A/N - Hello everyone! Welcome back to another installment of Kitsune Sanctuary! I hope you all enjoy this chapter as I put a lot of care into it, but I imagine I still managed to make some grammar mistakes. Wouldn't be the first time, but like the last chapter if I find anything I'll update it. Can't have my baby being all grammatically incorrect now can I?
I would also like to thank everyone to reviewed my last chapter, it made me happy and I swear at one point I was probably radiating it. Just a massive golden aura of happiness surrounding my entire body. That's a scary thought...
=Reviews=
Desk Vampire - Thank you, I hope you continue to come back and read more!
Thor94 - I haven't made any plans for him to join the shinobi ranks.
FCY Warrior - Thank you so much for the review, and I'm glad you're so eager to read more. I hope I can live up to your expectations and fulfill them!
A.D. Sargent - You never know, but I'm glad I got your curiosity peeked
Dieblumelacht - Thank you, and don't worry!
Kaizon - I hope I can live up to your expectations! This story means a lot to me, so I hope I can deliver!
Shapeshifter340 - Thanks for the review!
Ash0011 - Glad you're enjoying it.
ThraintarIronshield - Naruto will be slightly different but I plan on keeping most of his personalty and quirks. I don't want Naruto to just be an OC that shares his name and appearance. I want this to be Naruto, and all is awesome glory. I don't plan on making Naruto OP either, it ruins the story. He can be really strong later, he will have to work hard to be powerful.
Sam Stewart - I appreciate the praise, but there are a lot of great stories out there that far exceed mine. Either way, thank you for the review and hope you continue to read more.
TigrezzTail - Glad you're loving it!
Please enjoy the story everyone!
I do not own Naruto!
I do own my OCs though...
Updated - 4/20/2018
A small grammatical error was pointed out to me, which I greatly appreciate! You know who you are.
=Konohagakure=
Naruto's sapphire eyes fluttered open lazily greeting the eerie orange tinted sky. His head rolled over to his side looking at the empty alleyway; he recognized this area from the times he would run to escape the crazed villagers. Tall oaken fence lined the alleyway, leaving the area looking rather bland for Naruto's taste. Making his way to his feet, he started wandering Konoha like he usually did.
After wandering for what felt like close to an hour, Naruto started to notice things that were off about his home village. For one, everything was shaded in the same eerie orange tint the sky gave off. The next issue that grabbed Naruto's attention was the fact he hadn't seen or heard anyone or anything. No shinobi jumping rooftop to rooftop, villagers chatting amongst each other. It was silent, and made the village feel abandoned.
When he finally reached one of the busiest shopping districts in Konoha, he had expected it to be full of the same cold villagers going about their business. Yet to his surprise, it was just as empty as every other place. He took the time to step inside a few of the shops, but every shop was cold and empty. There was no merchandise in any of the shops, it was as everyone decided to get up and move at the same time.
'Where is everybody?' Naruto thought curiously. To Naruto's surprise he finally saw someone, a young girl around his age with bright red hair turning a corner. Naruto immediately tried to call out for her, but nothing came out, as if something was blocking his vocal cords. Shaking his head, he charged after her to figure things out. However, when he reached the corner she turned on it was just as empty as every other street.
For a while he continued to wander around Konoha before finding himself standing in front of his home, the park he had claimed as his own sleeping quarters. To Naruto's surprise, he found his target, the red-haired girl swinging with a spikey blond hair boy. Naruto had seen a lot of kids, but this was the first time Naruto had ever seen them.
The red-haired girl had a round face like his own with bright red hair naturally framing her face that went down to her shoulder blades. She has beautiful violet eyes and wore a short-sleeved kimono-style yellow blouse with a black embroidered border, held together with a black obi, a dark short skirt with black stockings, and brown sandals. 'Wow, she's pretty…' Naruto thought.
The spikey blond-haired boy that was talking to the girl threw Naruto for a loop, it was like staring at a mirror, but not quite. His face was more angular then his and was missing his whiskers, his hair wasn't as spikey and had jaw length bangs. However, his eyes were the same as his, the same familiar sapphire blue he would look at in the mirror back at the orphanage. He wore a nice white hoody with green trimmings, dark colored leggings with sandals. 'I wonder who they are…' Naruto puzzled.
Naruto finally brought up the courage after eyeing them for a while and started walking towards them. Again, he tried to call out to them but got the same result. Just as he was getting close enough to reach out to them, they both turned and met his eyes with their own. Their eyes showed something Naruto couldn't really place, it wasn't the same hatred or disgust he was used to. It was like the eyes he would see a sibling or parent give to their family members. They both smiled at him and stood to greet him, but before they could something strange happened.
The ground underneath Naruto gave way, shattering like glass. He fell slowly, unnaturally slow into the abyss beneath him. The darkness very slowly started to creep up and engulf him. That eerie orange tinted sky mocked him as the world around him became darker and darker. Though to Naruto's surprise, two heads were watching him fall. Their faces were full of shock, and what he believed was worry. As the darkness was about to completely swallow him, he heard both call out, "Naruto!"
=Naruto's Room, Masumi Clan Compound=
Naruto sat up quickly panting heavily from his vivid dream. He could still feel the dirt on his feet, the wind on his face, and the eeriness the entire area gave him. Multiple questions were peeking his mind, however, the same question he remembered asking himself earlier stuck, 'Who were they?'
