Cherreads

Chapter 3 - genjutsu damsel in distress -2

 In the quiet stillness of the room, **Naruto**, **Yakumo**, and **Ido** sat together, the morning light still lingering outside. A sudden pull in the air, like the fabric of space and time shifting, caused the atmosphere to crackle with energy. Before they could react, **Ame's voice** echoed, sweet and sultry, through their minds.

 

**Ame**: 

"Ah, how cozy… but I think it's time for a little... *chat* in my domain, don't you think? Come along, darling."

 

A soft **whirl of chakra** surrounded them, and in an instant, they were no longer in the room. They stood now in a vast **void**, with no ground beneath them—just the endless stretch of space. The only thing visible was the glowing light of **Ame**, her ethereal form standing before them, eyes glimmering with mischief and power.

 

**Ame**: 

"Welcome to my world, Yakumo-chan. Here, we can speak freely… without anything holding us back."

 

Yakumo blinked, still a little overwhelmed by everything, but her **eyes brightened with curiosity**.

 

**Yakumo**: 

"This place... feels strange."

 

**Ame**: 

"It should. But don't worry, you're safe here."

 

As she spoke, **Ame's gaze fell on Yakumo's right breast**—and there, a faint, **swirling spiral mark** began to materialize on her skin, glowing with a radiant red-orange hue. The mark resembled the symbol of the **Uzumaki Clan**, identical to the one **Shizune** had received, marking her connection to Naruto.

 

**Naruto** watched in awe as the symbol settled into her skin, solidifying her bond with him, his chakra, and the legacy of the Uzumaki.

 

**Ame** (smiling warmly): 

"Ah, there it is… just like with Shizune. You've earned it, Yakumo-chan. This mark is a bond that will grow as you do. It's a symbol of **Uzumaki vitality**. Your body, so malnourished and frail before, will now **heal rapidly**, restoring you to full strength. Every day, you'll feel your body become stronger, more resilient."

 

Yakumo looked down at the mark, feeling the warmth spread through her body, as if life itself was returning to her.

 

**Yakumo**: 

"I... I can feel it. I feel stronger already…"

 

**Ame** (smirking): 

"Of course you do. You've just unlocked a power that most would kill for. Don't forget to thank your *hero* for that."

 

Naruto scratched his head awkwardly, a little uncomfortable with the praise, but it was hard not to smile at her happiness.

 

**Naruto**: 

"You don't have to thank me. I'm just... doing what feels right."

 

Ame's voice chimed in again, softer now but still playful.

 

**Ame**: 

"Now, as for you, Naruto-kun… your reward isn't just for the girl. You've earned something truly special. You now have access to **Kurama Clan-level Genjutsu Affinity**, something that will make you a **master** at illusions and mental manipulation. But wait, there's more."

 

Ame's fingers snapped, and a new **Genjutsu ability** appeared in Naruto's mind, forming in his system.

 

**Ame**: 

"Introducing the **Mirrored Soul Prism**. It's a defensive Genjutsu barrier that reflects **illusionary effects** right back at the caster. Not only that, but you'll now be able to bend the **reality-warping** kind of Genjutsu, something that can alter the very nature of what's real and what's not. Pretty neat, huh?"

 

**Naruto** (shocked, but intrigued): 

"Wait, so I can mess with reality itself? *That* sounds like it could be useful..."

 

**Ame**: 

"You're only scratching the surface, sweetie. With your ability and this bond, you'll be able to **reshape the world around you**—just like those genjutsu masters who manipulate perception. But with you? It'll be real."

 

---

 

**Ido**, having been quiet until now, tilted her head and flashed him a playful grin.

 

**Ido**: 

"I see. A reality-bender and a healer. I'll have to keep you close... just in case I need protection." 

(She smirked, teasing him with a wink.)

 

Naruto shot her a teasing look, raising an eyebrow.

 

**Naruto**: 

"You can keep all the protection you want, but I'm not taking responsibility if you get too... possessive."

