The only thing that Kakashi could never really get into his head, was that he was a whole lot… tinier. His chakra reserves gone minimal, sight distance decreased, and his emotions nearly gone to shit. The only good thing was that his energy felt… good. And why was this all happening? Oh, well, he found himself in the hospital, more exact he found himself in his 12-year-old body. What fun, he was sent back in time to rewrite history, and for who's sake? Obito's, who else? (maybe Naruto, but he survives in the end.) He pushed back a groaning moan, forcing himself into a sit as quickly and quietly as he could; the news of his… incoming must've reached Mina—the Hokage, remember the respects, by then. He just needed to wait for that overly joyful man to come in and wreck Kakashi's brain with questions. But then again, Kakashi needed to move: he slid off the bed, not feeling any muscle fatigued or chakra depletion in the first 0.62 seconds of his stand and walked over to the window, lifting the latch open. The next thing he knew, he jumped out of his room and immediately went to where he needed to be: the Hokage's office.

Now, Kakashi thought as he flexed his fingers and shoulder, since I was the one who was dragged back into time. I need a plan, he stopped his thoughts for a moment and noticed the eyes baring into his skin; he had to roll his eyes for that. He was twelve, well, he turned back to when he was twelve, and he finally remembered that there were still a lot of people who hated him for his father's choice. What was so bad about saving a handful of friends from dying? The war may have continued after that choice, but the war would still continue because revenge is cunning. That's why the war started anyway. People wanted this and that, they wanted freedom, they wanted power, they wanted people, land… so many needs to be made, and how did they solve it? With war—just thinking about it made Kakashi sick. Without wasting any more time, he started slipping back into his thoughts, in order to save Obito, I have to at least perfect the Raikiri, get my chakra reserves as high as they should be, meditate for so many hours to least get my usual head back into the game, and not only that, I need a source of help that is perfect for strength and intellect. But where the hell was he supposed to get the help needed? He pushed the thoughts back into the middle of his brain (not so far that he couldn't reach them anymore) and pulled the door open, a squeak of a surprise leaving the room once the door was open.

Who had made the noise could only be one man. Namikaze Minato—saying his name nearly brought the tears in Kakashi's eyes—and he looked surprised as hell. The man was caught standing halfway from the sit he was previously in, a scroll locked against his chest finished with a hand to sandwich that poor source of knowledge, his eyes went wide and the blueness of his irises gone brighter (Kakashi knew it was from the angle of the sun, but making it sound it was due to the emotion change sounded cool), and his hair dishevelled. Kakashi was mentally told his sensei was sleeping, and thought Kakashi was from the Council.

"Well, don't you look spot on." It was purely sarcasm intended.

Minato dropped onto his seat and groaned, rubbing at his temples after he released the scroll, "I nearly thought you were from the Council since I was expecting a meeting in about… an hour," the Hokage stopped to take a moment before he decided to give Kakashi a glare, "and what in the world are you doing up? I thought I heard you passed out after you stepped foot into the village?"

Kakashi did his best to give his snort, planting a hand on his hip, "please, I passed out due to reasons far unacceptable for me to be poked and prodded by needles for days," he paused, "do you need the report?"

"No, absolutely not." Minato nearly snapped, causing Kakashi to smirk underneath his mask, "my mind's about to blow into little tiny pieces—fragments, if you will, and you will have to clean up!"

"Sorry, but it's already done." Kakashi threw said scroll onto Minato's desk, earning himself a sigh from the Hokage, "you need to go through the reports, Hokage-sama." Remember your respects at this bloody age, and geez, was I always this small? Kakashi thought to himself as he saw Minato nod in agreement, not really saying anything else. Kakashi knew the elder wanted to ask him if that was the actually reason as to why he escaped the hospital but he was cut off by something… it more of a someone. The silver-haired Jōnin-turned-Chūnin turned on his heels and was pummelled to the ground in less than 0.25 seconds of his turn, a small huff leaving his lips as the air was driven out. All he managed to see was a streak of a very familiar red and he immediately wrapped his arms around the person he believed it was, and when that person pulled back, he choked on air because he was right.

Uzumaki Kushina, and was she still in her prime days. Her long, red hair smelled a jasmine Kakashi remembered it being, and her smile was still etched even if she was the Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi (Kakashi found out somewhere later on in life, which was stupid for Kakashi because at his level of intellect, he should've noticed sooner then 28 years old or something of that age), and he couldn't miss that hug he still had to endure—a mother's hold, is what he felt. "I missed you, dattebane!"

