's club to appear in his vision for a split second before it collided with his skull, painfully sending him stumbling backwards almost drunkenly. This blow was soon followed up by another, this one getting him straight in the gut, doubling him over, which only opened him up for another strike to the back. He slammed painfully into the ground and the impact briefly brought his sane mind back into being, pulling him out of his berserker state.

Naruto blinked and looked up at the three Oni surrounding him, all of them with their clubs raised. Instinct took over and his tail whipped around, tripping one of them. He was already moving by the time it was pulled off balance and began to fall, lunging at the second of the three, slamming into it with his shoulder.

The final Oni was untouched though, and was free to reach forward and grab the tip of Naruto's tail in a tight grip to make sure the kitsune didn't get away. The beast pulled Naruto painfully and was about to slam his fist down on Naruto's back, only for a flash of steel to appear and his bleeding stump that used to be an arm fail to connect with the orange fur because it was too short.

The only thing the Oni _did_manage to do was spray him with blood, causing his own blood to heat up as his bloodlust spiked and the scent filled the air.

Hinata flourished her sword so quickly and hard that the blood flew onto the ground. She then looked at Naruto, who had leaped at the Oni and began to devour him. She shuddered with disgust, no matter how much she loved him she would have a hard time approving this behavior of his. However she had no time to think about it before another Oni appeared from above, seemingly out of nowhere.

Hinata crouched to jump when suddenly something wrapped around her leg. She looked to see another Oni with a type of chain flail in hand, the chain being what was trapping her. She swung her blade but it only twisted her leg and she fell to the ground and gave loud yelp as her leg was popped out of it's socket from her careless swing.

Sakura swung her electrified club, no longer caring about escape. Right now there was only one way out of this: Killing her former comrades... all of them. When she heard Hinata's cry she instinctively turned to see Hinata laying on the ground, her sword on the ground next to her with both hands on her leg, which was bent awkwardly. Her gaze darted over at Naruto, only to see him already looking Hinata's way, eyes a furious purple. He moved to assist her when another Oni bellyflopped directly onto Naruto's back.

Sakura could see out of the corner of her eyes another Oni holding up a jagged spear ready to throw. She closed her eyes, thinking rapidly, time seemingly slowing down as she did. Her seafoam green eyes snapped open and she lowered her hand to the ground, chanted silently. The ground contorted then began to flow up and around her hand and arm till it was covered in a thick coat of rock.

'10... 9... 8... 7...' She counted down, the Oni's arm wobbled as she stretched it forward and threw the spear. '6... 5...' it flew toward her, and she raised her club and her armored hand '4...' the spear hit her hand and she winced as it dug into the armor but it began to curve up as she angled her hand just enough that it would change it's trajectory. '3... 2...' the club also helped and solidified it's new course as it now flew aimed at the Oni that was diving toward Hinata. _'1... 0...!'_Time resumed and the spear flew toward the freefalling Oni and hit him directly in the skull, his head jerked and his body flipped and was even pushed backwards somewhat, landing just short of Hinata's other leg, it's clubs in his now cold, dead hands.

Hinata wasn't focused on that though, she was focused on pushing her bone back into it's socket.

She held her leg, breathe coming in heavy pants as sweat beaded her brow. She then began to give deep inhales and exhales. She grabbed her leg tensed, then jerked. A scream tore from her mouth as her bone popped back into the socket, but it te pain didn't last long as the spike gave way to relief soon enough. She sat there panting loudly, content to rest for at least a moment.

It was then a roar sounded and she turned her head blearily to see Naruto suddenly slash at a Oni, it's head turning into mincemeat while he viciously bit and ripped another Oni's throat out and ending with grabbing another Oni's head, his muscles bulging as he squashed the monster's head like watermelon. He roared again, so loud that everybody clapped their hands to their ears and the cave shuddered, pebbles and dust falling from the ceiling. He closed his mouth and quickly closed in on Hinata, his body curling around her and his tail raised up, forming a ring around her.

Mate secured, he turned his murderou gaze on Basara.

Basara lowered his hands and looked back at the monster fox creature. It had killed five of his men while the Huntress had killed two, matched by that treacherous runt. If he assumed right they also killed both of his raiding parties. Twenty-six in that party, plus with the dead here he was down to just 5, and that included himself! He gripped his mythrilian axe tightly and turned, walking away to get his newest item, forged not just a few days ago. Naruto growled but he let the leader walk away, his body still protecting Hinata as she recovered.

Hinata gave a huff but moved her leg experimentally; it would take a bit to recover. While she tested her limb she looked around, "Naruto... I think that's all of them." She said.

He growled and shook his head, turning his head enough to keep both her and the chief in his vision. "No... there's at least four more, not including their leader." He revealed.

"Didn't realize you kept count in that form." Sakura interrupted, walking up to them, her club stained and dripping with blood. "But you're right, there's only five of them, don't let your guard down but the other four won't be a problem. Basara though... he's fought far longer than I've been alive and is smarter than the typical Oni, not to mention strong, far stronger than these guys." She looked at Hinata. "He won't hesitate to exploit any weaknesses you might have. Also, he'll use the environment to his advantage as well if he's going where I think he's going." Sakura warned yet again. She kept her gaze on Hinata then turned to Naruto, "Come on, we gotta finish this now."

Naruto gazed at her then nodded and lowered his protective circle from Hinata.

"W-Whoa wait, what're you doing?" Hinata quested, sounding somewhat hurt by what they were suggesting; at least what she assumed they were suggesting.

"Sorry Hinata, but we need to finish this quickly," Naruto said, "We can't let them prepare a trap for us, we need to strike now or risk being at a disadvantage." Hinata gave a huff of annoyance. He was right, but there was also wisdom in waiting for her to recover. She made her decision though and she got up, teeth instantly clenching as her leg stung with pain and she fell forward.

"Hinata!" Naruto lowered his head and caught her just in time. She rested in his hair, inhaling the scent of his body and feeling strangely relaxed. The smell of pines in his hair was... soothing, relaxing and made her forget her pain.

"I'm fine." She said as she stood up, the pain still there but not as intense as before as her healing abilities worked to repair the damage. "Do you know your hair smells like a pine tree?" She asked.

"Really?" He turned his head to the side.

Sakura walked forward and sniffed as well. "Yeah it does... weird." She murmured, none of them would realize that Naruto's body was emitting the aroma, it was a scent similar to what trees and plants emitted when insects were nearby to prevent them from being eaten. However he was emitting this due to his desire to devour his enemy as his scent was meant to relax and sharpen one's instincts; in a sense it was a smell to increase one's battle potential.

"I'm going with you two." Hinata said.

"Huh?" Was Naruto's and Sakura's reply.

"You can't be serious right? You'll slow us down!" Sakura said, "Look, we're burning up time so let's go!" She urged.

"I'm going, whether you guys like it or not!" Hinata exclaimed as she began to walk slowly, wincing with each step.

Naruto shook his head, he knew he couldn't persuade her at this point.

