if you are lost in your way
deep in an awesome story
don't be in doubt and stray
cling to your lonesome folly

now you're too close to the pain
let all the rain go further
come back and kiss me in vain

A stray Child by Yuki Kajiura

Chapter 03: Who am I?

Kyuubi had taken the liberty of bathing Naruto while she was asleep to avoid an awkward situation with his new daughter. When Naruto woke up again she seemed more subdued. She looked herself over, noting she'd been dressed in a cute frilly orange nightgown. This brought a small smile to her lips, Kyuubi was trying for her. Looking up with more determination she decided she'd try for him too. It must have been so hard for the spirit to have reversed time for her and create this body. Looking to the side of her bed she noticed a wheelchair had been supplied for her use. She struggled at first but eventually she got herself into the seat. She had to give it to the disable; they were very strong people to go through this every day.

Now that she had time she looked around the medium sized room she'd be given. The color scheme went along the lines of red to an almost gold like orange. It felt warm, queenly, and nice. Naruto wheeled herself to the window at the west end of the room. Pulling back the white curtains she caught a view of the forest. So they were somewhere out of the actual village, that was good. She didn't want anyone stumbling on her while she was still recuperating. Wheeling herself back she turned and headed for the dresser by her bed. Kyuubi had left a note for when she woke up.

Hey Kit you awake, good. I know things are hard now but don't worry they'll get better with time. Come meet us in the living room for breakfast.

-The great Kyuubi

Naruto laughed at this, Kyuubi could be so full of himself at times. Carefully she pulled back the wooden slide door and wheeled herself into the living room. The cottage was warm and cozy, not too large that the warmth leaked out but not too small that you felt caged. A nice place to live in if you asked her, Kyuubi had good taste.

"Ah kit you're up, come join us" said Kyuubi waving his hand towards the table.

Naruto smiled and wheeled herself over, taking a sweep at who were present. Alucard and Integra were still there, they waved at her. Naruto nodded at them and took a bite of the French toast. Kyuubi watched her eat with joy, she was his daughter now. The child he'd always wanted.

"So how are you coping?"

"As good as I'll ever be" she said in-between bites, noting that if she bit too hard she'd hurt her bottom lip with her fangs. Moving onto the eggs she reached out with her chopsticks only to stop and look at her hands. She'd somehow expected it; really it wasn't the first time. Whenever she went overboard with Kyuubi's power her fingernails turned into claws. Seeing her nails so long and sharp without Kyuubi's influence was astonishing though.

"Don't try to clip them, they'll just grow back" said Alucard as he stared off into space. Naruto felt guilty about them being able to eat in front of the two who obviously couldn't. Kyuubi didn't seem to mind though and dug into the food, still managing to look graceful while doing it. Naruto's eyes narrowed, she'd have to learn that. Girl's weren't supposed to eat like messy animals…nobody was meant to eat like that.

"So what's today's agenda?" she asked as she munched on her food. Cute and content expressions appeared on her baby face that pleased Kyuubi tousan.

"We need to give you a name" said integra, messing with her dress and trying to sooth it to perfection.

Naruto stopped eating, she hadn't thought of that. They would need a new name for her now wouldn't they? The whole idea of getting a new body was so she didn't set off a paradox with her past self. If she still bore the same name as her past self that kind of ruined all their hard work. It kind of bothered her though, she was letting go of the name her parents had given her. She was really erasing herself from this world…

"It's a name Naruto; you can make your new one just as important as your old one with your actions. Besides Naruto is a boy's name and you need one for a girl now. Naruko won't do because for one thing it's too close to the original. Two the Naruto of this time will still be naming his female form that" said Alucard with a careless shrug. He had many names to which he answered to anyway.

"Hmm how about Yuuki?" asked Naruto.

"I approve though it could still be used for a boy" said Kyuubi, done with his breakfast.

Alucard and Integra looked to one another and shrugged. All the names they'd offer where from a generation and society long gone.

"Yuuki Hellsing it is" said Alucard with a boyish gusto.

Yuuki grinned, she could get used to her new great grandpa. She noticed Integra had a thoughtful expression. "What is it Integra-san?"

