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Pakura moved through the hidden corridors of Naruto's mountain stronghold with purposeful strides. The guards nodded respectfully as she passed, some with a hint of fear in their eyes. Her reputation as Naruto's most devoted lieutenant was well-established, and few dared to cross the Scorch Mistress.
Six years since he had saved her from Suna's betrayal, six years of unwavering loyalty. At twenty-seven, Pakura had grown even more deadly—and more beautiful—than when Naruto had first found her bleeding out in that rain-soaked battlefield.
She reached the door to his private chambers and paused, taking a moment to compose herself. Her mission had been successful, but not without complications. Complications that Naruto would need to know about immediately.
She knocked twice, then once more—their private signal.
"Enter," came his voice from within.
Pakura opened the door and stepped inside, closing it firmly behind her. Naruto sat at his desk, studying scrolls that detailed the latest movements of the Five Great Nations. At fifteen, he had grown into a formidable man—lean and muscular, with his father's sharp features and commanding presence. His blonde hair was longer now, framing a face that many considered handsome, though few ever saw the genuine smile he occasionally shared with his inner circle.
He looked up as she entered, those piercing blue eyes assessing her condition in an instant. "Pakura," he said, rising from his chair. "You're back earlier than expected."
"The situation changed, Naruto-sama," she replied, approaching his desk. "I had to adjust my timeline."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "You're injured."
It wasn't a question. Despite her efforts to conceal it, he had noticed the slight favoring of her left side, the barely perceptible tightness around her eyes that indicated pain.
"A minor wound," she dismissed. "Already treated. But there's something you need to see."
From her pouch, Pakura withdrew an object wrapped in cloth. She placed it on the desk between them and carefully unfolded the fabric to reveal a porcelain mask.
"ANBU," Naruto observed, picking up the mask to examine it. "But no village insignia."
"They ambushed me near the border between Fire and Wind," Pakura explained. "Four of them, all wearing these unmarked masks. They knew who I was, Naruto-sama. They were waiting specifically for me."
Naruto turned the mask over in his hands, his expression thoughtful. "Not standard issue from any of the Five Great Villages. The design is different—see the eye slits? Narrower than Konoha's, wider than Kiri's."
"I thought perhaps Root, but even they maintain some form of identifying mark."
"No," Naruto murmured, placing the mask back on the desk. "This is something else. Something new." He looked up at her, concern evident in his eyes despite his controlled expression. "You said there were four. I assume they're no longer a problem?"
A small, cold smile curved Pakura's lips. "Three are ash. The fourth escaped after I took this from him. He was their leader, I believe."
"And your injury?"
Pakura hesitated, then admitted, "Poisoned blade. I've neutralized it, but the wound will take time to fully heal."
In an instant, Naruto was around the desk, his hand gently turning her to examine her side. "Show me."
There was no refusing him when he used that tone. Pakura carefully lifted her tunic to reveal a bandaged section of her ribs. Naruto's fingers gently probed the area, his touch sending an entirely different kind of pain through her body—the sweet ache of longing she always felt in his presence.
"The poison signature is unusual," she said, trying to focus on the mission rather than his proximity. "Not Suna or Konoha standard. I've preserved a sample for analysis."
Naruto nodded, his attention still on her wound. His hand began to glow with a soft red light as he placed it over the bandage. Healing Kyuubi chakra flowed from his palm into her injury, bringing immediate relief from the lingering burn.
"Naruto-sama, that's not necessary—" she began to protest.
"Be quiet and let me help you," he interrupted, though his tone held no real rebuke. "You've pushed yourself to return quickly with this intelligence. The least I can do is ease your discomfort."
Pakura fell silent, allowing herself to enjoy his ministrations. After a few moments, he withdrew his hand, apparently satisfied with his work.
"Better?" he asked.
"Much," she admitted, lowering her tunic. "Thank you."
Naruto returned to the mask, picking it up for further examination. "This is concerning. A new ANBU faction with no village allegiance could indicate several possibilities, none of them good for our plans."
"I've considered that," Pakura said, moving to stand beside him. "Either a coalition force specifically targeting your lieutenants, or perhaps a third party we haven't accounted for."
"Hmm." Naruto set the mask down again, his expression darkening. "This requires investigation. I'll have Itachi look into it when he reports next."
He turned to face her fully, his eyes softening slightly. "You did well to bring this to me so quickly, Pakura. Your dedication continues to impress me."
