Tanna, "I am back. Oooof!!"
Naruto hugged her tight, "Nee - chan!!!!!"
Tanna's eyes widened at the voice and the familiar smell of mint, "Ruru? Is that you?"
Naruto let go looking down at her, "Yup, I am back, nee - chan."
Tanna beamed at him from where she was squished, "Goodness me! Ruru, look at you. You have grown taller than me. I think you are taller than Anko too and she is taller than me."
Anko snorted from the kitchen, "He is taller than both of us. Brat had a growth spurt just like Uchiha here."
Sasuke, "Hn! Welcome back, nee - sama. We are making tomato and egg curry to go with the rice for dinner."
Anko gave him a look, "She gets a nee - sama, while I get Sempai. Really Sasuke - kun, really?"
Sasuke huffed, "I see no ring yet."
Anko, "You little! Just watch, I will get her the best ring in the whole of fire country, you damn brat!"
Naruto snickered, "They have been like that since I got here. Is there a rivalry that I missed?"
Tanna, "Sasuke - kun has had this rivalry with Anko - chan after he learned she was the Mistress of not just Poison but also Stealth. He wants to be the best at Stealth as he is planning to become Head ANBU."
Naruto, "Oh! That makes sense. I bet Anko - nee took that as a challenge too."
Anko, "Hah! This brat ain't a challenge for me."
Sasuke, "Wanna bet! You are just scared I am already completing the same amount of missions you did successfully at my age."
Anko, "Hah! You talk as if we can pick the missions we want."
Kakashi appeared, "Things sure are lively here."
Naruto, "Sensei! Here for dinner?"
Kakashi, "My outoto just came home. I am not missing out on dinner with him."
Naruto beamed, "Aww ~ Thanks a lot, Kashi - nii! You are the best."
Kakashi, "I brought dango for dessert."
Tanna, "I will put them in the fridge while we wait for dinner then. Would you like some tea in the mean time?"
Kakashi, "Do you have mint?"
Naruto opened a container which released a pleasant smell, "While we were travelling through Kingdom of Snow, I did pick up a few containers of pine mint tea. Want to give it a try? It is great during the summer evenings like this one."
Tanna sniffed the container with a pleased look, "Pine top tea, it has been a while since I had some."
Anko entered the room, "I think the last time was three months ago. When we brought those tea containers from the trade merchant coming from Snow during spring season."
Tanna got up kissing her cheek, "Maybe... I really enjoy this tea so it feels like a long time since I had it. I will wash up and set the tea. Please just relax."
Naruto, "Nah! You wash up slowly, nee - chan. I will make the tea. I have gotten really good at this."
Tanna, "Oh my! Is Konoha going to have Naruto the tea Master as well next? How lucky!"
Naruto huffed, "Still teasing me, nee - chan. Go wash! Go! Go! Go!"
Tanna laughed as she left to wash up after a long day. It was nice to see Naruto again and more than that to see him healthy and strong. She had met up with Sasuke and Itachi twice a month during their dinner nights with Mikoto though they could not both be there all the time. It certainly helped Anko out as well as she got along well with the clan ladies much better than she had originally hoped. Who knew they enjoyed gossip so much and sharing different tales from their different missions while comparing the trends from past to the present. Tanna enjoyed those stories as well as it gave a lot of content for her own book Orville, which was the prequel to Star Trek. She was planning on introducing Cowboy Bebop as well after listening to the many bounty stories they had shared or rather allowed to share with her. But she had not told anyone that yet as she had not even started to the series till now.
Kakashi, "Dinner was delicious as always. See you tomorrow, outoto."
Naruto waved him farewell, "Was it just me or was he in a rush?"
Tanna, "Well, it is not just you. Kakashi has now gotten together with Iruka. I bet he can't wait to gossip with the man."
Naruto, "Wait... They are serious serious? I thought he was joking."
Sasuke, "Hn! That's what I said."
Anko, "Hard to believe, huh? Sweet, kind and patient Iruka being courted by the laziest, infuriating porn reading Shinobi in the village."
Naruto nodded, "Yeah, I thought Iruka Sensei would prefer someone more classy like Nara Kosuke Sempai or someone cute like Akimichi Keiko Sensei. Well, maybe it is not a bad thing. Nii - san looks happy after all."
Tanna smiled, "As long as they are both happy. It is fine by me."
Sasuke, "Naruto - kun, nee - sama, Anko - Sempai. I am heading home now. I will see you tomorrow."
Naruto, "Of course, Sasuke - kun. I noticed you just returned from a mission today yourself."
