Chapter Eighteen: Training Days

(Two Days Later)

Word got out that Naruto's new Jounin instructor was Mitarashi Anko. It went without say that it spread like wildfire. Many were wondering what the Hokage was thinking placing someone like Anko as Naruto's instructor. Some who knew of Tsunade's drinking habits thought that she must have been incredibly drunk when setting up the Genin teams. Many gave Naruto their pity for being stuck with a psycho or whom many regard as a female version of the Snake Sannin and Konoha's worst traitor, Orochimaru.

Kakashi, Kurenai and Asuma were caught off guard that day when Sandaime announced to them that Anko was selected as Naruto's new instructor. Needless to say, all three Jounins argued with Sandaime about it, but the Sarutobi wouldn't hear of it and made it clear that Naruto is in an entirely higher level than the other Genins and has different training to undergo. Tsunade explained to them that Naruto would be assigned to work with their teams from time to time depending on the mission or assignment. Although it wasn't exactly what the three Jounins wanted, especially Kakashi, but they reluctantly accepted.

It was noted on Team 7's first day with Kakashi that Sai and Sakura don't get along well and that Sai have insulted her by asking her to wear a paper bag over her head to conceal her ugly face when in public together. Sakura was enraged by Sai's remarks and was about to attack him had it not been for Kakashi's intervention to calm Sakura's anger.

Naruto later learned from Kakashi that his Genin team passed his test, though they failed in acquiring the bells from him. Kakashi told him that he was given Genins to train before, but they all failed because they didn't grasp the concept of team work and supporting their teammates. He then told Naruto that Sai was victimized from his infamous "One Thousand Years Of Death" jutsu and was sent flying into a lake. Naruto cringed at the thought of what Kakashi did to the boy and only hoped that Kakashi would never attempt that attack on him.

Kakashi then related how Sasuke at first tried doing it solo only to end up buried into the ground up to his neck and Sakura didn't bother helping Sai after he was ambushed by Kakashi but instead backed off and left him behind after seeing how Sai was overpowered by him and remembering how he insulted her.

As a result Sakura ended up being tied to the log while he gave lunch boxes to Sai and Sasuke, telling them to eat in front of Sakura and that they'll be allowed to try to get the bells again, but that if they feed Sakura they will fail and be sent back to the academy. After he left, both boys fed Sakura anyway, telling her that she would be of no use to them if she's hungry. Kakashi told Naruto that kind of thinking was what allowed all three of them to pass his test before he explained his ideals on helping your teammates and not abandoning them, regardless of the reasons.

When Ino and Hinata found out that Anko was Naruto's new instructor, both girls were furious since they never forgot what took place a couple of months ago in that dango shop. Kiba kept his distance from Hinata whenever she looked in his direction with a glare, remembering the stunt he pulled and the fact that Naruto is now stuck with the woman he unintentionally gave his first kiss to. Kurenai saw that she had to work on steaming Hinata's fury against Kiba if they and Shino are to be working together as a Genin cell under her supervision.

Asuma, Shikamura and Chouji had the displeasure of hearing Ino rant on and on angrily about how Naruto shouldn't be stuck with Anko and that the team arrangements ought to be re-evaluated. Shikamaru found Ino's interest and desire to be with Naruto that badly troublesome.

(Three Days Later)

Sandaime was in his former office reviewing a few of the many documents on the desk in front of him. He sighed to himself being looking at the stacks of papers before him.

Why did I agree to substitute for Tsunade and temporarily take this job again, Sandaime thought to himself taking a puff of his pipe. Tsunade left Konoha with her ANBU entourage to meet the Sandaime Hoshikage (Third Star Shadow) in Hoshigakure No Sato (Hidden Star Village) for a treaty alliance since Hoshigakure was a much smaller village than Konoha. Though small, Hoshigakure was a prideful village because of the "star" that was said to have fallen from the heavens and land down in their village two-hundred years ago. The Shodaime Hoshikage discovered that the strength of his chakra increased by training by the meteorite. For this reason their village has been targeted by foreign nations countless times.

However, the Sandaime Hoshikage later forbade the training with the "star" ten years ago because many of the shinobis of the village died from exposure to the meteorite's negative side effects on the person's body. The Sandaime Hoshikage decreed that the village of Hoshigakure would train without the use of the "star."

Sarutobi's train of thoughts was derailed when the door to the office opened.

"Hey jiisan," Naruto greeted as he entered the office before closing the door behind him. Five days earlier he had Shizune fix his hair after he sliced off a large portion of it. His trimmed down stringy-style haircut that let some of his hair reach his shoulders made Naruto looked distinguished among the Genins and it helped bring out his resemblance to his father Minato.

