Saga of Tanya the Kunoichi

"Say… Tsuyu-chan… You can just call me Kiba… no need for the formality", Kiba tried to act nonchalant as he said that, rubbing the back of his neck nervously inside.

Tanya just smiled politely, her hand caressing the little Akamaru on her lap. Akamaru purrs on her lap, loving the feeling of her hand.

"Then, if you want to, you can drop the honorifics for me as well, Kiba", Tanya said with a cute smile. Honestly she had always hated the -chan- at the end of her name when Kiba called her. It makes her feel like he's treating her like a kid and it has always been cringy for her.

The only exception she can give is for Naruto who calls her Tsu-chan. It already sticks to her over the years and doesn't mind if it's Naruto.

Kiba felt his chest and head go fuzzy hearing Tsuyu calling him Kiba and that he can call her without any honorifics. 

"T-then… Tsuyu… haha…", Kiba muttered nervously. It's unlike him to be so nervous. Usually he's more confident, bold and open but somehow when it's in front of Tsuyu he feels like mush.

Some of Kiba's friends at the back are giggling and cheering like idiots.

Naruto who's at the side glared at Kiba, his face pouting not liking how his sister is indulging in Kiba's antics whenever he tries to talk to her. There's no way she's not aware of Kiba's feelings! It's clear as day! Only an idiot wouldn't see it!

"Tsuyu… I heard there's this new dessert place in the village. I wonder if you would want to hang out?", Kiba mustered his courage.

"I AM COMING ALONGGG!!", Naruto leaned closer in front of Tanya, not even letting Tanya reply first. She had planned to refuse and prefers training but since Naruto wants to get dessert she changed her plans for him. Tanya wants to take care of Naruto's mental health after all and it's a good way for maintenance.

"Ha?! Did I ask you!?", Kiba and Naruto are facing each other, the tension in the air is apparent. 

Kiba is almost growling at Naruto, as his face comes even closer to him to assert his alpha dominance. Naruto doesn't back down.

"I am coming along! Tsu-chan, I am coming along alright!".

Tanya sighed lightly.

"Yes, sure. Kiba, let's get dessert along with my brother. The more the merrier", Tanya said politely and nicely.

Naruto had a winning smirk on his face, facing Kiba's own as if wanting to assert his own authority but just then-

A random classmate passed by behind Naruto and accidentally hit Naruto's back and pushed Naruto forward - closing another inch of distance; their lips pressed against one another tenderly.

Chuuu!~

Hinata at the back gasped and fainted with smoke coming out of her ears. The other girls in class that had been nosy screamed, some were way too excited. Kiba's friends lurched backward, feeling like throwing up.

Tanya's eyes widened, quite amused at the situation. A small laugh escaped her mouth, a very rare laugh that even she would feel surprised she's capable of.

"AAHHH!!!!", both Kiba and Naruto screamed in shock and disgust as they wanted to throw up.

Kiba can even smell the lingering ramen scent from Naruto's breath when their lips are pressed together. His sensitive Inuzuka's nose are making him feel even worse!

"Wuek!!! NARUTO! I WILL KILL YOUUU!!!", Kiba went to grab Naruto's collar. His face is red from embarrassment and shame. The fact that Tsuyu had to see all that, and even laughed! He wants to find a hole and bury himself.

Naruto also had the same emotions as Kiba, also grabbing onto his clothes wanting to beat him up. He blamed Kiba for all of this.

Sasuke at the corner of the class who had been gloomy for the weeks since what happened had a trace of a smile on his lips for a second, before turning his face away. Even he can't help it but find them funny. 

Just then Iruka sensei comes in.

"Naruto! Kiba! Class is going to start! Sit down! Or stand outside the class!", Iruka sternly, breaking the two off.

During physical training the two went ham on each other as if venting and blaming each other.

