Chapter Seven: Becoming a Summoner

~A/N~ Here's seven enjoy. Well this chapter marks the true start of the NarutoxAnko relationship... Kinda

Naruto slowly felt his surrounding coming to him. The soft beep of the equipment and the light chirping of birds outside let him know he was in a hospital. He hated hospitals. Before he moved he noticed something else. Someone or something had a hold of his right hand. Whatever was gripping him wasn't tight but it was firm.

After a second Naruto cracked an eye open to see his Sensei sitting beside his bed holding his hand. She looked more radiant than ever in this moment. Naruto slowly found his voice.

"Anko-sensei?" Naruto asked softly he hadn't noticed it at first but he could see that Anko had clearly been crying about something.

"Naruto… You're ok," Anko said quickly. Now Naruto was worried. Anko was acting like something bad had happened. Sure he had been impaled by something but was it that bad?

"Yeah I'm ok… what happened?" Naruto asked.

"I'm sorry Naruto… I froze… Manda always terrified me so. But you saved us both and almost paid the price," Anko said.

"What do you mean? Did I come that close?" Naruto asked.

"You almost died thanks to the venom in Manda's fang that impaled your stomach," Anko answered.

"Oh I'm sorry I worried you Sensei," Naruto said as he sat up. Anko quickly caught him as he doubled over.

"You need to rest some more," Anko said.

"I feel really week… how long have I been out?" Naruto asked.

"Three days," Anko replied. "There's something else too," Anko added.

"What is it?" Naruto asked.

"Manda's venom did something to your healing that the fox gave you," Anko said.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

"She means that my healing isn't perfect anymore," The great fox answered. Naruto grabbed his forehead as the fox's voice boomed through his head. It wasn't normally this loud.

"I'm really lost now," Naruto replied to the fox.

"The healing I give you will still save your life but that snakes venom slows it and makes it so your skin and muscle will scar," the fox spoke.

"So I'll have scars?" Naruto asked.

"And my healing is slower… that's the main point," the fox spoke.

"Naruto?" Anko said seeing Naruto had gone quiet.

"Sorry sensei the fox was giving me the run down. So it looks like I'll be healing slower and I'll be scaring now too," Naruto said.

Anko was about to speak when a puff of smoke went off alerting the two. The two looked to see a small black cobra sitting on the end table. Anko froze knowing who it was.

"Mikro," Anko spoke.

"Anko-san… Yol wants to see you and the boy," Mikro spoke.

"Y… Yol is awake?" Anko said with a shocked face.

"He was woken by the death of his son," Mikro explained.

"This is bad isn't it?" Naruto asked.

"No actually… Just surprising Yol is the true boss summon for the snakes. But he went into a deep hibernation sort of thing several years ago leaving Manda in charge," Anko explained.

"So this Yol is the big boss?" Naruto asked.

"He would be the equivalent to the Toad summons legendary toad sages," Mirko answered.

"Why does he want to see us?" Anko asked.

"Don't know just summon me once the boy is healed enough to visit," Mirko said before she vanished.

"I guess I should focus on resting," Naruto said.

"Yeah… I only ever met Yol once and I'll say one thing and that was he's probably the biggest summon I've ever seen," Anko said.

"How big is it?" Naruto asked.

"He's around twice the size of Manda," Anko said causing Naruto's jaw to drop. He really didn't want to piss off a snake that big. Naruto laid back and looked at his hands he was surprised to see they had minimal damage. Only a few scars… this was going to be interesting to get use too.

"Sensei… I should be good tomorrow," Naruto said.

"We'll see," Anko replied. Naruto smiled then quickly feel asleep.

~That Afternoon~

Anko stood before the Hokage alongside all the other Jōnin. She knew what this was for and it was going to be fun talking her way into it.

"So you should know why we are here," Hiruzen said. The Jōnin all nodded. With a gesture Hiruzen let the Jōnin have the floor.

"Asuma Sarutobi Jōnin Sensei of Team Ten that consists of Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Ino Yamanaka and I hereby place my Genin Team in the Chūnin Exams," Asuma said with all the professionalism he could muster.

"Yūhi Kurenai Jōnin Sensei of Team Eight that consists of Hyūga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba and Aburame Shino hereby place my team in the Chūnin Exams," Kurenai said.

"Kakashi?" Hiruzen asked.

"My team is back together but they are shaky at best. Sakura agreed to rejoin but is very cautious around Sasuke, for good reason, and thus Sai is very protective of her," Kakashi explained.

"So you are going to keep them out this time then?" Hiruzen asked.

