Disclaimer- Character from Anime belongs to Kishimoto however this story belongs to me. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 3

It's been two weeks since Naruto has been living a nightmare. Anko was funny and happy to go soul but her training methods were more like torture.

Naruto would often wonder if she was this extreme with him in training then what did she do with prisoners in Torture & Interrogation department. He shuddered every time at this thought.

During first week, Anko tied Naruto with pole in the middle of forest, took his clothes, bag and then left him to survive for week with a rusty kunai.

But when Naruto returned after seven days to meet Anko, she told him to go back and do it all over again and this time wait for her to arrive.

So here he was, in the middle of forest, waiting for his hot and dangerous albeit wicked, sensei to come and free him.

"I think she has forgotten about me. I'm going to kill that bitch!" yelled a frustrated Naruto, two weeks in forest of death without clothes, sleepless nights and creeping of nightly creatures was finally getting on his nerves.

He was about to throw more threats when someone clapped from behind the trees.

"Phew... I've been waiting for 4 days. Finally you have earned the right to call me sensei!" declared Anko enthusiastically, with feral grin on her lips.

"What the fuck are you talking about? I have been starving for 3 days. I ate that poisonous mushroom and barely made it alive. Now you are clapping like some clown who has just won some lottery!" snapped Naruto, throwing away all the anger pent inside of him for last two weeks.

But Anko grin reached her ears as she gave a victorious laugh, "Oh my, getting feisty? Well this will do for now. From tomorrow onwards, meet me at the entrance of forest. We will be doing some hardcore training and making you badass. Say hello to Shizu-chan for me, Nai-chan has been taking some extra care of her" replied Anko in single breath, throwing Naruto his belongings.

As soon as Naruto dressed himself, he sprinted towards village to meet his sister using his signature step. Naruto soon found the apartment of Jonin Kurenai Yuhi. She was his savior, taking care for Shizuku in his absence was a big relief for him.

A knock on door and it flung open to reveal Shizuku in fancy zebra dress with book tucked under her arms.

"Big brother I missed you so much!" cried Shizuku throwing herself at Naruto, only for him to catch her in mid air ignoring the pain in his ribs.

"Shizu-chan give your brother some rest, he's survived in Anko's survival test. Your brother is very brave person. Come in Naruto, let me make some tea, you don't look very well" offered Kurenai kindly to the blonde kid who was paler than leaves in autumn, 'Anko has done a number on poor soul.'

"I…I would like that very much" stuttered Naruto trying to sound polite, he was in no condition to refuse her generosity.

"Shizu-chan, show washroom to your brother. Get yourself cleaned Naruto, I'll be in kitchen" said Kurenai softly, closing the door behind him.

Naruto soon cleaned himself enough to look descent and started to search Kurenai. He found her in kitchen, staring at kettle with mild confusion on her face.

Naruto coughed lightly to signify his presence.

"Oh! I have forgotten to use this electrical kettle. Life as Jonin has certainly not helped my kitchen life in anyway" admitted an embarrassed Kurenai, Naruto smiled at older women's truthful nature.

"May I?" asked Naruto politely, not trying to intrude in her privacy.

"You shouldn't" replied Kurenai only for Naruto to shake his head.

"I'm fine sensei, I have been in far worse condition. It's really not any trouble for me" said Naruto moving towards kettle, as Kurenai settled on nearby stool.

"So how was your survival test?" asked Kurenai trying to start conversation.

"Huh… my survival test? That went fine. I will be training with Anko-sensei from tomorrow" answered Naruto, avoiding her eyes, trying not to cringe at his memories of last two weeks.

"That's good. I'm sorry for Anko, she is good person, just little twisted" finished Kurenai with a nervous laugh.

"You can frame it this way. Did Shizuku-chan give you any trouble in my absence? I'm once again sorry for leaving her with you, but there was nothing I could think of" admitted Naruto, sounding grateful but Kurenai smiled at him.

"She is very well mannered girl. I've never seen such polite and sweet little kid. She admires you like you god" replied Kurenai giving Naruto a second thought.

"That's what I'm afraid about sensei. She wants to become ninja like me" admitted Naruto gravely only for Kurenai to stare at him.

