A Family Of Foxes & Snakes: Rewind!

She entered his room and flipped his bed back on its legs. She dumped the kid on the bed and watched sleep for a while. She had a small smile on her face. While she did torture him a little, he didn't complain much. He just kept going forward and didn't give up. It was a great trait of his. She was positive that he would go far in his career. She closed the door and left the apartment.

X-X-X

Naruto hit the ground again and took a deep breath. Naruto looked at the tree and had a cocky grin. He was getting there. He was half-way up the tree now and it wouldn't be long before he conquered this stupid exercise. It had been a week since he became Anko's victim. She was a brutal and crazy woman but she knew what she was doing. He felt stronger and quicker. He could throw straight and he could somewhat properly fight. She still mocked him about his jutsu but he didn't let it get to him.

Speaking of his teacher, she was once again sitting on the branch of the tree. She was watching him make his progress with the exercise.

"So, how am I doing?" Naruto asked.

"What, do you want a cookie every time you improve? If you want to impress me, then get higher." Anko said.

"Geez, can't you just throw me a bone here?" Naruto grumbled. Anko just grinned at him. In truth, she was very impressed with his improvement. It had only been a week but she was sure that his control had improved greatly. She wondered what he had in store for the rest of her time off.

"Hey kid, what do you think about a little test?" Anko asked. Naruto looked up to her with a confused look on his face. Anko's grin did not help ease him.

X-X-X

Hiruzen was busy dealing with some paperwork when someone interrupted him. He allowed them entry and what he saw was just shocking. Two of his ANBU commanders' had their mask redone. They were colored with very bright colors and funny faces. They did not say anything as they knew who the culprit was. Hiruzen never understood why Naruto would antagonize the ANBU as they were the elite of the elite. He ordered that Naruto is to be brought to him. As soon as they left, he pulled out his crystal ball.

Using his Tōmegane no Jutsu (Telescope Technique), he searched for Naruto. He was able to find him with Anko. This confused him greatly and listened in to the conversation.

"So, I did good right?" Naruto asked.

"It wasn't bad but I could have done better. Still, for your first infiltration, you did well." Anko said.

"Just remember what you promised lady. You will show me a jutsu for this." Naruto stated.

"Oh stop being a little baby. I said that I would teach you a jutsu right? I'll teach you at a later date. However, it is time that you learn another lesson." Anko said.

"Oh, what's that?" he asked.

"Today's lesson is to never trust anyone." Anko said with a grin. Naruto was confused when Anko grabbed him by the scuff of his jacket. "Hey guys, I found the little prankster!" she shouted. Naruto looked betrayed and began shouting curses at her. Hiruzen stopped his technique and sat back with an amused look.

'So that's why she need the time off. This could prove to be a little problematic as they are both so alike. If he should pick up some of her bad habits, who knows what will happen. I guess I'll play the wait and see card and watch them from afar. Who knows, this might work out for the both of them.' Were the Hokage's thoughts. He went back to his work while awaiting the arrival of Naruto.

X-X-X

Naruto had to dodge another lunge from one of Anko's snakes. He growled in frustration as he could not get this stupid genjutsu that Anko was teaching him. She called it the Hebi Surudoi Shisen (Snake Penetrating Stare). It was a technique that she told him that she learned from her master. It was a pretty stupid technique in his opinion as when would he ever run into a snake. After another failure, Naruto stood and glared at Anko.

"This technique is bogus! He exclaimed. I thought that you were going to tech me something good?" Naruto said with a tone.

"It is a good technique, especially for assassinations. I told you that I would show you a technique so stop complaining." Anko said.

"Yeah but you said that this technique was from the person who taught you. The guy must have been some kind of weakling if this is the best that he could come with." Naruto complained. Anko chuckle a little as her teacher would have probably killed him for his words. Still, he was disrespecting the technique that she learned from him and in a way he was insulting her.

"You know, my master was a jōnin and part of a famous team. He was definitely not a weakling and I am insulting that you would say that because you're calling me weak as well." Anko said calmly.

"Well, how come I haven't heard of him? Maybe he wasn't as good as you say. I bet he was that great of a ninja." Naruto mocked. Anko gave him a hard glare.

"That will be enough of that kid." Anko warned.