Chapter 12: Snake Tamer and the Fox Boy
Author's Note:
Two chapters today, yay! I'm finally back on schedule. Thank you all for your reviews and everything—your support means the world to me! I'll be focusing on a few more chapters of this storyline, but keep an eye out—a certain redhead might be making an appearance soon. Again, thank you for sticking with me, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story! Hey everyone! I've gone ahead and fixed the mistakes in this chapter—turns out I accidentally repeated a few scenes. My bad! I was so focused on the writing that I forgot to double-check my work. Thank you for your patience, and I appreciate all the support as always. I'll be more mindful moving forward to keep things smooth. Enjoy the chapter!
Naruto stood at the training ground early in the morning, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. He was eager, his body tingling with anticipation for whatever Anko had in store for him today. She always had some twisted method of training, but he was ready for anything. Or so he thought.
Anko arrived with her usual mischievous grin, a large box in tow. She dropped it to the ground, and the impact was so intense it cracked the earth beneath it. Naruto blinked, a bit taken aback by the sheer weight of whatever was inside. Dust billowed up, and he waved it away, curiosity getting the better of him as he opened the box.
Inside, he found a suit—heavy metal plates connected by wires that seemed to restrict movement. Anko watched him with a smirk as he began to put it on, the weight immediately pressing down on him, making every movement sluggish. Once the suit was fully on, she stepped forward, locking it with a key and placing the key right in the center of her cleavage.
"Alright, Naruto," Anko said with a teasing lilt in her voice. "Today's mission is a game of tag. Your job? Get the key from me." She pointed to the key nestled between her breasts, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just don't get too frisky," she added with a wink.
Naruto felt his cheeks flush as he realized where he'd have to reach to retrieve the key. Anko burst out laughing, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Oh, you're such a pervert," she teased. She tossed a kunai into the air, signaling the start of the game. "As soon as it lands, we begin."
Naruto tensed, ready to spring into action, but before the kunai even hit the ground, snakes erupted from the earth, coiling around his legs and torso, binding him in place.
"Wow, you really bought that," Anko cackled, leaping away to the top of a nearby tree. Naruto cursed under his breath, calling her a cheater. She just laughed louder, bending over provocatively and smacking her rear. "Can't catch me!" she taunted.
The whiskered blonde growled, taking out two wind talismans and slapping them onto the snakes. A gust of wind erupted, flinging the serpents off him. But as he started to give chase, he realized just how much the suit was weighing him down. His movements were sluggish, even with the chakra he was channeling from Kurama.
As he struggled to keep up, Anko called out to him, her voice laced with mockery, "So, how do you know that girl, Fu? And what were you two doing on that rooftop last night?"
Naruto's eyes flashed red with anger, his pace quickening despite the heavy suit. "What did you say?" he snarled, his mind racing.
Anko laughed at his reaction, effortlessly leaping from tree to tree, always just out of his reach. "Come on, if you want answers, you've got to catch me!" she challenged.
Naruto pushed himself harder, but the suit's weight and the restrictiveness of the wires slowed him down. His frustration grew with each passing second, his determination to catch Anko only intensifying. But she was faster, more agile, and seemed to be enjoying this game far more than he was.
The chase continued, with Naruto struggling against the suit's limitations, Anko's laughter echoing through the trees, and the heavy tension of the unspoken questions hanging in the air.
Naruto pushed himself harder, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he tried to close the distance between himself and Anko. The weight of the suit was unbearable, every step felt like his legs were made of lead, and every time he thought he was gaining on her, she'd effortlessly leap away, maintaining her distance with an infuriatingly playful grin.
"Come on, Naruto!" Anko called out, her voice dripping with mockery. "You're not even trying! What happened to that fierce little fox I saw earlier?" She darted behind him in a blur of motion, and before he could react, she grabbed hold of his tail.
Naruto froze, a shiver running up his spine as he felt her fingers curl around the fluffy appendage. His face flushed red, and he instinctively tried to yank it away, but Anko held firm, laughing at his reaction. "Aw, did I find a weak spot?" she teased, giving his tail a gentle tug.
"Let go!" Naruto snapped, but his voice wavered, the sensation of someone touching his tail sending unfamiliar waves of embarrassment through him. Anko didn't release her grip immediately, instead, she gave his tail a playful stroke, causing him to shiver and blush even more.
