I don' own Naruto. I'm just a person hoping and dreaming to one day create something as big and successful as Naruto.
Warning extremely fluffy chapter. You have been warned. Some people will complain and say that Anko is out of character which is true but I wanted it that way. To me Anko is a character that's emotionally vulnerable and while she may be playful and likes flirting with men she isn't interested in, her feelings for Naruto are very new and confusing to her. That's way she reacts the way she does. Don't get me wrong I like how some people portray Anko as a semi-crazy, sadistic woman (as long she not being portrayed as a slut) because they're fun to read but I wanted to write a more emotional Anko.
Thanks to all the people who reviewed once again. I hope you guys like this chapter as well. Of all the Chapters I have written I feel the most insecure about this one so let me know how it was.
Chapter 11: Feelings and secrets
While the village was celebrating the end of Gato's reign of terror Naruto and the rest were sleeping like newborn baby's resting from the fights and the emotions. Anko and Kurenai had awoken several hours ago but the four genin (and 1 dog) were still sleeping off their fatigue. Anko and Kurenai had told each other their side of the battle. They would have to report everything to the Hokage so they better had have their stories complete. It helped that writing their report took some time because Anko was slowly getting crazy wanting to talk to Naruto. She had checked up on him several times already each time to restrain herself from either kissing him or waking him up. Kurenai thought it was hilarious to see Anko react that way. Needless to say Anko was not amused with Kurenai's teasing.
"Stop it Kurenai, it's not funny. I really don't know what to do anymore. I'm going crazy here and all you do is laugh at me." Anko said close to crying.
Seeing that her friend was close to start crying Kurenai stopped her teasing and told Anko to follow her. They stood up and left the house going to sit by the river. Kurenai realized that these kind of emotions were very new and scary to Anko. Her friend had always closed her heart to anyone ever since Orochimaru, a man she admired above no other when she was young, had abandoned her before betraying the village. All of the sudden that man became public enemy number one and since she was his student they treated her as if she was a traitor herself. As she was still a little girl at the time it left her very hurt and emotionally vulnerable. She closed off her heart for people so she couldn't get betrayed and hurt again. And until Naruto came along no one had managed to make it into her heart. After years of being alone she now had somebody who she could relate to and who she deeply cared for and it scared her.
"Talk to me Anko, tell me what's wrong." Kurenai softly said.
"I'm going out of my mind, Kurenai. Ever since I met Naruto things completely changed. I don't know how to act or what to do anymore. We got along great from the beginning and we had a really good tie together and at the end of the second month of his training he pulled me aside and gave me a small package. When I opened it I saw these three beautifully forged knives that he had made especially for me. He made them as a thank you for all I had done for him. All I did was teaching him things he should have been taught in the academy and some sparring. Never had I received such a thoughtful present before, it literally shocked me into silence. I gave him a hug and a kiss on each cheek shocking myself and him." She said taking out one of her knives to show Kurenai. When she saw it Kurenai could believe Naruto had made such a beautiful knife. It was exquisite and almost a piece of art.
"Amazing aren't they? I never leave without them, they make me feel safe like no other weapon ever could. Then three months into Naruto's training he learned who his parents were, don't ask me who they were I won't tell, but it made him break down in front of me. He cried and cried until I couldn't stand it anymore and I grabbed him in a hug again. You know me, I have almost never hugged a boy, let alone a young man before. I don't know what came over me but I just needed to hold him and comfort him. He cried into my shoulder for what seemed like hours and he eventually fell asleep in my arms. And the next thing I know I gave him a kiss on the forehead. I was stunned at what I did but it felt so good to give him that little kiss." She smiled softly remembering giving that little kiss.
"The next morning he made me the best breakfast ever, I swear he's a wonderful cook, and then he thanked me for what I did. And again I hugged him and then he called me Anko-chan. You know that if someone else had called me that before I would have put him in the hospital, but when Naruto called me that it made me feel really strange. My heart just started beating like I had run a marathon and what do I say? I tell him that it's alright for him to call me that. Never have I allowed someone to call me that yet I allowed it to Naruto." Anko said actually feeling a little relieved already.
