The Fox Hole chapter 99

Chapter 99:

This chapter has an R-18 scene.

– Haru –

I was actually having a great ti, probably too great a ti considering how ridiculous this “spar” had beco. My giant fox jaws were currently clamped down hard on two of Naruto’s massive, fluffy yellow tails, and I enthusiastically shook my head side to side, whipping Naruto's oversized fox body violently back and forth.

"H-Haru! C'mon, man! This isn't fair!" Naruto yipped frantically. Well, okay, he didn’t exactly say that in human speech—it was more of a high-pitched whine in fox-speak—but I understood him perfectly.

Unfortunately for him, understanding didn't an compliance.

I grinned internally and continued tossing him around like a plush toy, uprooting hundreds of trees in the process. Hey, he started this. I was just having fun with it.

The ninja spectators, who were probably second-guessing their decision to stand so close to a Kaiju battle—except for Vicky who loved it—were making astonished noises in the background.

I distinctly heard Sakura shout, "Holy crap, is Haru seriously treating Naruto like a chew toy?!"

"Wow, that's kind of hot!" Ino giggled appreciatively.

Was it though…?

I glanced briefly toward my girlfriend Naruko, and saw her shaking her head with an amused smile. Clearly, she wasn't worried about Naruto being damaged. If anything, she seed to enjoy seeing her twin getting humbled.

Her mom, Kushina, on the other hand. She was glancing up at with an “odd” look I couldn’t quite place.

Finally, deciding I’d had enough of tossing Naruto around, I opened my jaws and threw him into the air. Naruto rocketed through the sky, a streak of bright yellow fur tumbling fuzzy ass over end, before landing with a deafening crash almost half a mile away.

"Alright Naruto," I growled loudly, hoping my voice reached him even through his compromised ntal state. "You better get your head back together. If you don't wake up now, you're definitely not gonna like what happens next."

I had been hoping that roughing him up a bit would help snap Naruto back to reality. But unfortunately, it appeared that all I'd accomplished was pissing off Naruto’s inner beast even more. Naruto rose from the massive crater, his eyes burned a deep, feral red. He wasn't back yet. In fact, judging by the violent red magicules and chakra swirling around his body, he was about to escalate this way past "sparring."

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” I mumbled and shook my large head. “Seriously, Naruto?”

As if to answer , Naruto threw back his head, jaws snapping open wide. A mass of crackling dark-red chakra began swirling rapidly in front of him—a damned Tailed Beast Bomb.

Yep, Naruto was officially out of control.

I could hear the crowd’s nervous murmuring growing louder behind .

“Guys, is anyone else starting to think this fight is getting out of hand?” That sounded like Shikamaru, usually the voice of reason in the ani.

"No kidding!" Sakura shouted anxiously. "Naruto, snap out of it, you idiot!"

anwhile, Rias and Akeno's excited cheers rang through the air clearly and enthusiastically.

"Kick his furry ass, Haru!" Rias shouted with a laugh.

"Show him who's the top fox, Haru-kun!" Akeno added mischievously. “In more ways than one if you want too~”

Ugh… Did Akeno always have to push it like that? Now I couldn’t get that horrifying thought out of my head.

Shaking my head in resignation, I opened my own massive fox jaws, drawing deeply on my massive pool of magicules. Blue foxfire rapidly built up in my mouth.

Naruto's beast bomb fired, barreling straight at like a teor of destructive energy.

I unleashed my own attack—a torrent of roaring sapphire flas exploded outward, hurtling forward to et Naruto’s attack head-on.

The two powerful attacks collided spectacularly, and—to everyone's amazent except mine—the blue foxfire overwheld Naruto’s Tailed Beast Bomb, incinerating it completely before it could reach or explode.

A brief silence descended over the field, and then everyone erupted in astonished cheers.

"No way!" Ino shouted excitedly. "He actually destroyed a Tailed Beast Bomb!"

"That was amazing!" Sakura shouted, sounding a bit nervous though along with a lot of other spectators.