"Naruto," Sandaime greeted back, "What do I owe the pleasure?"

"Nothing," Naruto said, "Anko-chan gave me the day off; something about meeting Ibiki for some criminal interrogation or something."

"Hmm," was all Sandaime said. The elderly man was about to say something when…

"I'll get you this time old man and then I'll become Hokage!," said the seven-year-old boy as he charged towards the man intending to take the man's life with the shuriken in his hand. The boy barely got halfway across the office before he tripped on his own feet landing down to the floor face first. A sweat-dropping Naruto looked at the boy and thought, This kid has as much agility and grace as a man with a heart attack.

The boy whined as he got up and looked around before he saw Naruto who was now face to face with him.

"Hey! You jerk you tripped me," said the boy pointing his finger at Naruto. The blond-haired Elite Genin was almost surprised that the boy didn't recognize him.

I never thought that my change in wardrobe and hairstyle made me that unrecognizable, Naruto thought before smirking, I'll play along with this.

"Kid, you're not worth wasting a fraction of my chakra on. Furthermore, you tripped yourself on the wooden floor due to your own lack of common sense. That and from the way you ran across the room you also lack coordination and grace," said Naruto smirking at the boy who was glaring at him with a fury.

"Honorable Grandson? Honorable Grandson, are you in here," said another voice looking around for his wished-for target.

"He's in here Ebisu. Don't worry he's all right. Just tripped and hurt himself...again," sighed Sandaime.

"Honorable Grandson," questioned Naruto with a pretense that he didn't know who the boy was. Sandaime saw through Naruto's façade but he decided to see how the whole thing was going to play out.

"Yeah! I'm Konohamaru, the grandson of Sandaime Hokage so you can't do anything to me or you'll get in trouble," said the boy whose voice seemed to have a form of arrogance to it. Naruto brought his right hand to the kid's forehead and flicked him, sending him flying off the floor before landing down and rolling on the ground before coming to a stop, lying on the ground momentarily knocked out.

…Tsunade's insane strength and character are really manifesting in Naruto…, thought Sandaime as he sighed at the display.

"Don't worry. I didn't hurt him…much," said Naruto walking by Sandaime Hokage and a still in shock Ebisu as he exited the office.

That spoiled blond brat. Being with that snake whore only makes him worst. I'll get him for doing that to the Sandaime's Grandson, thought Ebisu before pushing his glasses up slightly before he realized the seven-year-old boy he was in charge of was no longer in the office.

"It appears Konohamaru has left to seek out Naruto," Sarutobi said while taking a small puff from his pipe. Ebisu left in pursuit of the two.

(Konoha Streets; Several Moments Later)

Naruto was walking through the busy streets of Konoha. As he walked down one of the alleys he noticed the terribly disguised boy trying to blend in with the wall.

"Kid if you're going to blend in with the wall try doing it right the first time," said Naruto.

"You're strong I can tell," said Konohamaru approaching Naruto, "Maybe you can train me!"

Naruto looked at he boy with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't you already have a teacher? That Jounin with dark glasses I believe seems to be a capable type," said Naruto putting his hands in his pocket.

"Ebisu-sensei is all right, but he is always getting me to do all this boring ninja stuff that he keeps saying are all shortcuts for me to be Hokage," said Konohamaru kicking a small rock on the road in a depressing tone.

"So you disapprove of his methods because they're shortcuts or is it something else," Naruto inquired.

"I don't mind taking shortcuts, it's just that he and so many others only see me as the 'Honorable Grandson' of Sandaime Hokage and not as the real me. By the way, my name is Konohamaru," said Konohamaru extending his hand for Naruto to shake, which Naruto did smiling at the boy.

"I'm Senju Uzumaki Naruto. It's nice to meet a fellow shinobi who seeks to become the Hokage," said Naruto who found it humorous seeing the younger boy's reaction on hearing his name.

"You're Senju Uzumaki Naruto? Godaime-sama's son? The Naruto who beat Itachi and his partner, who plays all of those great pranks on those Chuunins, Jounins and ANBU," said Konohamaru excitedly.

"Do you know any other Senju Uzumaki Naruto that's in Kohona," said Naruto with his own sense of haughtiness.

'The boy has the same spirit as you Naruto and he wants to be recognized by his peers and others as a unique individual other than the Sandaime's grandson,' Yondaime said to Naruto as he saw what Naruto acknowledged when he looked into the younger boy's eyes: desire for true recognition.

