The moonlight filters through the water above, casting dappled patterns on the training platform. Naruto suggested this midnight session personally, away from the prying eyes of the court physicians who've been monitoring your transformation progress. Your fingers brush against the edge of the pool as you focus on extending your webbed toes further up your calves - a milestone you've been struggling to achieve.

"Concentrate on the feeling of water flowing through your veins," Naruto's voice echoes behind you. You turn to find him leaning against the marble column, arms crossed over his chest. The training attire leaves little to the imagination - fitted black pants and no shirt, showing off the spiral tattoo that climbs his left shoulder and disappears beneath his waistband.

You've been working closely for months, but tonight feels different. There's a tension in the air, thick as the saltwater surrounding the kingdom. When he offered private lessons, you saw something flicker in his blue eyes - something more than royal responsibility.

As you turn back to the water, you feel his presence behind you. Not close enough to touch, but near enough that you can feel the heat of his body. "Try again," he murmurs, his voice lower than usual. "But this time, don't think about the transformation. Think about... connection. To the water, to me, to everything."

Your breath catches as his hand hovers just above your shoulder, not quite touching you. The water in the pool begins to ripple despite the absence of wind, responding to the charge building between you.