"You know, Naruto," Anko said, her tone suddenly softer, more mischievous. "You've got these cute ears and this fluffy tail... It's almost a shame you're such a little monster." She reached up and flicked one of his ears, causing it to twitch involuntarily.
Naruto growled low in his throat, trying to suppress the embarrassment that was now threatening to overwhelm his anger. He lashed out with his arm, but Anko was already gone, dancing away with that same infuriating grin. "You're gonna have to be quicker than that!" she called over her shoulder, leaping into the branches of a nearby tree.
His tail still tingled from her touch, and Naruto felt his focus slipping. He shook his head, trying to push the sensation aside, but the suit's weight, combined with the lingering embarrassment, made it difficult to concentrate.
Anko reappeared in front of him, crouched low, her hand resting under her chin as she examined him with feigned curiosity. "What's the matter, Naruto? Did I fluster you?" She reached out as if to touch his ears again, but Naruto jerked his head back, a frustrated snarl escaping his lips.
"I'm going to catch you," he hissed, red chakra beginning to swirl around him as he tried to tap into Kurama's power.
"Oh? Is that a promise?" Anko asked, her voice dripping with amusement. She darted forward, brushing her fingers against his ears again, causing them to twitch uncontrollably. Naruto swung at her, but she easily dodged, her laughter filling the air as she landed behind him.
"This is too much fun!" she exclaimed, grabbing his tail once more and giving it a playful tug. Naruto yelped, more out of surprise than pain, and spun around, his eyes glowing red with anger and embarrassment.
Anko didn't relent, continuing to tease him mercilessly. She danced around him, always just out of reach, her hands constantly finding his ears or tail, each touch sending a jolt of sensation through him that made it harder to focus.
"You've got to do better than this, Naruto!" she taunted, flicking his ear again. "Or maybe you're just too distracted by a little attention?"
Naruto gritted his teeth, his anger boiling over as he channeled more of Kurama's chakra. The red aura around him intensified, and he felt a surge of strength that momentarily countered the suit's oppressive weight.
Naruto's frustration was palpable as he activated multiple wind talismans, placing them beneath his feet. The moment they ignited, he shot forward like a missile, bouncing from tree to tree with blinding speed. The force of his movements created gusts of wind that rustled the leaves and sent shockwaves through the branches. He was determined, his eyes locked onto Anko as she continued to evade him with effortless grace.
"Not bad, Naruto!" Anko called out, her voice laced with amusement as she deftly dodged his attacks. She leaped from branch to branch, her body moving with fluid precision, always just out of his reach. Naruto swung at her repeatedly, his strikes fueled by desperation, but each one missed its mark. Anko laughed, a sound that only stoked the flames of his determination.
As Anko landed atop a tall tree, she pulled out a stopwatch, glancing at it with a playful smirk. "Only ten minutes left, Naruto!" she teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Better hurry up if you want to catch me!"
Naruto gritted his teeth, pushing himself even harder. He knew she was trying to rattle him, but he refused to let her get the better of him. With renewed determination, he combined his wind and fire releases, creating a stream of flames that propelled him forward at an even greater speed. The intense heat seared the air around him as he closed the gap between them.
But Anko was relentless, her movements as swift as they were unpredictable. She flipped and twisted through the air, dodging his attacks with an ease that only fueled Naruto's frustration. Every time he thought he had her cornered, she slipped away, her laughter echoing in his ears.
As the minutes ticked away, Naruto's desperation grew. He could feel the weight of the suit dragging him down, but he refused to give up. He pushed his body to its limits, his chakra flaring as he tried everything he could think of. But Anko remained one step ahead, her teasing only intensifying as time ran out.
With only a minute left, Naruto finally managed to tackle Anko, launching them both off a tree branch and sending them tumbling to the ground. They hit the forest floor with a heavy thud, and without wasting a second, Naruto buried his hand in her cleavage, searching for the key. He was done playing games; he was determined to win.
Anko laughed, her voice a mix of amusement and genuine delight. "Naruto, be more gentleNaruto's training session with Anko!" she teased, watching as he frantically searched. But Naruto ignored her, his focus solely on finding the key.
