Hanyo Family

by Animephilosopher1

"Demon," "Abomination," "Monster." These words defined Naruto and Inuyasha for most of their lives. One was alone from the beginning, while the other had a mother before centuries of lonesomeness ensued. After Kagome's return, she and Inuyasha have been happy for 8 years. Now, they cross another well, to a different dimension...and find a new son. Extra theme: Hurt/Comfort

7. Shocks and Settling

Hanyou Family: Chapter 7.

Shock and Settling in.

Dissclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor Inuyasha.

Wow….holey...Over 2 years before I finally update this story and return to one of the first works of Fanfiction I ever wrote. To everyone who did wait, and chipped in pleas for this story to continue. Thank you. A lot has happened across the past few years, some of which include impacts on the Inuyasha franchise directly. And I'd like to open this chapter sharing one event that some people may not be aware of.

Kirby Morrow. A Canadian writer, comedian, and the English Voice behind Miroku. He was involved in every Inuyasha project, for television, movies, even video games until 2020. He passed away in November last year, a life taken too early and not by the Covid Crisis. This man had a difficult life and he is no longer with us on this earth. Yet the same soul made his career in entertainment, as a comedian, a writer, and somebody who brought characters to life through his voice.

Alongside the English voice of Miroku, even in Yashahime: Half Demon across 2020, many of you have heard or see him as Goku in Dragon Ball Z and so many more characters people on this website read of or write about in different stories. For anybody to bother reading or writing fanfiction, they have to love the original material enough to want more, and Kirby is the man we all heard every time English Super Sayan 1, 2 or 3 Goku shouted "KAAA—MEEEEHHHHH—HHHAAAA—MMEEEEHHHHH—HHAAAAA!" And lent his voice, his talent, his passion, and his spirit into even more rolls: -Tom in A Ring by Spring.-Cyclops in X-Men Evolution. -Jay inClass of the Titans. -Dave Kleinman in Stargate: Atlantis. -Rey Za Burrel inMobile Suit Gundam. -Game Master in Slugterra. -Picolet Chardin II in Ranma ½. -ElevMan/Dave in MegaMan NT Warrior. -Rad in Transformers Energon & Armada. -Hot Shot in the Transformers Cybertron. -Jason Jenkins in Kong: the Animated Series. -Maddox & Maddox in Fringe. -Benny & Large Man Karl in Legion. -Jimmy Woo in Action Man. -Cole in Ninjago, Ninjago Decoded and Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu. -Philip/Adam and Shebna in Superbook. -Officer Petrocelli in Supergirl. -Gary in Van Helsing. -Tony Stark in Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk -Anakin Skywalker & General Grievous in Lego Star Wars. -Champ Bear in Adventures in Care-A-Lot. -Redline in NASCAR RACERS -King Jerrod in Mortal Combat: Legacy. -Teru Mikami in Death Note. -Shirako Takamoto in Hot Wheelers Highway 35 & Hot Wheelers Acceleracers. -Aikka in Oban Star-Racers. -Tommy in Yvon of the Yukon -Raimi in Broken Saints. -Yuki Aiba in Infinite Ryvus. -Sakura's Father in CardCaptors. -Jonathan Glenn in Brain Powerd. -the famousMichelangelo/Mikey in Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. -Trowa Barton in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. All alongside dozens more.

I did not have the fortune of meeting him in-person. Although, I have known some members of his family for years. Kirby Morrow's life spanned 47 years, some of it spent fighting with mental illness that he would hide or try and drown in a bottle. Yet the rest of this short time, he was energetic, intense, and brought many different characters we watch to life, and now read or write about here on . Anybody can even see him in "Death Note: Behind the Scenes – English Voice Actor Interviews."

The man had numerous struggles in his own life, but he loved people the most and gave so much to everyone that he seldom had any left for himself. He suffered in silence, as so many others do, and that dark place claimed his life. Yet all of us still enjoy his efforts and his success by watching so many rolls he brought off the pages of a script or manga, giving them a voice and presence of their own. He left behind a brother, whom is among the most passionate and strong people I have known in my life. A sister-in-law who carries so much heart, a wild soul, and is the kind of person nobody and nothing can eclipse. And a niece eager to explore the world and can always find joy in everything she does.

Please, look into this man, learn more of him if you did not know his name, and remember him now and in the future. His life had peaks and some very deep valleys. However, the sunlight on those highpoints became part of so many stories people love today and even characters millions of others admire or find inspiration from. Kirby Morrow, 1973-2020.

He is missed. He is a legend. Remember him.

Please…..take a few moments of silence before reading this chapter. Then, please enjoy, review, and remember.

Now, on to the story.

"Naruto's apartment is here," the Sandaime Hokage tapped on a map spread across his desk. Inuyasha nodded, with a red bandana still over his ears, as Naruto and Kagome stood a few paces away and Kakashi kept watching over the office.

"I trust you may find your way there following the previous night," the Hokage continued. "Anything he would need for a handful of days can be found there, and I will begin organizing your wife's requests this evening." Hiruzen eyed the woman holding an arm around Naruto as the boy clung to her waist.

"Good enough, but I still wanna keep'em off any pathways here," Inuyasha barked, folding both arms inside his cloak. "If any idiots try lashin' out at him or Kagome, they'll find my Tessaiga pointing right in their face. Hey Naruto, come up here on my back again." Kneeling down, Inuyasha's invitation brough an excited boy dashing straight over and up.

Next, Inuyasha stood up and looked for his wife. "Awe-right, Kagome come on at hold on behind him. That way—"

"Oh no! No, no, no, hold the phone!" Kagome sped right up beside her husband, so fast the man froze. "You are not carrying us both just on your back. What if he falls off half-way through? Si—…." The last syllable stopped right on her tongue, just barely noticing that if something did slam someone on the ground….the little guy on his back would follow, or worse, roll off and hit something.

Naruto looked between his new mother and father as a tremor shook through the one he clung off of. "Inuyasha-san, you okay, dattebayo? Can we go flying through the air now?"

That voice shook Inuyasha out of his shock, enough to register how he'd been spared from Kagome's favourite word for the first time. 'Huh….huhhh..ha—ha—ha—ha…' Realization swelled over his face, and something swiped Naruto off his father's back and held him high in the air. "Ha—ha-ha—yeah. Yeah of course we can go for ride, kid. I'm more than strong enough to carry you and Kagome together, but she doesn't want us to."

"Awww…come on. It's so fast and so fun, Kagome-chan." Two pleading eyes fixed on Kagome, with whiskers and mischief that paused any voice of reason the woman had.

"Pardon me?" the Hokage made an interjection, and a suggestion which led to an answer Kagome approved of. Soon, too figures went dashing out from a window and travelling over different rooftops: Inuyasha with Naruto laughing on his back, and Kagome watching them as Kakashi carried her.

'Hhhhh, boy. This kid is already my favourite person in the world now,' Inuyasha grinned, with Naruto yelling excitement and joy from the ride.

'He…that face he made looked exactly like Shippou,' Kagome, recalled. 'How am I ever going say no when he makes one like it again?' The quartet continued further, unaware of several different shadows working to tail them as various ghosts did the same at the Hokage's own signal.

0…..0

'There.' The Hokage set the last notes onto a notice form meant for the Academy. 'One week. I'll grant Naruto that much time to be absent form the Academy and to allow Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san to grow accustomed to the village.' Sliding the matter aside, the next step on the Sandaime's to-do list took centre-stage.

'Alongside Kakashi and Tenzo, I'll have a strong ANBU guard tail the Higurashi's for perhaps a month. Anko's own mission to investigate the Void Well they originated from will need some alterations as well. Perhaps I should call Inoichi in here with a request for him and his wife to befriend the couple, given their own acquaintance and his unique perspectives towards—' SLAM!

Violently, a door slam shattered the Hokage's musings; a signal followed with three people invading his office. Each one had been alive for north of 6 decades, and held the arrogance and self-importance of every year on their faces; enough to suffocate anybody whom would argue with them. And all with Shimura Danzo at their lead.

Hiruzen recoiled from his surprise and brought one hand to his pipe. "Must I remind you, each of you, of respect towards this position? Barging through my office door unannounced is unacceptable, even from your three; my old friends."

Homura Mikotado, Koharu Utatan pursued their lips. While Danzo showed no care, gliding forward, ghostly; a hungry vulture looming over the aged monkey.

"Unacceptable," he spat out, the tone slithering as a viper. "You have no position to speak of etiquette, Hiruzen. Has your mind been lost to madness, entrusting the Jinchuuriki to foreign strangers!"

The War-Hawk was seething, with a sneer at the confusion on his rival's face.

Until the impossible happened. Against the trio, a wave of killing-intent spread out through the room, directed towards one person. Shimura Danzo held his ground until the trickle of force became a stream. A coward as ever, the war-hawk shuffled backwards several feet before getting a grip and forcing his legs to a halt, all as the stream kept growing stronger.