"I told all you idiots! Betting against Haru was just handing money!" Tsunade cheered for , her words sounded a bit slurred though. The ninjas who bet on Naruto started whining and begging the Hokage for rcy.

“Please, Lady Hokage! That’s all my rent money!”

“Haha—Hic! Then you better take another mission this month and make more!”

Despite the excitent from the crowd, I knew it was ti to wrap things up. Naruto had clearly lost control of himself, and I didn’t want this getting any further out of hand. I crouched low on all fours, my claws digging into the ground. My eyes narrowed onto my target, ready to pounce.

In an instant, I burst forward, covering the distance between us in a golden blur. Naruto barely had ti to register what was happening before I slamd my full body weight into his smaller fox form. The impact launched Naruto like a furry rocket through the air.

For several seconds, the entire crowd watched in stunned silence as Naruto soared over the horizon, until he slamd into a distant mountain peak with earth-shaking force, shattering and collapsing the entire mountainside.

"Holy shit," so random ninja breathed in amazent.

"Oh," Shizune squeaked quietly. "Was that mountain culturally important? Because I don’t think we can fix all that damage…"

“Hehehehe! Who cares, I finally made money on a bet for once!” Tsunade cheered.

I shrank back down to my normal yokai form.

"Haru!" Naruko practically squealed, sprinting toward . I barely had ti to open my arms before she jumped into them, wrapping her arms and fluffy tails tightly around in an enthusiastic hug. "You kicked Naruto’s dumbass so hard! That fight was incredible!"

I laughed, steadying myself as I held onto her waist. Her eyes sparkled brightly as her tails excitedly waved around, brushing softly against my own. "Thanks. I figured a bit of tough love would help him cool down, though, to be honest, throwing him through a mountain wasn’t exactly the original plan. We kind of went overboard at the end there."

Naruko giggled, pressing herself closer and whispering teasingly into my ear, "Still, seeing you manhandle my brother was pretty hot, Haru...."

"Well," I chuckled awkwardly, heat rising slightly in my cheeks, "I’d rather not make a habit of it."

Before Naruko could tease further, Kushina approached, walking slowly with a slightly bewildered look on her face. She let out a small, nervous chuckle as she glanced around at the damage we'd caused. The toppled trees, the giant crater, and especially the distant collapsed mountain. "My…" Kushina said, running her fingers through her vibrant red hair with an awkward grin, "the Leaf Village has certainly gotten a lot wilder than I last rember. Then again, I grew up during two wars, so…" she shrugged lightly, her smile a little sad and distant. "I guess this is what a peaceful and fun village was always supposed to be like?"

“It’s not usually this exciting, but I can admit ever since I t Haru I’ve never had a boring day.” Naruko said while kissing my cheek.

Kushina shook her head gently, a small smile appearing as she glanced toward the rubble-covered mountain. "Is… Naruto going to be alright? I an, he literally just had an entire mountain dropped on him."

"Oh, he's totally fine," I reassured her, waving my hand dismissively. "He's a nine-tailed fox, which basically makes him a minor god. Trust , it'll take way more than a mountain falling on his head to keep him down. He'll be back to annoying everyone in no ti."

Kushina blinked at for a second, then laughed quietly. "I suppose that's comforting… in a bizarre sort of way…?"

Next to us, Kakashi let out an exaggerated sigh, stepping up and lazily scratching the back of his head. "Well, regardless of Naruto's new godlike durability, we probably shouldn't leave him trapped under a mountain for too long." He glanced over toward Might Guy, who was standing nearby. Kakashi's single visible eye narrowed slightly, and a mischievous glint appeared as he spoke up casually. "Hey, Guy," Kakashi called out lazily, "why don't we turn digging Naruto out of the rubble into a little competition? You know, see who can clear the most debris the fastest."

Guy imdiately snapped to attention, his eyes practically blazing with excitent as he turned to face Kakashi! "A splendid idea, my eternal rival! Of course, I'll beat you and clear twice as much rubble with my superior youthful vigor!"

