Chapter Four - Clash of Ninja
Naruto Uzumaki has taken the alias of Fox along with his sensei and best friend, Anko Miterashi, or Snake. The two of them had finished their morning training and with Fox no longer being a part of the genin, he's able to use his sharingan without the need of a genjutsu to conceal it. Unlike the Uchiha, people like Fox and Kakashi Hatakem their sharingan never deactivates and thus is a constant strain on their chakra. Thankfully, because Fox being the container of the Kyuubi, his body doesn't suffer the strain from chakra being drained or his stamina running out to maintain the sharingan. Naruto has become advanced with Anko's fighting style, the Shadow Snake Dance, and the two of them spar as if they were rivals with equal power. Seven am came around and both Fox and Snake were proceeding to the mission room where they encountered Kakashi's team. Both Kakashi and Kuranai knew that by revealing Fox's identity to the other ninja without his approval, was grounds for dismissal and prison time. Sasuke was arguing with Kakashi about being tired of a bunch of D rank missions. "I want to take on a better mission! How the hell are we going to get stronger? Come on Kakashi!" Sasuke begged. Iruka sensei was clearly getting annoyed and he shouted at Sasuke to remain silent. "Don't you understand how this works? Missions are broken down by five different ranks. S, A, B, C, and D. Genin such as yourself along with few chunin are tasked with handling the D rank missions due to them being primarily in the village and available at a moment's notice. C ranks missions are for the elite genin who are preparing to transition to chunin level, along with chunin and few jonin handle them. These usually consist of guarding clients who are traveling along with the delivery of special documents. B rank missions are for the elite chunin, along with jonin that often require the battle with high ranking ninja either from other villages, or those who went rogue. Rank missions are designed for Jounin and members of the Anbu that involve assassinations. Finally, S rank missions are those with importance that the hokage dreams suitable for certain individuals or squads." Iruka finished explaining. Sasuke crossed his arm and stated that he didn't care and that he wants a higher level mission. The hokage chuckled and decided that he'll entertain Sasuke by giving his team a C rank mission to escort the famous bridge builder, Tazuna to the Land of waves. "You'll be protecting him bandits and thieves. This will give you a slight amount of experience of how real the shinobi world is." Hiruzen explained. "Lord hokage! If you don't mind, I think myself and Fox should tag along. He is a new shinobi and the experience would be a great bit of importance." Anko said. Hiruzen smirked and informed her and Fox to meet him in his office. "Kakashi, I want you, Sai, Ino, and Uchiha to meet at the gate with Tazuna, when Anko and Fox arrive, you will be able to proceed. Kakashi nodded with annoyance due to knowing that anything involving Anko and Naruto was sure to be anything but simple.
Hokage's Office
"You wished to see us, Lord Hokage?" Anko asked in an unusual style of respect. Hiruzen nodded and took a deep breath before speaking. "On this mission, it's being charged for that of a C rank. However, you and Fox will be given an A rank mission and the Mizukage has agreed to pay you both directly that of an S rank. A businessman known as Gato is trying to prevent the bridge builder from finishing the bridge. The two of you are being tasked with his assassination along with providing extra protection to both the bridge builder and Kakashi's team. The reason this is an A rank and not a B rank mission, is because rumor has it that he's hired a missing ninja that is on the level of jounin. Fox, I'm confident in your abilities to hold your own. However, don't risk your life if it means hiding your identity. We will cross that bridge if it comes to it. Also, I want you to know that I have a feeling that the bridge builder isn't being too truthful. Fox, I'll allow you to make that judgment on Kakashi's team continuing the mission if it happens there turns into a B or A rank. Now you two be careful and try not to bug Kakashi too much." Hiruzen finished saying with a slight smile at the end. Both Anko and Fox nodded and they vanished towards the village's entrance.