Kurenai had been listening very carefully to her friend and knew that Anko was starting to fall in love or already had falling in love with Naruto but didn't realize it yet. Seeing Anko was about to continue her story she focused her attention back on her.
"That all happened at the beginning of the third month and during that month I had the best time of my life. We trained really hard and he made excellent progress but once training was over it was like he was a whole different person. During training he was serious and always did what he was asked of him. If I told him to do five hundred pushups he did them without complaining. But once training was over he became a normal boy who told jokes and things like that. When I asked him about it he said that during training I was his sensei and that he wouldn't disrespect me by goofing off or being stubborn. You have no idea how good it felt to be respected by someone after all these years. I know you were always by my side and I'm eternally grateful for you friendship but when Naruto said those words I thought I was going to faint from happiness.
Then one night he told me about how his life had been and let me tell you it wasn't pretty. When he was done I told him about my past. Never have I spoken about what Orochimaru had done to me and others but that night I told Naruto everything. From beginning to end I told him about the experiments, the curse seal and all the rest that man had done. Then he got up and promised to me that if he ever found Orochimaru he would kick his ass. Just like that. I had to make him promise to run if he ever encountered Orochimaru but he only agreed to run if he didn't threaten or hurt any of his precious people. And then he said the words that just rocked my world. "you are my precious person and I will not allow anyone to ever hurt you again". Hearing that my heart almost exploded." Anko finished softly with a smile on her beautiful face.
Kurenai had smiled when she heard Naruto's words. He really had gotten through to Anko with those words. They were everything Anko always had wanted to hear from someone. She started to respect Naruto more and more. Sure she already respected Naruto as a really talented shinobi and she never hated him because of the Kyuubi but now he truly had her respect as a friend and person. To do what he did for Anko put Naruto in what she called 'the good men' group in her head. Most of Konoha's male population was filed under her 'pervert and scum' group.
"After those six months together I was so used to have him by my side that I didn't want those months to end. But after we met with you and your team we went to his place. When we arrived we found his place vandalized and several hate messages lying on the floor wrapped around a stone. I was furious. I thought that if I ever found who did this to my Naruto-kun he wouldn't survive the day. I called him 'my Naruto-kun', at the time I didn't think about it but it felt so right to call him that. Then I just grabbed him and told him that he was staying at my place from now on.
When I saw Zabuza cut down that clone who we all thought was Naruto I felt my world collapse, I felt horrible and thought I was going to die. That one second before the clone exploded was without a doubt the most terrible experience in my life. Then when I realized that he was still alive I almost tackled him and kissed him right there, I was so happy he was okay. Then a few days ago I had a wonderful dream about the both of us doing couples stuff you know, holding hands, kissing and making love. I swear I almost lost it right there. Now every time I look at him I just want to kiss and hold him. I'm really lost Kurenai, what's wrong with me? Why do I feel this way?" Anko said tears running down her cheeks.
Kurenai pulled Anko into a hug allowing her to cry for a bit. She knew Anko needed to let it out. The past few days were stressful on her mind and body and now it all come out. After she had cried a little Anko had calmed down enough to listen to Kurenai.
"Anko there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Do you really not know what those feelings are? It's simple. Love. You love Naruto with all your heart. You want to hold him and kiss him because that's what people who are in love do. It's natural to have these feelings. You and Naruto have a lot in common and you both had a terrible past. Things like that connects people. When he feels sad so do you, when he's happy so are you. That's what it means to be in love. You want my advice? Tell him how you feel. Go up to him, grab him and go for a walk and talk to him about your feelings." Kurenai said.
"But what if I screw up? What if he doesn't feel the same about me? I would ruin everything." Anko said afraid of telling Naruto about her feelings.
"Are you kidding me Anko? The boy adores you. He's always looking where you are, when you talk to him his eyes shine like crystals in the sun, he's always concerned about you. The boy loves you Anko. There isn't any doubt in my mind about that. But just like you he's afraid of screwing up and hurting you or getting hurt." Kurenai said smiling.
"But what about Konoha? I mean I'm 10 years older than him. I don't care about that but some people will. You know how things go in the village." Anko said knowing that this could mean trouble for both her and Naruto.