Kakashi just smiled lazily beneath his mask, hiding a sly smirk that was obvious enough to . Guy had totally missed the fact that he'd just been tricked into doing the lion's share of the work to dig up Naruto.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head as the two shinobi sped off toward the mountain. Those two certainly were an entertaining duo. Maybe I ought to spend more ti around Naruko's teammates, just like Rias kept nudging to spend more ti with her peerage.

It might actually be fun.

Speaking of which…

I turned just in ti to see Rias approaching, sauntering confidently toward with that familiar hypnotic sway of her hips. Akeno walked right beside her, a teasing, amused smile on her lips.

Akeno's gaze was openly flirtatious as she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper, "Ara ara, Haru-kun. Watching you dominate your opponent like that… it made my heart flutter. Perhaps we can celebrate your victory properly later? In private? Or even better… In public!"

My face flushed hotly, and Naruko imdiately tightened her arms around possessively, glaring at the busty devil girls. "Hey, back off, lightning tits!"

"Oh, no need to be greedy," Akeno purred, thoroughly enjoying herself. "There's enough of him to go around, isn't there?"

Naruko growled softly, tightening her tails around again, but before any real argunt could start, two more excited voices cut through the air.

"Haru!" “Hey Haru!”

I barely had ti to turn before Sakura and Ino practically barreled into , their eyes wide and faces flushed. Sakura spoke first, a bright smile on her lips. "Haru, that fight was incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it, even when my team fought the Akatsuki!"

Ino smirked, elbowing Sakura aside gently as she winked at . "You were so damn hot out there."

Naruko scowled at them, pulling closer against her chest. "Hey! Stay away from my man!"

"Relax, Naruko," Ino teased, leaning in provocatively. "We're just complinting him—though I'm definitely open to sharing."

Sakura blushed furiously but nodded rapidly. "Yeah! I an—wait, no! I didn't an—"

Naruko glared sharply at both girls, baring her teeth slightly. "You sluts better back off or I'm gonna—"

I coughed awkwardly, gently squeezing Naruko's waist to calm her down. "Ladies, please. Let's all calm down a bit, okay? There's no reason to fight."

"I disagree," Akeno chuckled. "A little competition is healthy." She held up her hands and lighting danced between her fingertips.

Thankfully, before things escalated any further, Kushina stepped in—apparently deciding to be the one adult in the situation. She crossed her arms and glared at the girls with a firm, maternal disapproval. “All right, enough!” Kushina snapped, her violet eyes narrowing sharply. “Honestly, can you girls stop being so freaking thirsty for five seconds? Show a little class, dattebane!”

Naruko blinked in surprise, loosening her hold on just slightly. “But Mom—”

Kushina quickly rounded on her daughter, pointing an accusing finger at her. “Naruko! It’s one thing to hug your boyfriend in public—that’s fine. But blatantly draping yourself all over him like so kind of desperate fangirl is beneath you! You’re acting like these two shaless sluts here!” She turned sharply toward Sakura and Ino, who both sputtered indignantly.

“Hey!” Sakura squeaked, her face reddening instantly.

“Excuse ?!” Ino snapped.

“Tell I’m wrong,” Kushina challenged, arching a slim eyebrow dangerously. "You two practically threw yourselves at him the mont the dust settled!”

“Well—” Sakura began, hesitating. “We’re not—we didn't—”

Ino scowled defiantly. “Oh, co on! Haru’s literally the hottest guy around. Can you bla us?”

“Yes, I absolutely can!” Kushina retorted, wagging her finger sternly. “Have a little dignity, girls. You’re supposed to be proud kunoichi, not lovestruck academy brats!”

The two girls went quiet, exchanging slightly guilty looks. Kushina definitely still had that fierce authority I'd heard so much about. Even Naruko looked chastened as she slowly removed herself from , though her tails stayed possessively close.

I couldn’t help but grin, slightly amused by the scene. Kushina had managed in re monts to put everyone firmly back in line.