 

**Ido**: 

"Wouldn't dream of it, Naruto-kun~."

 

---

 

With a **snap of Ame's fingers**, the void around them started to dissolve, and the familiar room from before materialized once more.

 

**Ame** (with a mischievous smile): 

"Now, don't get too distracted. You've got more to do. Both of you." 

(She winked, her voice light.) 

"Remember, my cute little seducer—don't let your girls outshine you, okay?"

 

Naruto groaned, rubbing his temple.

 

**Naruto**: 

"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Ame."

 

With that, Yakumo and Ido both found themselves back in the room, feeling more empowered than ever before. The bond between them and Naruto felt **unbreakable**, and as they looked at each other, they knew their lives were forever changed.

 

Yakumo gently touched the spiral mark on her chest and smiled softly at Naruto.

 

**Yakumo**: 

"Thank you... for everything."

 

---

** Tsunade's Office**

 

In the heart of the Hokage's office, Tsunade sat behind her desk, a pile of paperwork in front of her, though she was clearly more preoccupied with something else. Her mind had been racing, trying to make sense of everything that had happened recently—particularly, the strange developments surrounding **Naruto**, **Yakumo**, and the hidden forces at play.

 

She rubbed her temples, trying to focus, when suddenly, the door slid open, and a masked **ANBU** operative stepped inside. His expression was unreadable, but there was an undeniable urgency in his stance.

 

**ANBU** (serious): 

"Hokage-sama, I bring urgent news. Last night, a high concentration of **Yin chakra** was detected coming from the abandoned **Kurama compound**. The readings were unusual, especially since **Kyūbi's chakra** was also present."

 

Tsunade's eyes widened, her thoughts immediately shifting to **Naruto**. She knew he had a connection to Kyūbi, but the idea of both his chakra and **Yin chakra** being together in the same location set off an alarm in her mind.

 

She leaned back in her chair, exhaling sharply as she placed her hand over her face.

 

**Tsunade** (gritting her teeth): 

"*What did he do this time?*"

 

The ANBU operative stiffened slightly, sensing her irritation but continuing without hesitation.

 

**ANBU**: 

"We weren't able to get a clear visual of what was happening inside, but the chakra readings were intense. The Kurama compound is supposed to be abandoned, but something clearly occurred there. Should we proceed with an investigation, Hokage-sama?"

 

Tsunade's mind raced, and she took a moment to consider the situation. She could already feel the headache forming at the thought of dealing with Naruto's impulsive actions. Still, her duty was clear. She couldn't afford to let this slip through the cracks.

 

**Tsunade** (sighing heavily): 

"*Damn it, Naruto...*"

 

She stood up, her decision made. She needed to act fast before things spiraled further.

 

**Tsunade**: 

"Prepare a team—**Shizune**, **Kiba**, and **Neji**. We need to investigate immediately. And I want **Naruto**'s whereabouts checked. If he's involved, I don't want him causing a scene before we can get a handle on this. We're going to the Kurama compound."

 

The ANBU nodded, acknowledging her orders.

 

**ANBU**: 

"Understood, Hokage-sama. We will move out immediately."

 

Tsunade stood by her window, watching the village below. Her fingers twitched as she considered what the implications of this situation could be. Kyūbi's chakra mixed with Yin chakra… and **Naruto** was involved somehow. She clenched her fist.

 

**Tsunade** (muttering to herself): 

"He better have a damn good explanation for this…"

 

As the ANBU left to assemble the team, Tsunade quickly moved to her desk to grab a few more things before joining them. She knew things were about to get even more complicated.

 

 **Outside Kurama Compound**

 

The sky above the Kurama compound was overcast, a subtle chill riding the wind. **Tsunade** stood with her arms crossed, flanked by **Shizune**, **Neji**, **Kiba**, and a pair of elite **ANBU**. Her golden eyes narrowed as she took in the eerie stillness surrounding the once-abandoned estate.

 

Before they could move in, **Neji** raised a hand.

