[ I HAVE AN ORIGINAL STORY CALLED: Cursed Beauty!
It's a secret fanfiction of this book. TaniaJanae923
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Chapter 20: The Prince Who Fell For Nia
"See? I told you, Naruto." Nia, who had spotted an injured boy in a forest, said, "I knew I saw someone. He's injured, so we're going to need to carry him into the cave we're resting in since there's not a village in sight and all my bandages and such are back over there."
"Say no more," The blonde managed to get the boy to get on his back, "Up you go. Let's get going now, Curly Brow. He's unconscious... but I think we can help him in time if we pick up the pace."
As they went on their way, the boy they had found suddenly winced. However, he quickly went back to being unable to move and was unconscious. When all three made it to where the cave was located, Nia did her work as she tended to the boy's wounds on his body.
"You think he's gonna make it?" Naruto asked as he had brought a bucket of water to the girl.
Nia took the washcloth out from it, squeezed it, then began to wipe the sweat off the wounded boy's face as he then began to pant very heavily.
"He'll be okay. His injuries aren't super serious so he's not going to die or anything."
"I wonder what happened... who attacked him?" The blonde just kept his eye on the boy who appeared to be an older teen.
Moments later, as Nia continued to bandage the young man up, he winced once more and began to slowly open his eyes as they were revealed to be that of a dark green color.
"Oh thank goodness, you're awake." He could hear Nia's voice as she was relieved the boy had regained consciousness, "Don't worry, you're safe now. I've mended your wounds."
"Hm?" The young man's eyes began to focus on Nia as he was looking at the face of his rescuer.
He then slowly sat up as he looked at his hands in shocked, "I-I'm... alive?"
"Mhm, we found you unconscious outside and quickly brought you here. You'll be just fine."
"Goodness gracious," He spoke with an accent as he then cupped the girl's hands in his own and bowed his head, "You saved me... how could I ever repay you for your kind deed, madam?"
"Madam?" The kunoichi sweatdropped.
"Hey! What about me?!" Naruto felt he should get some credit also, "I carried you all the way over here, ya know?"
"Lovely maiden who mended my wounds," The young man ignored him as the genin then dramatically tipped over, "May I ask for your name?"
"Nia..." She answered hesitantly.
"Nia..." The green-eyed boy repeated, "What a lovely name you have. I go by the name of Akihiko Katsuro. I am the first and only son of Akihiro Katsuro."
"Hey... that name... isn't this Akihiro guy a feudal lord?" Naruto seemed to recognize the name.
"Yes," Akihiko nodded, "Or at least... he was a feudal lord. My father... a few years back... was slaughtered."
"Slaughtered?"
"Yes... some guy killed him with a single swing of his large sword. The thing looked like it was alive. The guy himself looked like some kind of shark with his blue skin and overall facial features."
"Hold on, did you catch this guy's name?" The blonde asked as he began to suspect who the killer was based on the guy's description of his appearance.
Akihiko shook his head, "No... all I know is that he murdered my father and fleed the country. I've seen his picture in a bingo book however as a missing-nin. Apparently he's in some criminal group known as The Akatsuki last time I heard."
"The Akatsuki?!" The blonde's suspicions were confirmed, "Akihiko, I know who murdered your father. He's some creep named Kisame or whatever. Some of my friends at the Hidden Leaf fought with this guy before, ya know."
"Is that so?" The brown-haired man then attempted to stand, "Then so he lives... I must go off and continue on my journey to avenge my father."
"You can't," Nia helped the boy with his balance as he placed his hand on the bandages wrapped around his stomach before he fell onto a knee, "You need to let your body have some time to heal and rest. If you keep moving the way you are, your wounds may reopen and you'll bleed to death."
Akihiko continued to be in pain and gritted his teeth, "I... had recently escaped my responsibilities as the new feudal lord a few days ago and sought after the man who murdered my late father, but... as I had became exhausted and took a short break, I was attacked by several ninja who mistaken me for their enemy and vanished as soon as they realized I was not their target."
"Oh man... talk about bad luck. You were at the wrong place at the wrong time." Naruto gave his sympathy.
"Yeah," Nia agreed, "It's a good thing we found you when we did or else you'd probably be dead by now."
Suddenly, Akihiko gazed the girl deeply in her dark brown eyes and squeezed her hand.
