"Why did Tsunade-sama summon us all together?"
Ino sat in a chair in Tsunade's hospital office, tapping her foot impatiently. Sakura and Hinata stood beside her, both equally confused.
"I don't know, but it looks serious." Sakura looked toward the closed door where Tsunade had disappeared ten minutes ago. "She said it was important and that we should bring Naruto too."
"Naruto-kun is late again." Hinata sighed. "He said he would come straight here after training with Kakashi-sensei."
The door flew open. Naruto ran in, his hair messier than usual and sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Sorry, sorry! Kakashi-sensei decided I needed to train my taijutsu for three extra hours because apparently my guard is a disaster and..." Naruto stopped when he saw the girls' expressions. "What? Did I say something wrong? Is there something on my face?"
"You are an hour late, Naruto." Sakura crossed her arms. "Tsunade-sama left a while ago saying she would return when you arrived."
"Ouch." Naruto scratched the back of his neck. "Is she very angry? On a scale of one to 'thrown out the window', where are we?"
"Probably at 'thrown out the window with chakra enhanced technique'." Ino smiled maliciously. "I hope you practiced your landings."
The door opened again. Tsunade entered with a hard expression.
"Irresponsible brat." Tsunade walked to her desk. "I told you this was important."
"I know, I know. Kakashi-sensei wouldn't let me go and said training was more important than any meeting, but I told him you don't do social meetings and then he looked at me with that expression that means he's going to be extra cruel in training and..." Naruto raised his hands defensively, speaking fast.
"I don't want excuses." Tsunade pointed to an empty chair. "Sit down. We have to talk about something that affects all of you."
Tsunade's tone made everyone sit up straight. The amusement vanished from the room.
"What is going on, Tsunade-sama?" Sakura leaned forward. "Does it have to do with our training? With the missions? Did someone complain about Naruto?"
"It has to do with the four of you specifically." Tsunade sat down and looked at them one by one. "In the last few weeks, I have been observing your progress. And I have questions."
"Questions about what?" Ino frowned.
"About how three genin kunoichi achieved such dramatic improvements in such a short time." Tsunade rested her elbows on the desk. "Sakura, your physical strength is abnormal. You can break rocks with your bare fists. That isn't achieved with just basic training."
Sakura exchanged a nervous glance with Naruto. "I have been training very hard, Tsunade-sama. And eating a lot of protein."
"Don't take me for an idiot," Tsunade interrupted her. "Hinata, your speed and confidence have increased exponentially. I read the reports. You can now defeat Kiba without breaking a sweat. Ino, you just joined the group and you already have a mental attack technique that not even your father masters."
The silence became tense. The four looked at each other, uncomfortable.
"And you, Naruto." Tsunade focused on him. "Somehow you are at the center of all this. The three strongest girls of their generation now gravitate around you."
"Tsunade-sama, we..." Hinata began to speak, but stopped when Naruto raised a hand.
"What exactly do you want to know?" Naruto looked directly at her, serious. "Why are you asking us this now? Did something happen?"
"Because I'm not the only one who has noticed." Tsunade leaned back in her chair. "Yesterday Hiruzen-sensei received a report. Root agents have been asking questions about you all. Specifically about your anomalous improvements."
Everyone tensed up instantly. Naruto felt a chill run down his spine.
"What kind of questions?" Sakura paled.
"The kind of questions he asks when he is considering if something is a threat or an opportunity." Tsunade stood up and walked to the window. "And knowing that old man, probably both."
"What are we going to do?" Ino bit her lip. "Do you think he's going to try something?"
"He already tried once when he sent that agent to the hospital to kill you, Sakura." Tsunade turned toward them. "Next time will be more direct."
Naruto looked at the girls. Hinata nodded slightly. Sakura sighed and Ino shrugged, leaving the decision to him.
"It's complicated, baachan," Naruto said, standing up with determination. "And you probably won't believe me. In fact, I'm almost sure you're going to think I've gone crazy."
"Try me."
Naruto took a deep breath. "Since I graduated from the Academy, something appeared. A blue screen that only I can see. It tells me I have a power, a system that allows me to improve other people."
"A system?" Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "Like a Kekkei Genkai?"
"Not exactly. It's called Falna," Naruto explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's like a blessing. I can give it to someone and that person becomes much stronger. It's incredible, but..."
"But what?" Tsunade crossed her arms.
"I have to touch the person's bare back with my blood and inscribe a special symbol. The power flows and gives them improved stats and unique abilities."
"The bare back?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "That sounds convenient."
"It's not like that!" Naruto turned red. "I didn't ask for it to work that way! The system imposed it on me! Believe me, if I could do it by shaking hands, I would!"
"And I suppose this power only works on cute girls, right?"
"It only works on women," Naruto defended himself. "I already tried to think of ways to use it on Sasuke or Kakashi-sensei, but the system is clear: only conscious and willing women. I can't force anyone."
Tsunade studied his face. "And how many have received this blessing?"
