Thicker Than Blood

Chapter 1 – The light of Konoha

A bright blonde sprinted through the streets, desperate to escape his pursuer. He turned around and stuck out his tongue a large grin playing on his lips. It was a beautiful day in the Village hidden in the leaves and the young prince was loving every second of it. Just as the lithe form attempted to dive behind the corner a large mothering figure grabbed him. "Na-Ru-To" The brunette ground out.

"Eep!"

The golden fox scrambled attempting to free himself from his caretaker. "What do you think you're doing skipping your lessons again?!" The brunette scolded. Naruto let out a high pitched whine before turning watery blue eyes at his Sensei. "But I don't want to study today Iruka Sensei- I'm too excited." He pouted. Iruka sighed and gave a tiny smile. He understood that, after all he would be too. It wasn't every day one had their coronation. Maybe it was okay to slack off a little. "How about we go get some lunch then?" He suggested.

"Yatta!"

Naruto Uzumaki, a Kitsune 112 Years of age. He was known as the light of Konoha, with gorgeous sun kissed tan skin and adorable whisker marks on his cheeks. His hair was shimmering blonde and framed his cherub like face. With Plump pink lips, Striking azure eyes and a lean, slender form, it was no wonder all the villagers would stare. Not only was his smile stunning and his heart pure, but this year was also the mark of his first heat. And with it the year he would finally, finally take a mate.

Hokage Kurama couldn't stand the thought.

A young pup growled at the much older man approaching him. He was big for his age, but still just on the border of manhood. He took a defensive stance while backing away from the threat. The man was much older and way more dangerous than himself. His scent was pure dominance and his stature one of power. The closer the figure got, the more he recognized the raven haired man. He couldn't rely solely on his nose though. Coal black eyes swirled angrily to reveal the sharingan. He checked the other male over repeatedly.

"Aniki." He said in disbelief.

Sasuke Uchiha, one of the last two remaining members of the Uchiha clan. His gorgeous hair was long and shaggy from months going without a hair cut. His smooth pale skin littered with angry bruises and his attire torn and dirty. He was covered in mud and blood his eyes wild. It was obvious to the older man that this little one was being driven solely by instinct. The desire to challenge and dominate, especially with his very first heat so close.

Sasuke let his body relax. He could barely remember his brother's face before this moment. Others in the pit often told him his older brother would never return to get him. But Sasuke knew better and that alone helped drive him to survive. The younger Uchiha marveled at the his elder. Itachi's once joyful face was hardened with the horrors of war. His once kind brother replaced with the dominate alpha male before him. Sasuke could still remember the day Itachi brought him down here. To the very bowels of demon country. Sasuke was left to fend for himself, fight for food, shelter and glory. It was Itachi's way of testing him and making him stronger for the task to come. The younger brother most definitely didn't disappoint.

"It's time."

Itachi growled. Sasuke nodded and followed his brother not once looking back at the bloody limbs he was leaving behind. They had work to do.

On the last day of the human race the tailed beast stormed the world. The head of the Uchiha Clan Madara Uchiha did all he could to insure their survival. Including using his blessing from the Nine Tailed Fox to control it. This didn't go as well as the clan had hoped. On that day Kurama killed the Uchiha. Their parents sacrificed themselves so they could get away. Sasuke felt anger grow in his soul. They would have their revenge. It would be in the form of the young prince so close to his very first heat. After all the Uchiha gave up their humanity for this opportunity.

Everything would start with the suitor parade. Where the wolf would steal the blonde's heart before ripping it out of his chest.

Kyuubi growled to himself, his sharp crimson gaze burning a hole into the curtain. It was getting increasingly difficult to ward off the advances of the young males. That Hyuuga was getting especially bold! His grandson was a prince for god's sake he should be sought by women not- not hormonal alphas! The red head growled twirling a silky piece of crimson hair between his fingers. It was unfortunate Naruto was born with such a submissive demeanor. He had hoped that he was going to grow up to be the strongest Alpha male in history.

A cruel smile graced his lips. Those little pups thought they could have his Kit? Ha. He should have them fight for him, yes. And when the winner thought they would get his blonde- BAM! They'd have to face Kurama, the Hokage for his hand. He laughed wickedly to himself.

"Um Hokage?"

The Fox stopped his kekkling and turning toward the voice. He frowned and couldn't help but glare. "Yes? What is it?"

The small woman bowed her head. "The prince is here to see you." She stuttered out. Instantly Kurama's cold face melted at the mention of his kit. "Bring him in! " He yipped rising from his chair. Before the woman could open the door, he was already tugging it open himself.

"Papa!"

"Kit!"

The two hugged each other tightly.

Naruto walked into the room as the women took her leave. He gave a bright smile curling up into his grandfather's lap. Kurama ran clawed fingers though silky long hair. The sunshine locks were tickling the kit's chin, it was about time for a hair cut. The red head would mention that to Iruka later. Naruto peered up at the Hokage with wide azure eyes. "Neh My kimono for the coordination is almost done. Iruka's sowing it himself, he said he's been working on it since like- ever. He took measurements and said I'm shorter than he expected!" The blonde laughed. Kurama echoed his chuckle placing his chin on top of his kits head.

"Are you excited?"

He asked in a soft voice.

Naruto thought for a moment before nodding. He was going to be announced as his grandfather's successor, he'd be completing his Hokage training and getting married and starting his own family and legacy.

Rebuilding his proud clan and creating peace between the people.

He gave a smile humming at the thought. He just couldn't wait for the suitor parade.