"Well, if you're really worried about that I suggest you wait until after the chuunin exams to make it official. They can't do anything after that. I mean Naruto is almost certain of being promoted to chuunin. Can you imagine their faces when they hear he defeated Momochi Zabuza. If he's a chuunin than he's a fully certified shinobi and an adult so there nothing they can say. In my honest opinion I think you should tell him while we're here. You'll never be left alone in the village and there are ears everywhere. Here at least you won't have to worry about that." Kurenai said trying to help her friend.
Anko said that she would think about it since they would be here for at least another week. The mission only ended when the bridge was done and that would take at least one week. So she still had a little time to sort out her feelings and talk to Naruto. Kurenai nodded and together they made their way back to the house. Before going inside Anko hugged her friend and thanked her for listening and her advice. Laughing Kurenai told her she was more than welcome and that she was expecting to be invited at the wedding. Anko blushed hearing the word wedding.
While the two women were outside talking Naruto had woken up finding the house empty expect for his teammates who were still sleeping. Shrugging Naruto went downstairs in his boxers trying to find out where everybody was. Just when he came down the stairs Anko and Kurenai opened the front door. When Anko saw Naruto and Naruto saw Anko both froze and went red in the face, Anko stared and Naruto was trying to cover himself up. Remembering where he had left his clothes he quickly told them that he would be right back and disappeared.
Anko couldn't believe her luck, this just had to happen when Kurenai was standing behind her. She would never live this down she just knew it. Still red in the face from seeing Naruto in his boxers she went straight for the kitchen trying to pretend nothing happened. I mean it wasn't the first time she saw a man in his boxers, you see some crazy things after midnight thanks to sake. But the fact that it was Naruto in his boxers blew her mind away. Beside her Kurenai was trying to hold her laugh but it proved to be very hard. Seeing both Naruto and Anko turning red in the face really was funny, she couldn't help it.
A few minutes later Naruto came back down with Kiba, Shino and Hinata in tow. Sitting down in the kitchen neither Naruto or Anko dared to look at each other. After a few minutes Kiba asked about how they had defeated Zabuza and the hunternin. Thankful for the chance to talk about something they each told their story. When Naruto told them about the sword techniques Kurenai and the other genin wanted to see them performed. So they went outside to the place Naruto had learned and practiced his moves. After some his first three techniques Anko asked him about his fourth one and when he had made that one.
"Well, I kind of thought about it during the fight. I remembered how he told about silent killing and I thought that would be a cool technique so I decided to try it." Naruto admitted shyly. With that he demonstrated his final Kenjutsu technique.
"You invented such a powerful technique on the spur of the moment?" They all asked him stunned by his answer.
"Euh, yeah why?" Naruto asked not really understanding what the fuss was about.
They all looked at him and started shaking their head and saying some about hidden genius or something like that. Then they congratulated Naruto on making such powerful techniques on his own. He just brushed them off saying it was nothing. He also said that he would make many more powerful jutsu so when he had a family he could teach them to his children. Nobody, not even Anko missed the way he looked at her when he said family. Anko heart melted seeing the look in his eyes and made her decision to tell him how she fell as soon as she was alone with him. Kurenai seeing the look on Anko 's face realized that Anko had made her decision and couldn't be happier. Now if only she would get them alone for a while.
"Very well, once again well done everyone. You all have become very strong these past two weeks and we're very proud of you. Now for something else. Kiba, Shino and Hinata you three come with me so I can write down your report about the fight. Naruto you stay here with Anko. She will take care of you." Kurenai invented something so she could give Anko some private time with Naruto. Anko smiled at her and nodded her thanks. After everyone left Anko and Naruto sat down with Naruto wondering why she needed him to write this report since they fought together the whole time. But he wasn't about to say no when he could spent some time alone with Anko. He truly liked her a lot and hoped that maybe one day she would like him back.
Anko was getting really nervous about all of this, she had never done this before and she was terrified to make a big mistake. Why was this so hard so wondered. She sat down and told him to do the same so he sat in front of her waiting for her to start on this report thingy.
"Naruto, I need to tell you something but I'm very nervous about this so please don't interrupt me." Anko said. Seeing him nod she continued.
