I know IL was next to be updated, but I haven't had the chance to proofread it yet, so I figured I'd go with SNU for now, since I even have the next two chapters proofread and ready to go on my pat reon. I will proofread the IL chapter next week, so it will come next month and am in the middle of an AA chapter presently. In any case, here is the obligatory birthday chapter!
Decided on a bit more humour for the next few chapters also, we'll be working up to the next battle inclusive arc in a bit and I do plan to twist things up a bit. It will be the Kaima arc, but with Tayuya, Sasuke and Orochimaru changed as they are, things will obviously go down differently.
In addition, I plan to make use of a character who is normally painted negatively, but actually try reframing things a little bit. Won't say who it is for now and the chapters revealing it are up on my pat reon, but I'm thinking this story will probably focus more on altering supporting characters rather than main characters. That being said, things are obviously going to be different between Sasuke and Naruto, but I also plan to play out other dynamics between characters like Orochimaru, Itachi and the others of the Konoha 12.
Stay safe and keep reading!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan
Previously:
Naruto and Tayuya sat down for the free bowl of ramen Jiraiya had promised the team, before Anko joined in. After numerous innuendo-based taunts and talks of defiling ramen, Naruto and Tayuya left, only for Anko to follow them. Naruto would then help Tayuya create her first illusion, which Anko was the victim of, causing her to see more of Naruto and Tayuya than she expected. Following this, the two would lose their ROOT tail, before going to find Shikamaru. After a game of Shogi, Ino would barge in on Shikamaru with news, only stopping once seeing Naruto and Tayuya were present. The four would then find Choji and share a meal together, with Ino digging for more information on a rumour she heard about Naruto and Tayuya being amorous together.
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 9 – Hot water
It was now a few days later since Anko had tried to circulate the rumour of Naruto and Tayuya through Ino. The reason it was only a rumour at this point, was the hard evidence that Naruto and Tayuya had been with Shikamaru during these supposed events. The reason Shikamaru made for such a strong witness, is that it would be too troublesome for him to make something up. Since then, the two had mostly spent their time exploring the village with nothing better to do. Naruto took the time to show Tayuya around the Leaf village, highlighting his favourite places to visit, while also pointing out interesting locations.
'So that Mizuki guy got you to break into the Hokage tower to steal a scroll of hidden jutsu… and you did it?' Commented Tayuya, as the two sat on a bench outside the Hokage tower.
'Yeah, it was a pretty dumb thing to ask me to do in all honesty. I mean, if he thought I was a nobody, why would I be able to pull it off? I didn't look a gift horse in the mouth though at the time.' Explained Naruto in amusement.
'I'm still surprised you managed to pick up such a useful skill like shadow clones though.' Commented Tayuya.
'Well, it was the smart choice.' Said Naruto quietly.
'I'll bet. Still wonder what else could have been in there though.' Muttered Tayuya.
'Careful, that sounds like something a spy would say.' Whispered Naruto, before standing up.
'Come on, there's something else I got to show you.' Said Naruto, before standing up and pumping his fist energetically.
'Sure, lead the way.' Said Tayuya in amusement.
As the two walked away, a short distance behind them were Anko and Ino, both tailing the duo.
'Remind me again how I got roped into this?' Asked Anko.
'Hey, you're the one who trashed my reputation as the source of all gossip in the Leaf Village! You owe me.' Said Ino.
'I'm a Special Jounin for crying out loud.' Protested Anko.
'With nothing better to do right now, so let's go.' Added Ino.
'Fine. I still need to get some proof for myself anyway. I refuse to believe they pulled one over on me.' Said Anko, with a small shrug of her shoulders.
'Let's go then, they're getting away.' Whispered Ino.
-line break-
'So, is there anything you'd like to do or see while we're here?' Asked Naruto.
'I don't know what you have here, to want to see anything. We focused on tactical landmarks for the attack, not tourist attractions.' Said Tayuya.
'Oh, that reminds me of a great spot!' Said Naruto, before changing direction.