Sasuke gave a smile, "You could tell?"
Naruto, "The eye bags were a big give away actually."
Anko laughed, "Told you and call me nee - chan, brat."
Sasuke kissed Naruto goodnight and left shooting back, "I see no ring yet."
Tanna turned pink, "Ring?"
Anko turned pink now, "Yeah, I am getting one commissioned. I designed it after a lot of back and forth with the jeweler and advice from my fellow shinobi getting married."
Tanna turned completely red, "Okay! Do not give me details. Surprise me! I have a feeling I will absolutely adore it."
Naruto, "I bet you already have a ring ready, don't you, nee - chan?"
Tanna, "Hmm... Ah yes, though I have to wait for it to be complete."
Anko, "When did you?"
Tanna, "When you were doing your missions, I placed an order along with your finger size and design."
Anko grinned, "I can't wait."
Tanna, "Ruru, you should get some sleep now. You have to wake up early tomorrow to meet up with your teammates, right?"
Naruto, "Yup, I may not be a Jounin but I sure as hell am getting my Tokubetsu Jounin title, especially with my specialty in disguises."
Tanna, "You will have to tell me about it tomorrow after you are done then. I bet you have a lot of stories to share."
Naruto grinned as he turned in for the night, "See you tomorrow, nee - chans."
Anko and Tanna wished him good night and turned in to rest as well. The next day Naruto woke up to the familiar smell of his nee - chan's cooking wafting through the slit below his door. He could smell, omelets, toast, tea, coffee, rice and curry, most likely for lunch being prepared. Naruto heard the fox rumble inside his mind and got the impression he was turning around to sleep more. The blond shook his head as he stretched himself before getting up, he had become used to the giant fox's presence over the years. He showered quickly then went to the kitchen after drying up, to see Tanna by the stove making curry while freshly made omelets were served with toasts accompanying them. Naruto grinned as he grabbed some tea and started to chow down on the familiar breakfast. Anko walked in fully geared in her Jounin uniform grabbing the breakfast and scarfing it down before kissing Tanna and rushing out door while patting Naruto's head.
Naruto, "She took the coffee mug with her."
Tanna, "As long as she returns it in one piece I am not complaining."
Naruto, "I will get going too, nee - chan."
Tanna heard the bell ring, "Looks like Sasuke is here to pick you up. Here are lunches for you, your team and Sensei. I have a feeling this test will take a few hours."
Naruto, "Right! Coming Sasuke!"
Sasuke, "Tenten - chan and Sakura - chan will meet us at the bridge with Shinji - kun, who is also testing for Tokubetsu Jounin."
Naruto paused, "Wait! They are joining us for the test, too? I was expecting only two at most three of us, since you are Jounin and I am about to get my Tokubetsu Jounin title."
Sasuke smirked, "Things have changed for the special division. Also, I am a tester."
Naruto, "You are testing us? Oh! Oh, sweet Kami!"
Sasuke leaned in getting close, "With Tenten, yes we are. Better not let me or rather us down and show us what you have learned, my dear Ruru. I certainly will not be going easy on you."
Naruto's breath hitched, "Sasuke.. "
Sasuke, "Yes?"
Naruto's ears were warm, "I... We are about to have a test."
Sasuke cooed, "Yes, yes, we are."
Naruto looked away groaning, "Sasuke - kun, you have become a tease."
Sasuke chuckled, "Alright, I will stop. We are here."
Sakura, "You are here."
Shinji nodded, "Naruto - kun welcome back."
Tenten, "Dang Naruto - kun, you grew taller than Sakura - chan and I. We used to be the same height."
Sakura, "Right? Sensei is not here yet."
Kakashi, "Now that hurts my feelings, Sakura - chan ~"
Sakura, "Kyaaaaa!"
Naruto, "Eeek!"
Tenten, "Holy shuriken!"
Sasuke, "Hnn.. "
Shinji, "Fuck!"
Kakashi, "Oh my! You got shocked by that? Are you really ready for today's test?"
Sasuke, "Of course, we are. Tch!"
Shinji, "Kuroda - nii is focusing on becoming a Jounin. I want to be a Tokubetsu Jounin."
Sakura, "And I have to prove myself worthy of becoming Tsunade - sama's Head Apprentice not just a Junior Apprentice. I promised Kuroda - kun I will get that position."
Naruto, "We are ready."
Tenten chuckled, "Well then Kakashi - Sempai, Sasuke - kun, shall we test them?"
Kakashi, "The test is simple. This is your target."