The Third Hokage rose…...slowly…dangerously. The hat of his office kept his face obscured in a shadow, with waves of one sensation the invaders had witnessed before kept swelling to a flood, crashing over them.

"Shut the door. Immediately," Sarutobi Hiruzen commanded. Homura obeyed. The second it shut, privacy-seals were flaring up around the office. A fresh pulse filled the room, the Hokage meeting each of his advisors with enough pressure to establish his own place towards them. Even to himself, later, the man would wonder where this rush had sparked from. 'Now, of all time? How could they have come know? Or even think to threaten Naruto-kun?' he seethed.

The Killing-intent kept lingered in the air, then lessened as the Hokage raised his pipe.

"Should you wish to complain, or raise any issues, I would answer all the questions you ask. I had intended to assemble the Shinobi Council to inform them, but since your three are present now, we shall cut straight to the heart of this matter," the Hokage declared.

Thoughts of Naruto, Inuyasha and Kagome were at the forefront of the Sandaime's consciousness. "I have indeed approved for Naruto-kun to be adopted. By a pair of fresh civilians whom have indebted themselves to this village, after saving four of our rising stars from certain disaster they met on a mission."

The Hokage continued by describing how Kakashi, Anko, Kurenai and Might Guy were nearly lost to death and rescued at Inuyasha's hands. More of what they found and shared with the Hokage followed, and how he'd carried out measures to screen their credibility.

"Inoichi Yamanaka himself confirmed their accounts. Following that I placed Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san in a guest building with ANBU rotations to follow them throughout the village. Anko, Kurenai and Kakashi in-turn accompanied the pair on each occasion they left the building. What has intrigued me the most towards them is while both have certain powers unique to themselves, neither can execute ninjutsu, nor do appear to have any capacity to sense nor manipulate chakra. And yet they could ambush experienced shinobi, and defeat a powerful summoning creature by clashing with it, head-on."

Mikotado Homura had beads of sweat on his brow, fighting off a twitch pulling at his face over such a concept. Koharu remained shrivelled and stone-faced as she always had, but Hiruzen's strongest attention was on Danzo Shimura. 'Spying on me again, are you? At least Kakashi and Tenzo are keeping a watch on Naruto's family. Few others have such first-hand experience with anyone who might still follow direct orders from you.'

"Inuyasha-san and Kagome-san first encountered Uzumaki Naruto the previous evening," Hiruzen continued. "They shared a meal after learning he is orphaned, then escorted him home before parting ways. Today Naruto appeared in the centre of the village and an older civilian accosted him. The boy was looking for medical aid after a hard fall out from a tree, and a crowd gathered about. Watching, or dare I say it even cheering to see him under such duress." The Hokage's hand curled in a first, while the other refilled his pipe with a generous measure to smoke.

A minute passed, and watching such reactions signalled the audience not to rush him, before Hiruzen chose to continue. "Kagome and Inuyasha came upon the scene. Immediately, she shot forwards and struck the man, then gave her full attention to Naruto. Inuyasha stood vigil over them, until the one at fault insulted Naruto directly and Kagome handed the boy into his care. I swear….were it not for the lack of chakra I sensed with her and her own dark hair, that girl could be Uzumaki Kushina's sister. Her temperament and ire could even bring literal demons to heel, evidently, and even set shinobi in a crowd on edge."

"Hatake Kakashi dispersed the crowd from there and an ANBU agent alerted me. Following that the pair demanded answers, and rather than let one of our citizens violate my laws or deliver a false tale, I allotted to appraise them about Biju and the nature of Jinchuuriki. With an emphasis on the risks at play should Naruto leave this village and dangers from the Kyubi itself."

Silence reigned again, granting one person enough sense of opportunity to voice his own measures. "So. You alone can share that Hiruzen, and your own soft heart endangers all the village now." Shimura Danzo spat from his slippery lips. "What on earth were you thinking, you fool."

"On acquisition, Danzo. And must I remind you, about respect." The Hokage was glaring now, even lending pressure towards his unruly subordinate. Not enough to be a threat, but as an invitation. Both of them knew one had never beaten the other and was on thin ice over certain matters and measures he had taken and failed to prosper from.

Danzo kept his mouth shut, and the Sarutobi continued. "My mind was on finding some way to entice Inuyasha and Kagome to consider staying here within our village. Since the Uchiha Tragedy, our power has taken a considerable loss, in many forms. Hence, I shared Naruto's condition to them, since as a being whom is half-human, and half-demon, of a different sort than a Biju, I imagined they would sympathize and comprehend his situation in a unique capacity."

"The pair surprised me, however, not only with a petition to allow them to settle within our village, but also to have Naruto join them as family. Adopting him as a son."

Before either of the three in front of his could speak, Hiruzen rose from his desk and removed two files which he had sorted away shortly before. They were positioned on the desk and facing the Elders, yet the Hokage did not allow them to leave his grasp. "As you clearly are aware now, the adoption has been approved and no persuasion will alter that. The pair are now Higurashi Inuyasha, aged 200 years old, and Higurashi Kagome, aged 26, who have tied themselves and their adoptive son to this village further through certain means. With my complete approval."

Weight behind the last matter settled over the office. Homura and Koharu did have more than a few complaints, but far less than they had been upon walking into the office.

"Sandaime-sama," Homura's formality did not go unnoticed by anybody. "I wish you had consulted with us on this matter, first. Allowing stranger to settle in this village, so easily. It's reckless, and allowing such close proximity to our most crucial asset, the Jinchuuriki, has my disapproval."

"I see," Hiruzen replied. "Your complaint is noted. Yet this case is not an unprecedented one. This village itself was founded by enemies whom sat and shared sake in order to lay the space and foundations we stand on this day. Ever since Tobirama-sensei, Uchiha Madara and Hashirama-sama founded this village, anybody whom comes and wishes to call it their home are welcome."

"On a separate note as well, Kushina Uzumaki held no ties or loyalties to Konoha when she arrived here, yet the question was never 'if' she would be become the caretaker of our safety and shoulder the burden of the Kyubi. The Higurashi's petition does carry some unusually circumstance, yet in principle they are not without their own precedence."

"This was a poor choice, Hiruzen," Koharu sagely assured him.

"We will see," the Hokage replied. Then turned his attention past both towards one agent in-particular. "Danzo, at least your presence here is fortunate. I meant to contact you before evening regarding the source of how Inuyasha-san and Kagome-san came about to save our shinobi." The Hokage slid the adoption and emigration forms into his deck, twitching over a seal he kept on the drawer they were deposited in. Then took a fresh file out and presented it to the War-Hawk of Konoha.

"Inuyasha in particular is unusually powerful in his own right, however, and my own curiosity has peaked from imagine how both him and his wife may fight or apply certain powers or skills without chakra. Alongside the magnitude and variety such powers hold potential for. Especially towards this matter."

Danzo hobbled forwards on his cane, took the fill and skimmed through it. Once, then a second time, before looking up at Hiruzen. The man said nothing, torn and indecisive between different options, before the Hokage beat him to the point.

"I want some of your favoured trainees to accompany a team to investigate this…Void Well. Inuyasha-san himself emerged from it, and held sufficient power to ambush three Shinobi in the midst of lull in battle, then obliterate a summoning-creature and it's summoner in a single blow. Should any being of similar power emerge from that place, Inuyasha presence may yet prove a check against them. While Mitarashi Anko and Hatake Kakashi's own reports hold stronger potential for risks or explorations."

"I am assembling a larger team to scout and document every facet of the Void Well. Do I have your consent to join the investigation, Danzo, or will an order have to be delivered?" Silence ensued….

The other pair of Elders could feel a tone from the clashing wills between both rivals. However.

"I shall send them, Hiruzen. This matter does hold potential. You shall have them here by the morrow." Turning around, the man approached a door and his hand landed on it before registering how the silence-seals were not dropping and neither was an open-exit made by the Hokage.

"We have several further matters to clear, my, old, friend. Towards Inuyasha, Kagome and Naruto, explicitly."

0….0

"Hey, stop eating all my ramen, Inuyasha."

"Naruto, don't stand up in a chair like that." Kagome chastised the boy from across a table. Their ninja guide was outside of Naruto's apartment, leaving the trio inside and Naruto demanding they open and share something together.

"Ummmm…mmmm….can you blame me, Naruto?" Inuyasha replied. "Nothing can taste better than Ninja food, and these might actually be one of the best things I've ever eaten yet." There were four paper bowls on the table, one for each with an extra Naruto had meant for himself. Had Inuyasha not finished his and snagged it first.

"That's my Golden Delicious Pure-Heart-Of-Fire Ninja-way Ramen," Naruto whined, still standing on his chair. "I'd been saving it for a something big, and getting parents was a good way to do it. You each got to have one bowl so why did he have to take it?"