'Come on, you're walking too slow.' Said Naruto, before grabbing Tayuya's arm and dragging her along.
'What the hell, let me go!' Protested Tayuya, only for Naruto to quickly double back, as two clones of them continued rushing forward, with Tayuya grumbling seamlessly from the change.
A few moments later, Anko and Ino went by the duo, before Naruto stepped out from behind the building they had hidden.
'There actually is a place I want to show you. It is nice for both of us.' Said Naruto, before leading her towards the place he had first met Jiraiya.
'A hot spring?' Questioned Tayuya.
'Yeah, after a hard day of training, it's good to let some steam off.' Said Naruto.
'Let some steam off… not sure if you choose that phrase to sound funny or if I'm underestimating you.' Said Tayuya.
'Come on, you need to relax. You aren't looking over your shoulder all the time anymore, well, unless you really care about what happens if Ino or Anko find you.' Said Naruto.
'Also, there is mixed bathing on Wednesdays.' Said Naruto.
'That's a pretty bold move.' Commented Tayuya.
'If anyone finds us, it was your suggestion. Besides, I love Sakura, what do I care about other ladies?' Said Naruto teasingly.
'When can we move past that little thorn. It's bad enough hearing about how inferior my figure apparently is, but it's worse when I'm compared to pink and stupid.' Grumbled Tayuya.
'I mean we can start now. I know you've got more in the chest department than Sakura at least.' Said Naruto.
'Well, I mean we shouldn't start comparing you to Ino or Anko quite yet. Just kidding. Besides, I know I've given you a lot, but you actually are quite pretty you know.' Said Naruto kindly.
'Uh… thanks?' Replied Tayuya suspiciously, causing him to pout.
'Thanks? That was like the first genuine compliment I gave you on your appearance in a while and that's how you respond? That's not even a Tsundere, that's just… rude.' Huffed Naruto.
'Quite pretty? Not exactly the greatest compliment in the world.' Defended Tayuya.
'What, do I have to say your brown eyes remind me of the colour of fresh soil in the training ground. Or how your dark hair shines like the embers of a fire, smouldering darker than a raging fire, but still possessing a sense of warmth and danger. Or how your skin is so fair and unblemished it reminds me of the pristine sand at a beach? Because I'm not smart enough to say compliments like that right now, so you're quite pretty.' Said Naruto, with a cheesy grin.
'Two out of the three things you compared me to are just dirt in different forms.' Pointed out Tayuya.
'Yeah. I mean, if you were dirt though, you'd be like that fancy store-bought dirt.' Said Naruto, causing Tayuya to just stare at him blankly.
'You're really still comparing me to dirt as a way to compliment me?' Questioned Tayuya.
'Hmm, I'm not really getting my point across here, so let's just go have a bath.' Suggested Naruto, after a moment of thought.
'Works for me.' Said Tayuya.
As the two stepped into the bath house, it was fortuitously empty. The two quickly changed and wrapped a towel around their bodies to preserve their modesty. Entering the water, Naruto and Tayuya sat side by side.
'You know what, this actually feels pretty good.' Said Tayuya after a minute.
'Yeah. I kind of stopped liking hot springs for a while when Pervy Sage was making me learn water walking on top of one, but it is nice when I'm actually expecting to be in the water.' Added Naruto.
'I'm a little confused right now though, which Naruto are you being right now?' Asked Tayuya.
'Hmm, a little from column A and a little from column B. I mean, both are parts of me. Don't get me wrong, loud and brash Naruto is still one of my faces, just one I only really bring out in combat. It's pretty satisfying gloating over someone you've just lapped. Shrewd Naruto is just always there in the background taking everything in. It's like my clones. I found out when I make enough of them and leave them out for a while, they start developing their own personalities. Based on the principles of my illusions though, it means each one represents at least a small part of all things Naruto.' Explained Naruto.
'Well then, why can't you bring out smart Naruto more?' Asked Tayuya.
'Where's the fun in that? If a smart person gets an answer right its expected. If a dumb person gets it right, it's confusing. Always keep people guessing. The more guesses, the more behaviours I can watch play out.' Explained Naruto.