"Then there's only one solution to this." He said with a gruff sigh. With a quick step he walked back and lowered his head. With a single second pause he suddenly moved forward rapidly, his head sliding between Hinata's legs before her jerked his head up so she now rested on his back. Hinata blushed while Sakura stared in dumbfounded incredulity. "You ride on my back." He declared with a smile.

Hinata reached for a tuft of fur and tugged it. "N-Naruto don't you ever do that again!" She squeaked indignantly. With a calming breath she then relaxed slightly. "You sure about this? You're fighting potential is limited like this." She pointed out.

"I got my claws, teeth and tail, I should be plenty fine. Believe you me." Naruto said dismissively.

"Utterly humiliating! Look at you! Like some beast of burden! Have you no pride at all?!" Sakura huffed.

"My mate is a strong fighter, she'll be a great help against Basara. She has her blade, which can fight against their clubs, so she'll cover my blindspots and she can still attack without being in the way too much." Naruto explained with a light glare, pride clear in his voice.

Sakura nodded while Hinata gave him a warm smile and a pat, it was a sound and logical tactic.

"Let's go then." Sakura announced.

Naruto nodded before he turned and started to trot off, Hinata clutching his fur, neglecting to mention that her crotch was digging somewhat into his back, arousing her just ever so much that a slight arousal building up inside of her.

-Mythrilian Mining Spot-

Basara turned to his men, "Is the trap set?" He bellowed.

"Not yet boss!" An Oni shouted back.

"Well hurry the fuck up! That damn cannibal and that traitorous runt will be here any minute!" He roared. The last 4 Oni that Basara had were not particularly skilled fighters. No, they were more attuned with mining and heavy lifting than actual combat. That being said they could fight, but if they fought the cannibal they would die within seconds. They were physically strong due to their roles in the tribe, possibly even more so than most, if not all of his fighters, but this came at the cost of speed and grace - what little grace the species had anyway. If they managed to land a hit the three they were up against would certainly feel it, but even the runt was faster than these four.

However, if they could get the trap ready then they could deal a serious blow to that damned monster.

The trap was simple. Two of the Oni were carrying a massive pot of molten metal in their hands on an overlook that hung just above the entrance to this area. When it was set they would pour the metal onto the cannibal. If they hit him he would be burned alive, if they didn't then he wouldn't be able to move that well as the metal would spread around the ground.

Also just in case that failed there was another Oni at the far wall to his left with a ballista and ammo he could harass them from afar while Basara moved in for the kill. As for the runt, well he didn't need to worry about her, she was a weakling - she was dubbed Runt for a reason, after all. Nothing to worry about with that one, it was just the cannibal that was trouble.

If they didn't bury it in molten metal then Basara would engage it in one on one combat. With his Mythrilian weapons and his special new item he would take down this monster with ease. He turned and grabbed it, the trump card. It was a rugged and badly forged shield made entirely out of Dragonium, the third most powerful and rare of the 5 near unbreakable metals.

He held it up the hefty shield and looked at the entrance, which was the only way in or out. His eyes flicked briefly up to the Oni with the cauldron then he heard a growling and his gaze fixed on the entrance again to see it walking toward him slowly. On it's back was the Huntress.

Basara gave a 'tch' of annoyance. He had thought that the Huntress' leg injury would put her out of the picture, but apparently not as she rode on the cannibal's back, one hand grabbing a clump of fur tightly as if it was a rein while her free hand was wrapped around her sword.

Naruto stopped as he felt Hinata's hand tug his fur slightly. His dark blue haired mate held up her blade and pointed it at Basara. "Surrender, and I'll make your deaths quick and painless!" She demanded.

Basara gave a booming laugh. "Isn't that supposed to be 'Surrender and I may spare your lives if you yata, yata, yata' bullshit?" He said, stalling for time while his men got the trap ready.

"After the lives you harmed, none of you are permitted to leave here alive." She said coolly.

"Oh I'm so terrified." Basara said mockingly, his eyes quickly flicking upward to check they were almost ready. "I'm terrified of the girl with the big metal stick and her cannibal pet!" He spat, "I'm afraid of your pet more than you brat!" He snarled.

"Oh, me?" Naruto said giving a wolfish grin.

"Yes you... never in history has there been a monster that consumed other monsters flesh as if it were the flesh of man. What troubles me even more is the reason for it... if there is one." Basara snarled.

Naruto licked his lips and shuddered, growling with intent as he tasted the Oni blood on his teeth.

"At the moment I don't know... I enjoy it... the taste of your flesh, your blood, your organs... your heart." His eyes glowed and his muscles tensed. "Your friends were tasty..." He gave Basara a hungry look. "You though... you should be even better!" He tensed, only for Hinata to tug his fur lightly. Naruto stepped back slightly. "But that's neither here nor there." He said as he lowered himself, ready to run. Sakura, who had been listening to all this turned her head up when she heard a slight creaking she looked and her eyes widened.

"Move it!" She jumped forward quickly.

Naruto blinked, looking up only to dash forward just as the pot tipped and molten metal fell where they had been just seconds ago. Sakura slid to a halt but Naruto continued running, heading straight for Basara. Sakura turned and saw a large ballista bolt fly toward him. She didn't have time to warn him so she held up her club and threw it as hard as she could.

Her club hit the bolt and sent it flying off course into the lava behind Basara. Naruto saw it and reacted, but by the time she slid to a stop, claws turning to fingers that dug into the ground, it had all already happened.

Hinata turned her head to the source of the bolt and held up her sword. "I got it! Take care of him!" She ordered.

Naruto growled and leaped at Basara. The Oni chief smirked and held up his shield in wait.

Naruto roared, claws swiping across the shield in a spray of sparks, only to whimper and jump back. With a downward glance his eyes widened, his claws broke on the metal! He leaped back further and waved his injured hand, his nerves ablaze.

"Wah ha ha ha ha! Try all you might, you can't stand up to my Dragonium shield!" Basara yelled as he held the red twisted lump proudly.

Naruto growled and Hinata turned to him, she gritted her teeth. She exhaled explosively, 'Well this is annoying, he used the Dragonium after all! That stuff is unbreakable to all but itself! My sword is the only thing that can stand up to it, as long as he doesn't use the shield as a weapon I should be fine battling him.' She turned to face Basara and releasing her grip on Naruto to hold her sword tightly with both hands. She clamped down with her legs and Naruto grunted slightly, but knew what she was doing.

He began to circle Basara, only for his ears to twitch as he heard a whistling and his legs to shoot them both backwards without hesitation and the ballista bolt flew past him and embedded ontot he wall. The moment he did however another torrent of molten metal fell down on his new position and he jumped just barely avoiding it.

He growled and did a quick side dash when suddenly a large boulder appeared in front of him. He couldn't dodge and the boulder slammed into him, throwing him to the side. Hinata gritted her teeth and stabbed her sword into the ground.

The sword stuck fast, then began to bend slightly before straightening. Naruto was surprised but landed on the ground and gave her a bark of appreciation. He turned and saw the boulder move than rise and he saw a Oni holding it. He growled and looked for Sakura, only to find she'd suddenly vanished.