More whining ensued and Naruto nearly leapt up to stand on the table, but a strong hand caught his shoulder. Kagome's arm and back, strengthened from practice with a yumi, actually pressed Naruto back down to sit in his chair. "Naruto. I want you to apologize, and don't try launching yourself across a table just over a small meal."

The boy appeared lost for a while and Inuyasha has stopped eating to watch them.

"If you'd like it back, then ask, nicely," Kagome coached him. Her attention brought a startled look onto Naruto's face and he shook it off quickly before looking at the bowls, longingly. "Inuyasha-san…p-ple-please, can I have that bowl of Ramen back?" He mumbled, pleadingly.

Kagome quickly glanced over to Inuyasha, motioning a nod at Naruto. The boys decided to split the last one while she finished her own. "That is better," kagome praised him. "And Naruto-kun, you are family to use now, all of us are. Please, you can call me Kaa-san, if you want. And you have a Tou-san as well."

The boy appeared lost, pausing with chop-sticks holding the last noodles half-way to his mouth. His mouth which hung open for longer than a while, until his lips closed and began twisting together, with a tongue writhing between them, struggling. "Ah-T-th-t-t-t-to…ah-um. Ka—ka…kas-ka-ch…ah….chhk…Tou…Kaa…." After stretching out for a minute, Kagome caught on.

"SHhhhhh. It's alright," she assured him, giving Naruto a grin that filled something inside him…something that felt new, parched, and dull.

"That alright right. And honestly we really should get over to pack-up, now." The woman got to her feet and made for the bedroom. Naruto got up as well to follow her, leaving the Ramen behind with Inuyasha. "Since we are family now," Kagoem continued, I'd like you stay in our hotel room tonight. It's the place were the Hokage met with us after that awefull mob. Would that sound nice?"

"Uh-huh. Yeah, and you want me to sleep there too, dattebayo?"

Kagome smiled as she took the doorknob in-hand. "That's correct. Now why don't you pull-out some clothes, and something to sleep in. We'll take everything in the bathroom, then come-back for more after we choose a new house to live in."

"A New House?" Naruto turned his head sideways, curious.

"Yes. I understand that you live right here," Kagome explained, turning the handle to look inside, then back to the kitchen and over at the bathroom. Naruto followed her eyes, with wonder. "However, do you think it might be a little small for three people to live?"

The boy pondered over that, but gradually he agreed. "Then we better get it done," Inuyasha came up behind them. "Night will fall soon, and since we've finished with dinner there won't be much sunlight left unless you want to be out in the dark."

Quickly, the trio found two bags inside and set themselves to work. Kagome herself found a small notepad as well from Naruto's Academy things. An empty notepad which pulled her own attention towards more of the school-supplies, and some layers of dust covering them.

Jotting down a few matters, the women helped Naruto choose different closely and kept listing off more things inside his home. 'All of these outfits look the same. Looks like some shopping for him is in order soon. Oh, and the Hokage did mention a Shinobi Academy here too.'

Inuyasha kept his attention firmly on the windows, the doorway and a final exit out to a balcony. His nose kept twitching, picking up something and it wasn't the only one either.

15 minutes followed when the front door opened and Kagome strolled out with two bags and Naruto as close as possible to her hip. "Kagome-san, why do we have to bring my used laundry, too?"

"Well why should we not?" the woman answered, holding the heavier load on her shoulder.

"Huh? Kakashi-san? Kakashi-saaaann?!" Naruto started calling out, as the hallway was missing a certain new friend he'd met that day. Kagome herslef looked around, as Inuyasha's hand twitched for Tessaiga.

"Yo." One call from across the hallway answered Naruto. Pulling the trio to the stairwell where Kakashi was lazing against a wall and holding one book in his right hand.

"Huh? Kakashi-san, why'd you move down here? Did you hear us come out?"

"Well," the man answered Naruto. "I found myself intruding on you three and chose to get some distance. Until a buzzing flea got on my nerves and I step away to swat it."

"Kaaakaaashiii-san?" Kagome asked, sweetly, melodically, and sent a shiver up the spines of two men. "Did you disappear from our company only to read that book?"

Her eye was twitching, and the jonin whipped his precious safely back into his pouch. "I-errr-aaahhhh. Thought it best if somebody of your son's age did not see it, Kagome-san. And you did request that I not bring it out, solely in your presence, if I recall."

The woman asked Naruto to wait beside his father, and Inuyasha went an extra mile by pulling the kid back up on his back and running for the roof. "Inuyasha-san? What was that about? Is something wrong with Kagome-san?"

"No, kid," the hanyou explained. "Let's just say Kagome especially does not like what certain people do or say. You saw how she scared everybody who was picking on you before, right? Whenever your mom makes that sound, don't stick around, just run."

Naruto stayed confused and kept asking more. Until Kagome came back with a very shaken, very cautious Kakashi behind her.

"So, Naruto? Ready to go on another ride with your new tou-san?"

"Oh yeah! Yes, yes, yes, yes, again, dattebayo!"

"Go on, you two," Kagome nodded at Inuyasha, handing him her bag. "I need to pick-out some essentials now that we have three mouths to feed. And this extra dirty laundry." Inuyasha nodded and took off. But up there, just a few bounds away, the hanyou's sharp nose picked-up the scent he'd caught closer to Naruto's door. The father and son kept sailing off through the air with one excited and the other on alert. 'Kakashi's scent was there too? Was that guy trying to spy on Naruto, or even hurt the kid over what's happened before?'

While the demon-container and hanyou stuck together, a jonin and a miko strolled out towards one shop without showing any worries.

"Ahhhhh. Hm?"

"Kakashi-san?" Kagome turned over as the Jonin had his one good eye on a book shop. "Hmmmmm. Ah, Kagome-san. There's a supermarket just there, but, ah….I have meant to purchase a new copy of my favourite book series for weeks, now." Kakashi paid for his choice with a sharp look from the woman, but she nonetheless nodded and both went inside separate structures. One where Kakashi slipped around a crowd and stopped by a stall with somebody hiding in the wood panels nearby.

"Did you move that agent I dispatched? Tenzo?" "Hai, senpai." Soft as air, two voices whispered so low nobody would hear. Nevertheless they only applied silent hand-signs after confirming with one another, as the second agent stayed hidden inside the wooden wall.

'Two more….neutralized…ROOT!' Kakashi kept his reactions under wraps, sending Tenzo a further message to pursue and follow Inuyasha as he purchased a spare copy of Icha-Icha Violence and walked into the market Kagome had gone into; holding the spare copy behind his back. 'If she does take one of these, I'll have to leave my Golden-Edition, autographed ones safe at home from now on.'

The pair reunited and Kagome actually dropped two large bags into Kakashi's arms as she walked further on to the apartment. They walked in on Inuyasha holding an active Tessainga in his hand, then making it dormant again as Naruto watched with stars in his eyes. Kakashi left the trio there, Kagome began unpacking and Naruto was running in circles, too excited to choose whether he wanted to stay closer with Inuyasha or Kagome for the rest of that night.

0….0

Somewhere else, far off and inside Kaede's Village of Feudal Japan, an assembly of old friends sat together inside Miroku's house. News of what became of Kagome and Inuyasha brought several kind demons to the village, and now two of them especially could not stop weeping.

"Oh, why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? How could such misfortune have befallen master Inuyasha? I leave him on his own for only one moment and he winds up lost to us; and with mistress Kagome alongside him." A loyal, if unreliable and the pervy, old flea was bemoaning Songo and Kohaku's accounted what happened to his lord.

"No…no, no, no, no Kagome can't be gone." Shippou was nearly beside himself. "She..uh….she—she just can't be. What if both her and Inuyasha stay missing for 8 years again? We gotta find her!" Softly, Kaede took the young kitsune into her lap as Myoga blew his tears into a tiny cloth.

"I agree," Songo nodded, cradling Chikashi in her arms. "Finding them may be a challenge, so need to learn more before trying to understand how that Void Well could have snatched them away. And decide who and how to investigate it."

"Master Totosai," Kohaku spoke up, facing the familiar swordsmith. "Have you any knowledge relating to this Void Well, or can you recall anyone who may provide insights toward it?"

"Hmmmm," the now-totally bald demon-smith stooped over, his round eyes searching through empty space, carefully. "Normally I'd rather not get myself mixed-up with such a thing. Though with Inuyasha and Kagome-sama on the line, I can only hope things won't grow too dangerous. Even my beloved Tessaiga was likely lost with him; that fool."

"Swordsmith," Miroku cut in, noticing a certain twitch in Songo's eye. "Share with us what you can. I do recall similar rumors from my own travels before encountering Inuyasha or Kagome years ago, before the Shikon jewel was scattered."

"You do?" the demon-slayers turned to their relative in awe.

