-AN-

This is situated post timeskip. Naruto has been back in the village for a few months, and has been tasked with a joint mission with a certain Tokubetsu Jonin. Let's start there and see where it goes.

Drama-esc fic. Little darker maybe. Not fully sure yet where this is gonna go or if it's going to go anywhere at all.

-Story Start-

"I just wanna say, I am a huge fan of your work. Really. Top marks all around."

Anko rolled her eyes, chained to the rear wall of a cell as she was, there wasn't much that she could do. The smarmy half baked businessman before her was all grins and safe behind a wall of iron bars. This was supposed to be a simple job, get in, snoop around a bit to grab some information and then get out. Half a day, max. She should have been back in Konoha partying it up with Kurenai by now.

Reese, her jailer, was all smiles. Dressed in a purple and white suit, he fluffed his collar as he tapped the cell's key to the bars, filling the underground space with a dull tone, "Buuut I suppose, if your village has you on babysitting duty, no wonder you've fallen off. Guess even the greatest can fall, huh toots?" Reese grinned and slicked back his hair as he turned his gaze to the occupant of the cell next to hers, a rather well known blonde who didn't seem to understand how ninja were supposed to work. "So how bout it kid? Feeling good in there? Need a snack huh?"

Naruto was all smiles, rolling his neck this way and that as he was equally chained against the rear wall as Anko was. "Well ya know if you're offering, I've got this kink in my neck, really could use a message."

"Hah! The kids got spunk! We'll see how long that lasts in the morning, once the boys work you over a bit." Laughing as he turned to leave, Naruto and Anko were soon left alone as the sound of an iron door closing reached their ears.

Anko of course, wasn't one to sit quietly. "Of all the stupid brain dead idiots! This was supposed to be a simple in and out job! What possessed you to egg them on?"

Naruto was still all grins, relaxing against the wall with a sigh, "Yeah yeah, grab intel and leave. But that's so boring! And why would we leave assholes like this alive anyway? We can take em."

The snarl that left her throat had Anko wishing she had water, or maybe liquor, right about now, "Our job is to follow orders! Something you don't seem to get." She had no clue what set the kid off when they had come across Reese's hideout, but kicking in the gangster's front door had not been part of the plan. Nor had getting captured by hired ninja been either. Just her luck. "Fuck me, this is why I don't work with genin."

"I mean, we can later if ya really want, but man you really love to talk, don't you?" Naruto chuckled as he could hear Anko grind her teeth from here. Their job really had been simple. Konoha had gotten a request to check out a gang in Tanzaku on a tip that they may be part of a human trafficking ring. They were to find evidence, logs books, anything linking these guys with their buyers, and then return so the Samurai could handle it. Well, they found the place alright. And a lot more.

Ever since Naruto had returned from his training trip with Jiraiya, he had taken a different approach to things. After evaluating his life before, he had decided that it had sucked. Royally. But out in the real world he had seen so much, dealt with so many people, he had wanted to make some real changes. Even if they were small.

But what set his blood boiling here? His clones had found what these gangsters dealt in. Kids. Lots of em. That was a big no go in Naruto's book. These guys deserved a major ass kicking. Believe it. But, he needed to get out of here first. "So, wanna go crack some skulls now?"

Anko did her best not to growl at the hyperactive boy, it wouldn't help or make her feel better. "In case you didn't notice, we're chained to the wall with chakra suppression shackles and I'll give my left tit that those bars and that door up there have seals on them too. I'm all ears if you think you're getting out of this." She wasn't looking forward to what most likely was coming next. The dangers of being so hot and sexy she supposed. Hopefully it would give her a chance to escape and free the blonde.

Rolling his eyes, Naruto stayed relaxed, it was almost time for the big reveal after all. "We've really gotta work on your bedside manner."

"My what? You little snot! IF, and that's a big if, we get out of here, I'm going to beat you from here to Konoha for this."

Before both cages, a clone seemed to materialize out of thin air. The perfect copy of Naruto waved at its creator, "Heya boss."

"Yo! Get em?"

"Right here. Should I go cause trouble?" The clone had a set of keys in its hands, easily unlocking Naruto's cell and walking to its boss. "I can get Rasengan happy."

Sighing as the shackles fell away from his wrists, Naruto stood away from the wall and cracked his neck. "Kami finally! And nah, I've got it from here. I wanna handle this, personally." Grinning as the clone saluted him before dispelling. Naruto was already walking around the dank cellar to Anko's cell. "So, what do we saaaay?" It felt good to tease the older woman who had been so scary back during the chunin exams 3 years ago. The door to her cell opened with a squeak.

