The Encounter

Naruto woke up the next day, with sudden feelings all over the place. After he came home from Team 8 retrieval mission, somehow seeing Kurenai again, made him feel occasional chest pains that were driving him insane. When he realized that Kurenai was captured by Kumo shinobis, he could feel anger, not kyuubi anger, since he didn't want to rely on the fox anymore, but killing intent anger, he wanted to save her more than anything. If this happened before he became Anbu, he would charge against the Kumo shonobis, head on without thinking twice, probably causing his and her death in the process.

Naruto realized that in the past, his actions couldn't be more wrong. He cursed himself for not thinking about changing before. If he changed, no one would have to suffer to protect him like the way people did before. Naruto got out of the bed and went to the kitchen to grab some breakfast, waking up Ace, who was sleeping on the couch. The wolf saw Naruto's face and eyes, and managed to see everything that he needed to know. Naruto was sad, angry and disappointed at himself and Ace, just by looking at him, could read him like an open book. In fact, over time, Ace became the only one who understood Naruto, since ever. Sure there was Iruka, Kakashi, Kurenai, Sandaime, Tsunade, Jiraya and some of the Rookie 9, but Ace was the one Naruto could count to share some feelings and both of them knew that.

"What's the matter, kid? I can see in your eyes, is there something wrong?"

"I'm disgusted at myself for not realizing before that I was weak and didn't do anything about it. Now it's already late, if I'd realized two years ago, when I graduated at the academy, I would be much stronger and people wouldn't have to underestimate me or downsize me. If I showed everyone that I didn't have to resort to his power all the time, than they would drop this hatred."

"Not everyone can fight the demon's will, kid, I already told you that. Back when you were at the academy, you didn't have the experience you have now, thanks to your time at Anbu Special Forces and our battles together. But you've got to realize that your past is far gone now and there is only the present and the future. No one can live based on past events, you have to live according to the present and the future."

"I know that, but if I were stronger before, then…"

"For the love of god, kid, stop winning about the past, cause no good can come of this. I'm sorry I have to say this, but your past has to be forgotten so that the present and the future can appear, if you let past obscure your judgment, you'll never grow up and may well end up dead in battle." - Ace understood Naruto, but he had to improve his self steam a little bit. "Kid, you're one of Konoha's elite Anbu, you should be proud of what you accomplished right now."

"Your're right, Ace, sorry for that, I guess that I let my emotions get in the way again."

"Kid, your emotions are what keep you alive in the first place, without instinct; you're no different than any cold-hearted murderers, who are just in for the kill. It came the time for you to do something that let you cope with your stressful missions. But I believe that you already got one, don't you. You have heart to protect this village, so that's not a problem. There is another issue in your mind, isn't it?"

"How can you tell?"

"When I looked in your eyes, I felt three different kinds of emotions, Sad, Disappointment and Anger. And I pretty much remember how your eyes were shining yellow yesterday of anger towards the kidnappers of Team 8" – Said Ace, much to the surprise of Naruto, which by this time, knew that he couldn't hide anything from his friend and partner in battle.

"I can't hide anything from you, now can I?"

"No, you cannot, now how is it, is it that Cat masked Anbu? Or is the Genjutsu specialist jounin?"

"The jounin, her name is Kurenai".

"By the look in your eyes, I can tell that you have feelings for her".

"Yeah, pretty much. I'm think I may be in love with her. During my training trip with Jiraya-sensei, I came to encounter her, being cornered by two Iwa Anbus, so I rescued her, killing them. When we exchanged looks, it was like time stopped and I could see those blood red ruby eyes looking at mine. After that, it was safe to say that I had the best week of my life with her, but she had to return to Konoha to report for her failed mission and disappeared. When I returned home, I went to look for her only to know that she was with another man." – Explained Naruto, while Ace was paying attention.

"She broke your heart, didn't she?"

"A lot actually"

"I've had a glimpse about her, as well, kid, and I can tell people's emotions just by looking through people's eyes. I can say that she is feeling just like you're feeling right now. If you're telling me that both of you exchanged looks and then connected, I can tell you this, she feels the same about you."

"I just hope you're right, Ace, now we've got to go to Anbu headquarters, if you want, breakfast is on the table, I'll be taking a shower and put my Anbu gear."

"Thanks, I was kind of hungry" – Said Ace as he lied down on the couch once again. After some time, Naruto appeared on the living room with his Anbu uniform with his black mask on this hand, looking at Ace. When he put that mask, he is no longer Naruto, he is Black Wolf and he knew that.

Once he put on the mask, he became focused on the task at hand. They exchanged looks with each other and then went out of the apartment. Both of them went jumping rooftops so fast that the naked eye could only see to black blurs and then it was gone. While they were jumping, they passed one red-eyed kunoichi's apartment and surprisingly enough, she was looking at the window when Black Wolf and Ace were passing by and she saw them passing in less than a second, but that was enough for Black Wolf and Kurenai to look at each other.

-At Kurenai's apartment-

She still had some time until she had to meet Team 8, so she just stood near her window, looking at Konoha getting ready for the day, since shops were starting to open and the people were starting to gather through the streets. She was, then, looking at the sky, wondering how her beloved was doing; she was wondering what to tell him when they would meet at the West Gate at midnight. She was confident that they could be together again and her heart would finally beat the normal way, she couldn't take that anymore, every day it pounded harder and just couldn't stop. Today would be the day that she would confess her love to him.

Suddenly, she felted two very strong signatures coming close to her and she tensed a little bit. When the two blurs appeared in front of her, she was shocked, it was him and a big black wolf, it was Black Wolf Anbu, AKA Uzumaki Naruto and somehow she saw his blue cerulean eyes for one second, time enough to show her that Black Wolf was in fact Naruto and she was extremely happy. She would get him back to her again and no one would stop that.