'Did she run? That damn bitch!' He sniffed the air but surprisingly her scent was still in the room, very strong. He didn't turn to find her though as Basara charged, his shield held up and a large axe in his other hand.

Naruto turned, mirrored by Hinata, who pulled her sword and swung it in time to parry. Naruto walked backed while Basara advanced, swinging his axe with rapid yet precise strikes - Hinata parrying each attack skillfully. Their blows were hitting so hard the air reverberated with the impact.

Naruto dashed forward, surprising both of them as he hit Basara with a shoulder charge. Basara stumbled back and Hinata took the opening and slashed at him, but Basara's shield raised and her sword bounced off, jarring her arm painfully.

Naruto growled as he saw the large boulder rolling toward him and he glanced at Hinata. "Hold on!" He commanded before he turned so that his back was facing the boulder and planted both hands down, clenching the rock. He tensed his muscles hard, then thrust his back legs toward the boulder. His feet collided with the massive object and it stopped in an instant.

It remained that way for only a moment before his kicking motion finished, sending the boulder flying back to the Oni who held up his hand worriedly. He didn't have time to react further as the boulder slammed into him though, sending him flying against the wall then down onto the ground.

Naruto then heard the whistle of the ballista bolt and he turned only to blink as he saw it fly toward Basara. The chief held up his Dragonium shield and the bolt bounced off and into the lava. Naruto looked to see Sakura standing at the Ballista, the Oni previously manning it nowhere to be seen, but he could see a small darkened patch in the lava below. Sakura then grabbed her club and stepping away, smashing the ballista for good measure, ensuring nobody else could use it. She then began to scale the wall and when she got high enough she jumped off the wall and landed next to Naruto.

Basara turned his head to her. "Well if it ain't the damn runt... So you betray your own kind?" He said, his voice even but his fingers clenched the axe tightly.

"Look Basara, as far as I could tell I never was 'one' of you to begin with. Besides, I think it's time I get some payback for all the shit you gave me over the years." Sakura sneered as she tightened her grip on her club and raised it up.

Naruto tensed, ready to fight at the aggressive move.

Basara stomped a foot down and suddenly there was an explosion and he was in front of Naruto. The fox monster was so surprised he never had time to block the shield as it slammed into his head, sending him sprawling to the side. He growled and shook his head while Hinata made sure her legs weren't crushed using the sword to prop Naruto at an angle.

She glanced at Basara who was now swinging his axe and shield at Sakura, who blocked each powerful blow. 'Such explosive leg power! Almost like he teleported!' She looked at Naruto. "Come on get up!" She urged he growled and grabbed his head.

Sakura parried the blows, but each strike was so powerful that her arm jerked back and she had to raise the club again to parry another blow. Basara's face was purple with rage saliva flying from his lips and he swung with great destructive power. Sakura however held her ground well, backing up, only to remember the Oni above with their molten metal and she glanced up. Her biggest mistake. Basara swung his shield and Sakura's guard broke then he swung the axe violently in the opposite direction and Sakura screamed as her arm twisted as her elbow popped out of it's socket. She fell spinning to the floor as Basara stood over her his eyes bulging his muscles swollen and he raised his axe up.

'Shit I thought I'd seen this guy when he was pissed but this-! This is just ridiculous!'

He roared and swung it down.

She closed her eyes, there was nothing she could do. She heard a clang metal grinding against metal, a grunt and then blade meeting flesh violently. Something dripped onto her face and she opened her eyes and gasped to see Naruto standing over her. He huffed then pushed his shoulders up, knocking Basara back. Hinata grunted as she eased up and looked down at Sakura.

"You owe him big for this! If that had hit you would be dead! Luckily he moved on instinct to protect you and I was here to lessen the damage." Hinata explained, Sakura looked at Naruto who glanced at her then was back to attacking Basara, forcing him back.

Basara stepped back and into the center of the area, weapon and shield raised.

Naruto gave a snarl of satisfaction and he stepped back his eyes turning purple.

"Ready?" he growled.

"Ready, I'll need you to jump. You'll know when." Hinata said.

Naruto nodded and he began to walk then he began to pick up speed soon, circling Basara.

Basara watched Naruto silently, his shield held up when suddenly Naruto flashed forward.

The Oni chieftain was feeling smug as he hid behind his shield, only for the expression to drop as he felt his leg get sliced. It wasn't deep but it served it's purpose as a distraction as Naruto came back, this time Hinata lead the attack and sliced at his side, Basara grunting in surprise, turning towards the attack's origin point only for Naruto and Hinata to already be gone.

Suddenly there was another cut on his back, this one deep. "You damn cowards!" He growled, now realizing what they were doing. But he didn't have time to turn as Naruto jumped over him, sailing overhead. Basara held up his shield but Naruto made no move to attack. He was momentarily curious before he heard a slight whistling then a pained grunt. Soon there was a pain filled scream. They all turned to see the Oni screaming as the cauldron of molten was tipped, it's fiery contents all over them as they burned down.

It didn't take long for any of them to realize that Hinata's knife had hit one of the Oni carrying the cauldron of molten metal. In pain his grip had slipped and the Cauldron had fallen to the ground, possibly on his foot, crushing and burning it. From there the cauldron tipped and the metal poured out. The first Oni didn't have a chance as his leg was caught and he was covered and eaten up by molten metal. The second Oni tried to run but in his panic and haste he tripped over the last remains of his comrade and fell into the molten metal.

'Tch... well looks like it's just the big guy,' Sakura turned her gaze to Basara. 'Even if it's three against one Basara isn't easy... so... time to play a bit dirty.' She grabbed her club with her still functioning hand, tightened her grip and began to intone silently.

Naruto and Hinata were a near invisible blur as they bounced around, attacking Basara with inhuman speed. Basara though, with his veteran skills in battle, was eventually able to parry some blows. However every blow he didn't parry ended up leaving a gash or slice on his arms, legs, sides, and back, but he'd been able to move enough so he avoided the worst of the damage.

Naruto leaped up to the wall, landing on it briefly to glance at Sakura, who's club was visibly charging. He raised his head and whispered, "She's gonna make her move... we need to time this right and we'll kill him in one go."

Hinata looked down at Sakura and nodded in agreement. "Keep attacking, keep him distracted till it fully charges." She muttered. He flicked his ear in response and pushed off the wall, catapulting towards Basara like an arrow.

Basara raised his shield in response, which Naruto struck hard with his claws, only for the previously unmatched weapons to shatter painfully. He growled as Basara pushed with his shield, sending Naruto flying spinning into the air. The fox spun and landed on the rock wall again.

"I'll kill you!" He roared, pushing off the wall and heading for the ground.

Basara readied himself for the assault again, but then he heard a yelling and turned to see Sakura charging at him, her club raised high.

"Nothing you can manage will work on me you runt! Die!" Basara bellowed and raised his shield, Sakura's club hit the shield with a loud *clunk*.