Leaf Village Gate
"This is annoying. Why do we have to wait for those two losers to arrive?" Sasuke asked while leaning against the green post around the village's gate. Kakashi sighed and informed Sasuke that a mission cannot begin unless all the teammates are present. Our job is to provide protection for Tazuna. The old man that was clearly intoxicated began to mumble a bit before spitting out his words. "I'm placing my life in your hands? I might as well sell the bridge before arriving." Tazuna said as he took another swig of his beer. Kakashi informed Tazuna that while Sasuke and the others are genin, he is a jounin, along with having another jounin present. Both Anko and Fox appeared before them. Tazuna looked at the girl with purple hair and began to blush as he admired her beauty. He then glared at the boy with the fox mask on and asked why he needed to cover his face. "Fox here, while he may be a genin, it's just for official purposes. His skill level rivals that of both mine and Kakashi. Also, from this point on, I'd like you to refer to me as Snake, along with Kakashi as Fang. We're both ninja that are known worldwide and it can be quite troublesome if we are discovered. It will make protecting you slightly easier if you go along with it." Anko said professionally. Tazuna continued glaring at the boy's crimson eyes. He then nodded and the seven of them proceeded to leave the leaf village. As the group is walking, Ino asks Sai his thoughts about the boy with the fox mask. "I'm not sure. I'd imagine if he was with Snake sensei, then he must have some talent. Haven't you heard the rumors?" Said asked without a trace of emotion in his voice. Sasuke slightly turned his head to hear the conversation. "Snake sensei trained under the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru. I hear she is quite sadistic and so if she took on a student, he must be pretty talented." Sai finished explaining. Tazuna continued walking and kept making frequent glances at Fox. He then came to a stop and in his deep serious, but not angry tone, said, "Why do you keep looking at me like that?" Tazuna gave a small smirk and stated that he was reminded of his daughters' deceased husband. "He was a hero in the Land of Waves. While he wasn't a ninja, he had the same look in his eyes that you do, son." He said. Fox blushed under his mask and bowed his head to show thanks for the compliment. As they continued walking, Fox noticed a puddle on the path and considered it strange due to it not having rained in roughly three weeks. As he formed a few hand seals, Fox was able to inform Anko of what he noticed and she gave him a nod. Kakashi was aware of the discussion between the two ninja and put his own statement in and he declared that he wanted to see who they were after before doing anything. Fox nodded and to the bridge builder and other genin's surprise, two black cloaked men appeared with a large sized metal hand. They charged towards Tazuna and immediately, Fox sliced their heads off without hesitation. This shocked both Anko and Kakashi. "It's done." Fox said coldly as he returned his blade and continued walking. "Snake, I'd like you to have a talk with Fox while I have a discussion with our client." Kakashi said without emotion, similar to how Sai speaks. Anko nods in annoyance and grabs Fox by the back of his shirt and pulls him behind the bushes. "Explain to me, why were they trying to attack you? I thought it was your everyday bandits and thieves. But these ninjas that Fox eliminated were at least chunin level. If I'm not mistaken, they are known as the demon brothers." Kakashi said with a bit of seriousness added to his voice. While Kakashi and Tazuna were discussing the matter, Anko complimented Fox on his clean kill. "I know Kakashi wanted me to scold you, but that was one hell of a double kill Fox! You're a natural, pretty soon, if you keep up the performance, I'll have join both Ebiki and I on our soul assassination squad." Anko stated. Fox nodded his head and he and Anko fist bumped. They returned to the group where Kakashi informed them that the mission had turned from C rank, to B rank. They were preparing to turn back until Fox demanded that they stop. "Lord Hokage gave me the authority to decide if we should continue or drop the mission if things change. I believe that while having Fang, Snake, and himself, along with three weak genin, the mission can continue to go smoothly." Fox said. This annoyed Sasuke and he demanded to know who he thinks he is ordering an Uchiha around. "Do you know who I am? I'm Sasuke Uchiha, the soul survivor of the Uchiha clan!" Sasuke declared. Fox continued glaring at him and said that usually the dog that barks the loudest is the first one to run. Kakashi mentally states that Naruto stole his line. Anko then got serious and ordered the group to listen up. She wanted Fang to remain in the back to cover any rear or sneak attacks from an enemy. She ordered for Sai, Sasuke, and Ino to form a triangle around Tazuna. Lastly, she asks if Fox was leading the front. He nodded and gave a salute and Anko determined that the formation would be efficient enough to continue traveling. "Why are you so nice to Fox? That's dumb." Sasuke declared clearly showing annoyance that he isn't receiving top of the line respect. Anko pulled out her Kunai that she often spun around her pointing finger and said, "When you learn how to make a beautiful cut like Fox. Then maybe I'll show you a bit of respect." This annoyed Sasuke but he decided to let it go.