Before things could get awkward, Tsunade stepped over with a deep, hearty laugh, breaking the tension instantly. “Ah, Kushina,” Tsunade chuckled, giving the redhead a friendly smack on the back. “Glad to see you’re still that fiery little tomato I rember from back in the day. So things never change, huh?”

Kushina’s eyes widened in outrage, her pale cheeks instantly turning nearly the sa bright red as her hair. She stomped her foot indignantly, glaring at Tsunade. “T-tomato?! Dammit, Tsunade, don’t call that! You know I hate it!”

Tsunade laughed even louder, completely ignoring Kushina’s pout. Turning to instead, she gave an exuberant grin. “Haru! I just won a shit-ton of money off you, brat. You’re treating to all your top-shelf sake tonight.”

I smirked, already anticipating a busy night back at The Fox Hole. “Sure thing. I was heading back anyway. Consider it a celebration.”

Tsunade pumped her fist victoriously, clearly pleased. “Finally! My gambling luck’s turned around, thanks to you and Rias.”

Rias giggled softly beside . “I told you! Gremory luck never fails.”

Before we could set off, Counselor Tevos approached, accompanied by Harry, Hermione, and the Dallon sisters, Vicky and Amy.

“Well, Haru, that battle was certainly a fascinating distraction from work,” Tevos said lightly. “I trust you don’t mind that I fild it? A recording of a battle between two powerful beings like yourselves will make an excellent tool for keeping the new councilors and certain… uppity asari matriarchs in line.”

I couldn’t help but grin, raising an eyebrow at the beautiful alien. “Be my guest, Counselor.” I didn’t mind if so footage got shared around. I’m sure so of it would even eventually find its way to the Normandy—wherever Jane and Alice were both adventuring in space.

Tevos chuckled softly, giving a subtle, appreciative nod. “Always a pleasure…” I then watched her walk up to a random female chunin, and shalessly start flirting with her, getting her to piggy back Tevos back to the village.

Next, Vicky stepped forward, flashing an excited smile. “That kaiju fight was freaking aweso, Haru! Total badass.”

Amy rolled her eyes, looking mildly embarrassed. “What she ans is thank you for the entertainnt, but we should really be getting back ho soon.”

“Aw, don’t be so shy, Amy,” Vicky teased, scooping her protesting sister effortlessly into her arms bridal-style. “We gotta fly anyway—literally.” With a playful wink, she lifted off into the air, carrying a sputtering Amy away as she waved goodbye enthusiastically.

I chuckled, waving back. “Take care, you two!”

Harry and Hermione approached next, looking content. Harry gave a grateful grin. “Thanks again, Haru. You just won us so decent pocket change.”

Hermione nudged him with a playful scowl. “You know gambling is—”

Harry quickly held up a hand, cutting her off smoothly. “I know, I know—gambling’s bad. But… I was planning to use so of the money to buy you so expensive magic books.”

Hermione’s eyes softened instantly, and she smiled warmly. Leaning in, she placed a gentle kiss on Harry’s cheek, making the young wizard blush faintly. “You spoil .”

Harry smirked, pulling out a shrunken broomstick from his pocket and restoring it to normal size with a whispered charm. “Ready to go?”

She nodded eagerly, and the two mounted the broomstick together. As they flew off back toward the restaurant, Hermione waved back at warmly. “See you later, Haru!”

I watched them disappear into the distance before turning back to the group gathered around . Kushina still seed slightly embarrassed from earlier, Tsunade was grinning in anticipation of sake, and Naruko had managed to latch onto my arm again, though slightly more subdued this ti, no doubt wary of another scolding.

“All right, everyone,” I said, clapping my hands together. “Let’s head back to The Fox Hole. Drinks are on .”

A cheer went up from the crowd, and we all started making our way back. Kushina fell into step beside , glancing at with a raised eyebrow. “You’re probably going to have to make a lot more of that miracle hangover brew tomorrow morning,” she told .

I chuckled at her. “Are you planning on drinking heavily again like you did with my mom and Cersei last night?”

Naruko looked at her mother curiously, Kushina blushed. “Gods I hope not…” she then teasingly smirked at . “And what about you, Haru? How co you didn't drink with us last night?”