"Indeed. Though I did not investigate any further," Miroku confessed. "The village nearby barely had anything worth the time to swindle, you see. Nor did any fine woman to catch my eye, so I chose to pursue more pressing matters." A whack landed on Miroku's head the next moment, but not from his wife this time.

Shippou transformed himself into a rock over top the monk, and dropped the weight right over him. "You gutter-mind monk!" the tiny Kitsune complained. "If you had known, maybe we could help Kagome right now."

"Shippou, would you exercise some patience," Kaede scolded him.

"All better you did pass it by, lad." Totosai chirped up. "Had you not, you mayhap have been lost precisely as she and Inuyasha have become. Still, from what I have heard, the Void Well is a very fickle thing. It is inconsistent and some who stepped down have emerged from it before. Though most are never found or seen alive again. At least within my time some 400 years ago."

"Oh?" Songo perked up at this, while her husband got back up, rubbing his head. Looking right at her, Totosai continued.

"You see, the Void Well has never been very closely watched. Several different groups come nearby to raise a village now and again, but all moved away after some time. One occasion, however, rumours flew about of some terrible horror emerging from it. Some dragon-beast that annihilated any demon or human surrounding it; several centuries before even the InuTaisho was born."

The room grew quiet, until Miroku had to swat at his neck. "Myoga-san, would you please restrain yourself in these times?" Sure enough, between his fingers a flat, wide flea was held.

"Ah, sorry. So many revelations have left me shaken and thirsty. Hence I sought a few mouthfuls to calm my nerves. Though I would prefer Lady Songo's blood, somehow I feel that would be the death of me."

"Because I know exactly where you'd try and get it from," Songo glowered, angrily. The women closed her dress tighter around her chest with one arm, and held Chikashi closer with the other one. Her husband even went an extra mile by slamming Myoga to the floor-board.

"If we can move back to the subject of importance. Kohaku?"

"Yes," turning to his brother in-law, the demon-slayer found Miroku thinking hard.

"From what you have described, Inyasha and Kagome were first pulled inside the well, after he struck at it with his wind-scar. Yet not only did the opening swallow an attack that powerful, but after falling inside they called back out and you witnessed the pair across a moment. Then they vanished from sight."

Looking back, brother and sister nodded together. Even the tiny Kurara agreed.

"This is only a hunch, but perhaps the well is sentient; it recognized who or what they are and drew them inside. Or perhaps our friends encountered something that led them to become swallowed into it. Perhaps if we were to approach it again or find someone who has been down it and emerged again, we can discover how they departed."

"Either way, we need to return to the Void Well."

As Miroku ended his proposal, Myoga made several leaps up to his shoulder. "A fine idea Miroku-san. So, who do you have in-mind to go there?"

To reply, the monk simply smiled over at the tiny Flea. Others joined in, and all the room was looking particularly at a certain vasal of Inuyasha.

"What. You…you are not—"

"Indeed, and were just proclaiming of how Inuyasha's disappearance has left you distraught," Totosai acknowledged. "I suppose it should be only fair that you accompany them to redeem yourself, Myoga."

"Why you selfish whipper-snappers! Don't go around throwing words in my mouth." the cowardly, womanizing flea whined.

"Perhaps I should contact Lady Shoga. It has been some years, and she is still eager to finally settle down with you," Kohaku joined in, leaving a certain chill running through the flea.

"I'm going as well." Shippou stood up, as tall and proud as he could muster.

0…0

Back inside of Konohagakure, three younger shinobi had gathered inside the Hokage building.

"Heh. This better be worth while if Hokage-sama pulled me away from my dongo," a snake mistress complained, and got a swat to her shoulder from Kurenia.

"Anko, Once Hokage-sama sends out any call, to do anything but come running at once is unyouthful." Guy had both his arms folded and one foot tapping. A moment after his declaration ended, the door opened. "Guy-san. Anko. Kurenai, please enter."

Anko rushed inside first and stopped so fast that Kurenai barely stopped inches from colliding with the girl's back. Looking around her, all three stood straighter as the Konoha Elders eyed them from around the room. Koharu and Homura stood half-way between Hiruzen and Danzo;he war-hawk starring at nothing but still filled the junor Chunin and single Jonin with ice down their necks.

"Good evening, you three. Something has developed regarding Inuyasha and Kagome." Now the three were focused, with Guy zipping around them and stood ready before 'the Professor.' "Hokage-sama, please tell us and whatever they made need, And I swear I shall see it done."

The Hokage's smile gave the trio another fresh surprise, while Kurenai's own mind raced over the last occasion she'd seen the pair. 'The Jinchuuriki.'

"They have made a decision to settle here and make Konohagakure their own home. Both are now recognized as citizens of our village, and I wish for you each to undertaken a special roll for an indeterminant period." The Hokage's news made Might Guy's face and mood light-up like a Christmas tree, while Anko wriggled her face for a reason behind this news and Kurenai fell into a blend of joyful confusion.

"UUh—? You sincerely speak the truth, Hokage-sama!" Guy exclaimed, curling both arms into his chest with building exuberance. "This day has just become the most youthful one this year! Aaa, I bet Kakashi had some roll in it and all the challenges I missed hunting for him today were worth it! Ooooooooh, I cannot merely stay in this place without sharing my congratulations!" The green-clad beast flew for a window, too fast for anybody to grab him, and right into a face-plant on the glass. By milliseconds, the Hokage barely managed to lock-down the room and prevent the early escape.

'Like father, like son. How did I not see that coming sooner?' The Sandaime gave his attention back to Kurenai and Anko; one of them now rolling on the ground laughing so hard her stomach hurt, and the other nursing pursed lips.

"Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san found one orphaned child and petitioned to adopt him as their son. A request which I have granted," the Hokage continued.

"Haha-gu-ph-HUUUUU-ahhh—ha…hhhh..uh….." Anko's humor got ripped right out of her, leaving both lungs empty under this shock. Kurenai's form shuddered, both kunoichi putting two separate pieces together as Guy pulled himself off from the window.

"Oh how wonder…huh? EH, Anko? Kurenai?" The man was not so excited to find his comrades pale and incredulous. Anko's mouth hung open, lost for words, while Kurnai appeared unable to choose which ones to speak, her features twitsting into all sorts of shapes. Next, two ruby irises shot between the Sandaime, Hokage, the Yondaime's stone face, Danzo, and back again.

"Yes. It is him." The Sandaime decided to give both women some ground to stand on. "Last evening, I am aware Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san spent entire hours with Uzumaki Naruto. In the late morning of this day, a crowd gathered around the boy and caught our guest's attention. One civilian even thrashed the boy and Kagome responded with a mighty slap, then gave Naruto her full attention. Kakashi was present and dispersed the crowd, yet the pair remained with Naruto and I decided to address the matter in person."

Even Guy was floored now, as Anko pulled herself back up and didn't know what to say around three wrinkled vultures, looming in silence behind the Hokage.

"Hokage-sama." Kurenai spoke-up. "Are they…aware, then, of Naruto-san's…burden?" Her words were a delicate choice, recalling a certain law set down by the Hokage and tentative over her opinions towards every possible result.

The Hokage himself nodded. "They are now. I explained his circumstances, personally. Given the pair have possibly antagonized more than a few whom live here with their actions on Naruto's behalf."

"And yet," the man let a grandfatherly smile show. "Following this appraisal, Kurenai and Inuyasha together petitioned to become his guardians and bring him into their family. After securing their commitment to join our village and lend what powers, strengths, knowledge and skills each possess to our forces, I agreed."

Anko stumbled back, feeling something hit her square in the temple. Kurenai made a face like a startled owl. All as one simpleton in the audience swallowed to set a swelling sense of awe under control.

"Hokage, do you speak truly?" Guy asked his supreme commander. A nod answered him, and the Beast with a big heart looked to the skies, smiling. "What wonderful, youthful news!" The Hokage took that with confidence and mentioned for Guy to move back beside the ladies.

"They will be under careful watch," Hiruzen declared. "from both the light and shadows for a period of 4 months while growing roots among the leaves. The ANBU shall fulfill the part of the shadows, but I want one of you three, alongside Kakashi, to accompany them during the hours of daylight."

Anko and Kurenai finally got themselves under some control, nodding alongside Might Guy at the Hokage's orders.

"As towards the Void-well you four uncovered," the Hokage continued, "Anko, I want you to lead a team of 10 shinobi there in 4 days. While the well is certainly a serious matter, a far more pressing one has materialized in how little we know for certain concerning Inuyasha-san and Kagome-san's combat skills."

"You three recall how Yamanaka Inoichi examined Kagome-san upon your arrival from the disaster your previous mission escalated to? While she undoubtedly has great talent with healing, more so given it was not medical ninjutsu but more conventional means, her husband's power and especially the weapon at his side has stirred up the interest of all four of us." The Hokage nodded to the Elders, whose silence towards this matter made one jonin and two chunin quite uncomfortable.