'That just makes it sound like you are crazy and just like messing with people.' Pointed out Tayuya.
'Exactly, it's fun.' Agreed Naruto.
The two allowed a comfortable silence to pass between them, as they enjoyed the hot spring.
'Hey, how come no one is around anyway?' Asked Tayuya.
'Mixed bathing days are normally for couples. That being said, this particular hot spring is one mostly frequented by ninja, so aside from the friends or partners of a ninja, no civilian comes here. Plus, with all the damage to the village following the invasion, not to mention Sasuke's little adventure, most ninja are out trying to do as many high-profile missions as possible to keep up appearances. It'd be very odd for anyone to come here in the middle of the day… well, unless they were hiding from someone… or hiding something.' Explained Naruto.
'So if anyone were to see us now, they'd think we were up to something kinky in here?' Asked Tayuya.
'That'd be their first guess, especially with the rumours. Truth be told, there aren't a lot of places you can go right now and I'm recovering from nearly dying or something… plus, I think I'm unofficially your guard or watcher, not really sure which they are thinking at the moment… probably the later though.' Said Naruto.
Tayuya mulled this over for a minute, before her ears picked up on something. A quick glance to Naruto showed he heard it as well, but he seemed curious, almost as though he didn't expect anyone to be around right now.
'Tayuya, why don't you use a Genjutsu, not an illusion, and hide us from view.' Said Naruto.
'I don't have my flute; it won't be very good.' Said Tayuya.
'That's okay, I think I might have an idea who is coming.' Said Naruto.
Tayuya nodded and made a small whistle with her mouth, before her and Naruto appeared to turn into a few rocks, making up the border of the hot spring.
'See, no one is around. You worry too much Kurenai.' Said a masculine voice.
'Using my real name defeats the point of using a transformation jutsu you know.' Pointed out a more feminine voice, as the sound of soft footsteps approached the pair of Naruto and Tayuya.
'I still think it was overkill, but I guess it probably helped us get by without being spotted.' Conceded the man.
Looking out of the corner of her eye, Tayuya saw two very non-descript individuals. Black hair, brown eyes, simple features and simple proportions. If Tayuya had not heard their discussion, she may have suspected they were civilians. Given what Naruto had said though, that was unlikely, so the likely explanation was ninja who were trying to keep a low profile.
'Just relax already, Kurenai. We're here and here alone, relax.' Said the man.
'Fine, fine. You know, you could stand to be a bit more cautious, Asuma.' Said the woman.
The two released their jutsu and reverted to their normal appearances and Tayuya was begrudgingly impressed.
'That's the other contender I considered.' Commented Naruto in a whisper.
Tayuya frowned at that, which caused Naruto to smirk.
'For Genjutsu.' Clarified Naruto.
Tayuya raised an eyebrow at this and watched as the two entered the hot spring, also sitting side by side.
'Asuma, hasn't this hot spring always been in the shape of a circle?' Asked Kurenai.
'It has.' Agreed Asuma.
'Then what's that out of place rock formation?' Asked Kurenai.
'Told you they'd figure it out. Asuma and Kurenai-Sensei aren't as cool as Kakashi-Sensei, but they're pretty good.' Said one of the rocks, before the rocks shimmered and morphed into Naruto and Tayuya.
'Like I said, I didn't have my flute, so it wasn't the best Genjutsu.' Defended Tayuya.
'What are you two doing here?' Asked Kurenai.
'Naruto, do I need to have, Kakashi give you the talk?' Asked Asuma, noting Tayuya's close presence to Naruto, lingering rumours floating at the back of his mind.
'What do you mean? Why would I need to talk about hot springs with Kakashi-Sensei? I already came here all the time with Pervy Sage.' Said Naruto in confusion.
'He means the talk; you know the snake in the hole thing.' Commented Tayuya, confusing Naruto further.
'There aren't any snakes in the hot springs. I don't think they'd like it very much either.' Retorted Naruto.