"Hinata was the first. Then Sakura during the mission in the Land of Waves. Ino recently. And..." Naruto hesitated.
"And who else?" Tsunade pressed.
"Kurenai-sensei," Hinata said softly. "She asked for it during the mission to prove it was safe before giving it to Sakura-san. She has been updated twice."
"Kurenai knows about this?" Tsunade frowned.
"Since the Land of Waves," Sakura admitted. "We asked her not to say anything because..."
"Because you didn't trust me yet." Tsunade completed the sentence without sounding offended. "I understand."
"It's not that, baachan," Naruto said stepping forward. "It's just that the more people know, the more danger we are in. The guy who wanted to hurt Sakura is already looking. If he finds out what the Falna is, he's going to hunt us all down."
"That is why I need to see it with my own eyes." Tsunade took a scroll from her desk. "If this power is real, I need to understand what we are facing. Does this power grow?"
"Every time they fight and win, they gain Excelia. I can distribute that Excelia when I update the Falna," Naruto explained, sitting down again. "That's why Sakura-chan is so strong now."
Tsunade remained silent, processing the information.
"This changes everything." She finally spoke. "If Danzo discovers you can do this, he won't just want to capture you. He will want to dissect you to understand how it works."
"We know." Sakura spoke firmly. "That's why we kept the secret."
"But the secret is already leaking. Danzo will connect the dots eventually." Tsunade began to pace. "And when he does, he will act fast."
"So what do we do?" Ino asked. "Do we run?"
"No. We do the opposite." Tsunade stopped. "We expand the circle."
The silence was absolute.
"Expand the circle?" Sakura stood up abruptly. "Tsunade-sama, are you sure? The more people know, the more risk we run."
"On the contrary." Tsunade shook her head. "Right now, the four of you are a specific anomaly. An easy target. But if there are more kunoichi with enhanced abilities, it becomes harder for him to act without exposing himself."
Naruto's eyes lit up. A huge smile spread across his face.
"That's brilliant, baachan!" Naruto jumped from his seat. "It's exactly what we need! More family members means more strength! And when I'm Hokage, I'll already have the strongest personal army in the village!"
"Naruto-kun..." Hinata smiled at his enthusiasm.
"It makes tactical sense!" Naruto paced with energy. "If it's just us, that old man can make us disappear. But if there are ten or fifteen enhanced kunoichi, he would have to go against all of them. Plus, imagine how incredible it will be! The Uzumaki Family will be the strongest in the world!"
"Uzumaki Family?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"Of course!" Naruto pumped his fist. "Everyone who has my Falna is part of my family! And I'm going to make this family so strong that no one, not even Danzo, dares to touch us! That is my ninja way!"
Sakura and Ino exchanged amused looks.
"Exactly." Tsunade nodded. "The key is to choose carefully. We need kunoichi who are loyal, discreet, and willing to risk their lives."
"And who meets those requirements?" Ino crossed her arms.
"Actually, there is one." Tsunade returned to her desk. "Anko Mitarashi."
The four looked at each other, confused.
"Anko-san?" Hinata asked. "The survival instructor?"
"Exactly. Anko is a Special Jōnin, she works in interrogation and torture. She is loyal to Konoha, hates Danzo, and is strong enough," Tsunade explained, pulling out a file. "Besides, she owes me favors."
"Why does she hate Danzo?" Sakura asked.
"Because Danzo recommended she be executed after Orochimaru abandoned her. She was just a child when her master marked her with his curse and fled. The Third Hokage pardoned her, but Danzo wanted her head."
"Perfect!" Naruto jumped. "Then Anko-san is the person we need! Someone strong, loyal, and who already hates Danzo! This is going to be incredible! Imagine how strong she will become with the Falna!"
"Calm down a bit, Naruto." Sakura smiled. "She still has to accept."
"She will accept! Baachan, leave it to me! I'll explain everything."
"She doesn't need to trust you yet. She just needs to trust me," Tsunade said, closing the file. "Anko and I worked together years ago. She knows I wouldn't betray her."
"And you think she will accept the Falna?" Ino sounded skeptical.
"I know Anko. If I tell her this will make her stronger, she will jump at the chance." Tsunade looked at Naruto. "The question is: are you willing to give the Falna to someone so... intense?"
"Intense how?"
"Anko has a twisted sense of humor and no filter," Tsunade warned. "She will probably make inappropriate comments during the ritual just to see you blush."
"I don't care!" Naruto declared. "If that means our family gets stronger, I'll do whatever is necessary, dattebayo!"
"So you accept?"
Naruto looked at the girls. Sakura, Hinata, and Ino nodded, giving him their support.
"Of course I accept! If Anko-san can help us against Danzo, then I will definitely give her the Falna!" Naruto asked impatiently, "When do we do it?"
"Tonight. After dark. I will summon her here. You four wait in the private training room in the basement."
"Then it's decided! Tonight, Anko Mitarashi joins the family!"
