Chapter 15

He held Yasaka close to him as they were cuddling together. They were still in the hospital room and it has been two days since Kunou was born. Already the news had spread through Kyoto and it wouldn't be a far off guess to assume the rest of the supernatural world had been informed as well.

Unfortunately their daughter wasn't with them at the moment as she was now with a doctor who had to run a few tests and get her information in the system. It made Yasaka a bit jumpy as she wanted nothing more than to have her daughter with her at any moment.

Barely two days old but she was already so protective, he even had to assure her that the doctor wouldn't do anything for her to hand Kunou over.

Their baby had been gone for a little over an hour and it was him holding her, hands combing through her long and soft blonde hair that calmed her but even he knew that wouldn't last. She was still a bit sore downstairs from pushing out a baby but if it meant Kunou's safety she would ignore the aching in between her legs.

''Naru~!'' Yasaka whined as she looked up at him with moist eyes and a trembling bottom lip. ''How long are they keeping my baby?''

Naruto was unsure how to answer her question, mainly due to not knowing how long either but the expression on her face made him want to give her some answers. Luckily he was spared from doing so as a nurse entered their room with a small bundle in her arms.

The vixen wasted no time sitting up with her arms out as the nurse handed her their child. Yasaka brought Kunou close in a firm but at the same time soft hold as the baby looked up at her with her golden eyes she inherited from her. She couldn't help but coo as she leaned down and peppered her face in kisses.

Meanwhile the nurse was debriefing Naruto, telling him everything's fine with her and she's as healthy as one could be.

He sighed in relief. ''Phew, that's good to hear. Is there anything else or is that all there is?''

''That's all. Yasaka is free to leave if she's fit to do so, you just need to let us know first.'' He nodded in understanding.

''Alright thank you.'' The nurse smiled at him before leaving the new parents by themselves. Inclining his head in her direction he then turned towards Yasaka once she left to see her feeding Kunou as the newborn seems hungry.

''You heard that?'' He asked her as he stared at mother and daughter with an affectionate smile, ingraining the scene before him into his brain.

''I did.'' Yasaka answered him as she gently caressed Kunou's cheek.

''And?'' He moved over and let his head rest against hers, his own fingers joining as he bopped Kunou on her nose which had her cutely scrunch up her face.

''Naruto!'' Yasaka light admonished him as he did his best to hold in his chuckles. ''To answer your question, I think I'm good to go. Later this afternoon perhaps?''

''Fine with me..'' He turned and placed a kiss to the side of her head. ''I'll have some clones make sure our home is clean and whatnot. Have them prepare the crib as well as have them put it in our room.''

Yasaka then motioned for him to hold out his arms as she handed him their daughter which he accepted and brought close. She was so fragile, he thought as he looked at her. His pride and joy as her beautiful orbs stared up at him with curiosity. He swore to himself that he would do anything to protect her.

He felt an extra weight settle against him as Yasaka this time leaned on him. A beautiful smile of her own she watched him hold on of Kunou's small hands and rubbing them softly. It was so quiet in the room and it showed as their daughter gave slow blinks and her eyes slowly began to close.

It was within five minutes of him holding her that Kunou fell asleep in the protective hold of her father.

''How's being a father so far?'' Yasaka suddenly asked him. ''Feel anything different?''

He looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. ''It's.. I don't know. It's hard to put it into words what I feel now that I'm holding my daughter right now. I honestly never imagined I would experience something like this, you know? And if it did, not at this age. But holding her now, a part of you and I, I feel like a piece that has been missing is now complete.'' As he finished he felt Yasaka's lips pressed against his cheek.

''I know what you mean, I feel the same. They've been bugging me for so long to have a child but until meeting you I never met a person I could have one with. I know we haven't been in a relationship for long but you've become a vital part of my life. I never knew what I was missing until I met you and now you've given me the greatest gift I could imagine..'' She choked back a sob as she moved a hand to her face to wipe away tears that threatened to fall.