Those simple words of praise warmed her more than any elaborate compliment could have. Pakura lived for his approval, for the knowledge that she had served him well.
"I live to serve you, Naruto-sama," she said softly, meaning every word.
Something shifted in his gaze then—a heat that had nothing to do with the mission or the mysterious ANBU. His hand came up to cup her cheek, his touch gentle despite the calluses from years of combat training.
"You've been gone for two weeks," he murmured, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw. "I've missed you."
Pakura's breath caught in her throat. Even after years by his side, these moments of tenderness from him still caught her off guard. "I've missed you as well," she admitted, leaning slightly into his touch.
Naruto's other hand moved to her waist, careful to avoid her injured side as he drew her closer. "How much?" he asked, his voice dropping to a more intimate register.
The heat in his eyes ignited an answering fire within her, not even her Scorch release could burn this hot. Pakura stepped closer, eliminating the remaining space between them. "Allow me to demonstrate," she whispered.
His lips claimed hers in a kiss that started gentle but quickly blazed into something more demanding. Pakura responded eagerly, her arms winding around his neck as she pressed herself against him. Two weeks without his touch had left her starved for this connection, this physical affirmation of her place in his life.
Naruto's hands moved to the small of her back, then lower, gripping her rear and pulling her more firmly against him. She could feel his arousal through their clothing, his hardness pressing against her lower abdomen.
When they finally broke apart for air, both were breathing heavily. "I think," Naruto said, his voice husky with desire, "that this debriefing should continue somewhere more comfortable."
Without waiting for a response, he swept her into his arms, mindful of her injury, and carried her through a door to his private bedroom. Unlike the austere functional design of the rest of the fortress, this room reflected more of Naruto's personality—comfortable yet elegant, with scrolls and books lining one wall and large windows offering a commanding view of the mountains.
He set her down gently beside the large bed, his hands immediately returning to her body, exploring with a familiarity born of years together. "I want to see all of you," he murmured against her neck, placing hot kisses along the sensitive skin there.
Pakura shivered in anticipation as his fingers found the clasps of her combat uniform. With practiced ease, he began removing her clothing piece by piece, his eyes darkening with appreciation as more of her olive skin was revealed.
When she stood before him in only her underwear, Naruto stepped back slightly to admire her. "Beautiful," he said simply, his gaze traveling over her athletic yet feminine form, lingering on her large breasts still confined by her bra. "Even more so than I remembered."
Pakura felt a flush of pleasure at his words. As a kunoichi, she had never considered her appearance particularly important—her body was a weapon, a tool for her missions. But under Naruto's appreciative gaze, she felt truly beautiful, truly desired.
"Your turn," she said, reaching for the hem of his shirt.
Naruto smiled and raised his arms, allowing her to pull the garment over his head. Pakura took a moment to appreciate the lean, muscular torso revealed—broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, defined abdominals showing the results of constant training. A few scars marked his golden skin, each telling a story of battles fought and won. Always Won.
Her fingers traced one particular scar near his heart. "I still think about how close I came to losing you that day," she murmured.
Naruto caught her hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss her palm. "I'm not that easy to kill," he reminded her with a slight smile. "And I had you watching my back."
"Always," she promised, her amber eyes meeting his blue ones with complete sincerity.
Naruto leaned in to kiss her again, his hands moving to the clasp of her bra. With a flick of his fingers, the garment came loose, and he slowly pulled it away, revealing her full breasts to his hungry gaze.
"Perfect," he breathed, his hands coming up to cup the soft mounds. His thumbs brushed over her nipples, drawing a soft gasp from Pakura as the sensitive buds hardened under his touch.
Naruto bent his head to take one nipple into his mouth, sucking gently while his hand continued to caress her other breast. Pakura's head fell back, a moan escaping her lips as pleasure coursed through her body. No matter how many times they came together like this, his touch always affected her like the first time—electric, overwhelming, perfect.
His free hand slid down her abdomen, fingers tracing the defined muscles there before continuing lower. He hooked his fingers in the waistband of her underwear and slowly pulled it down her legs, leaving her completely naked before him.
Pakura stepped out of the garment, unashamed of her nudity. Naruto straightened, his eyes roaming over her body with unconcealed desire. "On the bed," he commanded, and his tone made her wet like a river.
She obeyed without hesitation, moving to sit on the edge of the large bed. Naruto stepped between her legs, bending to kiss her again as his hand moved between her thighs. His fingers found her already wet and ready for him, drawing another moan from her as he began to explore her most intimate place.
