Naruto, weary from the long journey back to the Leaf Village, trudged through the gates with Team 7, Haku, and Honoka by his side. The group's pace was slower, burdened with the weight of recent events and revelations. Karin, eager as ever, rushed ahead, darting toward the Hokage's office. Her determination to convince the Third Hokage to approve an expedition to uncover the hidden Uzumaki temples lit a fire within her. Meanwhile, Haku and Honoka trailed behind, walking with Kakashi toward the registration office to begin their official integration as citizens and ninja of the Hidden Leaf.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura exchanged brief goodbyes at the village's main square. Sasuke, ever persistent, attempted to strike up a conversation, hoping for some acknowledgment of the bond they once shared. But Naruto, drained and emotionally distant, simply waved him off, muttering, "Not today. I'm tired, Sasuke."
Naruto didn't even turn to look at Sasuke's crestfallen expression as he headed toward his apartment. His legs felt heavy, and his body ached for rest. All he could think about was his bed.
After what felt like an eternity, Naruto finally pushed open the door to his apartment. The familiar scent of his home filled his nostrils, and for the first time in days, he felt a small sense of peace. Without even changing out of his robes, he collapsed onto his bed, face-first into the pillows, and drifted into a deep, much-needed sleep.
….
Naruto had no idea how long he'd been out. When he finally stirred, it wasn't the morning light that woke him, but rather, the unmistakable sensation of fingers softly playing with his fox ears. His eyelids fluttered open, and he felt the warmth of a body pressed against his side. Turning his head slightly, he caught sight of Anko, her face inches from his, grinning like a mischievous fox herself.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Anko teased, her voice a playful purr as she continued to rub his ears gently, watching his face flush red.
Naruto, still groggy and half-asleep, tried to pull away, but Anko's weight on top of him kept him pinned. He muttered, "Anko-sensei… what are you doing?"
She laughed, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Just giving you a proper welcome back! It's been a while since big sis could have some fun with her favorite fox boy." Her hands roamed to his tail, giving it a soft tug, causing Naruto to yelp in surprise.
"Oi! Stop playing with that!" Naruto tried to wriggle out from under her, but his protests only seemed to amuse her more.
"Now, now," Anko said with a mock pout, "you've been gone for days. You didn't think your big sis would let you come back without giving you some attention, did you?" She leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. "Besides, you look like you need to relax. Let me take care of you."
Naruto's face turned a deeper shade of red as she continued teasing him, her fingers trailing down his back, lightly scratching his tail in a way that made him almost melt. He opened his mouth to protest again, but before he could get a word out, she began rubbing his ears more insistently. Despite himself, Naruto felt a wave of relaxation wash over him, and his resistance started to fade.
"See?" Anko cooed, her voice sultry, "Isn't that better? You've been so tense lately. Just let big sis handle everything…"
Naruto's eyes narrowed in an attempt to focus, but every time Anko played with his ears, he found it increasingly difficult to argue. Her presence was overwhelming, and the way she pinned him down with such confidence left him feeling both flustered and helpless.
"You need to stop doing that…" he murmured weakly, his voice barely above a whisper as she continued her gentle assault.
Anko grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh? And why would I stop when you're clearly enjoying it?" Her fingers grazed over his tail again, causing Naruto to shudder.
"Anko…" Naruto began, trying to sound stern, but his resolve was crumbling. "I-I really—"
Before he could finish, the sound of voices drifted from the kitchen, accompanied by the delicious smell of food. Fu, Fuka, and Tayuya were busy cooking breakfast, their laughter filling the apartment. The sound brought Naruto back to reality, and with one final surge of effort, he managed to sit up, though Anko was still straddling him.
"Let me up!" Naruto grumbled, cheeks still flushed, trying to act annoyed but unable to fully hide his embarrassment.
Anko, however, wasn't having any of it. With a playful huff, she pushed him back down onto the bed. "Oh no, you don't! You're not going anywhere until I've had my fun. You've been away far too long, and I think I deserve a little time with my favorite fox boy." Her grin widened as she leaned in closer, her breath tickling his neck.
Naruto's heart raced, but before Anko could continue, Fu popped her head into the room. "Hey, breakfast is—"
She stopped mid-sentence, blinking as she took in the scene of Anko pinning Naruto to the bed. A smirk slowly spread across her face. "Well, well… looks like someone's getting some extra attention this morning."
Naruto's face went crimson as he tried to push Anko off. "It's not what it looks like!" he stammered, flustered beyond belief.
Anko laughed, finally letting Naruto up. "Relax, fox boy, I'm just messing with you. Besides, it's about time I showed you who's in charge around here." She winked at Fu before casually standing up, leaving Naruto to catch his breath.
Naruto sat up, still blushing furiously as he straightened his robes. "You guys are impossible…"
Anko stretched, her movements fluid and cat-like as she sauntered toward the door. "Come on, breakfast is ready. But remember, Naruto… you owe me." She shot him a teasing smile before heading out to join the others.
Naruto let out a long sigh of relief, though his heart was still pounding. "I'm never going to get any peace around here…" he muttered to himself as he stood and followed the scent of food toward the kitchen.
As he entered the room, he saw Fu, Fuka, and Tayuya gathered around the table, plates full of steaming food in front of them. They all looked up, their faces lighting up as they saw him.
"Morning, Naruto!" Fu called out cheerfully, her antennae twitching as she handed him a plate.
Tayuya smirked, crossing her arms. "Looks like you had a rough start to the day."