"I missed you, too," Kakashi whispered out, loud enough for one to hear and the other not to—he pulled away and cleared his throat, "pardon me, but I have to leave." He bowed politely but was stopped by Kushina's so much bigger frame blocking his planned exit, "is there anything else, Kushina-sama?"

"Oy, I thought I said to not call me that anymore—Kushina's fine." The red head gave Kakashi a pout (more like the deadliest look she could muster), and Kakashi had to chuckle inwardly for it (he had to shiver).

"Sorry, Kushina… but respects are embedded deeply." Kakashi tried but was once again pulled into Kushina's embrace, and was forcefully turned onto his heels to face the Hokage.

"If only he was our age… I would gladly ask him out."

And again, this talk. Like seriously, how many times must I remind her that I prefer missions over women?

"You're too bold for your own good." Minato and Kakashi sighed instantaneously—the Hokage and Kushina were surprised, but Kakashi wasn't. It was a rare moment for them to be thinking alike since Kakashi was usually a step, or even five steps ahead of the Hokage, but to have Kakashi allowing for Kushina to actually bring him into two hugs, well, that was… shocking. "Anyway," Minato started, "what are you doing here?"

"Needed to check up on you, and I heard Kakashi escaped the hospital," Kushina gave Kakashi a glare and didn't ignore the small apology escaping the boy's lips before turning her focus back onto Minato, "oh yeah, just needed to say that you don't have to worry anymore, the wound's healed… and I feel great."

In that time? Kakashi thought to himself, oh right, she's the Jinchūriki… stupid me. He stopped thinking in case they had brought him into their own little conversation but realised it was something much bigger than he was (please, he really wanted to be 20 at that point so he could at least help), and pulled himself back into his mind, to have healed from wounds a mere 43 hours after we got back… she must've let Kurama mould their chakras together—

Whoever the hell said my bloody name, I'll kill ya!

Both Kakashi and Kushina jumped a good feet at the voice, earning a look from Minato—who then realised it was an entirely different voice he heard three seconds after the voice stopped talking. Kakashi quickly caught his emotions and inwardly threw a profanity—he really needed his head to be bashed in. He avoided Kushina's gaze, knowing she hadn't said anything but she knew Kakashi wouldn't have said his name—and he shouldn't be knowing she had a Bijū within her by that time.

Please, White Fang's brat can clearly hear me because he said my fucking name.

"He said your what!?" Kushina screamed loud enough to possibly tear through Minato's eardrums and earn a grunt from Kakashi. That was not meant to be (very) loud, but she did try to hold in her shock. How did Kakashi know what was in her? (Mind you, this is her when she thought Kakashi said "Kyūbi", imagine how she would react if the kid knew Kurama's given name.) "How did you know?"

Minato's eyes flickered over to Kakashi, his expression growing dark with the notice that his beloved student knew something he couldn't and shouldn't have known.

"I just realised a few seconds ago," Kakashi lied in an instant, and he stopped himself from gulping down the handful of dry air, "I mean, we came back from our missions the same time—roughly 43 hours ago, and I thought to myself as to how your wounds, as heavy as they were, could've healed in that amount of time whereas a normal human body would take the whole week, possibly much more," he paused, "and I researched about Jinchūriki and found out if they were to fuse just a tiny percent of their chakra together, the bearer would heal at phenomenal rates."

Damn, I like this kid.

Kakashi tried to ignore the booming voice (damn, the fox sounded really different than the first time he heard him speak) before he continued, "the book was the only copy before you decided the throw everything else out, and I managed to grab it—" this was true since the copy he was given after Naruto's birth came from when Kakashi was 12, how dare he even destroy those resourceful books? "—then read it. Sorry if I'm not supposed to know, but the Prodigy," he tapped at his head, "couldn't help it, and Kyūbi," don't say his name to avoid suspicions, "it takes months for you to like someone."

