NOTAKING
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Chapter 6
🕑 Added 2025-04-04 00:15:54 +0000 UTCKushina found herself inhaling his scent without thinking, her senses suddenly overwhelmed by the faint mix of soap, sweat, and something distinctly masculine. A strange pulse coursed through her body—an electric tingle that spread from her core to the tips of her fingers. It was unfamiliar, and before she could process what was happening, her body reacted on its own.
Then it hit her.
Her eyes widened in horror as she realized where she was—kneeling in front of him, her forehead pressing against his crotch.
Her entire body locked up as if frozen in time. A sharp gasp escaped her lips before she shot backward, nearly toppling over as her hands flew to her burning face.
“Y-you…!” she sputtered, voice cracking slightly. She could barely form words, the heat of embarrassment consuming her entirely.
Travis, ever the troublemaker, simply smirked. “Well, good morning to you too.”
Her eye twitched at his teasing, and in an instant, she was back on her feet, fists clenched. “Don’t you dare say another word about this, you bastard!”
Travis merely chuckled, sidestepping as she took another swing at him. Their bickering continued for a while, with Kushina’s rage-fueled embarrassment fueling her attacks and Travis dodging each one effortlessly. Eventually, the commotion settled, and soon after, the two found themselves at a noodle shop, sitting side by side at the counter.
Steam rose from their bowls as the morning bustle of the town filled the air. Travis picked up his chopsticks and took a bite, savoring the flavor. “These taste nice, don’t they?” he asked casually.
Kushina, still irritated, scoffed and looked away. “Don’t talk to me.”
That only made Travis chuckle.
As she ate, she found herself deep in thought, her mind drifting back to that odd sensation she had felt earlier.
‘What was that feeling…?’ she wondered, her chopsticks slowing as a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
Travis noticed her distracted state but chose not to comment on it. Instead, he leaned back slightly, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. “So, tell me about yourself, Kushina. I’ve always wanted to know the backstory of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.”
Kushina shot him a wary look, slurping her noodles before responding. “What’s it to you?”
“Just curious,” Travis said with a shrug. “I like knowing more about the people I’m traveling with.”
She exhaled through her nose, hesitating for a moment before setting her chopsticks down. “Well… I was born in Uzushiogakure, the land of the Uzumaki Clan. But our village was destroyed, so I was sent to Konoha when I was young.”
Travis listened intently, nodding as she continued.
“They made me the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki because I’m an Uzumaki. Our clan is known for our strong chakra and sealing techniques, so I was a good fit for the role.” Her voice carried a hint of bitterness. “It wasn’t my choice, but I didn’t have a say in it.”
Travis swirled his noodles around with his chopsticks. “Must’ve been tough, huh?”
Kushina paused, looking at him from the corner of her eye. Most people either pitied her or treated her as a ticking time bomb. But Travis’s tone was different—curious, but not judgmental.
“…Yeah,” she admitted, leaning back slightly. “But I’m strong. Stronger than most people think.”
Travis grinned. “Oh, I know that much already.”
Kushina blinked, surprised by the confidence in his voice. For some reason, hearing that made her heart beat just a little faster. She quickly looked away, shoving another mouthful of noodles into her mouth to hide her expression.
The two spent the day exploring the town, wandering through bustling streets filled with vendors selling everything from colorful trinkets to sizzling street food. They laughed as they tried different snacks, Kushina playfully shoving a dango stick in Travis’s mouth while he retaliated by teasing her about her love for ramen.
As they walked along the riverbank, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and violet, Kushina found herself talking more freely than ever before. She shared stories about her childhood, her frustrations, and even the loneliness she had felt growing up as a Jinchūriki.
Travis listened, occasionally cracking jokes to keep the mood light, but he also offered words that stuck with her—words that made her feel truly seen. Before she knew it, something had shifted inside her. The way she looked at him now wasn’t just as a companion or a strong ally. He had become something… more. Something important.
And that scared her a little.
Night fell, and the two returned to the hotel. They sat across from each other, a few empty bottles of sake between them. Kushina was laughing, her cheeks flushed a deep red as the alcohol took full effect. Travis, on the other hand, remained completely sober—his body’s resistance to toxins making it impossible for him to get drunk. Still, he enjoyed the moment, watching her loosen up and drop the tough act she usually wore.
“You’re really enjoying yourself, huh?” he mused, smirking as she took another sip.
“Mmmhmm…” she hummed, leaning back against the wall. Her hair spilled over her shoulders as she stretched, her body language completely relaxed. “Feels good. No stress. Just… nice.”
Then, to his surprise, she started tugging at her clothes.
Travis raised an eyebrow as she carelessly discarded her top, then her shorts, until she was lying completely bare on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
“…Feels better,” she mumbled, her voice thick with drunkenness.
Travis exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. ‘Damn it, she’s too hot for her own good.’
He forced himself to look away, resisting the very natural urge to admire her toned, curvy figure. Instead, he grabbed the half-empty bottle from her hands, placing it on the nightstand.
“You should really get to bed,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Nooo,” she whined, rolling onto her side. “I don’t wanna sleep.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, you’ll regret this in the morning.”
Kneeling beside the bed, he pulled the blanket over her body, making sure she was covered before she did anything else that would tempt him further. Then, with a light tap on her forehead, her eyes fluttered closed, and she was out like a light.
Travis sighed, running a hand through his hair.
‘Man… she’s hot.’
Shaking his head, he stood up and turned away, knowing it was going to be a long night trying to keep his thoughts in check.
TO BE CONTINUED