Land of Waves
As the ninja continue walking, they arrive at a lake that is surrounded by fog. A small boat could be seen proceeding in their direction. Tazuna explained that due to Gato and his men trying to take over, many tourists or nearby travelers have been killed on the spot and thus they need to travel quietly across the lake. Everyone nods and they find a spot in the boat with Anko taking a spot next to Fox, and Kakashi taking a spot in the front. The other genin sits around Tazuna for an extra layer of protection. "Fox?" Anko said to him as she looked like she was about to puke her guts out. Fox noticed that his sensei was getting sea sick and he placed his hand and began to rub her back. This made Kakashi look surprised due to remembering when Iruka tried rubbing her back when was drunk on sake and she nearly killed him and everyone in the surrounding area. Ino was glaring at Fox as she tried to make out who it was behind the mask. "Hey, who are you? Don't tell me your stupid code name, I want to know who you are. If we're doing a mission together, I think it's only right that we all know who each other is." Ino stated. Fox shook his head and Kakashi explained that Fox needs to keep his face hidden due to being a well known ninja. This shocked her, Sasuke, and Tazuna. As Anko prepared to barf, Fox decided to get bold and assist her by pulling her hair back. Kakashi saw this and yelled for him to stop and thus freaked everyone but him and Anko out. "Have you lost your mind!? We're trying to travel stealthily. Why do you think we aren't using the motor?" the boat captain snapped. Anko was trying to catch her breath and she laid her head on Fox's lap and fell into a deep sleep. Kakashi's face began to blush under his mask at the sight of the two. An hour passes and they arrive on land that's surrounded by mist. "Okay everyone, this mist is thick. We need to make sure that Tazuna is completely protected and we need to keep our guards up. Everyone nodded and proceeded forward. After walking fifteen miles, the fog began to fade away. Everyone had appeared to settle down until Fox noticed a white rabbit. "That's strange. A white rabbit shouldn't be out here during the summer time. This rabbit has to be a diversion." Fox thought until he immediately ordered everyone to drop and without hesitation, Fox tackled Anko to the ground. A large sword slashed into a tree and a man, about six foot seven stood on the edge facing away from the group. Glaring at the trees before him, the man goes into a deep, sinister laugh. "Sorry kids, I'm going to need the bridge builder. Nothing personal." the man said. Immediately, Anko ordered Kakashi's team to take the manji formation to protect the bridge builder. Anko and Kakashi stood in front of the group when the man greeted both Kakashi, the copy ninja, and Anko the white snake. The genin were shocked to hear that both of their senseis were known and considered powerful. Instantly, the man appeared between the group and he prepared to kill Tazuna. When he swung his sword, the man froze as he noticed that his body was no longer on the ground. Fox had appeared in front of him and used his leg to kick him straight into the air. The man that was in the air had burst into water while the man in front of the jounin chuckled. "Zabuza Mommochi, the Demon of the Mist." Anko declared. Anko smirked and stated that it will be her pleasure to have him eliminated. "Do you think you're going to be the one to kill me?" Zabuza asked with anger and excitement. She started laughing with a sinister tone herself. "No, I won't be the one. Hey, Fox! Show the Demon of the Hidden Mist what it means to be a ninja!" Anko shouted as Fox appeared before Zabuza. The two glared into each other's eyes and in that instant, Zabuza took his sword and swung in such speed and sliced through what felt like flesh and bones. "I thought this kid was going to kill me!?" Zabuza yelled in excitement. "Why are you trying to kill an innocent man who is trying to take care of his village?" the voice of Fox asked as he appeared