Kurenai and Asuma sighed at this, before realising the potential pit fall of being spotted by Naruto of all people.
'Naruto, don't you know you shouldn't be going to mixed baths at your age.' Chided Kurenai.
'Why not? You two are here, what's the big deal?' Asked Naruto.
'Yeah, he's right, it's not a big deal. Lots of shinobi share the hot springs because it is easier this way so they can still discuss things, right Kurenai?' Said Asuma, causing the woman to sigh softly.
'Of course not.' Said Kurenai, before finally taking stock of who it was with Naruto.
'Hello there, I don't think we've been introduced, I'm Kurenai Yuhi.' Said Kurenai, raising her hand from the water and giving a small wave.
'So you're the other one he was talking about.' Said Tayuya, confusing Kurenai.
'The other one? Who was talking about me?' Asked Kurenai, looking to Naruto curiously.
'She means Itachi.' Said Naruto, causing the other two to tense up.
'Whoa, relax you two, he's not here now, although I have to admit, if he was planning to kidnap me, stalking a hot spring and waiting for me to come in when no one is around is pretty ingenious.' Said Naruto, nodding to himself a few times.
'Ingenious?' Questioned Asuma.
'Yeah, it's a word I picked up from Tayuya.' Said Naruto.
'Tayuya… that name sounds familiar.' Said Asuma, narrowing his gaze on the redhead.
'That's the look of someone who has reason to be suspicious. I'm guessing you two haven't heard the news about the two of us fighting off Itachi and a few of his friends.' Said Tayuya, causing Asuma to soften his expression.
'No, I heard that.' Said Asuma, before looking away and letting himself relax a little, as he mulled over his thoughts.
'To come back to the mention of me, why was Itachi speaking about me?' Asked Kurenai.
'Itachi wasn't speaking about you, Jiraiya mentioned that you fought Itachi and he told us after we finished fighting him.' Explained Tayuya.
'You fought Itachi?' Questioned Asuma in disbelief, re-joining the conversation.
'Not just Itachi. There was that blue fish guy and these two other guys as well.' Said Naruto.
'You fought Itachi in addition to three other S-Class ninja?' Questioned Kurenai, looking at Tayuya in disbelief.
'Hey, I was there too. No respect over here. Guess that is one way in which you don't stack up.' Grumbled Naruto, confusing Kurenai.
'Stack up? To whom?' Asked Kurenai.
'Pervy Sage was saying something about how you beat Tayuya in stacks or something. I don't really get the point, you're overlooking me right in front of you, literally too. I helped stopped Gaara, beat Neji, not to mention Mizuki twice now, helped fight off Itachi and his friends, but no one says anything about me.' Grumbled Naruto.
'I see, so Master Jiraiya was comparing the two of us.' Said Kurenai, eyeing Tayuya.
'Well, it wasn't as though it has something to do with my Genjutsu skills, he was just talking about the fact that your top-heavier than me… still unfair though.' Said Tayuya, crossing her arms over her chest, as Kurenai glanced down momentarily.
'So you use Genjutsu?' Asked Kurenai, after a moment of ordering her thoughts.
'Yeah. Aside from your tits, he said we should also test out each other's Genjutsu skills. Thinks you might be able to teach me a few things, but I'd say I'm pretty confident in myself.' Said Tayuya.
'What? When did he say you should test out each other's, what was it? Tits?' Asked Naruto in confusion, causing Kurenai to blush slightly, while Asuma laughed.
'That's probably what he meant by stack up.' Supplied Asuma helpfully.
'Oh! So, Granny Tsunade must win then.' Said Naruto.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Asuma.
'It's like Tayuya called granny that one-time, big tits. Pervy Sage agreed when Tayuya said it, so if tits refer to stacking up, then Tsunade must win.' Explained Naruto.
'Naruto, I have to ask because I'm curious now, has anyone actually given you the talk?' Asked Asuma.
'What do you mean, of course, heaps of people talk to me all the time?' Questioned Naruto.
'He means sex.' Supplied Tayuya helpfully.