He reminds me of myself in some ways, Naruto thought, Like him, I want to be known as more than the Son of Godaime Hokage or the last Namikaze who so happens to be the son of Yondaime Hokage as the village council sees me as.

"I'm sorry that I didn't recognize you Naruto. I thought you were somebody else," Konohamaru apologized.

"It's alright," said Naruto, "Almost nobody recognizes me with this new appearance of mine."

"My grandfather told me many things about you. He said that you're a really good and strong shinobi!"

"I'm not that great. Honestly, I'm still working on improving myself and my skills Konohamaru."

"All the more reason for you to train me; come on Boss, please train me," said Konohamaru putting his hands together in a semi-prayer form making Naruto give him a tired look that nearly followed up with a sigh. A moment later a thought came to mind and after thinking it over, he came to a decision.

"OK Konohamaru. I'll teach you some useful things, but only if you promise me as the grandson of the Sandaime Hokage you will NOT teach these jutsus or skills to anyone else you meet. Deal," said Naruto.

"I swear it boss! You have my word! Lead the way," said Konohamaru who now followed Naruto through the busy village streets to the bookstore. Naruto entered the bookstore and was greeted by the storekeeper.

"Naruto-sama, Honorable Grandson, what brings you two here today," greeted the storekeeper.

"Just here to buy a particular book," came Naruto's reply. The storekeeper asked, "What book might that be?"

Naruto went over and whispered something into the man's ear and the man giggled and nodded.

"I have just the book for you," the storekeeper said as he went to the back momentarily before returning with the book Naruto requested. Being the son of the Hokage, Naruto paid less than a fraction for what the book actually cost. Although Naruto insisted on paying the full price before the storekeeper told him that it's on him. After thanking the book storekeeper, both Naruto and Konohamaru left the store and started toward their next destination.

"Hey boss, where are we going?"

"To a forest-surrounded clearing where people hopefully won't bother us."

'Naruto,' Yondaime spoke up with a voice filled with annoyance, 'Please don't tell me that you actually intend on teaching him that jutsu.'

Naruto simply grinned sinisterly, only to confirm Yondaime's dread.

(Meanwhile)

Ebisu searched frantically for Naruto and Konohamaru only to find they were nowhere to be found within the public areas of the village itself.

"Where did that spoiled blonde take the Honorable Grandson? If he hurts the boy in anyway he'll have me to answer to," said Ebisu from his position on a rooftop.

(Two Hours Later)

Konohamaru was panting heavily from constantly using so much of his chakra for the jutsu that according to Naruto's explanation would knock out the Sandaime almost instantly. Earlier, Naruto had Konohamaru study the graphic pictures from the book he bought from the store earlier. The book was the latest rare edition of Icha Icha Paradise that wasn't to be out on the market until two and a half weeks time. Konohamaru's face was red from seeing the very detailed nude pictures of the young women in the book. After reviewing the selected pages Naruto told him to study, Naruto demonstrated his jutsu and showed the boy how to do it before the boy decided to try to master that jutsu.

"Alright Konohamaru, try again and keep in mind that it should reflect you as if you were an actual slim-shaped female," Naruto instructed before mentally admitting that after a couple dozen attempts with the jutsu the kid was beginning to demonstrate he had potential.

Before Konohamaru could try it again, Ebisu showed up frowning if not scowling at Naruto.

"What do you think you are doing with Konohamaru," said Ebisu who sounded serious as he looked irritated at Naruto who just looked back at the older man as if what he said was of little if any importance.

"Boss is helping me train to beat my grandfather with this super cool jutsu he taught me."

"You can't be serious," Ebisu replied, "I'm the only person capable of teaching you how to surpass your grandfather and become Hokage!"

"Whatever," Konohamaru retorted, "Your shortcuts barely work at all, but boss' jutsu will beat my grandfather for sure. Behold! Oiroke No Jutsu," said Konohamaru turning into a nicely shaped and proportioned naked woman with smoke covering her privates, similar to the one Naruto does only with long brown hair and medium shaped breasts Ebisu was far from awed and was even more infuriated that Naruto had taught such a jutsu to young Konohamaru.

"Such a shameful jutsu will not work on me! I'm not like the others who react to such a thing," said Ebisu whose character was slightly overstated when he said that. Konohamaru dispelled the jutsu.

"Naruto," Ebisu berated, "You're a reprehensible ninja for corrupting the boy with such a disgraceful jutsu! Your mother would be ashamed of you!"

"I'm sorry," Naruto apologized mockingly, "I didn't know you were you into men."

Ebisu fell down at the statement.