"What's wrong with that?" asked Kurenai incredulously, she couldn't understand the blonde.

"I don't want her innocence to dilute in blood of others. I don't want her pinky fingers to thrust kunai in someone's goddamn head" snapped Naruto but quickly lowered his gaze.

"I'm not proud of what I'm sensei. I'm ninja because it's the best job for me as I don't have high educational degree. Being ninja pays for our livelihood, but it's no game. I will kill people by the orders of Hokage-sama, I will destroy families and I know it's not a good thing" said Naruto pouring tea in two cups and sitting next to Kurenai, "I want her to study, become successful and earn respect. I want her to do what she really wants. This crucified ninja world is not for her" finished Naruto sternly, leaving a shocked Kurenai.

"So you are saying you wil not allow your sister to become ninja. Is this because you think she is a weak girl?" voiced Kurenai, her feminist part kicking in.

"No, I won't allow her to throw herself in ninja chaos because she is my sister, my reason to breath. As for being weak, she is the strongest girl I know" answered Naruto firmly, Kurenai gaze softened at his reply.

"She is good in tactics and maths. Maybe you should enroll her in civilian school" suggested Kurenai taking a sip of her tea.

"I was thinking the same. Maybe it's time for her to join school, this will take her focus away from loss of kaa-san and Kotseku" thought Naruto aloud, "can you help her occasionally, because I know Anko-sensei is only going to fry her brain with dango" finished Naruto with nervous laugh.

"I'm fine with this but only when I'm not on missions" replied Kurenai, much to delight of Naruto.

"Thanks sensei! I will be leaving with Shizuku-chan now" announced Naruto, placing his cup in basin.

Both adults never noticed Shizuku standing quietly near door, her inner turmoil turning into hurricane of conflicts as she heard her brother confessing.

"I'm here big brother, sensei has taught me many things" said Shizuku notifying her presence, carefully masking her thoughts. Naruto once again thanked Kurenai for her help and left with Shizuku, giving her piggybank ride.

"Did you really mean it when you said we'll change this world together big brother?" asked Shizuku sounding as neutral as she could.

"Of course Shizu-chan, we are team and team members always work together!" replied Naruto thinking of various ways to inform Shizuku about school but decided he'd avoid games.

"Shizu-chan, tomorrow onwards you'll be attending school. It's a civilian school, not a ninja academy" informed Naruto looking in her eyes and she repeated the same courtesy.

"I'm happy with this brother. But if someone makes fun of me, I'll show them how painful dango sticks can be!" replied Shizuku, with strange gleam in her eyes which unnerved Naruto. Maybe letting two dango beast to socialize, was not a good idea, but Naruto smiled at her.

For the first time after death of her parents, Shizuku was showing glimpse of her past self and for that Naruto was thankful to Anko. As long as Shizuku doesn't march in Konoha dressed like Anko, he would tolerate her.

NEXT DAY-

Sunrays penetrated window pane to meet blonde hairs much to dismay of person beneath them.

With a heavy sigh Naruto left his slumber to make breakfast. He left breakfast and note attached with it telling Shizuku to get ready before 1400 for her first day in school.

Naruto rushed to meet his sensei for training but as soon as he landed in 'forest of death' his senses perked up, saving him from incoming projectile.

Naruto immediately started looking for his attacker only to find Anko sitting on tree with wicked grin on her face that clearly said 'I love torturing.'

"What was that for Anko-sensei? Are you trying to kill me?" asked Naruto, his voice showing hint of irritation.

"I won't have to try Goldie, I can kill you anytime. Now run because today we are going to play hunt or get hunted. No multi-kawamiri jutsu allowed. This game will sharpen your battle reflexes" announced Anko, throwing sharp kunai at his head only for Naruto tilt his head in order to avoid getting hit.

His face turned ghostly white when Anko sunshined before him, pressing her developed assets against his back.

"Wh…what are you doi…" but his words never left his throat as Anko licked his cheeks, licking his blood that trickled down from thin cut.