'Ohhhh, yeah I know about that stuff, why else do you think my Sexy Jutsu is so effective.' Said Naruto calmly.
The two Jounin paused at this, unsure how to proceed with this conversation, trying to rationalise Naruto having knowledge on sex of all things and using it to create a ninja technique.
'So, have you done it?' Asked Asuma, only for Kurenai to elbow him.
'What, you want to know too?' Whispered Asuma, indicating to the two juniors.
'Have you two?' Asked Tayuya, turning the question back on the duo.
'Maybe we should change topic.' Said Kurenai.
'That's fine with me, we came here to hide from those two anyway. We didn't come here to get asked weird questions.' Agreed Tayuya, to which Kurenai was grateful.
'Those two?' Asked Asuma curiously.
'She means Ino and snake lady. I don't know why, but they've been following us all day.' Said Naruto.
'How did you get away from them?' Asked Kurenai.
'Tayuya did it. She's really good at that Genjutsu stuff.' Said Naruto, causing Kurenai to raise an eyebrow.
'So you are skilled enough to deceive a special Jounin, that is impressive for a girl your age.' Praised Kurenai.
'Girl my age? I'm better than people twice my age.' Claimed Tayuya.
'Yeah! Just not in stacks, right?' Added Naruto.
'Here, don't forget to wash behind your ears.' Said Tayuya, before shoving Naruto's head in the water, before letting him back up.
'Don't worry, you still have time to get bigger. Pervy sage told me a secret that granny was flat as a board when they were kids.' Whispered Naruto, but loud enough that Kurenai and Asuma could still hear.
'My figure is fine.' Grumbled Tayuya, sinking down into the water and blowing bubbles.
'Well I wouldn't mind getting together to discuss Genjutsu some time. There aren't a lot of people in the village who use it as their primary skill.' Said Kurenai.
'Yeah, I wouldn't mind it either, just don't assume you know more than me. I hate people who just assume they're better than someone.' Said Tayuya.
'Fair enough.' Agreed Kurenai, before the two groups lapsed into a comfortable silence.
Asuma and Kurenai appeared to enjoy the water, while Tayuya and Naruto also relaxed, sinking a little bit deeper into the water so it rested below their chins.
'Hey Naruto.' Said Asuma after a few minutes, causing the blond to raise himself slightly out of the water.
'Yeah?' Asked Naruto.
'You say you helped fight off Itachi. If I remember right, didn't you run in to him before with Master Jiraiya when you were looking for Lady Tsunade?' Asked Asuma.
'Yeah, but that was before I had any training. I couldn't do a Rasengan back then, even the steps took forever.' Said Naruto.
'The steps?' Asked Asuma.
'Oh, yeah… hmm, I don't think I should go around telling everyone, but it's really just three simple tricks to it. Like this.' Said Naruto, before the water started to swirl in the shape of a calm whirlpool.
'Then you do it do it from more than one side.' Explained Naruto, as the whirlpool became agitated and started to shrink down into a more condensed whirlpool.
'Hey, go back a step for a second.' Said Tayuya, confusing Naruto, who obliged, letting the whirlpool became calm again.
'Bring that hand here.' Said Tayuya, turning her back to Naruto.
Naruto obliged and brought his hand to Tayuya's back, causing little waves of water to lap it.
'Now turn your hand so it's straight with my back.' Instructed Tayuya.
Asuma and Kurenai raised an eyebrow as Tayuya seemed to melt.
'Oh that's the stuff. You can keep going now, just use the other hand and don't stop what you are doing with this one.' Said Tayuya, repositioning herself beside Naruto, but keeping his hand behind her.
'Okay… the second step was power.' Said Naruto, before using his other hand to generate a strong water current which harmlessly slammed into the rocks beside them.
'Then you put it all together, but it's pretty hard to do one-handed.' Said Naruto.
'Naruto, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you doing that right now?' Asked Asuma.
'What do you mean?' Asked Naruto.
'Well, you're using one hand to generate power and your other is behind Tayuya, couldn't you just put them together?' Asked Asuma.
