Chapter 13: Foxboy and the love triangle
Author's Note: I decided to do the time skip early, speeding up to more current events. I think I've done enough building up for Naruto's character, and I'm excited to delve into the next stage of his journey. Thanks for all your support so far. I've got some plans for our favorite fox boy that I think you'll enjoy. Stay tuned for what's to come, and once again, thank you for your patience and support. Let's have some fun with the story!
Years passed by, and Naruto and Fu were now around twelve years old. Graduation from the Academy was only a year away, but Fu had stopped attending the Academy, opting instead to train alongside Naruto and Anko. Naruto had grown in skill and stature, standing taller with a more mature demeanor. He had learned to wield various chakra natures—lightning and water—though earth release remained elusive, as it was the opposite of his natural wind affinity.
Fu, naturally adept at wind release, had picked it up quickly, mastering techniques that complimented her swift and precise style. She also began working with fire release and had even learned to utilize spores in combat, giving her a unique edge. Together, they trained hard, their bond growing deeper. Despite Naruto's cold demeanor when alone in the city, his edge was softening around those he cared about, particularly Fu and Anko.
Naruto had also improved his mastery of talismans, learning how to create chakra barriers and traps using his paper jutsu. His proficiency was growing at an incredible rate, and even Anko was impressed—though, of course, she rarely said so outright.
Anko, however, had begun to slow down. During training, she would take more frequent breaks, and Naruto, ever observant, noticed her hand instinctively going to the back of her neck. His eyes sharpened, and during a moment when Anko wasn't paying attention, he caught a glimpse of a strange mark—dark and ominous—etched onto her skin.
"What's that on your neck?" Naruto asked as he dodged a strike from Fu, glancing back at Anko who was sitting on a nearby log.
Anko quickly stood up, her hand shooting to cover the mark. "Nothing. Just a... battle scar," she said with a smirk, waving it off as if it was no big deal.
Naruto's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued. "I've worked on enough seals to know when something is off. Let me take a look, I might be able to—"
"No!" Anko's voice snapped louder than usual, her hand still covering the mark. She turned away, visibly tense. "It's nothing, Naruto. It can't be removed. Don't bother with it."
Naruto was taken aback by her outburst, but he wasn't one to back down easily. "I could try something. We've worked with all sorts of sealing techniques. I'm sure—"
"I said enough!" Anko yelled, her voice sharp and filled with finality. For a brief moment, her playful and teasing demeanor disappeared, replaced by something darker—something far more vulnerable. Her sudden anger startled both Naruto and Fu, who paused their training to look at her. Realizing how harshly she had reacted, Anko's expression softened, but the pain was still there. "This mark isn't something you can just wipe away. It's... part of me now. No matter how good you get with seals, it's not going anywhere."
Naruto clenched his fists, frustrated at her refusal to even let him try. His protective instincts kicked in—Anko had been their mentor, their guide through years of training. The idea that something was hurting her, something he couldn't fix, gnawed at him. But he also knew she wouldn't open up easily.
"I just want to help," Naruto said, his voice quieter now. There was an uncharacteristic softness to his words, but the coldness lingered in his expression.
Anko shook her head, though her tone was less harsh this time. "I know, brat. But trust me on this—there's nothing you can do. It's something I have to deal with. We're done for today." She turned and began to walk away, rubbing the back of her neck again, though this time it was more out of habit than pain.
Fu shot Naruto a concerned glance as they stood in the fading light of the training grounds. "Do you think she's okay?" Fu whispered, her eyes flicking between Anko's retreating figure and Naruto.
Naruto's gaze was still locked on Anko. His frustration was evident. "I don't know. But I don't like it."
They both stood there for a few more moments in silence. Naruto's mind raced—what was that mark? Why wouldn't Anko let him help? The frustration gnawed at him. He had become so strong, yet there was nothing he could do to fix this. And that angered him more than anything.
Fu reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. "She'll be okay. Anko's strong. Maybe... it's just something she needs to deal with on her own for now."
Naruto sighed, trying to shake off the frustration. "Yeah... maybe."
But deep down, he knew that this wasn't something that would just go away. There was something more to that mark, and Naruto wasn't about to let it go without answers. Not when it involved someone he cared about.
As they packed up their gear and prepared to leave, the tension in the air was palpable. Naruto's mind was already racing ahead, planning his next move. He would get to the bottom of this, even if Anko didn't want him to. He had to. For her sake, and for his own.
Naruto sat at his desk, mind swirling with thoughts of seals, techniques, and forgotten knowledge. The more he delved into the depths of his Uzumaki heritage, the more he realized something was missing—vital pieces of the clan's history and power. He remembered their battles, their use of the wakizashi in combat, the way they seamlessly combined elemental jutsu with sealing techniques, using seals in place of hand signs. He remembered the Dance of the Shinigami, a technique that allowed them to hover and fly, and their mastery of creating sealing formulas that could rival any ninja's hand seals.