"Naruto, the past six months have been the best time of my entire life. I met you, a young boy in need of a sensei and I saw myself in you. Lost and lonely trying to find acceptance by those who disliked you for no reason. I can honestly say that the decision to be your sensei was the best decision I have ever made in my life. The time we spent training in the forest was amazing, you were amazing. Every time you managed to surprise me or exceed my every expectation. I was and still am really proud of you. You were my first student and you proved to be the best student there could ever be. You respected me, you listened to my boring lectures with every bit of concentration you had, it made me really happy that you actually respected me as your teacher." Anko said before taking a deep breath.
"But along the way something happened, I became so attached to you. First as a student and then as a friend. You understood more than anyone what I had went through and I understood you. It made me incredibly happy that we could talk about our painful pasts. When you called me 'Anko-chan' for the first time I thought my heart was going to explode from happiness and when you called me your precious person I almost lost it.
Then when you fought Zabuza for the first time and that clone got hit I thought I would die. I never felt so bad in my whole life. The thought of losing you was unbearable. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really like you. No what I'm trying to say is that I love you with everything I got, hoping that you love me too." Anko said hoping not to get hurt by being rejected by the young man she loves.
Naruto was stunned. Anko told him she loved him. She loved him like he loved her. He couldn't believe it, he was so happy that he was about to faint from happiness. But instead he just got up and walked over to Anko and gently cupped her face with both hands. He raised her head so he could look into her eyes.
"I love you too Anko-chan" was all he said before kissing her with all the love he had for this beautiful women before him.
Anko felt Naruto's hands cup her face and raising her head so they would look into each other's eyes. She was lost in his beautiful blue eyes and she knew she could stare at them forever. Then she heard him say 'I love you too Anko-chan'. Her heart stopped, did she hear that correctly? He really loved her? All her questions and every other thoughts for that matter disappeared into nothingness as he kissed her. Not just a peck on the lips but a true kiss. A kiss between lovers, between two people who loved each other more than anything in the world. She put her arms around him and melted into his embrace enjoying every second of it not wanting it to end.
When their lips separated they smiled and held on to each other for dear life. They both needed to know this was real and not some kind of dream. They had finally found what both had been looking for years. They had found that special person who they could love and who would love them back, a special person that even when the whole world turned against you, would stand next to you supporting you every step of the way no matter what the odds. They finally had found someplace they belonged and they belonged to each other.
The just sat down holding each other enjoying the feeling of love and acceptance both felt. After a while Anko had snuggled into his chest while Naruto had rested his chin on her head enjoying how she melted into his body. They would need to get back soon but for now they were alone in the world.
Kurenai had lead the three genin back to the house thinking how she would explain this if someone asked about Anko and Naruto. She really didn't want to say something that she shouldn't, who knows what would happen. Unfortunately for her, the three remaining genin had noticed that she was worried about something. Hinata with her new found confidence decided that she wanted to know what was going on.
"Kurenai-sensei, is everything alright with Naruto-kun and Anko-sensei?" Hinata said with a strong voice.
"Euh, whatever do you mean Hinata? There's nothing wrong with them, I assure you." Kurenai tried to evade the question.
"I think Hinata wants to know if Naruto and Anko-sensei are going to confess to each other?" Shino said in his typical no nonsense voice.
Kurenai was caught and she knew it. No way could she escape from this question. Seeing no other way she told them that Anko had broken down that morning and that she was having a really difficult time these last few months. Without revealing to much she explained that for Naruto and Anko love was something new and really complicated. She asked that they wouldn't tell anyone what they had learned here so that Naruto and Anko wouldn't get in trouble. The three of them quickly promised to protect the secret and not to tell anyone. Naruto was their teammate and their friend, Anko was their second sensei and they loved and respected both of them.
A few hours later Anko and Naruto came back walking hand in hand each with a smile on their face. Everybody present cheered for them and congratulated them. Their friends were truly happy for both of them and Anko and Naruto couldn't be happier knowing that their friends supported them. Since it was already late they decided to go to bed but not before Naruto told his teammates that he had to talk to them in the morning. His teammates nodded saying they would be there. With that everyone went to bed. Anko gave Naruto one last kiss before she went inside her room no doubt about to be questioned about Naruto.
