Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
12 years later.
A feral groan could be heard through an isolated part of Konoha's woods, as two heavy eye lids slowly lifted to reveal a pair of red inhuman eyes. Haruhi was lying on her side in a small clearing. It was a beautiful day, which on any other occasion, would have been enjoyable.
Haruhi lifted her head and took in her surroundings, wincing from the pain at every move she made. Her whole body was sore, as if every muscle was overused. She gave herself a once over to see the damage.
She was currently in fox form, about the size of a large dog. There were no wounds from what she could see, but it still hurt to move. Mentally she was very confused on how she got there. She couldn't remember what happened. She figured the best way to start was to get her bearings.
Slowly, she got up and started to check her range of motion. She lifted one leg as far as she could, until the pain was too much. Making a mental note, she repeated the process with her other limbs. When she had finished, she was pleased to see that, for the most part, she could move normally without to much trouble.
Next, she checked her chakra levels. She wasn't so happy about that; she barely had any. She would have placed herself at low genin in terms of power with how much she had. As she looked around, a tree caught her eye.
It was taller than the others, and if she could get to the top she could see for miles around. She thus decided that this was the best place to start. Climbing the tree took longer than she expected, but she eventually found a branch that could reasonably support her.
Taking in the sights, she could see Konoha stand in the distance. It was 2 or 3 miles out, but there it stood. Looking at it jogged her memories and that blank spot began to fill. She remembered everything. Her brother's attack, her sacrifice to save Minato, her son Naruto.
'Naruto,' the thought of forgetting her son brought a sharp pain to her chest. The thought of never seeing her son merely intensified the pain. She was alive though.
How was she alive? She remembered using up all of her chakra to hold off her brother's attack. The incredulous thoughts of 'I shouldn't be alive' however were soon changed to 'I can be with my son and husband'.
She looked out towards Konoha and noticed that there were no damaged buildings, at least from what she could see. Her eyes drifted to the hokage tower and thoughts of her family flooded her mindscape. She was getting more excited to see them.
She couldn't have been out of it for that long. Someone would have found her, right? As Haruhi climbed down the tree and made her way to the tower, more questions arose.
'How did the battle go? Is everyone all right? Did the sealing work?The sealing!!'
The idea that her son would have her shit-head of a brother inside him angered her to no end. She understood that it was the only way. She still hated it and she was going to make sure Minato and Jiraiya knew it.
If she could gather enough chakra in 3 years, she could extract her brother and in his weakened state from being forcefully dragged out of Naruto, Minato could kill him. After 3 years though, the process would kill her son.
"MY NAME IS UZUMAKI NARUTO…"
'What?' The words brought Haruhi back to earth. 'The academy? Did I really space that whole way? And that voice said Uzumaki Naruto. That's my son's name.'
The rest of the words the voice yelled to the heavens were ignored as she looked to the roof. Apparently, she had been walking for an hour or so till she exited the forest directly behind the academy. The academy was directly left of the tower, separated by a street and 2 walls.
Her curiosity overpowering her, she climbed the wall to the roof. She thought that at most a week went by. Naruto was a newborn, not many people should know that name yet. As she reached the top of the school, she was met with the sight of 4 people situating at the far end of the roof.
Of the four, the man standing made eye contact with Haruhi. Haruhi could make out the look of shock on what little of his face you could see. Images of Minato's student, Kashi-kun, flashed through her head. The man however was way too old to be her Kashi-kun.
'How come I haven't seen this man before?' Haruhi didn't get out much, but every single ninja had to go through the tower at one point or another, allowing her to at least have a good glance at them.
"Kakashi-sensei… are you okay?" The bright blond asked.
Haruhi looked at the boy who just spoke and froze. 'Minato?' The back of that boys head reminded her of her husband. The hair color was identical to Minato and only Minato has that hair color.
Haruhi started to walk closer to the group. The dark haired boy turned to see what exactly had made Kakashi speechless. Turned out, what he saw was not even close to what he expected. His eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, taking him a several seconds to register what he was seeing.
Once his brain processed the information, he was on his feet with a kunai in hand. This had alerted the other 2 children to her. They followed a similar process of shock, awe, and finally aggression.
Haruhi stopped instantly. She wasn't expecting this. The situation did give her a good look at them though. The girl had bright pink hair and wore a red cheongsam, standing out like a sore thumb. She was also the only one scared shitless and had yet to draw a kunai.
The man that resembled a scarecrow was indeed an older version of Kashi-kun. Silver hair, face mask, hiathi-ati covering his left eye. All were things they had in common.
The black haired boy was wearing a blue shirt. His eyes dared her to attack. Not the smartest thing to do to a Kyuubi.
The last child was wearing a bright orange jumpsuit, but Haruhi ignored it for his face. He had Minato's eyes and her whisker marks.
"I-I-Is t-that a n-n-nine tailed f-fox?" Pinky asked to no one.
Haruhi ignored her and unconsciously walk up to the blond boy. He was the spitting image of Minato. She moved until she was no more than 3 feet away, just staring at him. No one had made a move, not wanting to be the first to fight a creature they were all taught to fear and hate.
Naruto was by far in the worst condition mentally to deal with this right now. After Mizuki's announcement, he had been dealing with it rather well with Iruka's help. This, however, was not helping things. Thoughts of actually being the monster were still in the back of his mind.
'Why is it staring at me? Does it know about the one inside me? Did it come here for me?' He had a kunai in a death grip. His knuckles were white. His eyes were wide and he was visibly shaking.
"Haruhi-chan?"
All heads snapped to the older man so fast it, was a wonder no on snapped their neck.
"Haruhi-chan, is that you." Silence was his only answer.
All 4 of them were looking at Kakashi like he grew a third head. The genin were trying to wrap their head around their sensei knowing a Kyuubi. Haruhi was trying to place the man with no luck.
"It's me, Kakashi." He motioned to himself.
"Kashi-kun… that's not possible. You're too old." Kakashi had only seen her fox form once at her wedding. Rin had begged to see it. He never forgot how she looked. It was one of the most beautiful things he ever saw.
The genin, however, couldn't believe she called him Kashi-kun. The idea of a talking fox was more plausible.
"It's been 12 years. Where have you been this whole time?" Kakashi walked up to Haruhi. He stood right next to Naruto and kneeled to be eye level with her.