"HOW DARE YOU INSINUATE SUCH A THING! I'M NOT GAY! I just have more control over myself than most other guys do with their perverted urges," said Ebisu rising and standing up right away from his fall before regaining his composure.

"Control," Naruto said in sarcasm, "Try this! Tajuu Kage Bushin No Jutsu!"

Naruto produced an army of shadow clones. Before Ebisu could say a word, Naruto and all of the clones formed a seal and yelled, "HENGE!"

In an instant, Ebisu was surrounded by an army of naked soaked and wet and big-breasted females with long and soaked blond hair with smoke covering their breasts and privates. Konohamaru looked on in amazement while Ebisu was completely stupefied at the scene.

Meanwhile at the Hokage Tower, Sandaime sweat-dropped with a very annoyed expression as he watched the entire scene from his all-seeing crystal ball. He watched as the female clones charged at the Jounin and started groping onto Ebisu who after so much groping from the naked female clones finally got a massive nosebleed that sent him flying off his feet and down to the ground before losing consciousness from blood loss.

"That was my advanced version of my Oiroke No Jutsu known as Harem No Jutsu," Naruto grinned.

(At The Hokage Tower)

He combined his absurd hentai jutsu with Kage Bushin, Sandaime thought as he gazed into his all-seeing crystal ball with his pipe in his mouth, Amazingly though it proved to be quite a devastating attack. (Sighed as he slightly pulled down his Hokage hat over his eyes)…And if I'm not careful, he just might catch me with it.

(Back In The Forest)

"Wow! You rock boss," said Konohamaru as he was amazed at how Naruto defeated his teacher with such an advanced version of the jutsu Naruto taught to him.

"Thanks Konohamaru, but don't think these jutsus are shortcuts to becoming Hokage because there are no shortcuts in real life. Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn't know the meaning of hard work hard like the both of us. If you want to become stronger and be acknowledged as more than the grandson of Sandaime then keep practicing and working harder just as I expect you to. I too seek to be Hokage because not only do I want to protect this village that I love and everyone who lives in it, but I desire to surpass both Yondaime and Godaime."

Naruto gave the kid a thumb's up before he turning and walking off back to the village.

"Boss," Konohamaru called out capturing Naruto's attention, "From now on we're going to be rivals. You'll be my way of measuring myself for when I become Hokage."

The seven-year-old held out his right fist to Naruto. The blonde nodded to him before smiling at him in acknowledgment before resuming his way back to Konoha.

(Later)

On the way back to the Hokage Tower, Naruto ran into Kakashi and Team 7 painting. From what Naruto was seeing Sasuke, Sakura and Sai were painting someone's wooden fence.

A D-rank mission, Naruto acknowledged as he went over to greet Kakashi who was standing from a distance away from the other Genins while reading his favorite book series.

"Hey dobe," Sasuke called out to Naruto, "Just where are you coming from?"

"Nowhere for you to worry about," Naruto retorted, "Nice job on the fence though. At this rate your skills will be advanced in no time."

Sasuke scowled at him. The raven-haired Uchiha and the others didn't miss the sarcasm in Naruto's comment to them.

"That stupid jerk," inner Sakura yelled, "How dare he mock Sasuke-kun like that! I'm sure Sasuke-kun will show him in time!"

Sai looked at Naruto with interest. He sensed that there was more to the blonde than meet the eyes though he heard many things about Naruto. Sai was particularly interested in Naruto's style of fashion.

You'd think he was a young Yondaime, Sai thought to himself as he and the other watch Naruto walked to Kakashi to talk to him about something but they couldn't make out what they were saying. They decided to ignore them when they heard Kakashi chuckled giddily at what Naruto handed over to him. Kakashi placed the new Icha Icha Paradise book Naruto gave him in his pocket, saving it for a good read for later. With that out of the way, Naruto continued on his way to the Hokage Tower.

(Two Days Later; In The Forest Of Death)

Naruto was walking through the infamous and highly feared Forest of Death in search of a particular purple-haired woman.

Where the hell is that woman, Naruto thought when a kunai was sent flying at him from out of nowhere. The blonde turned in time to effortlessly catch the kunai before several more kunais were sent at him. He dodged the weapons before throwing the one he caught earlier back in the direction from which the kunais were sent. The attacker dodged the kunai and jumped from her hiding place and went straight at Naruto. She started attacking him, throwing as many hard punches and kicks she could give him.