"You…how long had that clone been there? What was that cloaking jutsu?" Anko nearly throttled the kid when the shackles fell from her own wrists, but held herself back for now as her mind went back into mission mode.

Scratching his cheek, Naruto shrugged, "I don't know. Long enough to pickpocket that Reese guy? Oh, and don't get mad." Naruto led the way towards the stairs at the front of the cellar, were a dim light gave them a small amount of illumination.

"Why-no. What did you do?" This mission was a bust, Anko just knew it. This kid. Tsunade must be insane to let this kid take missions at all!

"Well uh, sent a few of my clones to wait camouflaged while we got captured, then whisked all the kids away to go take them to safety so we could smash some bad guys?" Naruto chuckled at what he assumed was a pissed off Anko glaring at him, "Uh. Oops?"

Breath, count to five, breath. You can't kill the kid Anko. He was just, overzealous. Yes, that was what he was. Overzealous. "You…you planned all that out in the span of what, two minutes from when we found the place to you kicking in the front door?" Seeing the kid nod quickly, Anko finally gave it up and sighed. "Somehow, I blame Lord Jiraiya for this."

"Oh you should. I blame him for everything these days." Bolstered that he was not getting decked by a pretty woman, Naruto turned to the door, "So, ready to bust up some bad guys?"

It wasn't what the mission called for. In fact, it was the exact opposite of what the mission called for. But the mission was already blown, might as well go for broke. Shaking herself and beginning to cycle chakra through her system, Anko nodded, "Yeah kid. I need the stress relief, lets bash some heads."

Forgoing the key in his hand, Naruto powered up a Rasengan with a grin, "That's what I like to hear! Rasengan!" The door exploded outward and the pair raced through the smoke. It was time to beat down on some gangers.

-b-

Tsunade was nursing a headache that with each passing second just seemed to be getting worse. Why had she thought it was a good idea to send Naruto along with Anko on a mission again? Eyeing the pair standing before her, one looking bored while the other looked ready to commit murder, she remembered why. The hope was that Naruto would learn something about subtlety from the older Kunoichi. Maybe mellow out a little. If anything this mission dialed up his lunacy. Just what she needed. Though, on the other hand. "So, let me see if I have this correct."

Naruto nodded sagely while crossing his arms over his chest. "Yes yes, I'd like to hear the telling again. It's very awesome." The pencil that whizzed by his ear and embedded into the wall behind him did at least make him nervous, but Granny wouldn't kill him. Permanently anyway.

Sure that at least for a short while Naruto would shut up, Tsunade continued. "You found the gang responsible for trafficking children and who they were connected to. Let's see." Here she consulted both their reports and the report from the Samurai detachment that had eventually shown up to the chaos. "Several lower level Daimyo functionaries, a few local Lords, and some mediocre business owners." Here she leveled eyes on Naruto specifically. "After finding their hideout and their entire current shipment of kids, you decided to bust down the front doors where you were captured by hired ninja bodyguards. I have that right?" Here her eyes shifted to Anko, who nodded angrily.

"Yes Lady Hokage." If Anko could be any more embarrassed, she'd die on the spot. Good for Naruto, he didn't know enough about humility to be embarrassed it seemed.

Tsunade sighed and nodded along, "After getting captured, Naruto utilized several well placed clones to both raid the offices that were now empty because of your disturbance, as well as freeing all of the children while knocking out the guards. Correct?" Seeing Naruto nod with a proud look on his face, she almost didn't want to continue, less his ego get any bigger. "From there, after confirming said children were free, you broke out. Nearly demolished the building during a brawl that saw two dozen low level gang members broken, three mercenary ninja defeated, and the ring leader captured. All of who you turned over to the Samurai that arrived as you were finishing up." Pushing the reports aside, Tsunade again stared at the pair before her. "That about sum it up?" Taking a drink of water, Tsunade still had her glass in her hand when Naruto raised his finger and started talking.

"Uh, forgetting that the Samurai Captain praised us for our efforts and was happy to give us a bonus both for the information provided and for freeing the kids." Watching the glass shatter in Tsunade's hand, Naruto considered that maybe he had pushed it today. Oh well. "Aw com'on Granny, we got the bad guys, saved some kids and completed the mission. All's well that ends well right?"

Slamming her not wet and full of glass palm on her desk, Tsunade stood, "No you little shit! You have orders for a reason and one of these days your luck is going to run out!" Taking a deep breath and steadying herself, she eyed another report on her desk that she had been ignoring. Jiraiya couldn't find hide or hair of their lost Uchiha, and Orochimaru had gone to ground. It was all, worrying. "Just. Get lost brat. Don't cause anymore trouble will ya?"