"12 years!!" Haruhi's eyes were saucers. If it were possible her jaw would have fallen off. '12 years, it can't be…'
"Kakashi-sensei, do you know…this Kyuubi?" The pink haired girl was about to say it, but thought better about insulting a very powerful demon to its face.
Kakashi was about to answer when all heads turned to the fox. What the 4 shinobi saw would forever be ingrained in their memory.
Haruhi, a Kyuubi, feared by everyone in the fire nation, a creature know as being an unstoppable natural disaster, was…hyperventilating.
'12 years, 12 years, oh Kami 12 years.' Her world was turned upside down. She looked up at the man who was in his mid to late twenties. Memories of him in his early teens flooded back. Images of Minato soon fallowed. 'How is Minato? What does he look like? Did he find some one else? This has to be a lie. It has to be.'
"Oi, calm down. Close your eyes and take deep breaths," Naruto ordered her, being the good guy. Without thinking Haruhi fallowed the orders. The effect was slow going, but it worked.
"Naruto, how did you know what to do?" Sakura turned to ask. She was impressed. She would never admit it, but she was.
The blond was about to answer that he has gone through the same thing once or twice. Throughout his life, he had been put through a lot. It was only natural that he would have picked up a few things other people his age didn't know.
"Naruto."
Everyone was once again looking at Haruhi. The word was spoken barely above a whisper. Haruhi was staring wide eyed at Naruto.
"You're called Uzumaki Naruto?" Her eyes now had pleading look in them. She was begging him to say no, and that she would wake up from this dream.
Naruto didn't like the idea of Haruhi showing interest in him, especially after the Mizuki incident. He nodded regardless, not entirely willing to answer verbally.
Haruhi watched him for a few seconds. She then turned to Kakashi for confirmation. It was weird reading the body language of a fox, but he managed and nodded. Haruhi turned back to Naruto again.
She took in his features, his untamed blond hair, his deep blue eye, his whisker marks that resembled hers, and finally his smell. It was familiar, different in the fact it wasn't Minato, but it was close enough. That was all the proof that she needed to prove it wasn't a lie.
This 12-year-old boy, that was the spitting image of Minato with her whiskers…
It would have been a touching moment, if it weren't for the high pitch squeak and sudden thud, informing everyone she had passed out.
After a couple of minutes Haruhi woke up. During that time, Kakashi had informed Team 7 of how he knew Haruhi. He left out a lot of information, but they got the idea that they were close friends. Kakashi motioned for Haruhi to join him up front, which she followed.
Haruhi was back to normal, as normal could get for a 9 tailed fox who hasn't been around for 12 years could get. The whole 12-year thing was still eating at her though. She accepted it though. Just looking at Kashi-kun and Naruto was all the proof she needed, but it only added to the questions.
Haruhi was brought out of her train of thought as Kakashi started to talk.
"Now does anyone have any questions about how I know Haruhi-chan?" None of the genin made a move. Kakashi took that as a no and smiled at this. "Good, now I know what's going to happen when the Hokage is informed about Haruhi."
His face promptly hardened. "This will be an S-class secret. If any of you tell anyone, you will not only lose your chance to becoming a ninja, you will at best be fined several thousand ryu, at worse be executed for treason."
The genin gaped in shocked. Even Haruhi was surprised. "Kakashi-sensei, why can't we tell anyone? From what you said there is nothing to worry about!" The green-eyed girl, who was curious, asked.
"Given what happened 12 years ago… what do you think will happen if Haruhi being here gets out?" Kakashi asked to no one in particular.
Sakura was going to defend the village when she was cut off.
With glazed look Naruto answered, "They wouldn't care if she was nice or not. They would most likely attack her."
Sakura was about to argue the point when some words from her chosen one interrupted. "After the attack, I can't see Konoha accepting her anytime soon. They'd probably want her head."
Sakura did not dare say anything after that. It was one thing with Naruto; it's another coming from Sasuke.
Kakashi was saddened by the answers the two genin had given; both understood the harsh reality of things. Haruhi herself noticed the look in Naruto's eyes. She didn't like it. It spoke of years of hardship and pain that no one at his age should be able to achieve, especially her son.
"I'm glad you understand why." He lied. "So are we in agreement?" The genin nodded. "Good, now lets continue the introductions. Then me, Haruhi, and Naruto are going to see the Hokage."
"Why do I need to go with you to see the old man?" The blond asked trying to get away from Haruhi as fast as possible.
Haruhi was once again surprised by her son's words. 'Why doesn't he want to go see his father?'
Thinking fast, "The Hokage has asked me to bring you to him when we are done here, and before you ask, no he did not tell me why." Naruto closed his partially opened mouth. Kakashi then turned to Haruhi. "Haruhi-chan, I am going to ask you to keep things to yourself until we get to the hokage's office."
"What?"
Her son was right there. She wanted to tell him who she was. It was clear he had no idea who she was. Now that she thought about it, why isn't she telling him? It didn't take long for her to figure it out.
She was scared. What would he do if he learned his mom was a Kyuubi? From what she gathered, Kyuubis aren't welcomed in Konoha. Given what happened, she couldn't blame them, but did he have the same view? Having her brother in him probably hasn't help things.
Kakashi continued on, "Due to you being, well, you. The hokage has been keeping you a secret from everyone." Kakashi glanced at Naruto. No one else caught it, but Haruhi. She knew what that meant. Naruto hasn't been told anything. This angered her. Naruto didn't know who her mother was. She was going to change that, and ohis she going to give a nasty tongue lashing to his father.
"Fine, but I reserve the right to share everything when I get the chance." Kakashi nodded agreeing to the terms.
"Fair enough. Now, Naruto, could you repeat yourself for Haruhi. I'm sure she would love to here what you said earlier."
Naruto groaned. He really didn't want Haruhi to get more information on him, but there wasn't much he could do. "Ok Kakashi-sensei," With a lot of the enthusiasm missing, "My name is Uzumaki Naruto. I like ramen and Iruka-sensei. I don't like the time it takes to make ramen. My dream… is to surpass the hokage and have the village acknowledge my existence."
Hearing this Haruhi smiled. Just like his father, complete faith in his dream. There was no doubt in his voice. She chose to ignore the ramen part though. She also didn't understand the existence thing either.
