NOVEMBER 15TH 2050 HRS. 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THE CHUNNIN EXAMS
RUINS OF TSUKIGAKURE, BORDERS OF KAMINARI AND TSUCHI NO KUNI
His first solo S-rank mission, that's what this was supposed to be...
FLASHBACK - 2 DAYS AGO - HOKAGE'S OFFICE
"Ichigo-kun, good to see you." Sarutobi greeted.
"Good to see you too, Hokage-sama. Now, I believe you have a mission for me?" Ichigo replied.
"Yes, I do. I'm sorry that this is right before the chuunin exams and I know that you want to support Naruto, Sakura, and the others you've taught, but this is urgent. The leader of Tsukigakure has sent out a desperate cry for help. They want some additional aid to bolster their defenses before Oto attacks them. I cannot spare any more ninja at the moment, so you will be going in solo. But given your level of strength and abilities, you will do fine." Sarutobi said reassuringly.
FLASHBACK END
Ichigo sighed. 'Bodies everywhere. Oto didn't even spare the small children.' He growled mentally.
He walked around, trying to search for survivors, but was coming up empty handed. After 15 minutes of searching, he felt a small group of weak chakra signatures a short distance from where he was. He ran over as fast as his legs could carry him, but wasn't prepared for what he found.
He barrelled around a corner when heard pained voice shout out, "SOMEBODY HELP ME! NO STOP!"
He saw two Oto nin on top of a girl attempting to take some liberties with her. She noticed him and screamed for Ichigo to help her. This made the two nin jump and they stabbed her in the abdomen for her outburst. Ichigo had only felt the murderous rage he was feeling now only a handful of times in his life, and each time never had a good ending for whoever made him that mad.
He gave them a glare and killing intent that could make the shinigami crap himself, before dispatching them in the most brutally efficient manners possible. The nearest one, he caved his chest in with a punch to his heart, making it explode in his chest. The second, he choked until he snapped his neck with a vice-like grip. With the violence out of the way, he knelt to examine the girl's injury.
'Oh my god...she can't be much older than Hinata...those bastards...' He thought with a grimace as he took off his long cloak to cover her up.
'She's not gonna make it. That asshole hit a vital spot...' He said inwardly with a sad look on his face, as he tried to treat her wound with what Injutsu he knew. She noted the sad look on his face and stopped his treatment.
"I-I'm not g-g-going to -m-make it. I know that. Thank you f-for trying to s-save me..." She breathed out weakly. Ichigo's guilt was welling inside of him. He had seen people pass away in his arms before, but it never got any easier.
The young woman noticed that the tall shinobi that tried to save her had tears in his eyes. "I-I'm s-sorry...If I had only gotten here sooner, then this...you..." He choked out as tears began to fall from his crystal blue eyes.
The girl spoke softly to him. "T-this wasn't your fault...please...d-don't blame yourself." She said, trying to absolve his guilt as she gently touched his face.
"M-my, name i-is Michiru...Michiru K-Kikuzawa... a Chunnin of this village. W-what's yours?" She asked him.
"I'm Ichigo, Ichigo Uzumaki. A Jounin of Konoha." He relegated to her with a sad smile.
Michiru smiled gently at him. "I-I like your name, I-Ichigo-kun...I want to g-give you s-something..." She told him and asked him to lean close. He did as she asked and she kissed him on his lips.
"That was my first kiss...you saved my virginity and virtue, so I gave it to you, who deserved it." She told him. He nodded solemnly. He continued to hold her as they talked and he eased her pain. In the end, it was all he could do. Finally, the life passed from her eyes and she died.
He laid her down gently, still wrapped in his cloak, closed her eyes, and buried her with a simple Doton jutsu at the base of a still standing Sakura tree while saying a silent prayer for her soul. Ichigo shed a single tear while trembling with rage, swearing that he would destroy Oto with his bare hands one day, and end the evil that was called Orochimaru, permanently. He got up calmed down, and continued his search. As he left one would be able to spot an epitaph, carved into the tree as a grave marker.
Here lies Michiru Kikuzawa, a faithful Kunoichi of Tsukigakure.
May her body and soul rest in peace,
for all eternity.
He tensed as he sensed a chakra spike nearby. He instinctively unsheathed his twin short swords, ready to face whatever enemy nin that might still be loitering about. Suddenly, he saw 8 Oto nin chasing a old man with a large scroll across his back who was carrying a small girl. He assumed that the two were survivors and rushed into combat. With a golden blur, 2 Oto nins were rendered headless, as Ichigo got inbetween the survivors and their attackers. The enemy nins got a good look at his Hitae-ate and his face.
"Konoha's Azure Nightmare ? N-no !" The lead Oto nin stammered out.
Ichigo wasted no words in engaging them. The little girl watched in awe as their new savior made short work of their attackers. He'd be damned if he saw the same thing that happened to that girl before happen again. He flashed through some hand seals before barking out "FUUTON : KYO TATSUMAKI KAIMETSU!"
A trio of massive tornadoes roared to life in the middle of the group of nins, ripping, slashing, and tearing them apart. As soon as the twisters died down, the torn and bloody bodies of the Oto nin crashed to earth with a sickening crunch. All nins were dead, their blood dyeing the snow red. After piling them all together and searching them for any useful supplies and intel, he went through more hand seals and barked out, "KATON : SHOUSHIN!"
With this fire jutsu, he completely incinerated the bodies as to leave no evidence. He then turned his attention to the survivors. The girl was fine, but the old man was in really bad shape. He had a large slash down his back that was seeping with a nasty looking purple substance.
"Poison." Ichigo mused.
"Are you the Konoha shinobi that was dispatched to aid us?" The old man asked.
