When morning came Naruto was nowhere to be found.
Kurama still sat where he had been the night before. Their fire had been restarted and there was yet again food waiting for them.
"Where's Nee-chan?" Konohamaru asked the same question everyone else had been wondering.
"She didn't want to be around when you woke up," Kurama said calmly.
The others stared at him for a few moments confused.
"W-why wouldn't she want to be here?" Hinata asked confused.
"You would have to ask her that yourself," he said blandly. Making everyone look dejected but they said nothing more lost in their own thoughts.
When they heard a rustle in the leaves everyone saw Itachi coming back to the camp Naruto's hand in his.
Naruto had a sad cold look in her eyes but, her grip on Itachi's hand got stronger. She still had her ears and fox tail out and they could see that they were slightly puffed up in dislike.
"Is the curse bothering you today?" Hakaru asked breaking the silence.
Naruto glanced at her and nodded. "She hasn't been feeling well, she and I were walking around and it seems she may have developed a stomach virus," Itachi said calmly.
"Not possible, Itachi did you forget that demons can't get sick?" Kurama said raising an eyebrow.
"Then it must have been something she ate," he concluded.
The people around them gave them questioning looks but no one had the guts to ask what they were talking about.
"Nee-chan will we be getting to the village today?" Konohamaru asked as he limped to her side.
Naruto let go of Itachi's hand and went down to Konohamaru's level.
"We'll be there in no time, but let me see your leg if you don't mind," she said gesturing to his left leg. Konohamaru blushed from embarrassment but let Naruto do what she wanted.
In the end after inspecting his ankle she had found out that it had been strained. Sacrificing a small amount of chakra, she healed him enough so he could walk normal.
Kurama came up to her side and rested his hand on her shoulder and smirked at the kind.
"If we're all done here, why don't we get a move on?"
Naruto nodded and allowed herself to be pulled up by Kurama.
The group carried on with their journey with Naruto and Kurama by one another's side. Itachi had his hand on Naruto's waist calming her and showing support as they continued on.
Just as Naruto had said they were home before the end of the day. Naruto and Kasumi took their places on either side of Hakaru.
As they entered the village the Konoha nin gapped as the people bowed respectfully to the three.
The three of them stopped as a herd of children ran their way.
"Naru-nee-chan! Welcome home!" with other cheers and yells of "Nee-chan," "Naru," "Ruru," and other names called out as the children crowded around Naruto's legs.
A happy, joyful smile graced Naruto's lips as she picked up two of the younger children in her arms.
"Soku, Yumi," she said rubbing her cheek against theirs.
Hakaru turned to the group and smiled. "Naru-chan visits the orphanage regularly; she's also a very big donator for all of the children." The others gaped slightly yet Iruka and Kakashi knew she probably didn't want those children to live the same way she had.
"Alright, alright, break it up kids, Naruto-sama has to move on now; she needs to report in at the castle," Kurama said loudly.
There were loud 'aw's as the children made room for Naruto and the other to get through, but Naruto stopped at the last moment and smiled back at the kids.
"If you behave yourselves I'll bring a treat for you all," she called out to them and caught up with her group, who were casting amused glances at her.
As they neared a large building that looked very similar to the Hokage tower but had much more complex, the others started to realize this was their castle.
Stopping in front of the doors the older female turned to the others.
"We will have to leave you here but I'm sure Sora and Hoshi would be more than glad to lead you to your respected rooms," Hakaru said smirking at her students, who grudgingly nodded their heads.
Naruto and Katsumi walked in ahead of Hakaru climbing the staircase up into their own rooms.
The Konoha nin had been summoned into an empty room that had been filled with chairs and one long empty glass table.
"Thank you for waiting," a deep voice called from the door. The ninja found themselves facing a man in formal and expensive robes. He was clearly old but looked to be in good health.
"Welcome to my castle," he said politely as one of the servants came and pulled out his chair. The ninja paled as they realized just who this man was.
Iruka and Kakashi quickly gave the man a polite bow to show their respect, and growled at the others when they didn't move to do the same.