Naruto saw the smile. He, in turn, gave one of his fake smiles. Years of making them had made them perfect. No one could tell the difference and Haruhi bought it hook line and sinker. Kakashi motioned for the brooder to go next.
"Uchiha Sasuke, there are lot's of things I dislike and I really don't like anything. I can't call it a dream, but I have an ambition. The resurrection of my clan and to kill a certain man."
Haruhi wasn't sure exactly what to make of the Uchiha. On one hand, he was going to be a shinobi, wanting to kill certain people came with the job. But… that should only come after several years on the job. The resurrection of the clan also threw her off. What happened to the Uchiha clan? He also kept glancing at Haruhi. She wasn't happy with that. Next was pink.
"My name is Haruno Sakura. I Like…" Looking a Sasuke, she squealed. "Well the person I like is…" Looking a Sasuke, she squealed. "And my dream for the future is…" Looking a Sasuke, she squealed again. "What I dislike is Naruto. My hobby is…" Taking one last look at Sasuke, thankfully not squealing this time.
'…You can't be serious. Does she even want to be a Konohichi and what's with hating my son? This girl better watch herself.' Haruhi looked at Kakashi to see his reaction to this. It was clear he wasn't impressed with the girl either. 'This is my son's genin team? A brooding boy bent on vengeance and a Fan-Girl? Luckily he has Kashi-kun, but I am going have a talk to Minato about this.'
Lying through his teeth, he made with the reply, "You are all very… interesting."
It was clear Kakashi wasn't exactly thrilled about his team, but what could you do? The counsel ordered him to train Sasuke. He was glad though. He had his sensei's son on his team, even if it was through sheer dumb luck.
"Tomorrow, meet me at Training Area 7 at 7:00 am; and don't eat breakfast. You'll throw up if you do." The genin gulped at that.
"Come on Naruto, let's go see Hokage-sama. Haruhi, can you turn into your human form again?"
"First, when I turn into a human I'm naked," They all blushed. "Second, no, I don't have enough chakra. It will take me at least 2 days before I can."
Sasuke smirked. "You can't even do a simple transformation jutsu. What kind of demon are you?"
Naruto, Kakashi, even Sakura paled. All were in agreement. Insulting a 9-Tailed Fox was probably one of the stupidest things you ever could do in your life.
Haruhi laughed. 'That's not good.' The three thought.
"You got balls brat. The last person to ever question my skills was eaten alive. Tasted like chicken, but you're stupid so I'll let it slide."
Sasuke glared at her. Sakura wanted to defend Sasuke, but even she didn't want to risk Haruhi's wraith for Sasuke. Naruto was laughing to himself. 'Maybe she isn't that bad', he thought. Kakashi thanked Haruhi for not doing anything. They all tuned in for what she had to say next.
"You see brat, the jutsu I used was not an academy level jutsu. It was a kinjutsu. Normal humans can't perform this jutsu because you need a kage levels worth of chakra. It isn't just a simple transformation that wears off after a while. This is a permanent transformation. Organs, skin, eyes, even your DNA change."
"Yes, I can change again, but even I need time to recuperate from the shock to the systems. Forcing your insides to re-arrange themselves isn't exactly a pleasant feeling. I wouldn't be surprised if you dropped to your knees and begged for death to end the pain that's being inflicted. Satisfied, you little shit?"
Sasuke and Sakura said nothing. Naruto was impressed; kage level chakra and that kind of endurance. He quickly decided to learn that jutsu and master it. If he could he would definitely be ready for the Hokage's chair and hat.
Kakashi made a mental note to keep Sasuke away from Haruhi.
After making sure Haruhi's lesson was over, Kakashi performed the best henge he could 3 times upon Haruhi, turning her into a dog with a blue cape and a leaf hiathi-ati. 'He turned me into one of his dogs….' She didn't verbalize her complaint though.
"Let's go." Kakashi motioned.
Naruto jumped to his feet. "Hold on a sec, Kakashi-sensei!" Looking at Sakura with a smile. "Sakura-chan, do you want to go out some time and…"
"No," Not even letting him finish.
"But Sakura-chan," The smile gone with the wind.
"Why would I ever go out with dead last? You're annoying Naruto. Sasuke, if you want to go out sometime?" Sakura was starry eyed.
Sasuke just got up and walked away. Sakura chased after him, Naruto watching as they left. Kakashi held no emotion on his face, but inside he was feeling Naruto's pain.
Haruhi was shell-shocked. 'That girl refused, insulted, and blew off my son. He is the son of the hokage and a Kyuubi. Girls should be lined up for him just to hold his hand, let alone a date. That girl just made my list.'
It didn't take them long to get there, for soon enough, they stood outside the hokage's office.
Haruhi wasn't happythough. The people they passed on the street all gave Naruto looks of anger or disgust. She hadn't said anything because she didn't understand why they were giving him the looks, but she was quickly reaching her limit. The receptionist was no different and Haruhi was half tempted to kill her.
What amazed her was Naruto took it all in stride with a smile on his face. He was polite and kind to everyone. She just didn't get what he could have done to deserve this kind of treatment. Naruto had noticed the looks, she could tell. Subtle facial changes were the give away, but no one said or did anything. It was as if this was normal.
What was unknown to her at the moment however was that he was planning on pranking a good number of people for the stares. Maybe he should do something that involved pouring honey on the guy and tossing a beehive on his head…
Without so much as a glance to the receptionist, Kakashi opened the doors and ushered them in. What greeted the 3 was Sondaime, Homura, and Koharu looking right back.
"What is the meaning of this? Get out, we are discussing important matters." Homura ordered.
Kakashi bowed apologetically, it wasn't good to piss off the people in power, especially ones with sticks up their butts. "Gomen, I have important information for the Hokage that supercedes everything."
"Whatever it is? It can wait. We are in the middle of an important matter." Koharu said getting agitated. Neither Koharu nor Homura even glanced at Naruto or Haruhi.
"I'll hear it." Sarutobi stated. That caught Haruhi by surprise. Minato was Hokage last time she checked which was admittedly was 12 years ago…
"Hokage-sama we…"
"You have spent an hour of my time arguing about a genin team that I already approved of. We are done. Now, Kakashi, what is it?" Sarutobi asked. He wasn't happy, but he wasn't going to take it out on an innocent man.