But as he sifted through his memories, it became painfully clear that there were gaps, entire sections of knowledge that he couldn't recall. It was as if he had only scratched the surface of what the Uzumaki clan truly knew. The thought gnawed at him. He remembered the Land of Whirlpools—his clan's homeland—and wondered if the answers he sought might still be there, hidden amidst the ruins of his ancestors.
Determined, Naruto quickly packed a small bag. He wasn't sure how long this journey would take, but he needed to go. He needed to know.
He made his way to Fu's apartment, knocking on her window quietly. When she opened it, her expression was a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Naruto? What's going on?"
"I need to go somewhere," Naruto said in a hushed tone, glancing around. "You should stay here while I'm gone. I won't be away for long, but I have to do this on my own."
Fu narrowed her eyes, clearly not convinced. "Stay here? Yeah, that's not happening. Where you go, I go. We're a team, remember?"
Naruto hesitated for a moment before sighing. He knew there was no point in arguing with her. "Alright, but we need to move quickly. I'm heading to the Land of Whirlpools. I think there might be something there that can help with… everything."
Before they could leave, however, a shadow darted in front of them, blocking their path. Anko appeared, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her face. Her clones dissipated behind her as she raised an eyebrow at the pair.
"I knew my little fox boy would be up to something," she teased, flicking a kunai between her fingers. "What's the plan this time? Going on a solo mission to be the hero again?"
Naruto didn't waste time explaining. "Anko, I need to go to the Land of Whirlpools. There's something there… something I'm missing. I can feel it. I think it might help—"
Anko cut him off with a sharp wave of her hand. "Naruto, you need to let it go. You can't fix everything, especially not this," she said, her tone serious now. "I appreciate what you're trying to do, but some things… some things can't be undone."
Naruto's gaze hardened. "At least let me try."
Anko stared at him for a long moment, then sighed heavily. "Fine. But after this, if you don't find anything, we go straight back. No more side quests, no more detours. Got it?"
Naruto smiled, his resolve unwavering. "I'm going to fix this, I promise." His eyes, normally cold and calculating, softened as he looked at her, his usual red gaze briefly replaced by a gentle blue glow—eyes full of warmth and determination.
Anko blushed, quickly turning away. "Yeah, yeah, big talk," she muttered, trying to sound indifferent. "Let's just get this over with. But I'm getting some dango before we go. No way I'm traveling without it."
Naruto's grin widened, his excitement bubbling over as he jumped toward Anko, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug. "Thank you."
Anko froze for a moment, clearly not expecting the gesture. She patted him on the back awkwardly before stepping away, her face flushed. "Alright, enough of that! Let's get moving," she said, flustered and trying to play it off as nothing.
Fu, standing nearby, watched the interaction with growing irritation. Every time Anko and Naruto got close, it made her chest tighten in a way she couldn't understand. The playful banter, the easy affection between them—it bothered her. She pouted, her eyes narrowing at Anko. Without a word, she grabbed Naruto's arm, pulling him away from the teasing kunoichi.
"Come on, Naruto. Let's get going," Fu said firmly, her grip on his arm a little tighter than necessary.
Naruto blinked, looking between Fu and Anko, confused by the sudden shift in Fu's behavior but too focused on their mission to think much of it.
Anko, noticing Fu's reaction, smirked knowingly but said nothing. She grabbed her dango and the trio set off toward the Land of Whirlpools, each of them driven by their own reasons—but Naruto more determined than ever to find the answers he was looking for.
Naruto and his group spent several days traveling to the Land of Whirlpools, which had now been renamed the Land of Waves. It was a quiet, desolate place, where small fishing villages dotted the coast, their inhabitants worn down by poverty. The boat ride they had taken cut down their travel time significantly, but as they walked through one of the villages, the atmosphere felt heavy, as if the place had been forgotten by the world.
Naruto led the way, his expression hard and focused. His eyes flicked back and forth, scanning the area, but it wasn't the people he was interested in. "We're not here to solve their problems," he said sharply as Fu looked around with concern, her heart clearly aching for the villagers. "We have a mission. Stay focused."
Fu frowned, clearly upset with Naruto's cold attitude. "Naruto, look at them… They need help. We can't just ignore this."
Naruto's eyes narrowed as he looked at her. "They're not my concern, Fu. Now, let's go." His tone was dismissive, causing Fu to pout and storm ahead of him.
Anko, walking just behind them, sighed. She understood Naruto's detachment, but it didn't make it any easier to watch. As they passed a group of children playing in the dirt, their faces gaunt with hunger, Anko casually let a few coins slip from her pocket, making sure they landed near the children. The kids rushed over, grabbing the coins with wide eyes, and Anko gave them a quick wink before catching up to Naruto.
As they left the village and moved deeper into the forest, Naruto relied on the fragmented memories of his clan to guide them. After a few hours of trekking, they came upon a decrepit old building hidden among the trees. It was small, weathered by time, and looked as if it might collapse at any moment. Above the door, the faded symbol of the Uzumaki clan could barely be seen, etched into the wood.