Over the passed couple of days, Anko wanted to test his abilities and see if what his files revealed to her was everything she was led to believe about Naruto and not a waste of her time. Needless to say, Naruto did more than meet her expectations as he started going on the offensives and began throwing punches of his own. Anko was surprised at his speed and stamina, not to mention his unbelievable strength. Although she wouldn't admit it, his hits actually hurt.

What the hell did Tsunade-sama teach this Yondaime-gaki, Anko wondered before jumping away and assuming a fighting stance. Naruto did likewise, but he assumed a stance that hasn't been seen in many years.

That stance, Anko thought, Only one person assumed that stance. How did that Yondaime-gaki learn that stance?

'Careful Naruto,' Yondaime advised, 'It's crazy enough that you made yourself look like me. Now you're assuming my battle stance as well.'

I'm you surviving legacy I'm sure you remember, Naruto mentally retorted, Beside I'm bound to look like you anyway like it or not.

Anko and Naruto looked at each other with unwavering determination.

"Anytime you're ready Yondaime-gaki," Anko said.

Great, Naruto thought in sarcasm, Another Hokage nickname of endearment to add to my growing list.

Naruto dashed and charged at Anko head on.

A direct frontal attack, Anko grinned, This kid has more balls than I thought.

Just when it seemed that Naruto was about to hit her he suddenly phased out and disappeared almost is if he performed the Shunshin.

What the hell, Anko yelled in her head, I didn't have time to see where he went! He was so fast!

She speedily looked around while keeping her guard up. If he was truly what his files said he is then she really had her hands filled. Hearing a sound from behind her, she quickly turned and launched a kunai in the direction the sound came from, only for it to hit a tree instead.

"Come out of hiding Yondaime-gaki," Anko yelled, "I don't have time for hide and seek, although there's really nowhere you can hide where I can't find you. I live in this forest after all."

"I had no intentions of hiding actually," came Naruto reply as he came charge at her. Before he could get close to her, Anko bit her thumb hard before doing a series of hand seals and…

"Kuchiyose No Jutsu," she said as she slammed her palm to the ground; a massive sixty-foot brown snake puff into existence. A very confident Anko stood by the giant snake before Naruto stop in his tracks.

"What now Yondaime-gaki? Let's see you try to get close to me now!"

"Gladly! Tajuu Kage Bushin No Jutsu!"

An army of Naruto clones puffed into existence and surrounded Anko and the snake. The woman was unquestionably shocked at the number of clones that surrounded her.

Shit, Anko cursed in disbelief, I thought that old man of a Hokage was exaggerating about this brat's amount of chakra. He has a lot more than I do if he could make these many clones and not be fatigue from it!

The female Special Jounin tried not to look intimidated as she gave her trademark sadistic smirk.

"So you made copy brats of yourself! Big deal! It doesn't change a thing Elite Genin!"

"I told you it would be wise for you not to underestimate me," Naruto said as he and his clones came at the female Special Jounin. The grain snake however started attacking the clones with a fierce animosity. Many of the clones were swatted into puffs of smoke as they tried to attack the large snake. A smokescreen was made as a result of the entire army of Naruto clones being swatted out of existence. Anko and the large snake were the only ones remaining after the smokescreen gradually died down.

"Is that all you got," Anko mocked, "Elite Genin! This isn't even worth my ti-"

She wasn't able to finish when a boulder came flying at her. She dodged the boulder in time but the snake ended up being on the receiving end of the boulder and was clobbered hard to the side of its face. The snake puffed out of existence leaving Anko alone again.

"Where the hell did that boulder come from?"

"Me," Naruto said as he walked into the clearing.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you were trying to kill me."

Smirking, Naruto replied, "I wasn't trying, because as far as it goes, you're already dead."

"What do you mean Yondaime-gaki?"

Naruto pointed to her waist and showed her the kunai and shuriken he planted into her mini-skirt.

"The kage bushins I sent at you were mere decoys," Naruto explained, "I knew that the snake you summoned would have swatted my clones like insects which was exactly what I was counting on. With the smokescreen that my clones' dispelling created, I was able to sneak in among my clones and smokescreen undetected and place my shuriken and kunai into your skirt and sneak away just as undetected as before. I could have killed you the entire time in more ways than one Anko-chan."

The purple-haired woman didn't know whether to applaud Naruto for winning against her or question the boy's abilities against her own. Amidst the confusion she couldn't detect when he approached her.

"You got me," Anko said as he pulled the kunai and shuriken from out of her skirt, annoyed that Naruto damaged her clothes, "That was really good."

Naruto approached Anko who appeared like she was about to hand him back his weapons. As he reached out for them, a viper popped out from within her sleeves and wrapped around Naruto's arm before it bit deeply into his arm.