"No promises Granny!" Naruto took the dismissal for what it was and was already jumping out the window. He had places to be!

"And use the door you little shit!" Sighing and relaxing back into her chair, Tsunade eyed the other half of the problem trying to sneak out of her office. "You, don't move."

"Eep." Anko would never admit to anyone that their Kage frightened her. Nope. But this was a woman who could break literal mountains. Who could go toe to toe with Orochimaru. This was not a woman to piss off, "Yes ma'am."

Eyeing the special Jonin up and down, Tsunade worried over something that had been bothering her lately. Naruto had changed, more than just his trip with Jiraiya. While she was happy the kid didn't come back a roaring pervert like his master, there was just something not right with him. Something she didn't understand was something she didn't like. And she wanted to know what it was. This mission further set off alarm bells in her mind. "I have a mission for you. S rank."

That peaked Anko's interest. S rank usually meant dangerous, and that was just what she needed after this shit show of a mission. "Yes Lady Hokage. What do you need?"

"Keep an eye on Naruto for the next two weeks." Seeing Anko about to protest, Tsunade held up a hand. "There's a lot you don't know about the kid. Hell, social butterfly that he is, it seems no one really knows anything about him after his trip. I just need to make sure that nothing serious is going on with him. Once I'm sure he's doing fine, I'll give it up."

"But ma'am. This is, outside of what I do." That was putting it mildly. Anko was built for infiltration. For torture. Investigating some kid with issues was not her thing. She'd probably shank him in his sleep sooner or later. "Maybe give this to someone more people friendly? Like one of the Yamanaka. Or maybe that Hyuuga girl that follows him around?"

"I'm sorry, did I give the mission to them, or was it to you?" Eye hardening as Anko got the message and froze in place, Tsunade grinned internally. This was perfect, plus, it might piss off Naruto. A double win in her book. "Two weeks. Watch him, gather intel, report back to me. He must not know about this, Understood? Something tells me you'll understand why this is a S rank mission before to long. Kid is, slippery."

Knowing fighting from this point on would be a mistake, Anko saluted smartly, "Yes Lady Hokage."

"Good, dismissed." Watching Anko turn and leave via the door, Tsunade turned in her chair to look out over the village. It was a bright and clear day today, perfect for being outside and relaxing. A perfect day to be depressed about being stuck behind a desk. A finger came around and pressed a button on her intercom, "Shizune, be a dear, I need a new glass." Idly shaking the remnants of the last one into the bin, she'd have to mind her temper better.

"I'm going to switch to metal mugs soon."

Tsunade chuckled, Shizune was probably right. Didn't know her own strength sometimes.

Having reached the bottom floor of the Hokage tower and left, Anko easily took to the rooftops. Follow the brat for two weeks? What a bore. What could be so interesting about watching some teenager in the village? She could already guess what her report was going to read. "Yup. Rubs one out nightly. Eats takeout often, spends most of his days either training or goofing off with friends. Oh so riveting." Sighing and shaking her head, Anko slapped her cheeks and tried to focus. This was a mission now, S rank at that. Which meant really good pay that would set her up for a month or two at least. Just what she needed. Now, where to find a noisy little troublemaker?

Anko's first stop was to Ichiraku ramen, the one place Naruto was known to regularly haunt, especially after a mission. Besides, while it wasn't dango, she did need to eat. Brushing aside the door banner, she was greeted with a shout from old man Teuchi. "Heya! Need a hot bowl!" The place was empty. Well, there went the theory that Naruto was here. But at least she could eat.

With a smile on his face, Teuchi bobbed his head as the purple haired woman sat down at his bar, "Welcome welcome. Been a long time since I've seen ya. You been good? What'll ya have?"

"Something with a lot of meat and spicy." Anko watched Teuchi and his daughter Ayame work around each other with efficiency. Well, if anyone would have some info, it would probably be them. "And, got a question or two for ya."

Teuchi shrugged, tossing noodles while Ayame worked on the meat and spices, "Oh ya? What's up?"

"Uh Naruto actually. Was just on a mission with him. He seem alright to you lately?" Play it casual she decided. She was just a Jonin worried about one of the villages Genin. Nothing special. "You two know him well, anything going on with him lately?"

Teuchi placed down a finished bowl in front of the woman, waiting for her to break her chopsticks and start eating as he considered the question. Humming, Teuchi turned to his daughter, "Seems alright to me. You see anything out of the ordinary about Naruto-kun lately?"