"If you would I would like you to have a middle name. It's an old costume from our time and I'm just sentimental enough to request you allow it to be Helena" said the woman, her eyes showing her true age for once.

Yuuki nodded, "That's okay Integra-san. I like the name. Yuuki Helena Hellsing, nice".

"So what else are we doing today?" asked Alucard, growing bored.

"Now that we're done eating and naming lets move to the parlor where Yuuki can gain some control of her legs" said Kyuubi, getting behind Yuuki and wheeling her away despite her protests.

He stopped at the center of the room and then moved back. "Yuuki, I want you to try to feel your legs".

Yuuki tried and there was a faint tingle but nothing forthcoming. She tried again but this time she concentrated more, trying to feel her blood flow through her veins and ride the current to her legs. It didn't seem to work at first but then she saw her toes curl. She giggled, feeling exalted by her success. Kyuubi smiled at this too, she was making progress.

"Good, now keep that up until you can feel your legs entirely without concentrating on them" Kyuubi took a seat on the couch, knowing this exercise would take time. Yuuki growled at his nonchalant attitude but followed his orders. It took two hours but finally she could feel her legs, could see that they weren't dead and would be ready to walk soon. Kyuubi nodded to this.

"Take a break from that now, next I'll have you try to crawl. For now though I want you to try to open your chakra channels. After your fall in the lake they shut down, you need to unseal them" said Kyuubi.

Yuuki grimaced, "Sounds painful".

"That's cuz it will be if you try to rush it. Open one pathway at a time, let your vessel get used to your power little by little" warned Kyuubi, grabbing a magazine as he waited.

Yuuki shook her head and got ready; she concentrated on her arm first. Slowly she tried to push Chakra into it and got a sharp sting. So unexpected, she gasped outwardly. Kyuubi tsked.

"I told you don't rush it. Let it flow"

Yuuki nodded; beads of sweat gathering at her brows now as she tried again. This time she tried to coax her chakra channels open, her shoulder first then her upper arm, lower arm and then her fingers. It was like allowing a vast river to flow through and knowing when to put up the damn until it had leveled out. For another two hours she spent her time gently opening her chakra pathways. This way was new to her, before she'd just bust them open like she had in the match against Neji. With this young body though she understood the need for care, she didn't want to put her body through such shock. It wasn't trained for that yet.

Kyuubi clapped his hands, "That's good. I think you deserve a break now. What do you think?"

Alucard and Integra nodded, Yuuki couldn't be more pleased. She leaned back into her wheelchair, so thoroughly exhausted. She'd hate to think of her chakra lessons, they'd be a nightmare. Kyuubi wiped at her forehead with a handkerchief before wheeling her out to the garden. The air was fresh outside, so cool with the faint scent of rain on the way. Yuuki spread out her arms, this wasn't all so bad. In the final years of her past life she couldn't enjoy such simple things. Reaching out she touched the roses, careful of the thorns and felt for its life-force. It was there, strong and steady. Yuuki looked around, noting there were many different kinds of flowers and some of them she couldn't even identify. Looking back at her caretaker she asked.

"Did you plant this garden Kyuubi?"

Kyuubi looked over to her, his red eyes holding such calm emotions that had been so rare in those days. This had been a great idea for all of them. The demon nodded and reached over, plucking a rose and fixing it into her hair. Yuuki smile, she wouldn't mind being a child again. She could finally try to play with her parents like other kids did. Humming to herself she got to work and started making a crown of flowers for Kyuubi. Reaching over she tried to lift the crown of daisies onto his head but he was too tall. Kyuubi noticed and bent down to accept his crown. Yuuki grinned before going back to make her own. When she was able to walk again she'd love to walk through the garden, feeling the life-force of the earth through her feet. The four of them stayed out for a while longer before Kyuubi decided it was time to get back to work. With a sigh Yuuki wheeled herself back into the house.