Naruto couldn't help himself as he turned his head and pressed a few kisses against the side of her head once more, moving upwards where her ears were and whispering, ''I love you, now and always.'' He nuzzled his face to her hair as she returned his words with equal amounts of love his held.

When it happened, neither was quite sure but their eyes slowly fluttered close for a quick nap.

It was quite a bit past noon when the couple had decided to leave. The bland hospital room taking a toll on them and after contacting the doctor he declared them able to leave, telling them to come back for a check up for Yasaka in a few weeks time to see if there were any complications that hadn't shown up before.

When they stepped outside, neither he nor Yasaka were prepared for the large amount of people there. Their eyes moving past him and towards her and then to the bundle she was holding protectively.

They were all Youkai who had come to see a first glimpse of their future leader as it was likely she'd follow in Yasaka's footsteps when she'd be older.

''Wow.. this is a bit weird..'' He muttered softly to himself and Yasaka who nodded her head. ''Let's head home though.'' He positioned himself so he was walking next to her but also in a manner he'd be able to react at a moment's notice were something to happen. His steps were slow for Yasaka was still feeling a slight ache with every step and had to resort to shuffling her feet along the ground.

Thankfully the crowd parted on their own and let them through as they made way to their own. From the corners of his eyes he spotted several guards moving with them, they were quite good and keeping themselves hidden with a technique that allowed them to blend in with their surroundings.

If not for the sunlight shining upon them and distorting the area around their reflection he wouldn't have caught them.

Thankfully it wasn't that far out as they made use of a few alleyways that cut down the distance tremendously. He held the door open for Yasaka as he entered after her, following her to the living room where she sat down on the couch and breathed out a sigh of relief as walking that small distance had been more taxing on her than she had expected.

She hoped it wasn't going to take long until she was back to a full hundred percent.

''Yasaka,'' He called out to her as she moved her eyes towards him. ''Want something to drink; water or tea?''

''Water would be fine, thank you.'' He inclined his head in response as he left her alone with Kunou, the baby's golden orbs flickering around after having woken up from the sounds when they had been outside. ''Hey there Kunou.. Taking in your surroundings huh?'' She brushed her fingers to her chubby cheek. ''This is where you'll be growing up. With me and your father.'' She leaned her head down and pressed her lips to her forehead as Kunou's eyes followed her, staring up at her in wonder.

Since they were at home Yasaka allowed her tails and ears their freedom. And she moved one of her furry appendages around, Kunou's attention quickly moving towards it as it swayed in the air. She brought her tail closer and had it flick Kunou's nose, making her scrunch up her face which made her resist the urge to squeal from how adorable the scene was.

''Here you go Yasaka.'' Naruto came back with two glasses of water which he placed on the table in front of her as he sat down as well. He quickly brought one of her tails onto his lap and began brushing his fingers through the soft fur. She couldn't stop the rumbling noise from escaping as it usually did when he'd caress her tails or ears.

Neither spoke as they just relished in the silence that reigned. They were leaning against another as Naruto stared at Kunou. His own flesh and blood was right here with them. He lightly nudged Yasaka. ''Can I hold her?''

''Of course,'' Yasaka allowed him to take her from her arms as she took her glass of water and relieving her dry throat. A small chuckle leaving her as he had placed Kunou on her bushy tail, a soft appendage curling around her as he played with their daugher's small hands.

He held them in between his fingers, smiling when she reached out with her own to try and grab his thumb. He amused her however as he allowed her to take his thumb and brought it to her mouth where she began suckling on it. ''Eh? Kunou, that feels weird.'' Her gums surrounding his finger made for an odd sensation as Yasaka cooed beside him at her action. The baby ignored him though as she was determined to continue.

And she would've if not for the bright flash of light that appeared in their living room, Kunou closing her eyes from the brightness allowing him to retrieve his thumb as they already knew who it was.

''Is that her?''