Just as the timer hit zero, Naruto's fingers found nothing but fabric. He froze, confusion and disbelief washing over him as he looked up at Anko, who was now grinning at him like a fox who had just outwitted its prey. Slowly, she pulled the key from her pocket, dangling it in front of his face.
"I never said it was going to stay in there, idiot," Anko laughed, enjoying the shocked expression on Naruto's face. His frustration boiled over, but before he could lash out, Anko shrugged nonchalantly. "Besides, you tried so hard. I think you deserve a reward."
Naruto's anger simmered as he sat back, trying to catch his breath. "This isn't funny," he muttered, still reeling from the realization that he'd been played.
Anko's expression softened slightly as she sat up, pocketing the key. "Maybe not to you," she said with a smirk. "But I have to admit, you've got guts, Naruto. Now, let's talk about that little girl of yours. I've seen the way you two interact."
Naruto's eyes narrowed, the mention of Fu bringing him back to focus. "What about her?" he asked cautiously.
Anko leaned in, her playful demeanor shifting to something more serious. "I'm just curious about what you're planning. You two seem pretty close, and I'm wondering how she fits into all of this."
Naruto hesitated, his thoughts swirling as he considered his response. "She's... different," he finally said, his voice softer than usual. "I don't know what it is, but when I'm around her, things feel… better. Like I'm not just some monster."
Anko watched him carefully, her eyes narrowing slightly. "So, what's the plan, then? You've got big ambitions, I can see that. But where does she fit in?"
Naruto glanced down, his hand unconsciously gripping the ground as he struggled to find the right words. "I'm not sure yet," he admitted. "But I won't let anyone hurt her. Not like they hurt me."
Anko leaned back, her smile returning. "Good answer. Just remember, Naruto, the path you're on is a dangerous one. You might find that keeping people close makes things… complicated."
Naruto nodded, his resolve hardening. "I know. But I'll protect her, no matter what."
Anko chuckled, standing up and brushing off the dirt from her clothes. "Well, you're full of surprises, aren't you? Alright, lesson's over for today. But don't think I'm going easy on you next time. If you want to get stronger, you're going to have to work for it."
Naruto stood up as well, his mind still racing from everything that had just happened. He watched as Anko started to walk away, her usual playful grin back on her face. "And Naruto," she called over her shoulder, "if you're serious about protecting that girl, you're going to have to be even stronger than you think. So get ready."
Anko With a satisfied grin, the key to the armor dangling from her fingers. She crouched down beside him and unlocked the suit, finally freeing him from its oppressive weight. As soon as the last latch was undone, she wrinkled her nose in exaggerated disgust, stepping back as if the very air around him had become toxic.
"Oh my God, you smell like a sewer!" she exclaimed, fanning her hand in front of her face. "Or maybe it's that musk everyone's been talking about." She flashed him a teasing smile, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
Naruto gritted his teeth, glaring at her with all the frustration he could muster. "I need a shower," he muttered, the words barely audible as he struggled to get his legs under him.
Anko chuckled at his expense, clearly not done with her playful torment. Without warning, she grabbed him by the collar, hoisting him off the ground with surprising strength. Before he could protest, she hurled him through the air, aiming for the small pond nearby.
Naruto barely had time to register what was happening before he hit the water with a loud splash, his body sinking momentarily before he surfaced, gasping for air. The cold water soaked through his clothes instantly, and his ears flattened against his head, weighed down by the wet fur. His tail drooped, heavy with water, as he tried to shake off the excess, but it was no use.
Anko doubled over in laughter, clutching her sides as she watched him flounder in the pond. "Well, that takes care of the smell!" she called out between giggles. "You could use a good soak anyway, Fox Boy. And don't forget, same time tomorrow!"
Naruto pushed his drenched hair out of his eyes, glaring at her with a mixture of irritation and resignation. His entire body felt sluggish and weighed down, not just from the water but from the exhaustion of the day's training. He had barely any strength left to summon a response, but his mind was already plotting ways to get back at her during their next session.
"Next time," he grumbled under his breath, "I won't be so easy to mess with."
Anko's laughter continued to echo around the training ground as she finally took her leave, disappearing into the forest with a casual wave. Naruto stayed in the pond for a few moments longer, letting the cold water wash away the sweat and grime of the day. Despite everything, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction. Anko had pushed him harder than any other teacher, and he knew it was exactly what he needed.
