Hey everyone. I've already gone through this in my recent author's note for Heart of a Dragon in great detail, so I'll just summarise here.
I got into medicine (yay).
Unfortunately, I need an extra $150-200 a month to afford moving to and living in rural areas.
I've set up a pat reon if you readers would be willing to support me in any way (link on my profile page).
Exams are almost over (yay).
Might need surgery over the coming months.
Lots of updates coming soon (yay).
In any case, enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Heavily demonic voice'

'Fox talking'

"Fox thinking"

*expression*

Jutsu

Flashback

Chapter 2 – Implant

With a groan, Naruto started to regain consciousness, only to hear shouting.

'Lady Tsunade, you can't believe this girl for one second! She is obviously here to spy on the Leaf under that bastard's orders!' Shouted a voice, which Naruto recognised as belonging to Anko Mitarashi.

'Like hell I am! That creep put me through hell, why on earth would I be loyal to him?' Retorted a voice, which Naruto easily identified as Tayuya.

'You were with him for years, an elite even!' Protested Anko.

'You were his bloody apprentice, kettle!' Argued Tayuya.

'We are nothing alike! I hate him!' Snapped Anko.

'I hate him even more!' Shouted Tayuya.

'Lady Tsunade, you can't seriously be thinking of trusting her?' Questioned Anko.

'Well, I may not be directly involved in this, but when I did retrieve the two, Tayuya was injured rather significantly.' Added a voice, Naruto picked up as, belonging to Kakashi.

Picking this as the optimum time to interject, Naruto groaned loudly, causing the shouting to stop.

'Why's everyone yelling so much?' Grumbled Naruto, as he blearily opened his eyes, spotting Kakashi, Tayuya, Anko and Tsunade at the foot of his bed.

'About time you woke up brat, it's been almost a full day.' Commented Tsunade.

'What's going on? Where's Sasuke?' Asked Naruto suddenly.

'Probably in Sound by now.' Said Tsunade simply.

'Damn it!' Cursed Naruto in annoyance.

'That aside, what are we going to do about her? We need to find out the truth after all.' Hissed Anko.

'Screw you lady! I'm not under interrogation here!' Growled Tayuya.

'That can be easily arranged.' Muttered Anko darkly.

'Naruto, I don't suppose you can tell us anything about Tayuya over here? After all, she claims to have rescued you from death in an attempt to join the Leaf, after fleeing Orochimaru, as he tried to kill her. Is there in truth to that?' Asked Kakashi calmly.

'Ugh, yeah I think. You should ask Shika though. My mind's a bit fuzzy right now, but I'm pretty sure that bone guy said something like that would happen.' Said Naruto weakly, scrunching up his face in discomfort.

'Anko, please retrieve Chunin Shikamaru Nara for me.' Barked Tsunade.

Anko looked to protest, only to bite her tongue seeing Tsunade's glare.

'Fine, I'll be back in a minute.' Huffed Anko, before disappearing in a Body Flicker.

'Kakashi, as Naruto is awake now, you may leave and go attend to your other student.' Said Tsunade.

Kakashi nodded and gave a quick wave and smile to Naruto, before vanishing in a swirl of leaves.

'Well, glad to see you're awake now brat.' Said Tsunade.

'You know it grandma, nothing will keep me down.' Said Naruto cheerfully.

'So, how exactly did you end up like that?' Questioned Tsunade.

Naruto frowned at this and looked away from the busty blonde.

'Sasuke… he really tried to kill me, didn't he?' Questioned Naruto.

'I'll say, you were bleeding like crazy when I found you. Lucky you're the container for the Kyuubi, since it healed the massive hole you had in your gut.' Commented Tayuya, getting a sharp glance from Tsunade.

'What? I was an elite, we needed to know these things. Although, I do stress the "was" part.' Said Tayuya defensively.

'Yes, well, if that is the case, then I'm sure you won't try anything if I leave to attend to other patients quickly.' Said Tsunade challengingly.

'Promise. I'm not a spy like that crazy skank thinks I am.' Huffed Tayuya.

'Well, we'll see, won't we?' Questioned Tsunade rhetorically, before leaving the room via the door, leaving Tayuya and Naruto alone.

Naruto's demeanour shifted immediately as he sat up.

'That went rather well I'd say.' Commented Naruto calmly.

'Man it's weird when you do that.' Muttered Tayuya.

'Would you prefer I constantly spout off nonsense and shout idealistic one-liners?' Asked Naruto in amusement.