He rubbed his eyes tiredly then stretched his arms towards the ceiling. Moving over to the side of the bed, he let his feet dangle off the edge. He took the time to examine his new room, last night he wasn't in the right mind set to do it. It is a simple room, it has a walnut colored full-size bed with white fluffy pillows and red silky sheets. A walnut colored nightstand with a small lamp sitting on top of it, a dresser following the same pattern on the opposite side of him.
Leaping out of bed, he made his way to the dresser curious if it had any clothes inside. Sliding one of the drawers open, shockingly there was a few sets of clothing for him with a note that stated, 'For Naruto'. He reached in and pulled out one set taking it over to the bed. It was a simple red short-sleeved shirt with beige shorts.
He looked around the room and saw another door in his room, walking over he opened it to reveal a small bathroom. The flooring was a sleek marble that contrasted the blood red walls. There was a simple white toilet, a countertop with a sink and large mirror that was a bit to high for him to reach, and a bathtub.
Deciding to clean himself up, he shed his clothes and relieved himself before turning on the water. Much to his surprise and pleasure, the water was still warm. He usually only got cold water, which was painful during winter. Shaking his head, he jumped into the bath water and relaxed. A small bottle of clear scentless soap got his attention, he wasn't ever given soap back at the orphanage. Scrubbing away all the grime from his body he felt like he dropped some weight. His hair felt softer then it had ever felt before, but somehow retained his awesome spikiness.
Getting out of the dirty soapy water, he drained the tub and went over to the counter. Looking about, he spotted the object he was looking for, a walnut colored stepping stool. Pulling it from under the counter he stepped up and investigated his own reflection. The same blue eyes, golden spikey hair, and whisker adorned cheeks he had seen a few months prior. 'Nothing has changed.'
Shaking his head, he looked over to the toothbrush and toothpaste, the same note he had found beside his clothes earlier was there. Shrugging his shoulders, he got to brushing his teeth, two minutes later he spit into the sink and rinsed his mouth with water. A pleasant minty taste remained making Naruto smile. Shivering slightly, he noticed he hadn't dried off yet. Looking back towards the bathtub was a pearl white towel. Jumping off the stool, he quickly grabbed the towel and dried himself off.
Back in the room he went over to the bed and slipped on his new clothes. Naruto felt like he was in heaven, he felt so refreshed, clean, and peaceful. Ever since he came here yesterday he has felt safe, it was a strange feeling.
Walking out of his room he started to make his way towards the dining room hoping to find Akane again. He was hopeful that she would want to go play with him, that legendary hide and seek game spoke to him yesterday. He imagined himself standing victoriously as he won the game, everyone praising him as the master of all things hide and seek. Naruto's eyes turned to stars as he lost himself in his fantasy.
"Hey kid, don't mean to interrupt whatever is going through your head but your drooling…" a male voice said while waving his hand in front of his face.
Naruto quickly shook his head blushing with embarrassment. Wiping the drool from his mouth he looked at the familiar man who called out to him. The man is as tall as Kenichi, has jet-black hair with silver highlights, dark silver slitted eyes that shouted out confidence. He wore a black kimono that matched his hair, nine tails design is embroidered into it, and his five black and silver tails followed him lazily.
"Uh, sorry about that." Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, still embarrassed about being caught in his amazingly realistic fantasy.
"Not a problem kid, just didn't want you running into a wall." The man chuckled heartily.
"Thanks, I'm Naruto by the way!" Naruto introduced himself.
"I'm fully aware of who you are kid, names Riku Masumi." The newly founded Riku stated.
It clicked in Naruto's head where he knew the guy from, "You're the one who made dinner last night!" Naruto exclaimed, mouth watering by just remembering his meal.
"I am, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. It's hard not to though, all my food is incredible after all." Riku stated confidently, patting himself on the back. "Oh, before I forget your breakfast is in the dining room, Akane and the other kids are waiting for you." He said thoughtfully.
"Gotcha!" Naruto exclaimed taking off towards the dining room.
Riku watched the kid run and smiled, from what he had been told of the kid's life, it was good to see a smile. He could see in the kid's eyes though, fear. He figured the kid was just scared that we would just randomly toss him aside. Shaking his head, he walked over to his room and opened it, "Foxy, your favorite, incredible husband is back!" he said in a sing-song voice.
He received a large thump on the head from his wife before she said, "When did you become so narcissistic?" The woman sighed and closed their bedroom door. 'He's lucky I love him so much…' the women thought.
=Dining Room, Masumi Clan Compound=
Akane was sitting in the dining room slowly eating her breakfast waiting for Naruto to arrive. 'If he doesn't come soon, I'm going to have to go wake him up…' she thought, sighing.
"What's wrong Akane-chan, you keep sighing and watching the door. Oh, are you waiting on our new blond fishcake to pop up?" Aki said, sitting beside her wiggling her eyebrows. Her answer was a light bop on the head. "Ow…" Aki mumbled.
The door suddenly slid open revealing Naruto in his new attire, which made him look adorable! Naruto made eye contact with Akane before he smiled foxily and waved at her. "Morning Akane-chan, Aki, and…" Naruto started before drifting off, not recognizing the boy sitting beside Aki.