"So responsive," he murmured against her lips, one finger circling her entrance teasingly. "I've thought about this—about you—every night you were away."
"Naruto-sama," Pakura gasped as one long finger finally slid inside her, her inner walls clenching around the welcome intrusion.
He added a second finger, establishing a rhythm that had her hips moving involuntarily to meet his hand. His thumb found her clit, circling the sensitive bud with just the right pressure to make her breath catch.
"Tell me what you need," Naruto said, his eyes intense as he watched her face, reading her reactions to ensure her pleasure.
"Just like that," Pakura moaned, her hands gripping the edge of the bed for support. "Don't stop."
Naruto's other hand returned to her breast, kneading the soft flesh before pinching her nipple gently between his fingers. The dual stimulation sent waves of pleasure through Pakura's body, building rapidly toward release.
"That's it," he encouraged, feeling her inner walls beginning to pulse around his fingers. "Let go for me, Pakura. I want to see you come undone."
His words, combined with the skilled movements of his hands, pushed her over the edge. Pakura cried out his name as her orgasm washed over her, her body shuddering with the intensity of her release. Naruto continued his ministrations, drawing out her pleasure until she was gasping and oversensitive.
Only then did he withdraw his fingers, bringing them to his lips to taste her essence. "Delicious," he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers. "I've missed that taste."
Still trembling from her orgasm, Pakura reached for the fastenings of his pants. "Let me please you now," she said, her voice husky with lingering pleasure and renewed desire.
Naruto helped her remove his remaining clothing, revealing his impressive arousal. At nine inches, his cock stood proud from a nest of golden curls, thick and veined, the head already glistening with precum. Pakura licked her lips at the sight, her mouth watering in anticipation.
She slid from the bed to her knees before him, her hands running up his muscular thighs before one wrapped around the base of his shaft. Naruto's breath hitched as she leaned forward, her tongue darting out to lick the sensitive head of his cock.
"I've dreamed of this," she murmured, looking up at him through her lashes. "Of tasting you again."
Without further preamble, she took him into her mouth, her lips stretching around his considerable girth. Naruto groaned, one hand moving to tangle in her green hair as she began to bob her head, taking more of him with each movement.
"Fuck, Pakura," he breathed, watching as his cock disappeared between her beautiful lips. "Your mouth feels amazing."
Encouraged by his words, Pakura took him deeper, relaxing her throat to accommodate his length. Her hands weren't idle—one gently massaged his balls while the other worked what little of his shaft she couldn't fit in her mouth.
Naruto's grip on her hair tightened slightly. "Can I?" he asked, his hips making a small, aborted thrust.
Pakura hummed her assent around his cock, the vibrations making him groan again. With her permission granted, Naruto began to move his hips, fucking her mouth with controlled thrusts. He was careful not to go too deep or too fast, always mindful of her comfort even in the throes of passion.
But Pakura wanted more. She gripped his thighs, encouraging him to take control, to use her mouth for his pleasure. Understanding her silent request, Naruto increased his pace, his cock sliding deeper into her throat with each thrust.
"So good," he groaned, watching her take him completely. "You're incredible."
Pakura moaned around his length, the sound sending vibrations along his shaft that made his thighs tense. She loved this—loved feeling him lose some of that iron control, loved knowing she could bring him pleasure.
His thrusts became more erratic, a sign that he was approaching his limit. "I'm close," he warned, giving her the opportunity to pull away if she wished.
But Pakura only redoubled her efforts, her tongue swirling around his shaft as she took him to the root. Naruto's hand tightened in her hair as his release hit him—hot spurts of cum filling her mouth as he groaned her name.
Pakura swallowed eagerly, savoring the taste that she had missed during her weeks away. His seed was sweet, almost addictive in its flavor. She continued to suck gently, drawing out every drop until Naruto gently pulled her away, his cock finally too sensitive for further stimulation.
"Delicious," she murmured, licking her lips as she looked up at him. "I've missed that taste, Naruto-sama."
He helped her to her feet, pulling her into a deep kiss that demonstrated he didn't mind tasting himself on her lips. "You're incredible," he said when they finally broke apart. "No one takes me like you do."
Pakura felt a surge of pride at his words. "Your cock is perfect," she replied, her hand reaching between them to stroke him again. "So thick, so long. I love having it in my mouth... and elsewhere."
