Disclaimer: I neither own Naruto nor Naruto Shippuden!
Summary: What if a forgotten legacy came to light, long before the 'Kyuubi attack' on that fateful 10th of October happened? Would the event still occur, or will it inadvertently save Naruto the pain of living without his parents? / AU, (kinda) good!Kurama from the beginning
Ancient folklore tells of the mischief of creatures called kitsune.
Kitsune are described as foxes endowed with magical abilities. The number of their tails reflect how powerful they are. It also indicates their versatility and cunning, for only the smart ones can survive for long.
It is told that at reaching the 50-years-age threshold, they gain the ability to shape-shift into humans. Supposedly, almost no one can detect the difference between a shifted kitsune and a naturally born human. Given that the kitsune is talented in their art, because there are enough stories about their failures as well, either bringing harm to themselves or to the people it had decided to mix itself with.
Approaching the age of 100 years, kitsune have gained enough experience to further expand their original ability. They are able to change their own appearance and shift into the form of other beings. The extent of the possible changes depends on the individual talent and the additional accumulated amount of experience, which comes along with practice.
By then, kitsune have already out-lived their normal counterparts – the foxes – by many a biological lifespan, and this applies to some of the humans as well. With each century, their senses and abilities continue to evolve, getting better and better in contrast to human biology, which dictates a peak in condition followed by deterioration. If records are to be believed, they report that some kitsune are able to discern things from thousand miles afar, while others have mastered the skill to deceive humans, confusing their senses and perceptions. Because of the latter, kitsune as a whole have gained the notorious reputation as being foxy tricksters.
And then, there was also the whispered legend of a 1000-year-old fox who communicated with Heaven. Alas, this awed veneration had vanished long ago from human memory, washed away with history that ensued thereafter for the People of Old.
Conflict arose. War happened.
And most important of all: When the Sage of the Six Paths – Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo – passed away, his sons were tangled up in problems of their own, the Bijuu scattered themselves into the world. With no one standing by their side and advocating their good will, people began to fear them. Irrationality and the instinctual fear of the unknown drove the humans.
Their animosity grew into mutual hatred toward each other. The Bijuu unconsciously suppressed all positive memories of the better times, wanting to wash their hands of the past. This way, they would not be hurt by the world that has come to despise and fear them.
However, Fate can be a quirky thing. Tenacious by its very nature, it does what it wants.
For a certain ten-stories tall, nine-tailed fox – called 'Kyuubi' by the humans and 'Kurama' by his deceased father-figure – it means his past will catch up with him, whether he wants it or not.
Uzushiogakure – The Village Hidden by Whirling Tides – had its location in the Land of Whirlpools, before it was destroyed in war.
It is known that the Uzumaki Clan of Uzushio and the Senju Clan of Konoha are distant blood relatives. As such, even their close ties were not close enough for the Uzumaki to share their biggest secret.
It was held close to themselves and would only be told from Uzumaki to Uzumaki.
One famous figure that came from the Uzumaki Clan is Uzumaki Mito, who became the wife of the Shodai Hokage – Senju Hashirama.
Our story begins after the battle in the Valley of the End, with the defeat of Uchiha Madara by the very hands of Hashirama himself.
This was also where Kyuubi was temporarily brought under control by Mito's husband. Mito took the initiative and used fūinjutsu to seal Kyuubi within herself. She had full confidence that she was the best choice to be the Kyuubi's jinchūriki.