behind Zabuza. Fox had stood before the Demon of the Mist and by raising both his middle and pointer finger, one thousand kunais were launched into Zabuza's chest. Blood could be seen splattered through his white bandages that covered the bottom half of his face. "What are you?" Zabuza asked as he fell to one of his knees as he tried to catch his breath. Fox walked towards the man with his Mangekyo Sharingan spinning and declared that he was the end to the nightmares that ninja like him caused. In that instant, Zabuza woke up and used his sword to block Fox's kunai that was being prepared to end his life. "What the hell did you do!?" Zabuza asked as his eyes were bloodshot with veins being enlarged. Fox vanished with his kunai across Zabuza's neck and stated that it was the tsukuyomi. Anko, Kakashi, Tazuna, and the rest were standing with shock that the mysterious Fox had beaten Zabuza. Three senba needles were sent through Zabuza's neck. Fox glared in the direction of where the attack came from and found a person with a white mask on that was similar to the one that the Anbu black Ops wore. "State your business." Fox declared in his stern and serious voice. The ninja said, "I've been hunting Zabuza for a while now. I'm glad to see that I was able to find him. Please, allow me to dispose of the body and I'll be on my way." Fox glared at the ninja and he nodded. The ninja vanished and appeared over Zabuza's body and began to pick him up. As the ninja raised its pointer and middle finger to vanish, Fox called out. "Yes?" the ninja asked, confused. "Let me help you." Fox said as he vanished behind the tracker and sliced Zabuza's head off. "Go ahead, bring his head to your boss. If I see you again, I'll do the same." Fox said in his cold voice. The ninja slightly trembled but nodded as it vanished with Zabuza's head in its hand. "Alright guys, let's go." Fox declared as he proceeded forward. Kakashi glared into Anko's eyes. It wasn't his standard look, it was the look of disappointment and anger. "Don't say it. I'll talk to him." Anko mumbled under her breath as she proceeded to catch up to her student. Kakashi continued his gaze on her and then announced that it would be wise that they stop somewhere and rest. Tazuna spoke up and agreed to allow them to stay with him for their efforts. Fox continued walking until Anko caught up and then he stopped. "If you're going to yell at me, can it wait till we have privacy?" Fox asked without the slightest bit of emotion. Anko grabbed his hand and pulled him behind the trees and slapped him. The mask fell to the ground undamaged and when Anko turned to look at her student, she saw Naruto with tears running down his face. "Do you think I wanted to kill him? The thought of murder haunts me, it destroys me on the inside." Naruto admitted as he dropped to his knees. Anko gave him a look of concern and then a deep breath before dropping down to her knees. "Why did you kill him then?" Anko asked with curiosity. Naruto's eyes that were filled with tears turned to his sensi as he admitted that he heard what the man was thinking. Anko raised an eyebrow for Naruto to explain what he meant. "These eyes… They do more than just help my vision. I can see the thoughts and intentions behind a person. I saw the nasty and horrible things he was thinking." Naruto admitted as he placed his head into his hands while crying. Anko asked what he saw and was shocked to hear that Naruto declared that Zabuza had plans to rape and hold the women as hostage and sex slaves. "You don't understand, when it comes to you, I'll kill anyone that even considers harming you." Naruto shouted until she hugged him tightly. "Calm down, okay? Remember, I'm a big girl, Naruto. I understand that you're upset, but you cannot allow your feelings to take over during the mission." Anko said. Naruto quickly nodded his head before placing his mask back on. The two returned to the group and Kakashi looked at Anko who gave him the look to not mess with her. The seven of them continued down their path until they arrived at Tazuna's house.
