The next morning, Naruto woke to a soft, warm weight on him. Blinking groggily, he found Yuki curled up against his chest, her tiny form rising and falling with slow, deep breaths. A gentle warmth spread within him, cutting through his usual morning haze. Despite her insistence last night about "not needing comfort," she'd fallen asleep on him anyway, hogging his bed like she owned it. Naruto stifled a snicker, covering his mouth to suppress a laugh. So much for her self-sufficient fox act.

Carefully, he lifted her and set her down without waking her. She leaned into his touch, but with the precision of a medic-nin, he managed not to disturb her rest. Naruto silently cheered at his success, a rare warmth settling within him as he padded to the kitchen to scrounge up breakfast.

Sighing at the nearly empty fridge, he realized a trip to the market was unavoidable. Using the last of his ingredients, he faced the stove, eyeing the pan like an unfamiliar opponent. He grimaced, trying not to think about yesterday's meal. Cooking was always a tug-of-war between 'barely edible' and 'completely charred,' and this round looked dubious. The pan hissed as unevenly chopped vegetables sizzled, filling the kitchen with a mix of burnt and raw aromas. He squinted at a piece of... something that might've been overcooked or undercooked—who knew?

While reluctantly chopping vegetables—bleh—a gentle tug on his shoulder made him lurch sideways. Yuki's familiar snicker sounded near his ear as she draped herself lazily over him, her soft fur tickling his neck and paws dangling in front.

"You're up," Naruto muttered, casting her a mock glare.

Yuki flashed an innocent smile. "And you're cooking! Whatcha making?" she asked, nose twitching with interest.

Naruto feigned annoyance, "Nothing for a dumb, nosy fox," but couldn't resist slipping her scraps whenever her eyes tracked a particularly appetizing piece.

Through many distractions, he plated the meal and brought the dishes to the table. Yuki hopped onto her chair with practiced elegance, tail curling neatly around her paws. She sat upright, waiting for him to sit before digging in, which made him smile.

As he turned to put away stray dishes, he paused at the sound of scuffling behind him.

"Yuki!" Naruto exclaimed as she hovered over his plate, eyes gleaming mischievously and her nose a tad too close. "You have your own!"

She pouted, slinking back to her spot. "It tastes better off someone else's."

Deciding that the dishes could wait, Naruto took his seat, keeping a wary eye on her as she continued to eye his plate.

"You have your own," he reminded, lifting his plate just a tad higher.

Yuki slumped into her chair with a sigh, though her wagging tail betrayed her amusement. "I'm just saying, food tastes better off someone else's plate."

He took a bite—some parts over-salted, others under-seasoned—but it didn't matter. Sharing his first real meal with a friend made it perfect.

"Not the best I've ever had, but it's passable," Yuki commented, licking the last remnants from her plate.

"You lived in the wild," Naruto countered, raising an eyebrow.

"I stand by my point," she retorted, lifting her chin. "Wild or not, I know good food when I taste it!"

He tossed a chair cushion her way, sending her scampering for cover. She popped back up moments later, eyes squinted. "Missed me!"

Naruto huffed but resumed eating. While he did so, Yuki brought her plate to the sink, occasionally attempting—and failing—to swipe an extra bite from his. Each time, he shot her a look, barely hiding his amusement. Eventually, she admitted defeat and sat beside him, waiting patiently for him to finish. Naruto scratched behind her ears as he chewed, feeling her lean into his touch, a satisfied hum escaping her lips.

With a contented sigh, she closed her eyes—then snatched a piece off his plate.

"Yuki!" Naruto groaned, shaking his head as he tried—and failed—to keep a straight face, the smile tugging at his lips betraying his amusement. For the first time, his small table felt full.

After breakfast, Naruto collected the dishes and began cleaning. A sponge and dish soap weren't the weapons he'd imagined wielding, but he attacked the task with the determination of a seasoned warrior. Suds foamed as he scrubbed each plate to a shine.

Yuki trotted over with a spoon in her mouth, dropping it on the counter with a satisfied gleam. She nudged drying plates into place, tail flicking as she cast Naruto a look demanding approval.

When they finished, Naruto grinned and held up a fist to his new companion. "Fist bump!"

Yuki tilted her head, ears flicking curiously. "Fist… bump?"