Shut it, Kit. There was the Kurama he knew.I don't need for you to say anything about my ways. It's not my fault—

"That you are still treated like a tool?" Minato stiffened in chair, as did Kushina froze in her spot. "I understand what you mean." He paused for a moment, only to bow once again and leave without noise—he was only five steps away from the day, and he vaguely heard the request Minato asked of Kushina and with just a single sound, Kushina left the office just after the kid did, walking side by side with the boy. Kakashi didn't refuse or say anything about it and noticed that they, together, were heading to the boy's apartment just after they said their goodbyes to Minato; the boy ignored the look Kushina was throwing at him through about half of the journey, but couldn't help but not ignore Kurama—the Kyūbi's voice that was trying to call out to him just a few seconds ago. Kakashi snorted inwardly as he kicked away a stray pebble. What do you want?

Explanations. Why are you acting like you're so… familiar with me?

Can Kushina-sama hear this conversation?

Heck no, I shut her out completely. The beast snorted and warned Kakashi about the right turn, and felt the emotion of gratefulness shoot out from the kid, you owe me an explanation. I don't like how you smell right now. You seem to be a lot… stronger, and wiser. Cunning, perhaps. But different from the Kakashi these people know.

A lot of things happened, Kyū—

You know my name, use it.

But—

Yes, I hate it when someone as bloody stupid as you knows my name, but use it because Kushina-brat doesn't know mine and I prefer my name over "Kyū".

A lot of things happened, Kurama. Kakashi repeated, his eyes wandering around and never landing on Kushina's face, he knew the Kunoichi was suspecting some sort of conversation, so she didn't say anything like he expected her to, and I don't think you want to know… yet. Look, can you peel your existence away from Kushina-sama for about two hours?

What are you trying to get me to do, Kit?

I need to talk to you. Personally. Kakashi said and didn't hear a response before Kushina just suddenly vanished. Kakashi was stuck on his spot and in another fraction of a second later, someone—hell no, this guy wasn't Kushina. How could he when he was six foot tall with hair that was a strong ebony, ending at the base of his neck and covering the right eye, his skin was deathly pale, and he had an outfit that Kakashi didn't want to linger on for very long because the revealed chest area was really distracting—came back and dragged Kakashi to the farthest training grounds.

Kurama was getting tired with the dragging (Hatake was a small child, and his legs were tiny) and ended up teleporting to said training ground; the boy landed on the ground with a small 'oomph' and he glared at Kurama, who also glowered down at him. Now bloody talk. It was very weird to see the demon's mouth move when he spoke, but his voice was still deadly.

Kakashi stood and wiped at his pants, huffing, "you actually tore yourself away from her, are you sure it's safe?"

Talk.

"Fine," Kakashi huffed, eyes narrowing into a glare, "Hagoromo-sama—" title brought a sharp inhale, "—sent me back in time to change the course of time."

Why would he—

"Let me bloody talk, Kurama!" Kakashi growled, flailing his arms; the demon clamped his lips shut and Kakashi was very much thankful before he continued, "look, I was sent back in time because in about a year… no, about eight months from now, Obito gets trapped under rubble—giving me the Sharingan, then Obito becomes Madara's student after he saved the bastard from the stupid rock, then you get released by Madara to attack the village and caused you to be sealed within Minato and Kushina's son Naruto by a fūinjutsu to hold you down for years, then you become friends with Naruto and help him wear your bloody cloak, plus the Fourth Great Ninja War happened again because Madara and Obito wanted the Datara also known as the ten tails, and—"

I became friends with Kushina's brat?

"That's all you fucking got from my rant!?" Hearing a twelve-year-old throw a profanity was hilarious.

Hold it, a Kit like you actually got the Sharingan? How?

"I lost my original eye to an Iwa nin, Obito was crushed under rubble—that was an action of saving me after I got hit on my blind spot, and left me a Chūnin-turned-Jōnin gift." He paused, allowing Kurama to finish his sentence.

The Sharingan. Did you have enough strength to—

"I didn't." Kakashi confessed, eyes dropping as the emotions flooded, "I know… that from the very start, I may be able to go on countless A-Rank missions, but I was never strong enough," he inhaled before he continued, "never strong enough to help."

Why ask for two hours when you could just ask for ten minutes? Sudden change in subject, just so the kid could breathe.

Kakashi pursed his lips and his eyes flickered to let his view focus on the form Kurama took on—the redness of his eyes were enough to cause fear, but Kakashi could see the tire in his eyes, "Sage told me to… become your Jinchūriki because a friend or mine forcefully becomes Isobu's Jinchūriki… and that was Iwa's fault. Again."