Tazuna's House
The seven ninja entered the house and were greeted by Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami. Everyone bowed and entered the living room to take a seat. Immediately, Anko shouted and stated that it's time for training. Kakashi looked at her with pure annoyance. "Look Kakashi, I understand that you believe in your team or whatever, but if my genin can take down the Demon of the Hidden Mist and continue to train, I think your squad can survive a few extra hours. Kakashi sighed and gave a thumbs up that symbolized his approval. Anko smiled and ordered the genin to follow her. Fox prepared to stand up until Kakashi grabbed his hand and informed him that Anko was referring to team seven. Fox glared and proceeded to leave. "I'm worried about you, Naruto. What's going on?" Kakashi thought to himself. "Now that they are gone, can I have a conversation with you?" Tazuna asked seriously but with less anger as he poured himself a glass of whiskey. Kakashi nodded and crossed his arms. "Fox, or whatever his name is. What's his story?" the old man asked as he received a shake from Kakashi when offering him a glass. "I'm forbidden to say much. But I will say this. I've known Fox since he was a boy and I nearly adopted him. However, he cares deeply for you and your goal. Back in the Leaf Village, there was a boy named Naruto Uzumaki and this boy was someone that Fox looked up to for the longest time. The village never seemed to acknowledge him at all, in fact, many of them hated him. He was a bright, optimistic, and happy kid. This inspired Fox to want to be like him and so whenever he cares about someone, he'll go the extra mile. He killed Zabuza because he knew if he didn't then the people precious to him would be in danger." Kakashi explained. Tazuna remained silent as he continued to stay Kakashi's eye as it was the only thing visible on his face.
Tazuna's Backyard
"Alright maggots, it's time we start training!" Anko shouted. Sasuke crossed his arms and turned away. "What's your deal Uchiha?" Anko asked unimpressed. Sasuke glared at her and had a cocky smile on his face. "Somebody better get their snake whore before she gets in trouble for not respecting the elite." Sasuke said. Ino gave Sasuke a strange look, it was a look that she never gave to anyone other than Naruto. Anko smirked and pulled out a kunai and threw it at Sasuke who jumped back slightly. "Pick it up. I'm going to show you that Uchiha trash is still trash." Anko stated as she pulled another from her holster. Sasuke charged at her only for him to be caught with her kunai across his neck. "Give me a reason." Anko said sinisterly. At that moment, something changed in Sasuke, his black eyes turned red and two dots appeared. He dropped down and swiped Anko off her feet with a kunai to her neck. "Not so tough against me now. Remember, I'm Sasuke of the Sharingan, and I'm an avenger." Sasuke roared. Anko chuckled and stated that there are only two people that are worthy of sharingan and that's Kakashi." she paused because she didn't want to reveal Naruto. Anko then raised her leg up quickly and Sasuke's face dropped massively due to being kicked in the balls by Anko. She stood up and chuckled. "Now, if the games are done with, I'd like you all to stand in a straight line." Anko orders while crossing her arms and getting her training attitude adjusted. Everyone does so, including the limping Sasuke. Without warning, Fox appeared next to Anko and whispered something in her ear. This made her smirk which was usually a bad thing. "Okay, I've got to speak with my student. I want all of you to work on your chakra control. Unlike the academy, I believe if there isn't a risk, then there isn't any point. Here are three kunais. I want you all to concentrate your chakra to force them to float roughly three inches off the palm of your hand." Anko ordered as she threw the kunai. Both her and Fox stepped and she crossed her arms with curiosity to hear what her student learned. "That tracker who was with Zabuza is determined to avenge him. I think it's safe to say that Tazuna is in danger, along with his daughter and grandson. I've formulated a plan that is determined to work along with completing our agenda. When the ninja appears, I want to fight him. Eventually, Gato will come and then you will be able to take the kill. By doing this, it secures both ours and Kakashi's team's mission." Fox stated. Anko smirked and softly cupped Fox's mask in her hand as she complimented her bestie for being the ruthless assassin that she's trained. Fox blushed under his mask and then vanished. When Anko returned, she found that only Sai and Ino were doing the exercise that she instructed them to do. Crossing her arms with an annoyed expression, "What are you doing? I thought I gave you an assignment." Anko said. Sasuke crossed his arms and said that he wasn't going to let himself be injured when there was a fight that was beginning to take place with that tracker ninja. "You caught on to that? Not bad, looks like you aren't completely hopeless at becoming a ninja." Anko said as she crossed her arms. Sasuke smirked and stated that he'd be a much better student than that Fox loser. Anko walked over and got on her knees in front of Sasuke and began to whisper something in his ears that made the hairs on his arms stand. "If you ever talk about my student again, I'll kill you in cold blood." she said as she stood back up with her sinister smile.