-Team 8's training ground-

Kurenai was the first one to arrive, since she got up earlier. A few minutes later, Hinata and Kiba arrived, then Shino arrived just moments later.

"Good morning, Team, how are you doing" – Greeted Kurenai, seeing their faces.

"What happened to you, guys, what everyone is sad about?"

"It's about our last mission Kurenai-sensei, we were captured by Kumo shinobis and we had to resort for outside help." Kiba said, speaking from his team, while earning nods from the other two.

"I see. There was your first failure, isn't it? Yeah, that was hard for me too. But what you've got do is train harder so that this won't happen again."

"Hai, Kurenai-sensei. But something about that Black Masked Anbu really intrigues me, right Akamaru?" – Everyone looked at Kiba, seeing that he was the only one still clueless of the fact that the Black Masked Anbu was in fact Naruto.

"What about him, Kiba?" – Asked Kurenai, trying not to tell the truth about the black masked Anbu to Kiba, since the other two did already know about it.

"Well, I felt like I already knew him, somewhat, but the genjutsu he used, it vanished any of my expectations in order to recognize him. I don't know any genjutsu user other than yourself Kurenai-sensei."

"Kiba, Anbus are considered Konoha's best shinobis, it's no wonder they are as strong as you've noticed. But I can guarantee Kiba that you know him better than you think you do, in fact I think that everyone in here knows who he is, but since he wears a mask, it's for a reason and you should tell no one about this, got it?" - After a nod from their team, they separated from each other for a light spar, Kurenai and Hinata, Shino and Kiba.

"So, Kurenai-sensei, do you finally manage to see the Black Masked Anbu?"

"I did. I could see his eyes as he was flying by next to my apartment, but there was another creature with him, something like a wolf, it was quite strange?"

"Did you think he got the wolf contract, he could be his summon."

"Maybe, but I've never seen a summon walk close to the summoner, all the time. I believe that the wolf is like Akamaru is to Kiba."

"There is a possibility, Kurenai-sensei, but maybe he is both a summon and his partner?"

"A summon and a partner? Could it be? I don't Know Hinata."

After about three hours of training, Team 8 said their goodbyes to each other, since they didn't have any missions today, much to Kurenai's happiness, cause she would be furious if the one time she was to meet Naruto, Tsunade would send them on a mission. Kurenai was walking through the crowded streets of Konoha, minding her own business, thinking about her encounter/date with the blonde Anbu elite, when a message was delivered to her by the Hokage's personal hawk. 'Tsunade-sama, if you put me on a mission, you'll regret'.

-At Tsunade's office-

When Kurenai entered Tsunade's office, she was already expecting to be sent on a mission, cursing her luck. She entered and saw not only Tsunade, but Jiraya as well, looking at her with a small grin on their faces, 'what are those two planning?'.

"Kurenai, please take a seat?"

"Hai, Hokage-sama, Jiraya-sama, what can I be of service?"

"Actually, it's about your encounter with Black Wolf tonight while he is doing border patrol near the west bridge. You were able to see how he reacted when you thanked him for saving all of you, right? So, you know as I know that he's no longer the same Naruto everyone used to know. It seemed that he joined Anbu with two purposes, and I believe that he will share them with you, since what I know it's only a lucky guess. After all this time, I don't know anyone that can be so unpredictable like him. When I met him the first day, I couldn't stand his bouncing all the time. After some time, I became used to him, and his referring me as Baa-chan. When he returned and called me Tsunade-sama, my heart froze instantly, suddenly the Naruto standing in front of me, wasn't the real him and I even believe he was brainwashed. During his time in Anbu, he grew a lot stronger, faster, fearless and…EMOTIONLESS. It was not because of the mask, everyone could see Anbu's eyes, but when he showed his eyes to me, it was the first time I sensed fear, just by looking at someone. I figured that I was surprised because of his sudden change of feelings. The reason why I'm telling you this is because you'll be meeting him and given the fact that what you've done to him, I'm worried about…" – Tsunade was cut short by Kurenai.

"I know what I did to him, Tsunade-sama. I know very much. Every time I think of him or when I see him or even when I hear his voice, my heart stops and every time I have a feeling of extreme regret of what I've done to him. Tsunade-sama, Jiraya-sama, I know how you like him, as well, I think that you guys see him as a son figure and he too cares deeply for both of you, I know that because he told me when we were together at the forest. I don't know why he doesn't call you like you're used to, maybe if he did, he would give away his identity to anyone, I don't know."

"Kurenai, you have to realize that Naruto fights an everyday battle with Kyuubi, he just can't give in to his emotions, just like anyone". – Said Jiraya.

"With all due respect to both of you, but Naruto isn't a kid anymore, he has killed already, killed without the Kyuubi's influence, he cared for everyone in this village, even though no one carried for him. He has become a part of Anbu's elite, a fate that many shinobi here, with much less burden than Naruto and still couldn't be able to do what he did. Do not underestimate him or treat him like some sort of child who doesn't know what he's doing, because if that was true, than Kyuubi would've destroyed us all years ago. Naruto controls it, Naruto shows it who's in charge. And on top of that, he managed to melt my heart by only looking directly through my eyes, something that I once thought that no man could ever do." – Said Kurenai, bursting with tears and extremely proud of defending Naruto like she did.