'I guess not.' Answered Tayuya.

'In any case, Shikamaru is smart and will be able to figure out enough to vouch for you from context, although, I can't stress this enough, Shikamaru is smart, very smart, so don't oversell yourself, or he will get suspicious.' Warned Naruto.

'Relax, I can handle this.' Said Tayuya confidently.

'For your sake, I hope you do.' Said Naruto, with a nod, before sliding back down.

'So, if I am allowed to stay here, what exactly am I going to do?' Asked Tayuya, moving to sit on the foldable steel chair next to Naruto's beside.

'Most likely, you'll be put on my team to fill the void of Sasuke. That will require some careful manipulation though, as I really don't want Danzo to try anything. Kakashi may have some lingering resentment, but since you saved me, he won't do anything and will get over it soon enough. The team who tried to retrieve Sasuke may also hold ill will towards you, so I suggest you don't antagonise them. Sakura will no doubt hate you, but she is weak and useless, so who cares. I'll deal with her though. Anko may be a problem though, but from the looks of things, if you simply antagonise her as you were before, it will cause her to think irrationally, since she is too emotionally invested in anything Orochimaru related… also, when you do give away a few base locations, her focus will shift marginally. Jiraiya is the biggest problem though, however, knowing him, he will feel nostalgic if the two of us interact with each other… closely. Nothing immediate of course, but enough for him to start seeing similarities between his former student and his wife.' Said Naruto in a relaxed manner.

'His student being the Fourth Hokage and his wife being Kushina Uzumaki, in other words, your parents?' Queried Tayuya, with a raised eyebrow.

'I guess Orochimaru's information was somewhat more expansive than I gave him credit for, but yes, like my parents. It will be the easiest way to dissuade Jiraiya of the notion that you are a spy. Doubly so when I begin to reciprocate things, which he will take as a good mentoring moment, when my clueless self asks him about girls and the like.' Said Naruto, with a smirk.

'So that is just a non-issue now? We're going to get together or something?' Questioned Tayuya, with a dry chuckle.

'Well, you did say you'd give yourself to me, mind, spirit and fucking hot body if I recall right. Besides, if we are close, it will be easier for me to instruct you, moreover, I already know enough about you to show genuine interest in you. After all, like I said, any illusion needs a grain of truth to it.' Said Naruto, with a grin.

'Damn right you will, I'm not some fangirl tree hugger.' Agreed Tayuya.

'If you were, I'd have simply killed you in the forest.' Said Naruto coldly, getting Tayuya to shiver slightly.

'But, nothing to worry about, right? You're both strong, intelligent, attractive and most importantly, adaptable.' Said Naruto.

Naruto's eyes turned to the door handle as it started to move and prepared himself for what would follow.

In walked Shikamaru, looking rather frazzled, with a disgruntled Anko.

'Where'd Lady Tsunade go?' Asked Anko suspiciously, narrowing her eyes at Tayuya.

'Well don't look at me! If I could take a Sanin out, I would have left snake face ages ago. Big tits just went to check on a few patients.' Replied Tayuya.

'You know, if you are trying to become a Leaf ninja, you really shouldn't call me, the Hokage, big tits.' Commented Tsunade, with a twitching eyebrow, as she entered the room.

'Well I'm not lying.' Muttered Tayuya, sparing a glance at Tsunade's large mammaries.

'She's not wrong Tsunade.' Added Jiraiya, as he appeared on the windowsill of Naruto's room.

'Pervy Sage!' Exclaimed Naruto cheerfully.

'Damn it brat! Don't call me that!' Shouted Jiraiya.

'Well it's true, especially with all of your *scoff* research.' Commented Naruto dryly.

'Well Jiraiya, what are you doing here anyway?' Asked Tsunade.

'What? I'm not allowed to check up on my apprentice?' Asked Jiraiya.

'Apprentice? You taught me for like a month!' Exclaimed Naruto indignantly.

'A month during which you learnt the Summoning Jutsu and the Rasengan.' Pointed out Jiraiya, silencing his student, who pouted slightly.

'In any case, Shikamaru, is there anything you can tell us to determine if Tayuya here has indeed defected from Orochimaru, or, is she a spy to your knowledge?' Asked Tsunade seriously.

'Well, I can't say for sure if she is a spy or not, but from what Kimimaro was saying, if she returned, Orochimaru would have likely killed her.' Said Shikamaru, with a frown.

