Bleach Fan Fiction / Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Phase ❯ chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters featured in this story.

Un-beta-ed: beware of grammar/spelling errors.

Warning: minor hints of MalexMale

It was well before sun rise when Naruto stirs from his restful meditative state. Through out his years of being a ninja he has become accustomed to resting by meditation and not by actual deep slumber. Sleeping and leaving his guard down is dangerous in the life of a ninja. Even though it has been centuries since the disappearance of ninja villages, old habit are hard to get rid of. Besides, his old habits are one of the few things that keep him connected with the past. He has dearly missed all his precious friends.

When he had found out about his inability to age and grow old like normal people, he had completely broke down in horror. For a long while he had withdrew from everyone, convinced that he has become nothing but a monster. It took a good beating from Sasuke and more than multiple knocks the head courtesy of Sakura to break him out of that depressive state. However, even after he has stopped avoiding everyone, he did not stop from keeping everyone at a fair distance not engaging in any intimate relationship. True, it was highly unfair to those who had loved him such as Hinata and even Sasuke. It took a while, but they finally let him be. Not that they every stop caring about him. Hinata had her clan to lead and Sasuke had his clan to revive, Naruto was just not able to help with either of them being who and what he is.

He had loved Hinata dearly, but not in any romantic sense at all. He loved all is precious people. Sasuke was much harder to deal with, since he had felt love for the dark man. It was impossible however. No matter how much he loved the man in return, Sasuke had a duty to fulfill. Knowing their predicament, Sakura had agreed to marry Sasuke in the end even when she no longer loved him that way. She eventually bore for him four children, two boys and two girls, all who grew up very well and became something great.

Snapping out of his walk though memory lane, Naruto notices he has been lying there thinking for way too long and that it is only less than an hour till sun rise. He finally rolls out of bed and quickly refreshes himself before sneaking into the room he had seen the bloodied figure get carried into the night before. Quietly and stealthily, he creeps into the dim room. Scanning the room he finds the person of interest lying rigidly on a bed mat on the floor. At first glance, Naruto noted the man's bright orange hair and impressive height. Grumbling profanities mentally about the injustice of so many others being so much taller than him and all the times he had failed to convince Kyuubi to let him dye his hair to the same shade of orange as this stranger sported.

Taking a more careful look, Naruto access the man's condition. The wounds are quite serious and his breathing labored from pain. Carefully unwinding some of the bandages he notes all of the more shallow wounds have stopped bleeding, however the more serious wound across his chest and shoulder has yet to healed enough to be considered safe. Sweeping the sweat plastered hair from the man's forehead Naruto comments quietly, “for a human, you are lucky to still be a live buddy.”

Through out the whole time while assessing the man's wounds, Naruto have been debating wither or not he should help the poor guy. On one hand, it will for sure cause some commotion around mysteriously fast healing wounds. On the other hand, it is simply not in his conscience to not help if he is in the power to do so. Making up his mind, Naruto forms the necessary seals to start the healing jutsu. A green glow emits from his hand as he glides them slowly across he major wounds. Slowly the torn flesh begins to knit close leaving flawlessly, although still sensitive, healed skin. Rewrapping the bandaged he had removed earlier, he carefully makes sure all evidence of his presence at the scene is erased. As stealthily as he entered, he leaves to return his own room.

Shortly after sun rise, as Naruto expected someone came to check on the stranger's condition. Not five minuets after Naruto hears the platter of light foot steps enter the room, he heard it rush out hurriedly and returning with three other people. With his advanced hearing he can make out soft murmurings though the walls.

A distinctively deep baritone voice he has not heard before speaks. “I came to check on Kurosaki's injuries, but look,” he says, “all the major injuries that should have taken weeks to heal even with some aid are completely recovered.” After a few moments of silence a much more familiar voice of Kisuke speaks, “humm… that is strange isn't it. Well, the wound seems to have healed very nicely. What ever happened or who ever did this did a very good job indeed.” Naruto notes that Kisuke seems to have placed a very suspicious emphasis on “who”. “Well, let's not stressed over this,” Kisuke states dismissively, “it is a good thing that Ichigo is all well now. Oh, look he seems to be waking up.” Jerking awake suddenly, Ichigo looks around frantically screaming, “Rukia”.

Suddenly, the noise decibels rose considerably with yelling. Naruto figures the man must have woken up now and it is a good time to make his appearance. Walking down the hall and peeping into the room, the site that greeted him was more than comical. There the orange haired man laid on his stomach struggling to free him self from the large dark muscular man that now sitting crossed legged on his back in order to restrain him.

Unable to restrain his laughter, Naruto burst out laughing drawing the attention of the whole room to him. Angered and irritated at being laughed at, Ichigo turns his wrath upon the laughing blond haired man. “What the hell do you find so funny you asshole? And who the fuck are you anyway?” Ichigo yells while still flailing his harms about wildly trying to get free. “Damn it, get off of me!”

Finally getting his laugher under control, Naruto lightly apologizes. “Chill out. I don't mean to laugh at you, but it was just too funny. Well anyway, good morning everyone. What's all the commotion about? I heard you all down the hall in my room.”

