Naruto Shippuden Fan Fiction / Tenchi Muyo Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto the Devil prince of Jurai ❯ Chapter 6

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you Tale of Naruto the Devil Prince of Jurai Chapter six.
Now let’s get on with the story
“No she won’t be taking it easy of him at all… in fact I’m sure Naruto will be beaten in about three minutes.” Sasami told her while the others watch the two stood in their respective fighting stances.
For ten seconds neither opponent moved an inch as they sized each other up, hoping for one of them to make the first move.
Suddenly, Seto appeared right between the two and raised her hand in the air.
“Are both combatants ready… oh well, let the match begin!” Seto exclaims as Naruto ran towards Misaki as Seto jumped out of the way.
“Konoha Senpû!” Naruto proclaims as he throw a flying kick at Misaki. Misaki raises her right hand and taps the back of Naruto’s foot, causing the attack to be redirected much to Naruto’s surprise. “You know it’s not such a good idea to just rush your opponent like that.” Misaki said while giving Naruto a happy smile.
Naruto grid his teeth before twisting his body and kicking at her with his other leg. Misaki grab his foot, stopping him from moving.
Misaki then giggled at Naruto before throwing him back to where he had started. Naruto ended up landing on his feet but, the force of the throw pushed him back a little.
Misaki then ran at Naruto and tried to take him out with a palm thrust, which Naruto dodged by jumping to the right.
Suddenly, the ground before Misaki began to slip much to Naruto’s shock as he had not been expecting that.
‘Wow that could have gone bad if she had landed that hit… I swear that she is trying to either put me in the hospital or outright trying to kill me.’ Naruto thought, as he jumped back to create so distance between them.
“Your wide opened Naruto-kun.” Misaki said as she suddenly appeared right in front of Naruto, shocking the angel. Misaki was not only one of the strongest fighters on Jurai, she was also easily the fastest and that made her leagues a head of Naruto base speed without the Kurama’s chakra.
Misaki then hits Naruto in the neck with a quick chop, which caused him to poof into smoke. This surprised Misaki a little however she did not show it, while the others were all with the exception of Seto had a shocked look on their face.
Naruto then appears from one of the trees to the right on Misaki with six Kunai in his hands and throw them at Misaki. As hey closed in on her, she caught all six of them with ease before sending them right back at Naruto a lot faster than he had send them.
Naruto had only a split second to move out of the way as the kunai where shot right throw the tree creating a straight line of six kunai sizes holes in the tree that he had been standing in front of just a second ago.
“Holy crap Onee-sama, that come have killed me just now had I moved a second too late.” Naruto said as he stared at the tree with wide-eyes, before turning back to Misaki.
The second wife of Azusa giggled at Naruto and then beckoned him over with her finger in a flirting manner. Naruto blushed and then gridded his teeth before going through a chain of hand-signs.
‘Fûton: Renkûdan…’ Naruto thought as he takes a deep breath and then shoots a barrage of compressed wind balls at Misaki. The balls of wind sped towards Misaki and collide with her barrier.
“That was a very good attack Naruto-kun, so you are an elemental user, that’s somewhat rare in the galaxy now a days.” Misaki said getting a look of surprise from Naruto.
‘Well to tell you the truth that the only elemental jutsu I know, I never did get that far in my training… it was my friend Gaara who taught me that after the Chunin exams.’ Naruto thought as his place both of his fingers in a familiar cross sign.
“It’s time I use my signature technique, Tajû Kage bunshin no Jutsu!” Naruto proclaim as an explosion of smoke surrounded the area.
“What the hell just happened…?” Ryoko shouts out as the others started coughing. “Is Naruto using a smokescreen to try and get the drop on mother?” Ayeka asked. “I don’t think so he said Kage Bunshin… Doesn’t that mean Shadow clone?” Minagi asked as the smoke began to clear.
“That right Minagi just look.” Washu said while pointing at where the sparing match as taking place. What they all saw would be engraved in their heads for the rest of the year. All around the area all you saw was Naruto.
“Oh my… there sure are a lot of him now.” Funaho said while the others just sat there with their eyes-lid wide open to the point that it looked like their eyes were going to pop out. Azusa had a thoughtful look on his face and Seto had devilish grin on hers.