"Yes. I got the mission around 36 hours ago, and rushed here as quickly as I could."
"We didn't expect Oto to attack us so soon. I fear that the little one and I are the only ones left." He wheezed.
"I do not have much time left. Please, take this girl with you to Konoha. Get her away from here. They will sell her to a brothel, into slavery or worse should they find her, just like what happened to most of the young kunoichi and women here." He pleaded with Ichigo. The little girl didn't look to be more than 5 or 6, however he couldn't help but notice her unique golden eyes.
'That's strange, but beautiful.' He thought. She also had waist-length dark purple hair and she was clutching a stuffed toy wolf.
"Okay, old man. I'll do it. I'll take her with me to Konoha." Ichigo replied solemnly.
"Good. Good lad. Now, take this with you as well. This is the wolf contract." The old man stated, handing him the large scroll.
"Wh-what? Why me? Why something this valuable?"
"Better you than those nin who did this. You strike me as a man who would willingly give his life to protect his pack from any threat. I know the Wolf Boss, Shiranui, would most definitely like you, as would her cubs." He finished.
He spent at least 2 hours teaching Ichigo how to do the Kuchiyose no Jutsu : Mibu. Finally, he succeeded in summoning Shiranui. She was easily as big as Hokage tower, but had a majestic, regal air to her.
In a booming, yet gentle voice, "old Rikiya, why have you summoned me this day?" She asked, but she looked around at all of the ruins and destruction.
"Wh-what has happened here? Who is this pup?" She snarled, baring her fangs. Ichigo leapt in front of Rikiya and the girl to defend them if he needed to.
"Please, calm yourself, Shiranui! Otogakure and the summoner of Manda did all this! This young man was sent here to aid us, but was sent too late. Also, it was he who summoned you. I allowed him to sign the Wolf Contract as a thank you for taking over protecting this girl, taking her with him to Konoha where she will be safe." He told her as he tried to explain the situation.
'Orochimaru...'Shiranui thought, growling.
Shiranui sized up Ichigo, staring into his cerulean blue eyes with her own golden eyes. He stared right back at her, never flinching from her intense gaze. She gave what looked to be a smile.
"Very well. I consent to you being our summoner and we will aid you in battle." She stated to the young blond shinobi as a second puff of smoke appeared, revealing a second, snow white wolf with vibrant blue eyes. "Fuyuno, why have you come, my daughter?" Shiranui asked, slightly exasperated.
The younger, much smaller wolf cowed slightly, chuckling bashfully. "Well, I wanted to see what our new summoner looks and smells like." She replied in a higher, more childish voice while sniffing him intently.
"MMM. You smell nice and warm! I like you!" She chimed, nuzzling him affectionately.
Ichigo was taken aback by this, but regain his composure. "Uh, thanks, Fuyuno-chan." He replied kindly, with a smile that made the young wolf blush (?).
Shiranui looked upon this with a smile. 'My cubs are already warming up to him. Rikiya made a wise choice picking him.'
"We must go now, but know this, young Uzumaki Ichigo. That little female human holds my mate within her. Guard her well." She said.
"Wait a sec...you mean she's a host?" Ichigo asked.
Shiranui's eyes narrowed. "Hai. She has Hokuou, the Gobi. This is not a problem, is it?" She asked with an edge to her voice.
"No. My brother, Naruto, has the Kyuubi no Kitsune sealed in him. I will guard and watch over her as if she were my own child. Wait, you don't think that Snake-teme knew about her and came looking for her, do you?" He asked, not really liking the intel he gleened from the dead shinobi's documents.
"I believe they were. I'm guessing that Rikiya hid her away, but got ambushed as he tried to flee. Fortunately, you came along and dispatched their attackers."
"Well, I'm going to take her with me. She will be much better protected in my village and under my care."
"Very well, Ichigo. We shall take our leave for now. Farewell."
"Bye-bye, Ichigo-kun." Fuyuno said bashfully. "Call on me again and I'll introduce you to my twin sister, Shirayuki, and my niichan, Kurokiba. We can play then."
'Did I just get hit on by a wolf summon?' He mused, but shook off the thought.
"Good bye, Shiranui-sama, Fuyuno-chan!" Ichigo called out as they disappeared in a puff of smoke. He turned his attention back to Rikiya and the girl. Rikiya's breathing was very weak and his time was just about up.
"Ichigo-san...my...time has come..." He wheezed and he coughed up a large amount of blood.
"No! Jii-chan, don't go!" The girl cried.
"Please... take good care of her..." The old man pleaded one final time.
"Of course I will, Rikiya-sensei." Ichigo reassured him. He gave him the title of sensei because he felt it appropriate.
"Good...Thank...y...ou, Ich...igo...U..zu..maki..." He choked out as the life faded from his eyes. Ichigo closed them for him, crossed his hands over his chest, and used a small Doton jutsu to give him a proper burial. By now, the girl cried herself to sleep on his jounin vest.
He gently scooped her into his arms bridal style, and began his mad dash toward Konoha.
NOVEMBER 17th 0934 Hrs KONOHA MAIN GATES
Izumo and his longtime friend Kotetsu were on another boring shift of gate duty, or so they thought. Suddenly, bursting out of the trees, landing right in front of the two chunnins was Ichigo Uzumaki, looking like he was ready to drop from exhaustion. "Whoa, Ichigo? What happened? Are you alright?" Izumo asked worriedly as he moved to help him up.
Ichigo simply stared forward, "I need to speak with Hokage-sama, NOW." He said wearily. The two chunnins, knowing how freakishly strong he gets when upset or angry, stepped aside, letting him pass with his pint-sized passenger and large scroll.