"In two days," the Hokage continued, "I will arrange for them to be called to Training Ground 12, with a series of different opponents in order to test what skills each have and their magnitudes. At 2 in the afternoon of—"

"A test!" Someone cut off the Hokage, by dropping to their knees and holding both hands in a prayer at the old shinobi. Might Guy had tears in his eyes, pleading, begging with all the force he could muster. "Oh, Hokage-sama. Please grant me to be the first among those to spar with Inuyasha-kun. Please, please, please, I am begging your," the man even fell to his knees and his forehead met the floor. "I'll even agree to only face D-rank missions for however long you assign. Only set me down for the first lucky opponent to test out the great and powerful Inuyasha-kun!"

Guy kept his eyes glued to the floor, with ears twitching under his hair for an answer.

"Ahhhh…perhaps, Guy-san." The Sandaime replied. "Or not, Hiruzen," Koharu spoke-up as Guy looked up, horrified. "This man has already witnessed this new dog's strengths and he in turned has learned about him. Throw in a fresh opponent, somebody with more to offer than solely taijutsu and we may gauge what this Inuyasha holds strength against and where his weakness lie."

Sarutobi Hiruzen actually did glare at his advisor now. 'Are you plotting to—'

"A wise suggestion, Koharu-san," Homura complemented before anyone could argue.

"I agree with both as well." Temperature in the room dropped a few degrees, the moment Danzo spoke. The combined measures from each Elder ninja occupied the Hokage's attention, with Guy in the background as Hiruzen picked his battles and victories with care.

"Very well. Guy-san, I apologize but deny your request." The man answered the Green Beast of battle, forcing a depressing and hopeless look on Guy's face.

"However, should he approach you following this spar, or you in-turn ask him before hand, I see no reason why neither should train together in the meantime. So long as you do not share details towards who inevitably shall be the ones him shall face later."

"WWWWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" How the silencing-seals arranged over the office stayed intact from Guy's passionate jubilance, nobody would ever know. But the phenomenon happened and Might Guy's whole body was pulsing with excitement.

"Ahhhh, Anko-san? Kurenai-san?" the Hokage overlooked guy towards the other two. "Would one or both of you consent to a similar challenge with Kagome-san. And possibly recommend another opponent for Inuyasha-san?"

Kurenai nodded, stepping-up to the plate while Anko spied her friend with a cunning and cruel glint on her face. "Hey, Hokage. Isn't the Daimyo coming through here sometime soon?"

More than few people frowned at Anko, though Homura drew one hand up to his chin. "Hm. Mitarashi-san is accurate, I believe. Hokage-sama, perhaps efforts should be made to distance these Higurashi and the jinchuuriki from him and those in the Daimyo's retinue."

Hiruzen had to fight an itch to glare at his advisor, and drew one hand to his chin to buy time and hold his face firm and still.

"Ahhh, that ain't what I meant," Anko kept talking. "I'm sayin' Sarutobi Asuma was still with'em, and his bounty in the underworld officially made it up to 35,000,000." The girl glanced over at Kurenai, and the rosy cheeks she grew at a certain man's name. "Why not ask for him aside to match up with Inuyasha? That'll keep both blind to who their gonna clash with, and we can see if Asuma's gotten any stronger than before."

20 minutes later the trio made their exit from the Hokage's office and walked together for their own homes. Kurenai hadn't said a word, while Anko was very satisfied and Guy had both arms up near his head with hands resting on the back of his neck. All three with different ideas about their new friend's decision for adoption, and two nursing ideas of how they had the spend the next day with them in two different circumstances.

Each one had a whole night to decide, across evening, midnight and all the way to dawn. It was a long night and not only for them either. Inuyasha and Kagome spent the whole time restless, either half asleep or taking turns awake with their attention on the boy sleeping at the foot of their bed. Naruto was in a spare futon, wearing plain pyjamas and a sleeping cap.

Kagome herself actually slid out from the bed and knelt over him more than once as the night rolled by. "My son. I'm finally a mother." A smile kept growing wider with every whisper of that reminder. "Ah….go….running since Iam…ah…aw…aws-some…" Naruto was talking in his sleep, shifting too and for as Kagome deftly stayed out of the way to avoid disturbing him and returned to the bde.

At long last, daylight crept through windows and Naruto felt an itch over his eyes. "AWWwwww…huh?" Sitting with up to yawn, Naruto's body felt around, noting how he wasn't in his own bed. Looking left and right, a beautiful woman was kneeling beside him as mixing noises came through the bedroom door from the kitchen.

"Good morning, Naruto-kun. Looks like you had quite a good sleep." Grinning down, the boy wore his confusion on his face. But it slowly grew into awe and finally glee as yesterday came back to him bit by bit. "Ka—aaaa…Ka-Ka-Kagome-chan." One word, 'Kaa-san.' 'Mom.' He would choke everytime, trying to say it.

Kagome noticed but only filed it away. Grinning down she stood up and offered him a hand. Both walked into the kitchen where Inuyasha was cutting different ingredients but the stove was off. "OOOOOHHH!" Kagome sighed with glee, spotting a tall pot filled with a black concoction, and one full cup beside it with steam rising up to the air.

Stepping forwards, with Naruto making a strange face at her, the woman took the mug with both hands, smelt the aroma and took a sip. "AHhhhh. Coffee. Real, authentic coffee." She could have been purring, Inuyasha even paused in his own work to watch.

"Wow. You sound almost like me with a bowl of Ramen, Kagome." The Hanyou jabbed at her, wearing a white handkerchief over his hair and ears this time. "Ramen! Oo, ooo, ooo, ooo, Inuyasha is that what's for breakfast? Ramen?"

Kagome took her turn to make a face. 'Who on earth would—' then she noticed her husband's own reaction and set down the mug hard enough to crack the base. "No, it won't and nor will it ever be in this house."

Inuyasha tried arguing and Naruto stumbled back just a bit. In the end Kagome took over the cooking, as the one who knew how to use an electric stove, and Naruto scurried between them eager to help with anything he could reach.

Eggs, rice, fruits and bacon came to the table and the family of three ate together. Next Naruto took a shower and Inuyasha and Kagome deliberately had their turns separately. Once everyone got dressed, and Kagome tied a cover over Inuyasha's ears, a knock came at their door.

Naruto ran right for it and pulled the opening wide. "Kakashi-san? And who are you?"

"Naruto." A hand came on Naruto's shoulder, gentle and firm. "Don't speak so directly. That can rude, especially to somebody right at our door." Kagome was right behind him and her eyes had the boy squirming. Naruto mumbled an apology over to their company and Kagome rewarded him with a nod, with approval. Kakashi hung back, while his partner, Kurenai, did not hide her shock as the play-by between mother and son.

"Ah, hey there. What's brought you two over here today?" Inuyasha called over from the counter.

"Well, Kurenai right here found me helping an old woman with her shopping. Without that kind of help I might have been more late than I am now." Kakashi explained, nodding over towards his company. "Still we met a few pestilences on the way and stopped to clean them out, and finally made it here."

Kurenai made a face at Kakashi over some details, but he ignored her and brushed them off. "Inuyasha. I thought you and Naruto might enjoy looking through some training grounds today. Why not take a walk?"

"Huh? But Kakashi-san. Don't I have to get to the Academy?" The boy asked.

"Academy…ooh! You had school today and you didn't say anything about it?!" Kagome's screech brought the warm morning to a screeching halt. Naruto appeared scared at his mother darting around the room, muttering sharply under her breath about "tardy," "exams," "homework," and so much more.

"Ahhh. Padon me?"

"What is it? I'm in something of a crisis at this moment, Kakashi!" Kagome barked right at the man, holding a small bag in one hand and food in the other.

"Hokage…..sama has given Naruto a full week away from the Academy…..as of last night," he explained, careful, afraid, and even thinking back of a how to speak with a fiery hananero. "Naruto, might need time to adjust with having you and Inuyasha around, so he made the exception."

"Huh? Off? You mean I don't have to go back for a week?" Naruto asked, still standing beside the doorway. He wasn't looking at Kagome, who kept still will running through this news and setting her world back in order. 'UUUuuhhhhh. Huh. Well, guess I even forgot how to worry and plan for school properly. Oh, no! If I did this now what about later and it'll be Naruto-kun's education on the line and not mine? He might even fall behind the rest of his class if he doesn't do anything for 7 different days.'

"Kakashi-san. Kurensai-san!" Kagome addressed them as Inuyasha watched with a very careful mood. 'Don't tell me she's gonna start making the world revolve around this school-thing again,' the man pleaded.

"I want to speak with Hokage-sama again today, and get some exercises or work that Naruto-kun can do on his own. Nobody can stay out of a school forever, but, ohhhh." 'I was going to look in at different houses today.' Kagome needed some moments to put her plans and priorities back at work.

Until it finally was decided Naruto and Inuyasha could spend more time together away from larger crowds, while Kagome and Kurenai handled any bigger matters that morning.