" Tastes salty but will do, will counterbalance my sweet dango" hushed Anko seductively in his ears as Naruto jumped in air to land far away from her, his sweaty face devoid of any color as he stared at her fearfully.

"Lesson no 1- Strike you target with fear. You win half of battle when you induce fear in your target" said Anko licking her lips while spinning kunai on her fingers. Naruto could only nod at her; he was still shocked from her behavior.

"Let's start the game. I will hunt first, so run my prey or else Anko-sama will eat you alive" yelled Anko dangerously making Naruto sprint towards bushes.

After 3 hours, a bleeding Naruto could be seen lying on his back as Anko was applying bandages.

"You cry like little girl. Hell, I can still hear your girly screams in forest" mocked Anko pressing bandage a little too tightly only for Naruto to neigh.

"The day I become Jonin, I'm gonna kick your ass so badly that you won't be able to sit for days" yelled Naruto, this lady was getting under his skin and he'd have attacked her instantly in not for the fact that he was bleeding, about to pass out and the said lady was better fighter than him.

"Oh my, kinky? I will be looking forward to see you as Jonin" replied Anko, sending a wink only for Naruto to groan, no matter what he tried. Anko would always turn his threat into embarrassment.

"Go home now, tell Shizu-chan that I will be waiting for next dango match" finished Anko leaving in swirl of leaves but not before slapping his shoulder as his terrified screams echoed in forest.

NARUTO'S HOME-

Naruto has been living with Shizuku in her house for month now. Ever since that horrible night, he couldn't leave Shizuku to live alone.

Naruto knocked the door as Shizuku hurriedly opened the door only to see her bruised sibling.

"Maybe we should visit school tomorrow, anso-sensei kicked you pretty bad" said Shizuky offering shoulder to her brother.

"No, my training will be rougher with every passing day. Don't school is must, don't worry I'll use henge" with that naruto scooped her on his back and left for school.

Naruto could see the familiar pink hairs waving near school gates, but the women appeared to be older than his classmate.

'Must be Sakura's mom, she told me once that her mother was principal in school' thought Naruto closing towards older women.

"Excuse me Haruno-san, sorry for interruption but I saw you standing here so couldn't help myself. I'm Naruto, Sakura's classmate" introduced Naruto politely while putting down a curious looking Shizuku.

"Oh, so you are Naruto that Sakura-chan told me about 100 times" replid older women softly, checking him from head to toe much to his discomfort.

"I'm Newoshi Haruno. So, what are you doing in civilian school?" asked older women only for Shizuku to interrupt.

"Hello ma'am, I'm his sister Shizuku and we are for my admission" answered Shizuku on behalf of her brother.

"Oh my! So polite and cute little girl. Don't worry Naruto-kun, I will take care from here. You can collect her after 1500" replied Newoshi Haruna, taking Shizuku's hand in her own.

"I'm very thankful for your kindness Haruno-san" bowed Naruto respectively.

"Such politeness, now I can see what infatuated my daughter" laughed older women before taking Shizuku to school as a dumbfounded Naruto stood there.

3 MONTH LATER- HOKAGE'S OFFICE

"I have finished enough D-ranked missions to get a C-rank mission" demanded Naruto in uncaring manner.

"I know Naruto-kun, I was about to call you. There seems to be problem with team 7 current mission. It was simple C-ranked escort mission but they were attacked by some kiri-shinobi. I need you and Anko-chan to give them support. Here are the mission details" replied old kage pushing a file towards Naruto who immediately began to read it.

"I will be leaving now old man or else Team 7 will get his ass kicked" yelled Naruto energetically as he left the office by shutting the door too loudly only for Hiruzen to rub his temples.

"He has definitely opened up under Anko's tetulage! but maybe it was not one of my best ideas" a sigh escaped from lips of old Kage as he took ink-brush and attacked the everlasting army of paperwork.

Naruto soon found Anko in her usual dango shop, her mouth full of dango and sitting next to her was none other Shizuku.

'It's happening quite frequently. I don't know what to do with her, on one hand Anko-sensei is helping her in coping with Kaa-san's death but on the other hand she is over helping her. I must do something or else I'd have mini Anko at home' thought Naruto seriously, there was no way he was going to let his sister become clone of Anko.