“Well this is a pleasant surprise, I would have never guess that you could make so many copies of yourself… I think it’s amazing.” Misaki said with a bright smile on her face.  
‘Not even a little intimidated, well I guess I shouldn’t be that surprise, Onee-sama is seriously powerful.’ Naruto thought he gave his clones the signal to attack.
Suddenly all the clones rushed Misaki, hoping to overwhelm her. As the first two clone got within range, Misaki lashed out with three jabs in quick succession, taking out three of the clones.
She then blocked two flying kicks with her hands. Misaki then used those two clones to smack six others causing them to go poof after hitting the ground.
“They’re a lot weaker then I had thought…. However, this is kind of fun.” Misaki said as she took a stance. As the Naruto clone kept coming Misaki blitz right through them, taking out almost half of the army of clones.
“There now how many was that… thirty, forty, maybe even fifty clones, I was having too much fun to really keep track.” Misaki said much to Naruto’s dismay.
“That’s Misaki for you, she forgets about everything when she focuses on someone she is having fun with.” Mikami said causing Seto to giggle in amusement.
“Yes but now that has me worried, do you think that there is a chance for her to get too attach to him, and vice-versa.” Seto asked her longtime friend.
“Well if that does happen I’m sure the devil princess can help make that possible, just like how she already has Ryo-ohki Minagi, Sasami, Mihoshi, Minaho, and Mitoto all engaged to marry him already put in writing and planned to go public before he goes back in two years.” Mikami said with a smile.
“I wonder how they will react when they find out.” Washu said with a grin on her face. “Whatever the reaction will be, I can tell you that it would be very entertaining.” Seto states with a smirk much to Mikami’s and Washu’s amusement.
“No matter how many times I see her fight, mother sure is powerful.” Ayeka said getting a nod from Airi, Tennyo, Funaho, Mikami, Mitoto and Sasami. Ryoko gave them all a weird look before sweat started to roll down her face.
Ryoko was still afraid of Misaki and watching her fight, even if the person wasn’t as strong as she was, caused her some discomfort.
‘However, I think I will be sparing with Naruto soon… maybe I should teach him how to fire energy blasts with that dense chakra of his.’ Ryoko thought as she nodded her head.
“Clones surround her.” Naruto commanded causing Misaki to rise her eyebrow, wondering what he would try next. The clones then all went through the hand-signs for the air bullet.
“WIND STYLE AIR BULLET BARRAGE!” The clones roared and they shot countless wind bullets. Misaki. Misaki’s barrier blocked the barrage of wind bullets. “Is that all Naruto-kun… because if it is then it’s time to end this.” Misaki said as the barrage died down.
Suddenly, Misaki vanished in a burst of speed and began to systematically destroy every clone. “Damn!!” Naruto shouted as he watch all of his clones get dispelled.
Misaki suddenly appeared before Naruto and punched him hard in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. Misaki then kicked Naruto into the air.
Misaki then grabbed Naruto’s foot and slammed him into the ground. “OH!! That’s got to hurt.” Airi said as Minagi and Sasami flinched.
“Well I guess this is it… what a shame to, as I found this match very promising.” Azusa said which caused Seto to giggle in amusement.
“Yes and that is the reason why we will train him… Misaki will want to make sure that he will be one of the strongest, children of Jurai.” Seto said getting a grin from Washu.
“So Naruto-kun are you ready to give up yet? Misaki asked as she lifted Naruto up by his shoulders. “Just say I give up ok… If you just say it, Misaki-Oneesama will give you a big kiss.”
Naruto gave the empress a foxlike grin which confused her. “I’m not done yet.” Naruto said as he disappeared in a puff of smoke, surprising Misaki and the audience.
“RASENGAN!!!” Naruto roared as he slammed the spiraling chakra ball right into Misaki’s barrier. Naruto grunted as he tried to force his jutsu to break through Misaki’s barrier however, Misaki’s barrier was too strong.
“I think it’s time for you to quit Naruto.” Misaki said. Naruto however, was determined to at least brake her barrier.
“I won’t lose… I can’t lose to her barrier… need to get stronger.” Naruto said to himself as his eyes flashed purple for a second. ‘What’s this…? Naruto’s power is increasing.
“Hey what’s going on, why is Naruto trying to force his way through?” Mihoshi asked Washu who seemed to be focusing all of her attention on Naruto.