Naruto, still red-faced, plopped down at the table. "You could say that…"
Fuka chuckled, leaning over to ruffle his hair. "Well, it's good to have you back. Now, eat up!"
The atmosphere at the table was lighthearted and filled with laughter. The group was enjoying a relaxed breakfast together after Naruto's return from his mission. The teasing, joking, and casual conversation filled the air, making the apartment feel more like home than ever.
Naruto was wolfing down his food while the girls playfully bantered with him. Fu nudged his shoulder, her green eyes shining mischievously. "Naruto, you're eating like you haven't had a meal in days. We fed you well, didn't we?"
Naruto smirked between bites, swallowing a large mouthful of ramen. "What can I say? Your cooking always tastes better when you've missed it."
Tayuya leaned back in her chair, a grin tugging at her lips. "You better watch it, Fox Boy, or that stomach of yours will turn into a balloon. Then what will all your fangirls think of you?"
Naruto chuckled, shooting her a flirtatious look. "I don't know, you tell me, Tayuya. I thought you liked your men with a healthy appetite."
Tayuya's face flushed ever so slightly, though she played it cool, rolling her eyes. "Don't get too cocky, you perverted fox. Just because you managed to make breakfast interesting doesn't mean I'm impressed."
"Right," Naruto teased, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Because last I checked, you were the one asking for extra cuddles during that camping trip."
Tayuya's blush deepened, and she kicked his leg under the table. "Shut up before I make you regret that."
Fu joined in the teasing, laughing softly. "Come on, Tayuya, admit it. You like his fox ears just as much as the rest of us."
Naruto's grin widened as he looked over at Fu. "See? At least someone's being honest here."
Fu leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, causing him to flush just a little. "I always am."
Naruto, feeling a surge of playful energy, leaned in and kissed Fu on the lips, giving her a sly smile afterward. "I'll never get tired of that."
Before Fu could reply, Fuka stood up, brushing off her hands with a soft smile. "Well, I'd love to stay and flirt with you all day, but I have a job to get to. Gotta pay the bills, you know?"
Naruto stood up and followed her to the door. "Well, we can't let you leave without a proper goodbye, can we?" He gave Fuka a deep kiss, his hand sliding down to her behind, giving it a playful smack.
Fuka giggled, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Naruto." She winked before heading out the door. "I'll see you later!"
As soon as Fuka left, Naruto turned back to the table, his smile fading as he braced himself for what was coming next.
Anko stretched lazily, leaning back in her chair. "Alright, brats, I've got some business to take care of today, so we're keeping the training session short."
Tayuya and Fu exchanged glances, both of them looking mildly disappointed.
"Aww, come on, big sis, we were hoping for a full day of kicking Fox Boy's butt," Tayuya joked, her grin returning.
Naruto leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "As if you could take me down, Tayuya. I've got more tricks up my sleeve than you know."
Anko smirked, getting to her feet. "Save it for the training ground. I'll have you three run a few drills, and then you can have the rest of the day to yourselves. Just don't slack off too much, alright?"
Fu was already on her feet, stretching her arms above her head. "I'm ready whenever you are, Anko-sensei. It's been a while since we've all trained together."
Naruto grinned, standing up as well. "Guess that means more time for you two to spend with me." He winked at Fu and Tayuya, causing both of them to blush slightly.
"Yeah, yeah," Tayuya muttered, standing up and cracking her knuckles. "Let's just see how you do in the training yard before you start bragging."
After a short but intense session, Anko called it a day, waving as she walked away. "Alright, brats. I'll catch you later. Don't slack off while I'm gone!"
Naruto, Fu, and Tayuya stood in the training yard, catching their breath after the battle. Naruto looked between them, smiling. "Well, now that she's gone… we've got the whole day to ourselves."
Fu grinned. "What do you have in mind, Naruto?"
Tayuya shrugged, wiping some sweat from her brow. "Anything that doesn't involve getting my butt kicked again."
Naruto chuckled, stretching his arms. "Let's just relax for a bit. We've earned it."
The three of them laughed, feeling the weight of the day's training lift from their shoulders. With the sun high in the sky, they knew they had plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day together.
Naruto's eyes wandered more than they should have, especially when Tayuya bent over to adjust her belt. The outfit Fuka designed for her was definitely attention-grabbing: tight black pants with side pockets that hugged her frame, a cropped shirt, and a leather jacket with fur around the collar. Her flute hung from her belt, ready for use, and Naruto couldn't help but notice how well the outfit suited her.
Tayuya smirked, catching him in the act. She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a mischievous grin as she pulled out her flute. Without missing a beat, she started to play a catchy tune, and her voice followed soon after.
"Oh, there's a perverted fox boy,
Who stares at a maiden's behind,
He's got no shame, it's all the same,
Glancing at beauty he hopes to find.
Oh, but no girl will stand his stare,
They'll laugh and call him a perverted hare!"
Naruto's face immediately flushed red, irritation flickering across his features. "Oi, Tayuya, you're seriously going to turn this into a song? I'm not that bad!" he protested, though the hint of a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Tayuya didn't stop, adding a few playful notes to the melody as she continued.
"He'll glance, he'll smirk, without a care,
That perverted fox with the fiery stare.
But his hands, oh no, they'll never touch,
He's too scared to flirt with her as much!"
Naruto groaned, rubbing his face as he felt his cheeks burning. "Alright, alright! You win this round," he muttered, trying to shrug off the embarrassment. His mind raced for a comeback, and with a devilish smirk, he leaned closer. "You know, for someone who claims to be so irritated, you sure spend a lot of time singing about me. Who's the real pervert here?"