"Heh that all yo- blbrlbrlbrlbrlbr!" He blubbered as electricity flowed through his entire body, stunning him. Sakura smirked and released her club. The electricity stopped flowing and Basara fell to one knee, dropping his shield. He panted, all the sweat on his body turning to steam and vapor as his blood boiled.

He gritted his teeth and raised his head to glare at Sakura. "You... little... bitch! I'm gonna cleave you in two!" He raised his axe weakly but it barely passed his shoulders when Naruto appeared and clamped down on Basara's arm. Basara roared with pain and before he could move Hinata held up her blade and sliced his head cleanly off, so clean that it took a few seconds for Basara to realize it had happened. His head rolled backward off his neck and fell to the ground with wet splats and thunks before coming to a halt. Blood spurted from Basara's head onto Naruto's body, and a shudder began making it's way up the fox's spine.

"Hinata, my love, I think now would be a good time for you to leave." Naruto panted, his eyes turning from purple to blood red slowly.

Hinata sighed and she did as she was told. Using her sword and arms she pushed herself off Naruto's body and rolled on the ground. She looked up to see Naruto grab Basara's body and run off, heading for the chamber where the other dead Oni were effectively stacked, nimbly avoiding the cooling molten metal, despite carrying the cooling corpse that must have weighed a ton. Hinata sighed as she rested on the hot ground then she leaned back and closed her eyes. "Well fuck... we actually beat him," Sakura said as she sat down next to Hinata. Silence was the only answer Sakura then sighed. "Haaaa... You know... he saved me at the cost of injury. Well you may not believe this but I pretty much owe my life. So..." Hinata sat up.

"What's this a life debt?" Sakura nodded.

"Pretty much, whatever he wants with me... I give," Sakura elaborated.

"Well that's... comforting I guess," Hinata said, and she used her sword to push herself up to her feet. "Right there should be a medical station somewhere around here," She said. Sakura stood up to help then she turned and she went to where the Dragonium shield was. She grabbed it and went back to Hinata the two began to walk to find some medical items.

"Hey, this can be reforged right?" Sakura asked eager to use it to make some armor or weapon.

"Yeah but you need a smith willing to smash his own hammer to pieces." Hinata said.

"Uh... what?" Sakura was confused by this, Hinata sighed aloud.

"Dragonium can only be broken by itself remember? So you gotta find a smith willing to break his own hammer to remake that!" Hinata explained.

"I'd imagine a hammer like that would be highly valued." Sakura said.

"Indeed as it can forge the other near unbreakable metals." Hinata said.

"Why would that be a problem?" Sakura asked.

"To forge these weapons even after they're heated they are still pretty hard, normal hammers would break so you need one that's near unbreakable, so you can forge it within the normal time frame." Hinata explained.

"Wow that's a bit of a pain ain't it?" Sakura mumbled.

"Eh it is, but the results are worth it usually." Hinata said then she looked at her legs, "If I can get some healing herbs I should be able to move just long enough to get to the village." She muttered there was a silence as the two now walked over the somewhat cooled molten metal.

"So where'd you get your strength from?" Sakura quested casually after a long silence.

"Huh?" Hinata wasn't paying attention only focused on finding medicine.

"I heard hunters strength is augmented from various catalysts, some drink potions, others magic, and some fuse monster flesh to their skin. What'd you use?" Sakura asked Hinata was silent.

She never liked talking about her past with anyone though Naruto was the exception and even then she still had reservations to tell him, it brought up bad memories that she would rather keep locked away in her mind.

"Sooooo?" Sakura probed again.

"I'd rather not talk about it." She replied finally.

Sakura nodded before she turned Hinata around. "Here's the medical station." She announced.

Hinata looked up, and indeed there was a first aid container on the wall and doctor supplies. The Oni hadn't taken the office mainly because they had no use for it at the time. Sakura led Hinata to a chair and helped her in. "So what do you need?" Sakura asked and flexed her still working fingers.

"Well I'll need some herbs firstly try to find some blood moss." Hinata said.

"Ah, that stuff. Yeah, it's good stuff." Sakura agreed before she went off to search.

"As far as I know you Oni aren't much on chivalry." Hinata said, referring to Sakura's behavior earlier.

"Yeah well, the typical Oni mindset on honor is, 'honor gets ya killed!' but as for debts... well that's something we understand well." Sakura explained. "So it ain't honor... just a debt that I doubt I'll be able to repay fully." Sakura muttered.

"We'll see." Hinata said plainly.

-Naruto-

He gorged on Basara's flesh and the flesh of his comrades. He had to admit Basara tasted much more palatable than his comrades, despite his tough muscles it was softened by the fat the Oni had gained from his position of leadership. However there was one part he was eager to taste and that... was Basara's heart. He reached down and grabbing the ribcage, and with a deceptively simple move pulled and snapped the bone cage open. He snatched one of the ribs from the other as it still had some meat, for a mid-journey snack, before he saw his prize. Nestled just above the somewhat deflated lungs was the heart. He reached in and plucked it out, holding it delicately with his claws, taking great care to not puncture it. He held it up, still plump with blood. Inhaling deeply, he gave a shuddering growl.

He then opened his mouth, stretched out his saliva slick tongue, placed the heart on it, retracted his tongue, and bit down. All the tubes snapped and the heart exploded in his mouth blood gushing between his teeth. He chewed slowly, loving the quality and texture. 'Heaven' was the only word he could use to describe what he chewed. He chewed a bit more then swallowed and he licked his lips. It went down his throat easily. He turned back to the carcass ready to continue eating. Suddenly he stopped his heart thudding in his chest. He tried to move but his body tensed and he suddenly slammed to the ground. Growling and groaning he tried to move but his muscles spasmed jerking erratically, he then rolled onto his back his body jerking and convulsing and he was on his front, his arms no longer tense and he grabbed his head in pain now roaring.

-Medical Station-

Hinata sighed as she applied the pounded herb's to her legs wincing slightly as the paste stung her bruised legs. However she would be able to move about for a bit. Sakura had gotten her arm bandaged and also had some paste underneath. It was then that they heard the pain filled roar. They both knew instantly it was Naruto's Hinata got up and shuffled hurriedly for the source Sakura quickly catching up to help her. They quickly came to where he was and came to a most unusual sight.

Naruto was nearly curled into a ball his fingers clawing the ground his mouth opened wide panting hot breaths that distorted the air. But that wasn't what shocked them, what shocked them was the tail of ethereal energy waving in the air next to his current tail. They stood agog as the tail slowly began to solidify first forming bone, then blood, then sinew, muscle, and finally fur. As it did Naruto's body pulsed and one could hear his muscles stretching, his bones groan and his skin contort. Then there was a brief flash and Naruto fell steam rising from his limp body. Hinata was next to him in seconds grabbing his neck and shaking him. "Naruto!" She shouted, "Naruto!" He didn't respond Sakura was there moving to his ribcage and resting her head on his chest. She heard his heart beating regularly, she raised her head.