"Young maiden... I have also been on a journey to search for a lovely lady who'll have my children..." He told her earnestly, "Since you have so graciously saved me from death, I hereby must ask for your hand in marriage. For you are beautiful indeed."
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Naruto's eyes nearly came out of its sockets as he heard the proposal.
"Me? Beautiful?" Nia began to blush as Akihiko nodded his head, "And you wish for me to become your wife? Wouldn't that make me a-"
"Yes. You shall be queen and shall have my children as we'll raise them to be great princes and princesses." The handsome young man then kissed the girl's hand as she became extremely flustered by the gesture.
"Me a queen? I mean I couldn't possibly-"
"HOLD ON A SECOND!" Naruto suddenly came in between the two as his interruption caused Akihiko to be forced to let go of Nia, "YOU CAN'T JUST CLAIM HER AS YOURS ALL OF A SUDDEN!"
"Pardon me. You must be her lover then I take it? My humblest apologies, good sir."
"L-Lover?" Nia looked up at the blonde as her cheeks became red.
"GWAAAH! THAT'S NOT IT!" Naruto immediately became embarrassed and denied everything.
"It's not...?" Nia seemed to be upset with this and lowered her eyes.
"Come on Curly Brow, don't give me that look," The blonde then tried to console her though he didn't know what bothered her, "You're killing me over here."
"I see..." Akihiko then pushed Naruto out of his way and once more held onto the kunoichi's hands.
"Then... you shall become my wife then?" He gazed deeply into her eyes again as Nia was flattered that such an attractive guy had found her desirable so suddenly, "Become my wife and settle down with me, Miss Nia."
"How old are you?" The girl chuckled as she sweat dropped.
"I shall be eighteen in that of one month, my maiden."
"HEY!" The genin got back up and interrupted the two for a second time, "You have some nerve pushing me outta the way like that, ya know!"
"If you wish to fight for the maiden's heart, then I shall grant you permission to fight me for her love!"
"Great cause the only thing I wanna do right now is slam my fist against your fa-uwaaah!"
The back of the genin's collar was pulled as Jiraiya had restrained him from attacking an injured young lad who was once more wincing as Nia then got him to sit once more.
"You'll have to forgive Naruto here..." He apologized for his student's behavior, "He can get a bit protective when it comes to Nia, you see..."
"Jiraiya-sensei!" Nia was glad to see the sannin, "Thank goodness, you're back. While you were away, we found this feudal lord all beaten up and unconscious. Naruto and I figured we'd take him here so we can help him have a great recovery."
"I see... a feudal lord, huh?" He examined the young man, "Aren't you a bit too young to be such a thing? You're carrying a lot of responsibility on your shoulders."
"Indeed I do... However, since my father was killed, I mustn't be the one to take the mantle until I find the one who has slaughtered him and take him down!" The boy replied.
He then looked to Nia once more and stared at her hips before placing his hand on it and stroking it.
"Yes... when I touch you, I can feel you have curvy hips. Good, Good... you should have no problem carrying my children, Miss Nia."
His eyes then quickly caught sight of her breasts and without hesitation, he used his free hand to grope one of them.
"Hmm... Double D's..." He squeezed it a few times in order to get a feel on their size, "Your large breasts should be able to nourish our twenty babies plenty."
"KYAAA!" Nia freaked out as Naruto quickly pulled her away from the guy and wrapped his arms around her protectively.
"YOU DIRTY PERVERT!" The genin's face became red with fury as he slammed his fist against Akihiko's head, "I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE INJURED OR A FEUDAL LORD OR WHATEVER! DON'T EVER TOUCH HER LIKE THAT AGAIN, YA HEAR?!"
Though a large bump was growing atop the feudal lord's head, as Naruto kept Nia in his arms, the brown-haired boy was able to get another view of the girl.
"EEEK!" The kunoichi shrieked again as she felt Akihiko's hand then rubbing her bottom.
"What the?!" The blonde also noticed this too as it was happening.
"Yes... you're already prepared to carry my children indeed. As soon as we marry, the lovemaking shall begin." The feudal lord was pleased.
"GIVE IT A REST ALREADY, WOULD YA?!" Naruto gently moved Nia out of the way and rammed his foot against the man's face leaving a large red sandal print on it, "I'LL KILL YOU!"