HOKAGE'S OFFICE 0939 Hrs
"Jounin Uzumaki Ichigo returning from my mission to Tsukigakure." Ichigo stated professionally.
"Enter." Ichigo did just that. Prior to posting before the Hokage, he asked if he could set the girl down in the couch.
Sarutobi grinned warmly and said, "Of course, Ichigo-kun." He loved adding the suffix on his name, like Naruto, and a few select others he held very close to his heart. He noticed the young blond set the girl down very gently and lovingly.
'It's like he's her father'. He chuckled mentally. "So, Ichigo-kun. Care to explain the sleeping angel in the couch?'" He said in an amused tone.
"Well Hokage-sama, she's part of my mission report..." Ichigo started. He explained his entire mission in detail. He explained the Wolf Contract, the villages' destruction prior to him arriving, and the girl's 'tenant'.
"The Gobi? Are you certain?" He asked, unnerved by the revelation.
"Yes. Shiranui confirmed it herself. The Gobi is her mate, and I'll be damned if I don't protect her, which brings me to make this request. I want to adopt her."
The girl was awake for a few moments prior to the request, but silently listened in. She had already known about Hokuou, and called him Hoku-chan affectionately, because he was always kind to her, treating her like his own cub. When she heard Ichigo make his request she sat bolt upright and bounded over to him.
"Ichigo-chan, is it true? You wanna be my new daddy?" Asked, the excited 6 year old.
"Of course. But we need to give you a name...Ah! How would you like to be Setsuna, after the silent snow fall I found you in? Setsuna Uzumaki?" He asked her with a grin.
Setsuna was stunned. She stood in silence for at least a few minutes. Then, without warning, she launched her tiny body at the crouched Ichigo, hugging him as tightly as her small arms would let her, all the while kissing him on his cheeks.
"My daddy! I have a daddy!" She cried as she continued her death grip on him.
"I'll add her to your family register immediately." Sarutobi couldn't help but smile warmly at this new and growing family. But another worry nagged at him.
'Another jinchuurki. If the council hears of this, the poor girl will be targeted! If Danzou finds out, he'll try to turn the child into a heartless, cold, cruel weapon. I will do my part in protecting this child as Naruto should have been protected. I'll be damned if Naruto's situation arises again!' Sarutobi swore internally with conviction. "Ichigo, Setsuna. You must be VERY careful who you trust with this knowledge. Otherwise, this is an SS-class secret that not even the council will know about." Sarutobi warned.
Ichigo sighed, but agreed. "You've got a point there." He turned to Setsuna.
"Now Se-chan, don't tell anyone about Hoku-chan unless me or the Hokage say so, 'kay?" He asked her calmly and softly.
"Cub, the old man and Ichigo have a point. You can trust their judgement."
"'Kay, Tou-chan! You got it!" She said, snapping a small salute. 'So...damn...cute...' Is what both adults were thinking.
"Well, we're gonna get going now. I'm gonna explain this to the people I KNOW that we can trust. Let's go, Se-chan!" Ichigo said brightly, lifting her onto his shoulders. Then, he Shunshin'd out of the room.
Sarutobi was left to process the other bits of info on the mission. "Rikiya, where have I heard that name before?" He asked himself, but then it came to him and he froze.
"That man was the Legendary Wolf Sage! Ichigo doesn't know that HE is now the new Wolf Sage, that Rikiya passed down the title to him with that contract." But he just sighed and reasoned that he could tell him later, after he gets settled in.
KONOHA HOSPITAL 1056 Hrs
Ichigo and Setsuna landed in front of the hospital and walked inside to the reception desk. He showed his ninja I.D to the duty nurse and asked her, "can you please page Sawaguchi Rin for me?"
"Sure thing, 'hon." She replied, smiling at Setsuna. 'That little girl is sooo cute!' She squealed internally. She then paged Rin over the hospitals intercom system.
5 minutes later, Rin came walking down a corridor. "Icchan?" She paused, but then she realised who it was. "ICCHAN!" She cried out, bounding into him, giving him a massive hug.
She calmed down enough to inquire about how his mission went, when she noticed Setsuna. "So, what's your name, sweetie?" She asked with a sweet, gentle voice and an even more gentle smile.
Setsuna blinked for a moment, but then, "I'm Setsuna Uzumaki!" She announced with obvious pride. She sounded like a mini-Naruto, which made Rin giggle. She thought about how Rin hugged him for a moment. "Uh, Rin-san, are you daddy's girlfriend?" She asked innocently.
Rin's eyes went wide, waving her hands frantically as she denied it. "Oh, no, no! If anything, he's pretty much my little brother, arencha', ICCHAN?" She teased.
Ichigo sighed in defeat. "Anko-neechan told you that, didn't she?"
Rin giggled some more. "Yep!"
Setsuna gasped at this and blurted out "You're my auntie then? COOL!"
Rin couldn't hold back her inner cuddle bug, and snatched the small girl into a massive cuddle, making Setsuna laugh and giggle as a little girl her age should. "OOOH! YOU ARE JUST TOO CUTE! THANK YOU KAMI FOR THIS CUTE LITTLE NIECE!" Rin ranted as her cuddlefest lasted another few moments.
Ichigo cleared his throat and got Rin's attention. He told her about the mission, ALL of it. She gasped," Just like Naruto-kun..." She froze up, but recollected herself. "I won't let her be treated like Naru-chan was. Not when we have a chance, not my niece." Rin said, clutching Setsuna protectively to her chest.