"He's alive but unconci- whoa!" She felt something poke her left buttcheek and she looked to see Naruto's member poking out. It was larger than before by at least 2 or 3 inches! "Damn I didn't think it could get any bigger!" She backed up again only to squeak then fall back landing on something fuzzy and warm she quickly got up to see Naruto's large fuzzy balls both having grown as well though only by half an inch still they were bigger and when she laid a hand on them it happened to be on a vein that pulsed bumping her hand up. 'Damn these things are huge if he came in someone monster or no they wouldn't be able to move... or worse.' She thought. It was then that Naruto opened his eyes they rolled in their sockets then stilled and they turned to Hinata. Hinata had seen and sighed, however she gave a squeak when Naruto used his head to push her down.

Hinata was caught off guard and even Sakura was surprised when his new two tails wrapped around her arms and slammed her down while he stood up growling saliva falling from his jowls breathing heavily. "N-Naruto you're... ok?" She said unsure what would happen next. Naruto growled his fox face staring at her then it morphed into his human face, he blinked wiped his lips, leaned forward and kissed her. Hinata was surprised but returned the gesture hoping that her beloved mate was normal again. Her hopes were somewhat premature. Naruto raised his head, breaking the kiss. One tail unwound from Sakura's arms and the other around her waist and squeezed as it lifted her up. The other snaked to Hinata and also lifted her up. Naruto raised his head his fox face forming as he lifted Hinata and Sakura up. He sniffed the air then turned and headed down a tunnel.

Minutes went by, Hinata and Sakura silent not sure of what to say. Suddenly there was an opening and they gasped as they saw a large hotspring bubbling away. They didn't have time to examine as Naruto tossed Sakura into the spring and brough Hinata under his belly. She gasped as she saw Naruto's hard brick the tip leaking precarious amounts of pre-cum. She opened her mouth and suddenly it thrust forward forcing itself into her mouth. Hinata caught off guard could only try to back away only for the tail to tighten and Naruto's body shuddered.

He moved forward his tail holding her still while inch after vein throbbing inch filled her mouth and, soon afterwards, her throat. Tears streamed down her eyes at the painful sensation but she couldn't do anything but breathe heavily from her nostrils. Her jaw stretched first normally but quickly becoming painful. She couldn't swallow the thick length and she began to beat his belly weakly then she hit his length. Naruto stopped and growled then he moved his hips the length sliding out briefly then he gave a thrust. Hinata's head nearly snapped back but she stiffened her neck muscles and her head jerked. He moved weakly, as much as his animal part was controlling him the human part was resisting not wanting to hurt his mate. His thrusts were slow but deliberate pushing more in with each one. He enjoyed the feeling and could feel his orgasm building soon he would shoot off into his mates mouth thus concluding his first blowjob.

Hinata though was barely holding on her jaw stretching wider her jaw bone groaning and her breathing strained as she was unable to get clean air into her nostrils her mouth occupied by the monster cock sliding deeper into her mouth with every thrust which sent a small spurt of cum into her mouth. Her eyes rolled up tears streaming then there was a pop as her jaw dislocated and her brain went crazy then shut down and she became limp. Naruto swung his head down to see the limp Hinata and he gave a disgruntled growl. He was so close only to be denied literally at the last minute! He needed to cum he needed to shoot his load into a persons belly and...! He sniffed and he caught the scent and he turned then gave a low growl as he locked onto Sakura.

Sakura sat there, having recovered from being tossed, looking around. She had never seen this place before, and after a quick scan she found that the place was a dead end which meant the only way out was through the fox monster. So she would wait for an opportunity to leave. However the hot spring was nice, warm, and had a soothing effect on her arm, the pain lessening and her arm tensing and flexing slightly. She blinked and looked at her arm. The arm was bulging throbbing slightly uncontrollably the skin jumping. She looked at it then shuffled so her arm was dipping into the spring. When she did she felt a strange cool sensation running up her arm.

What she didn't know was that the hot spring had some magic inside of it which would heal her wounds albeit at a sluggish pace. There are several of these 'healing points' where adventurers, animals and even monsters discovered and would fall asleep there only to wake up and find themselves completely rested and healed of all injuries. It was then that a snarling broke her thoughts and she turned to see Naruto walking toward her Hinata held in his tail he head limp her body twitching. It was then she saw his prick erect and throbbing saliva and pre-cum dripping from the tip. Naruto lowered Hinata into the water, as he did Sakura got up and bolted to the right but a tail wrapped around her waist and hoisted her up and held her in front of him, he was snarling.

"O-Ok, ok! You got me!" She said hurriedly raising her good arm in surrender, "Do whatever you want," She said hoping to calm him. It worked, somewhat as his hackles lowered and she was suddenly underneath him his prick throbbing, the veins pulsing with his heartbeat. Suddenly she was under him and she opened her mouth to yell but it was stuffed by his cock which slid into her mouth.

This was bad... for Sakura but not for the obvious reason. Oni might be humanoid but like other monsters and animals they too experienced heat. The males usually experienced these every month at least once or twice, females though experienced these every half a year sometimes longer. Sakura hadn't had been in heat for a full year and had been wondering when it would surface again.

She even believed she was no longer capable of going into heat due to obvious reasons. Having spent a whole year with some male Oni's, and some had quite serious packings, and she didn't feel anything not even a slight hint of arousal. But this fox monster... his mere scent set her whole body ablaze. Well as much as her body wanted this her mind didn't, and she began thinking of a way to get out of this. Her mind went back to when she had paralyzed him and she began concentrating.

Magic is a tricky thing, as it can be used multiple ways. Normally when you think of magic it's something that occurred after a chant and a target is selected. But there was another side to magic, raw magic when it was channeled entirely by one's will power. This magic was wild, nearly uncontrollable but had 2 times the power. That magic was what Sakura was channeling now, she felt the sparks striking her skin giving her a tingle but ignored it.

Naruto could feel it building again the orgasm bubbling, but for some reason it kept bubbling becoming stronger than before. It confused him but then the answer came to him in a whisper in his thoughts 'She can handle more...' that sent a shiver down is spine as he began thrusting with earnest now.

Sakura felt the unpleasant jerk as Naruto suddenly began thrusting harder into her mouth. It nearly interrupted her thoughts, but she controlled herself and continued; the sparks were intense now and she was already bracing her body. She then released what little control she had and electricity crackled around and out of her body, hitting Naruto full on!

Naruto felt a strange tingling throughout his body. It was familiar yet not life threatening, it poked his body and arced through his fur, making it stand up causing Naruto to look unusually puffy. If Hinata had been conscious she would've carefully stored the memory into her mind and when things were grim she would've conjured that image to have a quiet chuckle to. But she was still unconscious.

Sakura knew that Basara had felt a lot of pain when she had electrified him - she didn't know how much, but it was a lot. Irony was a harsh bitch, as she now withstood being electrified thanks to Naruto's now puffy fur. Her body was ablaze, that was the only way to describe the electricity running through her entire body. Due to her mouth being occupied she couldn't quite blubber like Basara had but she gave rattling groans as the electricity extracted it's toll on her nervous system. But what shocked her was Naruto's renewed vigor! Her magic encouraged him! He kept thrusting, his cock throbbing violently, each pulse jerked her head, her jaw raising and lowering, controlled solely by his powerful hips.