Tsunade and Jiraya were flabbergasted by Kurenai's outburst; sure they knew that she and Naruto had a relationship, but until now, Kurenai didn't proved that she was in love with him. They have the same thought in their minds, as to why he became what he did and they manage to realize that their adopted son was already a man, a shinobi of the Leaf, deadly to his enemies and caring to the ones 'precious people' to him. The reasons why Naruto became Anbu was to get stronger and protect everyone from Akatsuki, since they would come after him, with his 'disappearance', nobody would have to protect him, because of his burden.

"Kurenai, on behalf of the sannin's name and Godaime, we humbly apologize for what we said. You're right, we underestimated him in a way, we didn't expect him to get this far, and up to now we wasn't entirely sure about your feelings for him. Now that you showed us just exactly how you feel about him, I can say that you guys will have a great future together. Now I know of the reason why he became Anbu, and I believe that you know as well, right?"

"To protect everyone from the burden he carries, so he doesn't have to worry about other ones protecting him from the Akatsuki." – Said Kurenai, with tears still falling, while earning nods from Jiraya and Tsunade.

"Right. Kakashi was right after all. This is the real Naruto. The one we used to know, was actually wearing a cheerful mask all the time, hiding his true self. Naruto with the Black Mask, vowed to carry alone his burden and he would prefer to kill himself if that what it would take to protect his precious people. We don't have to worry about his condition, because he is already all grown up and is a real Ninja of the Leaf, no less, no more."

Kurenai was relieved to say the least, she didn't know why she outburst like that in front of not only two sannins, but also the godaime hokage, but she didn't regret what she said, since those words were true. Sure she was a professional, sure she was respectful, but somehow she felt like she had to back Naruto up from these two and she felt extremely proud of what her love had accomplished just out of his confidence and inner strength and to think that he was willing to carry the Kyuubi's burden all by himself, it amazed her even more, now that she thought about it. Kyuubi was responsible for the worst attack in Konoha since its foundation and Naruto is the one to control the beast with his own body. He would prefer to kill himself than to let anyone suffer because of what he was chosen to restrain.

"Tsunade-sama, it's getting late, is there anything else you need me for?"

"No, Kurenai, you're dismissed. Sorry for what we sad, we didn't put into consideration about how much you wanted to be with him, and that just proves that he has the heart of a warrior and that his legend would continue. I'm looking forward to seeing what you two would accomplish together."

"Hai, Hokage-sama, I know we will".

-At Anbu's headquarters-

It was already 9 pm and those who didn't have families to go to, would stay in case there was an emergency call for the Hokage. In the training ground, you could see Black Wolf fighting against Hawk. These two were the ultimate Anbu's duo and they have accomplished a lot of missions together. B/A/S ranked mission, you name it. Each one protecting the other. And their combined attacks, prove to be unstoppable, since Black Wolf's wind part affinity would enhance Hawk's fire jutsus, to an extent that they could wipe out an army with just two jutsus: katon gouyakyuu no jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball) and Black Wolf's fuuton Daitoppa.

Now, they were only focusing on taijutsu contest, both of them were panting a little bit, because both of them happen to have great chakra reserves and could hold on longer than almost everyone in Anbu. Both of them went charging each other, with their chakra enhanced arms almost crashing together, creating a little wave of charka through the training area breaking a few windows, because of that. When they noticed, they decided to stop of fear that the bill would be sent to them, so they stopped and laughed a bit like they were buddies their whole life.

Naruto found a friend in Anbu, a colleague and a rival all in a same person, likewise Hawk did. Black Wolf's once sadness in the morning was long gone and Ace was a witness to that. He was watching their fight and was quite impressed with their moves. Ace had to realize that he did change as well, he had seen a partner in Naruto and a friend, so he was not a lone wolf anymore, now he travelled alongside another wolf, just as deadly and just as strong. Ace found a home in Konoha and he enjoyed going to the Hokage monument with Naruto to just watch the sunset's effect on Konoha. That was their place.

"Hawk-san, it's almost time for my mission of border patrol, I really should get going."

"If you ask me, I think you're crazy of doing this hell border patrol missions and I think you're even more crazy for volunteering for this" – Hawk said.

"Hey, I don't complain, its peace and quiet out there, Anbus needs that every once in a while and that was how I met Ace, so I don't regret volunteering". Said Naruto looking at Ace.

"I guess you're right, we see just so many crap, there sometimes is nice to just relax a bit, too bad I like the rush of our missions. Don't get to soft, Black Wolf or I might just kick your ass, the next time."

"Now who is the crazy talking?"

"Black Wolf, I'm off for tonight, see you tomorrow?"

"See ya. So, Ace, let's head to the west gate for our mission" – Naruto said and Ace just disappeared, playing a little game.

"Oh, so it's like that, isn't it?" Come here, you, I'll get you for this."

"Let's just see you try, gaki".

"Don't push your luck, you're just winning because you had a head start."

In less than then ten minutes, Naruto and Ace travelled all the way to the West Gate, until they reached their favorite spot, a log that faced the river which in time mirrored the image of the full moon, much to the wolves' happiness, since they both enjoyed the beauty of the moon reflecting through the calm river water. Also, Naruto could just relax hearing the sound of the calm water making its way towards to meet another river very slowly, sending Naruto a natural sound that brought him utter piece.

-With Kurenai-

When she looked at the clock, it was only one minute to midnight so she opened her door and started jumping rooftops to reach there in a peaceful way as to not alert any other Anbus. She was wondering a bit before looking at the sky and noticed that today it was full moon and the beauty of it was just indescribable to her. Little did she know that her lover was staring at the same view from his spot by the woods.

Her heart was betting steady now, showing her that her decision of meeting him was the best thing to do; she would go there and confess her love to him, like she should have done a while ago, when he returned from his training trip. When she reached the enormous gate, she ironically compared the size of the gate with Naruto, seeing that he was everything to her, he would protect her, just like these gates would protect Konoha.