Tayuya's face turned pink at his jab, and she quickly snapped, "Shut up, Fox Boy. I'm only calling it like I see it!" She crossed her arms but couldn't fully hide her flustered reaction.
Naruto chuckled, sensing that he'd gotten under her skin. He then stretched his arms behind his head and grinned widely. "Alright, enough of that. How about we make things interesting?" His grin shifted into something more mischievous, his voice lowering as he proposed his idea. "Let's play a game. We'll mix in a bit of training too."
Tayuya raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "What kind of game?"
Fu, who had been quietly watching their exchange, leaned in as well, her green eyes gleaming with interest.
Naruto's grin widened, and he explained, "It's simple. You two are going to run, and I'm going to hunt you down. If I can catch you in under two hours, I win. But if you both escape for the full two hours without me grabbing either of you, I'll buy you whatever you want."
Tayuya and Fu exchanged glances, clearly confident in their ability to outrun and outsmart Naruto. They grinned, ready to take him on. Fu cracked her knuckles, her wings twitching slightly as her insect abilities readied for the challenge.
"Alright, you're on!" Fu agreed excitedly. "Let's see if the perverted fox can actually catch us this time."
Tayuya smirked, noticing the glint in Naruto's eyes. "You're going down, Fox Boy. I'll have you buying me a new flute by the end of this."
Naruto's grin only grew more mischievous, though his thoughts weren't entirely focused on the prize. As much as he tried to hide it, a small part of him was excited by the idea of chasing them down, and he knew Tayuya had caught onto that when her smirk deepened.
The girls dashed into the trees, laughter echoing as they disappeared into the forest, leaving Naruto standing there with that same sly grin. He gave them a ten-second head start, watching their retreating figures as he cracked his knuckles.
"Alright, girls," he muttered to himself, "the hunt begins now."
Naruto wandered into the forest, his senses heightened as he tracked Tayuya's chakra. He had given both Tayuya and Fu a head start, but now it was time for the hunt. His lips curled into a sly grin as he remembered the teasing and songs Tayuya had thrown his way. "Alright, girls, the hunt begins now," he muttered to himself, focusing his chakra.
He closed his eyes and let his body shift into paper, allowing the wind to carry him through the trees in a cloud of floating leaves. It wasn't long before he sensed Tayuya's chakra signature pulsing a short distance ahead. She had chosen a smart hiding spot, lying low and keeping her eyes out for any sign of him. But she hadn't counted on his paper transformation technique.
Naruto reformed silently behind her, watching her for a moment before making his move. Without warning, he pounced, pinning her gently but firmly to the ground. Tayuya squealed in surprise, her body reacting with instinctive resistance, but the instant she recognized him, her expression softened. She looked up at him with wide eyes, her breath slightly ragged from the sudden ambush.
"Gotcha," Naruto whispered in her ear, his voice low and teasing.
Tayuya blinked, her face flushed from both surprise and something more. "You sneaky bastard," she breathed, her tone laced with amusement. She squirmed playfully beneath him, testing his grip. "I thought you were hunting, not planning to grope me."
Naruto's grin deepened. "Maybe I'm doing both." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Your mine."
Tayuya stilled for a moment, her playful smirk fading as her eyes locked with his. She could sense the change in his demeanor—more confident, more assertive. It was a side of Naruto she hadn't seen often, and the intensity of it sent a shiver down her spine. After a moment of silence, she bit her lip and nodded, giving him permission with her gaze.
"Do your worst, perverted fox," she teased, though her voice carried a hint of anticipation. "Let's see what you've got."
Naruto didn't need any more encouragement. His hand gently traced down her arm, brushing her skin as he leaned in to kiss her. This time, the kiss wasn't light or teasing—it was deep, assertive, and filled with all the pent-up energy from their game. Tayuya let out a soft sound of surprise but quickly melted into it, her hands tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.
His hand moved to her waist, gripping her tightly as their bodies pressed together. Tayuya's breath hitched as she felt the intensity of his hold, the strength in his touch. Naruto's lips moved from her mouth to her neck, trailing kisses down her skin. Each kiss sent jolts of heat through her, making her heart race.
"Naruto..." she murmured, her voice breathy and barely a whisper. She loved this—loved seeing him like this, confident and bold.
"You've been teasing me for days," Naruto said, his voice rough as he kissed her neck, his breath warm against her skin. "Singing all those songs, calling me a perverted fox. Did you think I wouldn't make you pay for that?"
Tayuya's cheeks flushed deeper. "I didn't think you'd actually have the guts," she replied, her voice shaky with excitement.
Naruto smirked against her skin, his hands moving lower, his fingers tracing the curve of her waist and hips before sliding around to rest on her back. He leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "You gave me the go-ahead. Now I'm not holding back."
Tayuya's heart pounded in her chest. She had teased him plenty before, but this was different. This was real. And she liked it. "Good," she managed to say, her voice barely steady. "I wouldn't want you to."
Naruto pressed her gently against a nearby tree, his hands moving with more purpose now. He kissed her again, this time more forcefully, his lips claiming hers in a way that left no room for teasing. Tayuya responded eagerly, matching his intensity as their tongues tangled in a dance of heat and tension.
His hands wandered down to her waist again, gripping her tightly as he deepened the kiss, pulling her body closer to his. Every touch, every kiss, was more confident than the last, more demanding, but Tayuya welcomed it, reveling in the new side of Naruto she was experiencing. She could feel the strength in his movements, the dominance in his touch, and it made her heart race even faster.