Akihiko laid flat on his back as black swirls were in place of where his eyes once were.
"Such daring and bold moves..." Jiraiya cupped his chin as he seemed impressed by Akihiko's straightforwardness, "You should become my student as well. As your master, I'll teach you everything I know about women and how to win the affection of whomever your attracted to, my friend."
"RRRGH! THAT'S NOT HAPPENING, PERVY SAGE!" Naruto was extremely displeased from what the sannin had said.
Jiraiya only sighed and crossed his arms. As he did this, the genin checked on the girl to make sure she was okay.
A few hours then passed as Nia did her best to care for the young lord while he was recovering. As afternoon came to be, she helped him out of the cave and gave a helping hand to him so that he'd be able to walk properly again in a large field of grass.
"You are kind indeed," Akihiko told her as his arm was around her shoulder and Nia's was around his waist as to help him stand, "Far kinder than most women I've come across."
"No, I don't consider myself kind," Nia disagreed, "I was only kind as a child but my heart was churned black once I reached my teenage years... I don't believe myself to be kind, Sir."
"Please, call me Akihiko. No need to be formal."
"Right. Akihiko..." The girl said his name as she continued helping him the way she was.
Not too far from them, Naruto glared at the young feudal lord as he leaned his back against a tree with his arms crossed.
"Rrr... This guy really gets on my nerves. Every time you or I try to help him, he just refuses to do anything unless Curly Brow is the one to do it." He pouted.
"What do you expect, Kid?" Jiraiya chuckled, "He obviously wants her to help him so he can persuade her into marrying him and having these children he's so bent on having."
"Can't he go marry and have children with someone else?"
"I don't know, Naruto. Ever since he showed up and started trying to pull the moves on Nia, you've been getting very upset over it. Don't tell me you're jealous..."
"What? Why would I care?!" He denied quickly, "I don't have feelings for Curly Brow so I don't-"
"Oh! They're kissing!" The sannin interrupted and pointed at the two.
"WHAAAT?! NO WAY!" Naruto immediately fell for the lie and became furious, "THEY BETTER NOT BE OR I'LL- Eh?"
When his eyes spotted the two, he only saw as they were sitting on the grass, taking a break.
"Just kidding!" Jiraiya laughed as the blonde then directed his anger on him.
"Pervy Sage, don't scare me like that, ya know!"
"Why so scared? Thought Nia was gonna be taken away from you, Naruto? You in love with her?" He teased.
"That's not it," He denied again as his cheeks became a rosy red and he averted his eyes, "I just really care about who Curly Brow associates with. I don't want anyone hurting her feelings, okay?"
"Sure..." Jiraiya smiled to himself as he knew the truth of it all.
You really mustn't want me to bug you about this... seeing as this is a shadow clone with me and the real you is hiding behind the bushes behind those guys and eavesdropping on their conversation.
"So you feel lonely, Miss Nia?" Akihiko asked after the kunoichi had told him a bit about her past and herself since he had told her about his first.
"Do I... look lonely?" The girl appeared to be a bit perturbed.
"You sound terribly lonely, my lovely maiden. You've been treated with such undeserved cruelty. No one should have to feel the way you do. I'm sorry you've been put down simply for the looks you were born with."
Nia only lowered her eyes as the original Naruto kept a close eye on her from behind the bushes.
Poor Curly Brow... this guy is making her feel all upset by making her explain and remember such sadness in her life. She's so vulnerable... Someone like that guy can't possibly make her feel safe, needed and loved. I'm the only one who can do such a thing for her.
"I see how deeply you've been wounded from such undeserving men who couldn't possibly understand that you're worth is far more than that of gold just by looking in your eyes," Akihiko spoke as he reached for Nia's hand on the ground and gently placed his on hers and squeezed it softly, "If you shall wed me, I'll give you the love you've always dreamed of with a man. I shall cherish you, love you, and protect you until the day my bones rot in the soil of this Earth."
'This guy really has some nerve grabbing her hand and sweet talking her like that' Naruto thought as he frowned, 'Argh! How annoying! I'm the only one Curly Brow should feel the need to express her feelings too! Not this perverted guy!'