Already shaking her head in the negative, Ayame waved as a pair of regulars wandered in, "Nope. He's been his usual cheery self." Moving to attend to the newcomers, Ayame left her dad with the special Jonin.

"Huh, well, guess there's nothing to worry about." Anko set about finishing her meal as the Ichiraku's started to get busy. So they hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary. Was that a cause for concern or a point against Lady Tsunade's worry. The Ichiraku's had known Naruto for probably longer than anyone else in the village. If he was off, they should know right? Finishing up the rather tasty ramen, Anko slapped down some ryo with a little extra and waved goodbye to the pair, "Thanks for the meal pops!"

"See ya around Anko!" Teuchi waved to her once before returning to his work, while Anko ducked back out into the street.

Left with nothing to do for the day besides her surveillance mission, Anko decided to head home. After a shower and a nap, she'd get to hunting down the brat. Best to get this over with quickly so she could have some real downtime. This was going to be the easiest S-rank job she's pulled yet!

-b-

Several hours later and a decidedly ferocious tick forming in her eyebrow, Anko cursed blondes and everything related to them. How hard was it to find one loudmouth in a boring village like Konoha? And yet, no matter how hard she tried, there was just no sign of the kid. Training grounds were a no go. He wasn't at home. Or the market. She had decided to hit the bars, just in case, but hadn't seen or heard of the kid. He hadn't left the village at least, being assured of that by Kotetsu and Izumo. So here she was, meandering her way to someone who might have an idea of where the kid might be. Which meant entering a place she was nearly loathe to enter of her own free will.

Sakura had been having a pretty good day. Mainly routine checkups and minors issues with patients today, and Lady Tsunade had lowered her workload for the time being which was a plus. Though that only meant a 9 hour shift instead of her usual 12. Yay. But, as she tossed her coat into her locker and turned to leave, she planned out her evening. Her parents should be home by now and her mom will probably have dinner ready by the time she got there. Which meant warm food, a bath, and conk out for the night with a book or three. Leaving the locker room and crossing into the reception area, she waved goodbye to one of her work friends. She nearly missed the scantily clad Anko waving her way in the middle of the room and surrounded by nervous looking people.

"Yo! Pinky! You got a minute?" The reception area of the hospital suddenly had all of its attention on the Jonin, her attire the least of their concerns. Oh well, not her problem. "Got a question or two for ya."

Power walking her way, Sakura grabbed the woman by the hand and headed for the door, "Would you keep it down. This is a hospital." She waved to an angry looking Murata. She just knew she was going to get a lecture tomorrow from the head nurse.

Pulling her hand free and linking her hands behind her head, Anko walked next to the petite woman without a care in the world, "Ah poo, not like they'll see me again any time soon. At least willingly." The little girl was strong though, just like her mentor. Scary.

Sighing but deciding this wouldn't ruin her night, Sakura started for home at a sedate pace, "Well, you have me. What's up Mitarashi-san?" The streets were starting to empty out, it should be a peaceful walk home at least.

"First, call me Anko. No need to be formal. And I actually wanted to ask about your teammate."

Worry entered Sakura's mind. That's right, Anko was part of the T & I division. Should have expected this sooner or later. "Well uh. It's not like I've seen or heard from Sasuke since he left. But I'll help if I can. Do you have any leads on where he can be? Maybe we-"

Cutting the girl off with a raised hand, Anko forgot that the other teammate had flown the coop. Right. She was obsessed with the Uchiha wasn't she? "No, your other one. Naruto."

"Naruto?" Oh, not Sasuke. Sakura breathed a sigh of both some relief and some sadness. They hadn't heard anything in so long. Was Sasuke alright? She hoped so. "What do you want to know about the idiot?"

"Nothing crazy. Has he seemed off lately? Doing alright? Had a mission with him recently that didn't go all to plan." Anko noted that the girl was much less lively now, guess she really was still focused on her old flame.

Shrugging, Sakura waved a hand dismissively in the air, "Naruto and off go hand in hand. There's nothing normal about that Ramen obsessed powerhouse." Sakura put a hand to her hip and eyed the Special Jonin up and down, "But otherwise he's been his normal self I'd say. Nothing out of the ordinary."

"Huh. Know where I might find him?" Anko found it odd, this was the kid's teammate? Seemed pretty dismissive of him.

"Hmmm, about now? Either home or maybe passed out training with either Kakashi-sensei or Yamato-sensei." Sakura snapped her fingers, "They sometimes train at that secluded grounds behind the Hokage Monument.

Anko nodded in thanks, "Alright, I'll go and give it a check. Thanks a lot pinky!" Jumping away with at least some new info, Anko chuckled at the yell from Sakura below her.