“Ah, Naruto-kun ohayou. You haven't met the other helpers around the shop yet.” Patting the head of the small black pigtailed hair girl, “This here is Tsumugiya Ururu.” The small girl nods stoically in acknowledgement. Pointing over to a short red haired boy, “This is Hanakari Jinta.” Jinta grumpily scuffs in greeting. Point next to the buff man sitting to the orange haired guy, “That is Tsukabishi Tessai and the raging baka he is sitting on is Kurosaki Ichigo.” Tessai gives a small bow in greeting while Ichigo gives an irritated “Che” in annoyance. Waving his hand toward Naruto's general direction, Kisuke introduces, “And this everyone, is the new temporary resident and helper Uzumaki Naruto.”

In response to his introduction Naruto bows and grins too cheerfully for the early morning. “Yoroshiku ne!” Faking confusions and obliviousness to the whole situation, Naruto cautiously questions. “Ano…Why is Ichigo-san being sat on and why is he covered in bloody bandages?” Tilting his head in confusion, “Is your name really Ichigo? That is so cute even if it's kinda girly for a guy.”

Growling in anger Ichigo glares intimidating while still being sat on. “It's not ichigo as in strawberry! It's Ichigo as in number one! Get it right damn it!”

Interrupting Ichigo's rant, Kisuke replies to Naruto's previous question. “Don't worry your pretty head over it. Ichigo here just like to get into brawls and we were just trying to stop him from running off to get into another fight that is all. Now, why don't you all go down and start up the shop while we deal with Ichigo here Naruto.” Taking the hint that Kisuke wants him to leave the room; Naruto, although reluctantly, agrees and leaves with the trio.

Once Naruto has left the room, Yoruichi in her black cat form leaps in from the window into the room. “Ah, Yoruichi, I am glad to see you finally join us. It seems Ichigo here has miraculously healed over night. I was hoping to get your opinion on that.” The black cat who seems to have developed a tick on its brow, to Ichigo's surprise, speaks. “Well it's hard to ignore everything with all the noise you guys were making.” The two strides over to Ichigo, who had a look that clears state `what the fuck that cat talks', while Tessai moves from his sitting position to allow the two to examine Ichigo.

Finally given up on escaping, Ichigo sits still and cross legged, to allow the duo to examine his spontaneously healed injuries. Taking out a strange device, Kisuke hover the small hand held apparatus over where the wounds have previously been. After a few minutes, Kisuke's brow furled up in deep thought. “This is peculiar indeed. Look at this energy residue readings Yoruichi. Have you seen energy signature like this before?” Kisuke murmurs quietly only so Yoruichi can hear as he lowers the device to the small cat so it can view it.

Carefully inspecting the data collected on the device, while occasionally adjusting the data Yoruichi finally concludes. “No, I don't believe I have ever seen this before. It is spiritual yet not completely. There are traces of physical energy but have traces of demonic energy, although not enough demonic energy to cause harm. I have never seen this combination of powers before. Do you have any clue if any one has entered this room during the night?”

“Well, there is absolutely no physical evidence of any one entering this room. However, I can be sure no one outside as entered this house. So who ever did this must have been from the inside. Counting out both of us and also Tessai, Ururu and Jinta…that leaves only our happy blond guest!” Kisuke exclaims in triumph.

Sitting down on her hind legs her tail swishing around lazily; Yoruichi responds contemplatively. “It seems we are going to either have to keep a much closer eye on him or confront him about it. He is definitely a slippery one, that guy. Soul Society will be very interested in his abilities especially that Kurotsuchi Mayuri.”

Kisuke scratches his chin as he debates what action to take. “I guess I shall speak with Naruto-kun soon then. Back to Ichigo's situation here.”

Ichigo, who have been quiet though out the whole exchange, thinks about his failure to protect Rukia and that strange blond man he just met. Returning to attention upon hearing his name, Ichigo focuses his attention back on the talking duo. “I need to go save Rukia. Now,” he voices firmly.

Putting a restraining hand on Ichigo's shoulder, Kisuke hold him in place while he gives him his diagnosis. “How are you going to save her if your shinigami powers are gone?”

Hearing this, Ichigo freezes in shock. “I am going to go save her anyway!” Ichigo exclaims.

Drawing his paper fan, Kisuke smack Ichigo on the head with it then snaps it open fanning leisurely. “Going to Soul Society in your current conditions will only mean death. I said your shinigami powers are gone, but I didn't say it can't be brought back.”

Hearing this, Ichigo leaps up in determination and hope. “Right now! You will show me how to regain my shinigami powers now.” In is impatience, Ichigo tries to grab on to Kisuke to drag him out to training only to be stopped by Kisuke himself.

“Calm down now. I said it can be regained, but you did not let me finish. There is a high possibility you may die in the process. So are you willing to risk your life?” Kisuke seriously asks.

“Yes, I am willing. As long as I can have the chance to save Rukia, I will not back down.” Ichigo declares passionately.