"This is it," Naruto said quietly, more to himself than to the others. He turned to Fu and Anko, his face serious. "Stay here. This is Uzumaki territory, and I don't know what's inside. I'll go in alone."
Fu opened her mouth to protest, but Naruto cut her off with a sharp look. "I mean it. This could be dangerous."
Anko crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look. "Be careful, fox boy. Don't do anything stupid."
Naruto nodded and stepped forward, carefully pushing the old wooden door open. As soon as he entered, he could feel a faint chakra signature lingering in the air, familiar yet distant, like the remnants of his clan's past. His heart raced with anticipation.
Inside, the building was sparse and dusty, with little more than old furniture and a few broken relics from the Uzumaki era. But as Naruto moved deeper into the shrine, he noticed something strange—a figure, sitting quietly in the corner of the room. A girl with fiery red hair, a beauty mark on her chin, and nervous eyes that widened the moment she saw him.
Naruto froze, his eyes narrowing. "I'm an Uzumaki. Who are you?" His voice was low, cautious.
The girl stood up quickly, her hands trembling slightly as she took a step back. "A-Are you a yokai?" she stammered, her gaze darting to Naruto's fox ears and tail.
Naruto shook his head, trying to calm her down. "No, I'm not a yokai. I'm Naruto Uzumaki," he repeated, watching her closely.
Realization dawned on her face as she glanced around at the dilapidated shrine. "Oh… Oh no, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to trespass!" she said quickly, bowing slightly. "I thought this place was abandoned, and I've been staying here for a few months. Please, I don't want any trouble." She paused, then added nervously, "Would you like some tea? Since you know… you're home now."
Naruto felt the tension leave his body as he realized she wasn't a threat. He sighed, letting his shoulders drop. "It's fine. I'm not here to throw you out," he said, his voice softening. "I'm just looking for some old scrolls, some history of my clan. Do you mind if I take a look around?"
The girl seemed relieved and nodded quickly. "Of course. I don't own anything here. You're free to look."
Naruto began to search the small shrine, his eyes scanning every corner for hidden compartments or old relics that might hold the knowledge he was seeking. As he moved around, the girl watched him with curious eyes, inching closer little by little.
"You're really handsome, you know," she said suddenly, her voice soft and sweet. Naruto stopped, feeling his face flush slightly at the unexpected compliment.
"Uh… thanks," he muttered, trying to focus on his search, but she kept talking.
"And strong too… I can tell by the way you move," she added, her voice low as she moved closer. She reached out and gently touched one of his ears, her fingers grazing the soft fur. Naruto's entire body tensed, and his face turned bright red as he turned to face her.
"Stop that!" he snapped, backing away, but his embarrassment only seemed to amuse her.
She smiled slyly, her voice dropping to a whisper as she leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear. "You're so tense, Naruto. You should relax." Her fingers traced the edges of his ear, sending shivers down his spine.
Naruto felt his heart pounding in his chest, and he turned away quickly, trying to regain his composure. "I don't have time for this," he muttered, but his voice lacked the firmness he wanted.
The girl giggled softly and moved to pour him a cup of tea. "Here, take a break. You've been working so hard," she said, holding the cup out to him.
Naruto hesitated for a moment before sitting down, accepting the tea. He took a sip, trying to keep his focus on the mission, but she quickly scooted closer to him, pressing herself against his side as she leaned over to refill his cup.
Her voice was a soft whisper in his ear again. "You're different from the others who've come here before… so much more interesting."
Naruto blushed, trying to ignore the fluttering sensation in his chest. "I'm just here for the scrolls, okay?" he said, his voice sounding weak even to his own ears.
The girl smirked, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Oh, I know… but maybe you could stay a little longer? It's been so lonely here," she whispered, her fingers brushing his tail again.
Naruto's ears perked up at the mention of others. "Wait… others? What do you mean, others?" he asked, his voice tense but curious, his tail flicking behind him nervously.
The red-haired girl took a casual sip of her tea, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yes, there was another Uzumaki. A girl with glasses and red hair. She mentioned she'd be coming back in a week or so. If you want, we could wait for her. There were a few others too, but I don't think they were Uzumaki. Just travelers looking for a place to sleep for the night." Her voice was nonchalant, but she leaned closer to him as she spoke, her body pressing into his.
Naruto's face flushed with heat as she continued. "Speaking of which, it's getting dark soon… and it gets very cold around here." Her breath was warm against his skin, her hands tracing his outline as her lips inched closer to his. "You know… you're very handsome," she whispered, her fingers brushing his chest. "I've never seen a specimen like you before."
Naruto's mind went blank. His body tensed under her touch, and for a moment, all thoughts of the mission, the scrolls, and everything else vanished. Her lips were so close, her breath mingling with his. He froze, unsure of what to do as her soft hands caressed his face, pulling him closer.
"I feel safe in your arms," she murmured, her lips brushing his as she closed the distance between them. Their mouths met in a kiss that sent electricity through Naruto's entire body. Her tongue darted into his mouth, teasing him, exploring him. It was a kiss filled with a seductive intensity that made Naruto's head spin.