Naruto laughed, holding out his fist again. "Like this," he said, gently tapping her paw with his knuckles. Yuki hesitated, then shook her paw rapidly, flicking away droplets from his damp hands. Naruto grinned.

Moving on to get dressed, he sifted through his drawers for clothes that prioritized the same two things they always did: comfort and the color orange. The process took longer than usual; every time he set an article on the bed, it mysteriously vanished. He could swear his favorite jacket had been right there...

The quiet snicker behind him told him everything, but he could never catch her in the act. Naruto huffed, glancing over his shoulder in exasperation. For someone who'd been a loner most of their life, Yuki sure knew how to keep things lively. He realized he didn't mind—in fact, he enjoyed it.

Eventually, he managed to throw on a pair of black pants and his orange jacket, holding onto both items as if they'd vanish if he let his guard down.

Ready to leave, he hesitated, his hand hovering over the doorknob and a familiar ache tightening in his chest. Beyond the door waited the stares and whispers that encompassed his entire life. He'd grown used to them, but never quite numb.

He glanced at the fridge, realizing he had just enough groceries to last for another meal. Maybe he could stay in today? The Hokage should be stopping by with his monthly allowance in the evening; maybe he could convince him to send a genin team to grab his groceries instead.

His hand instinctively reached for his scarf before he remembered it wasn't there. The loss was both sharp and dull. For a moment, he let himself feel it, then clenched his fingers around the doorknob, taking a steadying breath.

As he reached for the handle, he lurched sideways as Yuki leapt onto his shoulders. "Onward, my trusty steed!" she declared, voice brimming with excitement.

"I thought I was supposed to be the summoner here…" Naruto muttered, wrinkling his nose. Then he paused, genuinely curious. "Have you ever even seen a horse?"

Yuki's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint he'd come to recognize. "Oh, I know plenty about noble steeds," she sniffed, flicking her tail playfully across his face. "And for now, you're my honorary one, pipsqueak or not."

Naruto ignored the jab, scratching under Yuki's chin as he opened the door. Locking his apartment behind him, he realized he wouldn't be facing the village's cold stares and whispers alone this time. Feeling Yuki's steady weight on his shoulders, Naruto straightened his back, a newfound courage welling up within him. Maybe, just maybe, today would be different.

Despite the winter chill, Naruto bounded out with a lightness he hadn't felt in ages. Yesterday's snowfall might have lost some magic, but the crisp morning still enraptured him. Frost crunched underfoot, and a sharp breeze brushed his cheeks, turning them pink. Where his treasured scarf once guarded his neck, his equally cherished friend now took its place.

Passing the villagers, Naruto caught the usual muttering and glares—though today, they seemed even colder. He quickened his pace, the familiar sting of their glares biting at him, but he lifted his chin—he wouldn't let them ruin today. Yuki must have felt it too; she growled softly, a protective rumble that both surprised and comforted him.

They soon reached the market—a bustling stretch along Konoha's main road, filled with everything from produce to shinobi supplies. Vendors braved the chill, bundled in scarves and fingerless gloves, their breath fogging the air. A few onlookers cast wary glances, one stall owner warming his hands over a brazier as he glanced sideways at Naruto and Yuki.

Passing tables draped in faded blankets, the sharp scent of produce mingled with warm baked goods—a welcome contrast to the crisp air. Nearby, villagers clutched their baskets, eyes narrowing or darting away. Naruto ignored them, focusing instead on Yuki, who had jumped down to walk beside him. Her gaze flitted with curiosity between the wary villagers and the colorful stalls.

Yuki tilted her head, her nose twitching as her eyes roamed over the stalls piled with vegetables, baskets, and hanging signs. "It's… loud here," she muttered, her ears flicking. Then her tail swished with excitement as she nudged him, her eyes wide. "Look, Naruto! What's that? And that?"

A twinge of guilt stirred as he realized she'd never been in such a crowded place. Memories of his own first solo errands surfaced—the confusing rush, the eyes that watched but didn't meet his. He gave her a reassuring smile, glad that neither of them had to face it alone this time.

Naruto pulled a few ryo from his pocket and headed toward a kushiyaki vendor, one of the few who didn't turn him away. Yuki stood by his side, watching the vendor cautiously as Naruto handed over the coins, aware he was being overcharged. The vendor counted the coins slowly, as if they might vanish. Naruto waited patiently. Spending a little extra didn't sting with Yuki there, her presence making each coin feel worthwhile.