She also felt her chest get shocked violently, the breasts upon it jiggling fiercely. What neither realized was that the electricity was so intense it was causing... bits of the two to swell up. In Sakura's case her breasts swelled and her clit somewhat extended. As for Naruto, his already massive sperm sac didn't get any bigger, but his penis did get a slight boost, not much though, about 4 inches - tiny in comparison to the whole length - but even that tiny amount was significant as Sakura's jaw stretched even farther. Not that she noticed at the time.

In fact the electricity had such a powerful numbing sensation for the Oni girl she never noticed that Naruto's thrusts had become more energetic and even more forceful. The electricity excited him, making even more sexually charged. All that was on her mind was forcing herself to stop shocking them both.

With that the electricity stopped and Sakura felt his cock sliding down into her throat once again, her nostrils filled completely with his heavy musk. Her pussy was hot, and she realized with a start that his cock had swollen and was now shooting hot fiery cum into her stomach. Her eyes rolled up and she felt her mind slip from rational thought and into a primal lust.

Her hands shot to his balls, grabbing them and stroking them, massaging them, egging out more sperm into her stomach, her body eager for the feast of his potent batter. But then his flow stopped, and she gave a groaning moan that shook his length.

Naruto's muzzle was open, his tongue lolled out as he panted with relief. Blowjobs were amazing! ...But it didn't beat a good, well lubricated, untouched and very fertile cunt. He pulled his cock out of Sakura, looking her over.

She sat there panting, her fingers sweeping across her body grabbing any excess cum and licking it up. Her belly had bulged outward slightly with cum.

His dick stood even more erect, hardening to even larger proportions at the erotic display. This wasn't over, not by a long shot!

He shook his body, small sparks flying from his fur and popping on the floor. When he finished his fur more manageable than before but he still looked rather fluffy.

He stalked towards Sakura, his body coiling around her like a snake as he sniffed her body, his senses flaring at her smell. He lowered his head to her groin, sniffing gently before his tongue came out, licking her moist lips.

Sakura instantly groaned and her mouth moved. "Mmmm yessssss..." She purred, her voice oozing with sultry tones. "I need it... need you..." Sakura's hands brushed his head, smoothing the hair and fur back.

Naruto growled, his face rising to her chest, nuzzling the now large, swollen D-cup breasts - a side effect of the electro therapy. "Mine..." He growled, pushing against her skin, pushing her down slightly, but Sakura resisted.

"Mate with me..." She said in a low tone.

He growled, his paws turning into claws; he pushed her down using his weight and arms on top of her.

She growled at him, "Do it! Stick your hot rod in me, make me your bitch!"

He gave a threatening growl and snapped his jaws at her face but she didn't flinch, he wouldn't harm her. His cock throbbed, the tip dripping with both leftover cum and a new outpouring of precum.

He then tackled her, his body slamming into her and he pushing her down. While he was bigger than her she was still sizable enough that she could've repelled him had she put effort into it. As it was though, her lust quailed her as she slammed into the ground with Naruto's hands on her shoulders. He held up a clawed finger and slashed at her clothes from the shoulder it fell off revealing her nude form to him. She stared up as he lowered his head to her. She smirked and her muscles bulged her legs tensed then pushed throwing her and Naruto the side. Naruto caught off guard fell onto his back as Sakura straddled him. She smirked at him a primal need for dominance now flaring in her. Had Sakura been conscious she would've regretted this action as it now set off a spark in Naruto.

His tails wriggled and they whipped around slapping Sakura's bum she gave a slight squeak and got off Naruto. Naruto then maneuvered as he launched himself toward the Oni girl tackling her again this time pushing her front first into the ground. She grunted and tried to push him off but he held her there his arm muscles bulging, focusing the weight of his body to his front. She growled and tried to push him off but he didn't budge. As she struggled her lowered his lower half carefully he needed to get this in one go, when he did he could really hammer it in.

Sakura stilled as she felt his cock rub her butt, she stopped struggling feigning defeat. Naruto though did not ease up, if anything he pushed down even harder.

Naruto's primal mind was blaring caution and demanding he stuck it in her now. He lifted some weight off and he readied to thrust into her. Sakura's head jerked up and Naruto's jaw snapped shut as it slammed into his head surprising him but he tightened his grip and growled as lowered his head violently and head butted her back. Sakura though met his blow and the two gritted each other teeth in playful but rough passion as they attempted to overpower the other. Naruto raised his head and she was surprised. He then slammed his head into hers the blow stunning and dazing her.

Naruto seized that moment to shift, maneuver then thrust into her powerfully! Sakura was broken out of her daze as she felt the intense pain of losing her virginity. She couldn't move she just laid there shivering, recovering.

Naruto shifted his footing and started his thrust, he wouldn't give her any time to recover. The time for play was done. Now he would own her, body, mind and soul... though the only thing he wanted at the moment was her body.

Sakura gasped and moaned as he thrusted into her mercilessly, her finger nails scraping the ground. Her mind was in a state of disarray as she had to deal with his thrusts, the sensations going through her mind, and finally her own lustful desires. Truth be told she was enjoying this immensely, but she couldn't enjoy it fully as he didn't give her time to. He was dominating her, she knew that, and a part of her mind recoiled at the thought then flared up in defiance. She flattened her hands on the ground and waited for him to pull out. It was difficult as he was thrusting into her with such speed and force that it was to tell when it was in and when it was out.

She waited her mouth slightly open to allow her to huff silently, having air build up in her mouth would distract her from her goal. She then felt him pull out and she pushed with her muscles up using the momentum of him pulling out to launch herself up.

Unfortunately for her though Naruto had already suspected this and had countered appropriately, leaning back and even flopping onto his back. Sakura gasped as she now was looking up into the ceiling while Naruto's claws reached for her bosom and began to gently slide across it his claws gently pushing her skin not enough to cut but enough to scratch slightly. Sakura shuddered and panted loudly unable to believe that she had been read so easily. He shifted his legs again and was once again pounding into her from below this time a slightly difficult feat but one that he relished.

A part of him was a little sad though, sad because he wouldn't be able to do this position with Hinata. If only she was like him, but... he growled banishing the thoughts and running on instinct yet again. His tails began to move one moving to her crotch to gently brush against Sakura's enlarged clit. Sakura's mind went blank and her body arched as she gave a keening cry and a spray of pussy juice erupted out of her lower regions.

Naruto caught the scent and he began to thrust even harder than before ready to unload but not into her. Not fully at least, he paused briefly and looked at her even though his cock throbbed wanting release.

Sakura laid on his stomach completely unconscious her mind still reeling. Her body shined it the light of the spring, both from the water as well as the sweat brought forth from her and his actions. Subtle but hard muscles twitched beneath her skin, causing her limbs to move slightly even as she remained motionless. Her mouth hung slack, like the rest of her, but her lips were parted and blankly drooling onto the stone.