"You like this, you perverted little Musician." Naruto murmured between kisses, his voice low and rough. It wasn't a question, more like a statement—a fact he could feel in the way her body responded to his touch, in the way her breath quickened with every kiss.
Tayuya didn't deny it. Instead, she leaned into him, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "You're finally starting to live up to your reputation, fox boy."
Naruto chuckled, his breath hot against her skin. "Told you," he whispered back, "I'm a perverted fox, just like you said."
He kissed her again, deeper this time, and as their lips parted, he whispered into her ear, "And you're mine."
Tayuya's body tensed for a moment, her breath hitching at the possessiveness in his voice, but she didn't push him away. Instead, she relaxed into his embrace, a smile tugging at her lips as she looked up at him. "Guess I wouldn't have it any other way."
Naruto grinned, pressing one last kiss to her lips before pulling back. "One down," he said, his voice teasing again. "Now, let's see if I can find Fu."
Tayuya, still flushed and breathless, smirked as she leaned against the tree, watching him with a satisfied expression. "Good luck with that," she said, her voice playful again. "She's not as easy to catch as I am."
Naruto chuckled, giving her a playful pat on the behind before disappearing into the trees once more, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the hunt.
After leaving Tayuya breathless against the tree, Naruto moved silently through the forest, his heightened senses guiding him toward Fu's chakra. He could sense her energy nearby, flickering with a playful tension, much like Tayuya's had been. He grinned to himself, the thrill of the hunt still coursing through him as he shifted back into his paper form, the leaves carrying him silently through the woods.
Fu, unaware of Naruto's approach, had tucked herself into a small clearing by the river, crouched low behind some rocks, her teal eyes scanning the area for any sign of him. Her vibrant green hair shimmered in the sunlight as she tucked a stray lock behind her ear, her expression adorably determined as she kept watch.
But she hadn't noticed the leaves gathering above her.
Naruto reformed quietly behind her, watching her for a moment, enjoying the way her body tensed, sensing his presence even though she hadn't seen him yet. A small, satisfied smile spread across his face before he struck, gently grabbing her waist and pulling her back against him.
Fu gasped, her heart leaping into her throat as she tried to turn, only to find herself enveloped in his arms. Her body froze for a moment, surprised, but then her shoulders relaxed as she realized it was Naruto. Her lips parted, her breath quickening slightly as she glanced over her shoulder at him, her expression shifting from surprise to something softer—something filled with quiet anticipation.
"Got you," Naruto whispered, his voice low and teasing as his breath brushed her ear. Fu shivered at the sensation, her cheeks instantly flushing a soft pink.
"Y-you snuck up on me," she said, her voice small and a little breathless, but there was no fear in it—just a soft, bashful submission. She wasn't used to this side of Naruto, this confident, assertive version of him, but it stirred something inside her, something she hadn't realized she desired until now.
Naruto's grin widened. "That was the plan," he murmured, leaning in to nuzzle against her neck. His grip on her waist tightened slightly, holding her firmly but with a gentleness that made her heart flutter. He could feel the way her body relaxed into his touch, how her breath hitched every time his lips brushed her skin. She wasn't pulling away—in fact, she was leaning into him more, her body language telling him everything he needed to know.
Fu's lips parted slightly, a soft, almost inaudible sound escaping her as she tilted her head to the side, exposing more of her neck to him. Her eyes fluttered closed, her body trembling with a mixture of nerves and desire. She didn't say anything, but the way her body responded to his touch spoke volumes. She wanted this—she wanted him.
Naruto's lips curled into a satisfied smile as he kissed her neck, his hands roaming her waist and hips. "You like this," he whispered, his voice thick with confidence, but there was a gentleness in the way he touched her, a softness that showed he was paying attention to her every reaction.
Fu's face flushed deeper, her breath quickening as her hands came up to grip his arms, not to push him away but to steady herself. "Y-you're so… bold," she managed to say, her voice barely a whisper. She wasn't used to being the one pursued like this, but the way Naruto held her, the way his lips pressed against her skin—it sent a thrill through her that she couldn't deny.
"I told you I'm a perverted fox," Naruto teased, his lips brushing her ear as his hands slid down to her hips, pulling her closer. "But only for you."
Fu's heart skipped a beat at his words, her eyes fluttering open as she glanced up at him, her expression soft and a little shy. Her breath hitched again as his lips moved to hers, and for a moment, she hesitated, her nerves getting the better of her.
But then, her desire overtook her hesitation.
Her hands slid up to his shoulders, pulling him closer as her lips met his, soft and tentative at first, but quickly deepening as she gave in to the moment. Naruto's kiss was firm but gentle, his hands holding her with a confidence that made her feel safe, even as her heart raced in her chest. She responded eagerly, her lips parting as she let him take control of the kiss, her body melting into his.
Naruto's hands roamed her body, tracing the curve of her waist and hips, his touch firm but not overwhelming. He could feel the way she leaned into him, how her breath quickened with every kiss, every touch. Her body language was clear—she wanted this as much as he did.
"You're mine," Naruto whispered against her lips, his voice low and possessive, but there was a tenderness in his tone that made her heart flutter.
Fu's face flushed a deep red at his words, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she pressed herself closer to him, her hands sliding up to his neck as she kissed him again, this time with more confidence. She wanted him to know that she desired this too, that she wanted to be his.
After a moment, Naruto pulled back slightly, his lips curling into a grin as he looked down at her. "You're adorable," he said, his voice teasing but filled with affection.