After showing an exaggerated degree of reluctance, the vendor gave him his food. Even Naruto could tell that it was the worst pick out of all his ready products, but he hadn't been expecting anything less.

"Yuki," Naruto called, and her eyes snapped to him. He lowered his arm in invitation, and she scrambled up his sleeve and onto her favorite perch, casting the vendor a withering look before settling in.

Naruto tore off a piece from the skewer, offering it to Yuki, who accepted eagerly before he took a bite himself. As he reached for another piece, Yuki darted forward, snatching it from his hand with a smug grin. "Too slow!" she teased, her voice light as the winter air. Naruto laughed, her playful confidence infectious.

They continued to share the snack, each taking turns—though Yuki managed to swipe a few extras here and there—until the skewer was bare. With satisfied stomachs and a quiet sense of camaraderie, they turned back to the day's real mission: groceries.

They drifted from stall to stall, Naruto selecting familiar items and mentally calculating each time he reached into his ryo pouch. He hoped to stretch his budget to cover the basics and a few extra treats for Yuki, and he was confident in his ability to do so–so long as the vendors didn't raise their prices again.

At one stall, the merchant glanced at him, then quickly looked away, his previously polite smile fading as he handed over the goods. Naruto clenched his jaw but shrugged it off, focusing back on Yuki trotting beside him, tail flicking and gaze sharp. She watched everyone as closely as they watched him, her presence steady and unyielding.

He shot her a grateful glance. With Yuki there, the whispers and sidelong glances felt... quieter. The market didn't feel so daunting, and that small comfort lifted some of the chill.

At each stall, Naruto felt Yuki's presence steadying him. She kept a watchful eye, her gaze meeting every suspicious look cast their way. For once, moving through the market didn't feel like a test of endurance.

He spotted a general store that wouldn't kick him out, and an idea sprang to mind. With a quick turn, he startled Yuki as he dashed inside. The store owner gave him a familiar glare but didn't object to his presence, and Naruto wasn't sure whether to feel grateful.

He stopped in front of rows of shampoos and body washes, a grin spreading as he imagined Yuki having her own "stuff" in his apartment. "Go on, pick one," he said, barely hiding his smirk. "Can't have you stinking up the place."

Yuki shot him an indignant look. "Oh, you're one to talk! As if you could ever keep white fur this pristine." She gave a graceful twirl, flaunting her spotless coat. Naruto's eyebrow twitched; he was tempted to retort, but he had to admit she didn't have a speck of dust on her.

"Still," she muttered, nosing a nearby bottle, "I suppose one of these might help." She scanned up and down the shelf, picking through each one with the utmost scrutiny. After careful consideration, she grabbed one in her maw and nudged the dark green bottle toward him.

"Minty Rainforest Mist?" Naruto read aloud, an eyebrow raised.

"Yep!" Yuki replied, looking quite pleased with herself.

He rolled his eyes, paying for the shampoo and the other item he'd slipped into his pocket—a small, orange rubber ball that matched the tip of Yuki's tail. He couldn't help but imagine her batting it around the apartment with the same fierce focus she applied to everything else, and just the thought of her happy yips had his smile reaching from ear to ear. It was a small gift, but he hoped it would mean something to her.

They stepped outside, the winter air biting at Naruto's face. He mentally checked his grocery list, feeling satisfied. "That should be everything," he said, glancing at Yuki, who stretched beside him, eager to head home. He gave her an affectionate scratch behind the ears, grateful for the day's warmth—even in winter.

They walked in comfortable silence, letting the village's noise and chill fade. Nearing home, Naruto's lips curled upwards as he anticipated what would happen next.

"Hey, Yuki—want to race?"

Her eyes widened. In a flash, she crouched down, tail high, ears forward—ready to take off.

"On the count of three!" Naruto laughed, adjusting his grip on the bags. "Three!"

He took off, laughter filling the streets as he weaved through alleyways and shortcuts. He barely noticed the grumbling villagers, focused only on the sound of Yuki gaining behind him.

As his apartment building came into view, he glanced back—and his eyes widened. Yuki was closing in fast, her paws skimming over the icy ground with shinobi-like grace. A panicked laugh escaped him as he pushed harder, amazed at her speed. Realizing he'd have to step it up, Naruto's laugh turned competitive, his strides lengthening.