'Thank you! About time someone used their brain.' Groused Tayuya, glaring at Anko who returned it with greater fervour.

'I still say you should let me have ten minutes alone with her.' Said Anko, with a twisted grin.

'Screw that! I'm no lesbian, so go fuck yourself, yourself!' Shouted Tayuya.

Anko's face twitched and it looked like she was going to strangle Tayuya, if it hadn't been for Jiraiya's interjection.

'All the same, if you want us to believe you, you should give us some evidence, for instance, locations of Orochimaru's hideouts.' Suggested Jiraiya.

'Fine, I'll tell you all I know, every single base, from Sand to Cloud.' Said Tayuya.

'Very well, Anko, please inform Ibiki to come to my office in an hour, you might as well come too. Shikamaru, you're free to leave now if you want. Jiraiya, come with me.' Said Tsunade, before leaving, Jiraiya following, as he hopped into the room, before leaving with his teammate.

Anko gave one last suspicious glare to Tayuya, before leaving.

'Thanks for that.' Said Tayuya appreciatively to Shikamaru.

'I didn't do it for you. You were our enemy and normally I wouldn't have minded anything happening to you, but you saved Naruto from the sounds of things and it would be troublesome to have something weighing on my conscience like that.' Said Shikamaru lazily.

'Whatever.' Huffed Tayuya.

'How are you Naruto?' Asked Shikamaru.

'I'm great, thanks to Tayuya here I guess.' Said Naruto cheerfully.

'I meant about Sasuke… he got away.' Said Shikamaru hesitantly.

Naruto frowned and looked out the window.

'Yeah… he did.' Said Naruto sadly, unaware that someone was listening outside the door.

'I just don't understand why… everything he said, it didn't sound like Sasuke at all.' Said Naruto quietly.

'That's because the curse seal feeds on your mind, amplifying negative emotions and fixating the bearer on their innermost desires… and twisting it so that Orochimaru is the answer. I'd know after all, I've been with snake face for over five years.' Said Tayuya, only to hear the door open and a pink haired girl walk in.

'You… you were one of the people who took Sasuke.' Said Sakura Haruno accusingly, as she gazed at Tayuya.

'Hey Sakura.' Mumbled Naruto, but his teammate ignored him.

'Yeah, so? What's it to you?' Scoffed Tayuya.

Sakura growled and made to advance on Tayuya, only to find herself locked in place.

'Shikamaru, let me go right now! How can you be protecting someone like her! She's the reason Choji got hurt! She's the reason Sasuke left us!' Shouted Sakura angrily.

'If you had listened to what she said, the seal made him leave, not her. Besides, without her, Sasuke might have killed Naruto. If she didn't find Naruto and keep him alive until Kakashi got there, you might have lost two teammates instead of one today.' Said Shikamaru calmly, holding his hands in the rat sign.

Sakura glared at Shikamaru, before turning to glare at Tayuya, before focusing on Naruto, who was looking down at his lap.

'I'm really sorry Sakura, but I'm sure I can get him back next time, he just got lucky this time.' Said Naruto, not meeting the pink haired girl's gaze.

'Let me go Shikamaru.' Said Sakura calmly.

After a moment of hesitation, Shikamaru released his hand sign and retracted his shadow.

Sakura turned one last glare on Tayuya, before turning back to the door.

'Naruto… I'm sorry for putting everything on you. Just give me a little bit of time and I'll be able to stand next to you, then we can bring Sasuke back together.' Said Sakura determinedly, before leaving, closing the door behind her.

'Pink is crazy if she things she can take on snake face, his right hand and get emo boy back.' Scoffed Tayuya.

'Don't say that, Sakura is really smart, I bet with a little training, she will be even stronger than you!' Protested Naruto, getting Tayuya to look at him in undisguised disbelief.

'Are you nuts?' Questioned Tayuya.

'To be fair, Sakura is rather analytical and does have excellent chakra control… but you might be stretching it Naruto.' Said Shikamaru.

'You'll see, Sakura will be as strong as Tayuya!' Said Naruto.

'Anyway, now that I'm done here, I should probably go check on Choji, later Naruto.' Said Shikamaru, as he left as well, leaving Tayuya and Naruto alone again.

'Well that was a bold-faced lie if I ever saw one.' Scoffed Tayuya.

'Was it? I never lie, Sakura can be stronger than you with some training… stronger than you when you were five.' Snorted Naruto.