Her hair wrapped around him, tightening gently as she pressed him down, her body straddling his. For a brief moment, his eyes flickered from red to blue as he felt something strange—his chakra being subtly drained. His instincts screamed at him to stop, to fight back, but the intensity of the moment held him captive. Before he could react, she pulled away from the kiss, her lips parting with a soft sigh, having only taken a small amount of his chakra.
She leaned in again, her voice dripping with seduction. "Can I have seconds?" she purred, her eyes gleaming as she licked his cheek, savoring the taste of his chakra.
Naruto's face burned with embarrassment and confusion, but there was something else too—desire. Without fully understanding why, he flipped her over and kissed her again, his movements bold, aggressive. His hands roamed her body, tracing her curves, while her fingers tangled in his hair. The kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as the tension between them grew unbearable.
In his mind, Kurama's laughter echoed loudly, the fox cheering him on. "Yes! That's it, brat! You've got the right idea! Rebuild your clan! I never thought you had it in you, but I'm impressed! Keep going!"
Naruto's mind raced. He wasn't sure what he was doing, whether it was his own instincts or some kind of genjutsu. But Kurama's voice pushed him forward, drowning out any hesitation. Fuka's hands moved over his body, teasing and coaxing him as they rolled on the ground, their movements tangled in passion. She pressed her lips against his again and again, draining tiny bits of chakra with each kiss, but Naruto barely noticed, too caught up in the intensity of the moment.
Her hands slipped down to his tail, her fingers brushing through the fur, sending shivers up his spine. Naruto blushed furiously but didn't pull away, too lost in the feeling of her touch. His hands found their way to her waist, squeezing her, feeling the soft curve of her body. Their movements became more desperate, their hands tracing over each other as they kissed and rolled, never fully undressing but allowing themselves to indulge in the heat of the moment.
Suddenly, the door to the shrine burst open.
Fu and Anko stood in the doorway, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief at the scene in front of them. Naruto was lying on the ground, his body entangled with Fuka's, both of them breathing heavily, their clothes disheveled, and Naruto's face smeared with lipstick. Fuka's red hair spilled over him, and her eyes flicked to the two intruders with a knowing smirk.
"What the hell is going on here?" Fu's voice was filled with disbelief, her face flushed with a mix of shock and something else—something closer to jealousy. Her fists clenched as she stared at Naruto, her chest tightening painfully.
Anko, on the other hand, burst out laughing, clearly amused by the sight. "Oh, now this is interesting! I leave you alone for one minute, and look at the trouble you get into, fox boy!" she teased, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Caught in the act, huh?"
Naruto's mind snapped back to reality. His body froze in place, and for the first time since the kiss, he realized what he had been doing. His face turned beet red as he jumped up, pushing Fuka away from him and stumbling to his feet.
"Wait… it's not what it looks like!" Naruto stammered, his hands flailing as he tried to explain himself. "I-I don't even know what happened—"
Fuka laughed softly, standing up and dusting herself off. "Oh, come on, Naruto. You were just starting to enjoy yourself," she teased, her voice low and sultry as she shot him a playful wink.
Fu's face burned with anger as she stomped toward Naruto. "What the hell, Naruto? I thought we were here for something important, not for you to mess around with… with her!" she spat, glaring at Fuka.
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, flustered. "I didn't plan this, okay? I was just trying to—"
"Trying to what? Get distracted?" Fu snapped, crossing her arms and turning away, her jealousy now fully apparent.
Anko snickered, clearly enjoying the drama. "Well, looks like you've got your hands full, fox boy. But I'll tell you what—next time, make sure to invite me to the party," she said with a wink, giving his tail a playful tug before walking out of the shrine.
Naruto's face turned even redder as he glared after Anko. "Anko, stop it!" he shouted, but she was already gone, her laughter echoing behind her.
Fuka stood next to him, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she leaned in close to whisper, "You know, Naruto, we're not done yet. You owe me… for interrupting such a lovely moment."
Naruto gulped, his body tensing again as Fu glared daggers at both of them. He was officially in over his head.
Anko immediately burst out laughing. "Oh, this is gold!" she howled, clutching her sides. "Naruto, you're so dead. Fu's gonna murder you!"
Fuka, maintaining her teasing demeanor, raised an eyebrow at Fu's reaction. "Oh? Are you Naruto's girlfriend or something?" she asked innocently, though her smirk suggested she knew exactly how to push buttons. She traced a finger along Naruto's jawline, clearly enjoying Fu's flustered state.
Fu's face went from bright red to practically steaming, her voice cracking as she stammered, "N-no! That's not it at all!" Without thinking, she shot out a web from her hand, wrapping it around Naruto and hoisting him up in the air like a captured fly. "I'm just making sure he stays... out of trouble!" she snapped, avoiding Fuka's gaze as she slung Naruto over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Naruto, still bound in the webbing and dangling upside down, let out an exasperated "Ouch..." as his head bumped into the ground when Fu dropped him, clearly flustered by everything happening. He tried wiggling out of the sticky situation, his movements restricted, and his mind racing between the embarrassment of being caught with Fuka and the confusion over Fu's extreme reaction.