'Hmm, maybe.' Said Naruto, before taking his hand away from Tayuya, who groaned softly at losing her massage.
'Let's see, spin and power.' Said Naruto, raising both of his hands above the water surface.
Naruto tried to combine the two aspects of the Rasengan together, only for the technique to fail and instead cut through the water between the two pairs.
'That's the other thing. If I don't hold things together, I started cutting things up.' Sighed Naruto.
'Cutting?' Asked Asuma.
'Yeah, like this.' Said Naruto, placing his hands on the water in front of him, before the water was sliced clean through to the bottom of the hot spring, before returning to normal.
'See. The Rasengan is supposed to be contained and grind away, so cutting means something is wrong.' Said Naruto.
Asuma looked gobsmacked at Naruto, who only now noticed his look.
'Uh Asuma-Sensei, you look weird?' Commented Naruto.
'What the hell is it with you knocking other people's looks?' Questioned Tayuya.
'I mean, he looks weird right now.' Clarified Naruto.
'Naruto. You are right when you say cutting isn't the Rasengan, but it is something else entirely.' Started Asuma.
'Really? What is it?' Asked Naruto.
'That was wind chakra manipulation and it's pretty uncommon in the Land of Fire.' Said Asuma.
'Really? Who else can do it?' Asked Naruto.
'Well, both Kakashi and Jiraiya can, which I guess makes it surprising they haven't picked up on this already. Aside from them, there are a few in the village here and there, but you're looking at the most skilled one right now if I say so myself.' Said Asuma proudly.
'Really? Kurenai-Sensei, you can use Genjutsu and wind chakra?' Asked Naruto, only for the woman to giggle.
'Actually no, Asuma is the one who uses wind chakra.' Explained Kurenai, causing Asuma to huff softly at being overlooked.
'Oh, that's so cool.' Exclaimed Naruto.
'Yeah, it is for you too. Most wind users come from Sand. Not only is it rare, but it's also one of the most dangerous too and deadly if used right.' Commented Tayuya.
'Don't tell me you can also use wind chakra?' Asked Asuma.
'Not me, but Orochimaru and four-eyes could both do it. Smug as hell about it to.' Explained Tayuya.
'Four eyes? Kabuto? But I only ever saw him use that medical stuff that granny uses.' Said Naruto.
'I never said he was skilled at it. That being said, even just a few basic wind jutsu can be pretty devastating.' Said Tayuya.
'Yeah, I think I remember when Orochimaru found us during the second exam, he blasted me halfway across the forest with a blast of wind.' Commented Naruto.
'While that is an example of how damaging it can be, I don't think that is what Tayuya was suggesting. As you saw Naruto, wind chakra can be used to cut through anything, just like you did with the water. It is probably the most lethal chakra nature in all honesty.' Explained Asuma.
'Huh… so if it is so rare, how did all of you learn it?' Asked Naruto.
'Well, from what I've heard at least, the First Hokage and Second Hokage were both very skilled in wind jutsu and they passed this knowledge on to their students, including the Third Hokage, who then passed it on to his students and they theirs.' Said Kurenai.
'That sounds like a lot of people for something supposedly really rare.' Commented Naruto.
'I'm pretty sure a bunch of Uchiha know that stuff as well, Itachi sure does based on his info and you have to imagine them wanting wind to power up all their fire moves.' Added Tayuya.
'Hmm, suddenly I don't feel so special.' Mumbled Naruto.
'The fact remains though, Naruto, with you included there are only half a dozen wind users in this entire village.' Said Asuma.
'Half a dozen? Who are the other two then?' Asked Naruto.
'Your Anbu captain and that old guy who was the Third's teammate, Danzo.' Answered Tayuya.
'Mhmm, and you just happen to know that?' Hummed Asuma, narrowing his eyes.
'What, I don't go into a fight without proper info on the enemy?' Defended Tayuya.
'Yet you supposedly fought four S-Class shinobi with no preparation?' Questioned Asuma.
