Naruto-ReBorn as a Baker

Chapter 233: A Storm in the Sands of dreams

In the hushed quiet of the night, Pakura, the legendary kunoichi of Sunagakure, drifted into a deep, restorative sleep.Her long, lustrous green hair, interwoven with strands of brown, cascaded over her pillow framing her serene face. Her vibrant yellow brown eyes, reminiscent of the desert sunset, were closed, hiding the storm of determination that usually resided within them. She lounged on her side, her fit and curvaceous figure wrapped in a stylish nightgown, a departure from her battle gear.

The fabric clung to her form, accentuating her well-toned physique and hinting at the full D-cup breasts that spoke to her strength and confidence.

The moonlight poured in through the open window, bathing her skin a soft, ghostly glow, making her look like she was ready to start her own paranormal investigation show, It traced the gentle curve of her neck, the delicate line of her jaw, and the swell of her lips, which were slightly parted in sleep. Her breaths came slow and steady, the rhythm of her sleep as deep as the ocean's tide.

Beneath the hem of her nightgown, her legs were bare, toned from years of rigorous training and missions. The moonlight played across her skin, highlighting the subtle muscles that flexed even in her sleep. Her feet, somewhat calloused from years of walking across the desert sands, were tucked slightly under her, a testament to the comfort she found in her new life.

Between her legs, her pubic area was neatly trimmed, a sign of her meticulous care for her body. The darkness there contrasted with the pale skin of her thighs, hinting at the secrets hidden beneath. A small, delicate tattoo of a phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and renewal, was inked on her hip, a reminder of her past and her new beginning.

Her hands, strong from years of wielding chakra, were folded beneath her pillow. The ring on her middle finger, a symbol of her past allegiance to Sunagakure, glinted softly in the moonlight. It was a constant reminder of her history, of the betrayal that led to her death, and of the new path she now walked.

As she slept, the bond between her and Malik pulsed gently, a link of the arcane connection that now tied them together. It was a bond of mutual respect, of shared purpose, and of something more. Something that she was still exploring, still trying to understand.

The night was quiet, save for the soft rustle of the wind outside and the distant hoot of an owl. Yet, within Pakura's dreams, a storm raged,

As Pakura's consciousness slipped into the dream world, she found herself standing in a vast, arid desert. The sun blazed overhead, and the heat was almost unbearable. She looked down at herself and realized she was dressed in her traditional shinobi attire, complete with a new scarf. The desert seemed endless, with dunes stretching as far as the eye could see.

Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet began to tremble. Pakura's instincts kicked in, and she quickly scanned her surroundings for any signs of danger. Out of the shifting sands emerged a massive, serpentine creature with scales that glistened in the sunlight. Its eyes were a piercing yellow, and it hissed menacingly as it slithered towards her.

Pakura's heart raced, but she stood her ground, her hands glowing with the familiar green light of her Scorch Release. She unleashed a barrage of scorching orbs at the creature, but it seemed unfazed, its scales absorbing the heat. The serpent lunged at her, and she narrowly dodged its attack, rolling to the side and landing in a crouch.

As she prepared for another assault, the desert landscape began to shift and change. The dunes transformed into towering pillars of glass, reflecting the harsh sunlight and creating a dazzling, disorienting maze. Pakura found herself trapped within the labyrinth, the serpent's hissing echoing all around her.

Determined to find a way out, Pakura navigated the maze, her mind racing with strategies and tactics. She could feel the serpent's presence growing closer, its hot breath on her neck. Just as she thought she had reached a dead end, a figure appeared before her, cloaked in shadows.

"Who are you?" Pakura demanded, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her.

The figure stepped forward, revealing a familiar face. It was her former mentor, a man she had long thought dead. His eyes were filled with sorrow and regret as he spoke.

"Pakura, you must face your past to find your future," he said, his voice echoing in the glass maze.

Before she could respond, the serpent reappeared, its jaws wide open, ready to strike. Pakura's mentor raised his hand, and the glass pillars shattered, sending shards flying in all directions. The serpent recoiled, momentarily stunned.

"Go, Pakura! Find your path!" her mentor urged.