Fuka, who was still standing by with an amused look on her face, crossed her arms. "Aw, did I make things awkward?" she teased, watching Fu's every move with a smirk. "You know, Naruto's a great catch. If you're not careful, someone like me might snatch him up." She winked at Naruto, who just groaned, still tangled in the web.
Fu, now a combination of flustered and defensive, shot back, "He's not— I mean— we're not—" She huffed in frustration, clearly not used to dealing with these emotions. She quickly spun around, trying to ignore the red creeping up her cheeks as she cut Naruto free with a quick swipe of her hand.
Naruto, now free from the webbing, scrambled to his feet, rubbing his sore head. "Geez, Fu, what the hell?" he muttered, trying to regain his composure while glaring slightly at Fuka, who was still eyeing him like a fox would its prey.
Anko, leaning against the doorframe, was grinning from ear to ear, clearly enjoying the chaos. "Well, this is just too entertaining," she said, giving Naruto a knowing look. "Looks like you've got your hands full, huh, Naruto?"
Naruto shot her a glare. "Not helping, Anko."
Fuka sauntered over to Naruto again, playfully tracing a finger along his arm. "Don't be so tense. I was just being friendly," she purred, though her smile suggested there was more behind her words.
Fu couldn't take it anymore and stomped her foot, glaring at Fuka. "Just... back off!" she snapped, surprising even herself with how protective she sounded. "Naruto doesn't need... this!"
Naruto blinked, looking between the two girls in confusion, his head still spinning from the sudden shift in dynamics. "Uh, can someone explain what's going on here?" he asked, clearly out of his depth.
Fuka gave a sly smile, clearly enjoying the chaos she had stirred up. "Oh, nothing much. Just enjoying your company, Naruto. You're quite... captivating." She gave a sly wink, making Fu grit her teeth.
Fu's frustration hit its peak, and she stepped closer to Naruto, looking him dead in the eye. "Naruto," she said, her voice trembling slightly but filled with resolve, "you're coming with me. Now." Without giving Fuka a chance to say anything, Fu grabbed Naruto's arm and started dragging him toward the exit, leaving Fuka standing there with a bemused expression.
As they left, Anko's laughter echoed behind them, her voice teasing, "Better watch out, Naruto! Looks like you've got yourself a love triangle brewing!"
Naruto, still being dragged along by Fu, muttered under his breath, "Why does this keep happening to me?"
Fu shot him a glance, her face still burning red. "You're an idiot, that's why."
As they walked away, Naruto couldn't help but wonder what the hell just happened, his mind racing with thoughts of Fuka's teasing, Fu's unexpected protectiveness, and Anko's never-ending amusement at his expense. This was not how he had expected this mission to go at all.
Naruto quickly held up his hand, halting the playful tension. "Wait! Before this goes any further, we need to talk. There's another Uzumaki out there, and she's supposed to be back in a week. Maybe she could help us figure this out." His voice was serious, trying to steer the conversation back on track.
Fu's face turned beet red as she clenched her fists, anger surging through her. "Oh, so that's the great idea, huh? We stay here for a week so you can make out with her too?" she spat, glaring at him, unable to hide the hurt bubbling inside.
Naruto, taken aback, blinked. "What? No, that's not what I—well, I mean, if it happens, but I'm just—"
Before he could finish, Fu's fist connected with his face, sending him stumbling backward into a tree. His head thudded against the bark, and he groaned, holding his nose as he blinked in disbelief. "What the hell, Fu?" he muttered, rubbing his face.
Fu stood there, her chest heaving with frustration, her green eyes glistening with a mixture of anger and pain. "Is this some kind of joke to you, Naruto?" she demanded, her voice trembling. "Don't act like you don't know what's going on."
Naruto's confusion only deepened. He genuinely had no idea what Fu was getting at. He tried to think back over the past few days, but nothing seemed to explain why she was so upset.
Anko, who had been laughing at Naruto's misfortune from the sidelines, suddenly grew serious. Her voice cut through the tension like a kunai. "Naruto, you really don't get it, do you?" she said, shaking her head in disbelief. "Fu isn't going to wait forever for you to figure it out. You need to understand that if you keep messing around like this, you're going to lose her. So, Fu, if he's too dense to get it, you're going to have to tell him straight."
Fu's face grew even redder, and she balled her fists in frustration. It wasn't supposed to be like this. She had imagined confessing her feelings in some serene, perfect moment — maybe on a rooftop at sunset, not here, in the middle of the forest, with Naruto still sporting lipstick marks from Fuka all over his face.
Fuka, who had been watching the exchange with a sly grin, stepped closer to Naruto and looped her arm through his. "You gotta take responsibility for what you did, Naruto," she teased, her voice laced with mischief. She placed a hand on her stomach, adding with a wink, "After all, who knows what might come of it?"