Kakashi, upon hearing that, immediately knew what was going on, they didn't want Naruto on Sasuke's team.
Making a quick decision, he walked up to the Hokage and whispered into his ear. Those 2 old bastards could learn about this later.
The Hokage processed what he just learned and fought very hard not to go into shock. His eye's locked onto Haruhi. Without moving his gaze anywhere else, "Homura, Koharu out… now."
"But Ho…"
"I said, out." Sarutobi's tone left no room for argument and they quickly left. Only after they were gone and everything was secure did he ask, "Are you really Uzumaki Haruhi?"
Doubt was clearly in his voice. Naruto eyes shot open to sizes no one has ever seen before. He turned and stared at the henged fox.
Haruhi just smiled. "Do you have any soldier pills and some spare clothing? I would like to be in human form as soon as possible. Also where is Minato-kun? I have some questions for him."
"Kakashi, go to the armory and get what she has asked for. Haruhi, about Minato…we will talk about that soon." Sarutobi wanted some time to figure out how to tell her.
Kakashi quickly followed orders and was back within 5 minutes with what was asked.
Naruto was in a daze. He couldn't grasp the idea of her having the Uzumaki name, remaining silent the whole time. Sarutobi saw this and became worried about what he will do. Haruhi also saw this. She didn't blame him for such a reaction. Taking the 3 pills and the ANBU uniform, she left for the nearest bathroom.
Naruto was still in his own world when she left. If Sakura had come in screaming that she loved Naruto while holding Sasuke in a headlock and punching him in the face every few seconds, Naruto would not even flinch and ignore them completely.
It took about 3 full minutes before Naruto's system failed brain could restart. "Hey old man, why did you call her Uzumaki? She's a Kyuubi. Why would we have the same name?"
Before Sarutobi could answer, Haruhi walked right in. She looked just as she did 12 years ago. Her multi-colored hair still reached down to her lower back, her eyes were a dark red, and the whisker marks were still there.
The uniform was a bit big, but Kakashi did the best he could with 12-year-old measurements he used from his memory. While in the bathroom she had decided to go with the direct approach.
"What else would you call your mother?"
Needless to say, that was not the answer Naruto was expecting to hear. Haruhi didn't quite catch that and was smiling from ear to ear. She was hoping it would lessen the shock.
'Oh shit.' Was the thought of both the older men in the room.
Naruto was completely speechless. His brain was still functioning, but it was still a lot to take in. 'Did she say 'mother'?' Naruto was staring wide eyed at the fox in human form.
It was time for Haruhi to get some answers though.
"Now, where is your father? I have questions for him." No answer. Naruto just stared. She was beginning to wonder if she broke him. "Hello, are you okay?" She waited patiently for Naruto. She had figured that Minato would at least have showed pictures of her in human form. She was about to ask if he was okay again, but Naruto effectively put a stop to that.
"YOU'RE A LIAR! I'M NOT A DEMON, I'M NOT!!!" That wasn't what Haruhi was expecting.
Naruto's hands were fist with white knuckles. He was trembling all over. His eyes however, were steady. They held defiance in them, as if he could force the facts to change.
In a much quieter voice, "I'm not what people call me. I'm not a monster. I'm not a demon. If what you said was true, then all the looks, all the names, and even the beatings, everything… I deserved it all.
"Old man, tell her that she made a mistake, that I'm not her son. She can't be my mother."
Sarutobi was truly saddened from what he had just heard. "Naruto, you never deserved what the village has done to you. No, you are not what they call you, but she is your mother. You have…"
Naruto was already running out the door. He couldn't take it anymore. Sarutobi watched him go.
Haruhi was staring at the now open door. The words he had said hurt. Him yelling at her and calling her a liar about being his mother brought tears to her eyes, but some of the other words were getting very different reactions. 'Looks… names… BEATINGS!'
Turning to the old men. "Explain, NOW." Her voice sent chills down their backs. The 2 men were looking at a pissed off kyuubi mother. Death would have been apleasant alternative.
Sarutobi took a deep breath. 'This is one shitty day'
"Please close the door and sit down. Naruto needs some time alone, and this is a long story." Haruhi did as she was instructed, Sarutobi sitting himself onto his chair. He took out his pipe and lit it. He was too old for this shit. Kakashi was standing next to Sarutobi, waiting for the story to start.
After collecting his thoughts, he started. "First, you should know that Minato is dead." That shot pain all through Haruhi. "He died performing a self-sacrificing kinjutsu that sealed your brother into Naruto." He paused so she could absorb that harsh bit of information.
Haruhi realized something, the jutsu that she performed, the one that had sucked up all of her chakra. That had to be it. When she used up all her chakra, there was nothing to hold her together. Kyuubis are pure chakra given flesh. There must have been some chakra left, because she would be dead otherwise. Then it hit her, Minato was dead before she even got there. "Who has been taking care of Naruto?"
Sarutobi sighed, "No one."
"What? Where was Jiraiya… he's the godfather! Or Kashi-kun could have done it, even Anko-chan, or Rin?"
"Anko doesn't know about Naruto. We told people that Minato's wife and newborn child died in the attack. The counsel sent Kakashi on mission after mission, most of which took a full month to complete. Rin died during the attack. Jiraiya…" Sarutobi was afraid of this one. "Jiraiya had been running a spy network, and it takes him away from Konoha years at a time."
At hearing about Jiraiya, she was pissed. The others had reasonable excuses. Jiraiya could have gotten someone else to run the network. He could have even taken Naruto with him. "A spy network. He neglected my son for a spy network." On the outside she looked calm. On the inside she was already plotting the man's slow and painful death.
Sarutobi was surprised she took that rather well. Kakashi, feeling the need to speak up in his defense, stated, "Haruhi-chan, I have asked several of my friends in ANBU to watch him, but even I don't trust them all. It was only until recently that I was able to watch him."
He didn't want to share this next bit of information in front of the hokage, but Haruhi needed this information right now. " I had also rigged the last few genin teams to fail, so I could get a chance to be Naruto's jonin instructor." Haruhi was thankful to Kakashi at this. Sarutobi on the other hand, made a note to talk to Kakashi about this.