With renewed determination, Pakura sprinted through the maze, the serpent hot on her heels. She could see a faint light in the distance, a beacon of hope. As she neared the light, the ground beneath her began to crumble, and she found herself falling into a vast sea of sand.

The sand engulfed her, pulling her down into its suffocating embrace. She struggled to breathe, her vision fading as the weight of the sand pressed down on her. In her final moments, she heard her mentor's voice once more.

"Remember, Pakura, you are stronger than you know."

Pakura struggled against the shifting sands, her breathing labored as she fought to free herself from the oppressive weight. The voice of her old mentor echoed faintly in her ears, urging her to move forward, to escape the clutches of the monstrous serpent that symbolized the betrayals she carried deep in her soul.

But no matter how hard she fought, the sands seemed endless, pulling her deeper into their suffocating embrace. Just as her strength began to wane, a sudden burst of pink and golden light pierced the darkness, illuminating the desolate desert.

A strong hand grasped hers, pulling her free with a force that felt both gentle and unyielding. She emerged from the sand gasping for air, her body trembling as she met the familiar face of Malik, his expression a mix of concern and amusement.

"Second time tonight I've had to save someone from drowning in an ocean of sand," Malik quipped, his tone light but laced with genuine care. "Is this some kind of trend I should be worried about?"

Pakura's sharp yellow-brown eyes narrowed as she caught her breath. "You think this is funny?" she snapped, her voice full of a fierce edge.

"Not funny, exactly," Malik replied with a grin. "But you've got to admit, it's a little ironic." He gestured around the dreamscape, which now shimmered faintly under his influence, the oppressive sands retreating to reveal a tranquil desert oasis.

As she lowered to the ground her ninja armor melted away replaced by her nightgown, Pakura sat back, her legs tucked beneath her as she tried to steady herself. The remnants of the serpent's presence lingered in her mind, its hissing voice a haunting reminder of her past. "It was the snake," she said quietly, her tone uncharacteristically vulnerable.

Malik knelt beside her, his gaze steady. "The snake?"

She nodded, her fingers gripping the fabric of her nightgown as if grounding herself in the dream. "It's always something," she admitted. "A monster, a shadow, a voice from the past. Tonight, it was a snake—a massive, relentless thing. It doesn't matter what form it takes; it always feels like I'm running from something I can't escape."

Malik listened intently, his usual playful demeanor softened by her words. "That snake," he said after a moment, "it's not just a monster. It's a piece of you—a representation of the fears and betrayals you haven't let go of yet."

Pakura's eyes flicked to his, her expression guarded. "You think I don't know that?"

"I think you do," Malik said, his tone gentle. "But knowing it and facing it are two different things. And it's not something you have to face alone."

She looked away, her gaze drifting to the oasis. The still water reflected the starry sky above, its surface unbroken by even the faintest ripple. "You don't understand," she said quietly. "The people who betrayed me—they left scars that don't heal. I trusted them. I died because of them."

Malik reached out, his fingers brushing against her hand. She didn't pull away, though her posture remained tense. "You're right," he said. "I don't understand completely. But I do know what it's like to carry the weight of betrayal. To feel like you can't trust anyone again."

Pakura's gaze returned to him, her expression softening slightly. "And how do you deal with it?"

Malik smiled faintly. "By finding people worth trusting. People who see you for who you really are, not just the scars you carry."

They sat in silence for a moment, the dreamscape around them shimmering with quiet energy. Malik noticed her hair, now longer and softer than he remembered, cascading over her shoulders like a flowing river. The moonlight caught the green and brown strands, making them glow faintly.

"You've changed," he said suddenly, his voice tinged with admiration.

Pakura raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Your hair," he said, gesturing lightly. "It's longer. Softer. It suits you."

Pakura's hand instinctively moved to her hair, her fingers brushing through the strands. She didn't respond, but Malik caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

His gaze drifted lower, taking in the elegant lines of her nightgown. The fabric clung to her figure, highlighting her toned physique and the fullness of her chest. For a moment, he hesitated, then decided to voice his observation.

"Your... figure," he said carefully, his cheeks coloring slightly. "It's... different. Has something changed?"

Pakura's eyes narrowed, though there was a glimmer of amusement in them. "Are you seriously asking me about my breasts, Malik?"