The boy in question decided to introduce himself, "Yo, It's Danno." He looked like he was slightly taller then Akane, Aki, and Naruto. His hair is short and jet-black with crimson red streaks running through it. His greenish-silver slitted eyes had a piercing lazy feel too them. He wore a blood red long-sleeved shirt with black baggy leggings. He has one jet-black tail resting in his lap.
"Hello, I'm Naruto!" the fishcake said cheerfully.
"Good morning Naru-kun/fishcake!" Akane and Aki said at the same time, though one of them caused Naruto's eye to twitch violently.
Naruto made his way over to the table and sat down beside Akane since it was the only one with food laid out before it. The meal was a simple traditional Japanese breakfast, grilled fish with miso soup, steamed vegetables and a small green salad with a glass of juice. The smell was angelic, and almost made Naruto dive right in.
Looking at his food tactically, he made a game plan. He would eat the grilled fish and miso soup at the same time maximizing flavor, then proceed to devour the steamed vegetables, ending on his small salad. It was a sound plan, a plan worthy of Naruto's genius. It didn't take long for his plan to take effect, as everything before him was consumed with passion. The witnesses stared in horror as everything was eaten within a few minutes. To them, it was like watching a solider step into a battlefield and decimate the opposing forces. Truly, the grilled fish never stood a chance.
Naruto leaned back in his chair rubbing his stomach happily, it was another five-star meal in his opinion. He felt eyes staring at him, so he turned his head to meet them. Akane, Aki, and Danno were staring at him in disbelief. "W-what?" Naruto stuttered.
"It's nothing, y-you just ate faster then we expected…" Akane said warily.
"It just smelled so good, I couldn't help myself!" Naruto defended.
"The food taste better when you eat it slow though fishcake." Aki said matter-of-factly.
"Anyways, Naru-kun, want to hang out with us today?" Akane asked, though she had a feeling he would even if she didn't ask.
"Of course!" Naruto shouted immediately.
"Goody!" Akane chirped, "we're planning on walking through town, then hanging out with a few of our friends."
Naruto talked with all three of them while they finished their own breakfast. He learned that Danno and Aki are kenjutsu sparring partners, though they heavily enjoy sparring Akane because she is labeled as a kenjutsu prodigy. They asked him if he had any interest in learning kenjutsu as well, which he answered yes after learning more about it. For some odd reason, Akane cheered at his response.
After finishing breakfast, they all made their way out of the dining room in a group. At the door leading out of the building, they all put on sandals, and luckily had a pair for Naruto as well. Danno slid the front door open and started walking towards the entrance to the compound, Aki was by his side walking silently. Naruto and Akane were about to follow but were stopped by Kenichi.
"Good morning Akane-chan, Naruto-kun." Kenichi greeted, smiling at both.
"Hello tou-san/Kenichi" Akane and Naruto said cheerfully, though Akane was more subdued.
"Where are you four off to?" Kenichi asked. They looked like they were leaving the compound, which meant Naruto was also leaving with them. It would be his first time wandering the town and would most likely gain a lot of attention from the crowds. It's not every day you see a new face.
"We're going to show Naruto around town, then go meet up with the others at the creek." Akane stated, though she caught what her father was worried about. Naruto may become slightly popular being a new-blood, but she would protect him.
"Alright, have fun you two." Kenichi said before walking towards his office, leaving Akane and Naruto to themselves.
"Okay, let's catch up with Danno-chan and Aki-chan." Akane said, getting a nod in return from Naruto.
=Kitsune Sanctuary=
Naruto was sitting down panting; Akane, Aki, and Danno were standing around him, smirking gleefully. Once they exited the compound they were faced with one of the greatest enemies of the Masumi clan. An enemy who has defeated all at least once, it was the dreaded stairs that led from the town, to the compound.
It wasn't a straight shot down, it weaved through the forest and terrain. It's a twenty-minute walk if you're not running down, but if you've experienced the stairs, then running them is easier. When they told Naruto, they would walk the path to make sure Naruto got use to it, he said he was fine and would run with them.
After debating it with a very stubborn Naruto, they finally relented and started running the path. It was halfway through that Naruto started to regret his choice, it didn't just go down, it also went up! Though, while Naruto was trying to keep with his new friends, he did take in the sights. The forest was beautiful and had a magical feeling. He did have to wonder though, why they built their compound on a mountain! Were they trying to discourage guests from visiting?!
Finally reaching the bottom, they were laughing when Naruto collapsed, which Naruto returned a playful glare and started pouting. They should have told him it wasn't just downhill, he might have walked it instead. Though deep down, he knew he wouldn't have relented and still said he could run it.
"I admit fishcake, most can't run the entire trail their first time. Call me impressed, you got a lot of stamina!" Aki complimented, honestly impressed. She had a fun, yet slightly devious idea to introduce him to the Miwa clan, they would love a new toy to play with. She started chucking evilly, causing Akane and Danno to take a step away from her.
Danno nodded in agreement but was slightly worried for his new friend at Aki's evil chuckle. She only chuckles evilly when she is planning a prank, or the downfall of someone else. He lowered his head and prayed gently for Naruto's safety.