Finally, he flung open the building door and barreled up the stairs, Yuki right on his heels. They reached his apartment door and doubled over, breathing hard, side by side.

"Tie?" Naruto wheezed, grinning as he fumbled with his keys. Inside, he set the grocery bags down and collapsed onto the floor, utterly exhausted.

Yuki sprawled beside him, panting with a satisfied grin. "I'll allow it," she said, crawling over to rest on his chest as they caught their breath.

They lay there, the apartment's warmth melting away the winter chill. With Yuki's head against his shoulder, the world outside felt miles away. After a moment, Naruto sat up, stretching his arms.

"Alright, I should put away the groceries before everything melts," he said, glancing at the bags they'd dropped, some leaning and others slightly spilling over.

Yuki pawed lazily at the air. "So, can I eat those strawberries now?"

"Maybe," Naruto teased, knowing she couldn't open the container without him. "Only if you help me put everything away."

With an exaggerated groan, Yuki got up, casting an eager look at the bags. Naruto saw her gaze zero in on the one with fruit and quickly snatched it up, smirking at her crestfallen expression.

They unpacked the groceries in a whirlwind of coordinated chaos. Yuki balanced items on her back with intense concentration, while Naruto organized the fridge in a way only he understood. Watching her navigate the kitchen as if she'd always belonged there, tail swishing purposefully, sparked pride in him. Sharing something as simple as putting away groceries made the chore feel less like an errand and more like a tradition—one he hadn't realized he'd missed.

"Careful with those eggs!" Naruto called out as Yuki trotted off with the carton.

"Please, I have the grace of a thousand dancers," she retorted, tail swishing confidently.

"More like a thousand clumsy old men after too much sake," he shot back, barely suppressing a laugh.

She stuck her tongue out, but as she trotted, a misstep caused an egg to wobble precariously. She caught her balance just in time, shooting him a triumphant look. Naruto raised an eyebrow, feigning admiration. "Fine. Maybe you're the one graceful drunk out of the thousand."

She flashed a smug look before carefully continuing. With the last items put away, Naruto dusted off his hands. "All done!"

Yuki's eyes narrowed. Before he knew it, she'd sprung onto the counter, her gaze fixed on him, deadly serious. "You promised me strawberries."

He laughed. "I guess I did." Opening the container, he picked out the ripest ones, handing them to her one by one. She munched happily, a purr-like sound emanating from her. Yuki ate strawberries with the ravenous focus Naruto reserved for ramen, and for the first time, he understood the odd looks Teuchi always gave him.

"You're gonna turn into a strawberry if you keep eating them like that," he teased, chuckling as he handed her another one.

Yuki shot him a withering look between bites. "Better a strawberry than a smelly human."

As she licked the last drops of juice from her whiskers, Naruto grinned. "Speaking of smelly," he said casually, noting her ears flick back in surprise. "When's the last time you had a bath?"

Yuki's ears flattened, and she took a step back, eyes wide. "Foxes don't need baths," she declared, hopping down from the counter with sudden urgency. "Our fur is self-cleaning."

He raised an eyebrow, watching her trot off, tail held high. "Oh, you're taking a bath. Why do you think we got you shampoo?"

Her panic returned in full force, eyes darting every which way. "I thought that just made you smell nice! I didn't know I had to take a bath!"

"You smell nice after you use it during the bath," Naruto informed her, barely suppressing laughter as her face twisted in horror.

"Traitor!" she declared, darting away as if she could escape her fate. Her tail puffed out as she scurried under the table, slipping from chair to chair in a last-ditch effort to escape.

"Get back here!" Naruto laughed, chasing after her all throughout the apartment. Pillows flew, furniture wobbled, and by the time he finally scooped her up, both were breathless with laughter.

She wriggled in his grasp, reaching out in a final, futile bid for freedom. "This is cruelty! I could catch a chill, perish even!"

"The water will be warm," he assured her, entering the room Yuki likely considered a torture chamber. He set her down and quickly shut the door, holding it closed as she began jumping at the handle.

Once Naruto turned the lock, she huffed in defeat. "Damn thumbs," she grumbled.