'I don't choose to go into battle without proper info if I can help it, barring of course an ambush and being forced into a fight for life and death.' Corrected Tayuya.
'Fair enough.' Said Asuma, dropping his suspicion for now.
'Well, I know Pervy Sage is off and I don't think I'm going to find an Anbu captain any time soon… so I guess I need to find this Danzo guy.' Said Naruto.
'Why not Kakashi?' Asked Kurenai curiously.
'He's always busy. I haven't seen him since that time in the hospital. I think he is running missions non-stop or something.' Explained Naruto.
'Well, in that case, I don't mind giving you a few tips and some exercises to get started on. I should have a bit of time tomorrow if you want to come by. I was planning to get the team together for a group session. Choji has been relentless these days and even Shikamaru is getting more active. It seems like Ino is chasing other goals now though.' Said Asuma, with a small sigh at the end.
'Whoa, I don't know if I want to come by if that blonde is going to be getting all up in my business. No boundaries in this village.' Said Tayuya.
'Why would you need to come?' Asked Naruto.
'What's that supposed to mean? What else am I meant to do in this village?' Questioned Tayuya outraged.
'You could train with Kurenai-Sensei.' Suggested Naruto, causing the girl to pause and look towards the woman in question.
'I guess… that's not actually a bad idea… but I don't like the idea of being alone with some lady I've never met before, especially with that trench coat lesbian out and about, for all I know, they could be friends and this is a set up.' Said Tayuya suspiciously.
'Trench coat lesbian… you… you aren't talking about Anko are you?' Asked Kurenai.
'I knew it, this is a set up for a forced three way.' Said Tayuya, standing up and pointing a finger at Kurenai accusingly.
'Well then, perhaps if Kurenai came with us while we trained, you'd feel at ease since Naruto would be there as well.' Suggested Asuma.
'Fine, but this still stinks of a set-up. I'm keeping my eyes on all of you.' Said Tayuya, sitting back down in the water.
'I guess I can come by. Ever since the Chunin exams, the clans have really stepped up their training for my team, I only see them once a week for a small group session these days.' Said Kurenai.
'That's bullshit. If you're the teacher, tell the clans to back off. One session a week isn't going to help if all they are doing is clan staff in the background. Everyone with a brain knows the main techniques of a clan and has counters for them. Fire for Aburame, separating an Inuzuka from their partner and for Hyuuga...' Said Tayuya, before Naruto interjected.
'Being awesome.' Finished Naruto.
'I was going to say flash bombs, but I guess since you beat the prodigy of their clan, I'll concede being awesome might work too.' Said Tayuya.
'Are you sure you're not a spy?' Asked Asuma.
'No, a spy wouldn't tell you the weaknesses of your teams. Nara, chakra exhaustion, Akimichi, speed and Yamanaka mobility. You put me in a battle royal with all of your students and I'd wreck them with my Genjutsu.' Said Tayuya confidently.
'What's my weakness then?' Asked Naruto.
'Which one? Besides, I've already listed them before.' Said Tayuya, causing Naruto to pout.
'In fact, why are we relaxing, we should be making you stronger, that's enough fun for now, let's go.' Said Tayuya, pushing Naruto towards the edge of the pool.
'Fine, see you two tomorrow then, Asuma-Sensei, Kurenai-Sensei. Oh, and don't worry, we won't tell anyone you're here, after all that help, you guys could use a rest.' Said Naruto, giving them a thumbs up and grin.
'Let's go, we can double date the lovebirds next time, quit wasting time.' Said Tayuya, pushing Naruto towards the exit.
'Birds? There aren't any birds here and you can't make love in a hot spring, it'd be way too hot.' Retorted Naruto.
'Whatever, keep moving.' Said Tayuya, before pushing Naruto into the change room, before following suit.
After a minute or two, the two had dressed and left, as indicated by the sound of doors closing outside the hot spring. A few moments of silence passed, before Asuma shifted slightly.
'Don't even think about it. Not happening here and especially not after a conversation like that.' Said Kurenai, causing Asuma to sigh.