Naruto, "That's a sparrow."
Sakura frowned, "Which looks sick, Sensei!"
Kakashi, "Yes, it will be up to you to use everything in your disposal to get the sparrow from me and then heal the little one. Ready? Start!"
Naruto, "Sensei, you troll!"
Sakura, "Naruto, Shinji with me. We are getting that sparrow."
Shinji, "Got a plan?"
Sakura, "Shinji, handle Sasuke - kun. Naruto make clones for me. While you deal with Tenten your clones and I will get that sparrow."
Naruto, "You got it. Good luck Sakura - chan. Make a path for her guys. Medic coming through."
Poof! Poof! Poof!
Clones, "Follow us Sakura - chan."
Naruto "In the mean time, let's dance Sempai."
Tenten, "With pleasure Kouhai."
Shinji, "I am not letting you win Sasuke - kun."
Sasuke, "So stubborn. Well, after I beat you I will defeat Naruto."
Shinji pointed his katana at him, "I will stop you, cousin dearest."
Sasuke smirked and made a come at me motion making Shinji swing his sword at Sasuke only for it to be parried by Sasuke's own. The two Uchihas clashed with each other while Naruto was fighting Tenten who had become more versatile in her use of multiple weapons. From time to time Naruto hid by transforming into one of the vegetation to catch her off guard. Sakura was using the clones to her advantage to get closer to their target though Kakashi kept her busy on her toes by moving around the clones and throwing his own special moves at her. Sakura, Naruto and Shinji stood back to back eyeing their opponent and then nodded changing targets with Naruto going after Kakashi instead. Sakura went to fight Sasuke and Shinji started a spar with Tenten, it had been a while since they fought together but they trusted each other to have their backs.
Anko meanwhile was looking through a file, "Are we sure about this?"
Ino, "The information has been checked multiple times. It is sadly true, Miss Anko."
Anko ran her hand through her hair, "This is really bad. Who would... Of course, it is Orochimaru's little cohorts."
Ino, "Anko - Sempai, we should be careful with this information, considering who is involved."
Anko, "Damn right! We should. I will go warn Tsunade - sama. She is gonna hate this a lot."
Ino, "Understatement of the year. Someone has to tell Temari - hime as well."
Anko, "I will do it. I believe she is in a meeting with the Hokage."
Ino, "Alright! I need to cloak out. I have been here since early morning."
Anko, "It is late now. See you tomorrow, Ino - chan."
Ino, "See you around, Sempai."
Anko looked at the dark sky and sighed, 'I really want to go home to Tanna - chan and little Ruru. Well, Ruru is not so little anymore.'
Ibiki, "Anko? You are still here?"
Anko, "Ibiki, boss, I was just heading to the Hokage tower. A few things came up that will require her discretion."
Ibiki, "I see! The papers.. "
Anko, "A copy is on your desk. I have a feeling this will make Konoha increase her security too for the next few months."
Ibiki nodded, "Very well, good night Anko. See you tomorrow."
Anko, "Later boss!"
Anko's smile faded as she trudged towards the office, 'I better buckle up too.'
Mikoto, "Are you not returning home yet?
Tanna looked outside, "It sure is late. But I have not finished this batch yet. I will after it is done."
Iruka, "Mikoto - Sensei, you are here. Tanna - Sensei too, well that is fine."
Tanna, "Is something wrong Iruka - Sensei?"
Iruka, "Well, have you seen the list of students?"
Tanna, "Not yet, which list is this?"
Iruka, "The drop out one. Have you seen the numbers? It is less than last year."
Tanna perked up, "Then we are doing something right."
Mikoto, "As long as they understand what they are learning and why, that is good."
Iruka, "I am more surprised you are here. Shouldn't you be heading home? I heard Naruto - kun was back."
Tanna, "Anko - chan is having a full day and night shift. Naruto - kun and his team are currently having a test for their new titles."
Mikoto hummed, "Ooh! I recall Sakura - chan was testing today to become Hokage - sama's apprentice today. Shinji - kun to become Tokubetsu Jounin. What is Naruto testing for? A Jounin?"
Tanna, "Naruto is testing for Tokubetsu Jounin as well. He wants a Jounin promotion based on his experience not a test. I think he knows... "
Iruka drawled, "That certain elders are against him having a position of power?"
Tanna nodded, "Hard not to notice the look of disapproval on our dear Elder's eyes and behaviour. Danzo certainly looked like he swallowed a lemon when Naruto's Chunin status was announced."
Mikoto mumbled, "Him and a few others."