Naruto was already filling the sink with warm water, humming as he added a bit of the new shampoo they'd bought. The scent of mint filled the air.

Yuki eyed the rising water level with growing horror. "Naruto, we can talk about this."

He turned to her, a towel draped over his shoulder. "Nothing to talk about. A clean fox is a happy fox!"

Before she could bolt, he scooped her up, cradling her securely despite her squirming. "Hold still, drama queen," Naruto laughed softly, lowering her carefully into the warm water. "It'll be over before you know it."

"You fiend! Traitor! I trusted you!" she wailed dramatically, though there was a hint of laughter in her protests.

As Naruto lathered shampoo into her fur, her initial wriggles faded into relaxed sighs. Her paws flexed in contentment, eyes fluttering closed, head tipping just slightly into his touch.

"See? Not so bad, is it?" Naruto said softly, his fingers working the suds through her fur.

She closed her eyes, leaning into his hand. "I suppose it's… tolerable."

He chuckled, continuing to work the suds. "You're a real piece of work, you know that?"

"Compliments will get you nowhere," she murmured, a sleepy tone creeping into her voice.

After rinsing out the shampoo, Naruto lifted her onto a dry towel, wrapping her snugly. Yuki's fur fluffed out wildly, each strand standing on end until she resembled a bedraggled dandelion puff. She peered up at him, eyes half-lidded with indignation.

"Fluffy," Naruto commented, his grin widening as he rubbed the towel over her fur. She looked like the world's angriest cloud.

She fixed him with a sharp look. "Don't. You. Dare."

"Wouldn't dream of it," he replied, though a grin tugged at his lips.

Just as Naruto was about to tease her further, a firm knock at the door startled them both.

"Who could that be?" Naruto muttered, picking up Yuki—still wrapped in the towel—and moving toward the door. Memories of the last time someone defaced his door flickered through his mind—the words "demon" and "brat" scrawled in paint he'd spent hours scrubbing away. He hesitated as he unlocked it, heart quickening, but his tension melted into relief when he saw the Third Hokage, warm eyes crinkling with familiar, grandfatherly kindness.

"Hello, Naruto," the Hokage greeted. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Naruto's face lit up. "Old man! I mean, Lord Hokage! No, not at all. Come in!"

He stepped aside, suddenly aware of his apartment's chaotic state. The Hokage took in the scene, noting an overturned chair and a cushion inexplicably on the stove.

"I was in the area and thought I'd stop by to see how you're settling in," the Hokage said kindly. "A bit of excitement today?"

Before Naruto could answer, Yuki poked her head out of the towel. "Hi!" she chirped, her tail flicking with excitement.

The Hokage blinked, momentarily taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. "Well, this is unexpected."

Yuki wriggled free from the towel and hopped onto the floor, giving herself a dramatic shake that sent droplets flying. She sat up, tail wrapped neatly around her paws, gazing up with practiced dignity. "I'm Yuki! Naruto's friend."

The Hokage's eyes lingered on Yuki, a flicker of curiosity and something unreadable in his gaze. "A talking fox... that's certainly uncommon."

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Oh, right! I meant to tell you about her. We met in the park yesterday, and… well, we've been best friends since."

Yuki shot Naruto a smug look, tail flicking with satisfaction. Turning to the Hokage, she lifted her chin and gave a graceful nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hokage," she said, her tone dripping with exaggerated politeness.

The Hokage chuckled, gaze softening as he looked between them. "And she's respectful, too. You could learn a thing or two from her, Naruto."

Naruto's cheeks reddened as he glanced at Yuki, who flashed an impossibly sweet smile, eyes dancing with satisfaction. He clenched his fists behind his back, striving to keep his expression polite as Yuki continued her prim-and-proper act. The sneaky glint in her eye was unmistakable—she was thoroughly enjoying getting under his skin. Respectful, my ass! he thought, biting back a retort. If she kept this up, he'd have to find a way to wipe that smug look off her face.

"The pleasure is mine, Yuki," the Hokage replied, oblivious to their silent exchange. "You must be quite special to befriend our Naruto here."

"She is!" Naruto easily agreed, grinning widely. "She's the best! And she's not going anywhere—we've got a contract and everything!"

A brief shadow flickered across the Hokage's eyes, but it vanished almost instantly. Naruto almost missed it, but something in the old man's expression—a touch of nostalgia, maybe regret—lingered, making him wonder if he'd imagined it.