The Diamo didn't seem to care very much considering he wasn't even looking their way but to the door instead.
They looked as well and some had to do a double take at what they saw: Naruto and Katsumi stood in the doorway.
The two of them wore kimonos that went past their ankles and flowed to the ground.
Naruto was light blue and had soft clouds dropping down the design. On the inside it was red and from what little bit of her feet they could see her traditional shoes and socks. Her hair was pulled into a soft bun and kept there with chopsticks.
Katsumi was dressed in the same way except her kimono was a soft peach that was covered with the kanji for water and fire.
The two of them bowed respectfully to their grandfather. Iruka himself could say it was definitely the first time he had ever seen Naruto bow.
They raised their heads and calmly walked to his side.
"We have returned home grandfather," Naruto said calmly.
The old man extended his arm to the two girls who instantaneously hugged him softly.
"How is your health?" Katsumi asked softly.
The old man smiled at her softly. "It's been well but I was bedridden for two days."
"That's not good," Naruto said calmly as he rested her hand on his cheek.
"It's alright my dear, I will still live a while yet," he said softly.
Naruto smiled softly and gently kissed the top of his head.
She and Katsumi sat themselves on either side of their grandfather and each one of them turned to look at the nin.
"Please sit it seems strange to speak to you as you stand," the Diamo said calmly.
The group blushed and quickly sat in the vacant seats.
"Well seeing as I know who you are but you don't know me, my name is Uzumaki Kenchio. As you might have guessed by now I am the Lord of Uzushio and the grandfather of my two girls here," he said the last part gesturing to Naruto and Katsumi.
Kakashi cleared his thoughts slightly gaining attention to himself.
Kenchio nodded to him to speak.
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you summon us?"
"Ah, that is a simple question, I wish for you to take a treaty back to your Hokage, when you return."
Iruka's jaw dropped. "Why, why would you want a treaty with our village after all that happened?"
"That is because I don't want to force my granddaughter away even if she was treated badly that place was her home and she has every right to visit it."
"T-then, w-we will s-still be a-able t-t-to see Naru-chan even before yo-you chose an heir?"
The elder man nodded. "Though she will not be able to visit at first, for quite some time, you can still come here to see her."
The others nodded and sent him smiles.
Naruto stood from her spot and calmly kissed Kenchio's cheek before she walked to the door.
"Where are you going Naruto?" Kakashi called out.
Naruto turned around with a blank face. "Piano," she said calmly before walking out of the room.
The nin sent each other questioning glances.
Katsumi stood from her spot as well. "Sorry Grandfather, he showed up on our way home I'm sure it's wearing her greatly."
Kenchio scowled. "That man is becoming more daring, watch out for her Katsumi, I can feel it in the air, something is coming."
Katsumi frowned at him. "I will protect her with my life, that girl has been through too much to go through this again."
Kenchio nodded roughly and walked out of the room, his personal servant following after him.
Katsumi looked to the others. "If you would follow me."
They nodded and followed after the petite red head.
She led them down several hallways until she stopped outside one door. She pressed one finger to her lips signaling for silence.
She opened the door slightly and they could hear the soft playing of a piano before a gentle chime like voice followed the worlds.
*I imagined Fujita Maiko's song Anata wo Suki ni Natte here*
As the song ended they heard the soft sound of hands gently clapping.
Katsumi finally opened the door firstly showing Naruto sitting in front of a grand piano, her eyes resting on Itachi who had seated himself comfortably in a sofa at the corner of the room.
"Definitely the best pianist in the village," Katsumi said lovingly as she hugged her cousin from behind.
Naruto smiled softly at her. "Don't lie I'm not that good."
She looked to the door and saw the Konoha nin gaping at her even Sasuke had lost his 'cool' exterior for a look of shock. A hard blush spread over Naruto's cheeks. "Katsumi why did you lead them here?!"
"Aw don't be like that, you did beautifully, there no need to feel embarrassed," Katsumi said jokingly.
"I'm going to kill you!" Naruto jumped off the piano stool and tackled Katsumi to the ground. Katsumi started laughing loudly which surprised some people.