"Oh wow. Okay, come Inuyasha-san. Let's go!" The boy dashed out and hallway with Inuyasha chased after him. Kakashi followed slothfully after the pair, leaving Kagome and Kurenai behind together. "I'm glad to have you along today, Kurenai. Do you have ideas on where the better neighbourhoods in Konoha are found?"

Kagome still wore a smile, but Kurneai only gave a nod. Keeping silent, the Chunin handed a small folder to Kagome, filled with different properties available and a time to meet with one man outside the Hokage Building an hour from now.

Kagome looked over her company for a while, but did not respond; only showing Kurenai her back, instead. A less-than-comfortable silence settled between both women, and Kagome could pick-up why. She met Kurenai's professional silence with distance, marking a few options in the book then gathering her things and walking out, without waiting to see if the Chunin would follow.

'Does she see Naruto-kun as some form of demon because of what he carries? If that is the case, Naruto is my first concern. And I'll need to see what more of the shinobi here see when they look at him, and at Inuyasha."

Kagome kept on her way outside the building and up one street. With Kurenai hold some distance between them, turning over different thoughts in her head. So many thought, that the distance between both young women grew wider for nearly a mile of walking as Kurenai chewed her lip over one matter in her head: 'the Kyubi no Kitsune.'

"Excuse me!' a call from Kagome pulled Kurenai out from her musings. The distance between both women had grown, and now the miko was glaring towards a group of civilians leering at her. One even stepped up to try and step right into her face, sneering. However, Kurenai appeared at her side and the man paused.

"Would there happen to be an issue here?" The gaggle did not hide their confusion at Kurenai's reaction, yet Kagome did not remain silent. "Good morning," she bowed towards the group, respectfully. "I am afraid Hokakge-sama requested to speak with me, soon. Whatever issues you carry towards me or my husband will wait, or go through Hiruzen-sama, directly."

Kurenai looked between her and the problem; Kagome already was walking off and leaving the others stumped.

0…..0

"Hey. Hey, hey, hey, hey, do you like this place, Inuyasha-san?" Naruto was holding on to somebody's shoulders and screaming in their ears. "Eerrr It ain't bad, kid. But talk a little softer will, ya? I'm right here and more shouting may start to hurt."

"Oh, sorry"

Inuyasha turned over, grinning with all his teeth at the quieter boy. "Hh. Thanks, kiddo. Didja enjoy the ride over?" Kakashi landed behind them, panting a little from trying to keep-up after Inuyasha started running without warning. With Naruto on his back, they had gone flying over buildings and trees, making impossible leaps that might have left the Jonin behind in the dust. Naruto hadn't wanted to stop, so the quick trip had become a roundabout, criss-crossing the village like a roller-coaster for around a full hour. Now, finally at a stop, Naruto slid down and off his ride.

"That was so much fun, daatebay-whoa-!" The second Naruto got to the ground, his legs wobbled and the boy fell over. But something caught his by his waistband instead of letting the kid face-plant in the dirt.

"Huh?"

"Hey. You alright, kid?" The same hold lifted Naruto higher, dangling him in the air as Inuyasha the kid up with only one arm, and a puzzled look. "Did all that make ya dizzy, Naruto? Oh, and maybe don't tell your kaa-chan about all that spinning and flips we did. She might flip out, and I don't want another 'sit' command."

Behind the pair, Kakashi finally got his breath back and looked over at the scene. "Hhhhh. I wonder what that is….ahhhhh? What is Naruto crying about?" Sure enough, a few droplets were coming down from his face. Inuyasha panicked, setting Naruto back on the ground and kneeling in front of him. Kakashi stuck to a comfy distance, too far to hear anything between them. But minutes later, Naruto launched himself right into Inuyasha, hanging off him like a burr.

The hanyou was lost, helpless with the kid hanging from his neck. He gave look Kakashi's way, but the jonin only gave him a shrug. So, instead, he just folded arms underneath Naruto and things got a little calmer.

Eventually the kid grew back to his loud self and kicked-off a game of tag with Inuyasha. Both started running left, right and everywhere on the field, or trying to hide behind trees. 'Hehehehehehehe, I'll bet he'll never find me hear. I'm so sneaky—'

"Boo!" Naruto hopped right out of his hiding spot, so much that Inuyasha caught him mid-air and set the kid on his shoulders. Wearing a sly grin, the older one tapped his nose. "You gotta do better than that, kiddo." Naruto threw his head back, laughing so hard his sides hurt. "That was fun, dattebayo. Hey can we—"

Kakashi had his book out, trying to hide a few things the scene reminded him of with a certain White Fang. Nearly an hour passed with no changes, until a flare of power yanked Kakashi away from his page.

"Iron-Reaver Soul-Stealer!" Inuyasha's shout pulled the jonin to trade the book for a kunai. Yet…..

…..he didn't see, sense or smell anyone as a single tree fell down. Inuyasha cut another extra circle from it's trunk, and Naruto went running up to the Jonin. "Hey, hey Kakashi-san. Can I use some of your shuriken? Please, please, please?"

A minute, some ninja wire and 10 shuriken borrowed from Kakashi later and Naruto was practicing on the round target Inuyasha made for him. Inuyasha stood at the kid's side, and nearly got hit by a wild throw. "EERrr! What the hell, kido? Watch out."

"Aaahh! Sorry, sorry, sorry, I'm so sorry." Naruto kept stammering apologies, then resigned himself to only using them one-by-one as the adult retreated to a short distance away.

"He appears to like you a lot. Even whenever you shout at him, or hold him up by one arm." Kakashi prodded at Inuyasha. The hanyou only nodded, with a tint of red on his face. "Well, we've been through similar lives, but in different ways. And lifting him's no big deal. Not to somebody as strong as me. Plus, I had another fox bratty little fox back in our home. Shippou can be a tricky little kitsune demon, and tries to pull any and every trick on me. Kagome always comes to his rescue though, so at least Naruto not a prankster like Shippou can be cause I'm not sure I could ever bring myself to smack 'em."

Naruto kept throwing and throwing, with disappoint growing as his target had precious few nicks from any shuriken that hit it. Until Kakashi's consciousness got the better of his aloofness, and the man stepped up to lend him some help. "Hold it back….feel the weight….choose how you want to the fly…..and throw." Naruto improved a little, but not so much and Kakashi narrowed his one good eye over the lacking progress. Until a bright, purple glow sprang up behind them, and something smacked the ground, hard.

"OWWWWW! Awwwwwe man." "To-Tou-Inuyasha-san!" Naruto came running up right where Inuyasha landed face-down on the ground. "Hey are you okay?"

"Hhhhhh. I'm alright, kiddo. Your kaa-san only forget to watch what she said, somewhere." But half-way to pulling himself back up, the same beads flared brightly again and poor Inuyasha bit the dirt face first.

0…0

"Hmmm. This is a nice place to sit at." Kagome shuffled in her chair, lightly. She was out on a deck in a modest backyard, trying different seats and furniture. An official with glasses, cropped hair and business clothes stood nearby while Kurenai had her back to one wall, admiring the house.

It was their 2nd one that day, smaller than the first but comfortable with 2 bedrooms and furnished as well, even with outdoor furniture. "Hmmmmm. Sitting here on any afternoon would be nice, and there's even room to grow medicinal herbs or flowers anywhere," the miko nodded, taking in the warm sunshine.

"Do you enjoy this property over the previous ones we have seen miko-san?" the guide inquired.

"Well it is very nice, but I'm unsure about how much our rent may be at present," Kagome responded. Unless she and Inuyasha found a means for income soon, the loan from the Hokage would only last them 3 months. She continued haggling with the realter, all as Kurenai watched from the sidelines.

'She has been respectful, dedicated and generous,' the kunoichi thought of her company; the person she had been growing a friendship with until the past night. 'And I believe every word she has said about demons and other dimensions. But if she has encountered and fought so many powerful foes, then why leave everything behind to accept one inside her own home? Naruto-san is not like what she and Inuyasha described. There is a violent and powerful force sealed inside him, not merely power in his blood that can simply be applied to altruism with a choice, like I have seen Inuyasha-san do.'

Slowly, Kurenai's mind replayed everything she witnessed between the family members from only hours before. 'Uzumaki Naruto….he can appear cute, I'll admit. And it was clear to see Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san happy together with him. Still…I don't understand. Hokage-sama allowing them to adopt him with so much risk and danger toward both them and Naruto. Why? He's not the Kyubi, I do know that, yet they are not far older than I am. But they appear to be drawn to him as parents without any effort? Where is the sense behind it? Do they think he has to be purified of the demon inside him?'

"Well, I do have one, final property available," the realter announced. It's the penthouse in a small apartment, with some space on the roof and enough room for a family of three."