"This bijuu is like Kyu. He is very benevolent and kind to her and practically sees her as one of his cubs. My boss summon, the Wolf Goddess Shiranui, is his mate." Ichigo stated
Suddenly over the intercom, "Sawaguchi Rin, please report to treatment room #5. Sawaguchi Rin to treatment room # 5."
Rin face faulted and then pouted in an almost childish manner. "Ooh, not now! Sorry Se-chan, but Auntie Rin's gotta get back to work, but I'll see you later." She said giving Setsuna a quick peck on her forehead.
"Oh, okay! Bye, Auntie Rin!" Setsuna chirped.
'I love that! Auntie Rin!' She thought as she got back to work.
Ichigo placed Setsuna on his shoulders and they walked out of the Hospital. Then it hit him : He has NO idea how to raise a daughter! 'Well, I'd better go talk to Inoichi and get some pointers. Maybe Teuchi-jii, too.' He thought as he made for the Yamanaka Flower Shop.
"Cub, I like that one. She accepted you without a second thought and now claims you as part of the pack, her niece. This man will be good for you."
YAMANAKA FLOWER SHOP 1100 HRS
Ichigo made his way through the familar streets towards the Yamanaka Flower Shop with a giddy Setsuna riding on his shoulders.
"Yahh! Giddy yap, daddy!" She whooped. Ichigo chuckled and played along, whinnying like a horse and bucking a bit, causing her to laugh out loud.
Many of the ladies inbetween the ages of 16 to 30 walking the streets saw this and thought this : Young Jounin + Doting daddy + NO WEDDING BAND = PREMIUM MARRIAGE MATERIAL. Things definately got interesting once Koharu-sama let it slip that the Uzumaki bloodline had a powerful Kekkei Genkai: Near unfathomable chakra reserves, rapid healing and regeneration, and massive amounts of stamina. He didn't need to be reminded of the mess that was kicked up a few months ago.
He brought himself out of his thoughts just as he reached the flower shop. Setting Setsuna down, they walked inside.
"Hello! Welcome to..." Ino started, but noticed who her customer was, "I-Ichigo-sensei! You're back!" She shouted as she burst out from behind the counter to give him a hug. She noticed Setsuna standing next to him.
"So, who's this little cutie? You taking up babysitting?" She asked.
Before Ichigo could say anything, Setsuna piped up, "I'm Setsuna, Setsuna Uzumaki! Nice ta meetcha' nee-chan!"
Ino had a confused look on her face, "Did she say what I thought she said? Uzumaki?"
Ichigo sighed, "Well, it goes like this. My mission was practically a bust from the get go. The villiage was gone, destroyed before I even got there. I found her among the ruins along with an old man, about to be killed by some nin that straggled behind. I took them out, but the old man was already dying. He asked me to take her with me, so I did. I ended up becoming attached to her and so I adopted her and named her." He told them, but he left out the more sordid details, like what happened to the young girl who was nearly raped before she was killed.
"That was a very noble thing to do, Ichigo-kun. I'm very proud of you. Now I know where Naruto gets his noble, kind heart from." Shiho Yamanaka said, coming out of the house portion of the shop.
"It's good to have you back." She added as she gave him a tight hug, as if he were her family.
She turned her attention to Setsuna. "How old are you, sweetie?" She asked.
"I'm 6 years old, Auntie Shiho!" She replied brightly.
Shiho just couldn't hold herself back any more. She wrapped Setsuna up in a massive cuddle that rivaled Rin's earlier. "OOOH! IT FEELS SOOO GOOD TO HEAR THAT! AUNTIE SHIHO! WHEN IS HER BIRTHDAY, ICHIGO-KUN?" She squealed like she was a teenager again, much to her daughter's amusement.
Ichigo was dumbstruck, "I-I don't know. She doesn't either." He replied sadly, but a stroke of inspiration hit him.
"Ah! I know! How about the day I made you my daughter, November 17th, today?"
Setsuna's eyes flew wide open. She couldn't believe it. All of these wonderful things in one day. Ichigo went one step further and sweetend the deal.
"And since today is your birthday, here is your present!" He said, holding out a soft pink Lily, then he wrapped it in her hair for her.
She just couldn't hold back anymore. She launched herself into the arms of the man who made it all possible, her new father. Sobbing uncontrollably with happiness, she managed to choke out, " I-I love you, daddy! I love you so much!" She also continuously kissed him on his cheeks, until her hunger made itself known. She blushed and chuckled sheepishly.
"This new guardian of yours has some interesting friends, but they obviously hold him in much affection, which speaks highly of him. These two women are good people, I can feel it. You can trust them."
"Well, I guess I could talk to Inoichi later. Right now, we've got some urgent matters of the tummy to deal with, eh Se-chan?" Ichigo said, grinning mischeviously at Setsuna. "We'll see you around. Bye now!" He called out.
"Byebye, Auntie Shiho, Ino-neechan!" The pint-sized jinchuuriki called out as Ichigo hefted her onto his shoulders and shunshin'd toward Ichiraku's, leaving the two blond women to their thoughts.
"I know that Ichigo-kun will be a wonderful father and that little girl is going to have both him and Naruto-chan wrapped around her finger." Shiho giggled.
"I just know that she will love Naruto and Hinata just as much. And they'll adore her, I just know it." Ino added.
ICHIRAKU RAMEN STAND 1145 HRS
The father-daughter pair landed in front of the ramen stand in a blur and a cloud of kicked up dust, startling passersby. They waltzed right on in and called out. "Oi! Teuchi-jii! Ayame-chan!"
The pair turned around to find a familiar face gracing their humble stand. "ICHIGO-KUN! YOU'RE BACK!" Ayame, exclaimed, giving Ichigo a warm hug which he returned.