 

**Neji** (activating Byakugan): 

"Movement. Several individuals approaching from the west, heading straight for the compound. Chakra signatures suggest civilians—though a few have significant reserves."

 

**Tsunade** turned sharply to the direction indicated. Moments later, **a small group of Kurama clan members** appeared on the trail. Leading them was a thin, sharp-eyed man in his late forties, cloaked in rich robes and an expression of grim resolve.

 

**Unkai Kurama**, the elder and uncle of **Yakumo**.

 

He stopped at the sight of Tsunade, but his eyes didn't flinch. There was no bow, no show of respect—only cold determination.

 

**Tsunade** (authoritative): 

"Unkai Kurama. What business does the Kurama clan have at this compound, after years of abandonment?"

 

Unkai glanced at the ANBU but didn't look intimidated. Instead, he took a step forward.

 

**Unkai** (calmly): 

"We've come to ensure the suffering of our bloodline ends with dignity. The girl inside… Yakumo… she is a danger. We intend to **end her pain**, once and for all."

 

The weight of his words hit the air like a dropped blade. Shizune's eyes widened, Kiba growled under his breath, and Tsunade's face twisted with fury.

 

**Tsunade** (cold and firm): 

"'End her pain'? You mean **kill her.**"

 

Unkai didn't respond—his silence was answer enough.

 

**Tsunade** (furious): 

"She is still under the protection of this village! Your clan might have distanced themselves, but that girl is a citizen of Konoha. You move against her, and you move against me."

 

**ANBU Captain** (stepping forward): 

"Orders, Hokage-sama?"

 

**Tsunade**: 

"Intercept and disarm them. Non-lethal force unless absolutely necessary. I want Unkai detained."

 

**Unkai** (shouting): 

"You don't understand what she is! She's already falling into the same curse that took the rest of us! Ido—her other self—isn't just a side effect. It's a weapon, and it will destroy her!"

 

**Tsunade** (ice in her voice): 

"Then maybe you should have helped her heal instead of trying to silence her."

 

At her signal, ANBU moved quickly, surrounding the Kurama group. Some tried to resist, but they were swiftly subdued. Unkai was restrained, his chakra sealed.

 

As they were escorted away, he looked back one last time and said, almost in a whisper:

 

**Unkai**: 

"You won't be able to save her, Tsunade… not from what's inside."

 

Tsunade didn't flinch. She watched them disappear, then turned back toward the compound, her fists clenched.

 

**Tsunade** (to herself): 

"We'll see about that."

 

** Kurama Compound**

 

Just as **Tsunade**, her squad, and the ANBU were preparing to breach the compound gates, the doors creaked open from the inside.

 

Out walked **Naruto**, his hair slightly ruffled, his jacket loosened at the collar, and beside him, a flushed and very noticeably limping **Yakumo Kurama**, wrapped in a modest robe with her hair undone. Despite the signs of recovery, a stubborn blush rested on her cheeks.

 

**Yakumo** (grumbling under her breath, voice a low whine): 

"Even after gaining Uzumaki vitality… I'm still limping. You absolute beast."

 

**Naruto** blinked and scratched his cheek with an awkward chuckle—before both of them looked up to find themselves surrounded by **Tsunade**, **Shizune**, **Neji**, **Kiba**, and six elite **ANBU** with weapons drawn.

 

Dead. Silence.

 

**Tsunade**'s brow twitched. 

**Neji** raised an eyebrow. 

**Kiba** muttered something under his breath like, *"Holy hell…"* 

And **Shizune**—poor, loyal Shizune—was fighting back the urge to collapse into a fit of laughter, her face already twitching.

 

**Tsunade** (flatly, voice low): 

"...We sensed a sudden surge of **high Yin chakra** and **Kyūbi's chakra** from this place. Do you want to explain… *exactly* what happened here, Naruto?"

 

**Naruto**, caught like a fox in a trap, took a deep breath and stepped forward. Calm. Confident. Trying to sound like he totally wasn't just caught walking out after a soul-bending love session.