Tazuna's House
Fox was inside the room that he and Anko were sharing due to security reasons. He rarely removed his mask, especially in places that weren't the Anbu headquarters or the Hokage's office. Fox began reading a scroll that contained notes the fourth hokage wrote, along with a few jutsus. Night time came around fast, and when Naruto heard footsteps at the door, he immediately placed his mask back on only to find it was Anko who brought him a plate of food. "Hey, supper was just finished, I didn't know you were hungry." Anko said while placing the plate on the desk he was sitting at. He thanked her and resumed reviewing the scroll which easily caught her attention. "What's this? The fourth hokage's scroll? Oh, so you really are trying to surpass him aren't you?" Anko asked with the tone of being impressed in her voice. Naruto grinned at her and said there was a particular jutsu that he was trying to master. When Anko sat on the edge of the desk, Naruto slid the scroll over to reveal the notes. "Namikaze Style, Mind Connection Jutsu. When the user has someone they wish to be able to get in contact with at any time, primarily a spouse, family, or teammate, they activate the jutsu by placing a piece of the users' chakra inside the person of interest's chest. This will allow for the two to speak with each other through thoughts alone." Anko read. She then asked why he was working on that. "Since we have been on this mission, I've really disliked the fact that I can't speak to you out in the open like we do at home. So I want to learn this jutsu so that we can talk whenever." Naruto explained. This made Anko smirked and she ruffled his hair. Naruto then explained that he's trying to form chakra that is visible to the eye, and can be inserted without crossed her arms as she pondered to figure out a way to help her blond student. Naruto then stood up and closed the scroll and gave Anko a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to get some sleep. I know Tazuna won't be returning to the bridge for another two days. I'm going to spend the majority of my time here unless you need my assistance for training." Naruto said with his foxy smile and optimistic attitude. Anko smirked and said that she may use him for an experiment in the morning time. Anko walked over and gave Naruto a kiss on his forehead along with activating the genjutsu that she set on his door to prevent anyone from entering and seeing his face. Anko exited the bedroom and went downstairs to find Tazuna glaring out at the night sky. "Can't sleep?" anko asked as she sat down next to the old man and grabbed a beer out of his ice chest. Tazuna glanced over and gave the girl a warm smile. "What's your reasoning for being here? I'm no ninja, but I'm aware that a team consisting of three genin, a jounin, and two assassins aren't necessary for my kind of mission." Tazuna asked as he took another swig of his beer. She looked at him and asked what he meant by two assassins. "Look, I'm sure you have your reasons for keeping that boy a secret. But is he the Naruto Uzumaki that Kakashi was talking about?" he asked with confidence in his question. Anko nodded slowly and smirked. "How did you figure it out?" anko asked with curiosity and knowing that Kakashi wouldn't have revealed it. "It isn't hard. That boy is different from the rest. He reminds me of my son-in-law that was murdered years ago by Gato. He actually brings me hope that I'll be able to finish the bridge and the Land of Waves can strive once again." Tazuna announced while he and Anko took another sip of their beer. Anko smiled and looked deep into the clouds of darkness. "Naruto isn't a normal boy. You see, years ago, the Kyuubi attacked the hidden leaf village. His father, the fourth hokage, or as you know, Minato Namikaze, sealed the demon away. Many believed that he killed the Kyuubi, but unfortunately, he couldn't kill it. The only way to subdue the demon was to place it inside of a living body. Instead of asking another parent to make their child the host for the demon, he decided to use his son. Naruto is the host for kyuubi. The people of our village consider him a monster, along with many of the other genin, including the ones on this mission with us. He changed his identity to Fox, and