"I'll put them forward and let them decide," Kakashi replied.

"Very well," Hiruzen said.

"Mitarashi Anko Jōnin Sensei of Uzumaki Naruto and I would like to place him in the Exams as well," Anko said shocking most of the room. It was allowed for a solo Genin to take the exams but they rarely if ever made it through. The only exceptions were Itachi and Kakashi.

"It will be very hard on him Anko, he will be targeted since he's alone," Hiruzen said.

"I am aware but he wishes to take them as a test. I would honestly put his true rank somewhere around a Tokubetsu Jōnin," Anko said.

"You think he's improved that much?" Kakashi asked.

"He has a complete mastery of the Kage Bushin, his skill with the Kaze-ryū increase each day, and he's damn near a master with Dokujutsu and Fuinjutsu. So yeah I think he's improved that much," Anko said placing a hand on her hip.

"Very well Genin Uzumaki will be allowed to enter by himself," Hiruzen said.

"Maito Gai Jōnin Sensi of Team Three that consists of Hyūga Neji, Tenten, and Rock Lee and I too place my team forward for the Chūnin Exams," Gai said with his trademark smile.

"Very well then each of you may get the papers from my assistant then give them to your Genin, dismissed. Anko please stay," Hiruzen said.

The Jōnin all left leaving Anko alone with the Hokage. Anko figured Hiruzen wanted to know about Naruto's health. Hiruzen took a slow breath before giving Anko a soft smile.

"It's come to my attention that you've been getting a little closer to Naruto," Hiruzen said causing a blush to appear on Anko's face.

"I won't lie… I do in fact care very much for Naruto. More than I should," Anko said.

"I'm only going to say this once. Relationships between Jōnin and Genin are forbidden," Anko felt a pain rise in her heart. She didn't like that she couldn't be with Naruto.

"However should Naruto become a Chūnin well then there are no rules against a Jōnin and a Chūnin being together," Hiruzen added getting Anko to realize what he meant.

"Hokage-sama if I may ask… why is it forbidden for Jōnin and Genin?" Anko asked.

"Well it's not truly forbidden just frowned upon depending on the age. While most would be hard pressed to think that a twelve year old and a twenty eight year old could really be in love," Hiruzen explained

"I'm only Twenty Two," Anko said with a smirk. Hiruzen couldn't hide his smile.

"And Naruto is Thirteen… but your case is different," Hiruzen said.

"It's because he's a 'Monster' and I'm the 'snake whore' right?" Anko asked. Hiruzen nodded with disdain he really hated those nicknames.

"I just wanted to let you know that if you peruse this relationship you both will get more hateful looks," Hiruzen said.

"I could care less! So what if I have the hots for my Genin that doesn't-" Anko's words stopped dead. Did she really just say that? Hiruzen smiled and lit his pipe.

"Didn't think it would take you this long to notice that," Hiruzen said to the still silent Anko. Her mind was rushing. As odd as it was to say it but it was in fact true. She liked Naruto… that boy had wormed his way into her heart.

"What do I do?" Anko asked looking to the Hokage.

"I would say talk to him… you know as well as anyone of fleeting life can be. You could lose him tomorrow or he could lose you," Hiruzen said. Anko nodded and with a bow she left to find her Naruto.

Reaching the Hospital she found herself pissed off. Naruto was gone. He had promised to rest and what did he do he snuck out of the hospital. Rolling her eye Anko knew even though he had snuck out he would still be resting. So he would either be home in bed and probably reading a Fuinjutsu scroll or He'd be out in some field enjoying the day. It was beautiful out after all. She reached his place first and sure enough there he was. But he wasn't in bed. He was on the roof talking with Rock Lee.

"Naruto," Anko all but growled. Naruto turned and smiled brightly at his sensei. Anko stopped seeing that smile washed away all her rage instantly.

"Hey Sensei… I swear I wasn't training I was resting then I started talking to Lee when he came by," Naruto said in a hurried voice.

"Yes I will vouch for Naruto-san he most assuredly was not training," Lee said with his usual overconfidence. Anko sighed then gave a nod.

"I believe you. But you should be inside resting," Anko said with just the right tone.

"I… I'm gunna go," Lee said as he all but vanished in a blur of green. Naruto looked at his sensei with a worried look. Anko said nothing and simply rose and eyebrow and with that simple act Naruto was in his apartment moments later.

~Three Days Later~

Naruto and Anko appeared in a plume of smoke. They were once again in the land of the snake summons. But this time was different. Instead of being in front of Manda alone they were surrounded by hundreds maybe thousands of snakes.