"Family..." Tsunade repeated quietly. "Interesting way to call it."
"It's more than that, baachan." Naruto smiled warmly. "When I give them the Falna, I can feel their determination, their fears, their dreams. They become part of me and I part of them. That's why we are going to be the strongest family in the world! We are truly connected!"
Tsunade observed him closely. "That power of yours is more dangerous than I thought. Not just physically. Emotionally too."
"I know." Naruto became serious for a moment. "Sometimes I wonder if it's fair to them. But it also gives me a reason to be stronger, to protect them."
"Naruto-kun," Hinata said taking his hand. "You aren't tying us down. We chose this."
"Hinata is right." Sakura stood up. "We did it because we trust you and your dream."
"And because you're the only idiot who gives us this power without expecting anything in return," Ino added, smiling.
Naruto laughed. "Thanks, girls!"
"Alright. You've had your emotional moment." Tsunade pointed to the door. "Now, everyone out except Naruto."
The girls left, leaving Naruto and Tsunade alone.
"What's wrong, Grandma?"
"I want you to understand something, brat." Tsunade walked up to him. "What you are doing is noble. But it also makes you a huge target."
"I'm already a target."
"But now you are something else. You are a key that can unlock the potential of any kunoichi." Tsunade put a hand on his shoulder. "If Danzo captures you, he has unlimited access to that power."
"That's why I can't let him capture me. That's why I need to become stronger."
"And how do you plan to do that? Your power only works on women."
"I have other ways. Kakashi-sensei teaches me taijutsu. And when I fight alongside the girls, I also gain Excelia. The stronger our family is, the stronger I become too!"
"Interesting. Your power grows along with theirs."
"Exactly!"
"Very well. Then starting tomorrow, I will train you personally along with the girls."
"Really!?" Naruto's eyes shone. "You're going to train me!? I'm going to become super strong!"
"Don't get excited. My training is brutal." Tsunade smiled maliciously. "You will be begging for rest."
"I'll make it, baachan! I promise! Because I have a dream to fulfill and a family to protect!"
"I hope so. Now go. Get ready for tonight. And Naruto... Thank you for trusting me."
"I know, baachan! Together we are going to make this work!"
Naruto left, leaving Tsunade thoughtful.
******
Night fell over Konoha.
In the hospital's private basement training room, four figures waited. Naruto paced back and forth, unable to stay still.
"I can't believe this is happening!" Naruto rubbed his hands together. "Anko-san is going to be incredible! Imagine how strong she will become!"
Sakura was leaning against the wall. "Calm down, Naruto. She still has to accept."
"She will accept! I'm sure! Who wouldn't want this power?"
Hinata practiced her Byakugan silently, while Ino checked her tools.
"Your optimism is exhausting," Ino said. "It's like being near an energy reactor."
"How much longer?" Naruto asked again.
"Five minutes less than the last time." Sakura opened one eye. "Tsunade-sama said she would arrive after dark."
"She'll probably think you're a pervert anyway," Ino laughed. "She seems like the type of person who enjoys making people uncomfortable."
"I don't care! It's worth any embarrassment!"
The door opened. Tsunade entered followed by a woman with short purple hair and a sharp gaze. Anko Mitarashi wore her long coat and an expression of dangerous curiosity.
"So these are the brats," Anko said, evaluating them with her eyes. "They don't look that impressive. Especially the restless blonde."
"Don't be fooled, Anko." Tsunade closed the door. "These four have a secret that could change the balance of power in this village."
"A secret?" Anko raised an eyebrow. "What is it about? Explosive ramen?"
Tsunade looked at Naruto. "Show her."
Naruto stood up with a big smile.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki! And I have the power to make kunoichi stronger than they ever imagined! I can unlock their true potential!"
Anko looked at him for a moment and then let out a loud laugh.
"Is that it? A teenager's dream?" Anko wiped a tear of laughter. "Tsunade, I expected more from you. Although the kid has charisma."
"It's not a dream." Sakura stepped forward. "It's real. And I am the proof."
Before Anko could respond, Sakura punched the ground.
The concrete exploded, creating a three-meter crater. Debris flew through the room.
Anko froze, her eyes wide open. Her mocking expression disappeared.
"That... that's not normal." She finally spoke, serious. "I don't think even Tsunade could do that when she was a genin."
"Exactly!" Naruto stepped forward. "And that's just the beginning! Sakura-chan has only been at this for a little over a month! Imagine what you could do, Anko-san!"
"That's right." Tsunade approached the crater. "Sakura can do this without breaking a sweat."
Anko looked at Sakura, then at Naruto, then at Tsunade.
"Alright. You have my attention." She crossed her arms. "How exactly does it work? And why are you telling me?"
Under the dim light of the room, Naruto began to explain the secret of the Falna, his voice full of conviction. Every time he told this story, he felt one step closer to his goal.
One step closer to having the strongest family in the world.
One step closer to his dream of being Hokage.