0….0

Back in a training field, Naruto was frowning at the two kunai in his hand after Kakashi had refused to give another 6 more to him. "But Sasuke can throw lots of these. And nobody claps if you can only make one." Kakashi ignored the plea, or tried to when Inuyasha looked between him and the boy.

"Who is Sasuke?"

One question shot a fresh icicle down Kakashi's back and somehow, someway, a window of 4 moments made him do the impossible.

"INUUUUU—YASHA—SAAAAAAN!" A long shout sent a flare of heat that melted the cold on Kakashi's neck, and sent the hairs there standing straight out. "Oh, no." All three in tha training field turned to find a great green meteor flying right for them. And Might Guy straight at it's centre.

Naruto almost got hit but something got him out of the way, Kakashi swayed to one side, barely missing the new arrival's impact. Nobody knew how, nor why, nor did they want to learn either afterwards. But Somebody landed square in the middle of where they'd been standing, so hard, that he stuck head-first in the ground with only his legs stuck up to the open air.

Kakashi only starred at the limbs as they began kicking at empty air and Inuyasha walked up to pull them out.

"Huh? What the heck made this wild guy to come flying at us?" Muffled sounds were the only answer Inuyasha got, before the hanyou resigned himself and pulled the green beast of battle out from the ground.

"Whoa! Who are you?" Naruto bolted out and right up to them, getting a closer look at the new arrival and shaking his head with surprise. "You got the biggest eyebrows on anyone. Are those things alive?"

An upside-down Might Guy was equally surprised, held up by his ankle in Inuyasha's grasp and staring face-to-face with Naruto. "No? What made you ask that question? My eyebrows have always been big. Oh, aaahhhh. Inuyasha-san? Would you let me down? I learned last night of how you and Kagome-san decided to stay here and adopted young Naruto-ooof!."

Inuyasha dropped Guy down on the ground, hard and without any ceremony or care. The inu-hanyou kept watching him then looked between his new son, Kakashi, and Guy with a strange face. "Did you tell him about us and Naruto, Kakashi-san?"

"Ahhh, no," Kakashi answered him. "That would actually be Hokage-sama. And Guy, weren't you going to practice with a new form of taijutsu this morning? I'm still on the clock, so that rain check on your offer for sparring will have to stretch for a longer window."

The Green Beast got back to his feet, trying to knock some dirt out from one ear. "Errrr, ah right. As it might be that is exactly what I was doing, my rival. But my new move perhaps had too much youth behind it. I totally missed my target and went flying right for here. Still—"

Immediately, Guy sprang to his feet, seized Inuyasha by the shoulder and held his other fist tight with tears of joy flying out of both eyes. "Now I can meet Inuyasha-san again as well. Ah the news of how you and Kagome-san are going to stay here in our village made my week. Your compassion and devotion is so inspiring, I could not help but be left in awe with you and her! True beacons of youth!"

The man threw his head back, letting out an infection laugh that made Naruto grin beside a bewildered Inuyasha. All as Kakashi watched on, and relaxed. 'At he dropped in at a perfect time, for once. Inuyasha doesn't have any reason to be aware of the Uchiha Clan, or the massacre. Sharing information that sensitive, and how short-handed those losses have left us, could bring down trouble from the higher-ups. I'm not even sure how he and Kagome-san might react to such an event, either.'

"Oh, you were practicing your own kunai-throw? Why that is most youthful choice, young Naruto!" Guy grinned, posing with a thumbs-up right at the kid. "Say, would you perhaps like to follow me and build up real power through training?" Guy kept talking with Naruto, and went to pull something out from his outfit. "Of course, you do need to be wearing the right kind of outfit to get the most out of every lesson."

Kakashi heard that, several warning-bells went off, and for the second time in as many minutes, Guy hit the ground head-first.

0…..0

Elsewhere across the village, time crawled on as mid-day came and went. Kagome had seen the last house and now had several choices to make. She and Kurenai had come back to the apartment they'd spent a night in with different options spread on the table and another pot of coffee brewing.

'Hmmmm,' Kagome held one up close while Kurenai sat at the table from her invitation. 'Two stories with a yard, and further away than most others around this town. Mama had photos of our old home with Papa….'

"Hmmm? Kagome-san?" Kurenia was startled, watching Kagome drop one picture, turn herself sideways and hunch up shoulder up around her face. It lasted a moment, yet when she relaxed and turned around Kagome had one hand pressing between her eyes and nose.

"I am alright, Yuhi-san," she answered. "One of these homes reminded me of, my father. He passed on years ago when I was nearly 6, and now after so long he's become a Grandfather now." Swallowing back her feelings, Kagome pushed them aside and looked back to her company. Kurenai herself had paused now, looking into empty space until the door behind them opened up.

"Kagome-san!" An orange blur sped through the room, straight into Kagome's waiting arms. Mother and son hugged one another as Inuyasha, Kakashi and somebody else strolled in.

"On my, Guy-san!" Kurenai was up from her seat, right after finding a green beast of battle arrive; looking more like a green panda with dark blotches over his face and clothes.

Kagome was shocked as well, but before any questions could come Kakashi whispered something at Kurenai, the kunoichi froze with horror, and then brought both hands together.

"Huh….ah—aaaahhh-urrrk-K—Kurenai?!" Guy called out as he spread both arms out and looked around the room. Until his lips pressed themselves closed, the man's eyes spun around, and his muscles kept clenching but failed to move.

"What the heck?" Inuyasha shouted as Guy appeared fighting something that wasn't there.

"It's genjutsu," Kakashi explained to Inuyasha as Kagome and Naruto kept watching. "Kurenai is trapping his mind under an illusion, but one that only Guy can see or feel. He…tried to offer Naruto something terrible so…"

"Guy-san?" Kurenai asked, pressing a sickeningly sweet tone past her grinding teeth. Kagome tried to listen but somebody's empty stomach rumbled and Naruto had to blush. Quickly, they left Guy where he was and set to whip-up lunch together. Naruto kept talking about everything he'd done with Inuyasha, including when two 'sit' commands had come and Kagome's face went pale. "Oooooo, that must have been when I invited the agent to sit dow—"

"UOoooh!" Thump! Right on cue, and this time Naruto felt something brush down his back. Turning around, Inuyasha was in a familiar pose and Kagome brought both hands to her mouth in terror.

'He…so close to Naruto…..that fall nearly crushed him underneath…'

"EERHHH! Way-ta-go Kagome! I nearly landed on top of the kid, hurting Naruto underneath me! How come you—!"

"Sit bb-…" the word slipped out in a whisper, and somebody did a fresh face-plant. Kagome cover her mouth tighter now, horrified at her own habits when Inuyasha would raise his voice.

"RRRRRhhhhhhh." Inuyash raised his head, glaring hard at Kagome now. "Idiot! Can you watch your mouth at all Kagome!" he was angry, and the audience between the couple stopped everything. Especially Naruto, shaking at the sight and sounds.

"I-I'm so sorry. Inuyasha it—"

"Yeah 'Sorry' is a little late—"

"~SSSIIIIIIITTT!~ Ha~ha~ha~ha~ha~ha~ha~!" With a shout, Naruto dove for the ground, spread out of arms and legs, and landing right beside Inuyasha,laughing. "Ha~ha~ha~ha~ha~ha. Now I'm funny like Inuyasha, dattebayo!" the boy kept rolling a little, stood up, took a few steps backwards, and dove for the ground with a shout of his own. ""~Sit!~Sit!~ Siiiit~!"

The boy was right beside his father, waving his arms and legs, imitating a quiet and blushing Inu-hanyou beside him. Kagome and Kurenai just stood there, until cuteness won-out and both began giggling.

"~Sit~Sit~!"

"That's right, Naruto. It can happen to your Tou-san sometimes. Whenever only I say…" Kagome waved one hand at her son, Inuyasha's eyes widened, and Naruto made the call. "Sit. ~Ha~ha~ha~ha~ha~ha~ha~…." Mother and son kept laughing, and Inuyasha felt a smile forcing itself over his face.

Slowly, the father got back up and Naruto copied him. Kagome and Inuyasha shared one look and all was forgiven without even sharing words.

"So, did you find a new place for us to live in together, Kagome?" Inuyasha inquired?

"Yes. I have narrowed it down to two. Why not we all take a stroll down and see, then we all can decide, as a family?" Inuyasha agreed and Naruto was still too excited to even imagine 'no.'

"I think I'll….meet each of you there." Kakashi's offer came from the sliding door, where the man was sitting on the rail and hiding something behind his back. With a "Later—" the man vanished in a smoke cloud, streaking through the village right for the Hokage's office.

Kurenai and Guy stayed with the couple, but Inuyasha insisted they stay off the regular streets and Kagome herself agreed. She'd accumulated more than a few hostile looks that day but could ignore most of them with ease. Both agreed not to put Naruto through all that, so Guy carried Kagome on his back as Naruto squealed with glee on Inuyasha's and Kurenai leapt to keep-pace with them.