Fu's cheeks burned, but she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "You're a dork," she muttered, but there was no bite to her words—just a soft, playful fondness.
Naruto chuckled, giving her one last quick kiss before stepping back. "two down, one to go," he said with a wink, his voice playful as he patted her on the head. "I'll see you later."
Fu giggled, her heart still racing as she watched him disappear into the trees. She felt her knees wobble slightly, her face still flushed from the intensity of the moment. But as she caught her breath, a soft smile spread across her lips.
"Yeah," she whispered to herself, "I'll be there."
Naruto left the training grounds with a lingering grin on his face, his thoughts racing back to the moments he'd shared with Fu and Tayuya earlier. Their flushed faces, their soft touches—it was like he could still feel them on him. He shook his head, a smirk creeping across his lips as he thought about Tayuya's teasing songs about him. Maybe there was more truth to those songs than he cared to admit. His fox ears twitched, his tail flicking with excitement as he made his way toward Fuka's work.
"I really did miss them," he muttered under his breath, the red tint in his cheeks deepening as he thought of what he would say to Fuka when he saw her. His legs moved faster, his chakra buzzing with anticipation. But as he neared her location, something shifted. His senses sharpened, and he picked up on another chakra signature—a strong one, unfamiliar and close to Fuka.
Naruto's eyes narrowed. His playful mood shifted instantly to one of alertness and protectiveness. The chakra he sensed wasn't just passive—it was aggressive, forceful. His ears twitched again as he quickened his pace, jumping from building to building until he stopped, perched high above the street, watching the scene below.
There she was—Fuka, standing near a man with a face painted like a clown, wearing a full-body onesie. Another girl, blonde and holding a massive fan, stood beside him, both wearing headbands from the Sand Village. The painted man had a hand wrapped around Fuka's arm, gripping her tightly. Naruto's body went cold with rage as he heard the man speak.
"You should watch yourself around a real ninja, sweetheart," the man sneered, his grip on Fuka tightening as she tried to pull away. "A pretty girl like you ought to show some respect."
Fuka's expression was a mix of discomfort and annoyance as she yanked her arm back, but the man held on, his fingers digging into her skin. The blonde girl with the fan just watched, clearly uninterested in stopping her companion's actions.
Naruto's blood boiled.
Without a second thought, he activated his curse mark. His chakra flared wildly as the red marks spread across his body. His hair deepened into a dark crimson, his fox ears twitched and elongated, and his tail grew thicker, swaying behind him like a predator stalking its prey. His body grew taller, his muscles expanding, and his eyes turned a fierce, glowing red.
He didn't waste any time.
Naruto vanished in a blur, reappearing in front of the man in an instant, his hand wrapping around the guy's throat. The man barely had time to blink before Naruto lifted him off the ground and slammed his body down, dragging his face against the rough pavement of the street, creating a trail of blood and torn skin as the man's screams echoed in the air.
The blonde girl with the fan's eyes widened, her confident posture crumbling into shock as she saw her companion, now a bleeding mess, being dragged by the throat. Her fingers tightened around her fan, but fear gripped her as Naruto turned his head, his red eyes locking onto her with a ferocious glare.
"You're going to want to stay back," Naruto growled, his voice deeper, darker, and filled with rage. He didn't even look at Fuka, too focused on the man he held in his grasp.
The man, now barely conscious, whimpered, his face half-burned from the friction as Naruto's chakra surged into his grip, scorching the man's skin. Blood dripped from his torn cheeks, his face a grotesque mess of burned flesh and exposed muscle. Naruto held him down with one hand, his eyes never leaving the blonde girl with the fan.
She froze, her legs trembling. The ferocity in Naruto's eyes reminded her of her own sibling—of Gaara. The same predatory rage, the same lack of hesitation in causing destruction. Her grip on her fan tightened, but she didn't move. She knew better than to provoke him further.
"N-Naruto," Fuka's voice was soft, shaken, but she hadn't backed down. Naruto glanced at her for the briefest moment, his expression softening just a fraction before turning his attention back to the man beneath him. The rage was still there, bubbling under the surface, but Fuka's presence kept him from going further.
"Don't touch her again," Naruto growled, his grip tightening one last time before he tossed the man to the side like a discarded rag doll. He stood up, towering over him, his crimson tail swishing behind him like a coiled serpent, ready to strike again if provoked.
As the blonde girl muttered "Kankuro," still clutching the handle of her fan, the air shifted, growing heavier. The tension between them thickened when suddenly, grains of sand rose from the ground, swirling with an eerie life of their own. The sand surged toward Naruto, aiming to entrap him, but before it could ensnare him, he blurred out of sight.
In an instant, Naruto reappeared beside Fuka, lifting her effortlessly into his arms, cradling her like a princess. Her heart pounded in her chest, both from the speed of his movement and the unexpected closeness. Her eyes widened, cheeks flushed as she looked up at him, but Naruto's gaze was focused entirely on the new threat in front of them.
Standing before them was a girl with red hair, her face marked by the kanji for "love" on her forehead. Her eyebrows were absent, but her cold, indifferent expression sent a chill through the air. Her eyes were fixed on Naruto, though a slight twitch betrayed something darker lurking beneath her surface.
Suddenly, her hand flew to her forehead, clutching it tightly. Her lips moved in a low murmur, but the words that escaped were venomous.
"Kill the Fox… kill the Fox…" she muttered, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. The voices in her head screamed, urging her to destroy him, to kill Kurama. Her eyes twitched as she fought against the dark whispers.