"AAaaaaaaaaahhh," Naruto cried in pain as the poisonous snake refused to release him from its hold and bite. Anko grinned sinisterly as her snake held its grip on Naruto.

"You're too trusting Yondaime-gaki," Anko said, "Never lower your guard to an enemy."

"Especially if that enemy is a viper," Naruto looked at Anko and retorted, "And you would do well to take my advice."

Anko looked at him questionably.

"Like I told you before," Naruto said seriously, "It would be wise for you not to underestimate me."

With that, Naruto puff into a cloud of white smoke.

"That was a kage bushin," Anko said after being caught off guard as she dropped the kunai and shuriken. The shuriken though puffed into white smoke and out came Naruto who grabbed the kunai and speedily dashed and pinned Anko to the ground, holding both her arms down firmly to the ground with his kneecaps. He placed his full weight on her arms leaving her completely immobilized on her back as he held the kunai to her throat, ready to slash her jugular at a moment's notice.

"I'll say it again," Naruto stated, "I could have killed you the entire time in more ways than one Anko-chan."

Damn this kid is more resourceful than I gave him credit for, Anko admitted to herself, I understand now why so many ninjas have fallen victim to his traps and why he wasn't placed on a Genin team. I'm surprised that he wasn't made Jounin or ANBU.

"OK Yondaime-gaki you can get off me now," Anko said before she gave a warped grin, "I know you enjoy having me on my back and being on top of me and all but our sparring is now over!"

Naruto blushed heavily and frowned at Anko's twisted remark. He did as he was told as he placed his kunai back into it compartment after he noticed a certain seal on her neck but not making mention of it yet.

"And you call me a pervert," Naruto said. Anko snorted as she brushed the dirt off herself, "Like you don't enjoy being alone with me."

"I learned to put up with you so I guess it counts for something," Naruto replied. Anko snorted again and stuck her tongue at him. The student-teacher relationship between those two is anything but orthodox. Anko and Naruto had a knack for shooting each other with sarcasm. They were always trying to be the one with the last words. Anko didn't mind Naruto placing "chan" instead of sensei at the end of her name. In truth being call "sensei" made her feel old, and no other person has ever called her "Anko-chan," and even though she didn't verbally admit it, she liked the honorific familiarity Naruto calls her by.

"Whatever," Anko said, "Anyway, judging from the way you fight it's clear that you were excellently taught and I highly doubt it was at the academy. Your skills are too advanced."

"That's why the academy bored me," Naruto said, "Many of the stuff they taught me Kaa-chan already had me trained in them."

"Yes I know," Anko shot back, "I'm surprised that you didn't graduate early."

"The old geezer wouldn't hear of it," Naruto stated, "I wanted to graduate early but he said that I had too big an arrogance in how I viewed others and myself and that four years at the academy would serve to humble me."

"That's harsh," Anko said before smiling her sadistic trademark grin, "He could have been more "merciful" by sending you to me back then. I would have had you re-educated within the hour."

"Was that a private lesson you were offering me sensei," Naruto asked with a mischievous tone.

"Shut up," Anko replied before deciding to change the subject, "Alright Yondaime-gaki, seeing that I'm your teacher and that you're a most advanced Genin, I won't waste our time in the average training rookie Genins go through. Therefore I have something else in mind for you to study and practice."

"Really?"

"Follow me," Anko said as both Naruto and her started walking off to her place. While on there way to where she lives, Naruto thought about that mark he saw on her neck on her left shoulder.

'You saw the seal on her neck I presume,' Yondaime said.

I did, Naruto replied, Do you know what it is?

'Speaking as a seal master, I'm certain that Orochimaru has something to do with it. That Sannin was known for his use of forbidden seals and S-class kinjutsus.'

"…," Naruto remained silent.

'Perhaps it would be best for you to inquire of it from Anko if she's willing to talk about it.'

Naruto nodded slightly. After fifteen minutes of silent walking, they reached the tower. She went inside after telling him to wait outside for her. After another five minutes, Anko returned with a large bag in her hand.

"What's with the bag Anko-chan," Naruto asked.

Anko smiled as she tossed him the bag. The blonde caught the bad only to find that a pile of books and scrolls were inside the bag. Naruto's eyes widened from the number. Anko laughed at his expression.

"What the hell are all these scrolls and books for," Naruto asked.

"Scrolls and books that you'll need to study from so you can grasp the beginning of the jutsus you'll learn with me," Anko explained, "These books and scrolls will teach you the basics of poisons, serpents and snake summoning."