Sarutobi continued Naruto's story. "When the village found out about what Minato did, the people demanded Naruto's death. If they had known he was Minato's son, things might have been different. Not even the counsel knows. Some had their suspicions, but most refuse to see it, even if he looks just like him. If it weren't for some of the major clans and a counsel member, he would have been killed."
Haruhi was shocked that the village would demand the death of a child. Becoming the vessel, if anything, was already punishing him. "Who were the people that protected my son?"
'She needs to know the whole truth on this one, before she goes and says she owes anyone.'
"The Inuzuka were the only clan that had good intentions. They truly did not want a child to die for something he had no control over. They understood that he wasn't the demon, even if it was only about half of them that felt that way. They, however, still did nothing to help him while he was growing up. The Hyuuga and Nara defended him because they were afraid that if the container should die, your brother would be free to finish what he started.
"The Uchiha and Danzo are the last two. Both of which wanted Naruto as a weapon. Danzo wanted to train him into an emotionless killing machine for the village. The Uchiha wanted him for their clan. Most likely as leverage over the other clans and when Naruto was old enough, they were most likely going to use him for breeding stronger Uchiha." Haruhi was getting more upset the more she heard. Her son had a hard life before he was a month old.
Sarutobi continued, "He lived in the orphanage for 3 years, but than he ran away from there. He refuses to tell me what happened and after a while I dropped it. I paid for him to stay in an apartment. I made a law that no one is allowed to talk about Naruto's tenant in the hopes that he may have a normal life.
"However things didn't go that way. They saw him as your brother and not his container. The ANBU couldn't always be there and yes sometime there hatred for him ended with him in the hospital. The hatred from the parents was passed to their children. He has tried to make friends, but all the parents tell their children to stay away from him. When he decided to become a shinobi, I filled the paper work."
"He found out about your brother last night. A traitor, named Mizuki tricked him to steal a scroll, and in the process told Naruto the truth. If it hadn't been for one of the teachers, I don't know what would have happened. The rest of it should be obvious. Kakashi is now his current Jonin instructor."
"Haruhi, may I ask what you are going to tell him."
Haruhi stood from her seat, "I'm going to tell him everything. He has the right to know."
"I'd rather you didn't. Minato's enemies would go after him should the truth come out and I don't think he is ready for such information." Sarutobi stated.
"Sarutobi, I understand." Sarutobi was thinking that this was too easy and he was right. "I am still going to tell him. He was ready the day he was born. The fact that he knows the truth does not mean my husband's enemies will as well."
"Lastly under you he has lived alone and hated by everyone. I'm his mother and from here on out I'll decide what happens to him. You tried to protect him. You failed." Sarutobi was saddened at the words and he lowered his head. She was right. He would let her handle it from here on out.
"You will find him on his father's head. He is a good kid. Please take care of him." The hokage never lifted his head.
Haruhi gave a weak smile. "He is my son. I will do whatever it takes for him." With that she left. She knew what Sarutobi meant about where Naruto is and made her way to the hokage monument. The Hokage sighed there was going to be a lot more paperwork.
Haruhi found Naruto right where the Sondaime said. He was sitting and staring out over the village. His arms wrapped around his legs, his knees were up at his chest. It was obvious he had been crying. Haruhi hung back in the woods and watched.
She didn't know how to approach him. What she learned was beyond cruel. It explained his reaction. She had expected him to be shocked, speechlessness, and being in denial. What she got instead was outright disgust and anger at the idea of being related to her.
"I know your there." Naruto did nothing to show he knew.
This took Haruhi aback. 'He knew' Not many people could detect her when she was trying to hide. She slowly walked up. Naruto made no movement to acknowledge her. She sat down next to him and mimicked him bring up her knees and wrapping her arms around them. Her red eyes stole glances every few seconds.
It was starting to get dark and the wind was lightly blowing. They sat like that for a few minutes. Finally, the awkward silence was starting to get to them. Haruhi open her mouth to say something, only to close it as if thinking it was a bad idea. She repeated this 5 more times, until Naruto finally couldn't take it.
"SAY SOMETHING DAMMIT!!" Naruto snapped. This caught Haruhi off guard. The next few words were blurted out not much louder than a whisper.
"I'm sorry," Naruto barely heard what she said.
"What?" Naruto turned his head to see her. What he saw was a woman almost in tears. The fact she was a Kyuubi didn't even cross his mind.
"I'm sorry. It's my fault you were alone. I had used the last of my chakra to protect your father. What I didn't know was that he had already performed a kinjutsu that would take his life. I could and should have been there for you from the start. If I had just simply stayed out of the fight, you wouldn't have been alone."
"Do you know what it is like to hear how your son was treated like dirt for 12 years and had no one to help him? I could have been there and the worse part is watching him run from you, yelling that him being my son has to be a lie."
Those tears she was fighting finally managed to escape her eyes. Naruto just watched her. "I heard from Sarutobi how you grew up. It's taking everything I have not to destroy this village."
Though he was horrified at her saying she would destroy Konoha for him, he stayed quiet for her to finish. This was a whole knew situation for him and he would listen to everything she had to say first.
"Think of what it's like to hear your child was an orphan because no one wanted to help him. That people demanded his death before he was a month old." That was new information. Naruto couldn't believe they had demanded for his death. Haruhi continued, "That ANBU had to protect him from attacks. That he has no friends and no knowledge of who he really is. The feeling that you get from this is worse than death. Your father and I agreed to seal my brother in you. It broke our hearts. To top it off, we had sacrificed ourselves thinking the other would be there for you. In reality we left you to fend for yourself in a village that hated you for 12 years. I can't tell you how sorry I am, but knowing that we had caused this. It…It…" Haruhi lost it. She buried her face in her hands and wept. Naruto wasn't sure what to do, but being the Nice Guy he decided to do something. With everything he heard, how couldn't he?
Naruto reached over and rubbed Haruhi's back. He was hoping it would calm her down. She was really upset about this. Even more than himself, he realized. After a few minutes Haruhi had stopped crying. She looked at Naruto and smiled. It was the first sign of affection she had gotten from him and it was reassuring that everything would be all right.