Naruto's eyes widened in panic, and he quickly pulled away from Fuka, shaking his head violently. "We didn't go that far!" he protested, his voice cracking under the weight of her teasing. "I—I barely—look, we need to focus, alright? Weren't we supposed to be looking for Uzumaki scrolls or something?"
Fuka shrugged, a playful smile still plastered across her face. "Yeah, but I think that other Uzumaki girl took most of them with her. So, you'll probably have to wait until she returns. Until then, feel free to stay as long as you like... but there will be a chakra payment, of course," she added, leaning in closer, her lips dangerously near his ear.
Fu's frustration hit its peak. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs, but she swallowed the urge, biting down on her tongue. Her eyes flared with annoyance. "Fine! Let's just go inside," she said sharply. "But you two aren't allowed to be anywhere near each other, got it?"
Anko smirked as she stepped away from the group, sensing the rising tension and drama. "I'll go hunt for some food," she said, already summoning a shadow clone to do the actual work for her. She wasn't about to miss what was coming next.
Naruto, Fu, and Fuka entered the shrine, tension heavy in the air. Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into a lion's den. As they stepped inside, Fu shot one last glare at Fuka, making it clear she wasn't going to tolerate any more funny business.
Anko, lingering outside, crossed her arms with a grin. Her clone had gone off to find food, but she stayed close by, fully intent on witnessing whatever chaos unfolded next. "This is going to be fun," she muttered to herself, chuckling as she leaned against a tree.
The three of them sat at the small, rickety table as Fuka poured tea, the tension thickening between them. Fuka, her movements graceful yet deliberate, kept trying to edge closer to Naruto, but every time she did, Fu shot her a sharp glare, blocking her advances with an almost primal protectiveness. Fuka smiled coyly, clearly enjoying the dynamic as she muttered under her breath, "Well, I guess it's time to get the show on the road."
Naruto caught her words and tilted his head, confused. "What do you mean by that?"
Fuka, not one for subtlety, leaned in slightly, her voice soft but laced with mischief. "So, Naruto... may I ask you a question? How many lovers do you have?"
Naruto's face flushed crimson, his eyes darting between Fuka and Fu in utter confusion. "Uh... what? I-I mean... I don't... that's a... hard question to answer..." he stammered, completely out of his depth.
Fuka's amusement grew, clearly delighting in his discomfort. "No need to be shy. I'm just curious how many lovers you plan on taking?" Her voice dripped with playful seduction as she eyed him expectantly.
Naruto, still struggling to understand where the conversation was heading, scratched his head nervously. "Well... I mean, I guess... I'm supposed to rebuild my clan, so maybe I'd need... uh... more than one?" he muttered, his face still beet red.
Before he could say another word, Fu slammed her drink on the table, causing both Naruto and Fuka to jump. "The answer is one," she declared sharply, glaring daggers at Fuka, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Fuka raised an eyebrow, her amusement never fading. "Oh my, so much fire in this one," she said seductively, giving Naruto a knowing glance. "But the answer was for Naruto, not you."
Fu's fists clenched under the table, her teeth grinding in frustration. She turned her fierce gaze to Naruto, as if daring him to agree. Naruto, caught between the two, swallowed hard. "Y-yeah... I guess she's right," he mumbled, though his confusion was evident.
Fuka sighed dramatically. "No coercion, huh? Let's move on then," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Naruto, how do you feel about Fu?"
Naruto blinked, the sudden intensity of the question catching him off guard. "Fu? She's... she's my best friend," he answered quickly, without giving it much thought.
Fuka wasn't satisfied with the answer. "Is that all?" she pressed, her voice low, trying to unearth any hidden feelings.
Naruto, still oblivious to the weight of the question, nodded again. "Yeah, that's all."
Fu's expression shifted instantly. Her eyes welled up, her body trembling slightly as she tried to hold back her emotions. The words stung her deeply, each one like a knife twisting in her heart. She looked at Naruto, who remained clueless to her inner turmoil, and she couldn't hold back anymore. Tears began to spill from her eyes as she shoved him away, standing abruptly from the table.
"I get it," she muttered, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. "I thought... I thought we were different, but now I know where we stand. I'm just... a friend."
Naruto's eyes widened as he saw the pain etched across her face. He quickly moved to comfort her, but she shoved him off, her bitterness rising to the surface. "Don't," she whispered harshly, her hands trembling as she tried to wipe her tears. "I don't want your pity."
Fuka, sitting quietly, watched the scene unfold, a sly smile playing at her lips. "You didn't know, did you?" she asked Naruto with a hint of mockery in her tone. "You didn't know that Fu loves you?"
Naruto's world seemed to tilt on its axis. He stared at Fu, her tear-streaked face breaking his heart in ways he didn't understand. He wanted to say something—anything—but his throat closed up, and no words came. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, but in his panic, all he could do was bow his head, his forehead touching the cold, hard floor.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry, Fu."
Fu sniffled, not knowing what to say. She'd already laid her heart bare, and now hearing Naruto apologize just twisted the knife deeper.