'Damn straight! That pretty girl won't ever be as strong as me.' Said Tayuya.

'Also, watch yourself. You almost slipped up enough for Shikamaru to realise, that you didn't believe that I would say something like that. Luckily, I covered, but watch your reactions.' Admonished Naruto.

'Please, he can't be that perceptive.' Muttered Tayuya.

'He is. Shikamaru is probably one of the few people I would consider an intellectual equal and a friend in this village. You really shouldn't underestimate him. Sakura is book smart, but Shikamaru is all around smart. He knows facts, people and shinobi all equally well.' Informed Naruto.

'Fine, I'll try to control myself when you say really stupid shit.' Said Tayuya in a drawl.

'Please try your best, because for the immediate future, I'm going to be doing a lot of that until I can show slow, gradual changes in my personality, in response to this and a little prodding from yourself of course.' Said Naruto, with an amused grin.

Tayuya was about to respond, before Naruto gave her a quick look.

'Well brat, sorry state you're in here, I must say.' Said Jiraiya, as he popped back through the window.

'Yeah, well some master you are, letting your so called apprentice get hurt like this.' Jabbed Naruto.

'You know as well as I do, that the Rasengan is stronger than the Chidori… if you fought with the same intensity, Sasuke would have been beaten by you easily.' Chided Jiraiya.

'Well having a single move that is stronger, doesn't make up for my other weaknesses. Sure, I can take a lot of punishment, but I have no fighting style, something Sasuke with his Sharingan took advantage of and I can't use Genjutsu at all, while Sasuke's eyes give him that easily. One in three isn't enough.' Said Naruto, noticing that Tayuya almost lost her composure, when Naruto said he couldn't use Genjutsu.

'And that's why I'm going to train you for the next few years personally. If in one month I could make you surpass Sasuke in one regard, just imagine what I can do for you in thirty-six.' Said Jiraiya.

'But I can't leave for that long, we need to get Sasuke back now before Orochimaru takes his body!' Protested Naruto.

'Actually, you've probably got about that long until the pale bastard can do that.' Said Tayuya, drawing the attention of both Leaf ninja.

'The reason he almost killed me, in addition to not having Sasuke, was because we took too long and he needed to switch bodies, something which he can only do every three years.' Explained Tayuya.

'Are you sure? Do we really have time?' Asked Naruto seriously.

'I'm willing to bet my life on it. When I went back, he was already in a new body and I know for a fact, that he can't switch too quickly between bodies, or his soul will be rejected. I have seen him do it before, after all.' Said Tayuya.

'Alright then… in that case, I'm ready to train.' Said Naruto calmly, turning to face Jiraiya, who was sending Tayuya a scrutinising glance.

"That girl… with a few words, calmed the brat down and helped him regain his focus… I doubt I could have done something like that." Thought Jiraiya analytically.

'All right Naruto, I have a few things to take care of in the next few weeks, so we'll probably be able to leave in a month or so, give or take a few days. I'll let you know when we need to go a day in advance, so you can prepare.' Said Jiraiya, before sending a quick glance to Tayuya and back to Naruto again, before leaping out the window once more.

'Well, despite you almost slipping up when I mentioned my apparent lack of Genjutsu prowess… that went even better than I thought. In fact, if we can play this right, Jiraiya might even bring you along with us.' Said Naruto.

'Well, I'm not exactly stupid. I get what you want the old man to see. It shouldn't be that hard to pull off.' Shrugged Tayuya.

'I knew there was a reason I liked you.' Said Naruto, with a smile.

Tayuya gave another non-committal shrug, not really having anything to say to that.

'Well, since we have a few weeks, it is important I build up our relationship, real or fake, or both.' Said Naruto.

'It better be real, considering how much work I'm going to need to put into liking your idiot persona.' Grumbled Tayuya.

'Please, I've been forced to act like this without break for almost eight years, you don't know the struggle.' Scoffed Naruto.

'Whatever, when can we get started?' Asked Tayuya.

'Right now.' Said Naruto, swiftly ripping the sheets of his body and going to his small pile of clothes, before ripping off his hospital gown, flashing Tayuya.

'Oi! I don't want to see your ass.' Shouted Tayuya, turning her head to the right.

'Please, my ass is probably in better shape than yours, considering you focus on Genjutsu, you aren't as physically developed as me… and I have buns of steel.' Commented Naruto, as he swiftly dressed in his orange jumpsuit.