"Really," Naruto asked with interest. Anko made several quick hand signs. As soon as she finished, she shot her hands forward and two large snakes shot out of her jacket sleeves, one snake per sleeve.

"You'll teach me how to shoot and summon snakes out of my arms?"

"That and maybe a few other jutsus of my choosing," Anko replied. Shrugging, Naruto formed a seal and…

"Kage Bushin No Jutsu!"

Twelve Naruto clones puffed into existence. Naruto handed each clone a book or scroll from the bag Anko gave him and instructed the clones to study everything and practice what's in the books and scrolls. The clones nodded as they all sat down and started studying.

"That'll keep them busy," Naruto said, "So what now?"

"Damn I forgot you could do that," Anko said, "Those scrolls and books were to keep you busy for the rest of the week."

Naruto retorted, "Oh well. I'll have those books and scrolls learned in no time."

"Yes I see."

Naruto then remembered something and said, "Hey Anko-chan, there's something I want to ask you."

"And what would that be?"

"I wanted to ask about that seal you have on your neck. I saw it and I was wondering how you got it."

Naruto saw different forms of emotions flash across her eyes, from hurt, to anger and a lot of regrets and it left in another flash. He and Yondaime suspected that Orochimaru had something to do with it but Naruto want to hear it from her mouth. Just then he saw her involuntarily reach up and grab her left shoulder with a far away look on her face, like she was remembering something.

"It's a curse seal," she scowled, "Orochimaru's curse seal to be precise."

"How did you get it?"

The blonde saw her expression changed from looking angry to sad and hurt. She quickly masked it to look happy again.

"…I-I don't want to talk about it," Anko said, "I might tell you some other time, but not right now. Let's get some dangos to eat."

Naruto knew that she carried a lot on her shoulders but he wanted to hear her story directly and find out more about her.

(For The Next Few Weeks)

Tsunade had returned back to Konoha four days after Anko gave Naruto the books and scrolls to study from. During the next couple of weeks, Naruto did several D-rank missions with Teams 7, 8 and 10 much to his displeasure. He didn't mind working with the teams but he hated the kinds of missions D-rank entails. From pulling walking someone's dogs to carrying groceries for elderly people to cleaning somebody's storage house, etc. In all accounts, Naruto found D-rank missions to be nothing more than a waste of his talents and time.

Sandaime and Tsunade explained to Naruto that if he seeks to become Hokage he must cultivate an intense love for the village and view everything about it as precious and worth taking care of as a parent nurtures and takes care of their child or children. When it comes to raising and caring, refining, and protecting their children, no task is too tedious, too small or too great for the parent to assume responsibility for. This served to steam off some of Naruto's displeasure with the D-rank missions he had to do with the three teams.

During the weeks while doing these missions, he continued using Kage Bushin to train with Shizune at the hospital and have his clones study and practice whatever healing and medical scrolls or books he had to read. At the same time though, he practiced the summoning snakes jutsu Anko taught him, although Anko cautioned him about when and where he uses them seeing that snakes are infamous in Konoha because of a particular Sannin. Regardless, Naruto learned and in time mastered summoning snakes from his arms like Anko taught and he also learned and practiced some of her fighting styles though snake-oriented. Although Anko didn't say it verbally, she took pride in the fact that she had someone to teach who wasn't afraid of her or looked down at her harshly because of her past with Orochimaru.

Two days later, there was a report from Team 7 that a garden snake crawled into Sakura's dress during another D-rank mission while they were pulling weeds out of someone's garden. Tsunade was more than annoyed at that the stunt her son pulled, especially since the garden's owner disputed that his garden has no records of ever having snakes of any sort in it. The report was handled and no penalty was dealt against the garden owner since he wasn't the responsible for the garden snake's appearance.

(A Week Later)

Naruto was called into his mother's office with Kakashi and Team 7 already present. They were going to be assigned another mission.

"Kakashi," Tsunade started, "Naruto will be joining your Genin cell for your next D-rank mission. You and your team will be assigned to-"

"Kaa-chan," Naruto cut in, "I mean no disrespect but for the passed couple weeks we've been doing nothing but D-ranks missions and the last one involving finding and retrieving that fire daimyo's wife's cat sucked big time."

"That mission was supposed to strengthen and teach you four the value of teamwork and executing planning formations Naruto," Tsunade explained.

"I'd rather be taught the value of performing an autopsy on that damn cat after the problems it gave us," Naruto replied, "Personally I feel I speak for everyone when I say that we'd like to have a more challenging mission this time to test out skills as ninjas."