''She is, Amaterasu.'' Yasaka answered as the woman made to move closer.

They could hear her breath hitch as she stood before him and looked down at the small baby that was staring right back. ''Oh~ She's so beautiful! Adorable as well~! She has your eyes!'' The sun goddess gushed as she leaned down and poked her cheek before sending them an apologizing look. ''I'm sorry I couldn't visit earlier as I've been busy.''

''It's fine. It's not like we've been home for long.''

''Really?''

''Yep. We actually just got here after being cleared to leave.''

She hummed before looking uncharastically serious. ''I understood there were some issues? I heard so at least.''

''Well…'' Naruto began as he wasn't sure if he could reveal such information. Though Yasaka showed he could've given it she answered.

''There was. They had to induce labor due to complications that arose which was why we were at the hospital in the first place.''

Naruto hummed as he continued for her. ''Yep. I woke up in the middle of the night to her whimpering in pain while holding her tummy. I didn't want to risk anything and seeing her like that hurt and set off alarm bells so I was quick to bring her to the hospital.'' He felt Yasaka take his hand in her own and giving it a gentle squeeze.

''You did and I'm grateful for that. Who knows what might've happened if you'd been just a tad bit later.'' A short period of silence followed that before Naruto shook his head to rid himself of the possibilities.

''I uh, I rather not think of that.'' The two women gave him a kind smile as they understood where he was coming from. After all, losing something you once had was indeed a difference between never having it in the first place. At least now he could somewhat understand where Sasuke was coming from.

He had lost his entire clan, his parents in a single night. What he must've felt… He didn't think he could describe it with words. And while not having known his own parents was painful as well, at least he didn't have to deal with the feeling of loss regarding them.

''So,'' Amaterasu spoke up, breaking the gloomy mood that had been in the air. ''I don't think you two told me what her name is?''

The pair blinked before realizing she was right and simultaneously scratched their cheek, the sun goddess' lips curving upwards at the sight. 'These two really were made for each other.'

''Her name is Kunou.'' Yasaka told her.

''Oh? Nine weights? Due to her being a Kyuubi?''

The vixen blushed. ''It definitely played a part when thinking of a name.''

''I'm not complaining Yasaka. I think it's a fitting name for her I was just curious.'' Amaterasu then paused, her eyes glazing over for a few seconds before regaining their focus and she let out a tired sigh.

''Called back again?'' Naruto asked her as he knew that look she now wore.

She nodded with a frown. ''Yeah... It's been really busy for some reason. I asked Susanoo if he had an idea but he came up with nothing either.'' She sent an apologetic look at Yasaka. ''I'm sorry but I have to go already. I promise I'll pay a proper visit when I'm done to get a better look at my granddaughter.''

''Granddaughter?'' Yasaka repeated after hearing how she addressed Kunou.

''Of course,'' She smiled a radiant smile. ''I've practically raised you since you were just a little girl. I wouldn't be lying when I see you as my own daughter.''

''Oh..'' A soft noise left Yasaka, definitely not expecting that. Of course she knew she had a close relationship with the Shinto Faction, Amaterasu in particular but didn't think she saw her like that. ''I'm not sure what to say. I'm not opposed to it, though. You have been there for me whenever I needed you. You and Susanoo both.''

''It was no problem Yasaka-chan.'' Amaterasu moved closer to the woman and leaned down to embrace her. ''I would do it again in a heartbeat. Though I doubt I'd need to since there's someone else now to care for you.'' She looked at Naruto from the corner of her eyes and saw him nod. ''But if you do need me you only have to let me know and I'll make time for you.'' Releasing her from the hug she straightened the kimono she wore with a sigh. ''I really have to go back but I promise you'll see me again before the end of the week.''

''I understand.'' Yasaka said as Naruto inclined his head towards her and flashed her a smile. She returned it before being encompassed by bright light and was then no longer in the room with them.

''Oh! Kunou's asleep.'' Yasaka looked towards him to see he was speaking the truth. ''Want me to lay her in her crib?'' He looked at her for the answer.