"I have a name damnit! It's Sakura! SA! KU! RA!"

"Sure thing Pinky!" Anko soon lost sight of the pink haired girl, a new destination in mind. Sun setting, she decided she wasn't going to trudge her way to the far grounds just to miss the brat. So instead she'd stake out his apartment for a short while. Either she'd see him or not, and go home for the night.

At least that was the plan, if she didn't see the very teen she was looking for, walking with…were those kids? Pausing on a rooftop overlooking a narrow street, sure enough Anko spied the very boy she was looking for, a little blonde girl holding one of his hands while another black haired boy walked ahead of them. Both kids looked to be about 5 or 6, but even still.

"The brat has kids? No, younger siblings maybe?" His file hadn't said anything about that. Then again, plenty of ninja left those sorts of things off their records. They made enemies after all and one's family was always a quick way to undermind someone's loyalty. Still, keeping to the shadows and following along, the kids were completely comfortable with Naruto. The smaller boy was telling some story by the looks of it, arms and hands motioning around animatedly while Naruto and the girl listened on and nodded at appropriate times. Their route wasn't a straight forward one. Wandering about Konoha's back alleys and skirting along the market but never through it. It made Anko think they were just out for a stroll, another point towards maybe some relation then? She couldn't get a good look at the boy's face, but the girl certainly had the same bright blonde hair that Naruto had. She'd need a better look at her face to know for sure.

After thirty minutes of watching the trio, Anko took another note that the group was reaching the seedier parts of Konoha, far away from the clan compounds. The girl had eventually gotten tired, and Naruto picked her up without missing a beat. Carrying her in one arm while continuing to follow along behind the boy who himself looked ready to conk out. Why keep these tired kids out this late then? Night had fallen by now, and Anko was having a harder time finding good cover. The buildings here were closer together, an older section of the village that didn't see a lot of attention. It was weird to see the normally hyperactive Naruto so quiet, indulgent as only a good older brother could be. She'd have to go back to records and check again.

Pausing and pulling back behind a still warm but shut down air conditioning unit, Anko watched Naruto and the kids stop in front of a worn door. The tired boy now leaning against Naruto's leg, Naruto gave the door three firm knocks before stepping back. Well, he didn't have a key to this place. But who would they be visiting this late? Light spilled out into the alleyway, a woman's form facing them. Anko did have a chance to get a good look at her, and immediately got a bad idea about this. She wasn't that tall, maybe a meter and a half? She was soft though, certainly not a ninja, with short black hair and glasses that were big on her face. The woman was pulling closed a robe and looked rather worn out. Was that a bruise on her cheek? But, she offered Naruto a bow and a smile all the same, her voice just reaching Anko as the area was quiet.

"Thank you, for watching them like this. I um…I appreciate it."

Naruto scrubbed his head with his free hand as he chuckled, "No sweat Mai. I made a promise to help where I can right?" Pausing as the little boy trudged past the woman, Naruto shared a grin with her. "You uh. Need anything? I can have a friend of mine come over and look at that bruise."

Shaking her head, Mai took the little girl from Naruto's arms easily, "No, no. You've already helped me out enough. Can I. Can I pay you for watching the kids? I don't have much…but um. Maybe?" Mai's voice trailed off, and more pieces fell in place for Anko.

Naruto was already shaking his head, taking a step back easily. "Nah. You just take care of yourself okay? I'll come check on you again soon. I just got back from a mission, so I'll be in the village for at least a few days to a couple weeks at most."

Smiling for the boy, Mai bowed again, "I really do appreciate the help Naru-kun. Thank you."

Waving and turning away, Naruto was already walking back the way he came, "No sweat Mai! See you and the kids later!" The door closed with a soft click, and Naruto was left alone on the street to make his way back home.

Above him and unnoticed, Anko had so many questions. Who was this Mai woman? How were Naruto and her connected? Those couldn't be Naruto's kids, but well in this district and her…profession. Blonde was rare in this village. Even so as Naruto took to the rooftops himself, heading home by the direction of his travel, Anko decided to head home herself. Well, this was going to be interesting after all. Secrets always tended to be juicy in a ninja village.

-b-

Anko sighed, kicking her legs on a rooftop as she considered what she had learned. Three days of following Naruto, and she had even more questions than before. Taking a bite of her dango, she decided he was way more interesting than she had first thought. Tsunade had been correct as well, because when the boy didn't want to be found, you simply couldn't find him. He could turn into a ghost in this town. A useful skill that.