“Come on kid, you can do it!” Ryoko shouts as she stands up along with Ayeka who wanted to cheer her new family member on.
“You’re almost there Naruto-kun, just keep pushing.” Tennyo said as she and Noike both cheered the prince to keep it up.
“You can do it Naruto-kun!” Tenchi proclaimed as he thought about the possibility of fighting Naruto. This was a first for him, in his life the only one he wanted to fight was his grandfather and beat him. But know he had someone he really wanted to fight.
Naruto push through, you can destroy it!!” Minagi yells out as Naruto started to push harder surprising Misaki who wondered if he would actually break through.
“NARUTO BREAK THROUGH OKAASAMA’s BARRIER… DO IT NOW!!!” Sasami shout at the top of her lungs as Naruto’s Light Hawk Wings appeared and he grew another tail.
“AHHHHHHHHHHH” Naruto Roared as he shattered Misaki’s barrier. ‘I did it I broke her barrier.’ Naruto thought as Misaki grabs him by his arm and made him face her.
“HE DID IT!!!” Sasami screamed as everyone cheered for Naruto. “MEOW” Ryo-ohki proclaimed as she ran over to Naruto
“Well I guess we can count that as your win Naruto-kun.” Misaki said getting a confused look from him. ‘I won because I was able to break through her barrier… well I can except that since there is really no way in hell that I will when.’
“And since you’ve won, here is your reward darling.” Misaki whispered into Naruto’s fox ear. Then before Naruto could process what she had meant by that, Misaki kissed Naruto right on the three whisker-marks on his left cheek.
“Well that sure was an exciting show Misaki and Naru-chan put on for us.” Mikami said as She, Washu, Seto, Airi and Yosho watched the kids (everyone younger than them) run over to Naruto who face was as red as his hair.
“Yes so, is there any way for you to include me in the marriage Seto-chan?” Washu asked as Seto fanned herself while giggling.
“I don’t see why not… how about you Mikami, what do you have planned for my son?” Seto asked her best friend who had a smile on her face.
“The only thing I will be doing is teaching Naruto how to please his girls… anything beyond that we will have to wait and see.” Mikami said jokingly getting a giggle from both Seto and Washu.
“As expected of my Naru-chan.” Tokimi said as she appeared along with Jiraiya right beside her.
Naruto had a gentle smile as he saw Tokimi, as they made eye contact Naruto’s had a mini flashback of a little girl with short brown hair and the most beautiful purple eyes in the universe.
“Naruto-kun wait for me…”
“Ha-ha-ha Take my hand, if we don’t hurry up they will catch us and Iruka will make us clean up the paint mess we made in the Uchiha estate.”
“I can’t always just teleport us to our secret hide out you know.”
“Yeah but then we couldn’t torment all those guys chasing after us.”
“… I see your point however I would prefer flying over running any day.”
“It’s good to see you again, my boy.” Jiraiya said snapping Naruto out of his daydream. Naruto then turn his attention to the man that was beside Tokimi.
“Ero-sannin… what are you doing here.” Naruto asked the toad sage, who had a tick-mark growing on his forehead. The women all started giggling when they heard Naruto call Jiraiya a perverted sage, much to the man’s dismay.
“I TOLD YOU NEVER TO CALL ME THAT! Anyway I am here because Tokimi here asked me to be your teacher in elemental chakra control, Jutsu and in the sealing arts.” Jiraiya explains to the new prince who had an excited look on his face.
“So you will teach me how to make seals just like mom and dad.” Naruto said surprising Jiraiya, who turned to look at Tokimi.
“Oh, did I forget to mention that he met his mother before my sister brought him into our lives… oh well you know now so that saves you some explanations.” Tokimi said as she waved it off, causing both Washu and Sasami to sweat-drop.
“This is great, now I can get to train with my godfather, Misaki-Oneesama and Azusa-Oniisan for the next two years.” Naruto said as Sasami, Ryo-Ohki, Minagi and Mihoshi as glomped him.
“What’s this… has my godchild has captured the hearts of four other lovely ladies?” Jiraiya asked Tokimi as Seto walked over to him along with Washu, Azusa, Funaho, and Mikami.