"Yes, It's good to see you back safely, my boy." Teuchi greeted warmly. He noticed Ichigo's pint-sized companion and got curious, but before he could explain anything, a certain snake mistress came traipsing in, her eyes locking on one of her two favorite blonds.
"Hey! Icchan! You're back!" She beamed at him while getting him in a playful headlock and a noogie. She then noticed Setsuna. "Um, otouto? Who's the gaki?"
Before anyone answered, she announced herself in a very Naruto-like manner. "I'm Setsuna Uzumaki!" She said loudly and proudly.
The other three people in the stand stood in stunned silence. Ichigo spoke up finally, explaining his mission in its entirety, knowing he could trust them with the truth. Ayame and Teuchi looked upon the girl sadly, while Anko knew what had to be done.
She looked over to Ichigo and in one of her rare moments of seriousness told him, "I'm so damn proud of you, you know that? You just saved her from suffering the same fate as Naru-kun." She said with a tear rolling down her face, giving him a chaste embrace.
Setesuna took this opportunity to ask another question. "Um, neechan, who are you?"
Anko smirked and announced herself, "I'm Anko. Anko Mitarashi, kid! I'm Jounin, like yer old man here, but he's my younger brother! "
Setsuna literally had stars in her eyes. "You're my auntie, too? And a ninja? Sugoi! You look so cool and strong!" She exclaimed.
Anko threw her head back in a gut-busting belly laugh, "HAHAHAHA! I like you, kiddo! And yer damn right I'm cool!"
"Cub, I like this one. She may seem crazy, but she has a good, sincere heart. Your new family is shaping up to be an interesting one."
Ichigo interjected for a moment. "So, neechan, you joining us for lunch or what?" He asked her with a smirk.
"Eh, why not? I got nothing better to do right now anyway. 'Sides, I wanna get to know my new niece." She said, slipping an arm over Setsuna's shoulder.
"Yo pops! Miso Ramen with some dango and sake for me!" She belted out.
"I'll have my usual, Large Beef ramen with extra Green Onion and a fried egg. How 'bout you, Se-chan?"
The girl paused for a moment to think, then answered, "I'll have the same thing daddy's having!"
Teuchi smiled at the little girl. "Comin' up, guys!" He said happily.
Moments later, the family lunch turned into a ramen eating contest between father and daughter. The score : Ichigo- 9 bowls. Setsuna - 11 bowls. Everyone stared at her in disbelief. "Geez! I didn't think she could eat so much!" Ichigo said incredulously.
Anko simply laughed. "Well, what did you expect? She's a growing girl!" She said, beaming with pride for her newest family member.
"She eats almost as much as Naruto-kun!" Ayame said, surprised.
Her father, however was estatic, 'ANOTHER ramen loving Uzumaki! I swear that family is the patron saints of this business!' He thought, feeling really giddy.
The meals were paid for and goodbyes were said, as the new daddy walked off with his little girl riding on his shoulders. Anko smirked broadly. "She's gonna grow up REALLY interesting, especially with AUNTIE Anko around." She chuckled, relishing her new title.
HARUNO RESIDENCE 1245 HRS
Ichigo and Setsuna walked up to the Haruno house and knocked on the door. They waited for a moment, then decided to head home when Hitomi Haruno rounded the corner in full jounin uniform, just having returned from a mission.
She saw the tall blond that she came to know and love, and literally bolted right into him, damn near tackling him.
"ICHIGO-KUN! I'M SO HAPPY YOU'RE ALRIGHT! HOKAGE-SAMA SAID YOUR MISSION GOT CRAZY AND THAT YOU WENT SOLO!" Hitomi exclaimed, but calmed down. "I was so worried that something happened to you. But, you made it back safely. You came back to me." She said softly as she gave him chaste kiss on his lips, hugging him tightly.
She felt tugging at her pants and she looked down to find a little girl, no older than 5 or 6, scowling at her. "HEY! Nobody kisses my daddy 'cept me 'less I say so!" She ended with the cutest little pout Hitomi had ever seen.
"So, is this the girl? Setsuna?" Hitomi asked.
"Yes. This is Se-chan. Say hello to Ms. Haruno, okay?" He asked, smiling.
'Ohhh, for some reason, when he smiles like that, I can't stay mad! I guess I really love you already, don't I, daddy?' Setsuna thought.
"I can tell that you do, cub. I can tell that he deeply cares for you, as well. Besides, I feel that this female may very well be his mate." Hokuou told his container.
Setsuna's eyes lit up. 'You mean she's gonna be like my Kaa-chan?' She thought back through the mental link excitedly.
"If you want to put it that way, then I guess so." Hokuou replied.
"Uh, h-hello, Ms. Haruno." She said unsteadily.
Hitomi giggled slightly. 'She is so cute. So polite, too. She also reminds me a bit of a younger Naruto-kun.'
"Hello, sweetie. I'm sorry about that. I'll ask next time." She said sweetly, with a genuine, warm smile on her face.
Setsuna motioned for her to come in close and whispered, "I know that you love him. Hoku-chan told me. I love him so much, so please, make him happy. I can tell that he's been lonely. You don't need to ask me. " She whispered, pleadingly.
Hitomi was shocked, for the lack of a better word. 'She's so young, but she understands this so well...What a remarkable girl...'
"You're right. I do love him. I love him so much. I don't feel, but I KNOW that I can trust him. You see, my daughter's father left us before she was born and I felt like I couldn't trust any man. Then Naruto, and later, Ichigo-kun, came into our lives. My daughter, Sakura, loves Naruto so much and I love Ichigo-kun very much. They are faithful beyond compare. Your daddy and nii-chan are two of the most wonderful people I have ever known. The Uzumaki name just seems to bring out the very best in the people they touch. You are very fortunate to have him. Just your daddy alone has been through so much pain and sadness in his life, but he is still so strong. I already know that you are a wonderful little girl and I wouldn't mind being your mother someday." She answered honestly.