Releasing himself from Ichigo's grip, Kisuke happily answers while straightening his attire. “Then be here at dawn tomorrow. Recover your strength for now. You will need it tomorrow. Now, go home.” Reluctantly, Ichigo complies and makes his way out of the room and down stairs. As soon as Ichigo is out of hearing range, Kisuke turns to Yoruichi. “Can I ask a favor of you? I need you to train a couple of people while I handle Ichigo here.”

Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Yoruichi agreed with an affirmative nod. Kisuke would not usually ask so nicely unless the situation is dire. Usually he would just talk his way into manipulating people into doing what he wants. Not that this method ever worked on Yoruichi, but she usually played along with it anyway. Without a sound, she leaps out though the window to seek her soon to be new trainees.

As soon as he got down stairs, he is greeted with one of the most ridiculous scene he has ever witnessed. Given his constant exposure to his old man and his insane classmates his standard as to what is weird is quite high. Standing in the middle of the store dusting off the merchandise on the shelves with a feather duster is the new helper, Naruto, wearing a pink frilly apron, a red and white polka dot handkerchief tide around is nose and mouth to keep dust out. Sitting on his left shoulder is Jinta sprouting out random orders and on is right shoulder is Ururu who is occupied with braiding the man's long blond hair.

Alerted of Ichigo's presence, Naruto turns to give him a watery pleading looking. “Save me,” Naruto trembles. Resisting the need to laugh at the man's current predicament, Ichigo takes this as an opportunity to pay back the man for laughing at his own earlier situation. “You got your self into this by agreeing to be Urahara slave. You get yourself out of this mess.” Ignoring the distressed man's pleas, Ichigo swiftly leaves the shop abandoning the pleading man alone to his torture.

After Ichigo had left, Naruto has been left on his own with orders to restock the selves with new inventory. He diligently works, opening storage boxes, counting items, and placing them on the shelves until he came upon one particular box. Opening the cardboard box, he reaches in and pulls out a small and very thin piece of black cloth. Confused, he stretches the garment out to view it in its entirety. Looking much like underwear, yet flimsy with only strings to tie around the hip; Naruto stares at it with an odd look. Distracted, Naruto fail to notice Kisuke making his way towards him, until he spoke.

“Oh, I see you have taken interest in our very newest product. That special garment you are holding has very special stealth abilities. By just wearing that, you can sneak in and out of crowds with out being seen by people with up to moderately high spiritual awareness powers. The only draw back is you have to be wearing only that and nothing else. For females it even comes with a stylish bikini top. It comes is blue, pink, green, floral and bunny print! You want to try it on?” Kisuke rants on, amused at Naruto's baffled reaction.

Imagining himself, then Yoruichi and then Kisuke in the tiny scrap of fabric; Naruto shake his head frantically to get rid of perverted thoughts before shoving the so call merchandise back into its box. “Uh, that's fine. I don't want to spoil your goods. It would be such a shame if I got it all wrinkled by trying it on.” Naruto explains while sealing up the box and shoving it as far away from his as possible.

Silently amused at Naruto's reaction, Kisuke mentally pictures Naruto in his newest product and slowing a small yet perverted grin spreads across his face. “Are you sure you don't want to try it on? It would be great to have someone model it, with a few pictures of you wearing around the shop I bet sale will go way up.”

Noticing Kisuke scary expression, Naruto shies away from the man. “No, really it's okay. Besides, I don't like my photo taken. Shy, you know.” Disappointed, Kisuke sighs dejectedly. “Well, if you say so. Anyway, I have a few things I would like to talk about with you. For your own good you better come clean with me now. Let's go up stairs where we can talk more privately.” Turning around, Kisuke walk back up the stairs without looking back to check if Naruto is following or not.

Hearing Kisuke's demand, Naruto lets out a loud mental yell of, “Oh Shit,” while cursing is self conscience. His mental yell having woken up his tenant, Kyuubi. The ancient fox sensing his container's distress knew the man has once again stirred up unnecessary trouble. Growling, the Kyuubi mentally asks, “What kind of shit did you land your self into now?”

Hearing his oniisama talk finally after a whole day of rest, Naruto whines pathetically. “Trouble? What do you mean? I never mean to cause trouble! Its not may fault for being so cute that trouble tends to follow me everywhere. I swear I didn't do anything bad this time!”

Letting his irritation be known, Kyuubi sends off waves off annoyance and killing intent to his host. Feeling his oniisama's irritation, Naruto finally caves. “Fine so maybe I did do some unnecessary things, but it was all in good intentions!”

Sighing in exasperation, Kyuubi ceases his urge to ring Naruto's neck if only he had hands. “Fine, fine, now let's see how we are going to get you out of this mess you got yourself into.”

AN: Well it was a bit sad that I only received one review for the last chapter I posted. Hopefully, more of you will leave a comment this time around. This chapter is much longer than any of the previous one. I felt the story was moving a bit too slowly, so I wanted to move things along. I am really looking to wrap up the Bleach universe within the next 3 chapter or so. I know I said I'll try to keep the Yaoi separated, but I can't help it if my inner Yaoi fangirl is taking over my brain. Leave a comments or suggestions please. Just please don't flood my mailbox with ranting about how much you hate Yaoi.