Back into the living room, with Kyuubi standing nearby she tried to crawl. First she tried to gently ease herself to the floor but ended up face first. Kyuubi and Alucard seemed to find this funny but Yuuki found it annoying. Gathering strength to her small hands she used them to support herself while trying to feel for her legs. The tingling sensation was there so her steady connection with her legs was getting stronger. Now she tried to will them to move, to allow her to crawl on her hands and knees. At first they didn't seem to move but after a second of doubt they responded. After an hour Yuuki could crawl just fine. Kyuubi saw this and decided it was time to move on. Holding her hand and steadying her on her legs he tried to direct her but her legs weren't ready for that yet. Yuuki sagged in his arms and frowned in annoyance.

"It's not working Kyuubi"

"Give it time. Rome wasn't built in one night" said Kyuubi.

"Rome?" asked Yuuki, confused at the unfamiliar name. Kyuubi felt like smacking himself on the face. Of course the Kit didn't know, Rome was long gone and this could be a problem. If Yuuki was to face ancient vampires of the past she had to know what the past was like. With a sigh Kyuubi decided what to do.

"Naruto since we can't rush your walking lessons I suggest we go about this a different way. Lets start exercising that brain of yours; it might help the commands to your legs get better. There is much knowledge that has been lost over time and I think it's about time someone retained such knowledge"

Yuuki looked up at the great demon and paled, "just what will I be learning?"

Kyuubi grinned, "Everything".

Yuuki gulped and so her days of torturous learning began. While the day was still young Kyuubi taught her history, not just any history the academy could give. No he taught the history of a world long gone, destroyed by its own hands. He taught the history of the twenty-first century. It had never occurred to Yuuki that such an advanced civilization could have existed before her time. It was even more depressing to find the cause of its destruction were the people themselves. If they had all this technology why couldn't they understand each other but then it hit her.

They were just like them, just like every human before them, jealous and scared. When humans were scared they became hateful of what made them fear and with the power play between the countries they'd probably hated their own neighbors. Hateful people could do the worst things and still feel justified by stupid reasons. The reasons certainly seemed childish to her right now. So much technology lost but without the machines she realized people began to rely on themselves more, learning chakra for one. To think so much history had been lost over the years, it was hard to swallow.

Slowly she began to enjoy her history lessons, especially if Kyuubi decided to demonstrate something personally. The little gadgets he used gave her a base for her imagination, just how great had those machines of old been. Kyuubi wouldn't tell her how to make one though. He did give her some of the small gadgets as play toys.

End of first Month (August)

The days seemed to fly by between her walking, Chakra and History lessons. Yuuki didn't notice it much as the first month past by. On a Monday morning Yuuki woke up gasping for air. Since her rebirth she'd begin having dreams of her past life. So far they had all been happy memories such as her marriage to Hinata or the day Tsunade official named her as her successor. Today however she'd had a very scary dream, a bad memory of the past that she'd do anything to be rid of. But it was also the one memory that had kept her going through the last days of her past life.

Flashback to Dream

Naruto had just recently gotten back from the frontlines. Tsunade had been kind enough to release him so that he could be here on this important day. He skipped all the way to the hospital, everyone he met along the way waved with smiles on their faces. They were just as excited as he to be getting another Namikaze.

At the reception area within the hospital Naruto met his adopted older sister Shizune. She was startled when she'd turned around too quickly to come face to face with a grinning Naruto. She lightly smacked his chest in a sisterly manner. "Where do you get off scaring people? I almost cut off your tendons".

Naruto laughed, "It wouldn't have mattered what you did to me. I wouldn't mind since today's a very important day. So?"

Shizune gave him a sly look, knowing exactly what he was asking but wanting to drag it out of him. "So?"

Naruto flapped his arms in exasperation, "So! Where is she? How's she doing, nothing's wrong right?"

Shizune chuckled, "Oh calm down. She's fine; she's been having her contraction more frequently now so I think you made it just in time".

Naruto sighed in relief, he thanked kami he'd been able to make it in time. He wouldn't have been able to live with himself if he'd allowed Hinata to go through this alone. They'd see their child birth together. "Which room is she in?"

Shizune looked at her chart, "room 120. I was just going in to wheel her into the labor room now. Come along father, it's time for you to gear up".