Setsuna was shocked again, but Hokuou snapped her out of her daze. "She speaks the truth, cub. And if the boy DOES hold the Kyuubi, I need to speak with her. You are fortunate to have such a good guardian, and the Kyuubi is far more powerful than even me. She is the Queen of our kind, and a good friend of mine. Now back to the situation at hand. I sense good intentions from this female and that she is sincere. But let them work this out in their own way. Finding the right mate is tough."
Setsuna burst forward to give Hitomi a tight embrace. "Mama..." She whispered softly.
Hitomi heard this and started to tear up slightly. 'I could really see this little angel as a daughter, too. Just like Sakura's little sister. She'll love her, too.' Hitomi thought as Ichigo gathered them both in a gentle, but snug embrace.
"Daddy, I wanna be a strong ninja like you, Auntie Anko, Auntie Rin and the others I wanna protect you when you need it." Setsuna stated, her softly golden eyes steeled with determination.
Ichigo was shocked, but in a pleasant way. "Hey, Se-chan, how would you like to go to the ninja academy? They can teach you how to be like us and get you started. How about it?"
Her golden eyes lit up brightly. "REALLY? Thank you, daddy! I love you so much!" She cried into his vest.
Sarutobi watched the touching scene from his crystal ball, a wide, gentle smile playing on his aged features, 'This is the Konoha I have always loved, that my predecessors and I have strived for. I made the right choice letting him become a shinobi and a Jounin. He has earned every bit of faith I've placed in him and more. He made Naruto's life a far cry better than I ever could have hoped. He got the lonely Hitomi Haruno to love again, and two lonely hearts found the love they craved in each other. I hope to be able to see that wedding, as well as Naruto and Sakura's. He became their guardian angel, that little girl's savior, and a loving father. I hope to see her blossom into a beautiful and powerful kunoichi in her own right someday. May the gods continue to bless them and watch over them.'
Ichigo realized that he would need to get Setsuna some clothes, basic things, and a bed. He was going to go ask Hinata to come with him to help out, but Hitomi offered her assistance, having a daughter herself. They took off together for the business district.
KONOHA BUSINESS DISTRICT 1330 HRS
Hitomi was having a wonderful time. She got to use little Setsuna like a human dress-up doll, surprisingly, to Setsuna's delight and the small girl loved it every bit as much. To her, this was the most fun she'd ever had.
As they were walking up to the store, many older couples and people wondered if Setsuna was their child. It didn't help that she was in between the two, holding their hands with a smile that threatened to split her face in half.
The store they had wandered into was called "Lil' Kunoichi's", and Ichigo was horrified by the sheer amount of pink that covered the store. He knew that if Anko, Asuma, Rin, or Kurenai saw him there, they would never let him live it down.
Suddenly, many younger women and moms were homing in on him like sharks to blood, bombarding him with questions.
"Oh, hoho, my dear young man! No need to be embarrased!" One older woman said to him while a younger woman around 24 asked him, "So, are you a single daddy?" She asked in a slightly husky voice, stressing the word single.
The normally calm, cheerful, and brave Ichigo now looked like a cornered, wounded animal in the onslaught of these women closing in for the kill. Thankfully, Hitomi picked up on his distress, and went over to retrieve him.
"Oh there you are, honey." She announced as she grabbed his arm, emphasizing the word honey to imply ownership and get them to back off.
"Our daughter, Setsuna, is almost done changing into her new clothes! Let's go see how pretty she is!" She exclaimed excitedly, hauling him out of his temporary hell.
Ichigo, with a relieved look on his face, played along. "Oh, coming dear!" Hitomi relished in the jealous gazes she got from most of the women.
"Oh my god, thank you for rescuing me from that flock of hens back there!" Ichigo gasped out gratefully.
Hitomi simply replied with a saucy wink. "No problem, Ichigo-kun." She cooed sweetly, making him blush rather brightly.
The dressing room curtain opened up and Setsuna came out in her new outfit. It was a royal blue shirt with the Uzumaki spiral on the back, some khaki capri cargo pants, dark blue shinobi sandals, and her hair was now up in a cute ponytail tied up by a bright red ribbon.
She looked at Ichigo bashfully. "D-do you like this, daddy?" She asked with a bright blush, making Hitomi giggle.
Ichigo smiled widely and crouched down to eye level. "Of course I do, hime. You look like a very pretty little kunoichi." He replied honestly.
Setsuna teared up a bit, then launched herself into her dad's arms, hugging his neck and kissing his cheek. "Thank you, daddy. I love you..." She whispered. "I love you too, Se-chan." He said softly. He then lifted the little girl into the air and spun around with her, making her squeal in delight.
'I never thought that being a parent could feel so...good, rewarding even. But there is one thing that I know for certain. I deeply love my new daughter, and I will do whatever it takes to keep her happy, healthy, and safe. The fact that she is a jinchuuriki is irrelevant. She is MY daughter, my princess, my baby. Any fool who harms her with have to deal with me first, then her aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and 'grandpa'. I'll kill anyone who harms my family. That is a promise.' Ichigo swore inwardly.
Hitomi watched the touching scene in front of her. 'I wish that Sakura could have had a father like him. He's very young for being a father of a girl that age, but I know he will be an awesome daddy. Sakura adores him and sees him as a big brother/father figure. I already love little Setsuna to death and she will need a mother. I wonder if he'd consider letting me become Hitomi Uzumaki? Would he want to become my husband and want me for his wife?' She pondered.