"Akihiko," He then heard Nia talk and listened, "I... appreciate that you find me so attractive and desirable. I... am really glad you don't have any life threatening injuries and that you'll be back on your feet not too long from now. I... also thank you for your proposal. However-"
"Surely you'll come live with me," The guy tried to persuade the kunoichi as he made her look deeply into his green eyes, "For if you do, you shall have others bow down to you and treat you with the finest luxury and riches. No more will you have to be lonely as I will be your husband and will father our children."
The girl once more lowered her eyes, "Will... others be cruel to me? Will they try to make you feel ashamed for being with someone who looks like me?"
"My dearest, once they listen to how you've mended my wounds and saved my life, no one shall dare question my reasoning for falling in love with you. Even if they do, I shall throw them into prison for speaking so ill of their queen," The feudal lord answered as he then raised the girl's hand until he was holding it between each of their chests, "Miss Nia, you must hurry along with me and have my children. For when I saw that it was you who tended so kindly to my injuries, I knew you were the only one for me."
'This guy doesn't even know Curly Brow and yet he's trying so hard to get her to be his! "I'll give you the love you've always dreamed of with a man,"' The blonde imitated the guy's voice in a mocking way as he didn't like what he was saying to the kunoichi, 'Bleh! Talk about being desperate! There's no way I'll let him earn her love! No one gets to earn her love just like that! I won't let him take her away from me, ya know! Curly Brow is too precious, too fragile! I'm the only one who can protect her!'
"But... we barely know each other, Akihiko. Don't you think we should-"
"Miss Nia!" The unruly-haired boy pulled the girl into a hug, "You must be my wife! You are beautiful!"
'GUAH!' Naruto freaked out as he witnessed what happened, 'HE'S HUGGING HER!'
His teeth then crashed into each other and his fists curled into a ball as a vein throbbed from his temple.
Rrrr... That little... I swear I'll be his worst nightmare if he keeps this up!
Getting ready to make his presence known behind the bushes, the genin then heard Nia reply:
"You... really think I'm beautiful?" She seemed a bit too touched all while this had cause his heart to drop.
"Yes," Akihiko kept her in his arms, "Others may say otherwise, but in my eyes, you are like a diamond in a ruff, my dearest. Truly the very definition of beautiful."
"Akihiko..." There was no mistaking Nia was completely flattered and pleased to hear such words.
Watching them with a wounded heart, Naruto lowered his eyes.
Curly Brow...
"So Miss Nia, will you come live with me and have my children in my village? Will you be my queen?" The feudal lord asked one last time.
Not wanting to hear what Nia's answer would be as he believed he knew what it would be, Naruto took off in silence as he left the two to be alone.
When Jiraiya saw him, the blonde walked with his head down and his hands in his pockets. From the expression on his face, Jiraiya figured he had been seriously hurt or at least, very conflicted.
The clone that had been next to him disappeared as the real boy was heading towards his master.
"Hey kid, so how did it go? Is she staying with-"
"She's... leaving me," He answered as an obvious ache was in his tone, "She doesn't wanna... be by my side anymore."
"What? So you mean she accepted his proposal just like that? He's only known her for a few hours."
"Apparently, all it takes to win her over is for a guy to think and say she's beautiful for her to be all over him. Just a bit of sweet talking..." The blonde concluded, "Not to mention, he's richer and of higher status than me. He's much taller and older than her too."
"You sure she agreed though? She chose him over you just like that?" Jiraiya couldn't believe his ears, "I was sure she liked you."
"Curly Brow doesn't like me... and I don't like her," The genin continued to walk pass his master, "Sakura is the only girl for me. I want her to be my girlfriend... not Curly Brow."
With that, Naruto wandered elsewhere to be alone all while Jiraiya gave him a sympathetic look as he left.
I'm sorry... Naruto...
Meanwhile, where Akihiko and Nia were, the girl gently pulled away from the hug as she was uncomfortable with what he did yet didn't want to be rude.
"So... have you decide to wed me?" The feudal lord asked once more.
Nia lowered her gaze to the grass, "I'm sorry... but I have to decline, Akihiko. I can't be your wife."
"And why not, Miss Nia?" The guy became quite disappointed, "I'd make a perfect husband for you. I can take care of you."
"I know... you have that ability... seeing as your rich. And you're incredibly handsome, well-mannered, and you're practically a king, but... even so..."