 

**Naruto**: 

"There was… a situation. Yakumo was in danger. I used my chakra to stabilize her Yin chakra—preventing a breakdown that would've harmed her and anyone nearby. I managed to… suppress the danger."

 

He carefully omitted details about the **system**, **Ame no Okimi**, or the fact he now had a **harem-building quest** under way.

 

**Yakumo** (still red): 

"He saved me. I was losing control of… *Ido.* But he grounded me. Merged us."

 

**Shizune**, meanwhile, was *vibrating* with suppressed laughter as **Ame**, through the mental link, decided to stir the pot.

 

---

 

 **Mental Link**

 

**Ame** (to both Shizune and Yakumo): 

"Well well, it seems our little hero has a *habit* of breaking girls in all the right ways. Shizune, didn't you limp for three days after your first night? Oh wait—*you screamed his name like a songbird in heat.*"

 

**Shizune** (mentally): 

*Ame, shut up! I'm trying not to burst out laughing in front of my boss!*

 

**Yakumo** (mentally, smirking): 

"Wait, you too? I thought I was the only one who lost feeling in my legs…"

 

**Ame** (giggling): 

"Please. You two are just his first steps. Soon, the village will call him 'The Casanova of Konoha.'"

 

---

 

**Tsunade**, narrowing her eyes, stepped closer and looked over Yakumo carefully—taking note of her more vibrant color, the subtle energy shift, the presence of balance between Yin and Yang chakra in her aura.

 

**Tsunade** (low voice, more serious): 

"…Her condition *has* stabilized. I don't know what you did, Naruto, but if she truly gained control of Ido… then this is something I can't overlook. But if I sense even a hint of instability…"

 

**Naruto**: 

"Then I'll take full responsibility."

 

**Yakumo** (softly): 

"I'm not a danger anymore, Tsunade-sama. Not to others, and not to myself."

 

Tsunade looked between them both, her gaze finally resting on Naruto with a mix of suspicion… and quiet understanding.

 

**Tsunade** (grumbling): 

"Fine. But you're writing a *full report*, Naruto. And you're *not* getting out of it this time."

 

**Naruto** (muttering): 

"Great… paperwork… worse than a B-rank mission."

 

---

 

As the group slowly turned to leave, Shizune nudged Naruto's arm, whispering with a knowing grin:

 

**Shizune**: 

"Next time, try not to blow up the chakra sensors when you're *'stabilizing'* someone."

 

**Naruto** (blushing): 

"Not helping…"

 ** Kurama Compound Courtyard**

 The ANBU stood at attention, Unkai restrained and kneeling, his expression unreadable. The rest of the subdued Kurama clan members lingered in the background—shocked, anxious, uncertain. All eyes turned as **Yakumo**, no longer frail, stood tall and firm before them.

 

Her light-purple robe fluttered in the breeze, chakra softly radiating around her, and the **spiral seal on her chest** beneath her clothing pulsed faintly with Uzumaki vitality. There was no trace of the broken girl from before—this was a **leader**.

 

**Yakumo** (clear, steady voice): 

"I, **Yakumo Kurama**, daughter of the last head of the Kurama clan… declare myself the new **Clan Head** as of this moment."

 

Gasps rippled among the Kurama remnants.

 

She stepped directly in front of **Unkai**, who looked up, shocked—his proud, cold face cracking ever so slightly.

 

**Yakumo** (tone tightening): 

"You tried to kill me… to 'end my suffering.' You failed to protect me, guide me, or support me. You gave up on me."

 

Her voice softened slightly—but not out of weakness.

 

**Yakumo**: 

"But because you are my uncle, I will grant you a **second chance**. If you truly regret what you've done—live, serve, and repent. If not… leave. Forever."

 

Unkai's eyes widened. He didn't speak. Yakumo turned from him before he could.

 

She turned to the gathered clan members, raising her voice for all to hear:

 

**Yakumo**: 

"From this day forward, the **Kurama Clan** will **serve and swear loyalty to the Uzumaki Clan**. Because if **Naruto Uzumaki** hadn't walked into my life… I would be nothing more than a shell."