Naruko answered for . “Haru’s not supposed to drink so much, because he always gets up to crazy stuff when he does!”

“It’s our job as his girlfriends to monitor our crazy boyfriend,” Rias added with a playful wink in my direction. “But indulging in our sins once in a while is certainly fine~”

Kushina raised an eyebrow at and smirked. “Really, Haru? What kind of drunken shenanigans does my daughter's boyfriend get up to?”

—

I groaned miserably the next morning, my head throbbing from the lingering hangover. The damn sunlight pierced through my eyelids, and I imdiately buried myself deeper beneath the soft, dark covers.

Maybe if I ignored the evil sun long enough, it would go away and let recover in peace. Or I could throw a fireball into the sky and hope it hits Takamagahara!

Although then the “sun” might just co and bother in person. Although it had been a while since I’d seen A-chan, which ant she was probably bingeing another long ani series or ga again.

My ears flattened on my head as I blinked a few more tis.

Shit, I must have partied way too hard with everyone last night. Then again, parties at the Fox Hole always got wild, especially with my friends and family around. No regrets, though, those nights were always the best.

I rolled over lazily, and my arm bumped against sothing warm and distinctly soft next to . The sensation made pause, especially since the sheets felt oddly sticky beneath my skin and the unmistakable scent of sex hung heavily in them.

Did one of my girlfriends stay the night with ? I smiled slowly at the thought. Well, whatever happened last night was foggy at best, but that didn't an we couldn't pick up where we left off.

Gently, I reached over beneath the covers, tracing my fingertips along her smooth, supple curves. She stirred beside , letting out a sweet, sleepy moan that imdiately made my cock twitch and grow achingly hard.

I moved closer under the dark covers, letting instinct guide as my lips found her soft cheeks and then trailed gently over her lips. I shifted over her, pressing my chest firmly against her large, inviting breasts, feeling her toned legs part willingly to accommodate my hips.

My heart was racing. She moaned softly into my mouth as I slowly pressed forward, the crown of my cock slipping effortlessly into her slick, hot pussy. Damn, she felt incredibly tight and wet around . I deepened our kiss as I slowly moved my hips forwards.

The bed beneath us creaked in protest as I began to thrust steadily. Her fingernails grazed gently across my back, her muffled moans growing louder into my lips. Everything felt so damn good—almost too good.

Suddenly, the covers slipped down around us, the harsh morning light finally revealing who I was currently buried deep inside.

I froze in shock, breaking the kiss and staring down at her with wide eyes.

“K-Kushina?!” My voice was filled with disbelief and a bit of panic.

Beneath , Kushina’s long red hair fanned out across the pillow, her cheeks flushed, eyes glazed with pleasure and desire. She panted softly, clearly not bothered in the slightest by our situation.

If anything, her purple eyes were pleading with . “Don’t stop, Haru,” she moaned softly, hips grinding against mine, drawing my cock even deeper into her intoxicating pussy. “You feel too damn good to stop now!”

My heart hamred wildly in my chest at her words.

Fuck it…

She was beautiful, willing, and clearly enjoying this as much as I was. I leaned down, capturing her lips again with renewed hunger. Her nipples hardened enticingly against my chest, and I felt myself losing any last shred of hesitation!

I thrust harder into her, groaning into our heated kiss as her tight, wet pussy squeezed around my cock.

“Gods, yes, Haru! Don’t hold back!” she cried, clutching my shoulders tightly as our rhythm beca fierce, intense. Every thrust into her tight heat sent electric shocks of pleasure throughout my entire body, making lose myself completely in her embrace.

“Kushina,” I growled possessively, my lips trailing down her neck, kissing and nipping at her delicate skin.

“Yes! Fuck harder! Claim !” Her voice rose in blissful abandon, her hips bucking wildly against mine, eting every powerful thrust with equal passion.

I groaned deeply, lost in the sensation as my hips continued thrusting passionately into Kushina’s incredibly soft and welcoming pussy. She moaned and writhed beneath , her vibrant red hair splayed across the pillow. Her slender fingers dug into my back, urging to push deeper with every thrust.

