A oneshot, tackling the question of what could happen when the nine tails needs to be passed on.

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

sharinganillusion XX

It was going to happen one day. The need to contain an immortal beast within a mortal ninja could never end well.

The pink haired woman held the newborn child to her chest. The grief she felt for her lost friends could only compare in intensity to the love she felt for the newborn babe, of her best friend in her arms.

Kushina Uzamaki, daughter of Hinata Hyuuga and the soon-to-be 6th Hokage Naruto Uzamaki; the last jinchuriki of Kurama, the nine tailed fox. The green eyed woman traced the seal reminiscent of Naruto's own seal on the fox, on the child's stomach; the girl gurgled,he untrained Hyuuga eyes taking in the woman holding her, her shockingly blonde hair sprouting in all directions; blissfully, unaware of the tragedy of the mark's history, her innocence protecting her, for now.

When Uchiha Sasuke had finally come to seek his revenge bearing the eyes of the Madara that he had scrounged from the earth, he had battled his brother in arms and long life rival to the bitter end. In his sorrow, Naruto couldn't help but, see the similarities. He knew as his father and mother had that this would be the end. And, the end it nearly was for Konoha. As Sasuke pulled forth the fox under his control, the pregnant Hinata had gone into a premature labour. Naruto had done what his father had done before him. Dying at the end of Sasuke's sword while sealing the fox spirit in that of his daughter as her mother died birthing her.

It was then that Hatake Kakashi had forged the last stand bringing down his own student in the midst of of sharingan fuelled end. The Copy-nin alive…just… and the blood of another loved one on his chidori laced hand. Another life he couldn't save.

It wasn't long after that the hundred healing jutzu had claimed its price taking the fifth Hokage to an early grave; giving her barely enough time to demand one last sacrifice of the Great Hatake Kakashi of the Sharingan eye; to become the Rokudaime.

Now, Sakura stood with Naruto's daughter in her arms. This time it could be different. This time the child would know love. This time she had people to love her. As the Hokage put his arms around his wife, the burden aching a little less, he took in the new jinchuriki in her arms. Amidst the sorrow there was a clarity and warmth that leaked into his broken soul.

And, he knew this time, this time it would be different.