Naruto raised his head and nuzzled her neck his claws gently brushing her breasts. He wanted to open his mouth and mark her as his own... but he wouldn't not till Hinata had been marked first. For now he would mark her another way, he resumed thrusting but it was slower now and more deliberate.

Sakura awoke the feelings of points on her breasts and something moving inside of her very being. She moaned gently as the throbbing length slid in and out, it's heat matching hers. She wriggled slightly as she felt it began expand, pulsating even harder, her body tightened, jerking into a stiffness as she felt the hot gush of cum flowing into her vaginal passage some of it even reaching her womb. She expected a continuous tide but gave a small sound as he pulled his cock meat out and then thrusted up, still spraying his seed onto her body.

It was thick, creamy and heavy splattering her, nearly giving her a complete coating. Her conscious mind was confused while her instinctual mind knew that she was being marked. She was his now, if a monster even one of her own took her scent they would smell him on her. After a full minute his jet of sperm finally came to a halt. He growled using his tails he gently set her down into the water of the spring and he crooned his face to her and nuzzled her neck gently.

"Hey!" Naruto snapped to attention, and he looked to see Hinata standing there hand on her jaw rubbing it and twisting her head. "How dare you!" She snarled, she walked up to him and Naruto felt a sense of fear and guilt override his wild instincts. He gave a whimper but Hinata didn't slow down if anything she walked even faster. Within seconds she had moved to his face and gave him a powerful slap that jerked his head violently.

He turned his head and growled at her but it was silenced by her glare. "You break my jaw, knock me unconscious and when I wake up I find you having sex with her!" She pointed a threatening finger at him and he retracted his head whimpering. "Give me a good reason why I shouldn't castrate you!?" She snarled. Naruto thought about it then he gently set Sakura aside and he turned to Hinata his head lowered. He pushed his head against her stomach and she put a hand on his cheek her fingers pinching some skin together ready to pull.

"I-I'm sorry," He whimpered weakly, "I-I lost control when I grew my new tail, I just felt so overcome with lust and desire. I wanted to just... just mate I didn't care who but I needed to. I would've hurt you if I had gone all out on you and... and I don't want that." He pushed harder. "I love you, you are my alpha! You are the only one! But I wanted to not hold back I wanted to just fuck like an animal!" She felt his hot panting breathes and she could feel his cheek muscles shift and she saw his back ruffle as it tightened.

"I didn't want to hurt you... or worse! I... love you so much that I can't stand the thought of hurting you!" Naruto huffed, he panted for a while then he seemed to calm himself. "When you fell unconscious I moved you away from me so you wouldn't get hurt. But I was still... so hungry, and then I saw her. She was a monster like me, her body is strong, sturdy and I could have sex without holding myself back." Naruto said. "That's why I did it... nothing more! I... have nothing for her," Naruto growled this was true he had no real emotions toward Sakura she was just another monster to him... yet he had dominated and, even, had marked her, she was now his.

Hinata absorbed all this quietly, it was true Naruto had lost his sense of reasoning before when it came to sex. She was no stranger to that, and yet a part of her was pleased that he had such self-restraint for her. Yet it galled her that he even had to restrain himself for her sake she wanted his full ferocity yet she was also afraid of what would happen to her if he really let loose. 'Be smart Hinata you need to be stronger, tougher... more durable.' She mentally told herself yet one though rose to her mind. 'The only way to get what you want is to be like him.' She shook her head at that.

'Not possible, just not possible,' she thought and she looked at Naruto again who was rubbing his head against her stomach. "Well you did apologize and explain what happened so I guess I can let this slide. However!" She said before she pulled his cheek, causing Naruto to release a whining yip. "You need to compensate me!" She commanded. She pinched even harder and Naruto gave several high pitched yips that did not sound right coming from his massive body.

Hinata smiled and released his cheek and kissed him hotly pushing forward. He was surprised not returning the gesture as she broke the kiss and looked at him with a pout. "I said compensate, not act like a limp noodle!" She pouted turning her head away with indignation. Naruto blinked then he growled as he pushed her down with his head and began to tear away her clothes, "Hey careful it costs a lot to replace these clothes!" Naruto smiled then his tongue came out and licked one of her bare breasts.

"It's because of these isn't it?" Naruto asked Hinata gave a cry at that but she grit her teeth and steeled herself.

"M-Maybe, these stupid things are a nuisance sometimes!" She said blushing.

"'Stupid?' You call these-" He opened his mouth and put his sharp teeth around a nipple and gently nibbled it then pulled. Hinata's mind went ablaze with flared nerves he released and licked his lips. "-Wonderful breasts a nuisance, tsk, tsk, tsk." She couldn't speak her mind a puddle of sense. "I told you before these are one of the best things about you." And he licked her breast slowly bearing her down to the ground as he did his tails moving about tickling parts of her body exciting her even more. Within seconds she was already crying out in orgasm. She panted as her mind regained sense. She looked at him as he smiled at her.

"O-One of my best? W-What's a few others?" She asked. Naruto looked at her then his gaze went down.

"Well there's these wonderful hips of yours... Perfect for pups..." He said and Hinata physically steamed at that, "And then there's your butt which... if I'm not mistakened, got bigger." Hinata slapped him but lightly.

"S-Shut up no girl wants to hear that," She said turning away but her eyes were still focused on him.

"But you're not a 'girl' your my mate, my alpha, my big breasted," He kissed her breasts, "Wide hipped," he tickled it with his tail, and "big bootied mate." He gave her butt a squeeze "The perfect mate for me." He said. Hinata's face was all crimson then she looked at him directly.

"Show me then that I am," She challenged, and he gave a purr and leaned his head forward. It was then that Hinata stiffened and she looked down. "Did that thing get even bigger!?" She demanded.

"I dunno maybe," He said grinning devilishly.

"Aw shit this is gonna hurt," She moaned and Naruto chuckled darkly at that.

-4 hours later village center-

---

Hinata winced as she tried to walk straight but couldn't help her slightly jerky somewhat bow legged walked. "I can't believe you screwed me for an hour straight! I'm surprised I haven't dislocated my hips! You said that was one of my best features!" She grumbled as she walked to the center her eyes on Naruto who walked behind her a grin plastered on his face. Tied to his side was the Dragonium shield it was hidden under his fur. Though one who studied him carefully could see it.

"I did offer you a ride," He pointed out.

"Oh yeah I need you bumping me up and down, down there! Not likely." She spat, "Remind also when we see that Oni bitch that I have to bash her skull in for leaving without telling." Naruto was silent then he raised his head.

"She doesn't need to tell us where she's going technically she should've left the moment she got the job done." Naruto pointed out Hinata's face flushed and she gave a huff of annoyance.