Tanya observed Naruto's movement. She nods, quite satisfied at Naruto's improvements as she often 'spar' with Naruto to guide him. She wanted Naruto to be able to defend himself and be a successful independent Shinobi after all. Even if Naruto is not a genius, or below average even, she wanted Naruto to be able to achieve his maximum potential.

In class Naruto is considered above average in taijutsu class at least, and he has a very high tenacity and endurance and can tank a lot of blows. So no one underestimated him in fights. Though in other subjects especially the theories he's quite lacking...

***

The classes are finally over. Some stayed back to continue practicing, mostly civilians that didn't have tutors at home. Iruka sensei called out to Tsuyu before she could gather her stuff. Kiba and Naruto look at Iruka, already annoyed at his presence right when they are planning to get desserts.

'Tsuyu-kun, come meet me at the office. I have something to talk to you'.

"Alright, Iruka sensei". Tsuyu nods as she takes her backpack along.

"Nii-san, Kiba, it seems I have to join another day. But you two can go together".

'Huh?! With Kiba!? No way!', Naruto retorted, his arms crossed. He hmph! and look away from Kiba.

'Damn Iruka... Yeah, we can go tomorrow', Kiba said bitterly.

"But why did sensei want to talk to you?", Naruto ask.

Tanya wondered herself, but it's most likely wanting to talk to her about guiding Naruto or something like that (again), or it's about her application to advance to next year if there's something changed.

"No worries nii-san, it's personal. Go home first, no need to wait for me".

"Okay… Tsu-chan". Naruto turned around and take his bag from the patch of grass. He wonders what Iruka sensei would talk to her about. He felt like the two were talking about him. And it's not a good feeling.

He felt like the two might feel pity or even act as if he's weak or stupid and not good… and then talk about what to do or something about himself. Who likes the feelings of being looked down on and being talked about as if they need help and are a burden for others? 

Kiba look at Naruto's annoying face that becomes more annoying.

'Oi, Naruto, what's with you. Can't stay away from your sister even for a second?', he sneered.

"Ha?! Are you talking to yourself! You like my sister don't you!".

Kiba blushed but he doesn't deny it.

'Heh. Yeah. I do! Unlike you, she's so awesome and pretty, and so nice too!'.

Naruto scrunched his face; hearing someone else calling her sister awesome and pretty and nice give some cringe feelings in his heart.

"You wouldn't know! She can be really strict and harsh-ttebayo! And I really can't see her liking anyone! You have no chance at all!".

Kiba feels interested at this new information.

'Bro, tell me tell me. What she's like at home'.

"Huh. Why would I! And what's with the bro!".

'Come onnn. I will treat you to ramen now, how about it?'. Kiba lured Naruto as he stretch his hand and sling it over Naruto's shoulder.

Naruto blushed slightly at the closeness and contact but also annoyed. He's not used to it, but... secretly he likes it.

"Tch. Fine... Hmph let's go get ramen first then!", Naruto act annoyed. After all, Naruto is touch-starved and had never received any gestures of intimacy like normal. Especially NOT from Tsuyu.

'Alright alright. Come on Naruto. So... you know, I have always wondered when is your birthday?'.

Kiba ask, naturally because who wouldn't want to know their crush's birthday.

"... You don't have to know. She never cares to celebrate anyways. We never did. Probably she never remembered herself...", Naruto tone suddenly went on a softer, almost sad tone. Actually Tanya does in fact doesn't remember herself. And no one celebrated since her birth for years in this world.

'Huh? For real...?'.

"Yeah". Naruto said shortly.

Kiba suddenly felt like he does not understand the siblings much. He is filled with curiosity for not just Tsuyu now, but Naruto as well.

Naruto felt a sense of heaviness in his chest as the two walked along streets of Konoha.

'Hm? Naruto, is it just me or is the people around us looking at us. Do I look funny or something?', Kiba look at Naruto, who as usual looks annoying in his orange cloths and nothing amiss. So it might be him he thought and check out at himself.

"Don't mind them. Hmph. Come on you said you want to treat me to ramen! Let's go to ichiraku!".