Nia's mind began to wander as she thought about the object of her affection.
"I still must decline!" She then babbled as her face became red, "And that's because... I'm... I think... I MIGHT LIKE SOMEONE ELSE!"
Akihiko slightly frowned.
"I see... so someone else has already swept you off your feet..."
"Well... I'm not really sure... it could be just a phase... Anyway... I... realize I'm starting to care for him and It... wouldn't be fair to you if I were to become your wife but have feelings for another man and to only think of him constantly and long for his affection instead of yours... please... forgive me."
Akihiko only stood up, surprising Nia as she believed he needed more time to heal.
"No... forgive me. I've wasted your time by pretending to be more injured than I actually was so I could convince you to marry me then carry my children." He told her, "I see the blonde boy has already captured your affection and love."
"H-Hold on! I never said anything like that! He's totally just a friend and that's it!" Nia was embarrassed.
Akihiko nodded as the girl placed her hands over her face.
Oh my gosh! Would that mean Naruto knows how I'm starting to feel too?! Oh my goodness... I'm screwed! I'm totally screwed! Haa... how embarrassing...
"Miss Nia... before I take my leave, may I ask why you choose the blonde over me? I'm a feudal lord which means I'm rich and will be able to do much more for you. I believe that-"
"Stuff like that... doesn't matter to me as much." The girl interrupted, "I... wanna be with someone for who they are instead of what they got, what class they're in, and how much money they have."
"Hm, I see..." Akihiko turned his back toward the girl, "Well then... I shall be on my way then. Kisame was his name, was it? I shall continue my search for this man who has slain my father."
"But, are you sure?! I've heard the Akatsuki are a group of powerful individuals! They'll kill you!"
"I'd rather die trying to avenge my father then to sit on a throne doing absolutely nothing..."
"Nia's right. You'd best leave the Akatsuki to us Hidden Leaf shinobi," Jiraiya approached the two, "We'll avenge your father for you. You just focus on ruling your country like you're supposed to."
"No, I must do so myself. How can I trust that the Leaf will be able to keep their promises?"
"We've already taken down two of the members I believe. Just those two were a handful according to my friends who fought them and we have already fought against this Kisame guy you're after two times at least. He's not going to be easy to take down. Besides, you probably wouldn't be a live if we didn't have the heart to mend your wounds. All I ask is for your trust, my friend."
Akihiko thought to himself for a moment before saying:
"Fine then. I need to do some training of my own so I'll give you shinobi two years. If you happen to do kill this man, I'll be expecting a scroll from you all. I am the feudal lord of the Hidden Steam."
"The Hidden Steam, got it." Jiraiya locked that into his memory.
Unexpectedly, the man then grabbed ahold of Nia's hands once more.
"I shall meet you again, my love. I feel it in my bones. If you shall get tired of this man you love, you can always come to the Hidden Steam where I shall wait for you for the rest of my life. Farewell, Miss Nia and thank you!"
With that, he disappeared in a cloud of smoke as Nia's eyes just turned into two black dots.
"You're in love with someone?" Jiraiya gave a knowing smile, "Could that person be Naruto perhaps?"
"KYAAAA!" Steam pushed out of her face as she then waved her arms up and down in a blurred motion, "I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT GUY WAS TALKING ABOUT! I'M NOT IN LOVE WITH ANYONE!"
The sannin sweat dropped.
What do you know... she turned him down... I guess she really must be developing feelings for that knucklehead...
"Nia... why don't you go see Naruto?" He then spoke, "He's been sulking ever since Akihiko had been hitting on you..."
"Huh?" The kunoichi's heart skipped a beat, "Why would... he be sulking over that?"
"Just come with me..." The sannin turned around and began walking as Nia quickly followed him.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a place where Naruto was simply sitting against a tree as he stared out into the lake ahead of him. One knee was up while he rested his forearm atop of that knee.
I don't get it... how could Curly Brow leave me so quickly? Did I really mean nothing to her? Did she really leave my side cause that guy had more money and was a feudal lord? Haaa... maybe I was too insensitive... What did I do wrong? Why am I so hurt about her leaving when I like Sakura?
"You see him?" Jiraiya pointed at the genin, "He may not act like it all the time, but I believe he needs you by his side, Nia. Otherwise, he'll just mope around like this."