Naruto's jaw was slack as he looked around. He couldn't believe that there were so many snakes. Before either Anko or Naruto could talk they saw him. Yol. Anko just like Naruto stared in pure disbelief. She had only heard about Yol she had never seen him.

Yol was simply gigantic. But unlike Manda he looked to be a completely normal cobra. He was all deep crimson with black markings all over him. Yol's intense yellow eyes found the two andhe moved forward bringing himself to them.

"So you are the boy that killed my child," Yol's voice was thunderous. Naruto gulped and nodded.

"Y… Yes I did," Naruto said. To say Naruto was scared would be a massive understatement. Even with the power of the Kyūbi inside him.

"Good that brat needed to die," Yol laughed. Both Naruto and Anko let a sigh of relief out as they saw the great snake laughing.

"Salome come forward," Yol spoke. Anko's attention snapped to a large red and white snake that slithered forward.

"Salome you're alive!" Anko shouted happily.

"It has been a long time lil'ko," Salome replied. Anko hugged the snake. She hadn't been this happy in a long time.

"Sensei?" Naruto asked.

"Oh right. Salome here is my personal snake summon. I haven't been able to properly summon a snake in years thanks to Orochimaru. I can only summon small snakes," Anko said.

"Not anymore," Yol spoke. As his voice thundered a pure white snake came forth and opened its maw. From within a scroll came out. Naruto tilted his head as the scroll rolled open. It was there he saw a list of name a VERY small list five names total. Three he couldn't even read… like they were written in a different language. But two of them he could 'Orochimaru' and 'Mitarashi Anko'. But Anko's name was partially crossed off.

"Yol has decided to give you your full summon back as well as allowing your student to sign," the white snake spoke. As he did Anko's name was repaired. The snake motioned for Naruto to move forward. Naruto obeyed and moved to the scroll.

"Write your name in blood and place all five finger prints below," the snake explained. Naruto obeyed and signed the contract.

"One final thing," Yol spoke. Once Naruto had taken a step back Yol spit poison on the scroll. Anko's face when pale. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Orochimaru's name was dissolving. The snakes were abandoning him.

"He is no longer fit to summon us," Yol spoke. Naruto looked to his sensei and all but burst out in laughter. She was using Salome as a chair and he seemed to be fine with it.

"Now boy wait here while a snake picks you," the white snake spoke.

"Picks me?" Naruto asked.

"Each Snake summon gets their own personal summon. Like Manda for Orochimaru and Salome for me," Anko said as Salome hissed at her tickling her neck. "Knock it off," Salome simply laughed.

Naruto stood for a moment waiting. Then he felt it. Something was slithering up his leg. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a pitch black king cobra looking at him. Unlike all the other snakes this cobra didn't have yellow eyes. No this cobra's eyes were blood red.

"I am Norla," Norla spoke softly.

"Impressive my youngest daughter," Yol spoke. Anko felt her jaw slack again. Seriously what was with Naruto's luck? To have a direct child of Yol as a personal summon.

"It's a pleasure Norla… So what can you do?" Naruto asked.

"As a direct child of Yol I can do much. I can grow to a large size for combat. In this form I am at my most venomous perfect for assassination. I can also be used for travel and tracking," Norla explained.

"Wow that's bad-ass," Naruto said with a smile.

"Now then for a time Norla and Salome will be the Only snakes you will be able to summon," Yol said getting a confused look from both of the humans.

"Yol-sama… why do you say that?" Anko asked.

"The clan is split in two. Nagini has command of part of my clan. Until she is gone the snake are in Civil war," Yol explained.

"It is time you leave," the white snake spoke. And with that the two vanished from the realm of the snakes.

Naruto looked at his sensei with a huge smile. Anko couldn't help but smile as well. Hell she had her Salome back. The two smiling Shinobi quickly degraded in to a laughing fest. Both overjoyed with the summons.

"I can't believe it I'm a snake summoner now just like Sensei," Naruto all but shouted.

"I'm a full summoner again! I can't wait to use Salome in combat again," Anko said.

"Right I forgot Naruto you're in the Chūnin Exams," Anko said handing Naruto a form. Naruto literally shouted in joy this time. He had a summon and now he was on his way to becoming a Chūnin.

"Alright let's train some sensei!" Naruto shouted happily.

"Thought you'd never ask," Anko said as she gave a grin.

~Later that day~

Naruto laid on the ground worn out and exhausted. But the smile on his face wouldn't fade. 'This is what a Sensei supposed to be like,' Naruto thought as he sat up and saw Anko pulling a long box out of a storage scroll.