The blonde girl, clearly panicking now, rushed to her side, trying to calm her down. "Gaara, stop!" she pleaded, placing a hand on her sister's shoulder. "You're having another episode! You need to calm down."
But Gaara's expression remained twisted with madness, her eyes flickering between Naruto and the sand swirling around her feet. Her breathing became more erratic, as if something inside her was unraveling. "Kill the Fox… I have to kill the Fox," she repeated, her voice growing louder, more strained.
Naruto, still holding Fuka, kept his eyes trained on Gaara. His stance remained firm, but he could feel the danger pulsing from her. He weighed his options—he could engage, but Fuka was in his arms, and if the battle escalated, she would be at risk.
"Leave us alone," Naruto growled, his voice cold but steady. His eyes locked with Gaara's, his protective instincts flaring as the sand around them continued to swirl. "This isn't the time or place."
Gaara's eyes twitched again, her hands clenching into fists. The voices in her head screamed louder now, demanding she fulfill her role as a killer. The whispers of the demon within her clawed at her sanity, telling her that she must kill the vessel of the Nine-Tails, Kurama's host. Her breathing became more ragged, her body shaking with suppressed rage.
The blonde girl tried again, desperation in her voice. "Gaara, we don't even know who he is! He's not the enemy right now—just calm down!"
But Gaara barely heard her, too consumed by the demon's whispers. Her eyes flickered back to Naruto, her lips forming a cruel smile. "You… Kurama… I will kill you."
Naruto, sensing that Gaara was on the verge of losing control, acted quickly. With a body flicker, he and Fuka vanished from the spot, disappearing into the surrounding forest. The sand that had been swirling toward them fell limply to the ground, as if Gaara's control over it had faltered with her prey's sudden disappearance.
Gaara stood there, her body still shaking as she muttered to herself, repeating the mantra that haunted her mind. "Kill the Fox… kill the Fox… kill Kurama…"
Her siblings exchanged worried glances. The blonde girl, Temari, reached out hesitantly. "Gaara… please, stop. He's gone."
Gaara's eyes snapped to her, filled with fury. "Useless," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "Both of you are useless."
Kankuro, still nursing his injuries from Naruto's attack, grunted in pain as he pulled himself up. "We didn't know who he was! He just came out of nowhere!" he defended, his voice strained from the burns on his face.
But Gaara wasn't listening. Her mind was entirely focused on the boy she had just encountered—the boy with the red hair, fox ears, and tail. The host of Kurama. The prey she was destined to kill. She clenched her teeth in frustration, her entire body trembling with unspent rage.
"We need to find out who he is," Gaara muttered, her eyes narrowing with dangerous intent. "He isn't hiding… he flaunts his appearance. Find out where he lives, what he is. He won't escape me again."
Temari nodded, her voice quiet but cautious. "We'll find out everything we can. But… please, Gaara, just don't lose control."
Gaara shot her a murderous glare. "I am in control."
Temari fell silent, knowing it was pointless to argue. The three siblings began to retreat, though the tension between them was palpable. Gaara's mind was already planning her next move, her obsession with killing Naruto, the vessel of Kurama, growing stronger with each passing moment.
As they left the scene, the faint whispers of the demon inside Gaara's mind echoed, driving her further toward the edge of madness. The hunt for Naruto had only just begun.
Naruto and Fuka landed softly on a nearby rooftop, Naruto still holding her close as if afraid to let go. His breath was a little ragged, both from the rush of the encounter and the sudden burst of anger he'd felt toward the sand ninja. He sighed deeply, pressing his forehead against hers.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice soft and filled with guilt. "I should've been there sooner."
Fuka, however, just smiled, her hand gently caressing his cheek. "Don't worry about it, Naruto. I had my prince come to save me in the end, didn't I?" She leaned in and kissed him on the lips, the warmth of her lips against his sending a shiver down his spine. He felt a tiny tug at his chakra, just enough to make him blush, realizing that even now, she was still playing her playful games with his energy.
Her hand traced down his chest, fingers lingering over the defined muscles, and Naruto couldn't help but blush more deeply as her touch became more intimate. There was something about her gaze, her mischievous eyes, that sent his mind spiraling, clouded by thoughts that had been buried for far too long.
Fuka smiled at him, biting her lip teasingly. "You look even more desirable like this, Naruto," she whispered, her voice sultry. Naruto's heart raced, the memory of their last few moments together flashing through his mind. His body moved on instinct, pressing her gently against the rooftop's entrance door, his lips finding hers in a heated kiss. His tongue explored her mouth with increasing urgency, her soft gasps between kisses only driving him further.
Her hands traveled up, tugging at his hair, petting his fox ears, then tracing the curves of his tail, causing him to shudder. She giggled, breathless, but her body responded in kind, pressing closer to him as his hands slid down her back, squeezing her hips and pulling her tighter against him. His thoughts became less focused as the heat between them rose, the desire evident in his every move.
Fuka leaned back slightly, smirking at his flushed expression. "Come on, Foxboy. Let's see how much of a pervert you really are," she teased, her fingers gliding over his shoulders as she began tugging at his robes, dropping them to the side with a mischievous grin. Naruto swallowed hard, unsure of how far things were going to go.
His mind raced. He wasn't sure he wanted to go this far, not yet at least. He admired Fuka's boldness, but this felt different from his usual playful flirting with her or the other girls. Fuka seemed more… determined. Lustful, even.
She leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear, her breath hot against his skin. "I've heard the songs they sing about you," she whispered, her voice sending chills down his spine. "Now, let's see if you really are as perverted as they say."