"I'm glad to see you've made a friend, Naruto."

Naruto beamed, the sentiment warming him. An awkward silence settled before the Hokage reached into his robes, pulling out an envelope. "I brought your monthly allowance. Make sure to spend it wisely."

He accepted it gratefully. "Thanks! I'll be sure to stock up on more instant ramen," he joked.

Yuki nudged his leg. "And strawberries," she reminded pointedly.

"Yeah, yeah, you glutton," he laughed, ruffling her fur affectionately.

The Hokage's eyes softened as he watched them. "It's good to see you in high spirits."

Naruto's expression grew more serious. "It's all thanks to Yuki. With her around, things have been a lot more fun."

Yuki preened, looking up at Naruto with a softness that caught him off guard. She opened her mouth, paused, then said, "Of course they have been. I'm the best!"

The Hokage nodded, a hint of relief and satisfaction in his eyes. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me."

"Will do!" Naruto cheered, walking him to the door. "Thanks for stopping by."

As the Hokage stepped into the hallway, he paused, giving them a final, thoughtful look. "Take care, Naruto. And it was a pleasure meeting you, Yuki."

"You too, Mr. Hokage!" she called back, voice ringing with pride.

Naruto watched him leave, still pondering the flicker of hesitation he'd seen. The Hokage had always been there—a steady presence, never turning away—but Naruto couldn't shake the feeling he carried secrets yet to be shared.

Naruto closed the door before Yuki could butter up the Hokage any more. A beat passed, and she let out the snicker she'd been holding, causing Naruto to roll his eyes.

She hopped onto a chair. "He seems nice."

"Yeah, he's... he's always looked out for me," Naruto admitted, with warmth in his voice. He wasn't sure why the old man had been there for him all these years, but he'd learned to accept the few blessings in his life, even if he didn't fully understand them.

She tilted her head, watching him thoughtfully, her usual glint of humor softened. "You know, people care about you more than you think."

He glanced at her, a soft smile spreading as understanding dawned. "I guess so."

Naruto grabbed the item he'd been hiding all day, his grin widening at the thought of her reaction. He held out the small rubber ball, its bright orange matching her tail tip. "Just for you," he said, watching her eyes light up. "Figured you'd have a field day with it." He scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "It's not much, but... it's yours."

Yuki's eyes sparkled, mouth dropping open in surprise. She glanced up at Naruto, as if to check if this was real, then pounced on the ball with a delighted yip, tail flicking in excitement. She looked back at him, ball clutched in her jaws, her gaze warmer than he'd ever seen. "Did... did you really get this just for me?"

For a moment, her expression softened, uncharacteristically tender. Slowly, her eyes closed in a squinted smile, and she whispered something that almost sounded like "Thank you" before bounding back to her new toy.

Naruto grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "Course! It matches you, ya know?" His eyes softened as he watched her play, the joy on her face filling the apartment with a warmth he hadn't felt in ages.

As Yuki batted the ball around, a comforting warmth spread through Naruto. His small apartment, once a quiet retreat, now pulsed with laughter and life. She hadn't just filled his space; she'd made it feel like home—something more than walls could ever be. For the first time, he felt he truly belonged.


Author's Note: There it is! I absolutely loved writing this chapter. I actually had it nearly finished the day after I posted the first, but I wanted to space out my posts and give myself some time to really revise and improve the writing. I'll probably continue uploading on Saturdays or Sundays, but I'm not making any promises on a strict schedule—I'd rather take the time to bring you guys my best work than rush and risk burning out. If it doesn't come on a Sunday, I'll get it up as soon as I'm happy with it. For now, though, you can expect fairly consistent updates!

Back to the story! Writing the dynamic between Naruto and Yuki has been so much fun, and I hope you're enjoying her character as much as I am. Yuki isn't just meant to be a sidekick or a plot device—I've got an entire doc (with more pages than I'd like to admit) just for detailing her progression, so she's definitely here to stay!

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Are you wishing Yuki was canon yet? Want to punt her down a ravine? How do you feel about her and Naruto's evolving dynamic? Let me know!

Also, a huge thank you to everyone who's followed and reviewed! I wasn't expecting so much support this early on, and it's been incredibly motivating. You guys are awesome!