Ichigo paid for her new clothes out of the mission cash he received and they proceeded to buy all the other necessities, like a bed, a dresser, and a desk. After they were done shopping, Ichigo made a batch of Kage Bunshin to ferry everything home, put the bed together, put the clothes away, go shopping for dinner, and help Hinata get dinner started. 'God, this jutsu is sooo damn handy!' After the "Uzumaki Moving Company" left to accomplish their assigned tasks, Hitomi and Ichigo decided to take Setsuna to the academy to enroll her.
KONOHA NINJA ACADEMY 1500 HRS.
The trio walked through the Academy gates into the playground, where many children around Setsuna's age were playing. She had never really played with kids her own age before. She glanced up to her new daddy, "Um, daddy? C-can I...?" She asked quietly, pointing towards the playing children.
He hugged her tightly. "Sure, Hime! Go ahead and play." He told her softly.
She ran up to a group of kids playing on a jungle gym and quickly made friends. The "couple" spotted Iruka supervising the children with some other instructors. They walked up, talked for a bit, and after Hitomi ribbing Iruka on his perpetual date-lessness, they asked to enroll Setsuna in the Academy. He was puzzled, but Ichigo assured him an explanation once they reached his office.
They reached Iruka's office and Hitomi and Ichigo checked for any eavesdroppers, then set up a silencing barrier to prevent any from learning anything they shouldn't. Once they were satisfied, they gave Iruka the full story on Setsuna.
"Another one...Another poor soul..." Iruka breathed out, crestfallen. "But, you have my word that I will never breathe a word of this to anyone but the 'family'." He said, referring to the patchwork, but tightly knit Uzumaki family that he earned a place in and it's members.
They spent a good 30 minutes signing the nesscessary paperwork for enrollment until they were finally done. Iruka filed the paper work and as luck would have it, a newly started class had an open spot, so he slipped her onto the roster.
"Okay, have her here at 0700 one week from now for her first day." Iruka said with a smile.
The adults went back outside to pick up Setsuna, but they were greeted by the sight of Setsuna standing protectively over a little girl a year or two older than her, protecting her from a group of kids about to gang up on them.
The other girl had on a blue floral print tank top, tan cargo capri pants and blue shinobi sandals. She also had golden tanned skin with freckles on her face, forest green hair, light green eyes, with a flower shaped clip in her hair. She looked like she had used for target practice with rocks, and damn near anything those kids could get ahold of. Iruka chased the kids off and Ichigo rushed over to see if the girls were okay.
He got to Setsuna first and inspected her for injuries. "Se-chan! Are you alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?" He asked, damn near frantic.
She simply smiled. "No daddy, I'm fine! But Kana-chan isn't though. Those mean kids were picking on her because of her skin, but I think her skin's really pretty. 'Sides, I really don't like bullies!" She stated, crossing her arms in a huff. Ichigo smiled widely at this, "Se-chan, I'm so, so proud of you. We all are. Standing up for what you believe in takes a lot to guts." He said, his face beaming with overflowing pride for his new daughter. He asked Iruka about the girl, and found that the girl was an orphan.
He went over to the little girl to check her injuries. She began to shy away from him fearfully, but was calmed by Setsuna. "Don't be scared. My daddy is really nice. He's trying to help you, Kana-chan." She said softly.
He got close to her again. "Hey, sweetie. What's your name? My name is Ichigo. Ichigo Uzumaki." He told her softly, with a warm, reassureing Uzumaki smile, causing the little girl to blush.
"M-m-my n-n-name i-is K-Kana, Ichigo-san." She said shyly.
"Kana, that's a pretty name." He said kindly, which made the poor girl fluster even more.
'Man, she's like how Hinata used to be...I'd better handle her in the same way.' Ichigo pondered as he checked her over, finding sereval injuries. He frowned and picked her up bridal style very gently.
"Hitomi-chan, can you please carry Setsuna for me? We need to take her to the hospital." He said. Hitomi nodded and picked up Setsuna. Iruka also came along, concerned for the girl's well being. With a nod, the two jounins and chunnin bounded over the rooftops, bound for the hospital.
KONOHA HOSPITAL 1615 HRS.
After a couple of minutes, they reached the hospital, walking in the double doors just to run right smack into Rin. She was surprised, to say the least, to see her adoptive brother again today.
"Icchan? What's the mat..." She started to say, but she noticed the injuries on the little girl he was carrying. She took immeadiately took Kana into her arms to be taken in for medical care.
"You always try to do the right thing... That's my Nii-chan. You and Naruto both. That's why I love our family." She said softly, but proudly as she carried Kana away to be treated.
Ichigo sighed in relief. He knew that with Rin, she was in good hands. They all sat down on a bench in the lobby to wait, but suddenly Setsuna froze as still as a statue, then started to tremble. Ichigo noticed this.
"Hime? What's wrong?" He said, his voice fraught with worry.
"Cub, that young female has another tailed beast such as myself and the Kyuubi within her. Her seal is very complex and secure, but I am certain she knows of its existence. She holds the 7-tailed Horned Beetle, Kabutomushi. He is known to be rather rough, but otherwise friendly."
She looked at him with scared eyes. "D-d-daddy... Hoku-chan just... told me that K-Kana-chan i-is like me. She has something, too..." She said in a haunted voice. Ichigo's head hung low.
"Why... What is with these people... perverting nature...poor girl..." He muttered. Hitomi and Iruka got the picture. Ichigo's head snapped back up. We can't tell anyone outside the family, like with Setsuna. I refuse to see what happened to Naruto happen to her, as well." He stated with steel in his words. All, even Setsuna, nodded in agreement. She wanted to protect her new friend.