'Are you saying I'm fat?' Growled Tayuya.

'No, I'm saying my ass is better than yours. Now follow me.' Said Naruto, jumping out the window.

'My ass is better than yours.' Grumbled Tayuya, before following after Naruto.

-line break-

Tsunade had just dismissed Ibiki and a somewhat disgruntled Anko, when Jiraiya popped in through the window.

'Yo princess.' Greeted Jiraiya, with a stupid grin.

'Just tell me how things went.' Griped Tsunade.

'Well, actually, rather well… and we just might have that girl to thank for it.' Said Jiraiya conversationally.

'Explain.' Barked Tsunade.

'Well, the brat was all up in arms about getting the Uchiha back… then that girl told him the same stuff I knew about Orochimaru, but in a manner that somehow calmed him down and focused him.' Informed Jiraiya.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow at this.

'Interesting, you don't think this is just because she saved him?' Asked Tsunade.

'I don't think so, it kind of felt like two decades ago, only this time, the redhead was calming down the blond, not the other way around.' Said Jiraiya fondly.

'Don't you think you might be reading into things a bit too much? I saw the physical similarities as well, but from what I saw, the girl is just as brash as the brat.' Questioned Tsunade.

'No, I know what it was like. If you saw what I saw, you'd probably agree with me… I just don't think she gets along with Anko well.' Said Jiraiya.

'Well, considering both were former subordinates of Orochimaru and both apparently hate his guts, I'd be surprised if they got along. Especially considering Tayuya doesn't have her curse seal any more, since Orochimaru tried to kill her off. Anko is definitely not happy about that.' Muttered Tsunade.

Speak of the devil and Anko burst back into the office of the Hokage.

'Lady Tsunade, Naruto and the girl are both gone!' Exclaimed Anko, slightly out of breath.

Jiraiya merely laughed at this, getting a fiery glare from Anko and a raised eyebrow from Tsunade.

'Something funny Jiraiya?' Questioned Tsunade.

'Oh not really, just I bet you a thousand Ryou I know exactly where they are right now, knowing Naruto.' Chuckled Jiraiya.

'Well?' Prompted Anko in agitation.

'Where else would the brat go after waking up in the hospital?' Questioned Jiraiya, laughing as he hopped out the window.

'Anko, please follow Jiraiya.' Said Tsunade, with a groan, starting to rub her temples, immediately after the special Jounin left.

-line break-

'Really? This is where you desperately needed to go?' Questioned Tayuya in disbelief, from atop a stool.

'Of course, Ichiraku makes the best ramen in the world!' Exclaimed Naruto in excitement.

'You're joking right… ramen? That's what we needed to leave the hospital for?' Asked Tayuya still in shock.

'Hey, I really like ramen.' Said Naruto, giving a discreet wink to Tayuya.

'Whatever.' Said Tayuya, shortly after which, her bowl of ramen was placed in front of her, by Ayame.

'Naruto, you know you really shouldn't sneak out of the hospital.' Chided Ayame, with a smile on her face.

'Aw please, I'm fine Ayame, look.' Said Naruto, unzipping his jumpsuit and revealing his torso to the ramen chef, pulling up his mesh shirt as well.

'See, not a single scratch.' Declared Naruto proudly.

Ayame merely giggled at Naruto's antics.

'What the hell is it with you flashing people? Don't you have any shame?' Asked Tayuya in curiosity.

'Shame is for people not cool enough to accept their own awesomeness.' Said Naruto, as he zipped up his jumpsuit again.

'Uh huh.' Said Tayuya in disbelief, before trying some of her ramen.

'So what do you think?' Asked Naruto eagerly.

'It's good. I don't know if it is worth breaking out of the hospital and possibly getting locked up for good, but it's good.' Said Tayuya, before returning to her meal.

'Well, I'd say this is a surprise brat, but that be a lie.' Said Jiraiya, as he walked into the ramen shop and sat two seats to Naruto's left.

'I thought you had things to take care of?' Questioned Naruto in confusion.

'I do and I'm just heading out, but, well, someone got a little nervous about your guest being gone.' Replied Jiraiya.

'Let me guess, the stripper?' Questioned Tayuya, from Naruto's right, before feeling a kunai pressed against her throat.

'What was that?' Asked Anko dangerously.

Tayuya merely smirked and pushed her throat against the kunai, shocking Anko and Ayame.

