Memory 3: Why Naruto Hates "Bath Time"

If your name wasn't Uzumaki Naruto, you probably enjoy bathing.

You might liked having bubbles that smelled like vanilla or something fruity like apples.

Your favorite shampoo could be something that helps make your hair shinier, but you use it for the bubbles it creates.

You might even have conditioner that you enjoy lathering on because it was smooth.

The body wash you used could smell like vanilla and oranges. Maybe you even had a sponge or washcloth.

Maybe there were rubber ducks floating happily as well, each with a nation's symbol decorating its forehead protector.

But if your name was Uzumaki Naruto, you hated baths like those because of one man named Shiranui Genma.

Currently, Naruto was taking a bath, but instead of relaxing, he was on alert. His blue eyes were carefully making sure that the door was locked and that the seals to prevent the use of shunshin were on and fully working. He didn't want anyone to bother him.

He knew that his house was surrounded with ANBU members courtesy of Sakura who told him he needed more than just one bodyguard. His body had been black and blue that day. She really didn't hold back on him.

Sighing in relief, Naruto flicked a rubber duck with Suna's symbol to the other side of the huge bath tub. Why he had such a nice bath tub, he didn't know, but he was tempted to return it back. It was big enough to comfortably fit three people with plenty of room left over.

He leaned against the side of the tub, relieved at the day going by somewhat uneventfully. Today was just another day full of paperwork.

His back muscles hurt from being in one position for so long, and he was glad for the soothing smells of his bath. They really were a great help to his headache.

Now if only he could find a way to get rid of the headache caused by Genma.

The man was a great bodyguard, never really bothering him during meetings, but when he wasn't in meetings, the man always acted like...like a housewife or something.

His friends always teased him during their get-togethers, the only time Genma would leave alone.

Manami had been shocked that he showed up alone, saying that she was used to seeing the two of them together. Hinata, Sakura, and Ino agreed with the brunette, something that made him mentally wail.

The guys even joined in on the teasing! He swore he'd find a way to get back at those traitors!

"You look pretty mad."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Thanks Captain Obvious. It's all your damn fault anyways! All of my friends think-" Wait a second... That voice hadn't been Kurama's.

His eyes grew wide as he looked over at the door which was wide open. "How—?! The door?!"

Genma smirked and shrugged. "It was only a door. Did you really think a door could keep me away from helping you with your bath?"

Naruto scowled and in his indignation, stood up as well, pointing in irritation at the older man. "You! I don't need help taking a damn bath! I can wash myself without needing any help! Now get out you pervert!"

Genma didn't move, in fact, Naruto watched as the man's smirk only grew larger. "Well, I thought that your pale friend had been right, but now that I can see it, he's quite wrong."

It? Naruto wondered. What was Genma talking about? Wait, had the other man even been paying attention to what he said?! "Oi! Listen to what other people say!"

The brunet just closed the door and Naruto suddenly had a bad feeling. "Perhaps you should listen to what I say, Naruto. After all, I'm your new sensei as well aren't I?" Genma smoothly added as his voice suddenly became deeper. Taking off his orange apron, he threw the garment to the tiled bathroom floor. "I even prepared you a bath for this lesson."

Naruto frowned, what was the other man getting at? Didn't he prepare the bath to help him relax? He pointed this out wearily to Genma.

Genma smiled lazily, yet there was a strange, almost predatory gleam in his eyes. "Yeah, but now I'll help you get to true relaxation."

It was then that Naruto felt a cold wind that he sat down, but his suspicious glare didn't leave Genma. Wait a sec, when did Genma lose his shirt?

Wait, why was the man still moving closer?!

"Uh, what are you doing Genma?" Naruto stumbled out. Did the other man get some stains on his clothes or something?

A low chuckle left Genma's lips, the senbon tilting to the side as he replied, "It's Genma-sensei right now Naruto. I'm about to teach you something...something very hands-on."

Huh?! What could the strange, confusing man mean?! Naruto just glared, "What the hell are you talking about? And there's no way I'm calling you that!"

Genma was standing right next to the tub now, leaning over Naruto with a lazy smirk. "Don't worry, just leave it to me, Naruto."

Naruto shivered at the way Genma said his name. What was that all about? He backed away from Genma, his back hitting the opposite side of the tub. Then his eyes widened as Genma stepped in the tub. That was not an invitation to the other man! Heck, this wasn't a hot spring's bath!

And wait, when had Genma taken off his pants?!

The other man wasn't even wearing his bandana! The only thing left was his senbon! When Genma grabbed an orange washcloth, silently amused at the color that was almost everywhere, his eyes zeroed in on Naruto.

Then Genma moved towards the young blond.

Naruto dodged the stretched out hand.

Still not giving up, Genma quickly grabbed another washcloth and attacked with his left hand.

The blond dodged that as well, wondering if perhaps the man was trying to teach him how to dodge? He wasn't as fast as Sasuke, but he could dodge just fine!

So in retaliation, he grabbed a rubber duck, filled it with water in one squeeze, and aimed the water stream at Genma.

He didn't miss.

As Naruto bursted out in laughter, Genma twitched in growing frustration as his hair was now wet. This was definitely not what he had planned. He sighed, so much for that romantic bath.

Feeling fed up at being laughed at, he grabbed another duck and squirted the bath water at Naruto.

At Naruto's squawk of surprise, he grinned. As the battle of water continued, Genma decided, this wasn't that bad.

And so, Naruto hated baths not because he was always joined by his bodyguard, but because he always lost at the ensuing water battle.

-To Be Continued-

AN: Ahh! Thank you so much for the kind review RukaRukia! I'm so flattered knowing that I'm doing a good job! Thanks again for following and favoriting! Next update is this Friday!