She saw an opening on the gate which could only mean that Black Wolf had passed through the gate and was fulfilling his mission. She was wondering why Naruto chose to be here every week on this particular date, patrolling the west board. She came to learn from Tsunade that Naruto did volunteer for this kind of mission and she didn't know why he did this. Does he sleep once in a while? She was amazed at how much stamina Naruto had, if he could be a part of Anbu Elite and still be up until this time. But then, again, this would be one of the many things that were impressive about him. Since she saw him on the forest, he was everything a woman could ask for in a man: loving, caring, respectful and quite handsome. Kurenai blushed at the last complement. She remembered how he looked like back then and she wondered how much he grew physically all this time.

As she passed the gate, she noticed that the full moon was illuminating everything and that the forest would receive constant moonlight, demonstrating to her this ultimate view of a forest being illuminated by the full moon. She was flabbergasted, she couldn't have thought of a better place or a better time to do what her heart intended for her to do all along. When she was walking towards a small river, her jaw dropped all the way to the ground. She was paying close attention to the way the moon's reflection on the river would be so damn beautiful and yet she couldn't find her lover or any trace of his chakra signature. She was beginning to feel like she was too late, thinking that he did already leave, but she took away that thought, since his mission would end to another fifteen minutes and he had to be here.

Suddenly, her eyes shifted the moon's reflection on the river and noticed a figure seated on a log near a four legged creature. As she was approaching the guy, her heart started beating fast, but it wasn't like anything she felt before, it was beating of anticipation of meeting again with her lover. A few more steps, she could already see the black masked Anbu sitting there staring at the moon as well. Suddenly, she heard two words that make her heart feel much better. Two words that only the one blonde companion could say, seeing that he was the one who gave the complement to Kurenai, when they met at the iwa forest.

"RED ROSE" – Whispered Naruto still looking at the reflection of the moon, or at least from Kurenai's view of where he would be looking.

"It's been a while, Anbu-san" – Kurenai's professional tone would never be lost, as she earned the rank of Konoha's jounin for a reason, although she was just waiting to tell him about her feelings for the blonde.

"Two and a half years. It's astonishing to me that you could be more beautiful than before, Kurenai-san". – Even though Naruto was still on a mission and still hidden behind the black wolf mask, that didn't mean that he couldn't be himself, that didn't mean that he couldn't be charming and romantic to the one woman who earned his heart like no one had before in his life. But still she was the one that also tore it apart, when started dating another man and although Naruto wanted to move this thought from his head, he couldn't, at least not by his own will, not yet anyway. Anbu can change a man's way of thinking, after some horrified views of battle scenes and body parts just hanging from trees.

"Still charming as ever, I see. You've become strong, blue eyes, your name is becoming very famous throughout the shinobis, you know. Konoha's black wolf." – Naruto turned his mask to see the beauty who sit next to him on the log. He never knew that his name was being every shinobi and kunoichi's dialogue, nor that he cared about, gossip was one of the many things he despised, since only a few comments were true and those were highly changed to make a compelling story to the ones who liked to hear. But the name Kurenai mentioned, he was really thinking about. She never called him by the color of his eyes and was caught wondering if Kurenai did that in order to give the Anbu a complement, without giving away his cover.

"I don't tend to believe in rumors and gossips, Kurenai-san, all of them are highly overrated and the person would change the events only in order to give the story more emotions. But I know that you don't believe what people say, do you, Kurenai-san?" – Asked Naruto with emotionless tone behind his mask. What he didn't notice until just now, that he couldn't take his eyes off hers. It was like they were exchanging looks all over again.

"Normally I wouldn't, but the stories came from Godaime-sama herself so I don't think she would make a story up just to bolt your status to everyone."

"All Tsunade-sama knows about it's the mission, it's that either was accomplished or failed, since she only have a report to base her stories, she don't know what really happens at missions. But given my team's successful assignments, I could see that we're doing well". – Kurenai thought for a moment, but decided to leave the thought, sure he was being modest regarding his abilities, but since Anbu work undercover, one Anbu's abilities were only known by his colleagues, as a matter of keeping the element of surprise.

"I wouldn't take you for modest, Anbu-san, but even if you wouldn't recognize, people can, I know I do, as well as Kakashi-san and the Hokage-sama."

"Huh, there was a time back when I was graduating from the academy, when I actually cared for other's opinion about either myself or my abilities as a shinobi. Funny how time changes a person, ain't it?" – Kurenai knew that Naruto, back then, was only wearing his cheerful mask all the time and she knew that the person in front of her was the real Naruto, strong, charming, respectful and determined. She loved those qualities in him as she was beginning to lose her emotionless tone on the conversation, seeing that her lover was now highly matured mentally and wouldn't say anything as to endanger any negative situation.

"I see, so…"

"How's Asuma doing?" - There it was. He popped the question that needed to be answered in order for him to start opening his heart for her. Naruto looked at the sudden sad eyes on the Kunoichi's face and knew that she was somehow ashamed regarding this issue.

"You were waiting to make this question all along, didn't you Anbu-san? As to the answer, I am no longer dating him." When hearing that, the anbu turned to see her eyes studying her response and he somehow knew she was speaking the truth. As to Kurenai, she knew that she had to talk to him about it, but she just couldn't keep this from him, as she would be confessing his love to him.

"Why?" Asked Naruto without the need of any other word, so to Kurenai to talk a deep breath and start proceeding to her mission.

"I was only fooling myself with him. Deep down inside, I knew that my heart belongs to someone else and I just couldn't fool him with false hopes. It's not him the one I'm in love with."