"Kit off," Kurama said sternly as he walked into the room. Naruto sent one last glare at Katsumi, and then pulled herself off.
Kurama walked to the piano stool and sat down. "Come now let's play another song." Naruto's eyes brightened and she sat next to the old fox.
"How 'bout something simple?" he asked once she was seated properly.
"Hmm~ how about Last Butterfly?" she suggested.
Kurama nodded and placed his hands on the piano keys. Naruto following fluidly with his actions.
*song plays here here*
Naruto smiled softly as the song came to an end. Kurama gently pulled her in a loss hug.
"You're just as good as I remember," he said lovingly. Naruto smiled at him and got up quickly.
"Tou-san, I'm going to go out would you like to come along?" Kurama smiled and nodded.
"Where are you going?" Iruka asked softly.
Naruto grind at him a very similar foxy girl. "Orphanage!"
She ran out of the room before anyone else could say anything else.
"Where did she run out to?" Konohamaru muttered.
"To change," Kurama, Katsumi, and Itachi said at the same time.
"Again?!" Sakura asked loudly.
"Of course, do you think she wants to get royal robes dirty?" Katsumi said walking towards the door.
"Oh Kurama-san could you take them outside with you, Itoko and I will meet you there."
Kurama smirked at the nin. "Oh and no throwing happy unless you want Itoko mad at you," Katsumi warned as a second thought.
Kurama pouted and walked out the door and gestured for the others to follow.
"Throwing happy?" Sasuke mumbled to Sakura. She too looked rather confused.
Naruto stood in front of her mirror calmly pulling out her dozens of hair pins when her door opened.
She glanced up to see Itachi walking in. he calmly walked to her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
"You still seemed worried," Itachi said calmly as he pulled Naruto closer to him.
She gently nosed his neck and smiled against his skin. "I'm fine 'Tachi, it's just that there's so many things happening at once. Just think next month is the wedding, and I haven't even told the others yet!"
"I'll tell them, you just worry about your body. I know you can't take much more abuse. Not only have you been sleeping badly but your aggravating the seal. You need to be calm my love."
During his whole speech Itachi had been gently rubbing the vein on Naruto's neck affectionately calming her down.
Naruto growled at him softly. "I'm trying 'Tachi, really I am but, but what if they come for me and hurt everyone I care for?!"
"They won't I promise everyone is fine, and Kenchio-sama is already working on having the nin prepare himself for an ambush."
Naruto sighed. "I guess you're right."
Itachi nodded and pushed her into a seat and continued moving her hair clips.
"Did you get rid of you know who?" Naruto asked softly.
"Yes, Madara is gone, the seal you gave me to put on him worked as you said it would, his body completely rejected his soul. He is now no more than a lifeless corpse."
"I wish there could have been another way but this was the only one that would get him by surprise," Naruto sighed out.
"You're going to become another Shikamaru at the pace," Itachi said softly. Naruto broke out in laughter as she figured what he meant.
"I would hope not, I don't want a pineapple for a head," she said as she regained her self.
"Nor would I," Itachi extended a hand and pulled Naruto to her walk-in closet.
"Please get dressed quickly, we don't want Kurama to go through his throwing happy faze."
Naruto giggled, she had called it Kurama's "throwing happy faze" because he did just that, and any person in sight that he didn't like very much would be thrown at the nearest tree or wall.
"I'll be right out then."
Naruto found just what she feared she would. Kurama had already gotten mad at Sasuke and thrown him at the nearest tree.
When she got there, she found him preparing to throw Sakura as well.
"Tou-san!" Naruto placed her hands on her hips and glared at Kurama.
"Kit!" Kurama yelped in surprise, dropping Sakura on her head.
"What did I tell you about not throwing everyone you don't like?"
Kurama hung his head in shame. "That the next time I do I won't get any tummy rubs until that person is alright."
"That's right but you still missing one more thing," she said sternly.
"I will also have to walk around out of my human form."
Naruto nodded and removed the extra chakra she had been supplying Kurama. His body immediately turned into a fox, not a happy one either.
"Now then why don't we get going?"