There's something else, isn't there?

"No, there's just… just protect Kushina-sama for him."

Kurama wasn't even sure why he was allowing himself to listen to the Hatake brat. Who the hell was "him" anyway? Kurama just simply heard Sage's title slip past his lips and then he listened. But he knew it was much more, ever since Kakashi finished Kurama's sentence back in the Hokage's office, the fox finally found someone he could relate to. Kakashi was a tool from the start, from the very moment he joined the Academy at the mere age of five. Empathy was a tough emotion for Kurama to keep up with, but he had to use it. He saw the hate in the brat's eyes and without warning, the memories flashed in an instant, blocking him of his sight.

The blood, the gore, and the losses. They all burned into his skin. The tortures, and the malice. Kurama knew those feelings, and he felt them scorching. They etched themselves into Kakashi's head and the nightmares he experienced: the deaths, the Raikiri—brat's own Jutsu—protruded through the chest of the Jinchūriki. The memories, all barrelled into one, plunging into his head.

That was when he heard something—someone. Kurama. It was the old man calling out; his frame stood in the middle of an empty white space, it was nothing but white… though the warmth was common to Kurama, protect this one. The fox heard the old man say, he carries a bloodline only he in Konoha possess, he has the power to hold the Sharingan, the power to hold the Hatake's blade, and he can help you. The Sage took a moment to breathe, I'm giving him an essence of my power, just to help him get through all the struggles. Help him become a Jōnin in eight months, allow him to seal you within him. Trust me one last time before I disappear. I love you all very much, and I know you will protect your two Jinchūriki.

The Sage disappeared, and Kurama knew he wasn't coming back. He blinked back the stars waltzing in his vision and found himself holding in his arms, a very limp Hatake. The old man must've used his energy to come back and tell Kurama what he needed to say. To let Kakashi take over the role of Jinchūriki. He doesn't even know if the boy could even… could even hold his anger down. He still had the hate for Konoha, and it was strong enough to bring havoc, but the Sage trusted him. He trust the Hatake, Kurama registered. Just why? What did the old man mean by a bloodline only he possessed? Dammit, the fox should really know the history of the village. He pushed himself to a stand and kept Kakashi in his arms—when did he even catch him?—only to curse inwardly. Why did he let himself grow so soft just by the mere mention of his old man? He felt a small twitch in his arms and let himself flit his focus for a second, and heard a tiny voice finally saving him.

"You're not a monster. Any twelve-year-old facing my problems would know."

Kurama didn't even remember making the blood clone and let it guard Kakashi's apartment as he went back to Kushina's place. Was it even wise to let Kakashi take over? He was only twelve, for crying out loud! But… being locked within a new-born was far worse. The groaned and settled into Kushina's body, curling into a ball as he heard the gates of the seal close on him. Maybe if he let Kakashi take control, he wouldn't have to see the bloody seals again. He felt the trust radiate from the brat… which was… not right. In any sense. He shrug at the thought, nuzzling into his ball before a growl stopped him from slipping into much needed sleep.

Where the hell have you been, dattebane!?

You finally realised I was gone.

You put me into a comatose state! For an hour, if not more!

Kurama grunted and peeled an eye open, his brain taking in the fact Kushina's soul-self was crossing her arms over her chest as she stood on the other side of the gate, yes, I did. Kakashi requested to talk to me privately. Don't worry, I didn't harm the kid… why would I anyway?

Why did he need to see you, Kyū? Kushina asked, nearing the gates with curiosity.

He wanted me to protect you. Kurama snorted, curling onto his himself, now shush, I need sleep.

[ Time skip : three hours ]

He wasn't so sure if he was actually seeing the actual picture, but Kurama was in his wolf form and made breakfast; Kakashi must've been dreaming, so he pinched himself and he yelped inwardly. Nope, he wasn't dreaming—dammit. He shuffled silently into the kitchen and automatically reached out to pat at Kurama's left ear. Don't do that, Kit. I hate it. Kakashi laughed softly and gave one last pat on the fox's ear before turning around with his hands planted on his hips. Kurama spun around and couldn't help but give off a grin, only thanking inwardly that the boy did not turn around at that point. A boy like you really does like keeping his fridge and cupboards stocked.

