Chapter 1.
It had taken quite a few months to get used to everything but here they were. Hiruzen had placed Naruto in Kakashi's care almost seven months ago, and to see how well Kakashi had taken on the role of parent was humbling. Today was Naruto's First birthday and Hiruzen couldn't keep the smile off his face. At just a year old he'd already accomplished so much. Naruto could already walk very well, and was well on his way to running, as well as being able to speak quite a number of words.
"Hokasama, look look. Pesans fo me!" Hiruzen chuckled as he bent down to pick up the birthday boy. He was pointing to the dining room table where his cake and presents were located.
"I see and look at how many you got. Aren't you lucky." Hiruzen tickled Naruto as he walked into the living room where Kakashi along with a few other ANBU members sat. Kakashi looked over his eye softening at the sight of his charge so happy. He'd never admit it, but he'd come to enjoy raising him, it had been tough work so far, but it was far more rewarding.
"Daddy Kashi! Did you see!? I gos loss of pesans!" Naruto pointed hopping about in Hiruzen's arms. Kakashi chuckled and got up off the couch to take him from the Hokage, who just smiled at the pair.
"I know Naru. Aunt Anko and Uncle's Ibiki and Iruka along with Hokage-Sama all brought some for you. I got you something special, but we have to wait till later for it okay?"
"Otay!"
Everyone chuckled at the boys' antics and couldn't help but smile at him. Ibiki known for his cold disposition was one of Naruto's favorites and always seemed to have a smile when he was around. Anko was a natural mother hen and once she'd found out her best friend was charged with a baby you couldn't keep her away. He was her little ball of sunshine. Iruka was a natural after helping with his siblings so he was around a lot to help Kakashi. Hiruzen turned to Naruto after deciding to allow the boy a nickname.
"Naruto instead of calling me Hokage-Sama why not just call me Jiji. It'll be easier to say, and I think it fits better. What do you think." Naruto looked to Kashi for approval before beaming at Hiruzen.
"Otay Jiji."
The night continued with everyone enjoying the little boys company. After they'd eaten dinner and opened presents and had cake Kakashi looked around at everyone and gave a small nod. They all went into the various rooms and started to seal everything inside scrolls. Naruto looked confusedly up at Kakashi as he held his pant leg.
"Daddy. Was goin on? Whes they takin ou stuffs?" Kakashi bent down and took his little hands in his.
"Naru remember earlier when I said I had a special surprise?" At Naruto's small nod he continued. "Well know how were kind of far away from everyone else here? Well I bought up a house closer to everyone else in the village. We'll be able to spend more time at the park and with everyone there. You even get a bigger room. Happy Birthday little man."
Everyone had finished and had stood watching as Naruto's face seemed to brighten with every word. Anko couldn't help but laugh when he tackled Kakashi yelling yes. Shortly after Kakashi picked up Naruto and they were off to their new home in the village. Naruto's room was the first to get set up as it was getting late and he was struggling to stay awake. Then everyone helped get the rest done before saying their goodbyes.
~Time Skip_4 years~
Naruto rushed into the kitchen and practically tackled Kakashi out of his chair. Kakashi smiled as he waited for Naruto to calm down enough to tell him what he wanted.
"Dad I did it! I finally walked up the tree like you showed me!"
"Really now that's great Naru. You think you got it or do you need more practice before we start water walking?"
"I did it once, so I know it won't be a problem again. Can we start water walking now! Please Dad?!" Kakashi chuckled as he scooped up Naruto and headed back outside. He took them over to the pond and continued to walk out onto it. Naruto looked down in wonder as they walked, he could see all the fish and everything.
"Alright Naruto. Just like how you walked up the tree you have to focus your chakra t your feet. Too little and you'll sink, too much and it'll blow you off your feet. Remember how it felt to walk up the tree, it's essentially the same exact way just a different surface. When you think you're ready I'll put you down."
He watched as Naruto closed his eyes and focused his chakra on his feet. He could feel how Naruto was fine-tuning the chakra to his feet. He smiled proudly at the boy in his arms. At Naruto's nod he set him down on the pond. He watched as Naruto opened his eyes a bright smile on his face as he started running around the pond.
He'd started teaching Naruto to read and write shortly after the move and found he caught on very quickly. Shortly after he'd mastered that he had asked if he could be a shinobi. He'd taught him to throw shuriken and kunai as well as how to use a sword, before starting to work on his chakra. It's been four years since he'd started ad he couldn't be more proud of the progress Naruto's made.
~Time_Skip_5 years~
Kurama I've decided.
Oh. have you now. And what is it that you've decided?
Don't sound so damn mocking it's fucking annoying. Anyway, if I passed the ANBU exams then I'm going to tell them. I've kept you hidden long enough Kura. I don't want to lie to them anymore and Dad's been worried that somethings wrong with me.