She nodded. ''Sure. She can get used to it instead of tonight.''

Naruto created a clone and before she could question him on why, his clone had taken Kunou from his arms and Yasaka found herself lifted up and placed on his lap, his arms circling around her slim waist.

While initially surprised, Yasaka quickly melted in his embrace as she leaned her head against his chest as he was playfully nipping her ear. She felt at ease in his hold, giving a soft giggle as one of his hands slipped inside her kimono and lightly traced her tummy which was ticklish.

'S-stop~!'' She whimpered as she began to wiggle around in his lap which brought forth welcoming sensations in his groin. He only tightened the hold he had on her as he began to kiss the back of her neck, his teeth lightly scraping her skin before she was beaten by the sudden urge to kiss him.

His eyes showing surprise before they closed, her own half lidded as she moved one of her own hands up and gripped his hair to make sure he wasn't going to pull away soon.

Unfortunately him pinching her tail caused her to let him go and yelp out in pain and sending him a glare asking why he did that. ''Remember what the doctor said? We can't have any sex for the next few weeks.''

''I know~.'' Yasaka whined. She really liked having sex with him. ''But we can still kiss and do other things!'' She took his hands and placed them on her breast before helping her squeeze them.

''..True..'' He mumbled in a light daze from the softness he felt in his hands and in a sudden change of position, Yasaka found herself lying on her back with him hovering over her. ''Guess we should take advantage of these alone times then since they'll be less likely to occur now we have Kunou.''

''I agree.'' Yasaka responded before locking her arms behind his neck and pulling him down.

'God I love this woman!' Naruto thought as she ravished his mouth and he shifted his full attention to her.

Later that evening and the pair were lying in bed. They weren't asleep though, instead they were cuddling together and watching Kunou asleep in her crib closeby.

It was an adorable sight. The slightest movements she made as she was hugging a fox plushie that had been placed in the crib with her.

It was a moment where everything was perfect.

He then rolled over so he was facing Yasaka whose gaze move upwards as she was looking at him with a tender look. ''Something wrong?'' She asked him as he was merely looking at her. He shook his head and brought her close.

''No, quite the opposite in fact. Everything is absolutely perfect.'' His words were a mere whisper as he brought a hand up and rested it on her cheek, brushing away a few strands of her hair. ''I'm really glad we're back in our regular bed. That hospital bed barely fit the two of us.''

Yasaka laughed softly in agreement. ''Indeed. This one's more comfortable, too.'' Even in the darkness of the room she could see his smile. She felt him lift up the sheets and bringing them over them before she moved in a bit closer, pressing up against him as that same arm went around her in a protective hold.

''I hope Kunou won't wake us up..'' He muttered before feeling her lightly swat his chest. ''Oh I know it's normal but it can't hurt to hope, you know? At least I can make a clone so I won't have to leave the bed.''

Yasaka hummed. ''With how you're working those clones of yours I worry they might fight back one of these days..''

He blinked at the thought before fighting down a chuckle. ''I don't think it's possible. Still, it's a funny image you've given me right now.'' He then moved his head down slightly and kissed her lips. ''I think it's time for sleep, no? I imagine today must've been taxing on you.''

''Mhm.. You're, mwah~, right.'' Yasaka mumbled with a cute yawn as her eyes slowly closed. He joined her shortly thereafter, unaware of the sudden portal that opened up above one of the grassy plains somewhere in the world.

They knew they were in trouble. The only outcome in sight being defeated by the monster that he was.

Any attempt they had made was thwarted. Madara squashed them beneath his foot without a shred of mercy. An annoyed grunt being the only thing that leaves his lips as he played around with these.. 'children' as he put it.

It was disappointing. To see shinobi these days having declined this much. He didn't even need his Sharingan, he was like an adult fooling around with a bunch of kids. He even gave them free opening here and there only to be left disappointed when none would capitalize on it.

