NOTAKING
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Chapter 4
🕑 Added 2025-04-02 18:40:56 +0000 UTCTravis walked through the dimly lit streets of Konoha, the cool night air brushing against his skin as he made his way back to his apartment. The village had quieted down, only a few shinobi patrolling the area while the occasional lantern flickered in the distance. His boots made a soft thud against the wooden flooring as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.
With a deep breath, he stretched his arms before collapsing onto the couch, sinking into its plush cushions. His crimson eyes flickered with thought as he stared at the ceiling, processing everything that had just transpired.
The tailed beast… The Three-Tails.
He hadn’t made that proposal to Hiruzen without purpose, but now that he was back in the solitude of his home, the weight of his actions settled on him. He never intended to completely disrupt the timeline of this world—not permanently, at least. There was something satisfying about watching things unfold naturally, but at the same time, he wasn’t about to let that stop him from getting what he wanted.
That’s when it hit him.
‘Wait… I have plot manipulation.’
A smirk tugged at his lips. He didn’t need to worry about ruining the timeline. He could simply adjust it so that when he left and allowed the world to undergo a natural time skip, everything would realign with the canon story. Naruto would still exist. Minato would still die heroically. The Akatsuki would still form.
‘I’ll make it so that when I leave, things naturally correct themselves. Naruto will still be born, but with a different mother—another Uzumaki who was a jinchūriki before him. That makes sense. The timeline stays intact, and I get what I want.’
Satisfied with his decision, Travis sat up, rolling his shoulders as anticipation bubbled within him.
‘Now, time to go meet Kushina… my beloved.’
His smirk widened as he stood, adjusting his coat before heading for the door. The night was still young, and there was work to be done.
At dawn, Travis made his way to the Hokage Tower, the village just beginning to stir as the first rays of sunlight painted the rooftops in a golden hue. He moved with purpose, his mind focused on what was to come. Today, he would officially meet Kushina Uzumaki—the fiery redhead who would soon belong to him.
As he entered the tower, the scent of ink and old parchment filled the air. The hallways were quiet, only a few shinobi moving about as they carried out their early-morning duties. Travis reached the Hokage’s office and pushed the door open without bothering to knock.
Hiruzen glanced up from his paperwork, puffing on his pipe as his tired eyes met Travis’s gaze. Standing beside the desk, arms crossed, was none other than Kushina Uzumaki.
She was just as striking as he had imagined—long, vibrant red hair cascading down her back, fierce violet eyes that carried both warmth and fire, and a confident stance that screamed defiance. She wore a standard Konoha kunoichi outfit, her hitai-ate resting securely around her forehead.
Kushina turned to face him fully, sizing him up with a raised brow. "So you’re the one dragging me on this mission, huh?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity and a hint of irritation.
Travis smirked, taking a step closer. "That would be me. Hope you don’t mind working together, tomato princess."
Her eyes twitched, and in an instant, she stomped forward, grabbing him by the collar. "What did you just call me, you jerk?!"
Travis chuckled, unfazed by the sudden aggression. Up close, he could see the fire in her gaze—strong, untamed. Exactly what he liked.
Hiruzen sighed, exhaling a puff of smoke as he waved a hand. "Enough, you two. You’ll be working together for this mission, so try not to kill each other before you even leave the village."
Kushina let go with a huff, crossing her arms. "Hmph. Whatever. What’s the mission anyway?"
Travis turned to the Hokage, waiting for the old man to explain. Hiruzen took another slow drag from his pipe before responding.
"You’ll be traveling outside the village to a small outpost near the Land of Water. Reports suggest there’s been unusual activity involving rogue shinobi in the area. Your job is to investigate and eliminate any threats. Travis will take the lead, and Kushina, you’re there as support due to your sealing abilities."
Kushina narrowed her eyes. "Hmph. Feels like you’re just trying to get me out of the village."
Hiruzen shook his head. "Not at all. You’re one of our strongest kunoichi, Kushina. This is simply a mission suited to your skills."
Travis smirked. "Don’t worry, princess. I’ll keep you safe."
She rolled her eyes. "I don’t need your protection, idiot."
He laughed, enjoying her feistiness. "We’ll see about that."
Hiruzen cleared his throat, clearly tired of their antics. "You two leave immediately. Get your gear and meet at the village gates in twenty minutes."
Travis turned on his heel and strode toward the exit, throwing a casual wave over his shoulder. "See you there, Kushina."
She clicked her tongue, but as he left, he could feel her gaze lingering on his back.
‘Good… let’s see how long she can resist me.’
....
Travis stood at the village gates, arms crossed as he watched Kushina approach. She moved with a confident stride, her red hair swaying behind her, and her kunai pouch strapped securely to her thigh. She carried a small backpack, likely packed with sealing supplies and other essentials.
She stopped a few steps away, giving him a sharp look. "You’re actually on time. Didn’t think you’d be that reliable."
Travis smirked. "I could say the same about you. Thought you’d be late just to spite me."
Kushina scoffed. "I would have, but I don’t want to hear you complaining the whole way."
He chuckled, turning toward the path ahead. "Let’s get moving. We’ve got a long trip."
With that, they set off, traveling down the dirt road that led out of Konoha. The morning air was crisp, the chirping of birds filling the silence between them. Sunlight filtered through the dense trees, casting shifting shadows along the forest floor.
They walked side by side, neither speaking at first. Kushina had a slightly annoyed look on her face, her arms swinging as she walked, while Travis seemed completely relaxed.
Eventually, she broke the silence. "So, what’s your deal anyway? You’re some kind of big shot ninja, but I’ve never really worked with you before."
Travis glanced at her, amused. "Guess I’ve been busy. You should pay more attention, tomato princess."
Her eye twitched, and before he could react, she sent a fist straight for his face.
Swish!
He tilted his head at the last second, her punch barely grazing his cheek.
"Whoa, calm down," he said, smirking as he continued walking. "You really hate that nickname, huh?"
Kushina huffed, crossing her arms. "Damn right I do. Call me that again, and I won’t miss next time."
Travis chuckled. "Noted."
They continued their journey, the forest stretching endlessly around them. As the hours passed, their initial tension faded slightly, replaced by casual conversation.
"So," Travis said, glancing at her. "Why haven’t you and Minato gotten together yet? He obviously likes you."
Kushina faltered for a moment, then frowned. "That’s none of your business."
He smirked. "Maybe, but I’m curious."
She let out a sigh, kicking a small rock as they walked. "He’s nice, but… I don’t know. I feel like he’s too nice. Like, he puts me on a pedestal or something."
Travis raised an eyebrow. "So you like guys who challenge you?"
She blinked, glancing at him. "What’s with that look?"
He shrugged. "Just wondering if you like a little fire in your relationships."
Kushina scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Whatever. You’re annoying, you know that?"
"And yet, here we are, talking like old friends," Travis said with a smirk.
She muttered something under her breath but didn’t argue.
As they continued their journey, the sun climbed higher, the forest gradually thinning as they neared their destination. The tension between them had shifted—still fiery, but not quite as hostile.
Travis knew he was making progress. It was only a matter of time before Kushina truly saw him as more than just a mission partner.
TO BE CONTINUED