Don't even start that bullshit with me. We both know you're as annoying as a fucking fly that won't go away. But as long as you're sure it's what you want I'll support you pup, you know that. Even if you somehow managed to fuck up and fail you could still tell them ya know.
You're right Kura. I'll tell Kashi and Jiji tomorrow morning when I go for the meeting.
"Nar… Naru. NARUTO!"
"Yeah Dad, sorry I was spacing out again. What's up?" Kakashi just looked at Naruto for a moment.
"Yeah I was trying to get your attention for about five minutes. Hokage-Sama summoned you. Your exam results are in apparently and he'd like to go over them as quickly as possible."
"Dad… do you think I failed? Is that why Jiji wants to see me now instead of tomorrow?" Kakashi knelt down so he could be eye level as he spoke.
"Naru, I watched your exam myself. There's no doubt in my mind you passed. Hokage-Sama may just want to get things rolling sooner rather than later. Why don't we head over there and find out for ourselves, ne?" Naruto gave him a quick nod and a nervous smile before he disappeared in a black flame, Kakashi right behind him. They arrived kneeling in Hiruzen's office.
"Jiji, you summoned me?" Hiruzen stood and motion for his ANBU to clear the room and placed a sound barrier around them.
"Uzumaki Naruto. Yes, I summoned you about you current ANBU exam results. It is with great honor that I present to you this ANBU uniform and mask, signifying the unity of my shinobi. I also bestow upon you the name Kitsune to represent your individualism among the many. You have earned your right to be a part of this elite group of shinobi. Congratulations."
Naruto stood there frozen until Kurama started laughing uncontrollably. He gave a small quick shake of his head and blinked a couple of time. Hiruzen and Kakashi could only laugh. He looked so shocked, like he'd honestly thought he'd failed. He stood and slowly reached out to take the garments from Hiruzen and held them close.
"Thank you. Thank you very much." Kakashi stood and smiled proudly at his son. Once Naruto had taken the garments he clamped a hand on his shoulder.
"I couldn't be more proud of you Naru. You are officially the youngest ANBU we've ever had. Want to know why we did it tonight instead of tomorrow morning?" At Naruto's eager nod he chuckled but continues all the same. "Happy Birthday Naruto. We wanted to make this your best birthday by far. What better way to do that than make your dream come true."
Naruto looked from Kakashi to Hiruzen, unshed tears swirling in his sparkling mismatched eyes. Naruto's gave them a smile bright enough to rival the sun. Kakashi and Hiruzen's eye's softened as they watched Naruto. Today was indeed a special day. A smile that bright and genuine was a rarity as he was usually more cold and detached for a boy his age. They attributed this behavior to the merging when he was a babe.
"Honestly, I'd completely forgotten my birthday. I've been so focused on training and studying for the ANBU exam I just didn't pay attention. Dad, Jiji. Thank you. Thank you so much." Naruto reached out and pulled them both into his arms, letting a single tear descend down his cheek. "Not to ruin the mood or anything but since you're both right here I have something I'd like to say." Kakashi looked down at his son in concern at the guilt in his voice.
"Dad, Jiji. I told myself this morning that I was going to tell you tomorrow at the meeting but since it happened today…" Naruto trailed off as he brought a hand up to the back of his neck and sighed, closing his eyes and slumping his head forward in defeat. "I know I'm the Jinchuriki for the Kyuubi Biju, I've known since before I ever even learned to walk. I also know about who my biological parents are and how they died protecting me."
Hiruzen and Kakashi had both staggered a step back stunned by this revelation. They seemed to wither away right before Naruto. They glanced at each other in silent communication for a moment before Hiruzen sighed. Kakashi glanced to the floor but not before he saw the flash of hurt and sorrow.
"We have always wondered when you'd bring that up. We've known for quite sometime that you likely knew, just didn't approach you on that slight chance you didn't. I take it the Kyuubi showed you their past and explained everything." He paused as he settled his gaze on Naruto for confirmation and continued once he'd received it. "Do you remember how you came to be Kakashi's charge?" Naruto looked between the two in confusion. Furrowing his brow and dropping his gaze to the floor as he tried to understand.
"Didn't Dad adopt me as a baby from the orphanage?" Hiruzen smiled sadly at Naruto then turned to Kakashi.
"No Naruto I didn't, I actually haven't. The Elder Council forbid me from adopting you, Hokage-Sama giving me simple guardianship over you was a battle in itself. Iruka and I found you atop a garbage pile in an alley when you were barely six months old. The old Caretaker and a small minority of villagers had tried to kill you. The Kyuubi unconsciously transferred chakra to you, allowing the wounds to be healed repeatedly." Kakashi's voice caught in his throat and he turned away as he started to cry.