"Sensei we need to leave for mission ASAP and Shizuku, what are you doing here? Don't you have school today?" finished Naruto in scolding tone, only for Shizuku to stare at him.

"Its Sunday big brother, you are always busy so I asked Anko-sensei to take me for dango" replied Shizuku flatly only for Naruto to lower his head in shame.

"Once I become chunin, I will spend more time with you Shizu-chan. I've training and mission to do as I'm freshly out of academy. Now if you don't mind, please behave properly with Kurenai-sensei, she will be taking you from home. I will return within one week" explained Naruto planting an affectionate kiss on Shizuku's forehead much to her embarrassment and amusement of Anko.

Naruto and Anko were soon on their way to wave to provide reinforcement to Team 7.

WAVE COUNTRY-

Naruto has seen what life in slums is like but the current image of Wave country has forced him to have second thought about harsh life. He couldn't help but feel pity for them.

Shops were broken, sick children with tattered clothes were lying on footpath along with adults. Foul smell in the air must have been coming from dead animal. It appeared as if Wave County has been struck with epidemic threat.

A little girl bumped into him but quickly rushed to hide in dark alley, she was nearly Shizuku's age but her face was drenched of any vital signs and her bony face made it clear that she has been hungry for weeks.

"She picked your pocket Goldie" informed Anko looking over his casually walking student, only for him to smile at her.

"I know and this is least I can do for her. I've spent many nights starving before Kasumi kaa-san found me" replied Naruto, his eyes lingering towards sky as if waiting for someone to flash a smile at him.

"You are big softy. Looks like we are finally home" announced Anko stopping in front of Tsunami's house but before she could knock the door, it was opened by a tired looking Sakura.

"Well if pinky is alive, then rest of the team must be dancing inside" chirped Anko only for Sakura to stare at her strangely.

"Heh… Sakura, what my sensei means is that, we are here for backup. You don't have any injury, do you?" asked Naruto quickly, trying to ease tension between two kunoichi.

"No, but Kakashi sensei is injured and he is suffering from mild chakra exhaustion" answered Sakrua only for Anko to shake her head disappointingly.

"Here, take these chakra pills and tell your scarecrow to bring his own next time. I'm not his goddamn nurse!" said Anko thrusting few red pills in Sakura's hand as Sakura rushed to help Kakashi.

They both settled down after debriefing of situation and agreed to help Team 7 with their final encounter.

At dining table everyone was eating dinner silently except Sasuke and Sai who were resting in their room, but Tsunami's son Inari decided that he couldn't withstand this temporary peace.

"You think you can help us? You are all going to die by hands of Gato" Inari's voice was well above whisper for everyone to hear, his voice carried mixed hint of sadness, fear and anger.

"I know you are afraid kid" said Naruto addressing Inari, "I can see fear in your eyes, anger and resentment. It's written all over your face" Inari's eye widened at his reply.

"You don't know anything! At the end of day, you will crawl under your comfortable mansion, you know nothing of suffering!" snarled Inari, Naruto's reply has touched his sensitive nerve.

"Let me tell you a story about little kid, you remind me of him. Maybe his story will make you see another side of coin" said Naruto softly, putting his chin on hands.

Now he had everyone's attention, "there was a small boy, younger than you. He was thrown out of orphanage at an age of 6. No one ever visited him, he was all alone but he never lost his hope to live. One day when he was looking for food in trash bin, an angel noticed him. Her smile was brighter than sun, her voice had unearthly melody. She took him to her house and cared for him as if he was her son. They soon became a happy family, he, angel, her little daughter and her annoying husband" Naruto laughed at the last part.

Everyone was holding breath, waiting for him to continue so he complied, moving to sad part "he was finally going to follow his career when it all came to halt. There was a monster in his home; his angel and her mate were dead. He killed that monster but nothing would bring his angel back. Ever since then, he's been living with her words" Naruto finished his story but Inari was now confused beyond extreme.

"But what were her last words?" asked Inari showing her obvious curiosity.

"Always behave, eat healthy and never change, as you can see him, healthy and sexy, sitting next to you" replied Naruto grinning, Inari's eye widened at his revelation.