Naruto's control slipped. His face turned bright red, his body reacting as he leaned into her, returning the kiss with even more passion. Their movements became more heated, more intimate, her hands roaming his body freely while he did the same, holding her as tightly as he could, his mouth trailing from her lips to her neck, kissing, nibbling, causing her to gasp in pleasure.
Fuka struggled to remove the rest of his robes, her hands eagerly reaching for his pants, but just as things were about to escalate further, a loud cough interrupted them.
"Well, well, well," Anko's voice cut through the moment like a cold splash of water. "The young couple's going pretty far, aren't they?"
Naruto and Fuka broke apart abruptly, their faces turning crimson in embarrassment. Naruto scrambled to cover himself with what remained of his clothing, while Fuka, looking equally flustered, adjusted her outfit quickly.
Anko leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk on her lips, though a faint blush crossed her own face. "Seriously, Naruto? You're too young for that. I get it, you've missed them, but you need to control yourself. You're a perverted fox, alright, but this is a bit too much."
Naruto stammered, trying to come up with a response, but his mind was too frazzled. "I—It wasn't—We weren't—"
Anko chuckled, shaking her head. "Relax, kid. I'm not mad, just… keep it in check. You can't go losing control like that, not here."
She glanced over at Fuka, who, despite her usual confidence, was still blushing. Anko's eyes then trailed over Naruto's form, still in the second stage of his curse mark transformation. His muscles were more defined, his height greater, and his presence more intense than usual.
"By the way," Anko added, tossing Naruto the remnants of his clothing with a sly grin, "get dressed. As much as you think you can handle yourself, you're still young. Don't go doing something you'll regret later."
Naruto quickly began pulling his robes back on, cheeks still burning with embarrassment. He couldn't bring himself to look at Fuka, who was still smirking slightly but clearly just as embarrassed. As Anko walked off, she glanced back over her shoulder, teasing Naruto with a final, "Next time, try to keep the romance a little more private, yeah?"
Naruto groaned, burying his face in his hands as he finished getting dressed. Fuka laughed softly beside him, still feeling the warmth of his touch lingering on her skin.
"Well," she whispered, leaning close again, "I guess we'll have to pick this up another time… Foxboy."
Naruto blushed again, but this time, he smiled, feeling more at ease. "Yeah, another time…" he muttered, his heart still racing.
As they both collected themselves, the playful tension still hung in the air, but for now, their more intimate moment had been interrupted. For now.
Anko stood in front of Naruto, her arms crossed and her tone serious. "The Chūnin Exams start in one week, Naruto. It's an opportunity for you and your team to prove yourselves, to grow as ninja, and to gain recognition. I've already appointed your other teammates for the exam. But you need to understand the risks involved." Her voice softened as she added, "There's potential danger, even death. But the reward? You'll become a higher-ranked ninja, a step closer to becoming a true professional."
Naruto, standing across from her, listened intently but kept his expression neutral. His fox ears twitched slightly as he thought about what Anko was saying, but as she finished, he smiled—a sly, nonchalant grin.
"Pass," he said simply, crossing his arms. "I'm not interested in becoming a Chūnin."
Anko's eyes widened, completely taken aback by his response. "Wait, what? You're not interested? Naruto, are you serious?" She took a step closer, genuinely confused. "You've been training for years to get stronger, and now you're just going to sit this out? You're telling me you're not even going to try to become a Chūnin? Why?"
Naruto shrugged, his tail swishing lazily behind him as he leaned against a nearby wall. "I mean, why should I risk my life to protect a village that I don't even really care about? Yeah, I'm doing missions, but I'm happy with where I'm at right now. As a Genin, I get the jobs done, I make money, and I don't have to deal with all that extra responsibility. What's the point of taking on more dangerous missions just for a title?"
Anko stared at him, blinking rapidly. She was dumbfounded, trying to process his words. She had never met a ninja so… indifferent about the Chūnin Exams, especially one as talented as Naruto. "You do realize the pay increase, right? And the fact that being a Chūnin gives you more freedom, more influence, right?"
Naruto smirked. "Yeah, I get that. But extra pay and influence don't mean much to me. I'm content with how things are. I've got my team, I've got people I care about, and I've got enough work to keep me busy. Why complicate things?"
Anko shook her head, utterly baffled. "Naruto, you're one of the strongest Genin I've ever seen. You could breeze through these exams if you wanted to, and you'd have even more freedom afterward. But… you really don't want that?"
Naruto's expression softened, and he straightened up a bit. "Look, I know what you're saying, Anko. But the truth is, I don't have this strong attachment to the village like some of the others do. I don't see the point in risking my life for something I don't believe in. And right now, I'm happy. If I ever feel like I need more, then maybe I'll change my mind. But for now, I'm good where I'm at."
Anko sighed, rubbing her temples as if she was trying to wrap her mind around his reasoning. She wasn't used to this kind of response. Most ninjas jumped at the chance for promotion and more power, but Naruto seemed genuinely indifferent to it all. "You're really something, you know that?" she muttered. "Look, I get that you're happy, but maybe talk to your teammates before you make a final decision. Fu and Tayuya might have different feelings about the exam."
Naruto nodded, though it was clear his mind was mostly made up. "Yeah, I'll talk to them tomorrow. If they really want to participate, I guess I'll tag along just for their sake."
Anko chuckled softly, a grin creeping back onto her face. "Of course. The great Foxboy doing something for his teammates, huh?"
Naruto gave her a playful smirk in return. "You know me. Always gotta keep the people I care about happy."