Finally, he dragged himself out of the water, his clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin, and began the slow walk back to his apartment. He still had a lot to learn, and even more to prove, but with every challenge Anko threw at him, he could feel himself getting stronger. The road ahead was long, and it would be filled with more trials and hardships, but he was ready.
As he walked, Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind, amused and a little impressed. "She's tough, I'll give her that. But you'll get the hang of it. Just don't let her get too far under your skin."
Naruto nodded to himself, determination settling in his gut. "Yeah, I'll show her what I'm made of."
Tomorrow would bring another round of training, another chance to push his limits. And this time, he was determined to come out on top.
Naruto barely managed to drag himself back to his apartment, his entire body aching from the grueling training session. As soon as he collapsed onto his bed, sleep claimed him almost instantly. In the depths of his mind, Kurama's deep, amused voice rumbled through the darkness.
"She really put you through the wringer today," the fox commented with a chuckle.
Naruto grumbled, too tired to muster much of a response. "Doesn't matter. I'll defeat her tomorrow," he muttered stubbornly, trying to ignore the laughter that echoed in his mind.
Kurama wasn't convinced. "We'll see about that, kid. She's tougher than she looks."
When Naruto finally woke up, every muscle in his body screamed in protest. He tried to move, but something soft and warm pressed against his face, preventing him from doing so. Blinking in confusion, he realized his arms were bound to his sides. Panic surged through him as he opened his eyes, only to be met with the sight of a large, ample chest inches from his face. His cheeks flamed red as he wriggled around, desperately trying to free himself.
A familiar giggle echoed above him, and Anko's amused face came into view. "Took you long enough to wake up," she teased, stretching lazily as if she'd just woken up from a nap. "You seriously need to be more aware of your surroundings, Naruto. I was able to tie you up in your sleep and take a quick nap."
Naruto struggled against the bindings, his sore muscles straining as he finally managed to break free. He shot up, his face still flushed with embarrassment. "What the hell, Anko?" he snapped, rubbing his wrists where the ropes had dug into his skin.
Anko just smiled, clearly enjoying his flustered state. "Come on, let's hit the training ground. Same drill as yesterday. We need to get your body into peak condition."
Naruto winced at the thought of going through that hellish training again, but he wasn't about to back down. As he got up from the bed, his muscles protested with every movement. Seeing his discomfort, Anko's fingers twitched mischievously. "Need a massage? I'm pretty good with my hands, you know," she teased, leaning in closer.
Naruto's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "No thanks!" he said quickly, shaking his head.
Anko laughed and gave him a playful shove. "Suit yourself, Fox Boy. Now let's go, we've got a long day ahead of us."
Meanwhile, at the academy, Fu was having a much different experience. She was getting along well with her classmates, enjoying the light-hearted atmosphere. The students were friendly, and despite everything, she found herself fitting in more easily than she had expected. Sakura, in particular, had been very helpful, showing her around and introducing her to others.
But despite the fun she was having, Fu couldn't help but think about Naruto. She missed him and wondered what he was up to. She had tried visiting his apartment the previous evening, but he hadn't been there. She assumed he must have been training late, and she hoped to catch him after classes today.
As she sat in the academy, chatting with the other students, her mind kept drifting back to Naruto. She wondered how he was doing and if he was pushing himself too hard again. Sakura noticed her distracted state and nudged her gently.
"Hey, you okay? You seem a little out of it," Sakura asked, her voice full of concern.
Fu shook her head, snapping out of her thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about a friend," she replied with a small smile.
Sakura smiled back. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. And don't worry, I'm sure your friend's doing just fine."
Fu nodded, feeling a little reassured. She was looking forward to seeing Naruto again and hoped that they could spend some time together sun was warm, and the atmosphere should have been light-hearted, but the conversation between the two girls quickly took a darker turn.
"So, have you heard about what happened to the Uchiha clan?" Sakura asked, lowering her voice as she leaned in closer to Fu. There was a strange mix of curiosity and malice in her tone, something that made Fu feel uneasy.
Fu nodded, pretending to be interested while feeling a knot form in her stomach. "Yeah, I've heard some things… but I'm not really sure about all the details," she replied, trying to keep her tone neutral.