 

She turned slightly, reaching back to take **Naruto's hand**, standing beside him with grace and boldness.

 

**Yakumo**: 

"He didn't just save me—he made me *whole*. He made me strong. And if our clan is to rise again, it will be because of him."

 

**Tsunade's Gaze – A Legacy Reborn**

 

**Tsunade** watched the scene in silence—arms folded, golden eyes unreadable. But the tension in her jaw betrayed the storm of emotion rising within.

 

Finally, she looked toward **Naruto**, who stood quietly, respectfully, and with a fire behind his eyes.

 

**Tsunade** (soft but stern): 

"…You knew?"

 

**Naruto** (nodding): 

"I know… about my **lineage**. The **Uzumaki Clan**. My **mother Kushina**. My **father Minato Namikaze**. I know everything now."

 

He met her gaze without hesitation.

 

**Naruto**: 

"And I won't let the Uzumaki name be buried in history. I'll rebuild it. Stronger than ever."

 

For a long beat, **Tsunade** said nothing. Then a slow, heavy breath escaped her lips—and she gave him a small, bittersweet smile.

 

**Tsunade**: 

"You really are your parents' son."

 

 **Mental Link: Ame's Whisper**

 

**Ame**, purring through the mental bond to Yakumo and Shizune:

 

**Ame**: 

"Mmm… I think I just got *wet* watching that power move. Our Naruto really knows how to claim his women *and* his throne…"

 

**Yakumo** (mental chuckle): 

"You're incorrigible…"

 

**Shizune** (mentally, smirking): 

"But she's not wrong."

 

** Konoha Hospital – Private Medical Bay**

 

The room was softly lit, clean, and quiet. **Yakumo** sat on the examination table in a light robe, her cheeks faintly red, while **Naruto** leaned casually against the wall with a big grin on his face. **Shizune** stood near the table, clipboard in hand, professional as always—until she noticed the amused sparkle in Naruto's eyes.

 

**Shizune** (eyebrow raised): 

"Alright, Yakumo. I'm just going to run a full vitality scan and chakra pathway analysis. You've been through a lot lately."

 

**Yakumo** nodded shyly. Naruto stepped forward and dramatically gestured between the two women like an emcee at a game show.

 

**Naruto** (grinning): 

"Shizune… meet Yakumo Kurama. My new girlfriend… and your official **little harem sister.**"

 

**Yakumo**: *"Eh!?"* 

Her face turned bright red.

 

**Shizune**, without missing a beat, gave Naruto a sweet, too-sweet smile—then **smacked him lightly on the head with her clipboard.**

 

**Shizune**: 

"*Annata*… can you not say it like that in front of a patient?"

 

**Naruto** (rubbing his head, laughing): 

"But she *is* family now, right?"

 

**Yakumo** looked at Shizune with wide eyes, still trying to process. 

Shizune sighed, then softened, putting a hand on Yakumo's shoulder.

 

**Shizune** (gently): 

"Welcome to the madness, Yakumo. Don't worry—I'll help you survive him."

 

**Yakumo** (smiling softly): 

"I think… I already started falling for the madness."

 

---

 

### **Ame's Voice in Their Minds**

 

**Ame** (teasing both): 

"Ara~ It warms my divine, naughty heart to see my beautiful girls getting along. One big, chaotic, love-powered family."

 

**Shizune** (mentally, dry): 

"She's worse than you."

 

**Yakumo** (mentally, blushing): 

"She's *you with divine powers*."

 

---

 

As Shizune began the checkup, she noted how Yakumo's once frail body had begun healing rapidly—muscle tone returning, skin glow enhanced, chakra lines vibrant.

 

**Shizune** (genuine surprise): 

"Your body's responding like a full-blooded Uzumaki now. The vitality surge is real. Your chakra system's stabilizing at a level close to elite jonin…"

 

**Naruto** (puffing out chest): 

"That's my girl."