"Fuck, Haru," Kushina gasped breathlessly, her violet eyes clouded with raw desire. "Don't stop... it feels so good."

Any rational part of knew this was a terrible idea, that the repercussions would be an absolute ss, but rational thoughts were nowhere near my mind right now. All I could focus on was how perfect Kushina’s body felt pressed beneath mine, how incredible her warm, wet pussy felt tightly gripping my cock.

She leaned up, capturing my lips in another heated kiss, her tongue boldly exploring my mouth. My hands instinctively slid down her smooth sides, gripping her hips as I angled myself to push even deeper inside her.

"Ahhh, yes!" she cried out, breaking our kiss and throwing her head back as her legs wrapped around my waist, ankles locking firmly just below the sensitive base of my sensitive tails. "Keep going, Haru! Don’t you dare stop now!"

Her strong, toned legs pulling closer made groan loudly, shuddering from the intensity. "Kushina," I warned hoarsely, "if you don't let go, I won't be able to pull out..."

Kushina’s breathy laughter danced in my ears, husky and teasing. "You didn't care about pulling out last night," she purred against my neck, her soft lips and tongue licking teasing trails across my skin. "You filled up over and over. Why start caring now?"

Her words sent a fresh surge of heat through , wiping away any lingering caution. I growled possessively, thrusting harder into her slick, tight warmth, loving how her inner walls fluttered around , signaling how close she was to climax.

"I'm close, Haru," she whimpered, arching her back as her fingernails scraped across my shoulders. "Please... cum inside again."

Her erotic plea sent over the edge. With a final, powerful thrust, I felt her pussy clench rhythmically around my cock as Kushina scread in ecstasy, her body shuddering beneath mine. The sensation was overwhelming, my balls tightening as I released deep inside her, filling her pussy with hot spurts of cum as wave after wave of pleasure wracked my body.

Our bodies stayed intertwined, trembling and gasping, riding out the intense aftershocks together. When the waves finally ebbed, I gently collapsed beside her, panting heavily as she nestled against my side, her breath hot against my skin.

"Well," Kushina murmured softly, her voice still shaky from pleasure, "I suppose we've created quite the ss now, haven't we?"

I chuckled quietly, wrapping an arm around her waist as I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Yeah," I admitted. I snuggled up closer to Kushina, both of us breathing heavily as we lay tangled together beneath the sheets. “What was all that stuff you said to the girls yesterday about not throwing themselves at …” I teased her.

Kushina blushed and then pouted. “Yes, it was a bit hypocritical, but to be fair we were both drunk when we made it to your bedroom last night. Not that I regret it…” she trailed off for a mont. She then glanced down between her own legs. "...You really filled up, Haru," Kushina chuckled softly, tracing lazy patterns across my chest with her fingertips.

Her words brought a nervous gulp to my throat as realization dawned on . I'd just had sex—multiple tis last night as well?—with Kushina Uzumaki, and each ti I'd finished deep inside her.

Uh oh…

"Naruko is going to be pissed," I muttered aloud, dread pooling in my stomach.

Kushina sighed lightly, nodding in agreent. "Yeah, probably. And you've totally proved Naruto right about you seducing every redhead that cos your way, dattebane." she said with a chuckle.

My ears flattened against my head in embarrassnt. Shit. Naruto had literally called out on this just yesterday, and now I'd basically confird every one of his suspicions.

Dropping a mountain on him yesterday suddenly felt like a real dick move.

I rubbed my temples and groaned, "Shit, you're right. What the hell are we supposed to do now?"

Kushina gave an indifferent shrug, and then there was a mischievous smirk pulling at her lips. "That's entirely up to you." Her playful expression softened as she leaned over and kissed my cheek gently. "Though personally, I don't regret anything."

She slowly rose onto her knees, her toned, sweat-glazed body glistening in the morning light. I couldn't help but admire her curves as she swung one of her legs over my waist, straddling .