"I've got a gift for you," Anko said. Naruto smiled again as he managed to stand and moved towards his sensei. Anko handed him the long box. Naruto opened and froze.

"These are," Naruto said.

"Yup," Anko replied.

"But how… I would've thought," Naruto asked in confusion.

"Apparently they were made by Chakra but once made they were unbound and are the same as any other weapon just much stronger," Anko explained. Naruto placed the box on the ground and pulled out the objects. It was a pair of bone swords. The very ones Kimimaro had nearly killed him with. Naruto smiled and spun the blades a few times. He noticed that they were very light and slightly longer than the usual katana.

Anko smiled she was glad that he liked the swords. But now she had a problem. She had literally NO skill with katanas or dual wielding. But Naruto had shown a desire for both, hence the swords, so how she had to find a tutor to help him where she couldn't.

"I can't wait to learn how to use them… I wonder if Neko-chan would be willing to help me learn," Naruto said knowing his Sensei didn't use a sword much less two while Neko-chan was a master swordswoman.

"I know Neko-chan… I'll ask her for you," Anko said. "But for now go rest I've got a few things to do," She added. Naruto nodded and grabbed the sheaths for his new swords then took off for home. Once he was gone Anko turned and vanished.

"So why are you watching Naruto?" Anko asked getting an 'eep' from the bushes. With a light push a girl rolled out of the bushes. Anko knew who it was right away. It was Hinata Hyūga.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to spy," Hinata said shyly.

"No I'm pretty sure you did," Anko said with a smirk. "I get it you have a thing for Naruto," Anko added. Seeing the blush on the girls face told her that she was right. Anko needed to squash this bug now. If Naruto wasn't as stalwart on her as he was she would let it go but he was so.

"I'm sorry to tell you but you can't have him," Anko said making the girl's face redden even more.

"N… no… I don't like Naruto-kun like that," Hinata said making Anko tilt her head.

"You don't?" Anko asked.

"No I just admire him… he's been a source of inspiration for me for a long time. How he never gives in and keeps fighting. He showed me that you should never give up," Hinata explained.

"Good admire but no touching… He's mine after all," Anko said before she vanished. She wasn't sure why she said that but it was true. She wanted Naruto.

~The day of the Exam~

Naruto was enjoying a walk through the village. He was currently thinking back to when he first became Anko's Genin and how much had changed. How he went from the orange jumpsuit wearing dork to what he was now. A serious Shinobi and soon to be Chūnin at least he hoped.

Naruto cracked his neck and adjusted his new shirt. He was still getting use to his new attire. he had gotten a new outfit just for the exams. He now wore a pair of dark orange pants that had black lines running down the side. A short sleeved mesh shirt with a sleeveless black shirt and a long dark orange trench coat. He had gotten a pair of black fingerless gloves with a Konoha metal plate on the backs of them.

For weapons he had his bone katanas strapped to his back and a three kunai and shuriken holsters on each hip. It was a pleasant surprise that Neko-chan had found that Naruto was ambidextrous and another surprise was how well he took to dual wielding and using both hands to properly throw kunai and shuriken.

Naruto stopped when he heard a shout. He knew that voice. Naruto flashed through some hand signs then spoke. "Mapō: Ankokukai no Arukimasu," Naruto vanished into the shadow realm.

He quickly found what he was looking for. His little buddie Konohamaru was about to have the holy hell beat out of him. Naruto came out of the shadow realm right behind the target. He was about to attack when he saw who it was.

"Picking on someone half your size? Have you no pride Kankurō?" Naruto asked. Kankurō and Temari both spun in shock seeing Naruto suddenly behind them.

"Naruto!" Kankurō smiled dropping Konohamaru to the ground.

"Where's Gaara?" Naruto asked.

"Right here," Gaara said as he appeared in a swirl of sand.

"How've you guys been?" Naruto asked.

"Getting better... Good to have my brother," Temari said.

"Good to hear," Naruto said as the four started to walk away leaving a confused Konohamaru and corps behind.

"So you guys are here for the Chūnin Exams?" Naruto asked.

"We are," Gaara replied.

"Sweet I'm in them too… but I'm solo," Naruto said.

"Well this will be fun for you eh?" Kankurō said with a smile. Naruto simply laughed as the four made their way to the Academy.

~End Notes~ I hope you enjoyed it. Please let me know what you thought. I hope I can have the next chapter of Wind and Flames out soon. Sorry if the chapter was a little shorter than expected but the next chapter will be longer as I'm doing 100% different exams.