Sakura's eyes sparkled with a twisted excitement. "Well, let me fill you in. You know Naruto, right? He's the reason half the Uchiha clan is dead! They say that the fox inside of him finally took over, and now he's nothing but a monster. Can you believe that? He used to be such a weakling, but now… he's dangerous."
Fu's heart pounded in her chest. She had always known Naruto had a darker side, but hearing the venom in Sakura's voice as she spoke about him made her feel sick. She forced a smile, hoping it didn't look too strained. "Wow… that's really scary. I didn't know it was that bad."
Sakura nodded eagerly, clearly enjoying being the one to share the gossip. "Oh, it's bad, alright. But don't worry, we've got a plan to take care of that little runt. A bunch of us are going to get revenge for what he did to the Uchiha. We're going to attack him after school today—there's going to be about 25 of us, including some upperclassmen. We're going to teach him a lesson he'll never forget."
Fu's blood ran cold at Sakura's words. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but inside, she was panicking. They were planning to attack Naruto? Twenty-five against one? Even with all the power he had, she knew how dangerous that could be, especially if they caught him off guard.
Sakura grinned at Fu, clearly expecting her to join in. "So, what do you say? Want to help us take him down? It'll be fun, and he totally deserves it after everything he's done."
Fu shook her head quickly, trying to mask her true feelings. "Um… I don't really know Naruto that well, and I don't want to get involved in something like that. But, uh, good luck with your plan, I guess?" she said, forcing another smile.
Sakura seemed disappointed but didn't push the issue. "Suit yourself. But just remember, we're doing this for the village. We can't let a monster like him run around unchecked."
Fu nodded, though she felt anything but agreement inside. As the conversation drifted to other topics, she struggled to keep up, her mind racing with worry for Naruto. She had to warn him somehow, but she couldn't do it without raising suspicion. And even if she could warn him, what would he do against so many attackers?
The rest of the break passed in a blur, with Fu barely able to focus on anything other than her growing anxiety. As the bell rang, signaling the end of their break, Sakura stood up, giving Fu a friendly wave. "See you later, Fu! Maybe you'll change your mind and join us," she said with a smirk before walking off.
Fu waved back, her hand trembling slightly. She knew she had to do something, but she felt trapped, unsure of how to act without blowing her cover. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. There had to be a way to warn Naruto without drawing too much attention to herself.
As she walked back to class, her mind raced with possible plans. She had to find a way to protect him, even if it meant risking everything she had just gained in the village. But how? And what would happen if she failed?
The weight of the situation bore down on her, but one thing was clear: she couldn't just stand by and let them hurt Naruto. Not after everything he'd done for her. She just had to figure out how to help him without putting herself—or him—in even more danger.
The rest of the school day passed agonizingly slowly for Fu. Every glance from a classmate, every whispered conversation, made her feel more paranoid. Was everyone in on this? Were they all planning to gang up on Naruto?
Finally, as the last bell rang, Fu made her decision. She would find Naruto and warn him, no matter the risk. She just hoped she wasn't too late.
Naruto was exhausted as he made his way back to his apartment, his muscles aching from another grueling day of training with Anko. He was lost in his thoughts, barely paying attention to his surroundings, when suddenly he was yanked into a dark alleyway. Startled, he instinctively tried to fight back, but his body, still sore and fatigued, refused to cooperate. Before he could even register what was happening, he found himself surrounded by a group of about 25 kids, some a little older but mostly around his age.
One of the older kids grabbed Naruto by the collar and slammed him against the wall with a sneer. "Oh, look at him! He's all tuckered out. Not so tough now, are you, Fox Boy?" the kid mocked, laughing as the others joined in.
Naruto's eyes glowed red, the familiar rage bubbling up inside him. His body screamed at him to stop, to rest, but his mind wouldn't relent. He forced a devilish smile onto his face, his voice low and chilling. "Oh, so you want to be my next victim?" he hissed, the malice in his tone sending shivers down the spines of a few of the kids.
But Sakura, who had orchestrated this ambush, stepped forward, her eyes cold. "He's all talk! He was barely standing earlier. Look at him now, struggling just to stay awake."
The boy holding Naruto laughed, clearly enjoying the power he held over the weakened fox boy. "Oh, look! The little fox is struggling. Pathetic."