She assumed he would be the usual teenager like Kurenai complained about with that Inuzuka gaki. But instead Naruto almost seemed, mature? His early mornings were almost always the same, time at his team's training grounds to workout, hash out a technique, and check for orders from his sensei. The usual thing that most dedicated ninja got up to. But that was where the usual stopped. One day he spent most of the afternoon at the orphanage. Helping out around the run down place with odd jobs or watching over the kids. The next, he spent a day moving about the Old Ward, from building to building doing more odd jobs and what looked like repair work with liberal use of his clones. And here today, he was having lunch with some old timer at a cafe. An old man missing one of his hands but who had an easy smile and lots of stories that Naruto laughed at all the time.

But what really stood out to her, was every evening, without fail, he would show up at that Mai woman's home, pick up her kids, and take them out for a few hours. Whether it was a walk around town, an early dinner somewhere easy but filling, or just to play at one of the local parks. If she hadn't checked and then rechecked, she would assume he was their older brother by blood at this point. Even now as she watched him pay for the meal with this old man and walk away with a wave and a promise to do it again sometime, she became curious. It was easy enough to see what set him off with the last mission. He had gotten used to being around kids, and seeing traffickers set him off. The real question was, why was he involved with them?

Chewing on the end of her last skewer while stashing away the rest of her snack, she didn't need to follow directly behind Naruto for his next destination. It was getting late, which meant most likely, another trip to Mai's. And sure enough, half an hour later and a boring trip along the rooftops, there they were. Anko watching from the roof, while Naruto knocked on the woman's door. She at least looked a little healthier lately and that bruise had healed up nicely.

Mai smiled at Naruto, bowing again as her children cheered and zoomed out into the alleyway, "Don't give Naruto a hard time! And mind your manners!"

"Sure thing mama!" The boy replied while he tugged his sister along, ready for a new adventure for the day.

Naruto chuckled and watched them investigate a line of ants along one of the walls. "How long do ya need today? And uh, I have to go in later tomorrow, don't know if I can make it."

Shaking her head, Mai was grateful for whatever help she could receive. "No, it's more than enough, what you're doing that is. Um…" Eyes shifting a bit, Mai steadied herself before focusing once more on the blonde, "I'll need a bit longer tonight. Maybe till 10. Can you make sure they eat please?"

Easily giving her a thumbs up, Naruto was all smiles, "Sure can. Want me to just bring them back in the morning? They can crash at my place. I've got the room."

"No no, I couldn't ask that of you." Shaking her head and her hands to prevent the boy from giving more than he should, he was already shrugging. "Please Naruto, I already owe you so much."

"Nah, this is easy. And your kids are fun." Naruto gave her a reassuring smile, "So, till the morning?"

Sighing and knowing the boy wouldn't let her refuse, Mai eventually nodded, "Yes. Till morning then. I appreciate this." Mai reached out slowly, taking one of Naruto's hands into both of hers. "I um. Are you sure I can't repay you for all of this? You've been so kind. Kinder than anyone else has been to me in a long while."

"I know ya do. We gotta take care of our own right?" Here he gently extracted his hand with a shake of his head. "You know you don't have to do that with me. Just take care of yourself alright?" Naruto waved as he turned to gather up the kids. The sun was already beginning to dip down into the sky. Best get started on the way home. He didn't live far, but traveling with them always made things take longer. "Alright troops! It's time to head out!"

"Aye aye Captain!" The boy was already racing around Naruto as the little girl grabbed hold of one hand, before Naruto led them away from the closing door.

Above them, Anko planned and considered what to do. Keeping those kids at his place wouldn't give her much more information than she already had. But, she couldn't directly confront the woman either. Wait. That bruise had looked rather gnarly the other day, but it was already healed now. Was there a chance…

Anko jumped away, a new destination in mind, she'd catch up with Naruto later. She had a date with a nurse.

-b-

Sakura sighed and rubbed her shoulders. It had been a rougher shift today, but as the sun was beginning to set she was happy to be headed home. The sky was shifting into pretty orange and reds and she was looking forward to a night out tonight. Ino wanted to hit the town, most likely to chase after some new pretty boys she had found while Sakura and maybe Tenten cheered her on.

"Yo! Pinky! Good to see ya again."

That voice. Groaning and wishing she could disappear into the ground, Sakura turned tired eyes to the loudmouth Jonin. "Hello again Mitarashi-san. How can I help you?" Twice in one week? What was up with this woman? Maybe she secretly had a thing for Naruto?

Saddling up to Sakura easily, Anko matched pace with the shorter woman, "Say. I've got a question or two for ya."