Naruto nodded enthusiastically, he followed Shizune's instructions to the letter. He put on the appropriate attire and entered the room with her. Hinata was on the bed, she'd probably just had another contraction because her face was scrunched up in pain. Naruto rushed to her side, taking hold of her hand. "Hey"

Hinata turned to him, tears leaking from her eyes as she saw the one man she loved the most. "Hey…" was all she could say back but the soft smile on her face warmed Naruto's heart. He began to pet her hair back, it was wet with sweat but Hinata still looked beautiful. Leaning over he kissed her on the head, "We're going to take you to the labor room now baby. I won't let go of your hand so don't worry".

Hinata placed his hand to her forehead, so glad to he was here to help her through this. It was painful but she couldn't wait to see their baby, to see the fruit of their bond. She allowed herself to be wheeled into the emergency room. Tsunade wasn't there but she trusted Shizune to do the procedure. They prepped her up in the right position and gave her time to calm herself. Hinata hissed after a sharp contraction, "I think its coming".

Shizune nodded, as a trained professional she could already tell. Placing her hands out to catch the baby Shizune looked at Hinata and nodded. Hinata gave one strong push after another. Naruto urged her on all the way, it didn't matter that she was crushing his hand and the likelihood of him ever using it again was decreasing with each second. He watched his strong wife bring their first born to the world. It was one of the most beautiful sights he'd ever seen.

Suddenly a large crash came from outside the hospital. Naruto looked at her face and then to Shizune. As the fear and shock grew in their eyes the loud bangs grew even stronger. Finally Hinata said, "Go"

"What…?"

Hinata looked towards Naruto, a strained smile on her face. "You've done enough. You've stood by my side for so long now. I think I'll be alright for a few minutes. Don't worry when you come back you'll see our son. Go now, go and protect us" said Hinata as she gave him a chaste kiss on the lips.

Naruto tightened his hold on her hand and returned the kiss in full, tears of anger streaming down his face. Whoever was doing this would pay dearly, and by dearly he didn't mean just death…no it would be far worse. Ibiki and Anko had taught him well after all. Looking towards Shizune he nodded, "Please take good care of her as I go settle this".

With Shizune's nod of agreement he flashed out of the room in streaks of yellow and blue. Upon appearing outside he saw the houses outside on fire with people scattered everywhere. As he looked for the perpetrator he spotted none other than Sasuke, his former best friend. Gnashing his teeth Naruto rushed at the man he'd once looked up to. The Uchiha seemed to be out of it, his eyes filled with nothing but rage. As the two clashed team hawk moved within the shadows towards the hospital. Naruto was too busy to notice.

The battle had lasted longer than Naruto would have allowed but just as suddenly as it had started, it had ended. Madara had suddenly showed up and called Sasuke off. Naruto couldn't make heads or tails about the whole thing until he'd flashed back into the hospital. His blue eyes widened in fear. The whole lobby was littered with bodies, blood splayed across the walls. Naruto rushed to Hinata's room, hoping and praying that she was safe. He had been such a fool; of course they'd do something like this. Sasuke was always fine with destroying everything he cared about. As he neared the room the carnage seemed to grow larger. The shinobi had probably given their lives to protect Hinata.

Sliding the white door he felt his heart shatter. He sank to his knees as the sight before him crippled his ability to stand. They had been here alright; Hinata and her unborn child had been brutally killed. Looking away he saw Shizune, her soulless eyes looking back at him. Naruto couldn't contain his sorrow, he screamed. Screamed so loud the whole of Konoha shook in his grief, the one woman he loved was gone. She and his unborn child stolen from him by the very man he called friend. Naruto crawled over to Hinata's side, taking her still warm hand into his and placing it to his face. He stayed like that, holding her hand and crying till her hand lost its warmth and even then he did not let go.

All his friends had gathered around once they'd heard the news. They all stood by the doorway, not knowing what to do or say. Tsunade took the initiative and walked over to his side. Kneeling down with him and placing her hand on his shaking shoulders.