"Who is then?" – Naruto, since was behind his mask, managed to hide his anticipation about hearing the answer to his question. To him, she was the only one in his heart, that what it is and that what's always will be. But he didn't know she felt the same for him. His heart was starting beating again, not with anger, not with sadness, but anticipation, anticipation to her if his beloved would think of him as he thought of her.

"The one I'm in love with, Anbu-san, well, I would rather show much than telling his name, is that alright to you, Anbu-san?" Kurenai suddenly made a decision that she would kiss him right there, she couldn't take it anymore, even though her experience manage to control her anxiety, her heart was winning and she couldn't hold much longer.

"Do as you wish" – Mumbled Naruto, not even bothering to display a cool response. To him if felt like the world could end at any time, if it were to depend on what Kurenai wished to show to him, but after what Kurenai intended to do, Naruto wouldn't need to worry.

In what we could be seen as an ending love scene movie, Kurenai just put Naruto's entire mission at huge risk, taking away his mask in a reflex manner, putting her arms around the now unmasked Anbu and started kissing him with enough passion that Naruto was frozen for a second. Out of a sudden, his heart pounded on him like crazy and his mind was acknowledging the fact that his beloved kunoichi was kissing him. Naruto returned the kiss with extreme pleasure, as they were kissing right in front of the mirror image reflection of the full moon, making one hell of a picture, one that both of them would cherish for the rest of their lives. The moment was recorded inside their brains. After a few minutes, they break the kiss because of air and both of them just right to do this, as if fate had come knocking on their doors.

"You're in love with me, Kurenai-hime? I…I..

"Ever since our little affair at the Iwa forest, I couldn't stop thinking about you, Naruto, when I returned to Konoha, I was frightened. People called me the 'ice queen of konoha' for a reason, you know? I just didn't open my heart to any one at all, but I will not lie to you, I was afraid of our age difference, I was afraid that people would comment behind my back, I was afraid of how would our relationship would be and out of shame and apprehension, I did the most stupid thing I've ever done in my life and started dating Asuma. I did it because I thought that it would be better if I dated people my age, but somehow I could feel that was fooling myself as my heart was already taken and it was you, Uzumaki Naruto, for the moments we exchanged looks until we're sleeping together, I am truly sorry for what I did and beg for your forgiveness. I was weak and I didn't follow what my heart was showing me all along, it was you, Naruto-kun and will always be you". – Kurenai was now bursting through tears right now on Naruto's chest with his arms around her, showing her how he felt about her. Kurenai, suddenly, felt what her heart was showing her, it was that warm feeling she always had when Naruto hugged her with his arms and keep her safe, more like she was listening to his heart.

"Kure-chan, when I saw you with Asuma, I won't lie to you, it hurt like hell, believe me. But as my carrier in Anbu was going, I just couldn't stop thinking about those blood ruby eyes of yours. When I first saw them, I instantly felt something inside my body, I was trembling. Trembling from a feeling that, until then, I haven't felt anything that could even resemble a sparkle of what it was. I had dreams about us almost every night I had clearance to rest. Since that day in the forest, I knew that I was in love with you, Kurenai-hime, but now I think that feeling grew up to a point that I know if I lost you again, I just wouldn't know what to do anymore. I'm in love with you, Kurenai-chan and I'll always love you as you are now registered in my mind and in my heart".

"You always had a way with words, Naru-kun, I feel the same way and when you're not around, somehow my chest hurt a lot, only to remind me that you are the one for me and you always will."

"I love you, Kurenai-chan"

"I love you too, Naruto-kun".

With that, they returned one deep and strong kiss with each other. If anyone would see it, it would resemble as a couple trying to get back from the time they weren't together. That last kiss just counted for their two years apart and they were going with all their might in order to compensate from what they missed. When they break up for air, a voice started saying in broke the attention of the couple, as well as a surprised look from Kurenai.

"I hate to interrupt your moment, but black wolf has an identity to hide, while on a mission and I would hate if any enemy came to realize that Konoha's black wolf was in fact Uzumaki Naruto, so you better put these, so we can go home." Said Ace, holding Naruto's mask on his mouth.

"Give me that, Ace, sorry, Kurenai-hime, but my companion here is right, that kiss was the best that I ever had, but try not to take away my mask again, okay, I would hate if my enemies found out that you were with me, because they would come to you to get me."

"I understand, Anbu-san. Do not worry about that, I enjoyed that kiss as well, but I have to say to you that I don't regret what I did for even a second, it felt wonderful and spontaneous, I've never done that before in my life and I loved to do that to you, it felt like I couldn't do better, you know."

"It felt wonderful all right, I'd never imagine you doing that, it felt great. Now how about we go to my place and so we can compensate for the time lost and then tomorrow we can have breakfast together, how just that sound?"

"I would like that, Anbu-san. Can I tell you something? I think you'll enjoy it pretty much?" Whispered Kurenai, with a foxy yet perverted grin on her face, much to Naruto's already perverted mind, while remembering the last time they had sex.

"Go ahead."

"I a…always wanted to have sex with an Anbu." – Whispered Kurenai in Naruto's eyes with a smooth voice that awaken every one of Naruto's hormones that were asleep at the moment, making his body trembled with excitement, but since he was awaken, his prankster side awoke as well, so he joined the conversation on equal terms, showing an enhanced foxy grin that Kurenai always feared it. When she saw it, she was already cursing herself for teasing her lover like that, she damn well knew it would be one hell of a night, only by seeing Naruto's foxy grin.

"Do you now, I'm glad you feel that way, my hime, because you're in for a little ride with me, tonight, that I can assure you." – Said Naruto to Kurenai, now whispering to her ear, making Kurenai nose bleed just by thinking about it and she could already feel his body on top of her own, sweeting like a pig and moaning her name out of pure pleasure and lust.