"Well, guess I'm free till I get home. What do you need?" Sakura already had to deal with one loud woman tonight, she wasn't looking forward to dealing with another.

"Say, you're a pretty good medic yeah?" Seeing Sakura nod, Anko grinned and moved on. "Do you ever, do any side work?"

Sakura shrugged, mind trailing on what she should wear on her time out with Ino. "What, like at the orphanage or something? Occasionally I guess. Lady Tsunade encourages us to put in some volunteer hours when we can."

Humming and putting a hand to her hip, Anko pointed a lazy finger at the student of Tsunade as they walked. "Cool but no. I was thinking more, like house calls."

Still not fully paying attention, Sakura again shrugged, "Not really. I don't know anyone who'd need it that can't take care of themselves."

"Oh, so you wouldn't know anything about a little glasses wearing prostitute out in the old district then?" Anko walked for a few paces before realizing Sakura was no longer at her side. Turning back to the girl with a lazy smirk, she herself paused at the change in mood of the other woman. That was some truly impressive malice. Hoo and the chakra she was beginning to build up in her fists, that was an interesting reaction.

"What is it you want, Anko." She had thought it weird that this Special Jonin was so interested in Naruto lately. At first Sakura thought that maybe the woman was interested in her teammate, which, good for him if she had been. Now though, there was doubt. Was this actually Anko or a spy? Someone after Naruto? She had a chakra infused fist just for them if they thought they would hurt anyone here in this village. Most of all her teammate.

Smirk still in place and waving a hand to dismiss the thought, Anko tried to keep her tone light. "Nothing bad nothing bad. Don't have to give me the scary lady look. Just trying to figure this out is all." Seeing the younger woman not budge, Anko's eyebrows raised a bit more along with her estimation of the girl. That was some truly impressive chakra she was molding in that fist of hers. "Look, I guess since you're the Hokage's apprentice I can come clean with you. I have a mission to watch over Naruto and make sure he's okay. I just wanna make sure he's not being taken advantage of or something." The truth for the most part. Though now it was also tinged heavily by her own curiosity.

"Or something huh…" Releasing the chakra she had built up in her fist back to her body, Sakura considered what she would and wouldn't say. "I healed someone as a favor. That's all."

"I get that. But like, what's the link between those two? Do you-"

"Mitarashi-san." Sakura's tone was cold. Colder than Anko had ever heard it. "This isn't my business to tell. And as a medical professional, I can't talk on anything that would betray my duty."

Ah. Anko knew that look. This was a dead end for now. "Not even if Naruto might be in danger?"

Look not changing, Sakura started to walk away, brushing past Anko easily as she resumed her path home. "Of everyone in this village. Naruto is the last one in danger. Especially from anyone here." She paused however, shoulders rising and falling with a heavy sigh before she turned back to Anko. "Some advice?"

"Oh advice? I'll take it."

"Don't touch her. Not unless you're ready to die." Sakura continued on her way, leaving the Special Jonin alone in the street to ponder what she had learned, what little there was. Definitely something more going on here, but the what was still a mystery. Was it time to just confront Naruto directly then? That would technically bring the mission in as a failure though. Something she did not want to do.

Even so, as she took to the rooftops and settled herself in across the way from Naruto's apartment hours later, she watched the young man go about his evening. Well, as much as she could through his window. The kid could cook, that was news to her. And he handled those children easily enough throughout the evening and going into the night. They joked and played, the little boy gave some fuss about vegetables that Naruto easily worked through and got him to shovel em down in the end. Hell, Anko was ready to go back to her earlier theory that these were actually his kids. If it wasn't for his age, she still might. This was the first time she had settled in to watch him through a night, trying to get a feel for just what was going on, but she should probably head on home for now. Watching as Naruto eventually carried both dozing children off to bed, there wouldn't be much more for her to do or figure out. Especially as the lights clicked off.

At least until several hands latched onto her. It happened so fast she barely got off a snake hand jutsu that went wide before she was smashed down face first into the rooftop she was occupying. There were 4 men she figured, one for each arm, one on her legs and another on her back. None said a word, but she struggled all the same.

"All of you for little old me? Why, it'll take some work, but I think I can work with this."

And it was Naruto's voice that entered her ear, "Why are you following me?"

Oh, well. Shit. Anko could kiss that mission pay goodbye now. The kid knew. "Well uh. Why indeed. Ehheh." Chuckling and turning her head to get a look at the boy who must have switched with a clone at some point, she wasn't all that surprised as the rooftop was lit up with blue light as a Rasengan grew in his hand.

"I won't ask again. Why are you following me?"

"Watch your tone Genin, I'm a Jonin for a reason."