"I lost her Obaa-chan…I wasn't strong enough to kill him and now I've lost them" cried Naruto. Tsunade sighed, not happy about any of this and wishing she hadn't called him back. Knowing the pain of being there to see your loved ones die right before your eyes, Tsunade didn't wish such a fate on anyone let alone her adopted son. She cried with him, understanding how far the pain ran. "shush Naruto I know…"

"I shouldn't have…if I had just stayed she would…I'm so weak".

Tsunade pried his hands from Hinata's and hugged him, rocking him back and forth. "Shush it's okay…no one holds it against to you Naruto".

Neji walked over to him, his fist clenched tightly. Tsunade let go of her hug since she thought Neji would want the space but she and everyone were shocked to see him punch Naruto. The sad blonde hit the wall hard, coughing up blood. His broken blue eyes looked towards Neji, he did not retaliate. Tenten rushed over to grab Neji's arm, screaming him to stop but to her shock she saw he was crying along too.

"Neji…I…"

Neji turned away, "Don't say anything…I'm just as guilty as you. We'll mourn her together, and avenge her together. Agreed?"

Naruto simply nodded; his blue eyes dull.

End of flashback

Yuuki began to wipe furiously at her cheeks but the tears wouldn't stop. She heard Kyuubi enter the room but she didn't look at him. She just sat upright in her bed crying silently. Kyuubi walked to her, reaching out to embrace her but stopped short. Was he the one to do this, he'd never really had a child of his own and he didn't know if he could really help his kit right now. Deciding he'd just do all he could Kyuubi took Yuuki into a big bear hug. She cried on his shoulder, clinging to him for dear life. Kyuubi simply sighed and stroked her long light blonde hair. "It's okay Kit. Everything will be fine this time around, I won't let it happen".

"You know what I saw…?" whispered Yuuki.

Kyuubi gave a weak chuckle, "Even when you freed me from the seal I kept the bond between us. I was far too attached to let it all just go. Cry it out Kit; let it go so that you can start anew".

Yuuki nodded; comforted that she was not alone. She and Kyuubi would protect Hinata this time around. Sasuke would never get the chance to get so twisted, she wouldn't let any of them be manipulated, not this time. Sucking in a deep breath and reaching deep within herself for the courage, she pulled away from Kyuubi and wiped away her tears.

"What's our itinerary for today?"

Kyuubi looked into his new daughter, "Are you sure? Why not just relax for the day, I will allow it".

Yuuki shook her head, "If I don't do something to occupy my mind I won't be able to think straight".

Kyuubi nodded, "Well since you said that I won't regret doing this to you"

Yuuki's light blue eyes narrowed, "Doing what exactly?"

Kyuubi didn't say anything, instead he showed her by dumping a series of large tomes and scrolls on her bed. "For today we'll skip the walking lessons to give your legs a break from the strain. Instead I'll have you read all these history books. When you're done you are free to head to the garden for some rest".

Yuuki looked at the stack of material on her bed and then back at Kyuubi. She was really starting to regret her words. Looking around she was surprised to notice Alucard and Integra weren't there. They'd been with them throughout the whole thing, their absence sort of made Yuuki feel a little emptier.

Kyuubi seemed to notice, "Don't worry about them Kit. They have things to take care of in their world. For now you just finish the task set before you".

Yuuki gave him a toothy grin, "One step at a time right"

Kyuubi allowed a smile to grace his handsome face. "That's right…oh and one more thing. Not that we're expecting anyone other than Alucard's assistant but should anyone else come call me Katsu".

"Katsu hmm, sounds weird not calling you Kyuubi but I understand" said Yuuki as she cracked open the first book. Kyuubi watched her with pride shining in his blood red eyes as he exited the room. Yuuki took out a scroll of her own to take notes. She worked away for most of her day, plunging herself deep into her studies to remove the aftershock of her dream. By the time she looked out the window it was already evening and she was almost done with the last scroll. The sun was still shining though so she figured going to the garden wasn't such a bad idea. She finished up her work and climbed unto her wheelchair, soon Kyuubi would have her using crutches.