-At Naruto's apartment- (LEMON SCENE: ACTION) 

When they arrived at Naruto's apartment, he took away his mask and gave his usual smile that could send Kurenai to the sky 'rocket speed' and she couldn't stop drooling over him. Back when they're outside, she was so caught up on kissing him that she forgot that he now looked hotter than ever, his hair grew, showing a spike golden hair and that whisker marks, she could just stare at his face and die as a happy woman. If only his face was the best part of him, she would be able to control herself a little better, but as he took off his Anbu's gear and remained with a sleeveless shirt, she noticed the tattoo carved on this well toned muscles and love scenes just popped out of her head. Just how did he get so perfectly handsome? Back then, he was already good looking, but now he's…he's breath taking and jaw dropping HOT. Kurenai couldn't stop thinking about it, sure she loved him for his personality and his blue cerulean eyes but that didn't mean she could not drool like a fan girl over him and her hormones were jumping like crazy inside of her. I can't take it anymore, I want him now, right here, yeah, here Is perfect.

Naruto was staring at her a little bit confused; he didn't thought for a second that konoha's most beautiful woman would drool over him. She was beautiful, her eyes just hypnotized him and her body, well, Naruto was concentrating himself in case he had a nose bleed, he remembered seeing her naked before, he remembering even having sex with her, still he could stare at her body every day and still he would drool for the girl his heart belonged.

"Kurenai-hime, what don't you make yourself 'comfortable', I'll just take my uniform off and be right back here with you." – Said Naruto focusing his eyes on her, like he could see through her.

"Ok..Okay, Naruto-kun, I will be waiting for you, you wouldn't mind if I take some of my clothes off, now would you?" – Said Kurenai, in to Naruto's teasing game.

"Of course not, in fact I would even prefer that you did just that, my hime, I'll be right back for you."

To say that Kurenai was melting on Naruto's couch would be an understatement; she was feeling like inside of a volcano in eruption as a thought came to her. What with all the teasing, I always cursed those Icha Icha series and now I'm just behaving like one of the main characters, this is not me…I never teased before in my life…But Naruto is a born prankster…and he does it so well…I could as well tease him as well…now turning to think about, he enjoy being teased, doesn't he?...I better not push it though, I don't know what he could do…but then again he was known as Konoha's most unpredictable ninja…so I can't expect less from him…it's just when he teases me, I feel like I'm going out of my mind, my hormones jumps like crazy and the only thing I can imagine is him naked on top of me pleasuring me one hundred percent…I better took some of my clothes off, then…let's just see how his face will be…I can't wait to see his looks when he sees me naked on his couch…oh my god, I'm loving this…I never felt better in all my life. You're really worthy a wait, Naruto-kun.

When Naruto put his robe on his back and went back to his living room, his jaw dropped, he couldn't contain the nose bleed anymore, no one could at this circumstances. In front of him, lay Kurenai's naked form lying on the couch with the sexiest and most teasing position he has ever seen before, it was breath taking and he just couldn't take his eyes of her lover's hot body. Inside his mind, he was thanking Kami or whichever god for doing this. Kurenai was waving for him to come to her and just take advantage of her, right there. She was enjoying the teasing a lot and the looks of Naruto's face was just what she wanted. The look a man gives when his woman appears before him, wanting him to just start kissing her and massage her entire body. But Naruto would never lose the battle, he was too damn proud of this ability. He took his eyes from her hot body and turned to look at her eyes with such passion and showing a slightly perverted grin with a mixture of deep blue and feral yellow color, stopping her dead on her track. She could feel that she was losing the battle, Naruto was far too strong of a fighter for her, she just couldn't handle herself anymore. When he looked at her with those eyes, she instantly turned to liquid form and was just going to vapor state, sure she was naked but she felt like she was inside a heater and just couldn't hold anymore.

"Oh…my god…I give up…he is the best…What was I thinking, trying to tease him more than he did to me, I can't take it anymore, just his eyes looking at my own it's hard to breathe, let alone try to tease him back….he could as well do anything to me, I'm his to have…please take advantage of me, Naruto, please I beg you." Thought Kurenai.

"It's impossible, but your body is even more beautiful than before, Kurenai-hime, I could just stare at him all day." – Said Naruto as he approached her. Her eyes crossed with his own, big mistake. Her heart was pounding like crazy and what he did, then, Kurenai just lost all the blood she had, when Naruto took off his robe and showed his well toned, six packed, breath-taking body to her, she was fighting like crazy not to pass out from blood loss as he was approaching her face. Then, with his hand he picked her chin with two fingers and lifted her head up to a position where they would kiss and they did just that. The kiss that they shared was so passionate that pheromones were licking out of their bodies, setting the perfect mood for the perfect love making. While kissing her, Naruto just layed down so he could got on top of her, taking his hands and massaging every little place of her back, receiving some soft moan from her beloved one. From Kurenai's part, she was hugging his wide body and feeling his back muscles with hard intensity that her soft arms could muster at him. She was feeling his back and was taken aback by how stronger he had become, from his training. Right now, she lost all of the dizziness she had when she saw his body and his hormones took entire control of her mind, letting her thoughts only to be focused on the blond on top of her, kissing her passionately and rubbing his hands on her body. When they broke the kiss, Kurenai started talking…moaning his name.

"Oh my god, Naruto, you are one hell of a guy, that kiss with you on top of me, was just the best thing of my life and I can't wait to see and feel what you will do to me."

"I really enjoyed as well, my hime."