Caught off guard, Malik laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Well, yeah. I mean, it's not like I'm trying to be inappropriate. It's just... something I noticed."

Pakura sighed, but there was no real annoyance in her tone. "They've always been this size," she said, her voice tinged with exasperation. "You're just noticing now because you're nosy."

Malik grinned, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Guilty as charged."

She shook her head, though her lips curved into a faint smile. "You're impossible."

"And you're stunning," Malik replied, his tone sincere.

Pakura's cheeks flushed faintly, but she didn't look away. For a moment, the storm of her past seemed to fade, replaced by the calm of the oasis and the warmth of Malik's presence.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

Malik nodded, his smile softening. "Always."

As the dreamscape shifted around them, the oasis expanding into a lush, vibrant landscape, Malik reached out and took her hand. "Come on," he said. "Let's walk for a while. No snakes, no sand—just peace."

Pakura hesitated, then allowed him to pull her to her feet. Together, they walked through the dream, and the weight of her past momentarily lifted as she took her first steps toward a brighter future.

Malik and Pakura walked side by side through the lush, ever-changing dreamscape. The oasis shimmered around them, its vibrant greens and blues a stark contrast to the oppressive desert from which they had escaped. The air was calm, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves.

Pakura's usually sharp gaze was softened, though her posture remained guarded. Malik glanced at her, his shorter, rounder frame making him look almost comical next to her tall and toned figure, but his expression was anything but humorous. There was a heaviness in his eyes, a realization that had been gnawing at him since they'd confronted her nightmare.

"Pakura," he began, his voice tinged with guilt. "I owe you an apology."

She stopped walking, turning to face him. Her vibrant yellow-brown eyes locked onto his, unreadable but attentive. "For what?"

Malik scratched the bottom of his chin, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "For not noticing. I try to pay attention to the people who matter to me—really, I do. But it seems like I've been missing a lot lately."

Pakura tilted her head slightly, her arms crossing over her chest. "What exactly have you missed?"

He gestured vaguely toward her, his gaze dropping for a moment before meeting hers again. "This. You. Your struggles. I knew about your dreams, but I didn't realize how much they've been affecting you. I should have."

Pakura's expression softened, though her tone remained firm. "Malik, you're not a mind reader. You couldn't have known unless I told you."

He shook his head, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "Actually depending on our connection, I literally am a mind reader but That's not an excuse. I promised I'd take care of you, that I'd help you find peace. And yet here you are, battling nightmares every time you close your eyes." He paused, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I failed you."

Pakura blinked, surprised by the raw emotion in his words. She reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Malik, stop. You didn't fail me. These dreams... they're not your responsibility."

"They are if they're hurting you," Malik countered, his gaze fierce despite the tears threatening to form. "I brought you back to life, Pakura. That means something. It means I don't just get to stand by while you suffer."

Her grip on his shoulder tightened slightly, her own emotions beginning to surface. "Malik, listen to me. The dreams aren't new. They've been with me for as long as I can remember. But I'll admit... lately, they've been different."

His brow furrowed. "Different how?"

Pakura hesitated, her hand falling back to her side as she looked away. "They've become more frequent. More intense. It used to be once a month, at most. But now... it's almost every night. Even if I take a short nap, I'm pulled into them. It's like they're trying to tell me something, or break me."

Malik's expression darkened, his concern deepening. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

She sighed, brushing a strand of her green-and-brown hair away from her face. "Because I didn't want to seem weak. I've always faced things on my own. It's... difficult for me to rely on others."

He stepped closer, his short, chubby frame a stark contrast to her tall, statuesque one. "You're not weak, Pakura. Not by a long shot. And you don't have to face this alone. Not anymore."

Before she could respond, Malik wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a firm hug. His embrace was warm and grounding, a stark contrast to the cold isolation she often felt. His round body pressed against hers, and for a moment, she stiffened, unaccustomed to such gestures.

But then she relaxed, her own arms hesitantly wrapping around him. The tension in her shoulders melted away as she allowed herself to lean into the embrace. Malik's head rested against her large chest, his voice muffled but earnest.

"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I should've been here for you sooner. And I'll do better—I promise."