A predatory smile spread across Naruto's face. "Is that so?" he asked, his hands moving to her waist. In one move, he lifted her and set her on the edge of his desk, shoving scrolls and reports aside to make room. "Show me where you want it, Pakura."
She leaned back on her elbows, spreading her legs wide to expose her glistening sex to his view. "Here," she said, one hand moving to spread her lower lips invitingly. "Fill me up, Naruto-sama. It's been too long."
Naruto positioned himself between her spread thighs, the head of his cock rubbing teasingly against her entrance. "It has," he agreed, his eyes locked with hers. "Two weeks without feeling this tight pussy around my cock. Two weeks too long."
With one powerful thrust, he entered her, filling her completely. Pakura cried out, her back arching at the exquisite sensation of being stretched and filled by his impressive length.
"Fuck," Naruto groaned, holding still for a moment to let her adjust. "You're so tight. So perfect around me."
"Move," Pakura urged, her hips already shifting restlessly. "Please, Naruto-sama. I need you to fuck me."
He didn't need to be asked twice. Gripping her hips firmly, Naruto began to thrust, establishing a rhythm that had both of them moaning with pleasure. The desk creaked beneath them, papers scattered to the floor, but neither paid any attention to anything beyond the intense connection of their bodies.
"Yes," Pakura gasped, her hands gripping the edge of the desk for leverage as she met each of his thrusts. "Just like that. Harder!"
Naruto complied, increasing both the speed and force of his movements. "You like that?" he asked, his voice rough with exertion and pleasure. "Like feeling my big cock stretching your tight little pussy?"
"Love it," she moaned, her head falling back as he hit a particularly sensitive spot inside her. "Love your cock. So big, so perfect."
One of Naruto's hands moved from her hip to her breast, squeezing the soft flesh and pinching her nipple. The slight pain mixed with pleasure, drawing another loud moan from Pakura's lips.
"You're so fucking beautiful," Naruto growled, his eyes roaming over her flushed face, her bouncing breasts, the place where their bodies joined. "So perfect taking my cock like this."
Pakura felt herself building toward another orgasm, the coil of tension in her lower abdomen winding tighter with each powerful thrust. "I'm close," she gasped, her inner walls beginning to flutter around his length.
"Me too," Naruto admitted, his rhythm faltering slightly as his own release approached. "Want to feel you come on my cock, Pakura. Want to feel those tight walls milking me dry."
His words pushed her over the edge. Pakura cried out his name as her second orgasm crashed over her, more intense than the first. Her inner muscles clamped down on Naruto's shaft, pulsing rhythmically as waves of pleasure washed through her body.
The feeling of her climax triggered Naruto's own release. With a final deep thrust, he buried himself to the hilt inside her and groaned as his cock pulsed, filling her with his seed. They remained joined for several long moments, both breathing heavily as they came down from their shared high.
Finally, Naruto carefully withdrew, a small amount of his release trickling from Pakura's well-used entrance. The sight seemed to please him, a part of him satisfied by the visible evidence of his claim on her.
"That was..." Pakura began, still trying to catch her breath.
"Just the beginning," Naruto finished for her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He scooped her up again, carrying her to the bed and laying her down gently. "We have the rest of the night, after all."
Pakura smiled up at him, her heart full of the devotion that had defined her existence for the past six years. "Whatever you desire, Naruto-sama."
"What I desire," he said, joining her on the bed and pulling her against his chest, "is to make you feel good. To show you how much I appreciate your loyalty, your skill, your dedication." His hand traced lazy patterns on her olive skin. "Your pleasure is as important to me as my own."
The tenderness in his voice made Pakura's chest tighten with emotion. While many saw only the ruthless revolutionary leader, she knew this side of him as well—the man who cared deeply for those who served him faithfully, who ensured their needs were met in all ways.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Naruto shifted, rolling her onto her stomach. "On your hands and knees," he commanded.
Pakura complied eagerly, positioning herself as directed. She felt the bed dip as Naruto moved behind her, his hands caressing the curve of her rear appreciatively.
"So beautiful," he murmured, one hand sliding up her spine to tangle in her hair. He gently but firmly gripped the green strands, pulling just enough to arch her back further. "Do you like when I take control like this?"
"Yes," Pakura breathed, the slight pressure on her scalp sending shivers of anticipation down her spine. "I trust you completely, Naruto-sama."
His free hand landed a light swat on her rear, just enough to sting pleasantly. "Such perfect submission," he praised, rubbing the slightly reddened spot he'd created. "So different from the fierce commander my enemies fear."