"Naru, they killed you. T-They drove a kunai through your heart. That's how you got your crimson eye. Kyuubi somehow regenerated your heart merging your chakras together. That's why Hokage-Sama placed you in my care because I have the Sharingan, the only known way to control the Kyuubi. It was my job to train you and get you prepared should he ever try to break the seal and escape."
Naruto could only stand there and watch as the only parent he'd ever had was starting to crumble in shame. He didn't want to believe it but what they were saying brought with it small flashes of memories. He watched as Kakashi dropped down to his knees crying about how sorry he was, not realizing he was subconsciously backing away from them. They could see the confusion, anger, and betrayal flash across his face before it happened. Naruto's Cerulean blue eye turned crimson and he narrowed his eyes at them.
"What the fuck were you two thinking? I understand he deserved to know but you should have waited, He can't handle it. He didn't remember a thing and I wanted to keep it that way. No child deserves to remember that gruesome experience. You've just brought it all to the surface and you don't even understand why."
"I take it you are the Kyuubi. How are you even able to get out of your cage?" Hiruzen held the fox's cold and deadly gaze, neither willing to back down.
"Yes, and that is none of your concern until the pup gathers himself again. Do either of you know what an eidetic memory is?" He waited for signs or confirmation or disapproval. He sighed when he got two No's. "Eidetic Memory means that he can remember and recall anything he's ever seen, heard, or read in vivid detail. Now imagine how traumatizing something has to be before you block it out, so you don't remember…" Kakashi's eye was wide as a saucer, as he snapped his gaze to the Kyuubi's.
"Are you telling me he'd forced himself to forget that night?"
"No, He died. By the time I'd put his heart back together he was nearly gone. I'd taken over and kept his consciousness buried until I was sure he'd be safe. He didn't remember because I'd blocked it out, so he wouldn't have to experience that cruelty." Hiruzen watched the fox closely noticing how the fox turned his gaze to the floor as he descried how Naruto'd survived.
"Tell me Kyuubi, why go so far for your Jinchuriki? Why save him when allowing him to die would have given you your freedom?"
"Yes, I could have had my freedom and run off doing as I pleased but I just couldn't watch him die. He was just a new pup, with no understanding of what was going on. I may be carnage and destruction incarnate but even one such as I know the value of children. I'd taken over many times to preserve his life over those few months." Kakashi seemed to get over his surprise first. He stood and pulled the fox into a bone-crushing embrace as he cried.
"Thank you. If it hadn't been for you he'd have died long before we found him, and I wouldn't have such an amazing son. Thank you so much.
Kurama stood stock still, eyes widened in surprise at the action. He didn't know how to handle this situation anymore, and Naruto was far from coming back out. He was still trying to come to terms with this new revelation. Kurama cleared his throat and Kakashi quickly released him, but before he could speak Kakashi beat him to it.
"Kyuubi, Naru said he'd known about you for quite a while. Why didn't he tell us sooner even though we'd already suspected as much?"
"He was afraid of how you'd react. He knew you weren't his real family, but he wanted to make you both proud. All he's ever wanted was to prove that you'd made the right decision in allowing Kakashi to take him in. He loves you both so deeply and didn't want you to be disappointed in him."
Hiruzen seemed lost in thought before his eyes lit up in understanding, Kakashi not too far behind. They looked to each other and then back at Kyuubi. Hiruzen was the one to speak.
"Kyuubi, am I too assume you are a large reason for Naruto's intelligence, a second mind to store information in a way?"
"No." He couldn't help but chuckled at their dumbfounded faces. "Naruto is a genius in his own right. I give him a little guidance here and there, but those instances are few and far between. The little shit has a brain like no other."
"So, Naruto truly is his father's prodigy, Minato was the same way." A sudden knock at the door reminded them where they were. Hiruzen went to shout out when the Kyuubi stopped him.
"Gramps, you may want to take down your barrier or else they may start to get worried. We'll speak again after the pup processes everything. It may take him a little bit, but I'll send him here when he's ready." With that he disappeared in a wisp of ashes. Hiruzen dispelled the barrier and turned to Kakashi.
"Kakashi, take Naruto down to ANBU Headquarters tomorrow around noon. I'm reinstating you back to full-time Captain and your team will be: Uzumaki Naruto(Kitsune), Uchiha Itachi(Weasel), and Umino Iruka(Falcon). I have a Recon Mission for your team Dog-Taichu. Will you accept?" Kakashi kneeled in front of the Hokage and bowed his head.
"Hai, Hokage-Sama. I accept the role of Captain and I couldn't have asked for a more reliable team. Thank you." With that Kakashi disappeared in a vortex of leaves.
Tomorrow was the going to be the start of all whole new Naruto. Those rare brighter than the sun smiles would cease to exist as Naruto tries to come to terms with what had happened as an infant. He'd learned to ignore the glares and whispers and learned to avoid being beat when Kakashi wasn't around, but to think they villagers had truly tried to kill him as an innocent infant.