"I have the same opinion with the do-…I mean Naruto," Sasuke said after catching himself from insulting Naruto in front of his mother, not wanting to risk the Hokage's wrath, "We've been doing nothing but D-rank missions and I feel that our skills aren't being challenged or sharpened enough."

"I agree with Sasuke-kun on this one Tsunade-sama," Sakura spoke.

"Of course you would," Naruto snorted, "Right after he repeated what it was that I said just now."

"Expect nothing less from a fanatical fangirl in need of a facial bag Naruto-kun," Sai added mockingly, earning him Sakura's fist that nearly collided with his face had it not been for him evading the attack at a timed moment. Naruto noted this.

That kid has potentials, Naruto thought. Tsunade simply sighed at the scene. After giving what Naruto told her some thought, she came to a decision.

"Well, based on your accomplishments on all of the D-rank missions you four have made, I'll make give you different mission to further improve your expertise. All four of you and Kakashi will be given a C-rank mission. You five will be going to Nami No Kuni to escort a faintly elderly man home and also to protect him from bandits and the like," said Tsunade as she nodded to Shizune to bring in the client. A moment later, Shizune returned back into the office with their partially drunk client.

"Tazuna," Tsunade said, "These five will be your escort to Nami No Kuni."

The man turned and looked at the group in front of him.

"You got to be joking! (Hiccup) I asked for a skilled ninja escort and all I get is a team filled with children who've barely hit puberty and a scarecrow-haired cyclops? (Hiccup) And what's with the blond kid trying to dress up in a way to stand out in the crowd as if he's the greatest," said Tazuna as he went to drink from his bottle when…

"You'll do well to neither insult or underestimate us old man," said Naruto calmly but a bit coldly, "I had my share of being underestimated in the past, and for what it's worth, the one who underestimates suffers at the hands of the underestimated. Plus my mother who's sitting right in front of you and Shizune-neechan who brought you in here, and Kakashi-niisan whom you so nicely called a scarecrow-haired cyclops don't take kindly to strangers who insult me openly in front of them."

The older man looked at the blond kid before turning to look at Tsunade and Shizune who were looking back at him sternly. Kakashi's expression was unreadable to the older man, making him appear more mysterious. The gray-haired man, who surprisingly woke from his drunken stupor, gulped in fear for his own safety after realizing that he openly insulted the son of the Godaime in front of her and everyone in the office.

"My apologizes Godaime-sama," Tazune quickly bowed, "Please forgive my foolish conduct and remark about your son."

Tsunade just nodded before grabbing everyone's attention again, "All is forgiven. Team 7 with Naruto in company are to meet at the East Gate at 8 a.m. sharp tomorrow to head out for Nami No Kuni with you Tazuna. (Turning to the Genins) Use this time to make all of your preparations. Till then, you're all dismissed."

Everyone left the office and went about their business, leaving Shizune alone with Tsunade.

"Naruto-otouto has come a long way Tsunade-sama," Shizune said in admiration, "It's almost hard to believe that he was that defenseless baby we adopted all those years ago."

"We," Tsunade said teasingly before sighing to herself, "…Yes Shizune. My boy has come a long way and if anything, (smiled) he'll go further and beyond all expectations! I expect nothing less of my son."

(The Following Morning)

Team 7 and Tazuna were waiting for Kakashi and Naruto to arrive at the East Gate. Kakashi, being the lazy man that he was decided to come at 9:30 a.m. much to the discomfort of Tazuna and Team 7. Naruto, used to Kakashi's tacky demeanor, slept in longer and arrived at the same time as the copycat ninja.

"WHAT TOOK YOU TWO SO LONG?," yelled an angry Sakura, "WE'VE BEEN WAITING HERE FOR A LONG TIME NOW!"

"Sorry for our lateness," Kakashi apologized for both himself and Naruto, "Naruto and I were on our way here when an elderly couple needed help with their-"

"LIARS! BOTH OF YOU!," Sakura said cutting him off. Naruto and Kakashi simply ignored her and shrugged.

"Well," Kakashi said, "Now that we're all here, we'll leave now and start our trek to Nami No Kuni."

The three Genins of Team 7 formed a protective circle around Tazuna while Kakashi took the lead in the front. Naruto the Elite Genin remained at the rear to keep guard over everyone in front of him as they started on their journey from Konoha to Nami No Kuni.

A former ANBU captain and a Sannin-level Genin, Naruto thought to himself, Assigned to a C-rank mission with three other Genins. I wonder what'll result from this…

Naruto and the others are on their way to Nami No Kuni performing a basic escort mission, or so it seems. Find out what'll happen next time.