"Well, I live alone, so of course I gotta keep in stock." Kakashi replied without much enthusiasm before settling on a seat, summoning a scroll simultaneously, "I was thinking," he started to say, bluntly ignoring the fact that Kurama now shifted into his human form—he needed to not even look at the naked chest, "I need to learn more Raiton techniques, just to stay safe."

Raiton is hard to manage, Kurama said, digging into his share—he didn't even know he cooked well—and he stuck his chopsticks into his mouth, holding them in place with his fangs—teeth, since your reserves are pretty low, and that it can paralyse you.

"Yeah, you're correct on both accounts," Kakashi sighed in return, finger sliding down the list of Raiton Jutsu as he skimmed, "but I have to at least have ten Jutsu ready… and should I try harnessing Fūton?"

And get yourself bloody killed!? Hell no! Kurama squawked abruptly, nearly choking on his chopsticks, you already know your chakra is pure Raiton, you cannot expect to learn Fūton without having the old man's bloodline!

"Kurama! You do realise you're talking to a Prodigy," the man-turned-kid made a start on his prodigy-ness, "I will find a way to do it. If I can apply five natures, I can definitely defeat Madara when the time is right." He paused, now making a start to eat his food, "I can defeat the Akatsuki, too."

The Akatsuki?

"S-Rank idiots. They formed the alliance of the exiled to start a search for Jinchūriki in the end, they made Datara under Tobi—I mean, Obito's influence… then Kaguya showed up and the world just collapsed." Kakashi recalled the last fight he had before the time-travel thing started, "you would remember from my memories the old man shared with you." He paused, chewing at his food before gulping it down, "I need to stop all of that from happening, and if I do… I have no idea what the outcomes would be." Kakashi watched Kurama scratch at the wooden chopsticks he had in his hand, eyes casted down and not wanting to look up at the kid. The mayhem the fox caused… it was the start of the whole thing. The moment Naruto was born, it was the start. Sure they made an alliance with everyone, but they didn't foresee the evil that erupted in the end. "Hey, Ku?" Said fox blinked at the nickname, lifting his focus onto Kakashi, "why are you still here? I thought you were supposed to—"

Don't worry, I'm protecting her as we speak. This is a blood clone I made hours ago, old man made me promise to look over my two Jinchūriki before I make the ultimate choice it seems. The old man believes in you, Kakashi… I don't even know why, but he does. Kurama was alert enough to realise Kakashi's twitch at his words, thus making him dig deeper, he believes you can change everything and save those who needed to be saved. It must be the absolutely weird hair colour you got. Kurama ended at a light note and that made Kakashi pale even further. Kit?

"You weren't supposed to know. Hagoromo-sama even promised me that you never find out." The Hatake brat lowered his voice into a mumble and immediately stood, chair dragged along the floor, "I'm going to train, just… just to get myself used to the pressure I'm going to put myself under." He paused, turning on his heels, "you need to get back to your original self before this Jutsu hurts you."

Kit—

"Just." A sharp inhale, "go."

What did I even find out?

"Even a fox like you has to ask?" Kakashi scoffed, stopping his tracks at the doorframe, hand clawing at the wood that made his door, "you know why he trusts me." With that one sentence, the brat left as he knew Kurama wouldn't leave at his words, and Kurama knew, in turn, that the brat wasn't going to be back until the next morning.

In fact, Kurama did finally find out, but was struggling to believe it. They were somehow related: the old man and the Hatake. Now Kurama understood what the old man meant: Kaguya's blood to hold in her power during Kakashi's last stand alongside his team; Uchiha blood to help with the eye he acquired—he was very lucky to have his mother on the Uchiha branch; and, a stream of Hatake blood… the proof was in his white chakra. He was the boy born of three bloodlines, and he was very lucky he hadn't been caught for it. Minato would've had his own head cut off for not knowing… and Kurama… believed it was best to let the Hokage know. The Hokage had the right, or so he thought. It's true, though. The yellow bastard was Kakashi's guardian. He needed to know. The fox stood and flexed his shoulder, just teleport, and you'll be fine… beware of the ANBU. He reassured himself before he teleported, leaving behind a few stray leaves.