"A-Anyway let's find that dumb mayor so we ca-" Suddenly there was a loud cheer and she turned her head to see villagers running up to her their faces full of drunken joy. She almost grabbed her sword out of reflex. They laughed, shouted, cheered, and waved their mugs about splashing her with ale. Naruto stayed away just as the villagers avoided him. Suddenly they began to part as the mayor walked forward, his fat cheeks ruby red.

"Ah there you are huntress! A successful hunt yes! Here have some ale!" He shouted and pushed a mug at her, "Come, come tell us of your heroic deed!" He shouted and he grabbed Hinata and with the crowd dragged her away. She turned her head to Naruto worry on her face but he shook his head signaling his desire to not join he even waved his paw dismissively telling her to enjoy herself. He watched as she bit her lip then went with the flow. Naruto sat there then he scratched his ears with his hind legs and yawned and walked to where a horse stable was, he paused in front of the horses looking at them. The horses looked back blinking and snorting

"Mind if I take a nap fellows?" A large horses snorted and shook it's head. "Thanks," And with that Naruto curled up into a ball and laid his head on his hands and sighed falling asleep.

-Hinata-

---

Hinata sat at a table watching villagers, dance, cheer, hug, kiss, pick up, toss, and laughed with one another. Around her was the mayor and some of the village guards and villagers. "Tell us great huntress how you defeated the Oni army! We had some light details from the women that returned but we want the juicy bits as well!" He said, Hinata sighed.

"Well I couldn't of done this without Naruto for one," She said looking down at her hands.

"The beast?" The mayor sounded flabbergasted than he laughed loudly. "Such modesty, no beast could be of aid to a hunter!" He said and the other's laughed. Hinata clenched her fists in anger. She kept her temper in check though.

"Well Mayor if that's what you believe I won't speak against it," She said and she looked at the other people and began to explain. It was a long story and she purposefully neglected mentioning Sakura she doubt they'd believe an Oni would turn against one of their own they listened raptly those that bothered paying attention anyway. She would pause to drink some ale every now and then.

-Naruto-

---

Naruto's ears twitched and he raised his head as he heard footsteps. He blinked blearily and looked around he then saw women with children walking forward. He blinked again and recognized a few of the women they were the ones that he had saved from the Oni encampment. Luckily he had his fox face on and he looked at them quizzically. The children 'oohed' as they saw him, a few he recognized from before. The women looked at him then they lowered whatever children they held and bowed. He flicked his ear then he bowed his own head before lying it down on his hands again. But before he closed his eyes he felt a kid at a his shoulder pulling his fur and he gave a sigh. "You can do what you wish," He said and there was a small cheer as the kids swarmed him. He bit his tongue as they climbed, pulled and jumped all over him. He hoped that when he had pups they would be nowhere near as rowdy then again considering his past that would be an impossibility.

-Hinata-

"...and with that I beheaded the leader an Oni called Basara."Hinata finished her story, with at least 6 empty mugs in front of her. She sighed and rested back, then she blinked and looked around, nearly everybody in the party was there listening. She was somewhat uncomfortable, a rarity. "Well thank you all for the ale I'm gonna head back to Naruto and we'll get ready to leave and report to the guild." She said.

"Ah yes Miss Hinata about that the guild sent someone to meet you, he's been waiting for the past 2 hours." The Mayor said, Hinata's face paled at that.

"Where is he?" She demanded as she stood.

"He said he'd be waiting at the front gate for you," The Mayor said and with that Hinata jumped over them all heading for Naruto.

-Naruto-

---

Naruto whimpered as two kids tugged his head via his ears back and forth. He was tempted to snarl at them but kept his mouth shut it wouldn't do well to horrify them and have at bounce back at Hinata. He wriggled his two tails in agitation and the moths walked forward and began to pry their children off of Naruto. Luckily it was well timed as Hinata came barreling down and she paused before him. He gave a yip of relief and Hinata smiled briefly.

"We gotta go!" she said hurriedly.

"What's up?" Naruto asked.

"The guy is here!" She said, "He's waiting at the front," Naruto sat there confused then his eyes widened.

"Let's go," He said urgently the two sped off heading to meet their appointed inspector.

-Front Gate-

---

She stood to the right of the gate her gaze fixed on the cloaked figure before her. "You really are a curious ones Taking all that gold and Mythrilian offering it like that, and your claim that you helped those two out. Still we shall see whether or not these two do recognize you as an ally as you claim to be." The gate opened and she turned to see her charges run through.

Hinata looked left then right and saw the inspector she bowed instantly. Naruto lumbered around and looked the inspector carefully. She was a woman about average height with darkened skin, white hair and calm green eyes that fixed on him instantly. She was dressed in a simple gown and blouse both black. She wore sandals that were worn down due to extended use, she went places that was sure.

"Well considering that you took down over 50 Oni, in practically one night," The woman said, "I am Mabui, I will be checking on you two regularly when I do I will not say so you two don't slack off." Mabui said.

"Y-Yes Mabui-Sama," Hinata said, Naruto lowered his own head.

"Alright, I spoke with the villagers and it seems you two performed rather exemplary so full marks for now." Hinata sighed, "Now to the next issue." Hinata stiffened, "raise your heads," Hinata and Naruto did so.

"Now this Oni here," Mabui walked to the cloaked figure who had been hiding in the shadows. "Claims to be an ally of yours," Mabui grabbed the hood and pulled it off. Naruto and Hinata blinked then they looked at Mabui and nodded.

"Yes this is Sakura, she... helped us reach the Oni base and also helped fight a few," Hinata said.

"See told ya!" Sakura said smugly Mabui gave a glare that wiped the smugness off her face with ease. She then turned back to Naruto and Hinata she held up a finger it glowed green and she began tracing symbols into the air when she stopped the symbols faded the glowed and a circle appeared and from it a clipboard and paper fell.

"Well then let's get down to business." Mabui said reaching into her blouse and pulling out a pen, "You have completed the task successfully, caused no panic, and as far as I understand your monster followed instructions to the letter. Also he's wearing the restraint collar just like you've been ordered. Overall... very well." Mabui stood there looking at the paper.

She had been checking off various things as she talked. "You two pass. The project continues." Mabui said and she put her pen back in her blouse. "Head back to your guild for your next assignment. Sakura is assigned to accompany you until further notice," Mabui said. She turned, "Keep up the good work," She said and with that she was gone. They all watched her go, then Naruto and Hinata turned to Sakura.

"I thought you were gonna live with the villagers what's with the change in mind?" Hinata quested.

"Well seeing you and Naruto I deduced that the Guild was gonna start some Human Monster unification act. Soooo I decided to take my chances and work with the guilds. Best side to be on is the winning side right?" Hinata nodded it made sense. If your on the side of the hunter you most likely wouldn't be on the other side where your head will get chopped off.

"So explain to me how you managed to convince the guild to trust you to be with us?" Hinata asked.

"A lot of mythrilian and gold and I mean a lot." She emphasized.

-The Mine-

---

The mayor howled as he looked at his stores. "M-M-M-M-My Mythrilian! Gone, stolen, pilfered, poached, plundered!" and he fell to his knees.