Pakura closed her eyes, her chin resting lightly on top of his head. The sincerity in his words reached her, breaking through the walls she had built around her heart. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

They stood there for a while, the dreamscape around them shifting into a serene forest. The towering trees provided shade, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. It was a haven, a safe space created by Malik's will.

When they finally pulled apart, Pakura looked down at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You know, for someone so small, you sure know how to make a big impact."

Malik grinned, the weight of his guilt lifting slightly. "What can I say? It's a gift."

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

"Yes I've heard And you're incredible," he shot back, his tone light but sincere. "Now, let's figure this out together. No more nightmares, okay?"

Pakura nodded, her resolve strengthened by his unwavering support. "Okay."

And with that, the dream world shifted back into the desert.

In the heart of the desert dreamscape, Pakura and Malik stood side by side, the warm, golden light of the dream world casting a soft glow on their faces. The oppressive heat of the earlier nightmare had dissipated, replaced by a gentle, soothing warmth. The vast expanse of sand stretched out before them, dotted with the occasional cactus and rock formation.

Malik turned to Pakura, his expression thoughtful. "I've been thinking," he began, his fingers absently tapping against his chin. "About your nightmares. I might have an idea to help."

Pakura raised an eyebrow, her arms crossing over her chest. "Oh, really? And what might that be?"

Malik hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Well, you know how I'm an incubus, right? My magic can influence dreams, and I can create illusions within them. I think if I infuse you with some of my magic, it might help protect you from the nightmares."

Pakura's eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp. "And how exactly do you plan on 'infusing' me with your magic?"

Malik grinned, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Well, as an incubus, my magic is... uh... most potent when I'm intimate with someone. And since we've been intimate before... I thought that might be the easiest way."

Pakura's eyes widened, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. Then, she threw her head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the desert. "You're kidding me, right? You're going to use sex as an excuse to... what? 'Infuse' me with your magic?"

Malik's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, when you put it that way, it does sound a little... crude. But yes, essentially."

Pakura shook her head, her laughter tapering off. "I should have known you'd come up with something like this."

Malik held up his hands in a peace-making gesture. "Hey, I'm just trying to help! And besides, it's not like we haven't done it before."

Pakura's cheeks flushed slightly at the memory, but she pushed the thought aside. "That was before. Things are different now."

Malik's expression softened, his gaze serious. "I know. And I respect that. But this isn't about us, Pakura. It's about helping you find some peace. And if I can do that by... infusing you with my magic, then I think it's worth considering."

Pakura sighed, looking away. The desert landscape shifted slightly, the sand turning into a soft, inviting bed. The cacti transformed into lush, blooming flowers, their petals unfurling to reveal precious gems at their centers.

"I appreciate the offer, Malik," Pakura said finally, her voice steady. "But I don't think that's the solution. At least, not yet."

Malik nodded, his expression understanding. "I respect that. But if you change your mind... you know where to find me."

Pakura rolled her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, I'm sure you'll make sure I know exactly where to find you."

Malik smiled, his eyes with mischief. "Indeed, phrased that, it does appear that I am being somewhat presumptuous."

Pakura chuckled, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

Malik's grin widened. "Yes, but I'm your impossible. Now, let's think of something else. Something that doesn't involve... infusions."

Pakura nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Alright. But first, I have a question."

Malik raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And what might that be?"

Pakura's lips curved into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with a challenge. "Why did you think of sex as the first solution? Is that just a default for you?"

Malik laughed, his cheeks flushing slightly. ", when you phrase it that way, it does sound somewhat incriminating."But no, it wasn't just a default. It's just... my magic is most potent when I'm intimate with someone. It's not like I can just... turn it on and off."

Pakura's smirk widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I see. So, you're saying that you're always... ready?"

Malik groaned, his face turning a shade redder. "Pakura, come on. You're making this difficult."

Pakura laughed, her shoulders shaking with amusement. "I'm just teasing, Malik. But seriously, why did you think of sex first?"

Malik sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Because it's the most direct way to share my magic. And because... I care about you, Pakura. I want to help you. And if that means using my magic to protect you, then I'm willing to do it. Even if it's... unconventional."

Pakura's laughter faded, her expression softening. "I know you do, Malik. And I appreciate it."