Naruto noticed that she was shivering. Weather it was from the cold or trying to make a lake with her snot, he didn't know. He still took his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Naruto assumed he made the right choice when she pulled the jacket tighter around herself. It was night and the stars were out. The village's lights were on.
Naruto looked back out at the village. Everything that she said was running through his brain. He had never met this woman before and here she was crying for him. Threatening to destroy an entire village for him. Finding out that the village wanted him dead was upsetting, but not surprising either. That was when something she said caught his attention. "Haruhi, ummm…you said your brother attacked the village right?"
"Yes." Haruhi wasn't sure what he was getting at.
"And if I'm your son than wouldn't that make him my…"
Haruhi caught on, "Unfortunately, yes, he is your uncle."
Naruto thought it over for a little bit and decided to ask. "Haruhi, wouldn't that mean I have had family with me this whole time?" Haruhi froze. "That would mean you didn't leave me alone. So you don't have to be so upset." Haruhi fallowed his train of thought.
She couldn't take it and started to laugh. She tried to hold it in, but it still came out. Soon she was rolling on the ground laughing. It was sad that this was how he tried to make her feel better. The irony though was that the same bastard that had caused him to be alone was the same bastard that has always been with him. Naruto just watch, once again in a situation he wasn't entirely sure of.
Haruhi started to calm down. Wiping a tear from her eye "Thank you, I needed that. So, are you starting to except the fact that your mother is a Kyuubi?"
Naruto didn't answer. The people who knew him would be shocked. He was calm and was thinking through everything he was going to say. "You know, part of me wants to grab a hold of you and never let go. I always wanted a family. The closest thing I have is Iruka-sensei, Ayame-neechan, the old man hokage, and Teuchi-jisan. The fact anyone wants me to be in their family makes me the happiest I've ever been."
Haruhi was sad at his last words. No child should ever have to say such words. She also made a mental note to find out whom the other 3 people are. The hokage didn't mention them.
"The other part is scared. You are a kyuubi. If you are my mother, that makes me a kyuubi. That would also mean the people who call me names are right. I am a demon. I have been yelled at, chased, they have thrown rocks at me, beaten me, and all of it because they thought I was what was inside of me. If you really are my mother then wouldn't that make them right?" Naruto looked over to her for some kind of confirmation on what he was thinking.
Haruhi just sighed. "Naruto let me tell you something. In my entire life, I have only known of one kyuubi no kitsune clan. How many people are in a clan here?"
Naruto had to think about it. "I don't know. I never really thought of it. I guess 60 maybe 70 people."
"A clan can range from 50 to 500 people depending on several different things. The Konoha clans average at about 150 people. The Kyuubi no kitsune clan has never had more than 12 members."
Naruto was surprised. That was a small clan but it made senseconsidering they are massive foxes. 'Hay wait a minute, Why is Haruhi so small.' "Haruhi why are you so small and the kyuubi that attack Konoha so big and I thought you said it would take 2 days for you to turn into a human?"
"I'll answer that in a sec, let me finish this first." Naruto nodded. "You see our clan is small because we don't always give birth to a kyuubi." Naruto jaw dropped. This caused Haruhi to laugh. "When we are at the age to take a mate, we never choose another kyuubi because we are all family and that is gross and wrong on so many levels."
"What we do is we change into a human and find a suitable mate. Usually a strong ninja like your father. We could mate with other animals, but they rarely ever produce another kyuubi with any talent. After we get pregnant we have a choice. We can either stay in that form or we can choose to change back into a kyuubi. If we choose the first option the child will never be a kyuubi."
"He or she will have kyuubi blood, part of our power, and sometimes traits, but will not be an actual kyuubi. We only do this if we have fallen in love with the mate and wish to be with them till they die. We live for hundreds of years, nothing lives as long as we do."
"This is what I did with you. I was a human with your father, I was human while I was pregnant and I was human when I gave birth. That means you are human with my abilities and my whisker marks from the looks of it. Everything else you got from your father." Haruhi smiled at Naruto. Naruto smiled back. From what he could gather from what she was saying, he wasn't a demon or a monster.
"To produce a kyuubi we have to change back into a kyuubi during pregnancy. There are several variables that help in the process. How long you are a kyuubi while pregnant is one such variable, but even with the best of conditions it is only about 60% possible to get a Kyuubi child. Do you follow so far?" Naruto nodded.
"Good, now as for your question about my size. Do you really believe a creature that can change its DNA couldn't change its size or appearance? We usually stay about as small as you first saw me. It is hard to hide when you're bigger than most buildings. We kyuubi stay away from fighting as much as we can. If it's not our fight why get involved?"
"When we do though, even the mountains shake at our approach. That is why people fear us so much. The size thing is a battle tactic. It gives us a physical advantage over everything that is smaller. For an example, ants can lift 10 times their own body weight. That means they are stronger than humans by several times, but humans are massive compared to an ant. You can easily crush them with one finger. I believe the Akimichi clan uses such a tactic as a blood limit for their clan."
Naruto barely understood, but he followed enough to get the main idea. He was excited, "Could you possibly teach me how to do all that?"
Haruhi sighed, "Sorry but no. Like I said to the teme. It's a kinjutsu that could kill a human trying to perform it. I took three soldier pills earlier to perform it once and I'm back to where I started before I changed. I'll think about teaching you it if you get stronger, but I doubt that it will happen."
Naruto just smiled, "I'm Uzumaki Naruto, I'll be able to do anything because I'll surpass every Hokage ever!!"
Haruhi was glad and grateful that the life he lived hadn't consumed him with hatred. "So Naru-chan, what about us? I'm your mother and I'm not leaving anytime soon. Do you need more proof?"
Naruto shaking his head, "No, I believe you. Something tells me you're telling the truth. Besides, I always wanted a mother."
Naruto was taken by complete surprise when Haruhi tackled him. "Thank you Thank you Thank you!! After you ran out like that, I thought you would never accept me as your mother. This makes me so happy. I'm going to spoil you rotten!"
Naruto laughed and hugged her back. He had questions though. "Ummm Haruhi-chan, may I ask a few questions?"
"Of course, what do you want to know?" Haruhi was holding on as if he would change his mind if she let go.
"Who was my father?" That one line stopped her. She got off of him and sat down.