'Naruto...' Nia observed the boy as she was stunned to see him look so sad over her.
Gathering the courage within herself, the girl came out of hiding and slowly approached the sulking boy.
"Naruto?" She called his name as she casually sat right next to him.
Startled, the genin moved aside a few inches as he looked at the girl with widened eyes.
"C-Curly Brow? What the heck? What're you doing over here? I thought you went off to be with that Akihiko guy? Wait, are you here to say goodbye to me?"
"No way," The girl told him, "I don't wanna say goodbye to you. You know how much that'd hurt me to do such a thing?"
Hearing this, Naruto's eyes began to light up, "Y-You mean you-"
"Mhm. I rejected the proposal. I... would much rather stay by your side, Naruto..."
"No way..." He couldn't believe his ears, "You'll... stay with me?"
"If... you'll let me..." Nia began to blush all while giving him a warm smile.
For the next few seconds, Naruto continued to just stare in disbelief at the girl before he gave in to his relief and quickly embraced her in a hug.
"Curly Brow!" He had a large smile on his face as he nuzzled his cheeks against her own.
Oh man! She wants to still stay by me! I can't believe it! Thank goodness...
Watching from a distance, Jiraiya was only relieved to see Naruto cheered back up.
Could those two really be... no... it's just too fast...
With that situation having been taken care of, days had passed as the sannin decided it was time to head back to the Leaf after having been training the two genin and getting them to improve their skills as shinobi. In this period of time, the teens had grew to have a more healthy relationship as friends though they'd still have their moments where they would argue and bicker.
Times like... now.
"GWAAH! MY RAMEN!" A sudden scream came out from Naruto as he stared in horror when his cupped ramen had fallen into some mud.
"I... I'm so sorry." Nia apologized as she had incidentally bumped into the blonde after tripping over a stick that was lying around the ground, "I tripped. I hope you can forgive-"
"Well good morning, Curly Brow!" The genin became angry as fire were in his eyes, "Now that you're awake, you can pay attention to where your walking so you don't fall and knock people's cup ramen out of their hands, ya know!"
"I'm sorry," She apologized again as she winced and struggled to stand up, "It really was unintentional. I know your ramen is important to you. I'll make it up to you, okay?"
As he heard the two behind him, Jiraiya turned around to see that Nia's knee had been scraped rather badly as blood was quickly pouring down her leg. Her wound was a bit wide and it affected the way she walked.
However, due to being overly worried about his food, Naruto didn't seem to notice the injury Nia had taken after her fall.
"Shame on you, Naruto," The sannin shook his head as he approached the kunoichi while taking some medicine and bandages out from his clothing, "Nia's knee is wounded pretty bad and all you can think about is how your precious ramen fell in some mud."
"Hm?" This caught the boy's attention as he watched Nia sit down and brought her knee to her chest as it trembled slightly, "You're hurt, Curly Brow?"
The kunoichi winced before saying, "No, I'll be just fine. This is just a scratch."
"That looks more of a gash than a scratch. It's a bad scrape nonetheless." Jiraiya commented, "If Akihiko was here with us, he'd been more worried about your poor injury instead of some cup ramen spilling into some mud."
"Hey!" The blonde became annoyed, "You throwing some shade or something at me, Pervy Sage?!"
"I'm just saying it as it is," Jiraiya poured some water into a cloth so he could tend to Nia's wound, "Now then, let's clean this wound and get you all patched up so we can keep walking."
However, just as he was about to make contact with Nia's bare leg, Naruto suddenly felt an intensive surge of instinct wash over him and almost angrily, he slapped away Jiraiya's hand just before he could make contact with the girl.
"Don't touch her!" He raised his voice as the two people with him just looked at him with perplexed faces.
"Naru...to?" Nia could only feel her face heat up as the genin seemed to be quite bothered over how someone other than himself was going to feel on the girl's skin.
Jiraiya only chuckled, "If you're that overly protective of her, I guess that leaves me no choice but to hand this rag over to you, kid."
Realizing the awkward situation he put himself in, Naruto couldn't really find anything to excuse himself of his sudden behavior.
"I... uh... just let me take care of her, Pervy Sage."
"She's all yours." The man gave the clean rag to the blonde as he began wiping the blood off of Nia's leg and cleaning the blood around the wound.