Just as quickly as he disappeared, he appeared in the office with a light land on his feet—which made him happy because usually he would make a huge boom on impact (but then again, that was in his actual form), but the sudden intrusion ended up giving him twenty ANBU in his line of view. Geez! He wheezed, taking a step back with his hands shooting up in surrender—idiot forgot to suppress his chakra, I just need to talk to your Hokage! The ANBU tensed and a blade was forced right into his line of sight—it's about Kakashi. At that moment, The ANBU lowered their weapons and immediately disappeared, leaving Minato and the fox to themselves. Kurama didn't have enough time to move and he was already shoved into the wall to his left, his face scratching against the wall, what the hell, you yellow bastard!?

"What do you want with Kakashi?" Minato's voice stooped too low, even for Kurama, "if you dared to lay one finger on him—"

No! What the hell, I did not even hurt the cute kid! Kurama shoved Minato off of him, tugging at his clothes—he didn't even realise he called Kakashi cute. He gave Minato a look of disgust and he snorted loudly, I just found out something about him. Seems like he was going through his old man's belongings and found a book. That was a lie, but he had to think of something, right? It was about the Sage. Kurama saw the Hokage jerk in realisation of the title before the fox continued, it showed the lineage… and Kakashi… before the fox could continue, a shout ripped through the office.

"Suiton Dan: Oruka!" (Water Release Bullet: Orca)

Then, within seconds, a huge surge of water crashed down onto Kurama, and with the intensity of the waves, he was restricted of his movements. When the fuck did you fucking learn this fucking technique!? The fox snarled telepathically profanity after profanity as he tried to work his muscles, but was sat on by the user of the technique: Hatake Kakashi. The fox saw the boy give him a look of warning of which the fox knew what he was trying to put thought before Kurama growled yet again, I forgot what I was going to tell ya, Hokage.

Minato, who didn't bother hiding his shock, was just standing there, jaw fallen slack as Kakashi stood from sitting on Kurama's still not moving body; he watched the boy brush off the non-existent dust of his clothes before he pulled his arms over his chest, crossing them, "what in the world, Kashi? I didn't know you could use Suiton." Man, the guy could really be thrown off subject in a matter of seconds.

"I was training a moment ago." Kakashi simply said like it was nothing, "wanted to try it out."

You do realise that it takes months to get used to a new Release. Kurama snorted as he pushed himself into a sit, rubbing at his sore limbs. The power within those waves hurt. Now he was blaming the power all on his old man. He watched Kakashi flex his hand and cracked a grin that seemed too loud to be underneath the mask. What? You learnt a new Release, what about it?

"You do realise that if he awakens another Release, he would reach the level of Jōnin." Minato, Kurama, and Kakashi tensed at the new voice, all tearing their focus and planting it onto Kushina, the one who finally decided to appear, "why are you guys looking at me like that?" There was no answer for a good minute before she opened her mouth again, "anyway, pushing that aside very quickly, it's getting weird, don't you think? Kashi-kun is able to use Suiton without having to have practiced for months, and I do not doubt that he would be able to use Daton or Katon… Fūton, however…"

"I'm a Raiton type." Kakashi said, interjecting, "sorry for cutting in, but all I have is that I am a Prodigy—I mean, if I wasn't, I wouldn't be able to do it," he looked over at Kurama and their mind clicked, you'll have to teach me Fūton. He didn't give time for Kurama to reply and he spoke further, "I'm determined I can achieve Fūton, though. Handling five natures is a tough job, but you need someone in the village who can do so, Hokage-sama."

"For the last time, it's Minato-sensei, but tou-san would be good since you agreed to be adopted by me—"

"It would take ma years to actually call you 'tou-san', sensei."

"—and I guess you're right, but I doubt it has to be you. You're only 12, and in six months you're going to be 13… let's just settle with three, and then I'll get you that Jōnin recommendation slip—I still don't want to waste your life on trying to be the for me." He paused, rubbing at his temples as he made his way to sit on his seat, "right, I've got things to do. Kushina, head on home—"

A growl. Mind you, this was not a growl from the Kyūbi.

"—and Kakashi… continue your training if you need to, and… uh, whatever your name will be…"

You ought to not use Kurama since names hold power.

What's a good name I could use, Kit?

Uh… well… there it was: the pause, Kurama knowing that his head was rummaging through a personal naming list—okay, that was made up, but seriously what was Kurama supposed to say? The fox was about to suggest a name—crude as it was, but Kakashi beat him to it. How about Hashiri? It means beast—well, one of Jutsu is—

Sticking to Hashiri. Kurama said aloud, shrugging at the name and effectively cutting into Kakashi's thoughts, that sound good?