Akane eyed Aki suspiciously before turning back to Naruto who was getting back up, shooting a glare at Aki mumbling about maelstroms again. Coughing into her hand to grab everyone's attention, she asked Naruto, "Okay, any place you want to see?"
Naruto wavering his small glare at Aki, turned to Akane and replied with his own question, "Not really, oh, is there a park?"
"Yup! It's actually by the creek we'll be going to later!" Akane chirped happily.
Naruto nodded his head and they started walking the cobblestone path into the town. He had seen the town partially when he first appeared from the tree portal, but he was quickly pulled away into the Masumi compound. The first few steps into the town were incredible.
The town is so different compared to what Naruto had seen in Konoha. The pathways throughout the town were stone instead of dirt, this made the entire town look cleaner then Konoha ever could. Nature seemed to have a firm grasp on everything in this town, vibrant green vines with small pink flowers latched onto buildings. Trees, grass, and flowers seemed to fill in every spot that didn't have a building.
The buildings for the most part seemed to follow a color design of red lining with white walls. The shops had large glass windows with displays of merchandise inside. There are what appeared to be town homes plopped occasionally. Another interesting thing that caught Naruto's attention, a crystal-clear river flowed throughout the town. The river was full of koi fish of different colors that caught Naruto's attention as he was crossing over the river on a stone bridge.
One other thing that caught Naruto's attention was the people who lived here. The people seemed to have a friendlier vibe compared to Konoha, but what caught his attention is almost everyone wore a kimono. It felt like he was walking in a town full of royalty which made him slightly uncomfortable. Another thing he noticed is almost everyone had one or two tails, even the adults. He had assumed that as you got older you got more tails.
"Akane-chan, why does everyone have a different number of tails?" Naruto asked while looking at the other kitsune walking amongst the town.
Akane glanced over at Naruto to see him staring at everyone else while walking beside them. 'He must have noticed the difference…' Akane thought before thinking over her answer. "There are nine major clans in the sanctuary that were blessed by Kurama-jiji, they were the sons and daughters to him. If you are born from those clans, you were gifted with the traits of him. Everyone else that wasn't, are just normal foxes manipulated by nature energy." Akane stated as clearly as she could, but sadly, like her father sweatdropped when it looked like he didn't understand it to well.
Naruto thought over her answer, "So, clans get more power because of Kurama while the others are just normal foxes for the most part."
"In a simplified way, that's correct." Akane replied.
"Though don't underestimate us kitsune fishcake! The kitsune around here still got their traits, some even train hard enough to reach their second tail!" Aki said fiercely.
"I don't think he was underestimating them Aki-chan…" Danno trailed off.
The conversation carried on for a while as they walked the town. Akane and Aki showed Naruto some of their favorite stores, which for the most part were clothing stores. Some are full of elegant kimonos, and others are filled with what Naruto considered normal everyday clothes.
The sun finally reached the middle of the sky indicating it was noon, and with a mighty rumble in Naruto and Aki's stomach, it is also lunch time. Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly while Aki blushed. This causes both Akane and Danno to laugh before their stomachs also growled at them.
"Hmm, what to do for lunch…" Akane thought out loud.
"Barbeque!" Aki shouted.
"Sushi?" Danno asked.
All three of them turned to Naruto, his eyes are glazed over as he was drooling. They gave him a questioning look before following his eyes over to a small food bar. Their eyes landed on the only ramen bar in the entire town, it wasn't the most popular dish in the sanctuary, but people still enjoyed a little variety in their life.
"What is that?" Naruto said dreamily. The smell was intoxicating, it was like some part of him craved whatever it was.
"That would be Saku's ramen bar." Akane said giggling at Naruto's face.
"I want ramen!" Naruto said, his eyes were glowing with determination. There was no one in the world that would deny him whatever it was. The others would accept their defeat and go with his suggestion.
Akane looked at the others who just shrugged, seemed like ramen had one today's lunch. They walked over to the bar and took a seat, Naruto on her left, Aki on her right; Danno sat beside Aki and the wall. They had only come here a few times, it was never anything special, but it was still good.
A woman walked over to the counter and got out a pad and pen to take their orders. She has long caramel-brown hair that framed her face with bright brown slitted eyes. She wore a forest-green long-sleeved shirt with a white apron over it covering her B-sized bust. The number of tails she has was hidden out of view from the counter.
"Hello, what can I get you guys today?" a woman said standing in front of them.
"I'll take a beef ramen." Aki answered.
"Shrimp ramen over here." Danno followed.
"Chicken for me Saku-san." Akane replied.
The woman looked over at the final customer who was looking at the menu sharply. His eyes looked over it a couple time before he placed it down and looked right at her. Utmost seriousness in his eyes which made her raise an eyebrow.
Naruto was at a loss, he didn't know what to get. He considered getting chicken ramen, but something told him that was the wrong one for him. Perhaps he should go for the beef ramen, but once more it just wasn't calling to him. He wasn't craving shrimp, so that was waved off. At that moment, one flavor of ramen called out to him. Instinct was driving him at this point, like a part of him called out to it. He put the menu down and looked at the chef, "I'll take a bowl of Miso ramen." Naruto stated with the most serious voice his four-year body could muster.