"I'm sorry I can't... see you that way," Naruto continued, his voice trembling. "It's not because I don't feel the same way. It's because I don't want to ruin your life."
Fu's tear-filled eyes bore into him, confused and hurt. "What are you talking about?" she spat, her voice filled with frustration.
Naruto raised his head, his eyes meeting hers. "You have friends at the academy. You have people who care about you. I can't take that away from you. If you stay with me, they'll hate you. They'll treat you like they treat me... and I can't let that happen. I won't let you be hated because of me."
Fu's anger bubbled over, her fists clenching tightly as she glared at him. "You don't get to decide that!" she shouted, her voice cracking with emotion. "You don't get to decide what's best for me, Naruto! If I care about you, it's because I chose to! I don't care about the villagers or what they think of me. I care about you!"
Naruto, feeling the weight of her words, looked down at his hands. He had made a mistake, thinking he was protecting her when in reality, he was just pushing her away.
"I..." Naruto started, his voice thick with guilt. "I'm sorry, Fu. I didn't mean to hurt you like this."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension thick between them as Fu wiped the last of her tears away. She didn't know what to say, her feelings a jumbled mess of pain and confusion.
Fuka, watching the entire scene with mild interest, took a sip of her tea and smirked. "Well, that was quite the confession," she said lightly, breaking the tension. "I didn't expect things to get so emotional." She leaned forward, looking at Naruto. "But you should really stop hiding how you feel. It's not good for anyone."
Naruto, feeling utterly drained, simply nodded, his eyes still locked with Fu's. The relationship between them hung in the air, fragile and uncertain. Both of them knew that things could never go back to how they were before, but neither was ready to take the next step.
Fuka stretched and smiled, standing up from the table. "Well, I think I'll leave you two alone for now. You've got a lot to work out." She winked at Naruto, then strolled out of the room, leaving them in silence once more.
Naruto and Fu sat there, the weight of unspoken words and feelings pressing down on them. There was so much left to say, but for now, they simply sat in the aftermath of everything that had just happened.
Naruto stood there, completely baffled by the whirlwind of emotions swirling around him. Fu's unexpected display of feelings had thrown him off balance. He had always sensed that there was something deeper between them, but neither of them had ever dared to confront it—until now. Naruto, usually so confident, was at a complete loss. His fox ears twitched nervously, his tail swishing behind him in agitation. Fu, on the other hand, was flushed red, her hands clasped tightly together as she tried to regain her composure after accidentally revealing her true feelings.
Fuka, with her signature playful smirk, didn't seem to care about the tension in the air. She slithered her arm around Naruto's once again, pressing herself against him as if she had every right to be there. She leaned in close, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "Why fight it? You two are so cute together, but why limit ourselves? Why can't all three of us just... be together?" Her voice dripped with mischief, clearly enjoying the chaos she was creating.
Naruto's face burned bright red, his usual cool demeanor completely shattered by the situation. "What... what are you even saying?" he stammered, trying to shake Fuka off but restrained by the webbing Fu had ensnared him in. He shifted his gaze to Fu, who was now glaring daggers at Fuka, her chest heaving with barely contained frustration.
"Stop... doing... that!" Fu's voice was sharp, and before Naruto could even react, she pulled him tighter, causing him to wince as the webbing constricted around him further. She was glaring at Fuka, jealousy and irritation burning in her normally calm eyes. "Naruto isn't some prize to be fought over!" she shouted, her voice cracking slightly as she struggled to keep her emotions in check.
Fuka laughed softly, her fingers tracing the webbing around Naruto's chest as she admired Fu's handiwork. "Oh, but isn't he?" she teased, her tone mocking. "Look at you, all defensive and flustered. If you're so sure of how you feel about him, why not just admit it? Or are you too scared to take what you really want?"
Naruto, feeling completely out of his depth, looked between the two girls, unsure of how to de-escalate the situation. He cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to regain control of the moment. "Look, this is getting ridiculous," he muttered, his voice strained. "Fuka, stop messing with her, and Fu—uh, could you maybe... loosen the webs a bit?"
Fu blinked, as if suddenly realizing how tightly she had wrapped him up, and with an embarrassed mutter, she flicked her fingers, causing the webs to dissolve. Naruto collapsed to the ground, taking in a deep breath of relief before standing up and brushing himself off.
"I'm not scared," Fu muttered defiantly under her breath, though she refused to meet Naruto's eyes. "I just don't want you being manipulated by... her."
Fuka rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly, but there was a sharp edge to her words. "Oh, honey, I'm not manipulating anyone. I just know what I want, and I'm not afraid to go after it. You should try it sometime."
Naruto held up his hands, trying to calm the rising tension between the two. "Okay, let's just take a breath, alright?" he said, his voice firm but still nervous. "This... whatever this is... we're not figuring it out right now."
Fu finally looked at Naruto, her eyes softening as she sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry... I just—" She stopped, her voice faltering.
Fuka, meanwhile, pouted and stepped back, crossing her arms. "Fine, fine. Have it your way for now. But my offer still stands."