Tanna, "Are the elders still protesting Sasuke and Naruto's marriage?"
Mikoto scowled then smiled assuringly, "Do not worry Tanna - chan. Those old coots are already one foot in the grave. They will not be the ones leading the charge in the future. Humph!"
Tanna, 'Ara ~ This makes the massacre seem almost like a necessity. Yikes! What a glare.... '
Tanna, "Maybe remind them who's children are getting married. They should worry about their own kids."
Iruka had a thinking pose, "I believe the seniors who passed before Naruto's batch consists of their own grandchildren. They are old enough for marriage, are they not?"
Mikoto chuckled humorlessly, "I know what you mean, Tanna - chan, Iruka - kun. Sadly, it is hard to change an old goat's mind once it is made up."
Tanna looked at her desk, "Ah! I have finished the work."
Iruka, "I think I will go finish mine too. Just a few papers left."
Mikoto, "I still have a couple bundles. I will see you tomorrow, Tanna - chan."
Iruka, "Me too! Take care."
Tanna got up, "Indeed, see you both tomorrow."
Mikoto waved her as she left, "Are you going to keep hiding, Matsui - chan?"
Matsui, "Mikoto - dono."
Mikoto, "Your stealth requires more work, dear. I do not appreciate you following Tanna - chan around either."
Matsui, "It was either me or my eldest sister, Mikoto - dono. I prefer it was me as my onee - sama does not respect Tanna - Sensei."
Mikoto murmured, "Ara ~ How troublesome, as Yoshino - Sensei says."
Matsui, "I know you do not approve but I rather watch over Sensei to protect her than trust someone who would not care if she was hurt."
Mikoto sighed, "Fine! I will let this slide for now. However understand this, if my dear friend ends up dead, on your head so be it."
Matsui, "Of course, Mikoto - dono. I understand and accept."
Mikoto pursed her lips, still unhapppy. Looks like her last warning to the Elders was taken lightly. She will have to step up my training and control. It was not like she had to worry about any children anyway. Both her boys were fine young men now. Both of them were Jounin which was complete adulthood compared to Genin. She had nothing to worry about except for Itachi being stubbornly single till now. That stubborn boy now a man avoided every match making attempt prefering to stick close to Kakashi and Iruka instead. It made her wonder sometimes if her son had a thing for older men or if he was using them as a convenient excuse to avoid her. She would not put it past Itachi to use them to avoid being match made. He always hated becoming a couple before and avoided his ex - fiance who the clan had decided on after he was born.
Tanna reached the building she was staying in, "Ruru? Goodness! What happened to you?"
Naruto looked up, "Nee - chan! Well, long story short, Kakashi - Sensei was openly sadistic today. I did however impress them with my disguises and now I am tokubetsu Jounin."
Tanna, "You know what? It will be you and me tonight. So, get a shower while I prepare a quick dinner for us. How does sausage fried rice with boiled eggs sound?"
Naruto, "Make it runny and I am happy."
Tanna nodded and got to work after freshening up and looking at the ingredients inside the fridge. There were six eggs, one carrot, broccoli, peas and a bundle of green onions left. She would have to go grocery shopping again, but that was a headache for the next day. For now, she took all the ingredients with the rice cooked in the morning to start cooking their dinner. Naruto came out after the eggs were taken off the heat and she started frying the vegetables and sausage. The blond started to tell her about the test and how Sasuke was now an invigilator testing other shinobi. He had a feeling the Uchiha might end up with his own team to lead in the future. Tanna nodded, it was not surprising as Sasuke sometimes helped out the clan ladies with the kids. One thing that Tanna was sure of was Sasuke would not be hurting Naruto like he did in the manga and anime. However someone else more cruel might take that place and she was not sure how to go about handling that.
Naruto, "Sakura - chan was so cool with her healing. She healed the little fella in record time while the rest of us kept the others busy."
Tanna, "So, she is a full time apprentice now?"
Naruto nodded looking proud, "Yes, she is! Tsunade - Obachan has acknowledged her as the official apprentice. I wish her all the best. Obachan always gets involved with the heavy traffic times."
Tanna, "I am sure she can handle it. This is Sakura we are talking about."
Naruto nodded, "Oooh! Shinji -kun is a Tokubetsu Jounin now. Kashi - nii mentioned the two of us round up tokubetsu Jounins to twenty in total."
Tanna, "Ruru."
Naruto, "Yeah?"
Tanna, "I am happy you are back. I have missed you."
Naruto grinned, as he peeled the eggs, "Me too, nee - chan, me too."