When Naruto woke up the next morning he felt really nervous. He had decided to tell his friend the truth about the Kyuubi and his parents. Last night he had talked about it with Anko.
Flashback
"Anko-chan, do you think it would be a bad idea to tell the rest about Kyuubi and my parents?"Naruto asked softly.
"I don't know Naruto-kun. I truly believe that they are your friends no matter what. They believe in you and know you would do anything for them. Maybe you should tell them. I would show them how much you trust them." Anko replied keeping him in a tight hug.
" Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. They deserve to know the truth but I'm still a little afraid of how they might react. I mean Kyuubi did kill a lot of people and there are certainly going to be family members of them amongst those people." Naruto said showing how much he worried about telling them.
"I'm sure everything will be fine. I'll be there right next to you. Don't worry." Anko promised and she kissed him lovingly.
End flashback
When everyone had woken up and eaten breakfast Team 8 went outside to talk. Kiba, Hinata and Shino were really curious about the things Naruto wanted to tell them. They could see how nervous he was about telling them. Anko had to reassure him five times otherwise he probably would have chickened out. When they arrived at the clearing Naruto told them to sat down and get comfortable because they were in for a long story.
"Before I start you guys need to know that everything I tell you now is a classified S-rank secret. You can't tell anyone you know about this. If you do you will get arrested and executed. If you don't want to take this risk I'll understand no hard feelings." Naruto said seriously. He wanted them to understand the dangers of knowing this. Seeing none of them left he proceeded to tell the story of how Yondaime sealed the Kyuubi inside him saving the entire village. He told him about how he was hated by the adults for carrying the Kyuubi and because they thought he was the Kyuubi reborn. He told them how Mizuki had tricked him into stealing that scroll and how he told him about the Kyuubi. He then told them about his parents and how his dad was Namikaze Minato, Forth Hokage of the Leaf and about his mom Uzumaki Kushina. He told them about the scroll he received from his dad and the techniques he had learned. When he was done nobody said a word. Naruto was beginning to panic and worry that they would hate him as well. But he didn't need to worry.
"Naruto, this is unbelievable. I don't know what to say but I will say this. It's an honor to be the teammate and friend of the person who saved Konoha all those years ago. Your dad was right, you're a hero amongst hero's and I'm proud to be called your friend. I promise you that I will never see you as Kyuubi, you are Uzumaki Naruto shinobi of the Leaf and member of Team 8. I thank you for telling me your secret. I swear on my life and pride as an Inuzaka that I will never betray you or your precious people." Kiba said holding out his hand to Naruto. Naruto grabbed on to it as a lifeline.
Hinata and Shino agreed with Kiba's words and on their turn swore never to betray Naruto and his precious people. Naruto was their friend and teammate and nothing would change that not even the Kyuubi.
Naruto was holding back tears when he heard Kiba's, Shino's and Hinata's words, he grabbed them into a hug thanking them for not hating him. He told them that he was very glad and proud to be called a friend by such fantastic people. Anko as well thanked them for not hating her Naruto-kun and gave each of them a hug and a kiss. Kurenai for her part had never been so proud of her students and told them exactly that. She also told Naruto that the secret of his family was safe with her and that she was very proud to be a sensei of such an outstanding shinobi. Naruto was truly happy, the woman he loved so much loved him as well and his friend accepted him even knowing about the Kyuubi. This was one of the happiest days of his life.
Kurenai had also taken her students apart for to talk about their first kill, she knew that a first kill was a important milestone in a shinobi's career. Shino and Kiba had responded fairly well once they got over the shock and thanks to Kurenai's talk they accepted the fact that killing was an aspect of being a shinobi so Kurenai was certain that they would be alright. Hinata however had been taking it very badly, it took a day or two before she truly realized what she had done and Kurenai, Anko and even Naruto had to help her through the small depression she was getting in. In the end she too understood the necessity of killing and thanks to her teammates she was slowly but surely getting better and by the end of the week she was back to normal.