"Alright, food will be out soon." She said after writing down their orders and heading back to the kitchen.
It didn't take long, soon the ramen was placed in front of them. The bowls of ramen had a lazy stream of steam rising then being carried off by the light breeze. They each grabbed their chop-sticks and grabbed some noodles and ate them. Unknowingly to Akane, Aki, and Danno; they had just released a monster.
The aura around Naruto turned to absolute happiness, his eyes turned to stars. The three of them stared at Naruto with a raised eyebrow before they recognized his face from breakfast. A brief flash of horror dawned on their faces, the ramen stood no chance. Though, the most terrifying thing about Naruto is it was more intense then breakfast.
It was over in a minute; the bowl was wiped clean. There was nothing left of the ramen, it looked like there had never been food in it. They sighed, at least it was over and went to eat their own lunch before they heard him say, "Another bowl please!"
Nine bowls later the three were staring at Naruto with fear and fascination as he continued to scarf down each bowl as fast as the last. One thought coursed through their heads, 'Where does it all go?' They could see he was about to ask for an eleventh bowl, but Akane stepped in quickly. She couldn't afford to let this continue, literally.
"N-Naruto, I think you've had enough." She said stuttered fearfully but pulled through with confidence.
Naruto looked over at the ten-empty bowls, then over to Akane before nodding in acceptance. He rubbed his stomach happily, completely satisfied. Every meal he had ever had would never compare to this meal today. This was a five-star meal.
Akane, Aki, and Danno payed a very happy woman who told them to come again, especially Naruto who she was eyeing like a slab of prime meat. Akane's wallet had taken a major blow and sighed in defeat. Aki and Danno were looking at her pitifully, then glanced at Naruto who looked confused.
Soon after they continued their tour of the village showing Naruto a few other shops and refusing to go near any more restaurants in fear of Naruto's questionable appetite. This went on for the next two hours before they finally started heading over to the creek.
=Sen Park, Kitsune Sanctuary=
The park wasn't exactly what Naruto had pictured. He had expected a swing-set, monkey bars, things to climb up on. This was a little over the top, even for him. Sure, there are swings tied onto tree branches. However, there was a giant obstacle course that weaved through the trees; going through the leafy canopy far above. The creek sparkled with the rays of light passing through the leafy canopy, it is full of colorful koi fish that led back towards town.
Naruto took note of the children running through the park playing with each other, some running through the obstacle course. Children in both fox and human form were curled up sleeping under the rays of light. Others were swimming in the creek splashing each other. A small smile creeped onto Naruto's face. 'This looks like fun!' he thought happily.
"Akane!" A loud voice came from Naruto's side.
He looked over to see a girl who looked a few years older than himself running at them at crazed speeds. She has auburn hair done up in a pony tail, ocean blue slitted eyes that showed limitless energy. She wore a tight burnt orange shirt with black elastic shorts, white shoes that were strange to Naruto, two auburn tails rushed back and forth behind her.
"Here we go again…" Akane sighed dramatically beside him. "Hello Natsuko." She waved at the energetic girl.
"What took you so long to get here! Isamu has been driving me insane!" Natsuko screamed while pointing at Akane with displeasure. She wasn't truly angry with her, just annoyed at her tardiness.
"I was showing my new friend Naruto here around town today." Akane replied, gesturing to Naruto who was standing beside her.
The girl looked over at the blond, then back at Akane, then back to Naruto. She got into a thinking pose and started humming to herself while mumbling things. A glimmer of light shined in her eyes before she pointed at Naruto dramatically, "Who are you?" she asked causing the group to face-fault into the ground.
"She just told you! I'm Naruto!" Naruto shouted.
"Oh." Natsuko replied simply. She got back into a thinking pose and stared at him for a few more seconds as if she was inspecting him. "Yup, you'll do." She hummed lightly.
"What'll do?" Naruto inquired, eyeing the new girl back. She continued to stare at him much to his chagrin, unnerving him somewhat.
She waved his question off without a care in the world, "Hello, my name is Natsuko Miwa, but you already knew that, well except you didn't know the Miwa part but now you do!" she rambled off quickly.
Naruto just stared at the exuberant girl; then looking at Akane questioningly. She just sighed and shrugged her shoulders, but the evil chuckling coming from Aki sent shivers down his spine. Shuddering he looked back at the girl who was now standing very close to him. He took a step back, but she took a step forward. This would have continued if a hand hadn't stopped her.
"Suko, stop it." An older boy said standing beside her. He has short spikey dark-orange hair that resembled Naruto's style. His violet slitted eyes were slightly intense and matched his angular face. He wore a black open jacket exposing his somewhat muscular chest, light grey shorts and the same white shoes as Natsuko. His two dark-orange tails poised behind him.
"Always ruining my fun Isamu…" Natsuko muttered.
"It only makes sense for your better to keep you in line Suko." The boy laughed at the girls darkening eyes.
"You my better? I seem to remember me winning our last three contests." She replied snidely.
"A fluke happens every now and then." He said, nodding his head sagely.
"Indeed, that would explain your wins." She countered, nodding her head even more sagely.
"What did you say!" he shouted.
"You heard me!" She shouted back.