She wheeled herself into the living room. She'd expected to see Kyuubi lounging away but the room was empty with the fireplace burning away. Yuuki shrugged it off and wheeled herself to the back of the house where the garden was. Once inside she felt a slight sting at the back of her eyelids but ignored it. She'd probably been staring at those books too long. She eased herself out of her wheelchair and lay on the grass, soaking in the sun. The sting grew stronger forcing her to close her eyes and let them refocus. Yuuki perked up when she heard footsteps within the garden. She looked around, expecting to see Kyuubi. She froze as she stared at her mirror image.

A nine year old Naruto stood across from her, equally frozen. Suddenly he turned halfway, as though getting ready to sprint off. Yuuki snapped out of her daze and called to him, "Wait!"

Naruto turned around, his blue eyes cautious yet no one could miss the longing.

"My name is Yuuki Hellsing, I live here. Who are you?" Yuuki felt weird asking herself that but then she had to remember she was an entirely different being now. Naruto seemed to consider how genuine her invitation was before shrugging and walking over to her side. He noticed the wheelchair and seemed to be saddened by this. Yuuki was quick to put his mind at ease, "I'm not entirely paralyzed. My keeper says I'll be able to walk soon".

Naruto smiled at this. Yuuki patted the grass by her side and he seemed shocked by this. So much so that he took a step back. Yuuki frowned but then remembered how the other kids didn't like playing with her when she was younger. She gave Naruto a smile, trying to lower his defenses a bit. They wouldn't get anywhere if he jumped at everything she did, expecting her to turn on him or say something mean. She tried to start the conversation again. "I just moved here with my guardian. Konoha is a very pretty place".

Naruto sighed to this, so that was why she was talking to him. She wasn't part of the village so she hadn't been told to hate him yet. Still it was nice to have someone his age mate talk to him. Yuuki was a pretty girl too. Naruto decided he'd take the gamble; he'd befriend Yuuki no matter what the results. He took a seat beside her.

Yuuki felt pleased that he'd allowed her to create a bond with him. Looking at her former body Yuuki couldn't help but blanch at how skinny she was and how short too. It was all because of lack of nutrition. Naruto was already hooked on cup ramen no doubt. She noticed Naruto had started to fidget with his white shirt. Had she always been so nervous when she was meeting new people? Yes, she had but she'd learn to hide it well by the time she'd gotten to the academy. She'd chosen to be the obnoxious class clone that didn't seem to mind anything, always bold and fearless. Yuuki sighed, would she let this Naruto go through all that again. It would be so easy to change the way she grew up.

As a kid all she'd needed was friends, loving hands to care for her and a figure for guidance. She could give this Naruto all these things but she wasn't so foolish as to think that wouldn't change things a bit. This Naruto may begin to depend on her and Kyuubi more and isolate himself from the village that was so hostile to him. He may feel he didn't have to try so hard to gain other people's approval as she had back then. Yuuki sighed, knowing about the future and deciding what to change and what not to change was harder than she thought it'd be.

"So why haven't I seen you in the village?" asked Naruto, the silence had probably gotten to him. At this age he wouldn't have much patience.

"Well I prefer the woods, things are alive here and it's nice" offered Yuuki, closing her stinging eyes.

Naruto nodded, placing his head on his knees. "I'm joining the ninja academy soon you know. I want to be the strongest ninja in the world just like Oji-san!"

Yuuki smiled, had she always sounded so convinced and strong about her dream. It was nice to hear it from another point of view. "So you want to be Hokage?"

"You bet! If I'm the Hokage no one can ignore me".

And there it was; the secret intent of her dream, to be noticed and appreciated. Yuuki rolled over to her side, "that's a nice dream. I'll give you something cool if you make it happen".

"Really! Okay that's cool. So why'd you move to Konoha?" asked Naruto, wanting to know more about Yuuki. She'd been one of the first to actually approve of his dream.

Yuuki took a moment to think of the best reason that would fit her predicament. She needed one Kyuubi could easily adopt. Looking towards Naruto she explained, "Well you see I got in the middle of a huge battle and got injured. My guardian Katsu thought it was better to change locations for me to heal".