 

**Shizune** (playfully): 

"*Our* girl."

 

**Yakumo** (turning even redder): 

"Can we stop saying that out loud… please…"

 

 ** Konoha Hospital – Private Medical Ward**

 

**Shizune** turned from the monitor, giving Naruto a soft smile.

 

**Shizune**: 

"*Annata*, can you give us a moment? I need to talk to Yakumo. Just… girl to girl."

 

**Naruto** (confused but trusting): 

"Sure thing. Don't gang up on me, alright?"

 

He winked at Yakumo, who gave a nervous nod. The door clicked softly behind him.

 

A moment of silence passed before **Shizune** set her clipboard down and sat beside **Yakumo**, her tone gentle but serious.

 

**Shizune**: 

"You know, right? He's going to have more lovers in the future."

 

Yakumo's fingers tensed slightly around the blanket in her lap. She didn't look surprised—just thoughtful.

 

**Yakumo** (quiet): 

"…Ame told me. And I felt it, too. He's not just ours. He… belongs to something *bigger*."

 

**Shizune** watched her with a slight nod, admiring the honesty.

 

**Shizune**: 

"He's not doing it for lust. It's… his heart. His legacy. His love is wide, and somehow… deep for each one of us."

 

She leaned back, smiling wryly.

 

**Shizune**: 

"I fought it, at first. Thought I was too old, too responsible. Then that idiot brought me dinner and dressed like a real human. Now he's my *annata*."

 

Yakumo smiled faintly.

 

**Yakumo**: 

"I felt like I had nothing… then he came and told me I was everything. And I believed him."

 

**Shizune**: 

"Then that's enough. As long as you can stand beside him without losing yourself… as long as you keep claiming your space in his heart… that's all that matters."

 

She gave Yakumo's hand a soft squeeze.

 

**Shizune** (teasing): 

"Besides, you've already got your brand. And that smug little glow in your cheeks says *you've marked him back*."

 

**Yakumo** (blushing, smiling shyly): 

"…Maybe."

 

---

 

### **Ame, Whispering in Their Minds**

 

**Ame** (sultry, affectionate): 

"Mmm, my girls talking like true queens of his heart. You're not rivals. You're his constellation—each a star that makes him burn brighter."

 

 Hospital Corridor – Afternoon Light Filters In**

 

**Naruto** leaned casually against the wall just outside the ward, arms crossed, waiting patiently but clearly curious. The door opened, and **Shizune** stepped out with a small, knowing smile. **Yakumo** followed behind her, her steps steady, her expression warm and softer than before.

 

**Naruto** (grinning): 

"So… I'm not in trouble, right?"

 

**Shizune** gave him a light pat on the chest.

 

**Shizune**: 

"You're safe. For now."

 

**Yakumo** looked up at him, the faintest pink on her cheeks, and nodded quietly.

 

Naruto looked at both of them, serious for just a heartbeat. His eyes, no longer just the goofy ones from before, now carried purpose—softened by care, sharpened by responsibility.

 

**Naruto** (gently): 

"Both of you… come with me tomorrow evening. Outside the village."

 

They blinked at him, slightly surprised.

 

**Yakumo**: 

"For… what?"

 

**Naruto** (smiling with a flicker of mischief): 

"You'll see. Just trust me."

 

**Shizune** raised an eyebrow.

 

**Shizune**: 

"This isn't another 'homemade dinner nearly blew up the kitchen' moment, right?"

 

**Naruto** laughed.

 **Naruto**: 

"No explosions. Promise."

 

**Yakumo**, eyes twinkling a little more boldly now, tilted her head.

 

**Yakumo**: 

"Should we wear something special?"

 

**Naruto** (with a wink): 

"Something comfortable… and maybe something that makes me forget to breathe for a second."

 **Shizune** and **Yakumo** exchanged amused glances. Even in the growing chaos of Naruto's evolving destiny, some moments were simple… and simply perfect.

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