While they were arguing with each other Naruto looked over to his group who were staring blankly at them arguing. They looked almost bored with the argument. Naruto relented after a minute of them constantly bickering and asked his group, "Uh, why are they fighting?"
"Their clans are rivals with each other, both far to energetic for their own good. Don't worry though, it's all in good spirit." She answered, though their scrabble was starting to get annoying like usual. After a few more minutes of constant shouting she finally had enough and bopped each of them on the head planting their face in the dirt. "That's enough Natsuko, Isamu!" she yelled.
"Sorry…" they both mumbled at the same time.
Isamu quickly jumped to his feet and decided to introduce himself to the blond, "Hey kid, names Isamu Takeo." He walked over and put his arm around his shoulder, "You can thank me anytime for saving you from her." He chortled.
"Uh, okay?" Naruto replied unsure how to respond. The conversation went to a halt there with Isamu waiting expectantly, confusing Naruto on the pause. It clicked in Naruto's head that he was waiting for him to thank him. "Thank you?" Naruto drawled.
Isamu nodded his head with gratification and settled to ask another question that peeked his interest. "How old are you kid?" He inquired.
"Four, I turn five this year." Naruto answered, a little uncomfortable with his arm around his neck.
"Ah, cool squirt. I'm seven, and that girl over there is seven as well." The orange haired kid responded.
"I'm the oldest though!" Natsuko quickly shouted.
"It isn't a contest Suko!" he shouted back.
"Of course, because I decimated you in it." She replied cockily.
He would have replied if he didn't suddenly fear for his life. It seemed they had forgotten that they already had the ire of Akane. A dark shadow casted over her face that made both Natsuko and Isamu cling to each other. "What did I say about fighting constantly?" she asked menacingly.
"To not to." They both whimpered.
"Are you going to stop?" she asked coldly.
"Yes!" They both shouted.
"Goody!" Akane said cheerfully, her entire demeanor changing in a split second.
Their conversation caught the attention of a few other kitsune which gathered into a group beside them. Some of them are chuckling at the familiar banter, and the infamous Masumi clan in action. Others were just watching lazily or just choosing to stay silent but still smiling at them.
"Hey guys." Danno said to the group while waving lazily at them. He had noticed his friends starting to gather around them but was waiting for his two eccentric friends to stop. Their energy was limitless but with Akane here, they would face the wrath of the Masumi clan.
"What took you so long to get here?" one of boys replied.
"Showing the new guy around." Danno shrugged.
"Ah, Naruto! Let me introduce you to some of my friends!" Akane said excitedly pulling him over with her, away from Natsuko and Isamu. "Everyone, this is Naruto! He's staying with Aki, Danno, and I."
"Uh, hi." Naruto greeted.
"Hello, I'm Keigo Hiro. It's nice to meet you Naruto." A boy that was slightly taller then Akane said happily. He has short brown hair and golden-slitted eyes. He wore a forest green kimono, a dark green sash wrapped around him, and was barefoot. His two tails are resting against the grass.
"I'm Hana Yuzuki" a girl around Naruto's age bowed. She has beautiful snow-white hair that covered her left eye, only showing her right crimson slitted eye. She wore a silver kimono with a black obi, she was also barefoot and has one snow-white fluffy tail wrapped around her.
"Gin Nao" a boy waved lazily while yawning. He has short grey hair with a thin line of black running through it and brown slitted eyes. He wore a black long-sleeve shirt, baggy grey pants and brown sandals. His two grey tails laid on the grass lazily behind him. "and that's Shizuka Mana" Gin said gesturing to the girl standing beside him, "She doesn't say much."
Shizuka bowed lightly towards him. She has long wavy red hair that framed her face, and violet slitted eyes that looked dully into his own. She wore a black kimono shirt with a grey sash tied around her waist, skin tight jet-black pants and black sandals. Her one red tail waved back and forth behind her.
"Nice to meet you all." Naruto said smiling at each of them, though he eyed Shizuka a little longer then the others. She looked familiar for some reason but shook it off. He probably saw her in town earlier, but it was hard to say.
Aki quickly stepped forward chuckling with a glint that the group recognized and silently prayed for whoever the victim was. "Natsuko, Isamu, I believe fishcake here is better than both of you. He managed to run down the Masumi stairs on his first try! I think he might be a true stamina well, unlike you Natsuko." Aki said, conveniently forgetting to add how he was exhausted afterwards.
Natsuko and Isamu's eyes opened wide before narrowing at Naruto. "Oh, so this squirt thinks he's better then both of us?" he said lowly.
"I challenge you to a race!" Natsuko shouted.
"I second that!" Isamu followed.
"Sure, I'm down for a challenge. But to make things clear, I don't think I'm better then either of you." Naruto stated, but was still excited to play.
Naruto, Natsuko, and Isamu lined up together, then Isamu stated the rules, "We'll do ten laps around the park, no pushing or shoving, whoever comes in last loses." Getting a nod from both, they rushed off quickly. Natsuko and Isamu continued pass each other with Naruto following closely behind.
"Aki." Akane growled.
"What?" Aki asked innocently as she hid behind Danno.
"Why did you say that about Naruto!" Akane shouted.
"I thought it would be funny, and it was." Aki said while smirking but was immediately lost when Danno pushed her towards an angry Akane. "Traitor!" she cried as she was bopped painfully on the head.