Naruto placed his hand on the boy's chest, trying to push him away, but his muscles refused to obey. The boy just sneered, enjoying Naruto's futile attempts. "What's the matter, Naruto? Not so tough without your strength, huh?"
But Naruto's smile widened. "Oh, look," he whispered, "the worm is burning."
In an instant, a flame talisman that Naruto had secretly placed on the boy's chest ignited, sending a burst of fire across his torso. The boy screamed in agony as the fire spread to his arms, burning through his clothes and searing his flesh. He staggered back, letting go of Naruto, desperately trying to extinguish the flames that quickly dissipated after leaving nasty burns.
The other kids froze, terror gripping them as they watched their comrade howl in pain. But despite their fear, they steeled themselves, shouting insults and threats at Naruto, trying to psych themselves up to attack. Just as they started to rush him, intending to beat him down with their makeshift weapons, a volley of wooden skewers shot out of the shadows, piercing the ground around them with precision.
The crowd of kids yelped in surprise, some stumbling back in fear as Anko appeared behind Naruto in a puff of smoke, her eyes gleaming with dangerous amusement. "Twenty-five against one? That's hardly fair. How about we even the odds? Two against twenty-five sounds more like it, right, Naruto?" she said with a wicked grin, her voice dripping with sadistic delight.
Snakes slithered out of her sleeves, their eyes gleaming with menace as they hissed at the children. The sight was enough to send the group into a panic, and they quickly dispersed, running away in terror while hurling threats over their shoulders. "This isn't over, Naruto! We'll get you next time!" they shouted, but their voices were shaky, betraying their fear.
Anko chuckled, watching them flee. "Kids these days, so full of bravado until they face someone who fights back." She turned to Naruto, a playful smile still on her lips. "You owe me six plates of dango and ten minutes of teasing for this little rescue."
Naruto, still catching his breath, looked at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "Why did you interfere?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion. He wasn't used to people stepping in to help him, especially not someone as unpredictable as Anko.
Anko smirked, leaning down to ruffle his hair and flick one of his fox ears playfully. "Well, let's just say I'm your big sister now. Can't let my little brother get beaten up by some bullies, can I?" She straightened up, her tone becoming more serious. "Besides, I'll be having a little chat with the academy students tomorrow. Don't worry about this happening again. I'll make sure they get the message loud and clear."
Before Naruto could respond, Anko gave his tail one last teasing stroke, causing him to blush furiously. "By the way," she added with a wink, "meet me at the academy tomorrow morning. We've got more training to do."
With that, she disappeared in a blur, leaving Naruto standing in the alleyway, still trying to process what had just happened. He looked down at his hands, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins. For the first time in a long while, he felt something other than anger or resentment. Anko's intervention had caught him off guard, and while he wasn't sure how to feel about it, he couldn't deny the sense of relief that came with not being alone in that moment.
But as he made his way back to his apartment, his mind drifted back to Sakura's words. This wasn't over, and he knew that. But now, with Anko's unexpected support, maybe, just maybe, he could start turning the tables on those who had wronged him.
Anko waved a dismissive goodbye to the beaten and bruised students, her grin widening as she sauntered over to Naruto. "Remember, kids, don't mess with my little brother unless you want to end up like them," she said with a mischievous tone. The students, still trembling from the earlier ordeal, could only nod in fear as they watched her walk away with Naruto in tow.
Naruto followed Anko to the training ground, his mind still buzzing with the adrenaline from the fights. As they arrived, he noticed Fu standing there, her usual cheerful expression lighting up when she saw him. Before he could greet her, Anko clapped her hands together, drawing their attention.
"Alright, listen up! From this moment on, both of you are my apprentices," Anko declared, her voice full of authority. "Well, kind of. If Fu doesn't make the cut, then I guess Naruto will be the only one playing with big sis ." She shot a playful wink at Naruto, who couldn't help but chuckle at her joking remark. But realizing his lapse in composure, he quickly coughed, trying to regain his serious demeanor.
Anko noticed and gasped dramatically. "Oh my, did I make the little fox boy laugh? How cute!" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Before Naruto could respond, she suddenly moved behind him, wrapping her arms around his head and pulling him into her chest, her fingers playfully tugging at his tail. "Quit squirming, Naruto! Let your big sister take care of you."
Naruto struggled against her hold, his face turning red as he tried to break free. "Anko, knock it off!" he grumbled, his voice muffled by her chest.