Naruto nodded, getting the impression she wasn't telling him everything but he wasn't going to press it. She was one of the few friends he had right now. He went on to talk about Konoha and how nice it was, the place at least…maybe not the people. Yuuki listened to her former self describe their home and she felt her heart cry. She couldn't wait until she could walk again. She'd never take any of those building for granted anymore. Suddenly she reached out and touched Naruto's hand. The blonde jumped, surprised by the contact but not pushing it away. Her hands were warm. Naruto stared down at their hands.

Yuuki blushed, in her sentimental moment she'd acted without thinking. Still she didn't regret her actions. She wouldn't change how she grew up because that's what made her who she was but she'd give this Naruto a bit of support. She'd give him a family if he asked, she'd be cruel otherwise.

"So who's your guardian? I mean what's his name?" asked Naruto but he did not turn to look at her. Yuuki chuckled at his unusual shy behavior. "His name is Katsu. He's not in right now but I'm sure you'll like him if you meet him".

Naruto grinned, "His name's cool. It means victory right? Is he a ninja?"

Yuuki bit her bottom lip; she didn't really know the details to her living arrangements with Kyuubi. Where would they get their income? For now she couldn't work as a Ninja; in fact she couldn't get a decent paycheck for several years to come until she became a Junín. What did Kyuubi plan to do? Naruto took her silence as something else.

"I'm so sorry. After your accident you probably don't like ninjas much. Hm this will be hard; all I ever talk about is ninjas!"

Yuuki was startled by his sudden apology. She shook her head, 'it's fine. I don't hate ninjas. Truthfully when I'm able to walk again I intend to join the academy".

Naruto gaped, "Really! Ojisan said I could join this year".

Yuuki nodded, remembering how she'd been so excited about the academy. At first she'd thought there was equality in the shinobi system. It had been painful when she'd found out how wrong she'd been. The teachers and students alike had been cold to her. Her grades had suffered from the lack of guidance and towards the end of the first year she'd given up. By the time Iruka had come into the picture she'd already decided to be the class clown. Would she let this Naruto go through the same painful process of becoming the village idiot?

Yuuki didn't think she had it in her to be so cruel. But she'd have to be careful not to change too much. Somehow she had to make Naruto delay his entry into the academy so he'd still graduate with the rest of the rookie nine. He just wouldn't have to go through the pain of being a failure. That was the least she could do for him.

"Hey Naruto-kun why not hang back this semester so we can go to the academy together. You're kind of young to be going in right now anyway" said Yuuki. She tried her best to plead with her blue eyes. Naruto paused and looked away for a moment. He really wanted to start the academy but if he did what Yuuki was suggesting and attended with her wouldn't it be more fun. He'd have a friend and someone to do his homework with. Yuuki watched him weigh his pros and cons. In the end his need for a companion won out. "Okay I'll do it but only if you promise to be my friend forever".

Yuuki smiled, an easy enough promise to keep. "Sure thing Naruto-kun…Ah!" She couldn't finish her sentence when suddenly the sun's rays grew too strong. Yuuki curled into herself and began to shriek, shielding her face with her hands; the earlier sting from before had become a serious burning sensation in the back of her eyelids. Naruto jumped as he heard her shriek beside him. When he turned to look he saw her curled into a ball and whimpering. He couldn't understand what was going on but he knew his new friend was in pain. He reached out to comfort her when a low growl reached his ears.

"What happened?" said Kyuubi, his grocery bags long forgotten at his feet. He rushed over to Yuuki's side and pulled her into his arms. For a minute Naruto felt jealousy rear its ugly head. He wanted a family too but he didn't let that cloud his mind. His friend was in trouble; that was all he needed to know.

"Katsu…" groaned Yuuki as she tried to open her eyes in vain. Naruto moved away from the man named Katsu. Kyuubi noticed the shaken child beside him and realized his mistake too late. Naruto probably thought he was offended by his presence. Kyuubi grabbed hold of Naruto's arm after stabilizing Yuuki. "Wait! I am not angry at you. You're Yuuki's new friend right? Come we need to get her inside".