He positioned himself at her entrance again, the head of his renewed erection pressing against her still-sensitive folds. "Only I get to see you like this, don't I, Pakura? Only I get to have you surrender so sweetly."
"Only you," she confirmed, pushing back against him eagerly. "Always only you."
With one smooth thrust, he entered her again, drawing a long moan from her lips. The angle allowed him to penetrate even deeper than before, his cock hitting places inside her that made her see stars.
Naruto established a steady rhythm, not as frantic as their first coupling but no less intense. His hand remained in her hair, maintaining that delicious tension, while his other hand reached around to find her clit.
"Still so wet for me," he observed, his fingers circling the sensitive bud. "So responsive to my touch."
Pakura could only moan in response, words becoming increasingly difficult as pleasure built within her once more. The dual stimulation of his cock filling her and his skilled fingers on her clit had her rapidly approaching another orgasm.
"That's it," Naruto encouraged, feeling her inner walls begin to pulse around him. "Let go, Pakura. Show me how good I make you feel."
His words, combined with a particularly deep thrust, sent her over the edge for the third time that night. Pakura cried out his name as her body shook with the force of her climax, her arms nearly giving out beneath her.
Naruto's hand left her hair to wrap around her waist, supporting her as he continued to move within her, prolonging her pleasure while seeking his own release. With a few final, powerful thrusts, he joined her in ecstasy, his cock pulsing as he filled her with a second load of his seed.
They collapsed onto the bed together, Naruto careful to shift his weight so as not to crush her. For several long moments, they lay in comfortable silence, their bodies still joined.
Finally, Naruto withdrew and rolled onto his side, pulling Pakura against his chest in a tender embrace. His fingers traced lazy patterns on her skin as their breathing gradually returned to normal.
"I've missed this," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Missed you."
Pakura snuggled closer, savoring the rare moment of peaceful intimacy. "As have I, Naruto-sama. Every day away from your side feels wrong."
He chuckled softly, the sound rumbling in his chest beneath her ear. "Even when you're completing vital missions for our cause?"
"Even then," she confirmed without hesitation. "My place is beside you. Always."
Naruto's arms tightened around her slightly, his expression softening in the dim light of the bedroom. "Your loyalty means everything to me, Pakura. Never doubt that."
The sincerity in his voice made her heart swell with emotion. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, a sharp knock sounded at the outer door of Naruto's chambers.
"Wait here," he instructed, his voice returning to its usual commanding tone.
But before he could reach the bedroom door, the outer door opened, and footsteps approached. Pakura sat up, pulling the sheet around her naked form as the bedroom door swung open to reveal a tall, curvaceous woman with long auburn hair.
Fuuka, another of Naruto's devoted lieutenants, stood in the doorway, her eyes widening slightly at the scene before her. Her gaze traveled from Naruto's half-dressed form to Pakura in the bed, understanding dawning immediately.
"I apologize for the interruption, Naruto-sama," she said, recovering quickly, though her eyes lingered appreciatively on his bare chest. "But we've received urgent intelligence that couldn't wait until morning."
Naruto nodded, his expression shifting back to that of the revolutionary leader. "What is it?"
Fuuka handed him a sealed scroll. "Coordinates for the Akatsuki's new base. Our source claims they're preparing to move against the Three-Tails within the week."
As Naruto broke the seal and scanned the contents, Fuuka's gaze drifted to Pakura again, a small, knowing smile playing at her full lips. Unlike many of Naruto's followers who might have shown jealousy, Fuuka's expression held only interest and perhaps a hint of desire.
"This changes our plan a little," Naruto said, looking up from the scroll. "We'll need to accelerate our plans for the southern region."
Fuuka nodded, her attention returning to him. "I've already begun preparations. The teams can be ready to move by tomorrow night."
"Good." Naruto's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Join us for the strategy session at dawn. We'll need to coordinate with Pakura's intelligence from Suna as well."
Fuuka's smile widened slightly at the word "join," her gaze moving between Naruto and Pakura with unmistakable intent. "Of course, Naruto-sama. Dawn it is." She paused, one hand on the doorframe. "Unless you'd prefer I assist with... debriefing... Pakura further tonight?"
"You are welcome to join us, Fuuka." Pakura said without hesitation.
Anko - Konoha
The hospital room was stark white, the kind of clinical sterility that made Anko's skin crawl. Over two months since she'd awakened from the compound-induced coma, and she still hadn't fully regained her strength.
