A small reminder that I have a poll for my next story on my profile. On top of that I've not caught up to what I've written so updates will most likely take a little bit longer

Also I'm still not very good at writing romance. I'm better at more action based scenes but I hope this chapter helps lays the groundworks for Naruto's and Yakumo's future relationship.


[Spending Time with Yakumo]

Some time after his first talk with the Kitsune that was sealed inside him instead of the Kyubi, Naruto was meditating in Training Ground 42 which while being outside the walls and close enough to Training Ground 44 that he could occasionally hear the roar of some giant beast, Naruto was attempting to meditate to the sounds of a nearby creek. Sadly Naruto had always been a highly energetic child so sitting still like this wasn't easy. Working on Seals was much easier since even then he was still actively doing something. This… this was just dull.

"Arrg!" Naruto grumbled as he rubbed his head in frustration as he got to his feet, "Why the hell is this so damn difficult?!"

"Meditation?" Someone from behind him asked, making Naruto bolted to his feet in surprise. Turning around he saw Yakumo Kurama wearing a dark red training shirt with brown exercise pants smirking at him, "Did I really scare you that badly?"

"Not going to answer that," Naruto grumbled before shaking his head, "Why are you here?"

"Wondered if you'd be up for a little training," Yakumo grinned, "Guy-Sensei's training has progressed enough I can handle training with others for a bit before needing to rest. I'll never be a Taijutsu expert but I should be decent enough to stall until allies arrive or get away."

Naruto nodded, "I hear ya. Chances are I'll be better with The Surging Serpent, then I will be with The Storming Dragon," Naruto then paused and nodded, "Yah. We may train together with Guy-Sensei but we still mostly focus on our own training…. Alright. Let's spar for a bit."

The two took their stances. Naruto's knees were bent and ready for action, he brought his right hand up so it was next to his head palm open while he extended his left arm with his hand flat and palm pointed towards the ground. Yakumo's stance however was the standard starting stance that Konoha's Medic Nin used. It would let her evade in any direction needed while leaving ample room for Yakumo to counterattack.

The two looked at each other for a few seconds then on some unspoken signal the two leapt at each other and began a dance of punches, kicks, dodges and palm thrusts. This continued on for about half an hour with the two smiling the entire time. Eventually though Yakumo had to call it and leaned against a tree painting. She may be in better shape than she was a couple months ago but she still ran out of stamina faster than she'd like.

"Give… me… a bit," She panted. After a couple minutes of letting her regain her breath Yakumo took a deep breath before crossing her arms, "By the Kami I hate this. Only able to physically train for an hour at most before needing to rest… at least it's getting better thanks to Guy-Sensei knowing the best training methods to strengthen my body."

Naruto nodded and unsealed a bottle of water and handed it to her, "At least it's getting better right? And it's not like you're not putting in the effort to fix your problem… or have no one willing to help with your problem like when I was at the academy."

Yakumo scowled, "Dumbasses got what they deserved, rotting in jail for sabotaging you and breaking Konoha's laws."

"You'll hear no argument from me!" Naruto chuckled, "Wanna head over to Ichiraku's and get something to eat?"

"Alright," Yakumo smiled before she cocked her head, "Huh… I think the last time I went there was before my parents died in a fire… that I made when I lost control of the Ido…"

Naruto placed a hand on her shoulder, "I can't say I know what it's like to lose a parent… or anyone for that matter but… maybe it's better to be glad you knew them and remember the good times?" He then paused and looked away with a frown, "Sorry if I'm not much help…"

Yakumo gave Naruto a small sad smile, "It's alright. At least you're trying… So ramen?"

The two made their way back to the village and went straight to Ichiraku's Ramen. Some people looked shocked that the Heiress of the Kurama Clan would spend time with the village's number one prankster and pariah. As the two walked, they talked about their pasts. Naruto about how he basically was left to raise himself in a small apartment which was the main reason he mostly ate ramen as boiling water, while dangerous for a child was way easier than using the stove or oven.

Yakumo spoke about being raised by her Uncle, of learning how to run a Clan, of having to deal with the Ido and when Kurunai had convinced the Hokage to have her bloodline sealed, which as far as the Kurama Heiress was considered was a huge betrayal of trust. She knew that during most of her life her Uncle didn't think she'd ever be able to control the Ido, however with help from the Yamanaka, Guy and a few people she considered true friends she was slowly gaining control over her darker emotions.

Naruto knew about dealing with dark emotions. It was one of the reasons he pranked people. It let him vent those emotions while getting some payback at the same time. He then began recounting some of his favorite pranks starting with the first pranking spree that Yūgao-Sensei sent him Hinata and Shino on. Yakumo smirked as he listened to Naruto's various forms of payback, all the while wondering if she could do a similar form payback on Kurunai. Something the Ido wholeheartedly agreed with, even if it wasn't to the level it wanted.

When the two arrived they were greeted by Teuchi and Ayame and quickly ordered their food. Naruto started off with orders of a pork, chicken and tofu ramen while Yakumo went with the large beef special. "It's not often Naruto brings people who aren't his teammates here," Ayame said with a teasing grin, "So what's the special occasion?"

"Nothing really," Yakumo said though she had the start of a blush on her face as while Naruto was still oblivious to such teasing Yakumo got it instantly, "We just completed a small training session."

"But you don't have a forehead protector," Ayame said confusedly as she stirred the pot that held Yakumo's order.

"I was born with a weaker body and didn't know how to address that problem until recently. As such I wasn't allowed in the academy but hopefully within the next few months I'll be able to take a proficiency test to become an official Genin," Yakumo explained, "Guy-Sensei was the one to design my training regiment and has even been teaching me Konoha's Medic Combat style even though I don't plan to learn many medical techniques."

"But you're still planning to learn some?" Naruto asked surprised before he paused, "I guess that makes sense. Genjutsu needs a high amount of Chakra Control like Medical Jutsu."

Yakumo nodded, "I've even wondered if there's a way to combine medical techniques with my Genjutsu Bloodline."

Naruto cocked his head in thought as Ayame put Yakumo's order and Naruto's first bowl before them, "What kind of Bloodline is that Yakumo-San?" Ayame asked.

"I'm able to make my Genjutsu physical for a short period of time," Yakumo explained as she picked up her chopsticks, "There are some side effects I need to deal with of course but I'm slowly working through them."

Ayame grinned, "Well you know the saying. Nothing worth doing is easy! I'm sure you'll get there, just know from now on the Old Man and I are rooting for ya!"

"Who you calling and old man?," Teuchi laughed, "I'm only in my early fifties!"

"Sounds like an old man to me!" Ayame replied with her own laugh before turning back to Naruto and Yakumo, "Well I got to get back to work. You two enjoy!"

"We will!" Nartuo said before digging into this bowl with Yakumo nodding her agreement before beginning to eat as well. While the two enjoyed their meal and kept up the small talk in between bites, Ayame and Teuchi shared a small grin. They were happy that Naruto had found another friend and if the two were right perhaps something more one day. They'd just have to wait and see how the relationship progressed.