Naruto hesitantly nodded, too shocked for words. An adult other than Ojisan had talked to him, honestly talked to him and not blamed or badmouthed him. He helped Katsu grab his grocery bags and followed him into the house. Kyuubi placed Yuuki on her bed. Once inside she'd stopped shaking. Kyuubi held her hand to check her pulse, it was slowing down. He sighed in relief as he pressed his forehead against her small hand.

"Will she be okay?" asked Naruto. He was standing by the door frame. Kyuubi turned around, getting a good look at his former host. Naruto grew nervous under Katsu's intense stare. Inside him he felt something begin to stir. Kyuubi noticed his sealed self move within the boy and decided it was best not to stir trouble. Instead he tried to reach Yuuki through their connection. "What happened?"

"Kyuubi is that you?" thought Yuuki in reply.

"No it's the Easter bunny, of course it's me. What happened?"

"I don't know, suddenly my eyes started to burn" thought Yuuki.

Kyuubi nodded, "I need you to pretend to sleep for a bit. I'll explain in more detail later"

"Okay but what about Naruto?" asked Yuuki, curious to know what Kyuubi was up to.

"Leave it to me" replied Kyuubi as he turned to face Naruto, "She'll be fine. She just needs to rest".

"But she sounded like she was in pain" countered Naruto, genuinely worried for his friend. Kyuubi nodded, "Yes, she was for a bit. You see her bloodlimit is just starting to manifest and it makes her sensitive to light. The sun's rays must have been too much for her".

"Bloodlimit?" asked Naruto.

Kyuubi grinned, "Yeah Bloodlimit, like the eyes of a Hyuga or an Uchiha. It's a common trait passed down in a clan that gives them a special skill. You'll learn about it when you get into the academy".

Naruto's eye brightened at the glimpse of what he'd be learning. He really couldn't wait now; looking towards Yuuki's sleeping form Naruto smiled. He'd be going to the academy to learn with a friend. "Do you know Yuuki wants to go to the academy next year?"

Kyuubi looked towards Yuuki, "What have you decided without me kit?"

Yuuki grimaced, "Sorry, I just got carried away a bit. I made him stay back a year to save him from the pains of failing. I promised we'd join the academy together next year".

Kyuubi sighed, "Is that all?"

Yuuki thought about it, dissecting her conversation with Naruto. "Well he thinks I got injured in a huge battle in my country and that's why we moved. I've told him my paralysis is only temporary…is that okay?"

Kyuubi chuckled, "I'm fine with whatever you decided kit. This chance is for you not me. One word of advice though; don't get so close he isolates himself from the others. Also do not change too much or nothing will be as before".

"Okay, got it"

"Good, now rest" thought Kyuubi as he turned to Naruto. "Yes I am aware. Will you be going to the academy too?"

Naruto nodded, his past doubts rising up again. Would Katsu say she couldn't attend because of him? Kyuubi sensed his unease and smiled, "Do not worry I think its best she attend with a friend. You will keep an eye out for her for me won't you?"

"Of course!" chirped Naruto.

"Then it's fine. I hate to say it but Yuuki needs some rest now. Bloodlimits aren't always easy on the body. Come back tomorrow okay".

"Okay" said Naruto, too happy to object to anything the man said. He let Katsu walked him to the door, bowed and left for his apartment. He couldn't wait to tell Ojisan about what had happened today. Kyuubi watched him leave with a pleasant smile, his red eyes narrowing as he saw shadows follow the boy. A storm was coming that was for sure, the question was when?

Okay I'll leave the chapter here. Thank you to all those that reviewed, you really make it worth writing. I hope to gain more reviews from more of you, I want to know what you think. Criticism is fine, what doesn't break you makes you stronger after all. Either way thanks for reading this. I'll try to update my other stories as well.

Itachi: When do I come into the picture?

Chibi Narrator: Takes some time but it won't be long now.

Itachi: …fine.

Chibi Narrator: ! Are you sulking? Is my baby sulking?

Itachi: shut up.

Chibi Narrator: So cute! Yeah see you next time!