I've become his sensei because I've been in his life since he was a baby." anko stated. Tazuna's face dropped with shock because he heard the rumors that a boy was to kyuubi and he was a deadly omen. Never did he once consider the boy to be sleeping in his house with the goal of protecting him. "Well Miss Anko, I thank you for sharing that information with me. If there is anything I can do for you and your team while you're here, let me know." Tazuna said as he stood and stretched before heading off to bed. Hearing this gave Anko an idea. "Actually, there is something that would be of assistance to help the kids' training go smoother. Naruto is going to be spending time in the backroom for the most part of tomorrow. I'd like for you and your daughter to wipe up a unique and special kind of dango for him. He is working on an extremely rare jutsu. I want to motivate him by promising him a special kind of dango that cannot be found anywhere else. Do you think you'll be able to do that?" Anko asked. Tazuna smirked because little did anyone know, he and his daughter loved dango and if it meant helping the boy that was going to save their village, nothing would stop him. "What if he can't complete the jutsu while you're still here?" Tazuna asked with a challenging smile. Anko winked and patted his back as she proceeded to head to Naruto's and her room. She enters the room and finds Naruto knocked out like a baby. She removes her jacket and her netted undershirt that revealed only a black sports bra. She then removed her brown skirt that covered her netted leggings along with them. She crawled into bed wearing only her panties and bra. While many would assume she is trying to seduce Naruto, the truth of the matter was that he never once made any approach to do anything nor disrespect her in any way. As she lays awake in the bed and ponders everything from the village, the mission, her old sensei, and Naruto's new attitude with killing. "Hmph. I'm not going to turn him into a monster. He isn't a monster. He is my student. He is my friend. He is someone that's more precious to me than anything else." Anko said to herself mentally as she drifted into a deep sleep.
The Next Day
Morning time came around quickly and when Anko sat up out of bed, she noticed Naruto was up and sitting at the desk with two plates of breakfast that consisted of eggs, bacon, toast, and a glass of orange juice. Naruto turned around and greeted her good morning while pointing to her plate. "Good morning Anko. I went ahead and made you a plate for breakfast, along with having your clothes ready for the day." Naruto declared with his wide foxy smile. Anko usually got annoyed as those who were cheerful early in the morning, but when it came to Naruto, she didn't mind. Anko stood up and walked over to Naruto and gently placed her hand on his shoulders as she looked down to see all of his notes and thoughts about the jutsu. "Anko, I think I figured it out." Naruto stated with excitement. Anko's face was flooded with a smile that she couldn't resist even if she tried due to being proud of her student. Anko walked over and grabbed the plate and proceeded to sit on the bed while she watched the blond continue working. After Anko finishes her breakfast, she quickly gets dressed and finds a note that was placed on her jacket. She glared down and read the note, "Anko sensei, no matter what those rookies say, you're an incredible sensei and the best that a person could ever have. Believe it!" Anko read to herself as she passed a glance to Naruto who was so focused on studying that he didn't notice her staring. She quickly prepared herself and told Naruto that around lunch time she would need him to join her. Naruto turns and gives her a smile with his salut which indicates that he understands. Anko exits the bedroom to find Kakashi's team sitting around the breakfast table waiting for Kakashi. Ino greets Anko and is returned a nod. "Alright, come on. We're going to do some training. Kakashi sensei has given me full permission to watch over your training until we return back home." Anko declared. Sasuke stood up and nodded and surprised her by saying, "Yes sensei." Stunned by the odd respect from the Uchiha boy, she ignores it and everyone enters through the backyard.