“He is surprisingly good with the ladies even those years older than he is like those two.” Funaho said bringing Jiraiya’s attention to Minaho, Tennyo, who had loving smiles on their face. Jiraiya started to chuckle at this and then pulled out a note pad and pen.
“I think I have an idea for my next book.” Jiraiya said while giggling like a school girl. “Oh so you’re a book writer?” Azusa asked as he read Jiraiya’s notes over the sage’s shoulders.
“I’m an author of “adult literature” and am very famous in my world.” Jiraiya states, getting a confused look from the emperor of Jurai.
Suddenly, it dawned on Azusa what Jiraiya meant by Adult literature and beside that it would be best to talk in private. “*Clears throat* Why don’t we discuss this in my study away from the women and children, I’d very much like to read some of your previous work.” Azusa said as he and Jiraiya walked away.
“What are those two up to?”  Airi asked Seto, Funaho, and Mikami as the elder women watched Azusa and Jiraiya walk away. “I’d say that they found something in common.” Misaki said.
“Ok Naru-chan it’s time that we discuss your new training regimen for the next year, Lady Seto said, gaining the groups attention.
“Tenchi your training will be beginning as well.” Yosho said getting the avatar’s attention. “After all, you don’t want young Naruto-kun to surpass you now do you?” Yosho asked as Tenchi got up and followed him.
“Hey Nii-san, the next time we meet let’s fight.” Naruto called out to Tenchi who gave him the thumbs up. “I’m looking forward to it Naruto-kun… the next time we meet we’re rivals.” Tenchi said as he waved goodbye.
After Seto explained the training regimen, Tokimi decided to pull Naruto over to talk him in private. Seeing this the girls decided that it would be best to follow them to see what was so important that Tokimi had to talk to him in private.
“So what is it you wish to talk to me about Tokimi-Oneesama?” Naruto asked Tokimi, as he and the goddess sat on his bed across from each other.
“Naruto… what I am about to tell you is something that you were not supposed to know until you turn sixteen years old.” Tokimi said much to Naruto’s confusion.
“Is it something that my mother didn’t tell me because she wanted you to or is this something from my father?” Naruto asked the goddess who shook her head no.
“This isn’t about something that you parents even knew about… in fact outside of the old monkey, the pervert, the red-eyed weasel and his friend, no one even remembers who I am.” Tokimi said, getting a surprised look from Naruto.
“Naruto what I am going to do is give you your memories of or years living within the Namikaze estate.” Tokimi said as she changed into her human form and kissed Naruto right on the lips. Naruto eyes stared at her with wide-eyes.
Suddenly as Tokimi slipped her tongue in his mouth, memories of Naruto’s earlier childhood, alone and sad change into memories of him and a little brown-haired purple-eyed girl laughing and playing together.
“Get the demon don't let it escape, Kill that monster, that damn demon child!!!” The angry villagers of Konoha yelled out as they searched the village for Naruto. Naruto could find found hiding in the forest of death, holding his blood soaked left arm.
Naruto had a few shuriken in his back along with two kunai in his shoulder, which would explain why his arm was bleeding.
“It… it hurts… why… why do they hate me, my do they hurt me?” Naruto asked himself as tears ran down his face and the blood ran down his arm and pooled into a puddle at his feet.
‘I have to get further into the forest or else they might find me.’ Naruto thought as he slowly walked deep into the forest.
As he got to the center of the forest he started to loss what little energy he had left and fell face first into the ground.
‘Is this it… am I really going to die all alone in this forest… this sucks I never even figured out why they hated me. ’Naruto thought as he tries to stand up again only to realize that he couldn’t use won on his arms to help him up.
‘I didn’t get to go to the academy… I never got to start my ninja training… I never got my headband.’ Naruto thought as he turn over on his back and reached towards the sky with his good arm.
‘I can’t die, I won’t die… Not before I become Hokage… not before I prove to them that… I AM A LILIN!’ Naruto thought.
Suddenly, the ground began to shake and strong winds started to start to gather above the forest of death. Naruto saw a glowing sphere up above him.
‘What is that… is it an angel… is it kami-sama coming for me’ Naruto thought while closing his eyes as the orb of light descended upon him.
As soon as it landed at the center of the forest, a huge shockwave swept through the area destroying the gate and creating a huge crater.