"You are the boy in story?" Inari's abrupt question met with firm nod.

"But how can you live so happily after her death?" asked a troubled looking Inari only for Naruto to smile kindly at younger boy, he reminded him of his older self.

"I have moved on with my live but not from her memories, she's always around me, I'm just not smart enough to see her and didn't I tell you she'd a daughter too. She's my sister and she is younger than you" replied Naruto with a fond smile on his face.

"To see those who are gone, you have to look inside your heart little kid. They are playing a game of hide & seek. They are very much alive, in you, in your memories. Don't disappoint them by throwing away your life because they are always watching you" answered Naruto placing Inari's hand over his chest.

By now, everybody was fighting tears, even the sadistic eyes of Anko glistened after his story. Kakashi was taking mental notes to tell Hokage about this revelation, specially the deeds of orphanage manager.

While Tsunami face surfaced gratefulness and admiration for younger blonde, someone finally talked with her son.

Naruto was finding it hard to maintain his inner turmoil so he excused himself and left to get some fresh air.

"Should I go after him sensei?" asked Sakura softly, her heart ached for her friend and her 'inner self' was screaming to run after Naruto.

"Give him some space pinky, I know you like him but sometimes it's better to leave the person alone. Goldie is strong boy, he can handle himself" intervened Anko, her flat comment made Sakura blush. If not for the fact that everyone was down, Anko would have teased Sakura further.

WITH NARUTO-

Naruto was busy in his thoughts when he heard someone singing inside forest, his curiosity carried him to the source feminine voice.

A pale faced girl in black kimono was plucking some herbs and collecting them in small basket. Her raven hairs reached her hips as they swayed with her humming.

She was singing without any care of world but stopped when she noticed Naruto looking at her.

"Why did you stop? It was beautiful" asked Naruto, disheartened by her sudden reaction.

"What are you doing here in the forest ninja-san? In this phase of night?" asked the girl composing herself quickly.

"Please, I know you are ninja too. The senbon needle is still visible from underneath your sleeves" answered Naruto but seeing the girl tense, he quickly encountered "I mean no harm, we are not enemies. We can be two different person in the same place, sounds kinda romantic, what'd you say um...?"

"Haku Yuki, so we are not enemies then" said Haku softly but his lame romantic line brought a smile on her icy face.

"Yes we are not enemies, but why are you working with Gato?" queried Naruto, staring at Haku.

"How do you know I work with Gato?" his query met by her own.

"You description matches with hunter-nin that helped Zabuba Mumochi" replied Naruto getting Haku to lower her head as her body posture softened.

"You don't understand, I have to follow Zabuza-sama. He's my reason of living" half-answered Haku.

"I will try to spare you but Gato must die Haku-san. Tell Zabuza that this time he won't be lucky so he better not appear tomorrow. Well my team must be worrying about me, so ja ne" Naruto left quickly, leaving a conflicted Haku behind.

NEXT DAY-

"Sakura you will stay here, Gato's thug may attack Tazuna's home in our absence. Anko and I will assult Zabuza while Naruto, Sasuke and Sai can take care of fake hunter-nin. Divide and conquer. Everyone ready?" Kakashi said in war-veteran attitude, earning a unison of "Yes."

Konoha's team left for bridge to confront Zabuza, unaware of the danger lurking behind them.

AUTHOR'S NOTE- QUESTION- You want harem? Yes/No, if yes mention pairing.

' Dragonpony022'- Thanks, I too think Sakura is not a bad character, it was Kishi that made me hate her but now I can change it. Your ideas have intrigued me.

' Apedreitor'-I'm working with grammar part, btw thanks.

No, I'm not going to abandon this story, I have complete story till Tsunade's arrival. I have left the main fight for next chapter, it's quite lengthy and graphical and I'm not comfortable with posting 6-7k chapters. There might be some time skip. Chunin exam this time will shake many people. This chapter was mainly highlighting background and I really wanted Naruto to look mature instead of goofy idiot. Your reviews are my only reward so keep them coming . Get ready to see some kickass 3, until then take care.