After they passed lap five, the group noticed Naruto was starting to fall slightly further behind both Natsuko and Isamu, they were impressed though. Not many of them could keep up with the rivaling duo, so seeing Naruto do it was impressive. He wasn't going to win though; they noticed the last time he passed he was looking tired.
After twenty minutes of constant running, Natsuko crossed the finish line only a second before Isamu. A minute later Naruto crossed the finish line and promptly collapsed on to his knees. He was sweating and breathing heavily from one of the most intense races he had ever been apart of, which was none but they didn't need to know that. He fell backwards into the grass letting his entire body rest. The cool forest floor and light breeze soothed him.
"I have to say squirt, you're not bad." Isamu complimented. Both Natsuko and him were standing beside the exhausted blond watching him breathe heavily. The both enjoyed the race, and it was fun having someone else join them.
"Yeah, not bad Naruto-kun." Natsuko agreed.
The group of kitsune went and sat around Naruto and talked for a while. Natsuko and Isamu talked a bit about a family competition coming up, then began trash talking each other like usual. Soon they both went off running through the obstacle course shouting at each other. Hana, Aki, and Akane talked about clothing, training and some family events while Naruto rested his head on Akane's lap. Danno and Keigo walked off into the forest together talking about kenjutsu and nature. Gin and Shizuka remained silent. Shizuka sat up against a tree where the sun was shining through and Gin was lying down beside her.
A couple hours passed, and sky started to turn orange as the sun began to hide behind the horizon. The park quickly emptied as people went home for dinner which did not exclude Naruto's new group of friends. Soon it was back to the original four, Akane, Aki, Danno and Naruto. With the park being empty they set back off home.
Soon after they arrived at the accursed stairs that Naruto had zero interest in climbing. Aki and Danno ran up the stairs leaving Naruto and Akane to walk the path alone. Naruto had done enough running for a day and just wanted to walk this time, he assumed it would be worse running up them then down.
They walked up the stairs through the darkening forest in relative silence, listening to the leaves rustle in the cooling breeze. It was a relaxing walk when not running it. Having company beside him helped as well.
"Did you have fun Naru-kun?" Akane asked quietly.
"Yeah. I like your friends Akane-chan." Naruto replied warmly.
"They're great but take some getting use to." Akane giggled.
"I like Suko-chan and Isamu, but I wish Aki hadn't said that to them." Naruto said sighing.
"She's a known prankster." Akane grumbled.
"I'll prank her back then, that's a promise!" Naruto shouted, eyes filled with determination.
"Look out Aki, a little maelstrom is coming for you." she chuckled.
He shot her a playful glare but laughing with her. The laughter died down back into a peaceful silence as they continued their walk. Akane and Naruto both had a gentle smile grace their face.
=Nighttime, The Masumi Clan Compound=
They both walked inside the house, kicked off their sandals and left towards the dining room. Since it was so late already, Naruto assumed they would all be eating already. Walking through the empty halls, they started to near the dining room with lots of voices seeping through. Akane slid the door open to the dining room and walked inside with Naruto following her. He slid the door closed and took the same seat he had taken yesterday.
Everyone was chatting with each other, but a few had noticed Naruto and stared at him for a few moments before returning to their conversations. He saw Riku chatting amongst the group about how he made another perfect meal which was rewarded with a slap on the back of the head. Aki and Danno were chatting with each other again. Kenichi and Akane were staring at each other which made Naruto raise an eyebrow.
The dinner in front of him looked good; white rice, steamed vegetables, grilled chicken with a soy sauce marinade, and a cup of green tea. Building up an appetite from his exercise today he dug right in. It was now he realized something disappointing. Something he hadn't even considered a possibility; the food wasn't as good as ramen. He would admit that the food was good like his last meal, but it didn't call out to him like ramen did. He continued to eat his dinner with less enthusiasm then he showed last night. Although his sudden lack of enthusiasm didn't go unnoticed by Riku.
"Naruto, why aren't you eating my food with the same passion as I saw yesterday? Do you not like the meal?" He called out in shock which gathered the attention of everyone at the table. Though no one dared to inflate Riku's massive ego anymore then it already is, his food was some of the best. Plus, they had seen the boy devour his food yesterday, they assumed he would do the same today.
"W-what? No, no, it's great!" Naruto said quickly, not wanting to insult Riku's food.
"I just can't help but notice you're not digging in like yesterday, my food is far to good for you to only suddenly start eating slowly!" Riku declared loudly getting some massive sweatdrops from everyone gathered around the table.
"I think I know what's going on." Aki said getting a few raised eyebrows.
"Well?" Riku asked.
"It's not ramen." Aki said plainly.
"Ramen?" Riku questioned.
"Ramen." Aki parroted.
"I see, then I shall make the best ramen for tomorrows dinner! That will surely reignite Naruto's passion in my food!" Riku exclaimed.
Akane, Aki, and Danno paled remembering the terror they had saw at lunch. They all shuddered remembering his gruesome line, "Another bowl please!". They weren't sure they were ready to face that again.
"Yes!" Naruto shouted in glee. If Riku's food was already this good, then his ramen would be even greater! Somehow ramen had found a way in his heart and became his favorite food. He could still here the ramen calling to him from lunch, perhaps one day he would be known as the ramen whisperer.