Fu, watching from the side, felt an unfamiliar pang in her chest. Her cheerful expression faltered, and she found herself shouting at Anko, "Let Naruto go!" The words burst out before she could stop them, surprising even herself. For some reason, seeing them so close like that made her heart ache.
Anko, still holding onto Naruto, raised an eyebrow at Fu's outburst. With a sly smile, she dropped Naruto to the ground, causing him to land with a soft thud. "Well, well, well, this one's got some fire in her," Anko said, clearly amused. "Let's see just how much fire you've got, little one."
Naruto quickly scrambled to his feet, brushing off the dirt from his clothes. He shot a glance at Fu, who was now glaring at Anko, her fists clenched tightly. There was a determination in her eyes that Naruto hadn't seen before. He knew Fu was strong, but it seemed like Anko had just ignited something even stronger within her.
"Alright, let's get started," Anko said, her tone shifting to one of seriousness. She motioned for the two to step forward, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Today's training is going to be intense. I want to see what you're both capable of."
Naruto and Fu exchanged a quick glance, both of them nodding in silent agreement. This was their chance to prove themselves, not just to Anko, but to each other as well.
Anko wasted no time, launching into a series of hand seals before summoning a giant snake. The massive creature hissed, its eyes fixed on Naruto and Fu. "Your first task: take down this snake together. I'll be watching to see how well you work as a team," Anko instructed, stepping back to observe.
Naruto quickly took out a wind talisman, activating it to create a sharp gust of wind aimed at the snake's head. The snake recoiled slightly, but it wasn't enough to stop it. Fu, not missing a beat, summoned her insect wings, allowing her to hover above the snake's reach. She shot out strands of webbing from her hands, attempting to bind the snake's movements.
The snake thrashed wildly, snapping at the webbing and lunging toward Naruto. He dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding its fangs, and countered with a series of swift strikes using his enhanced speed from Kurama's chakra.
"Keep it distracted!" Naruto shouted to Fu, who nodded and continued to bombard the snake with more webbing, aiming to restrict its movement.
Anko watched with a critical eye, noting how well the two worked together despite their different fighting styles. Naruto's brute force and quick reflexes complemented Fu's agility and precision. But she wasn't going to let them off easy.
"Come on, kids! Is that all you've got?" Anko taunted, summoning more snakes to join the fray. "Let's see if you can handle this!"
Naruto and Fu gritted their teeth, realizing that the battle had just gotten a lot tougher. The additional snakes slithered toward them, their hisses filling the air as they closed in from all sides.
"We need to work together," Naruto called out to Fu, who was already diving toward one of the snakes with her webbing. He focused his chakra, preparing a fire talisman that he quickly threw at the ground, creating a wall of flames between them and the advancing snakes.
Fu landed next to Naruto, her breathing slightly heavy but her resolve unshaken. "I'll take the left, you take the right," she suggested, her eyes locked on the snakes.
"Got it," Naruto replied, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to charge.
With a coordinated attack, Naruto and Fu split up, each taking on a group of snakes. Naruto unleashed a barrage of wind-enhanced strikes, his movements swift and lethal. The snakes on his side were no match for his relentless assault, and he quickly dispatched them one by one.
Meanwhile, Fu used her webbing to bind the snakes on her side, rendering them immobile before delivering powerful kicks and punches to their heads. She moved with grace and precision, her training with the foxes clearly paying off.
Anko's smile widened as she watched the two work in perfect harmony. They were strong, no doubt about it. But more importantly, they had the potential to become even stronger.
As the last snake fell to the ground, defeated, Naruto and Fu regrouped, both of them breathing heavily but with triumphant smiles on their faces.
"Not bad, you two," Anko said, clapping her hands slowly. "You've got potential. But don't think this means you're done for the day."
Naruto and Fu groaned in unison, but they couldn't help but smile. Despite the grueling training, they both knew they were getting stronger. And with Anko's guidance, there was no telling just how powerful they could become.
As they prepared for the next round of training, Naruto shot Fu a quick glance. She returned it with a determined nod, and in that moment, Naruto knew they were in this together. No matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side.
Anko, noticing the silent exchange, chuckled to herself. "Looks like my little fox boy has found himself a partner," she thought with a smirk. "This is going to be fun."