“Awake up… hey Naruto-kun it’s time to wake up.” A girly voice called out to him. Opening his eyes, the person Naruto saw was a beautiful girl around his age smiling down at him.
“Good evening sleepy head, you know you had so many wounds that I thought you wouldn’t wake up even after I healed all of them.” The cute girl said to Naruto who blinked in confusion.
“Um who are you and what do you mean by you’ve healed my wounds?” Naruto said as he lifts his arm to shield his eyes, only to find that his arm was completely healed.
“It’s healed… wait all of my wounds are gone, but how?” Naruto asked her only to be silenced by a kiss.
“My name is Tokimi Hakubi, it’s nice to meet you Naruto-kun.”
And for the next few years, Tokimi and I were inseparable. No matter what I did or where I went she would be floating there beside me.
Even when the council tried to pressure her into abandoning me.
“We of the civilian council command that you stay far away from that demon child.” Some fat council man said as Tokimi snorted at the overweight man.
“And why would I listen to a bunch of old fools like you anyway, a witch my me would never sink so low as to obey the demands of someone who is not their lover and last time I checked you are not Naruto.” Tokimi said as she held Naruto’s hand.
“You insolent child how dare you talk to us like that!” The man shouted only for Tokimi to give him the finger.
“Stop this foolishness councilman… my dear please try to listen to reason, that boy is dangerous.” Danzo said as the other council members nodded their heads.
“Why because he is the Jinchurriki of the nine tailed fox.” Tokimi said, much to everyone’s horror. “How do you know that, young one?” Sarutobi asked the girl.
“She knows too much… Anbu execute her immediately.” Danzo said as his two hidden root Anbu appeared and charged the little girl and Naruto.
“I don’t think so.” She said as she raised her hands and stopped the Anbu in their tracks. “Say bye-bye now puppets.” Tokimi said as and evil grin appeared on her face.
Suddenly the root ninja both started screaming bloody murder before exploding into shower of blood and organs. The whole council room as deadly silent.
“Good know that I have all of your attention let me tell you this, If you ever try to bring harm to Naruto or anyone close to him…” Tokimi then unleash her power in the room to the point where everyone besides Naruto was shaking in fear.
“I will destroy you and this entire village.” Tokimi said as she and Naruto left the room. “So that’s what they think of me… to them I am the Kyuubi incarnate.”
“But I don’t see you as the Kyuubi.” Tokimi said as she kissed him on the cheek. “All I see you as is my cute Naruto-kun.”
“I remember everything now, Tokimi Hakubi is woman who pulled me out of the darkness and she was the first woman I’ve ever loved.” Naruto said as he give Tokimi genuine smile.
“Glad to have you back Naruto-kun.” Tokimi said as she places her forehead onto Naruto’s. “I’m glad to be back Tokimi-chan.” Naruto states as he leans in for another kiss.
Suddenly the door to Naruto’s room opens and Mihoshi who was on the door fell face first onto the floor. “What the… Mihoshi what are you doing.” Naruto asked in confusion, wondering why she was here.
“Alright the rest of you should come out as well.” Tokimi said. Then as if on cue Sasami, Minagi, Ryo-ohki, Tennyo, Minaho and Mitoto all walked into the room with blushes on their face, with the exception of Mitoto who had a smile on hers.
“What are you guys think you are doing following us like that?” Tokimi asked the girls who were too embarrassed and ashamed that they were caught.
“It’s safe to assume that they were curious about what you wanted to talk to Naruto-kun about, plus they were feeling a little jealous of you when they heard Naruto tell that story. Mitoto said while giggling much to the other girls’ dismay.
“We’re sorry Naruto-kun we didn’t mean be nosy, can you please forgive us.” Minagi asked while rapidly bowing her head.
Naruto chuckled at the girl before patting her head to calm her down. “There is no need to apologize since I was planning on telling you girls as most as soon as we were done.” Naruto said getting smile from all of the girls.
“Besides we didn’t talk about what caused me to replace Naruto memories in the first place.” Tokimi said getting the other girls attention.
“It was the day I massacred most of the civilians of the village… I’d say about fifty villagers, ten Anbu and four Chunin.” Tokimi said shocking the others.
“You’ve killed that many, well you are a goddess so I know that that was child’s play but I never would have guessed that you would kill that many people… just what happened anyway?” Tennyo asked Tokimi who just narrowed her eyes.