They continued on to the orphanage and were met with screams of joy as they arrived.
Naruto curled up to several children, and more than happily happy carried a few in her arms.
The Konoha gang could only smile seeing their blond in her zone.
Eventually they ended up inside where Naruto was attacked by a blonde look alike.
Naruto couldn't hold back the light laugh that escaped her as she looks the other blonde into her arms holding on as if life depended on it.
The group saw a young girl not much older than four clinging to Naruto with both her arms and legs.
Both blondes had similar hair colors and blue eyes. They were staring into each other's eyes so intently that their noses almost touched, large grins on both faces.
Had they not known was an only child they would have never second guessed that the two might have been siblings.
"I missed you Oka-chan!" the blonde yelled loudly.
Naruto mushed her cheek into the girls with a happy smile on her face. "I missed you too Ame-chan."
The two completely ignored the looks they were receiving from behind them.
When they heard a light chuckle, they turned to Itachi Who was looking at the scene in front of him fondly.
It was then Iruka connected the dots.
"You! You got her pregnant!" he bellowed at Itachi pointing an accusing finger at him.
Itachi raised a brow at him. "Sorry to disappoint you, but the child isn't mine." Itachi gained a slight bitter look but it was pushed away quickly.
Hinata gasped when she figured out what Itachi meant.
"No you can't mean that happened to her!" tears swelling into her eyes.
Itachi shook his head, "The child is made from her chakra alone."
Looks of confusion moved to the two blonds.
"When Naruto was attacked her body had too much chakra and nearly killed her, but her body made to protect its self and in that form created a child, on that would pull exes chakra from her body during pregnancy."
"But why does she leave her own child in the orphanage?!" Sakura yelled.
Itachi smiled at her. "She doesn't, Ame simply likes to visit as much as Naruto does. This place is like a second home to them."
"So how old is she?" Kakashi asked calmly.
"She'll be five soon," Naruto said walking up to them with her child on her hip.
Itachi snaked an arm around her waist when she came into range.
Ame outstretched her small arms to Itachi as if asking to be held. Naruto smiled and passed the young blonde over.
"I'll be back soon. I'm going to ask Bara-san how things have been while I was away." Naruto leaned up and kissed Itachi's cheek and stroked her daughters head before disappearing down a hall.
Itachi fixed Ame on his hip and turned back to the others.
"Where's my granddaughter, hand her over!" Kurama half yelled half growled as he walked inside with Katsumi by his side, causing the others to stare at the talking fox.
Katsumi snickered and gently took Ame from Itachi. Despite the young girls protest, and placed her next to Kurama. Who sniffed the girl before nodding and curling up to next her as Ame more than happy hugged her grandfather and nuzzled into his face.
It was then they saw the orange spiral on the back of Ame's flawless white dress.
"Why do we keep sing that spiral on your clothes?" Konohamaru asked Katsumi.
She smiled and bent down to his level.
"Though your village also used that spiral on your uniforms it still belongs to Uzushio. Its' the ever-prideful symbol of the Uzumaki clan."
"When Aunt Kushina left for Konoha Uzushio, had been attacked. Because more than half of our village was destroyed we went into hiding and Konoha took the symbol to pay tribute to us. Thinking we had all died during the attack."
Konohamaru nodded and glanced back at Ame, who had fallen asleep.
Giggling behind them brought them back into the world. Naruto came walking back down the hall with an older woman.
Naruto looked up and ran up to Itachi smiled. "Guess what Ame did."
Itachi quirked his eyebrow at her, and she smiled wholeheartedly.
"Apparently she thought that paint might be food." Itachi smiled at her. "That's not very healthy."
Naruto snickered. "Yes, I think she found out quickly, from what I've been told."
Naruto looked down at her daughter and gently pulled her into her arms and woke up Kurama.
"Tou-san if you promised not to start throwing people then you can go back into your human form."
Kurama thought for a moment before nodding.
He quickly changed back into a human and laid a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Let's go home you got what you came for." Naruto nodded and nuzzled her daughter again. "Yes, my Kit is very tired."
The rest of them followed the two of them out and continued onto the castle once more.