"That's right no one ever told you." Naruto sat up and watched his new mother, waiting for an answer. No one ever answered his questions and now he was so close. If she said she couldn't answer, he would be heart broken. "What I'm about to tell you can't leave this place. Your father had lots of powerful enemies and if they found out his son and wife were alive… They would hunt us down. Do you understand?"
Naruto gulped. He now understood why no one told him. The information was dangerous. He still wanted to know though. This was one of the questions he had always asked from as far back as he could remember. He nodded for her to continue. Haruhi took a deep breath. This was going to be big.
"Your father was a powerful man. Loved by the village and feared by his enemies. He was handsome and kind. I fell in love with him the first night we met. I still don't know how he did it. If you want to see him, just look in the mirror. His hair, his eyes, his smile you got it all from him. The whisker makes are mine though. He was also brave. Willing to sacrifice him self for the village. He did seal my brother in you."
Naruto was confused. "Wait I thought the yondaime sealed the fur ball in me."
Haruhi smiled at the fur ball comment. "He did."
"You just said my father…" Naruto trailed off as realization dawned on him. 'The forth is my father, no way.' "Haruhi-chan does that mean…"
"Yes Naruto, the forth hokage is your father." Naruto's brain shut down. Haruhi kept watching him. 'I'm not sure, but I think I broke him.' Haruhi poked Naruto to get a reaction. There was none. "Naruto?" She poked a little harder knocking him over. He was gone. "Naruto are you okay?"
It took an hour before he was up again. Haruhi had no idea where he lived so she couldn't take him home, and she wasn't going back into the village without him. She might kill someone. Noticing him stir she walked over to him. "You okay Naru-kun?"
"Yah, what happened?" Naruto was slowly getting to his feet.
"You found out who your father is and past out." She answered while helping him up.
"That's right the Forth is my father. Namikaze Minato. Hey, something from Iruka's classes stuck."
"His name is Uzumaki. I'll tell you about that later though. In the meantime, lets get you home. You have to be up by seven." Haruhi waited for him to get his bearings.
"I have one question. If the yondaime is my father, then why was I chosen for the seal?"
Naruto started walking home.
"Naruto, you are not the first person to house a demon in you. You most likely won't be the last. No matter what demon a person has, one thing stays the same. The lives you all live are always hard. I didn't know how hard. We could not and would not ask another family to give up one of their own."
"Minato-kun had asked that you be treated better than you had. I heard him asking that the village to treat you as a hero for your sacrifice on my way to the battle. It was his last wish. I believed that if people found out about me then it would only make it harder on you, should they not do what he asked. That is when I made the decision to sacrifice myself to save him. I thought he could protect you from the village better than I could. As you can see, it didn't go as planned for either of us."
They had entered the village now and were making there way to his apartment. She was noticing the looks they were both getting. He was getting the same glares she saw at the tower. From the men she was getting looks of lust. She was incredibly good looking. The women were giving her looks of, 'why is she so close to it'. All in all she was getting pissed.
A dark haired pale-eyed girl was walking home from her "stalking" of Naruto-kun. She had looked for him everywhere. The ramen stand, his apartment, and his other usual spots he hung out. Most were in the woods outside of town. She remembered earlier that day, when Naruto walked in with a hiathi-ati.
She didn't know how he pulled it off, but she was happy. Then the teams came out. She wasn't so happy about that. Naruto-kun, her Naruto-kun, was placed on that for headed girls team. Why that girl of all people. She treated him so badly, and she gets put on his team.
She sighed. He was happy about it though.
She had wished that he would have been that happy with her, but she wasn't on his team. She got the quiet Aburame, and the over confident Inuzuka. At least she got Akumaru. He's cute. She was making one last pass near Naruto's apartment before she called it quits. Maybe she would get the courage to tell him how she felt… and maybe pigs would grow wings and start to fly. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't do it. She was brooding about her problem when she hit some one and fell down. "Owww… I'm s-sorry."
"Hinata is that you? What are you doing out here? It's late. Shouldn't you be at home?" Hinata froze and looked up.
In front of her was a tall beautiful woman with white hair and red eyes. 'Is she wearing Naruto's jacket?' To her left Naruto was kneeling next to her. He was checking her over to make sure she was okay. "N-N-N-N-Naruto-k-kun?" Haruhi noticed the suffix, but merely watched the 2. Hinata turn red and was on her feet in seconds. "N-Naruto-kun I was looking for you." She blurted out. "I m-mean who is y-your f-friend N-Naruto-kun?" 'And why is she wearing your jacket?'
Naruto looked at her debating if he should ask. Thinking against it. "This is Haruhi-chan. She is my mother." Naruto said this with the biggest smile.
Haruhi was so happy at how he said that with no doubt and so much pride. "How do you do miss… Hyuuga Hinata?" Haruhi bowed.
Hinata surprised and that was putting it lightly. "Your mother? N-Naruto-kun I-I thought you were an o-o-orphan and h-how d-does she know my n-name?"
Haruhi took this one. "I've been in a coma for 12 years.I woke up not to long ago. As for your name, my son called you Hinata and those eyes put you in the Hyuuga clan. I'm not wrong am I?"
"No, your n-not wrong Uzumaki-san. It is a pleasure to meet you." Hinata bowed. Hinata finally realized the time. Her father was going to get worried soon. "I'm s-sorry U-Uzumaki-san, but I must g-get home. G-Good-bye N-N-Naruto-kun." Hinata ran past the 2 and made a break for home.
The 2 Uzumakis watched as she went down the street. "Why didn't you ask her out?"
"What? Why?" Naruto almost yelled.
"She clearly likes you. She's cute, and far nicer than your teammate." Haruhi stated as if it were obvious, which it was if you weren't Naruto.
"Hinata doesn't like me. Every time she gets close to me, she turns all red and most of the time she faints. And don't talk about Sakura-chan that way! She is smart and pretty and funny and did I mention pretty." Naruto turned and continued walking to his apartment.
"Got it bad for the Sakura chick huh? You know, a girl only turns red around the boy she likes. That would explain why Sakura turns red around Sasuke." That was a low blow and Naruto felt it. "That is why Hinata turned red when she was near you. She faints because she really likes you. My son a heart-throb and he doesn't even know which girls to go after." Haruhi sighed and followed.
"You don't know what you're talking about." Naruto accused.