"You know, I never had sex before last night," she admitted casually, a sly grin appearing on her lips. "Now I feel like I've seriously missed out all this ti."

Before I could speak, she giggled softly and pointed toward a faint red stain on the sheets, confirming her words.

My eyes widened in shock. Kushina had been a virgin too? Wow, I really had fucked her tiline…

I felt another rush of heat flow through as she took hold of my cock, gently stroking back to hardness.

"Kushina…" I groaned, eyes closing shut as pleasure surged through .

She sighed deeply as she positioned herself, her toned thighs, still streaked with our combined juices, spreading wide. With a slow, deliberate motion, she sank down onto , enveloping my cock in her tight, velvety folds.

"Mmm, Haru," she moaned softly, eyes eting mine with a mix of affection and lust. "We're both adults, so we can figure things out later. Maybe this will just be a one-night stand, or maybe it’ll be sothing more... though the conversation with Naruko is definitely going to be awkward as fuck."

She began gently rocking her hips, her perky breasts bouncing softly with each slow thrust. I groaned beneath her, my hands instinctively gripping her hips as she rode , our bodies moving together in perfect rhythm.

I knew she was right. Whatever happened next, we'd figure it out later. Thankfully, my other lovers were remarkably understanding about my... complicated love life. Hell, knowing so of them, they'd probably find the entire situation amusing.

For now, I surrendered myself completely to the gorgeous woman above , matching her rhythm as she moved up and down over and over.

– Tobi –

Tobi sat silently in the dim, oppressive darkness of his hideout, brooding over the dimly flickering candlelight as he ticulously plotted the next phase of his quest to capture the tailed beasts. The pieces had to fall perfectly into place.

His thoughts were abruptly shattered by the eerie, synchronized voices of Black and White Zetsu. “There has been news in Konoha,” they said together.

Tobi's masked face jerked upward sharply, his singular Sharingan eye glinting dangerously from behind the spiral mask. "What kind of news?" he demanded, his voice dark and commanding.

Black Zetsu spoke first, his voice dripping with grim urgency. “Konoha has three jinchuriki now.”

“Yeah, it's super weird,” White Zetsu chid in casually.

A cold fury twisted inside Tobi’s chest, the shadows around him seeming to deepen with his mood. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. “Explain yourselves,” he hissed.

Black Zetsu continued, unfazed by Tobi's mounting anger. "Kushina Uzumaki is alive again, and she still possesses the Nine-Tails. I sensed its chakra clearly."

“Which is bizarre, because her kids are still jinchuriki as well. Even if they've sohow been turned into fox hybrids or whatever,” White Zetsu added dismissively. “...Well, we think they’re Jinchuriki at least.”

Tobi rose sharply from his seat, anger radiating from him. The air seed colder, heavier. "Kushina alive?" he growled, his voice barely restrained. "How? I personally saw to her demise! I ensured she paid the price, that she and Minato suffered as I suffered… as Rin suffered!" He had ensured her punishnt for their failure, for their betrayal, was absolute!

His breathing grew ragged beneath the swirling orange mask. mories of the past surged forth—painful, relentless. Rin’s lifeless eyes haunted him. Anger twisted into a burning fury, settling deep within his chest. "What foul forbidden jutsu has that wretched village unleashed now? Is Minato next? Will all my efforts be undone?" he hissed bitterly.

Was Minato going to co back to life next!?

That was unacceptable!

Zetsu remained silent, wisely allowing Tobi’s rage to simr without interruption.

Taking a long, steadying breath, Tobi regained a semblance of composure. He straightened his posture, his singular sharingan eye glinting with determination. No matter. His plans could adapt. If Kushina was alive, she could simply die again. More thoroughly this ti. But there was no sense in revealing himself prematurely. No, there were better ways to handle such complications.

"Tell Kakuzu and Hidan that I have a bounty for them to collect. And make sure they understand—failure is not an option."

XXX

So stuff happened. Kushina and Haru hooked up… They both decided to be mature about it though and deal with the consequences later.