'Huh? Ichiraku? But it's far. Besides I am used to the Aiko's Ramen. You have to believe me their Tonkotsu had a different flavor to it. It smells so damn good! Come on you gotta trust an Inuzuka's nose they say!'.

"Huh? But I like Ichiraku...", Naruto doesn't want Kiba to see a side of his life that is too pitiful and want to avoid places that are too hostile to him.

Kiba doesn't care and just walk ahead to Aiko's ramen.

Aiko saw Kiba and welcomed him as usual, but the moment she saw Naruto, her face almost distorted.

Her entire body is shaking with anger and obvious discomfort. For her it's the culprit of her husband's death after all...

"Kiba... I suddenly felt a stomachache haha, you can treat me later", Naruto said almost awkwardly and quickly left the premise seeing Aiko's appearance seeing himself.

Kiba chased after him. He noticed Aiko's gaze to Naruto and also other customers and he felt so confused.

'Uh did you do something to her? Why she seems mad at you. You pranked her and cause trouble?'.

"Sigh... You won't get it alright. It's not important. But hey, we can go to Ichiraku!". Naruto, despite wanting to vent to someone is told by her sister to keep it a secret.

Even if the adults in the village know, everyone in their class doesn't. For Tsuyu, it's better that way so Naruto can have a chance at making friends.

Kiba went quiet for awhile, before agreeing anyways. 

Naruto changed the topic by telling Kiba about Tsuyu, how she is at home. Nothing much going on with her mostly - just reading books, liking bitter coffee weirdly, hardworking, train until even night time, never laughed, strict when teaching him things, and he keeps talking. 

As Naruto talks Kiba catches a glimpse of both jealousy and longing in Naruto's words in between the slurping of ramen at Ichiraku. But he doesn't mention it. He can somewhat understand if Naruto is jealous since Tsuyu is really talented and a genius... compared to Naruto who's just average mostly.

Kiba scratched his neck awkwardly, uncertain how to go around Naruto who suddenly feels vulnerable and unlike his usual bratty noisy self in class.

"Huuu... but hmph! I will surpass her and become Hokage! Believe it!", Naruto suddenly declared with fire in his eyes.

Kiba suddenly laughed and snorted hearing the declaration.

'Hey hey hey! You gotta surpass me first. And I am the one who will become Hokage alright!', Kiba said confidently.

"Hah! You can't beat me yet!".

'Yeah?! You wanna fight again?!'.

"Oh. Bring it on!!", the two somehow reached an agreement and went to spar a little at the nearby forest clearing. 

Beaten and battered, the two sat next to each other under a lush tree. Naruto can smell the scent of sweat from Kiba, it's quite unique, almost like that of a dog... but he doesn't dislike it. Maybe even leaning towards a feeling of comfort. Not that Naruto would openly say it.

'Ha... you are quite strong, I have to admit. You say Tsuyu often spar with you right? Lucky.. ha...'.

"Hah... what luck! She beat me for real! I got bruises each time...hah...".

'Hahaha... didn't know she can be so merciless... ha...'.

The breeze blew by, cooling the two of. 

"Hey... Kiba".

'Hm?'.

Naruto almost want to say something mushy, wanting to say how nice it felt to hang out with him. But he cringed inwardly and change his words.

"I admit you are strong yourself alright!", Naruto said with a blush on his face. For him, it's really nice to spend time with someone. He wonders if, if they are friends now. 

'HEH. I already know. Don't have to tell me!'.

"Tch. I wish I can wipe the smug of your face".

'Hey, hehe... if you train with you sister how about inviting me next time. I am curious to see if she's as merciless as you said'.

"Huh? W-well... Fine! But I tell you, she would beat you up real good! Can't wait to see it. Hehe". Naruto chuckled imagining Kiba's beaten appearance. Inwardly he felt happy, that he can have a friend training with him.

Maybe, it's his first proper friend.

***