The two foxes enjoyed the silence between one another just spending time and sharing chakra. Naruto was getting closer and closer to the mating and it was becoming more important for him to absorb more demon chakra. Being only a third demon didn't change overnight, in fact, over the century Kyuubi gave him many infusions to hopefully strengthen the demon part of his kit. Soft snores came from the small male in his lap and the redhead smiled. He brushed the soft blonde hair seeing his daughter in Naruto's sleeping form.

Kushina was his first child in over 3 centuries. He came down and mated with a gorgeous Uzumaki woman with fine fiery red hair and piercing eyes. Even though the woman was diluted with many different bloodlines she was as strong as the gods. Well, at least that was what Kyuubi believed when he fell in love with her. Everyone was shocked when she lost her life birthing their daughter. Kushina had been a sweet child, loving and caring to all. It was unfortunate she was forced to be raised without a mother. Instead, she was raised by her village her father never able to dwell in the world she lived in.

Surprisingly, she never hated him. She loved him and her strength grew with her love. Kurama was beyond excited when his precious child found her mate, though the idea took a lot of getting used to. He spent many nights drunk and consoled by his friend Shukaku. It had been a long road, but he came to terms and was definitely pleased with the choice she made. Minato was a divine being amongst men. Somewhere in his gene pool there had to be an angel.

A perfect Angel with cascading blonde hair, soft sapphire eyes, and sun kissed blemish less skin.

Kurama snapped out of his daydream and looked down at his grandson. Yes his perfect child and her eternal partner gave birth to the most beautiful Kitsune in the history of his clan. The redhead gave a small smile. Oh how they would be proud of their child.

A knock at the door made fox ears perk causing Naruto to stir from his sleep. Without meaning to the broken family spend the entire evening in comfortable thoughts. Iruka poked his head in his face straining to hold back his frustration.

"Excuse me lord Hokage, but I do believe I have a prince to get ready" He gushed exasperated. Kurama sighed dramatically tugging his blonde closer. "Well, if you must Iruka!"

"Uhgg Papa!" Naruto cried, attempting to get the geezers lips off of him. "I don't want to smell like an old man when I meet my mate!" He whined.

Kurama barked laughter. "Of course not my son! You will smell of power!"

"Power does not smell like dust!"

"Oi! Why you!"

The little fox made a mad dash out of the room closely followed by the lively red head. Iruka scrambled after the two. "Lord Kurama! Naruto!"

It took Iruka exactly 2 minutes and 3 seconds to loose his patience. He chased the two kitsunes around the tower begging them to stop. He ran into multiple traps and stubbed his toe three times before he decided enough was enough. With power much stronger than the average sea demon he grabbed the two sharply by their ears. Naruto let out a howl of pain whilst Kurama winced and attempted to flee from Iruka' smothering grasp.

"Itai! Let go of me Iruka! Is this anyway for you to treat your Hokage!?"

"Oh- shut it you! I'm tired of you rubbing your bad influence on poor sweet Naruto! What would you if he wasn't presentable for the Parade hm?!"

" Good! Naru chan should always stay my little kittling! Now one can have him I won't allow it!"

Iruka tugged the Hokage violently shaking him from his sensitive appendage.

"HUH! Who do you think you are ruining my hard work?! HA you think I'll allow it! This is his chance to be happy!"

" Like you're one to talk what about you? Where's Mizuki?"

Kurama instantly wished he could take back his words, but the damage was already done. "Iruka Listen-"

Naruto whimpered curling away from the two shielding his ears. Iruka let go of the red head, his life drain from him. Snatching Naruto's hand, he turned away from the Hokage. "Come on Naruto we have a lot of work to do."

Naruto nodded wordlessly following after the brunette leaving Kurama alone to curse his big fat stupid mouth.

There were a lot of different ways you could obtain a mate in this world. The Hokage could choose one for you. You could settle for someone you cared for, or your yokai could be drawn to anothers. It was quite rare but it did happen. For Iruka, he was chosen by a silver haired demon who would not take no for an answer. He was courted with expensive gifts. He was taken on dates all around the village. He was shown off to everyone and experienced a once in a life time romance that demons dreamed about. He however was terrified at such feelings of passion.

Because he knew, no matter how much he loved Mizuki and how the silver haired man showered him with attention and love. His Yokai wasn't drawn to him. It was selfish of him giving up such a mate. He still remembered the way Mizuki begged him, pleaded for him to take his hand. The wild frustration in his face as Iruka broke things off for good.

The dangerous frenzy that happened after.

The scar on his nose ached at the mention on Mizuki. In the end the two broke it off, and no matter how many Alpha's attempted to woo the brunette they got nowhere. Iruka couldn't forget the terror of the Alpha he loved snapping.

A soft nuzzle to his side reminded Iruka of the task at hand. His new light and love, raising the cute blonde Kit who was so smitten with him. The brunette smiled and squeezed the boy against him. He had to focus on the task at hand. Today was the blonde's day after all.

"Do you know which pendant you wish to wear today Naruto?" He asked softly.

Azure eyes concentrated for a moment before a breathtaking smile burst onto his lips. "Yep! Papa's dragon lily pin." He said gleefully. Iruka smiled back just and brightly nodding at the choice. "Excellent taste." He praised.

The blonde rubbed his sunshine hair sheepishly and slight blush tinted his cheeks.

This was all Iruka needed.

The village was hustling with energy as everyone prepared for the suitor parade. The decorations were going up and many people were finalizing their stalls. A large amount of shops was closed for the celebrations whilst all the members of the Konoha dressed to impress. The blonde took it all in excitedly. This was his day after all.

"I have a good feeling about this."