“They had burned down the house that I made for Naruto and they had tried to kill him while I was away trying to deal with Z, who at the time was running loose in the galaxy, destroying everything that he had come across.” Tokimi said in annoyance as she remembered that day.
“After I had finally got Z’s power under control, I came back only to find Naruto hiding in the forest of death asleep with in a cave with our pet tigers who were all depressed that they couldn’t do anything while I was gone, except keep Naruto safe.” Tokimi said.
That was the day I had gone into town at slaughtered everyone involved right in the middle of the village with everyone watching.” Tokimi explained to them.
“And it was then that I had found out that day from you that you had to leave.” Naruto said as the others looked at them in sadness.
“My plan had worked a little too well and the villagers were so terrified that they had started to run and hide every time he walked through the village.
“I didn’t want this for him so I had decided that I would erase their memories about Naruto’s secret and what happened that day… well except the council, Jiraiya and the old monkey, I made them remember every single moment of what happened that day.
“After that you told me you had to leave and that you would return on my fifteenth birthday.” Naruto said.
“You cry and asked me to replace your memories until the day you turned fifteen and I returned, saying that you wouldn’t be able to last if you remembered everything.” Mitoto finished explaining the story as the others wiped the tears from their eyes.
“How… how could they treat a child who grew up all alone like that… it’s sickening?” Minagi said, while hugging Naruto as she tried to stop crying.
“I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry that you had to go through that kind of pain.” Mihoshi said as she cried on Naruto’s back.
“*Sniffle* you never have to worry about that again Naruto-Oniisama” Sasami declared, causing Naruto to smile and rub her head.
Tennyo and Minaho both hugged Naruto from behind. “Naruto we are your family now so you will never have to be alone again.” Minaho said.
“It seems that you have the family you’ve always wanted.” Tokimi said with a smile on her face, as she leaned in and kissed Naruto.
“Hey, that not fair Tokimi, no kissing.” Sasami said with a pout on her face getting a blush and a nervous chuckle from Naruto and giggles from the others.
Mitoto smiled at the group before wrapping them all in a hug. “Naruto, slowly become happy, one tiny bit at a time okay.” Mitoto said as she held them like a mother would her children.
“Yes Mitoto-Oneesama, I will.” Naruto said as they spend the rest of the day in each other’s company.
“End of record.” Airi said as a small computer chip was ejected out of her desk computer. “Well I got to say, that went a lot better than I had anticipated.” Seto said as she took the chip while the others watched.
“This is the best thing for Naruto right now, creating bonds with your new family is the best way to heal a broken child who grew up all alone in this harsh reality that we live in.” Mikami said getting a sign from Airi.
“I really wish there was a way we could convince him to leave his world behind and just stay here were he could finally start living a normal life.” Airi said only to get a giggle from Misaki and Washu.
“The reason for him going back in two years is that he wants to accomplish something great there so that he can be remembered as something other than the nine tailed fox.” Misaki said getting a look from Airi.
“We will be there to support him every step of the way, to make sure that he will be the greatest ninja who has ever lived and maybe he will be the one who claims the throne instead of Yosho or Tenchi.” Washu said getting a grin from Azusa.
“Naruto Uzumaki Kamiki Masaki Namikaze the emperor of Jurai… has a nice ring to it.” Azusa said getting a chuckle out of Jiraiya.
“You know I think I’ve finally found the perfect name for my next book.” Jiraiya said gaining everyone attention.
This book shall be known as The Tale of the Devil Prince of Jurai.”
And so it begins
Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Chapter six of the Devil Prince of Jurai is now complete.
It seems like Seto the galaxy’s greatest matchmaker has a marriage contract for Naruto and the girls. It also seems that she is making a few plans to try and get Misaki’s name on the contract.
Naruto will be training with all these great fighters and it seems like he won’t be the only one.
Next chapter will be the time skip as I would like to keep Naruto’s training a secret and I will say this right now.
Naruto- skill wise will be way better than he was at the beginning of Shippuden.
Make sure to Review, follow, favorite and subscribe as always and the next story that will be getting a chapter is Naruto Sekirei chronicle so be ready for that.
So everyone have a nice night, day or whatever… see you next time