With returned vigor, Naruto ate his food with renewed energy. Everyone except Akane, Aki, and Danno who were still having flashbacks, laughed at the boy's antics and continued to talk while eating. Soon dinner was finished and satisfied with another great meal that Riku was basking in.
"So, Akane, how did the tour go?" Kenichi asked.
"It went well tou-san." Akane answered with a smile.
"That's great, and Naruto, what did you think of the sanctuary?" Kenichi asked eyes darting over to him. The other members of the Masumi clan started paying attention at this point. They hoped he liked his new home.
"It's beautiful, and there was this awesome ramen stand!" Naruto cheered, which was met with laughter from everyone except Riku who was mumbling about his food being better.
"I'm glad you like the area." Kenichi said with a warm smile. He eyed his daughter, "Anything interesting happen?" he asked.
"Nothing much, Naruto met a few of our friends at the creek." She shrugged.
He nodded his head and the conversation died out and people started excusing themselves and leaving the dining room. Naruto, Akane, Aki, and Danno got up and left the dining room soon after. They made their way to the living room, planning on playing a game.
=Living Room, The Masumi Clan Compound=
To anyone just walking into the living room you would only see four kids playing games together. Though, if you took the time to pay close attention to the children, you would notice that not all is as they seem. Three of the children were staring at the other with narrowed eyes and a violently twitching eyebrow. Somehow the blond had irritated all of them.
"He's cheating, he has to be!" Aki exclaimed throwing her hands into the air.
"I've been watching him the entire time, he isn't…" Danno trailed off.
"I think he has some of the most incredible luck I've ever seen." Akane mumbled.
Naruto was giving them all a deadpan look, a tick mark popping up on his forehead. 'Why does everyone think I'm cheating!?' he thought, though even he had to admit his luck was awesome! He wondered if anyone out there had the opposite of him, such bad luck that they lost at everything.
"I think I've got a theory, Naruto let's play checkers." Danno commented.
Danno went over to the closet and pulled out a board and a bag of black and red disks. He walked back over to the group and sat down and set up the board in front of him and Naruto. It was a simple board, red and black square pattern and matching checkers. Akane and Aki were wondering why he chose checkers, but eventually it clicked in Akane's head what he was doing.
Danno explained the rules of checkers making sure Naruto understood it completely. It was a simple game by the look but was quite strategic and required planning your moves. He hoped that this would prove his theory right, the theory that Naruto has incredible luck when it comes to chance.
The game went rather quickly with Danno winning eventually which proved his theory correct. Give Naruto a game of chance and you will lose, there is no doubt. Give him something that is based on skill and he will have the same odds as anyone else. This relived everyone and made Naruto sweatdrop, 'What's wrong with me winning?' Naruto whined in his head.
"So, we never leave Naruto to anything of chance and we're good!" Aki said happily.
"Seems like it." Akane said thinking over all her previous games. Her game of war with Naruto had left her dumbfounded how he took every card, and the ones she took were pathetic. If they had to deny Naruto any game of chance to win, they would do it. He can't win at everything, it just wouldn't be fair.
Danno yawned and looked over to the clock, it was late and time for bed. "Well, I'm heading to bed guys, see you all tomorrow." He said, getting up and leaving the room.
"Same, I'm pretty tired and still have to shower. Night!" Aki commented running out of the room after Danno.
Naruto and Akane were left alone again and decided to follow suit and go to bed themselves. Getting up, they both walked out of the living room into the now quiet dark halls and started making their way to their rooms. They silently made it back to Naruto's room and said goodnight to each other before she wondered off into the dark compound.
Naruto slid his bedroom door open and shut it behind him. The moonlight was illuminating his room enough that he could see barely. On his bed, he could make out a pair of red striped pajamas that looked comfortable. Shrugging, he striped out of his clothes and childishly threw them on the floor changing into his new pajamas.
He climbed into bed and got under the covers resting his head of the white fluffy pillows and smiled into the darkness. Today had been amazing; he made new friends, played with them and found his new favorite food. In his short but miserable life, he was content. Slowly his eyes became heavy and he drifted off into a deep slumber with a smile still on his face.
A/N - The story will start picking up from this point on, I got quite a few years to get through to get him onto the story line. I'm not going to rush it though, I don't want to just suddenly skip eight years with Naruto being super strong with no background. It just won't be going day by day anymore, or at least I don't think it will. Hmm...
Thank you for reading chapter two of "Kitsune Sanctuary"! I do hope you enjoyed it and decide to come back for chapter three and I finally release it!
If you have any questions, please type them in the reviews and if I feel like answering them I will. Can't give spoilers, but I can hint at things if I decide to!
Announcement - 4/20/2018
A little update on chapter three's progress. This entire month I've been exceptionally busy with a large move, taking care of movers, cleaners, and the long drive that comes with it. I just moved into my new place a few days ago and still unpacking and finally got the internet hooked up which is awesome! Now I just need to finishing unpacking the rest of my stuff and we're golden. However, the move as greatly slowed down chapter three's progress. Like a phoenix, I shall rise from the ashes of my old home and come out even greater! Chapter three is in the works faster then ever! Thank you as always.