'Stripper.' Said Tayuya, suddenly appearing to Naruto's left, in between him and Jiraiya, her ramen bowl in tow.

'What the hell was that?' Questioned Anko.

'More importantly, how come you didn't freak out Naruto?' Asked Jiraiya seriously.

'Well, I did fight with Tayuya before. I know she is really good at Genjutsu and I know she isn't stupid, so I figured she must be pranking Anko.' Said Naruto, with a childish grin.

'So wait, a Genin is smarter than me now… and not just any Genin, but a dumbass.' Muttered Anko.

'Hey! I heard that!' Shouted Naruto indignantly.

'Whatever brat, you're just small fry anyway.' Huffed Anko.

'Yeah? Tell that to Shukaku and Garra, or Neji, or even Mizuki.' Retorted Naruto heatedly.

'I'll give you Shukaku, but the rest were just small fry.' Said Anko, waving her hand dismissively.

'Well, I beat Tayuya too and she outsmarted you, so there!' Declared Naruto triumphantly.

'Really now? That's impressive Naruto, if you could beat Tayuya here, I wonder why you couldn't beat someone else.' Probed Jiraiya, only for Naruto to adopt a sullen expression.

'That was different.' Protested Naruto.

'Face it kid, pink eye is just like I was now, so you need to act like it.' Said Tayuya.

'…I know… but it doesn't make it any easier.' Muttered Naruto.

'Well, I'll just have to help you then, besides, I owe snake face a good kick in the… well if he is in a male body, balls.' Declared Tayuya.

'Well, you're getting awfully chummy with someone. I wonder if there is some ulterior motive, hmm.' Commented Anko.

'Screw you lady! Besides, he did beat me and this ramen is pretty good.' Said Tayuya, before turning back to her meal.

'Ha! Ramen is the greatest, it could end all war even, if everyone shared a bowl.' Proclaimed Naruto.

'Brat, if that idea works, I will shave my head bald.' Laughed Jiraiya.

'Then you better get your razor ready old perv.' Said Naruto challengingly.

'Damn it brat, show me some respect!' Roared Jiraiya in annoyance.

'Never, not as long as you keep doing your research.' Huffed Naruto.

'Whatever. In any case, you two need to get back to the hospital, particularly you, Tayuya, since we need some information from you.' Said Jiraiya, before getting off his stool and leaving.

'Fine, let's go whiskers.' Said Tayuya, as she dragged Naruto off his stool.

'But I didn't finish!' Protested Naruto, as Tayuya dragged him away.

'Oh yeah, you can pay this time, right snake lady?' Said Tayuya, before fading away with Naruto.

'What? Little twerp.' Grumbled Anko, before looking back at the counter and seeing a sea of bowls stacked up.

'What the hell is this?' Shouted Anko in shock.

Jiraiya had consumed a single bowl and Naruto had predictably polished off an even dozen, but somehow, Tayuya had racked up half a dozen as well.

'I'm honestly surprised she could even eat that much. Although, it is cute that both Naruto and his girlfriend like ramen so much.' Commented Ayame pleasantly.

'Girlfriend? Girlfriend my ass! What kind of Kunoichi demolishes half a dozen bowls of ramen in fifteen minutes?' Questioned Anko in outrage.

'Um Anko, don't you regularly consume dozens of dango in one sitting?' Asked Ayame, with a bemused grin.

'That's different, dango isn't as fattening as ramen and I exercise heaps to keep my figure. How the hell can someone put that much away?' Protested Anko.

'Well, maybe you can go ask her?' Suggested Ayame.

'Damn right I will.' Said Anko, as she made to leave, only to hear Ayame clear her throat.

As Anko turned back to the bubbly girl, she felt a tingle roll down her spine and a bead of sweat go down her forehead.

'After you pay of course, Anko.' Said Ayame, with a sickeningly sweet smile, which unnerved the snake mistress even more than her former master ever had.

'O-of course.' Stuttered Anko, as she pulled out a wad of bills and placed them on the countertop, before leaving in a body flicker.

'Ayame, you know I love you… but sometimes you are absolutely terrifying.' Commented Teuchi, as he walked up to his daughter.

'Oh, that can't be true, I'm just doing my job after all, as a simple ramen worker.' Refuted Ayame, with a smile.

"Of course and I'm a spy from Cloud with a Doujutsu." Thought Teuchi in disbelief, as he watched his daughter go and attend to someone who had just entered the stand, acting as though she hadn't just terrified one of the most feared people in the village.