Right now Naruto's lips got out of Kurenai's mouth level and started kissing her neck and breeding at them at the same time, earning a deeper moan from kurenai. After that, he started going lower with his tongue on her body, licking her all over and still massaging the other places with his hands. Right now, Kurenai was going crazy from the inside, Naruto didn't do half of the thing he did the last time and she was all wet inside. When he got down there and started licking, all hell broke and Kurenai closed her eyes, biting her lips so much, wanting to scream his name, as a form of waiting to continue and to never stop. Suddenly, his finger were inside as well, so Kurenai just couldn't hold anymore, she had to let go, it was just too much for her to handle.

"Oh my…Oh my god…Oh Naruto…Naruto…I'm cumming, I love you so much. - Kurenai couldn't believe what happened, she didn't need much to cum and this thought alone drove her out of her mind. If by just doing that, Naruto managed to make me cum, what would be like when he gets inside, back then, he was good, but not like he was now.

"Naruto-kun, you remember what I would do to you if you didn't have any condoms back then, right? So, I assume that you'd be prepared and got one for us."

"I do have, my hime, It's right here, see?"

"Right, put it on immediately and come here to me, I can't wait anymore Naruto, I want to cum harder, this time, I want to just pass out from pleasure, I want to pass out with you on top of me, now come here, I'm begging you".

When Naruto showed his instrument, Kurenai moaned like crazy, remembering what she felt back then, when he was inside of her. But somehow, she was thinking that since his moves were enhanced, this one might have improved as well and she was trembling in anticipation upon seeing him getting closer and lying on top of her, moaning her name just like she wanted when they met at the west gate. When Naruto got inside of her, her eyes widened. She was right, this move was entirely new and she was enjoying it, she could see experience in his movements and she could see that Naruto got a lot better at making love and making her feel like she was on top of a cloud. Naruto's was perfect for hers, since it fit her inner walls like a key through a lock. He managed to fill every part of it and she was trying to hold out from screaming his name out loud, so not to awake his neighbors, but after a while, her mind just lost control completely and she gave up to pure ecstasy and scream his name in pure lust.

"Oh, yes, keep going, Naruto-kuuun, it's just so damn good."

"Oh my god, my hime, I can't control myself."

"Me neither, Naruto-kun, me neither, oh my god. - After 10 minutes of hard loving sex, Naruto couldn't hold anymore as he was trembling all over the place along with his partner and she was in the same situation as him. They had the same thought in their heads. If we cum together, it will be the best sex we ever had indeed. About a minute after, their dream came true.

"Oh my god, Kurenai-hime, I can't take it anymore, I'm cumming, I love you so much".

"I'm cumming too, Naruto-kun, Oh my god, this is perfect."

"It's really is".

After, they were lying together, with Naruto facing the ceiling and Kurenai's head at his chest, panting like crazy for the love making. She was enjoying his chest like it belonged to her all this time. Her head was comfortable on top of his chest and the she cherished the position they were in, it was warm, comfortable….it was right.

After a while, turned to ask her lover about Anbu, as in wanting to understand a little more about her lover's ninja career. "So, tell me Naruto-kun, how is Anbu?"

"Oh, it's intense."

"Intense?"

"Yeah, once you got inside Anbu Hq, either are you training to death or you're doing missions to death, they give me sleeping periods occasionally, but sometimes I have to stay up two nights in a row, because of a mission. I came to cherish the moments that I can sleep, but I enjoy being of service to Konoha, since everything Anbu does is be of service to Konoha. I have to admit, though, being Anbu isn't easy."

"Of course it's not easy, Naruto-kun, but since you're a stamina freak, impossible for normal people is difficult for you."

"I like that, Kurenai-chan. So how is your team getting along?"

"They are fine, Kiba is still a little bit frightened about your killing intent the other day, Hinata and Shino already know who is the Black Masked Anbu. They'll be taking the jounin exams next year. You're still a chunnin, aren't you Naruto-kun?

"Still a chunnin? How thoughtful of you, Kurenai-chan, it hurts when you say it like that, you know." – Said Naruto, earning some giggle from his girlfriend. "Sorry about that, Naru-kun, but even if you're Anbu, you have to take the test to upgrade to jounin"

"Since I'm Anbu at the moment, my upgrade test is going to be much tougher than a regular test. You see, in my case, the score is to be stealthiest and deadly as possible, depending on my abilities, they will uprgrade my rank as jounin Anbu."

"That doesn't sound too hard, how will the test be?"

"Well, I don't know how this year is going to be. I knew the last one because I was able to witness being held. The jounin hopeful pass through a vent at the ceiling and has to suppress his chakra so not to alert the chakra signature seals placed near the vent. Once inside, you have to knock two enemy ninjas that are guarding the vent without them even knowing you're there. Once taken the two, the ninja have to dispose of the bodies, so not to alarm one enemy that circulate around the premises. Now, this one you'll have to pass by, leaving him clueless but not take him down. Once the ninja passed him, he have to get to the lower levels without even a noise, since there was noise sensitive seals on the walls and if your breathing is heavy enough, you're dead. Once you got to the lower level, your target is in the middle of a fake house, being guarded by more powerful and experienced shinobis, since it would be pointless to just face them, you'll have to get inside the house, without being noticed by the guards. If you manage to get inside, without being noticed, you're as good as a normal jounin, but for Anbu standards, you'll have to eliminate the target. Now the target will be apparently alone inside the room, but there will be traps inside, now that's the tricky part, the last one they were two enhanced henge undercover Anbus just waiting for you to enter, so that they could dispose of the intruder, the chunnin was negligent and didn't notice his surroundings, so he was caught by the Anbus, failing his exam". – Naruto explained as Kurenai was without a breath and her jaw was down to the floor.