Naruto felt his heart pounding in his chest. He didn't know how to respond to any of this. Fu's feelings, Fuka's forwardness... it was all too much, too fast. He was the one usually in control, but now he felt like the world was spinning, and he had no idea where to go from here.
"I think... we need to take some space," Naruto said finally, his voice more resolute now. He looked at Fu first. "Let's just... figure things out later. We've got more important things to do."
Fu nodded silently, stepping away from him. She shot Fuka one last glare before turning her back to both of them, clearly still upset but trying to hide it.
Fuka, on the other hand, grinned as if this were all just a fun game. "I'll give you your space, fox boy, but don't forget about me." She blew him a kiss and sauntered off with a carefree wave, her hips swaying as she left.
As the tension between them faded, Naruto sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Great. Now what?" he muttered to himself.
Fu glanced at him briefly, the jealousy still simmering beneath the surface, but she held her tongue. "Let's just... move on. We have work to do."
Naruto nodded, but deep down, he knew things were going to get even more complicated from here.
Naruto was kneeling on the floor, carefully examining the floorboards. His fingers ran along the edges of the wood, searching for any signs of a hidden compartment. With a quiet sigh, he pressed down on one corner, and to his surprise, the floor creaked open, revealing a small secret compartment. He reached in eagerly, only to find it empty. His heart sank a little, but he kept his expression neutral.
"We have to wait a week now," Naruto said, standing up and dusting off his pants. "I'll get the information we need to help Anko." His tone was firm, determined. He wasn't about to give up, not when Anko's future was on the line.
Fu, still glaring at Fuka, walked over to Naruto. She took out a handkerchief and began wiping off the lipstick marks Fuka had left on his face. Naruto stood there, not moving, his body slightly tense as Fu carefully cleaned him up. When Fu was finished, she glanced at him with a mischievous smirk.
"You still have one," she whispered, pointing to a spot on the corner of his lip.
Naruto leaned in closer, expecting her to wipe it off, but instead, Fu closed the distance and kissed him softly on the lips. Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, and Fu's face turned beet red as she quickly pulled away, her heart pounding. Naruto stood frozen for a moment, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Outside, Anko had been watching the entire scene through the window. She couldn't help but cheer loudly. "Woooo! Finally!" she shouted, but then quickly clamped her mouth shut as she realized how loud she had been. She backed away, laughing under her breath, but also feeling a strange twinge of warmth watching them.
Meanwhile, Fuka, who had been watching the exchange between Naruto and Fu, smiled slyly. "Oh, how sweet. You two finally admitted your feelings." She stepped closer, her voice dripping with charm. "Well, since we have a week here, why don't we try something fun?" she suggested, glancing at both Naruto and Fu.
Naruto, still dazed from Fu's kiss, blinked at Fuka. "What do you mean?"
Fuka leaned closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered. "How about you date both of us?" She giggled softly at the stunned look on Naruto's face. "We can spend this week seeing how it feels. And if either of you doesn't feel comfortable with it by the end of the week, I'll step aside and let you two be."
Fu, who had been scowling the whole time, crossed her arms. "Wait, what?" Her jealousy flared, but she wasn't about to back down from this challenge. If Fuka thought she could steal Naruto away so easily, she had another thing coming. "Fine. I accept your challenge," Fu said, her voice steely. "But don't think I'm going to make this easy for you."
Naruto sighed, rubbing his temples. "You know what, fine. I'm too tired for this right now." He felt exhausted, not just physically from the trip, but mentally from the emotional whirlwind. "But let's get one thing straight—no one's fighting over me. We're going to act like mature adults, or we're stopping this right now."
Fu and Fuka both nodded, though Fu couldn't help but shoot a glare in Fuka's direction. Fuka, on the other hand, was all smiles, looking entirely too pleased with herself. She wrapped her arm around Naruto's, pressing herself against him as she spoke.
"Don't worry, Naruto," Fuka purred. "This is going to be fun. I'm sure by the end of this week, you'll know exactly what you want."
Fu gritted her teeth and marched forward, grabbing Naruto's other arm and pulling him away from Fuka. "We'll see about that," she muttered under her breath, her grip felt like he was stuck between two forces of nature—both of them fierce, determined, and unwilling to back down. He sighed inwardly, knowing that the next week was going to be anything but easy.
Naruto couldn't help but glance at Fu. Her expression was set, her lips pressed into a firm line. He could see the jealousy brewing in her, but there was also something else—something softer, more vulnerable. It tugged at his heart, and he found himself reaching out to give her a reassuring squeeze on her arm.
"We'll figure this out," he said quietly.
Fu looked up at him, her eyes softening for a moment before she nodded. "Yeah, we will."
Fuka, walking behind them, watched the interaction with a knowing smile. "This is going to be more interesting than I thought," she whispered to herself, her mind already whirling with ideas on how to win Naruto's heart.
The week ahead was bound to be filled with more than just training and exploring. It was going to be a test—a test of patience, emotions, and perhaps something more.
And Naruto, caught in the middle, could only brace himself for whatever came next.