Naruto, the real one, took a knee in front of her, the Rasengan still in hand, "And I've kicked the shit out of a Sannin and a Biju. I won't ask again."

Well, this sucked. Time to face the music she supposed. "Mission. Needed to follow you and figure out why you've been different lately. That's all." Anko maintained eye contact with the teen, watching untold emotions dance behind those eyes before he came to some decision. The Rasengan fading away in a wisp of wasted chakra. "Gonna let a girl up?"

"Maybe." Tone less harsh, but not exactly friendly. The easy going slacker she had been on a mission with was long gone. This was a real Shinobi. Willing to kill her in a moment if he had deemed it necessary. "Granny put you up to this?" With a wave his clones all poofed away, allowing Anko to roll to her feet.

"Uh, yeah. Actually a mission, guess I get why it was an S-rank." Kid had sensed Anko following him. But for how long? "When'd you tag me?"

"Day one. Just thought you were in the Old Ward for your own business, but realized you were following me for sure by the second day when I was training with Kakashi-sensei." Naruto sighed, eyes on his apartment while his fist repeatedly clinched and unclinched. "Well. You can tell Granny I'm fine. Nothing is going on with me. I'm not compromised."

Anko leaned against a chimney, shaking her head, "No way. Whether you see it or not, you ain't normal." Seeing him turn her way in the low light, Anko hooked a thumb back towards his apartment. "You know how dangerous it is for us to have attachments like this. Don't play dumb with me. I get the feeling you're a lot smarter than you show."

The blonde shuffled to the roof's edge, sitting down on the low wall so he could keep her and his apartment in view. "I. Yeah. I know. Got my reasons."

"Wanna say what those reasons are?"

"Nope."

"I can order you to, ya know that right?"

"Nice try, Special Jonin. You got about as much authority to order me around as Kiba does." Seeing the frown on Anko's face, Naruto shrugged and hoped he could get rid of her soon. "Look, no offense, but do you want everyone and their mom bugging you about your time with Orochimaru?"

That was a surprise. He knew about…wait. "How do you?"

"I'm a willing idiot. Not an actual one. Only so many places anyone could learn Snake based techniques from. And here in Konoha? That source would only be one." Naruto shrugged as the well formed woman before him crossed her arms under her bust. "Look, I don't want to be out here all night. Can we call it a night and forget this happened? I won't say a word so you can get your pay from Granny."

Anko sniffed once, thinking about it. Could she let this go? It would be easy. Turn in her report saying the kid was fine and nothing out of the ordinary was going on. Collect her pay and move on. Hopefully never have another mission with him either. It would be so easy. "Can't."

"Oh damnit it all." Naruto grunted and stood, walking towards her with a purpose, "Don't you know anything about letting secrets lay."

"Not in my business, no." Anko was only a little surprised that she had to look up to the kid now. He used to be such a shorty. "You know if anyone makes the connection between you and that woman, that's a weak link you're going to be constantly worried about. That'll affect your missions. Not acceptable."

"It hasn't yet, so it won't now." Naruto was now nose to nose with Anko, "And mention her again, I dare you."

"Is that a threat Uzumaki? You might think you're hot shit, but I've got some years on you."Anko watched as something moved behind those blue eyes of his. Something older, filled with hatred and malice that made them bleed into a violent looking violet. Hmm, might have pushed to far.

Naruto stood there in silence, watching Anko for what felt like an eternity. With a blink all those emotions fell away, leaving him just tired looking and his eyes normal once more. "You're not gonna leave me alone, are ya?"

"Nooope."

"Bitch. Fine. Come back in the morning."

Anko huffed as Naruto turned away from her, "Wait a minute, you can't just-" The chimney next to her head exploded in a shower of masonry and dust. She hadn't even seen him move!

Naruto sighed, holding up a hand as if to tell her to wait. "Come back in the morning. After I've dropped the kids back off. I will be back by 8 and we can talk then." A baleful red eye greeted her from over his shoulder, "Anything happens to them, to her, I'll come find you. I'll have an easier time of it than you finding me." And then he was gone, barely a whisper from a perfectly utilized Shunshin.

Left alone on the rooftop, Anko blinked at the space where Naruto used to be. That was not the knucklehead that everyone in this village knew and some loved. That had been a killer, a Shinobi through and through. It had been, hot. He really would have killed her just then. She needed to head home. She needed a shower. A really, really cold one. At least she would have some answers come the morning.

-AN-

Had an idea stuck in my head, decided it needed to come out. So here we are. How long will this be? Not to long I think. But it's a little something I want to put down to paper, webpage, so to speak.