A week later Team 8 finally prepared to go back home. The bridge had been completed and already things had started to change for the better for the people of the Wave. Naruto couldn't be more happy for the people. They had suffered a lot because of Gato and his dirty businesses but now it seemed everything would be alright. It would take a while but Wave would become a true home for many people. Team 8 were seen as hero's by the people and everybody thanked them and telling them that they would always be welcome to come over and stay. When Naruto and the rest said their goodbyes to Tazuna and his family Inari thanked Naruto for showing him how to fight for those he loved. He promised to never forget about the things he taught him.
"Inari, you did well back there when your mum was in danger. You tried to fight for those you love. I'm very proud of you."Naruto said to Inari.
"Thanks Naruto-nichan. I finally realized that you were right all along. I'm sorry it took me so long to see how wrong I was." Inari said while keeping his head down.
"That doesn't matter anymore Inari. You did the right thing when it mattered. Forget what I said about your dad being disappointed in you. I'm sure that wherever he is, he's very proud of you." Naruto said while holding Inari by the shoulders.
"Thank Naruto-nichan. I'll never forget the things you have taught me. I'll protect this village and my precious people just like you do." Inari said looking Naruto in the eyes.
"That's all I can ask of you Inari. Good luck and be strong." Naruto said while turning around ready to leave the Wave.
Tazuna promised that when the wave had recovered enough they would pay the remaining money for the mission. They said goodbye and started their journey back to Konoha knowing that they had made some good friends and had a place where they would always be welcome. Naruto didn't know it at that time, but Wave was the place where his legend started and would be remembered for years to come.
After several days of traveling Team 8 reached the gates of Konoha. For the most part everybody was happy to be back but Naruto and Anko were kind of sad since they would have to hide their relationship until he made Chuunin. They didn't want to but it was the only way for them to avoid problems none of them needed at that time. Since it was early in the day they would first give their report to the Hokage so that he was aware of what had happened.
Sandaime sat in his chair reading over some of the preparation of the Chuunin exams that would be held in four months. He frowned when he thought about the exams, he had a bad feeling about it and most of the time his feeling were right. He would have to make sure everything was in order if he would have to fight for Konoha and his precious people. He also would have to make sure that all his personal affairs were in order in case of his death. Though he hoped to live and see the day Naruto become Hokage he was realistic and knew that this probably wouldn't be the case.
When he heard a knock on the door he quickly stopped this line of thoughts and called the person in. When he saw Team 8 enter his office, he smiled wondering what kind of adventure they had to tell. After wishing them welcome back he told them to give him their mission report and to leave nothing out while calmly puffing his pipe. When an hour later they had told the whole mission Sandaime's pipe lay forgotten on his desk. He was amazed at their story, never would he have thought that they would have to deal with such an opponent. That they had managed to defeat him without any serious injury or death spoke volumes on how strong the genin had gotten.
When Naruto pulled out the scrolls which held the body's of the demon brothers, Zabuza and Haku he was told that his Ji-chan himself would take care of it and deliver them the money later today in person. Naruto demanded that the money would be split evenly amongst them since they were a team and everyone of them had helped defeat Zabuza and his men.
Sandaime said that they had the rest of the week of to recover from their mission but they said it was okay since they had a week to recover while waiting for the bridge to be completed. He insisted that they would take the next day off.
"Naruto, can you and Anko come see me tomorrow? I would very much like to see these techniques you have made." Sandaime said.
"Sure thing Jichan but on one condition. We eat ramen tonight and you're paying." Naruto said shocking Kurenai and the rest of the genin for trying to blackmail the Hokage.
"You got yourself a deal." Sandaime said laughing at Naruto's attempt to get free ramen.
Well, this concludes chapter 11 of 'The story of Uzumaki Naruto'
I hope you liked it, it was a very emotional chapter to read and to write. I tried to make Anko's and Kurenai's conversation believable although I fear that I went a little too far ? I know how people say that my Anko is way different than cannon in earlier chapters and I'm a bit afraid I just went over the line but we shall see when you guys comment.
I also thought it would be a good idea for Naruto to tell his teammates about the Kyuubi and his parents. Trust is important and keeping secrets no matter how big or important could destroy a team, also I wanted to show that Naruto and Team 8 are not only teammates but also friends.
Next chapter will be released on Sunday 13th of April.
'Chapter 12: Training for the Chuunin exams'
See you then.