"Honey, I'm a girl. I know exactly what I'm talking about. How many times have you asked Sakura out?"
"I've lost count." Naruto scratched the back of his head.
Haruhi covered her face with her hand. "For Kami sake, my son is a moron. I'm going to assume she has said no every time. Otherwise you 2 would be dating or you would have given up by now. First, she turned you down. Next, she said she hated you. Lastly, she is chasing after that teme. So why don't you go ask another girl out?"
Haruhi couldn't believe she was having this talk. The girl clearly had no interest in her son. Haruhi also didn't like the girl and made it her mission to prevent that girl from ever dating Naruto.
Naruto grumbled under his breath. He was glad he was finally home and could put this argument to rest. As they walked to his apartment room, Haruhi saw the graffiti. 'Just die demon' and 'leave the village' were some of the nicer ones. Haruhi also saw how empty it was.
As Naruto got his key out he stopped. His door was open. Drawing a Kunai, he slowly moved into his room. Haruhi followed at a distance. As they made it to the living room Naruto calmed and lowered his weapon. "It's okay. Some people just broke in again."
"Again? How often does this happen?" She asked
Naruto thought about it, "2 or 3 time a month."
"What?" Haruhi was shocked 2 or 3 times a month. 'Oh Minato, What have we done to our son?'
"I'll sleep in the futon tonight. The bed is over there. Well I'll see you tomorrow." Naruto yawned and got the spare futon from the closet. He had gotten it for a sleep over. If Naruto were to ever get any friends. He laid it out. "Goodnight Haruhi-chan."
He fell asleep in his clothes, as soon as he hit the pillow. He was worn out from the day. It was a lot of information to take in.
Haruhi just watched him. She couldn't believe this was normal for him. She would have to talk to Sarutobi about this. No one should live like this. Haruhi looked around. There was nothing, just a bed and a dresser. No wonder he wasn't worried about robbers. There was nothing to steal or damage. They probably broke in, took one look around, and left thinking someone beat them to it. His kitchen was filthy. She almost started crying again. She swore she would fix this. "Goodnight my son. I promise to make this up to you." With that Haruhi tried to get some sleep.
Hiashi was pacing back and forth in front of the door. Hinata was late for her curfew. She was the heiress to the Hyuuga clan. She was a prime target for any village. He became a little paranoid after Kumo kidnapped her.
He was just about to order Neji to go find her when Hinata came flying through the front door, nearly running into him. She was out of breath, sweating. The run to her house wasn't incredibly far, but Hinata had ran at full speed to make curfew. She was still late. "Hinata, explain why are you late." Hiashi ordered.
"Y-yes f-father, I was on my way h-home, w-when I ran into N-Naruto-kun and his m-mother. We t-talked and I lost track of t-time." Hinata stuttered out.
'Naruto again, I really wish she would have a crush on anyone else.' Hiashi knew of the demon vessel. Who didn't at this point? He was the demon vessel. He also has nearly pranked everyone in the village, and the stunt with the Hokage monument was already a legend.
Hiashi had to admit that he was impressed with that one. Painting something that big in a village of some of the best ninja on the continent was no easy feet to accomplish. He was one of the few people who understood that he was the vessel and not the demon. He also knew about Hinata's crush on the blue-eyed blond. Once again, who didn't? 'Whenever she is late, it always involves Naruto and his mo…Mother?'
"Hinata, Naruto is an orphan. What do you mean by his mother?"
Hinata hadn't moved from her spot. She was fiddling with her index fingers. "Well, h-his mother was in a c-coma and she recently w-woke up. I t-talked with her. She s-seems n-nice."
Hiashi was on the village counsel and would have remembered if Naruto had his mother in a coma. Either Sarutobi hid this information from the counsel, or she was from out of the village. If she was from somewhere else, she was a security risk. "Hinata describe her for me."
Hinata was starting to get scared that she was getting Naruto in trouble. "S-She's has long w-white hair and red eyes. She is very b-beautiful. She also has the birth marks N-Naruto-kun has on his cheeks."
She didn't see Haruhi's back, so she didn't notice her hair changed colors.
Hiashi would talk to Hokage tomorrow about this. It was late and if she were who she says she was, she wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. If she wasn't, he trusted the Hokage to deal with it. He knew that the Hokage had ANBU watching the boy almost 24/7. He most likely already knew. If he hasn't done anything yet, he wouldn't do anything after Hiashi talked to him. "Hinata go get some dinner, then go to bed."
"Yes father." Hinata hurried off to the kitchen to get some food. Hiashi stayed and thought about the new situation. He knew the counsel would want to hear about this. There was a counsel meeting tomorrow about one of the genin teams. Homura and Koharu were having a fit about the Uchiha being on Naruto's team. They most likely would have a vote on it.
Personally he didn't care one way or another. Maybe he should bring this up, or maybe he should just talk to the Hokage. 'Decisions, decisions' Hiashi would figure this out later right now he had other things to take care of.
The clan counsel was asking about Hinata again. He would go ask his daughter about her team. Give the Hyuuga counsel something to wine about. They had been on his back about Hinata. For once they were pleased about Hinata passing the genin test at the academy, but bitched about how her scores weren't the best in the class.
He loved his daughter with his whole being, but if he wanted her to complete her dream of changing the clan, she would have to get stronger. Hiashi had very little power over the clan counsel. If they wanted to make some one else the heir they could. Hinata was kind, like her late mother, kindness was looked down upon in the counsel's eyes.
He also knew why she never won her spars with her younger sister Hanabi. He had too much experience not to see it. Hinata didn't want to hurt her little sister. The counsel only saw the losses. Hiashi had to push Hinata even harder so she could improve, but with no luck. Hiashi even started to act cold so she would strive to get his approval. Once again the counsel didn't like the results. Talks of replacing her already started to take root. Hiashi was getting a strong hatred for all things counsel.
This is my first fan-fiction and I hope it won't be my last. I hope you enjoyed the story so far. I do plan on finishing the story. For the most part it is all in my head. I just need to get it type and organized.
I would gladly accept comments. My only request is if you don't like my story or my writing style. Tell me how to fix it. Like I said I'm new. I will try and get the next chapter out as soon as possible, but I still have to work. Thank you for reading my story.