She sat on the edge of the bed, refusing the wheelchair they kept offering. Her pride wouldn't allow it, even if her legs still trembled after walking more than a few minutes. She was in the middle of attempting to pull on her coat when a soft knock interrupted her.
"Enter," she called, wincing at the lingering hoarseness in her voice.
The door slid open to reveal Kakashi. Even with the mask covering half his face, Anko could tell something was different.
"You're not supposed to be getting dressed," he said mildly, glancing at the coat draped across her lap. "Doctor Isabella will have my head if she catches you trying to escape again."
Anko rolled her eyes. "I'm going crazy in here, Kakashi. The walls are starting to talk back."
Instead of his usual dismissive shrug or teasing comment, Kakashi closed the door behind him and moved further into the room. The nature of his movements put Anko instantly on alert.
"What is it?" she asked, setting aside her escape plans. "Did something happen?"
Kakashi leaned against the wall opposite her bed, hands in his pockets in a carefully casual pose that didn't fool her for a second.
"Jiraiya has returned," he said simply.
"And?" she prompted when he didn't continue.
"He encountered Naruto." Kakashi watched her carefully as he spoke, gauging her reaction. "There was a confrontation. Jiraiya is... injured, but stable."
Anko's fingers gripped the edge of the mattress, knuckles turning white. "What about Naruto? Did he...?"
"He's alive," Kakashi confirmed. "Jiraiya says he's grown even stronger. The Rinnegan abilities have fully matured, and his control over the Nine-Tails is complete."
A complex mixture of relief and dread washed through Anko. She had known, intellectually, that Naruto was still out there. That the boy she had trained, laughed with, and eventually loved had become the most wanted revolutionary in the shinobi world. But hearing confirmation that he was alive, that he had fought and defeated even Jiraiya...
"What else?" she asked, knowing there had to be more.
"Jiraiya learned something about Naruto's plans." Kakashi straightened from the wall. "The Temporary Hokage is calling a special council meeting. All available jonin are required to attend."
"I'm still technically on medical leave and not a Jonin," Anko pointed out.
"Technically," Kakashi agreed. "But considering your... history with Naruto, your perspective might be valuable."
Anko looked away, staring out the window at the partially rebuilt village. History. Such a clinical word for what they had shared. For the nights spent training together, the laughter over dango, the quiet moments in her apartment when he would trace the place where her curse mark had been and tell her she was beautiful. For the betrayal that still cut deeper than any kunai.
"Has he said anything about why?" The question escaped before she could stop it, her voice smaller than she would have liked. "About why he did it?"
Kakashi's expression softened slightly. "According to Jiraiya, Naruto told him the current system is fundamentally broken. That he's not destroying the village system out of hatred, but because it needs to be completely rebuilt."
"That doesn't make sense," Anko argued, though a part of her wondered if it did. "He was going to be Hokage someday, that's what he told me. Everyone knew it. He could have changed things from within."
"Perhaps he decided that wasn't possible." Kakashi shrugged. "Or perhaps there's more to it than we understand. That's why we need to hear what Jiraiya has to say."
Anko nodded slowly, reaching again for her coat. This time, Kakashi didn't comment on her intention to leave the hospital room.
"I want to hear it," she said, struggling to keep her voice steady as she stood. "All of it."
"The council won't be sympathetic," Kakashi warned. "Most of them are calling for his execution."
A chill ran through Anko at his words.
"Is there any chance they'll keep him alive?" she asked, hating how desperate the question sounded. "If we capture him, I mean."
Kakashi was quiet for a long moment, considering his answer carefully.
"The shinobi world has seen redemption before," he finally said. "Naruto can still atone for what he's done. The Temporary Hokage believes that, at least."
But his tone lacked conviction, and Anko knew him well enough to recognize when he was trying to soften a blow.
"You don't really believe that," she said, pulling on her coat despite her trembling hands. "Neither do I."
She moved toward the door, each step requiring more effort than she wanted to admit. Kakashi fell into step beside her, ready to catch her if her strength failed.
"But I still need to know why he did it," she continued as they stepped into the hallway. "I need to understand what could make Naruto Uzumaki betray everything—and everyone—he once loved."
As she followed Kakashi through the hospital corridors, Anko couldn't shake the feeling that whatever answers awaited her at the council meeting would only lead to more questions. And deeper pain.
Because no explanation could erase the memory of Naruto's eyes when he held her close, his words, his touch, he had made her feel special.
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