"You... really don't have to do this for me, Naruto. I can do it myself. You can keep searching for your noodle cup." Nia told him as she couldn't help but be flustered over the ninja touching her sensitive leg.
The genin only refused, "No, your knee is all banged up. I'll be the one to help you. I don't want anyone else touching you, all right?"
"S-Sure." Nia could only keep getting redder and redder.
As this was happening, Jiraiya was relieved that the two were doing better at setting their differences aside and not bickering as much.
Good... no arguing... I may be able to get through the day without a single headache.
"Curly Brow," Naruto then grabbed some gauze and began to wrap it around her knee gently, "Erm... I didn't realize you were hurt. I'm... really sorry."
The kunoichi looked downward disappointedly as she replied softly, "I do wish... I was a bit more important to you than your ramen. Ramen doesn't have emotions like I do, it can't get hurt like I can, and it certainly can't die like I can. I hope... I'm not coming across as mean or whiny when I say this, but... after seeing how you responded, I feel as though that if ramen and I were to be thrown off a cliff, you'd rescue your favorite meal..."
"I don't blame you for thinking that." Jiraiya nodded his head in agreement.
"Come on guys, you know that isn't true!" Naruto denied.
"Akihiko, on the other hand, would've jumped for Nia without a doubt." The sannin then gave his opinion as this quickly got on the genin's nerves.
"WOULD YOU QUIT BRINGING HIM UP ALREADY?!" The boy lashed out, "THAT GUY DOESN'T CARE FOR CURLY BROW AS MUCH AS I DO!"
Again, Jiraiya and Nia only looked at the genin with dumbfounded expressions.
Continuing wrapping the bandaging on the girl, Naruto, trying to calm himself, only told her, "Listen Curly Brow, I love ramen, but I'd never place it above your very own well being. As for that Akihiko guy... you did the right thing by not running off with him."
As he finished tending to the kunoichi's wound, the blonde placed a hand on her leg and began softly rubbing it up and down as if he was stroking it.
"He can't protect you as well as I can." He declared, "It bothers me that you may have second thoughts about staying by our side because of what just happened, ya know?"
Boldly, Nia placed her hand atop of the boy's.
"I'm not going anywhere. I do wanna stay with you guys... I just... wanna feel as though I'm more important to you than ramen one of these days, Naruto."
The genin responded by switching his hand atop of hers before squeezing it slightly, "You are important, Curly Brow."
Hearing this, Nia smiled to herself as she was too flattered to look the ninja in the eye.
"Now, get on." Naruto turned his back toward her and kneeled down with his hands behind him, "You shouldn't put pressure on that busted knee of yours or else you'll start bleeding again. I'll carry you instead, all right?"
"But... your ramen..."
"Forget the ramen already. It's long gone. Let me help you, ya know."
"Well... okay... if you say so." Nia then nervously climbed onto the ninja's back and held onto his shoulders as he stood up and bounced up so he could get a better grip of the girl.
'He's being incredibly nice to me right now...' She next thought as she was feeling cared for.
Noticing her giddy attitude, Jiraiya teased by saying, "Nia, you're face is all red. Don't tell me you're blushing?"
"Kya! Who's blushing?! I'm not blushing! I'm just... I'm just feeling a bit cold. The cold weather is making my face red!" Nia flat out denied and freaked out as Naruto looked over his shoulder.
"What would you be blushing for...? Is it cause I'm carrying you? Could Pervy Sage be right about you liking me?" He asked cluelessly.
"NOOO!" Nia just became embarrassed and squirmed around, "That's not it at all! It's cold, okay?! It's cold!"
"Curly Brow, settle down or I'll lose my grip! I was kidding, ya know!
Jiraiya shook his head, crossed his arms, and sighed, "You two really are hopeless, you know that?"
---
As for MMD, I had one for you, but there was this HILARIOUS spongebob anime opening that came out a few days ago and I just HAVE to show it to you guys if you haven't already heard of it.
I have seen the first opening back in the summer, but in case you haven't, here it is:
And the one that I watched that just recently came out, is this one LMAO! It's so funny 😂😂😂
Anyways, thanks so much for reading! Please comment and vote and have a great night everyone ❤️
QOTD:
1. Fave Part?
2. Fave Line?
3. What you think of Akihiko? Lol