Tazuna's Backyard
Anko informed the group that Fox's greatest attribute is his stamina. "I've never seen a person train as hard and as long as he does. So during our training this morning, we will focus on building our stamina up." Anko ordered. She then bit her thump and went through a series of hand seals before slamming her hand on to the ground. A bright red snake appeared before her. His name was Salamand. "Hey Salamand, I've got an important mission for you. Till lunch time, I want you to chase these three brats around the back yard. If you manage to bite them, make sure to only paralyze them for five minutes. This way they don't have too much time to rest." Anko ordered and the snake bowed its head and surprised the genin at its speed. As the snake chased the genin around, Kakashi entered the backyard and greeted Anko. "Where is Naruto? I mean Fox?" Kakashi asked, quickly correcting his mistake. Anko smirked and said that he was working on a Jutsu that was developed by the fourth Hokage and kushina. This made Kakashi's eyes open wide and he asked if the jutsu connected the two peoples' thoughts. Anko nodded as she ordered for the genin to move with speed. "Anko, why is Fox making that jutsu?" Kakashi asked seriously. Anko turned around and said that it'll be easier for them to communicate while on missions and they're away from each other. Kakashi's face blushed underneath his mask. "Sounds like your boyfriend isn't wild about you being out of his sight." Kakashi jokes. Anko blushed as her face went angry and shouted that he wasn't her boyfriend. Lunchtime came around quickly and as Kakashi's team begged to eat, Anko winked and gave them each a rice ball. Fox joined the group and greeted his sensei along with Kakashi. "Alright, hurry up and eat. Your next exercise will help develop your combat skills." Anko said. Sasuke smirked due to being pleased that he can get some real training done. Anko handed Fox a bell. "If you guys cannot get this bell from Fox, then you'll be forced to do the night time training routine that I've put together." Anko said with her excited face. Fox smirked under his mask and jumped towards the center of the yard. Sasuke, Sai, and Ino circled around him as they declared they were going to get the bell. Anko then shouted that whoever doesn't get the bell will be forced to do the training. Sasuke was the first to charge at Fox but was kicked away in his stomach. Ino tried attacking with a barrage of kunai but found that Fox's skills with his sword weren't rumors. He deflected each of them and returned his sword to the holster before anyone could notice. Sai continued investigating the area that Fox stood at and watched how he countered both Sasuke and Ino's attacks. Immediately, he pulled out his scroll and began drawing. Three large bears appeared and they chased towards Fox who went through a series of hand seals that revealed a large puff of smoke. Fox had used an acid style jutsu that melted the ink from Sai's drawings. The three genin continued to attack Fox until he ordered that they backed down. "You guys are lacking the most important thing. It's teamwork. Unfortunately, you must sacrifice two of your members so that one of you can complete the goal. Sasuke! Stop trying to show off and act like you are the best. Ino, quit trying so hard to get Sasuke to notice you. Had you assisted Sai with his jutsu, it may have had an effect on me. Sai, communicate with your team. Clearly you are the only one here who resembles anything to being a leader. Now get it together or stop wasting my time." Fox shouted with annoyance. This made Anko slightly blush due to seeing how mature Fox has gotten. Three hours passed and none of them had made the slightest bit of effort to get the bell. "Fox is right. We need to team up." Sai said only to be dismissed by Sasuke. Sai facepalmed himself and looked at Ino. We might be able to get the bell, but it will require one of us to put in the effort for nothing. As a member of the team, I'll be the one to make the sacrifice along with Uchiha." Sai said. He then went through with the plan and Ino's face lit up with mischief. Both Ino and Sai charged at Fox who was prepared to counter their attack only for Ino to prepare her Mind Transfer Jutsu. Fox knew it was a decoy and so he countered Sai's attack along with Inos. Sasuke came running in randomly and grabbed the bell. He laughed and declared that nobody can defeat the Uchiha until Fox released the genjutsu that showed Sasuke that he grabbed a rock and Ino was the one who got the bell. "Alright, looks like Sai and Uchiha will be doing the night time training while Ino gets to relax inside." Anko declared.