With that, Anko performed a body flicker, vanishing in a blur of movement, leaving behind a swirl of leaves. Naruto stood there for a moment, watching as the leaves slowly settled onto the ground. He shook his head with a sigh, his thoughts wandering.
"I guess I'll see what Fu and Tayuya think," he muttered to himself, already planning to meet them the next morning. He wasn't eager to risk his life for the village, but for them… well, they were a different story.
With that, he turned and made his way back to his apartment, his mind already drifting toward sleep. He figured he'd rest up and handle the conversation in the morning, knowing that no matter what his teammates decided, he'd find a way to make sure they were safe.
The next morning, Naruto walked down to the training grounds where he had planned to meet Fu and Tayuya. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, casting a soft glow over the village. He yawned, still groggy, but ready for the conversation he had promised to have.
As he approached, he saw the two girls waiting for him. Tayuya had her flute in hand, leaning against a tree, while Fu was sitting on the grass, her legs crossed as she hummed a tune. Fuka was nearby, working on some fabric, but she looked up as Naruto arrived, giving him a knowing smile.
"Good morning," Fu greeted him with a bright smile, hopping to her feet as soon as she saw him. "We need to talk about the Chūnin Exams!"
Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, I figured you'd bring that up."
Tayuya smirked, lowering her flute. "You seriously don't want to do it, huh?"
"I don't see the point," Naruto admitted, shrugging. "I'm happy with how things are. Why risk my life for a title I don't care about?"
Fu stepped forward, placing her hand on Naruto's arm, her green eyes filled with determination. "But Naruto, it's not just about the title. It's about proving ourselves, showing the village what we're capable of. We've worked hard, and this is a chance to show them how strong we've become. And besides…" She leaned in, her voice softening. "I want to do it with you."
Naruto's resolve wavered slightly as he looked into Fu's eyes. She was serious, and he could feel the passion behind her words. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Tayuya chimed in.
"Look, dumbass," she said, walking up to him with her usual brashness. "You're the strongest guy I know. You think the village doesn't notice that? You're already a beast. Doing the exam isn't just for them—it's for us. You and me, we've got something to prove, right?"
Naruto looked between the two of them, feeling their combined determination weighing on him. He sighed again, knowing that they weren't going to let this go. "Fine, fine," he muttered, a small smirk forming on his lips. "You two win. I'll do the exam with you."
Fu's face lit up, and she threw her arms around Naruto, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Naruto! You won't regret it, I promise!"
Tayuya grinned, stepping forward and giving Naruto a quick kiss on the lips. "That's more like it, perverted fox."
Naruto chuckled, pulling Fu closer to kiss her as well, his hand lingering on her waist. "You two are something else, you know that?"
Fuka, who had been quietly watching, clapped her hands. "Well, it seems like the decision has been made. I'm not participating, but I'll be there to support you. Besides, someone's got to keep an eye on the chaos, right?"
Tayuya's eyes gleamed mischievously as she stepped back, twirling her flute. "Since we're all in agreement, how about I sing a little tune to celebrate?"
Naruto groaned. "Please, not another song…"
"Oh, it's happening," Tayuya teased, bringing her flute to her lips as she began to play a lively, mischievous melody. Then she started singing, her voice carrying over the training grounds, and Fu and Fuka quickly joined in, laughing as they sang along.
Tayuya's Song: "The Perverted Fox's Charm""Oh, there's a fox in the village with a devilish grin,
He sneaks up on the ladies, oh where do I begin?
Tayuya, Fu, and even sweet Fuka,
He's got his hands on us all, that sly little baka!"
"Tayuya was first, with her flute in hand,
But the fox was too quick with his perverted plan.
He grabbed her waist, and oh, what a fuss,
Next thing she knew, he was squeezing her... uh, trust!"
(Everyone laughs)
"Then there's Fu, all sweet and shy,
But the fox had a gleam in his eye.
With a kiss on her lips and a hand on her rear,
She was blushing red, saying, 'Fox, get over here!'"
"Fuka's no stranger to the fox's tricks,
He came up behind her, oh, that sneaky fix!
With a kiss on her neck, her heart he did sway,
Now she can't stop thinking of him all day!"
"Oh, the perverted fox, so sly and so quick,
He's got all the girls hooked with just one slick trick.
From their hearts to their butts, he's got them in line,
But they don't seem to mind, oh, they think he's just fine!"
As Tayuya finished the song, all the girls burst out laughing, clapping their hands together while Naruto stood there, his face flushed with embarrassment but a smile on his lips.
"You've really got to stop singing those songs," Naruto muttered, shaking his head.
"Hey, you love it, you big softie," Tayuya teased, giving him a playful nudge.
Fu giggled, wrapping her arms around Naruto's waist. "It's because you're our perverted fox, right?"
Naruto sighed, but the warmth in his chest was undeniable. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, they all sat down together, chatting about the upcoming Chūnin Exams. Despite Naruto's initial hesitation, he was glad to be with them, and he knew that no matter what happened, they would face it together.
And with that, their decision was sealed. The Chūnin Exams awaited them, and with his girls by his side, Naruto knew he'd give it his all.
Author's Note:
Thank you for all your support! I may be starting the Chūnin Exams next chapter, or I might throw in a little fight scene beforehand—it really depends on how I'm feeling. Either way, I appreciate your patience. I know I've been updating pretty late in the day, but it's the only time I've got to write, especially since work has been pretty overwhelming lately. Still, I'm super grateful for all of you who continue to follow the story! Stay tuned, and thanks again for all the love and support!