Rin came back out and heard the whole thing. She whole heartedly agreed. He watched as Kana and Setsuna played together happily, as Ichigo had another idea. He wanted to adopt her as well. Rin's voice shot up.
"WHAT? Icchan! You're only 21! Now you want to adopt another little girl? You're not even engaged yet!" She almost yelled.
He simply shook his head. "I need to do this. It just feels right to do this. I wasn't able to protect Naruto, but at least I can protect these girls who carry the same burden." He stated, with a slight tear rolling down his cheek.
Rin sighed and hugged her taller, younger brother. "I already knew your reason. I just can't help but feel proud of you. I know Anko probably felt the same." She said softly. "Thanks, Nee-chan." He sighed, hugging her back.
They broke up the hug, gathered up the kids, and took off to the Orphanage.
KONOHA ORPHANAGE 1730 HRS
As the group rolled over to the Orphanage, they ran into Anko again. She joined them thinking, 'This family just keeps getting bigger and better.'
The group rolled into the director's office to try and start the paperwork. He had a nasty sneer on his face when he looked at Kana. "Miserable little foreign brat." He growled and raised his hand to strike her.
She braced herself for the slap, but it never came as she heard Anko shout "SENEI'JASHU!"
She looked up to see the director wrapped in snakes and being suspended by his throat by Ichigo. He had a menacing, demonic glare fixed on the short, rotund man as did the other adults and even Setsuna, her demonic chakra starting to spike a bit.
Ichigo composed himself and put the man down while Anko dispelled her snakes, "Nee-chan, Hitomi-chan, Se-chan. Can you take Kana to collect her things while Iruka, Anko-neechan, and I do the paperwork and make sure this, person, understand something." The two women and little girl nodded as they asked Kana to show them to her room. Meanwhile, Anko used her, persuasiveness, to get the correct paperwork and ensure that he wouldn't pull any bullshit. 20 minutes later, they met up in the main lobby of the facility.
"Hey, welcome to the family, Kana-chan. You are now officially Kana Uzumaki, and a member of the Uzumaki family." He announced proudly.
She went deathly silent and still. A moment later, she burst forward into him, bowling an unprepared Ichigo over. She wailed and had a deathly grip on him. "M-m-my d-daddy! My sister! My family!" She sobbed loudly, but happily. She was so happry to finally have the family she craved and needed, especially after how things were for her before.
"Little one, these humans will be good for you. I sense that the girl is like you. She holds Hokuou, the five tails and if the tall blonde is to be believed, another member of this pack holds the mighty nine tails herself."
'I hope these people will take care of you, young one. For both our sakes...'
Setsuna also joined in the hug, followed by Rin, Hitomi, Anko, and Iruka. Kana got something she had always dreamed of, a loving family. She also learned that she had one more sister at home and a brother away on a mission, just to get even more excited.
"Never forget that we will always love you. We are your family now and we would give our lives to protect you, just as you would for us." Rin said to her.
"Yeah, kiddo. Same here. Anybody gives you any crap, come an' get your Auntie Anko. I'll set 'em straight." She winked.
"Anything you girls need, just tell me. I'll do anything I can to help." Hitomi said warmly.
"This family is deeper than blood. We are connected by our hearts." Iruka added.
The group left the facility and headed for the Uzumaki household. Ichigo sent a clone ahead to warn Hinata about more company and to help her out. They were right in the fact that the Uzumaki family is bound together on a much deeper level than blood ties ever could. They were bound at the heart, soul, and spirit.
UZUMAKI RESIDENCE 1830 HRS
The entire troupe made it to the house with dinner waiting for them, courtesy of Hinata. She was told of her new sisters and their 'tenants'. But that didn't phase her one bit, as the two little girls took an immeadiate liking to the pale-eyed kunoichi. They all sat around the large dining table in the dining room and ate as a family, although they wished Naruto, Sakura, Gai, Kakashi, Lee, and Tenten could be there.
Nikujaga was the dish for tonight. Lively conversation rang out throughout the course of dinner. This was something that the up-tight Hyuuga clan viewed as beneath them, but Hinata loved every second of it. It felt more like a real family to her than the one she was born into.
After dinner was done and goodbyes said, Ichigo summoned a small team of shadow clones to help take care of the dishes, put away leftovers, and make lunches for the girls for tomorrow while having Hinata treat herself to a nice soak in the tub to relax. The girls asked if they could bathe with their new onee-chan, and she was more than happy for it. Her former clan was trying to convert Hanabi into what they deemed a "proper" heiress. Hanabi didn't take too kindly to her clan trying to beat any form of happiness out of her and she tried to stay with Hinata as much as possible and was hoping that Ichigo would fight for her as well if it ever came to that. The Uzumaki's were known as a very free-spirited, but very tightly knit family. They believed in letting kids make up their own minds, not forcing them onto a path they don't want.
After the cleanup and other finishing touches were done, Ichigo collapsed into his recliner in the den, passed out from exhaustion. After all, this has been a VERY long day for him. The three girls were ready for bed, but they saw their tuckered out daddy in his chair, snoring lightly.
"Daddy didn't even make it to bed..." Setsuna said as she played with his bangs gently.
"Yeah. He must have been very tired..." Kana added.
"He always works very hard, and he cares for all of us very much. You'll get to meet Naruto when he gets back from his mission. He should be home tomorrow, so you'll get to meet him and the others." Hinata told her new little sisters softly.
Setsuna got the covers from her bed, then her and Kana and Hinata all curled up with the tall, blond, young patriarch in peaceful slumber, a picture of a true family. The one ALL of them thought they could only dream about.