The hokage nodded shortly and continued, "Hashiri, protect Kushina." At this moment, the Hokage tried to ignore Kushina's darkening look being thrown at him.

Kurama bite back a snort and bowed his head a little, allowing Kushina to leave the office, then Kakashi. Once he closed the door behind him, he reached out and grabbed Kakashi's wrist, then he noticed the boy didn't pull away. He let some of his chakra seep into the man-gone-boy's system and pulled away rather quickly, shifting back into a fox and returned into Kushina's seal. Kakashi stopped in his tracks, lifting the grabbed hand to his line of sight. He summoned his chakra to the point and saw a small tattoo-like mark in the shape of a fox's side profile. It was a warm tango red—the fox had a good choice of colour, and he snorted at that. He dropped his hand to the side and he continued on, heading back to the training grounds as he started thinking just how the last three days had been the longest in his new life. He just had to smile at that.

On the contrary, being a man who's brain is ageing far quicker than his physic, Minato had to catch up on his sleeping; so, he napped for a minute or two before his door was blown open by a single punch; he jumped a good two feet, instantly thinking it was Tsunade… but the look on Kushina's face only meant death, and meant that Minato seriously needed a lot of explanation to do. He somewhat thanked for it only being Kushina, and not Tsunade because the old lady would definitely kill him for what he did to poor Kakashi. "Why did you even let Kyū do this!?" Kushina erupted the moment she stepped in, which was funny because she went away a few seconds after they all left the office, acting all cool and calm, and to have her shout at him, well… yeah. They noticed the Kyūbi left her for Kakashi (how did those two even get so close? And no, she was not getting jealous… the Kyūbi was Kushina's anyway), so she had no choice but to erupt at Minato's choice, "you know he's not sane! And to put him with Kakashi—"

Minato arose from his seat and slammed his hands on the table, the thought of being afraid of the scarlet terror being pushed to the back of his brain, "listen to me, Kushina-sama." Oh God, when Minato used that title, he was serious, "Kakashi lost his mother at two, his father at four, and now he's pushing his intellect and capabilities in the wrong direction! He had his first kill when he was six, and he didn't even hesitate!" He paused feverishly, letting loose a very shaky breath, "the Kyūbi is the only one who can understand him, even if they're worlds apart. I've been trying to help him ever since Sakumo-san passed, and do you think it's working? Heck no! I have to hear that he's doing so much better with the fox, and how!? Does he hate me or something!?"

"Minato…"

"Of course he does! I'm nothing but a lie to him, and I can see that in his face—I'm too bright for my own good, smiling here and there, forcing Kakashi to do almost anything that makes him so very uncomfortable. I had a mother, a father, and probably other cousins of which I don't remember anymore, and what did he have? Nothing! All he had were his ninken—which I am so very relieved in—and the bloody rules of a Shinobi!" He made two very tight fists on the desk, gritting his teeth at the thought of being hated by his precious student. He saw Kushina fighting for a response, but Minato beat her to it. "Enough, Kushina. Enough." Said male exasperated, falling onto his seat, "the only prodigy of this time is Kakashi, and I've forced him to use it in the wrong way. I should have never let him enter the academy at five. I should never have let him accompany the group of three high-level Chūnin on their B-rank mission." He paused, eyes flitting over to Kushina, who'd now moved closer to the desk, "did you know his first kill was a father of three?"

"A father of what?" Kushina didn't want to listen, but asked anyway.

"A Jōnin who happened to be a father of three. Found that out after he gave me his report," Silence sang, "Hawk watched from the distance, knowing that I had a soft spot for the boy—the look on that Jōnin's face when… Kakashi moved in, it had the look of sadness, and… and longing, as if he needed to go. But Kakashi failed to see it, and killed him off anyway. Then I later found out that one of the Jōnin's kids was a girl, and apparently she was going through the same issues as Kakashi. A prodigy, she entered their academy the same time Kakashi did, and well, a lot went on from that point."

"She lost her mother. I think I know her." Kushina breathed out a sigh, resting her hands on Minato's; she didn't even snap at the blond's outburst, which was a miracle, "if you really think this will benefit Kashi… I'm in, but you must know that… that he needs more than just a Bijū. He needs us."

"I know… I know he does." Minato said, sighing as if it was that daunting, "he needs us more than he thinks—more than we think."