A kick here, a punch there and a swipe with a kunai. And repeat it again and again.

The only challenge he had so far, if it could even be that was of his last clan member. Their dance lasted longer than the rest until he too retreated with his wounds.

He had let him off after that. Letting him heal back up for their next dance which would also be his last. He'd make sure of that.

His original plan was ruined, his summoner killed which left him with not much of a choice.

''Do we have any plans?'' Tsunade asked Shikamaru as they were holding out in a large cave turned into a base. They knew Madara was waiting outside for them. His enormous amount of chakra easily being sensed, mocking them as to say whatever their plan was it would do nothing to him.

There was no other place to hide, Madara had made sure of that by calling down a meteor on each of the five villages. There were few things the Uchiha hated more than shinobi that would hide while others were being killed.

''I.. I have nothing.'' Shikamaru admitted as he hung his head. He racked his brain for any plans but nothing he could come up with gave them a feasible chance to win. The man was simply too skilled to get caught in any of his traps, which he had shown numerous times already and resulting in the death of a majority of the Sealing Corps.

A grim look was seen on the few survivors. Surprisingly, the entirety of the Konoha 11 were still alive and kicking. The exception being Naruto but no one knew where he was only that he was still alive.

There definitely had been some close calls. Their teamwork, which Konoha was known for, being a main cause in making sure they were still amongst the living.

There also had been some hard hitting losses. Shikamaru and Ino's father being amongst them as Madara was quick to take out the brains and means of communication. They had lost contact with Jiraiya a month prior and had feared the worst of the Toad-Sage.

''We have no plans and Madara is simply waiting for us to come out.. We can't continue sending Sasuke out to buy us some time as he made it clear he was done playing around.'' Tsunade looked at the fellow survivors. ''Do you have something Kakashi?''

The man regrettably shook his head. ''Sorry, I don't. I have already overused my Sharingan in my other battles.'' He placed a hand on his headband covered eye.

She clicked her tongue as she saw the realization set in amongst them. Their panic only increasing as they felt the cave that was their hideout beginning to shake, forcing them to their feet.

''I.. I don't think he's keen on waiting much longer.'' Kiba spoke up as Akamaru was covering his face with his paws.

''We can see that, Kiba.'' Sakura droned before stumbling as the effect of an explosion hit them.

''No!'' They all yelled upon seeing a huge piece of rock break and fall which blocked their exit.

''Kakashi, do you have any Earth Jutsu that may bring us out of here.''

''I do but I don't think I have enough time to do so.'' Before anyone could respond their attention darted to the middle of the room where a portal of sorts appeared out of nowhere. They eyed it with suspicion, each looking around if someone else was the cause. The portal expended and they all took a few steps back before quickly channeling chakra to their feet when it felt like they were being sucked in.

''No, Akamaru!'' They gazes quickly flickered over to the Inuzuka who watched his canine companion being sucked in before jumping in after.

''Kiba!'' Hinata cried out and she looked at her Hokage who's gaze switched between the weird occurrence and the blocked out exit.

''I'm going in as well. Either that or stay until eventually Madara breaks his way in.'' Sasuke didn't even wait for a reply of sorts as he calmly walked over and was swallowed whole.

''Tsunade-sama, orders?''

The woman bit her lower lip and closed her eyes before opening them and issuing her command. ''We follow them. Sasuke is right. Either we wait or try our luck.'' They still looked a bit hesitant but as Sakura jumped in, Ino was quick to follow and then the rest of her team.

''Wait, Hinata-sama!'' Neji yelled which fell on deaf ears as she jumped in as well along with Shino. It left him no choice but to hurry after her with his two teammates at his back.

One by one they went in until only Tsunade, Kakashi and the Sand siblings were left. Gaara and Tsunade exchanging nods as they moved to enter as well. Kakashi was the last to hop in after which the portal simply closed up unknowingly to them. He just hoped nothing bad was on the other side if something at all.

End Chapter.