"I can see now why Anbu are tough, this test is no ordinary test, I wondered if I could get past it."

"And you can forget genjutsu, because any chakra usage will be alerted by the seals. Only inside the house, you can use just a little. The purpose of the test is to see if you can do the job, without relying on shinobi abilities. It's one hell of a test, I'm looking forward for mine to be held, mine will be next month. You see, for an Anbu to be able to do this test, they are a few rules, first you have to complete a considerable number of silent assassination missions and document retrieval ones, then you'll have to be able to beat a higher ranked official in a battle or at least have a battle draw. Since my battle with Hawk, an extremely powerful Anbu and a good friend of mine, the anbu chief thought I was ready for the jounin test, so he listed my name for the next one."

"That's great, Naruto-kun, you'll be a jounin. Ahh, I was wondering, Naruto-kun, ever since you told about the exam, I was curious about…"

"You would like to attend to my test, Kurenai-chan?"

"Yes…May I? I know that Anbu are secretive about everything, but since I'm a jounin as well, I think I can grant access to the test, now wouldn't I? I would love to see you in action, Naruto-kun." – Said Kurenai, suddenly ashamed when Naruto started to laugh a little bit.

"Why are you laughing, Naruto-kun…Stop it."

"I'm sorry, Kure-chan. You don't need to ask for permission, every jounin in Konoha will watch the exam."

"Oh…so do you think this exam will be the same as last years?"

"In essence, yeah, but the details will be tougher this time. They saw my record missions and thought that a standard Anbu test wouldn't be enough to test my skills. Once back in Anbu Hq, my squad was playing a little game of hind and seek, I know pretty childish, but the arena was full of rocks and places to hind and the light wasn't much of helping me finding them. Since my new stealth ability of hiding myself from eyesight, I did some clones and each of them found my squad, scaring the shit out of them, it was funny as hell."

"Now, about this ability of yours. How does it work?"

"This ability I learned from my partner Ace, the wolves has a technique that they can focus their chakra on their shadows and they start to exhale an aura that shows like their colors mixed with the night, hiding their shape so that anybody can see them. I did the same thing."

"I suppose this is an assassination technique, then?

"Yes it is, but can only be done at night."

"I see, Naruto-kun, I'm getting pretty tired, let's go to bed, so we can rest a bit?"

When Naruto nodded, he lifted from the couch and carried Kurenai's body like a princess to his bed. It was safe to say that she was already asleep on his arms, seeing that they were comfortable. Then Naruto lied down on the bed and they returned to their sleeping position, as both of them were feeling better about themselves, just by sleeping together.

-Next day-(lemon sequence: Cut)

In the morning, Naruto got out of bed earlier than Kurenai, since he didn't need lots of hours to sleep and started making breakfast for her. Naruto, even though a highly skilled military ninja, treated his girlfriend with most care, bringing her breakfast in bed, while kissing her on the lips for her to wake up. She was having one hell of a dream with her lover. They were lying on the park, just seeing the transparent blue water river in front of them and Kurenai having trouble figuring if Naruto's eyes were even more beautiful than the water itself, when suddenly Naruto kissed her passionately on the lips….she was in heaven. When the smell of eggs and bacon passed through her, she slowly opened her eyes and saw her lover there sitting alongside her with a small table on top of the bed, showing a lovely breakfast buffet with eggs, bacon, cinnamon breads, some juice and the coffee and milk.

"Naruto-kun, you didn't have to do this, all of this smells good, and did you make this?" After a nod, she was marveled at the abilities that her boyfriend had.

"Glad you like it, Kure-hime, I made everything you like for breakfast."

"Thanks again, Naru-kun, everything is delicious."

After some breakfast, the two of them went for a walk at Konoha's streets. The shops were beginning to open and the people were starting to appear at the streets (Because of the fact that Naruto is now a Anbu, everyone thought the demon brat died or went nuke-nin). They kept looking at the new couple holding hands and were marveled at the scene, they saw that Naruto and Kurenai were perfect for each other, he was a little taller than her, so she was holding her arms, leaning her head on his shoulder, much to Naruto's amusement. Tsunade was passing along, heading for the administration building when she saw it. She saw Kurenai hugging the arms of a tall blonde guy with deep blue eyes with whisker marks on his face…Wait, Whisker Marks. Is that N…Naruto? My god, he looks like his father so much, I haven't seen his face in a long time and now he's all grown up and with beautiful and experienced looks, god, If I were half my age, I would want some of that piece of meat…What I'm thinking? It's Naruto for cry out loud and it seems that Kurenai already nailed him, they look so great together. You can't even see the age difference, you're really something Naruto.

After a while, Naruto noticed one of his comrades hiding inside the alley and inform him that he is to present to Anbu Hq in two hours for a meeting with Hawk. After he nodded for the shadow, she disappeared. Once they returned Naruto's home, they began to talk.

"Ahh, Naruto-kun, I'm really glad we got back together."

"I'm glad as well, RED ROSE, I missed you a lot"

"I missed you too, Oh my god, I am late, I promised my team I would arrive a little early for some practice."

"It's okay, I have to go to Anbu Hq as well, I would like to take you to dinner tomorrow, Kurenai-chan, how is that sound?"

"Of course I accept, Naru-kun, in case neither of us has a mission, pick me up tomorrow at 9 at my place."

"It's settled, then, and choose the place you want to go, okay"

"Ok, then, See you Naru-kun"

"See you Kurenai-chan, Love you"

"Love you" - After their goodbyes, they got separated and went for their duties, when suddenly both of them turned and looked at each other, smiling at each other, showing that their future will be as bright as ever.