0…0

(Higurashi's visit both houses)

Hiruzen Sarutobi was gazing through a crystal ball on his desk, with a single Chunin beside him. "There they are, Iruka-san," the Hokage nodded to his company, whom couldn't move his eyes away from the scene as awe and relief were fighting together in his mind.

"Now, I want you to hold some distance from Naruto across his time away, so let Inuyasha-san and Kagome-chan to bond closer with him. You understand?"

"Ahh-yes. Absolutely, Hokage-sama," the instructor nodded.

"Hhmmmm," Hiruzen beamed. "I want a collection of different assignments you plan to give out this week delivered, however. I shall pass those on to Naruto-kun throughout this week." Iruka nodded at the instructions, when a dull thud rang at the door.

The Hokage dispelled his jutsu and call for them to enter. Although when Kakashi lounged in, the mode relaxed and Iruka noticed the clock. "Oh-! H-Hokage-sama, my next class—"

"Go on." The leader had noticed Iruka lingering there, oblivious to his next responsibility and fixated on Naruto's well-being. The man nodded to him and Kakashi before barrelling passed the latter and down the hallway.

"Ahhhh….did his consider how the window may be a faster option?" Kakashi wondered aloud. Looking towards Iruka's wake, the man missed the Hokage's own reaction to this phenomenon and took some moment to school his features.

"Perhaps, but please do not lend him or more individuals any such ideas. I already have one whom heavily prefers that route." Hiruzen answered, casually, yet curled his brow over a self-reminder. 'And I shall have to inform the wondering Toad of what has developed here.'

"You have something to report, Kakashi?" Turning his good eye to the Hokage, both men spoke about certain invasive tubers and the unsettling absence after cutting them out the past night.

"He'll keep the distance I am demanding from him, for now," the Hokage stated, rising to his feet and walking around the desk. "For now, I have decided on whom will battle with Inuyasha in order to gage the broadest scope possible of what he can accomplish. It will be a three-stage contest," the Professor shared without waiting to see if his audience was curious.

"His first one will be up against one of the four whom they have met. Following that he will spar with Asuma once he and the daimyo are inside of our village in the upcoming days. And to ensure his reliable upper-limit is clear, I will summon Enma to cut his teeth and might again our residential hanyou."

Kakashi himself cocked an eyebrow, but didn't say or share any more as the elder shinobi walked passed him.

"Now, I'd like to see our fresh charges and their choice for a new home.

0….0

In the end, the Hugirashi's final choice for their fresh home was one roof-topo apartment in a quieter neighbourhood of the village. Topping a four-story building, the place was ½ indoors and the rest occupied by a large rooftop deck with garden spaces and wooden planks to enjoy the mild outdoor weather. Inside 2 bedrooms, a living space and small kitchenette occupied the rest of the space. The place came fully furnished with a discounted rent after not selling for a year.

The Hokage himself finalized all the details and brought some specific copies of certain papers for Kagome herself: adoption forms for Naruto Uzumaki

Before anybody realize, twilight was upon them and Kagome offered to the Hokage to stay with them for dinner. Between Naruto's pleading and the thought of his own empty house, the Sandaime agreed and discovered Kagome was a very good cook, between managing Naruto's requests for more Ramen.

The four ate together, then Hiruzne departed, the family of three started a few small games until it was late enough for somebody to head for bed.

Naruto was brushing his teeth after a reminder from his mother. Walking out of the bathroom, Kagome met him in the hallway. "Come on Naruto. If you want, I'll tuck you into bed."

To the preteen Naruto, this was overwhelming. A dream come to life. 'Tucking me in…this…it feels so nice…No! Don't cry!...I didn't cry once today. Just, just ignore that, dattebayo!' He'd always just gone to bed himself…or sat on the bed for hours at night, agonizing over depression and loneliness that plagued him; when the unyielding darkness brought his feelings of isolation to their worst.

Not trusting his voice, he nodded at Kagome, and they walked back to the living room. Inside, space had been cleared and occupied with a wide futon, two pillows and blankets. Kagome had picked them herself, shorting through several and beset with worry over which would leave her new family—member the most comfortable.

Now, she was fussing over, determined to make sure he was happy; and smiling with heartful joy as her own dream was becoming real.

"Are you warm enough with these blankets? Would you like some extra pillows?"

"N—n—no, Kaa-Kagome-san," Naruto answered, feeling impossibly surreal. "There are a lot more than I used to have. I-I do feel warm and comfy and—ahh…..aahh….aaawwwwhhhhhh," he was yawning.

Smiling, Kagome ran one around his scalp and down one cheek; the boy nuzzled closer to her touch. "

"Alright. If you want anything…anything at all…your father and I are just down the hall in our bedroom. Is there anything else you'd like, Naruto?"

'…her smile. It's so kind and warm….' "N-no. I feel fine."

After he answered, Kagome was leaning over to kiss him on the forehead. "Good-night. My son." She spoke gently and soothingly.

Naruto watched as she stood up and turned out the light. Behind her, a silhouette came from behind her; the dim from a lamp inside showing Inuyasha. Moving behind his wife, the hanyou tied his arms around her middle and rested his chin on her shoulder. Both new parents watched over Naruto, the three grinning deeply, saying thousands of words across their eyes.

A soft sighed with relief came from the bed. For the first time in years, Naruto actually did relax at night. And quickly fell asleep, worn-out by the emotional roller-coaster that he'd found that day.

Soon, he found that he was awake. Sunlight was pouring into the windows, throwing off his covers, the boy quickly jumped out to find his new parents.

"Mom! Dad! Mom! Dad!" But when he reached their room, it was empty…

"Huh?" After searching through the house, Kagome and Inuyasha were nowhere in sight.

Naruto began to call for them, but no answer came. Now he was starting to feel scared. Just as a group of strangers opened the front door.

He looked at them, and saw two adults and three children. All of them had looks of surprise, which soon turned into anger.

"What are you doing in our house! Demon!"

"Y-your house! This is my home! Kaa-san, Tou-san and I moved in ye-" "Kaa-san and Tou-san?! When did your demon parents come back for you!...Oh, I see! You're just making-up another story! This is just another prank! Get out of here, you scum!"

The male seized Naruto by the neck and hurled him through the front door like trash. After hitting the wall, hard, the boy looked back, found even the woman and children were sneering at him, and felt his anger flare. "I'm not lying! I'm gonna find them! Then Tou-san will kick you out!"

Naruto took off from a window and went running through the village, calling out at the top of his lungs. Different words kept following him, growing louder and louder in his ears. "You are alone." "They never came here." "Why should any desire for you."

All that Naruto could find were people giving his strange looks, and no sight no sign of Kagome or Inuyasha.

Naruto searched everywhere he could think of, but Kagome and Inuyasha were nowhere to be found.

"Naruto!" He turned and felt some relief at finding the Hokage.

"Oji-san! You've got to help me! Tou-san and Kaa-san are missing! Some people came kicked me out-"

"Tou-san and Kaa-san? Naruto, what prank are you pulling now. You know you live alone."

That brought an abrupt stop to Naruto's voice.

"You must have had a dream. But now the villagers are…confused." The Hokage did not want to mention rumors of a demon-couple coming back to find their imprisoned child, the fox. To the Hokage, the paradox of this hypocrisy was infuriating. But he had left to search-out himself Naruto in case some different truths were stirring about his real parents.

"Come now. I'll walk you back to your apartment and—"

"No…..no…..NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NO—NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Naruto screamed in despair.

SUDDELY, a bright flash engulfed Naruto! Next thing he knew, something worked their arms around him, lifting his body to engulf him within something soft. Al ass he kepting thrashing and wailing denials!

"NO-NO-N-!"

"Naruto!" 'N-WH-…That voice….that voi-'

"Naruto, honey! Wake-up! You're only having a dream! Please, open your eyes!" a rushed, worried sound was pleading with him.

Naruto obeyed the soothing plea, immediately. Once his vision cleared, the boy found himself looking up at Kagome; herself appearing more terrified than he was. "Naruto. I'm right here. Inuyasha is behind me. Look!"

Glancing to his left, Naruto saw Inuyasha there too, with Tesseiga drawn in his right hand

"…..hgh…..hgh…..you…you're here…you're here!..." Naruto's eyes darted between them, confused and scared.

"Kid! You were shouting for us in your sleep, then suddenly yelled-out 'NO!' What the hell happened?" Inuyasha asked, with aggressive concern.

"Inuyasha, please." Naruto turned his face back towards his mother. "Naruto, sweetheart. You were having a nightmare. Your father and I are right here. We-"

Naruto's eyes widened, as his mind started to work again. Realizing where he was, and who these people were. And remembering the nightmare he had been trapped in….

He suddenly pitched-forward. His hands clung to Kagome's night-blouse as he began to cry.

"Ka-a-a-kaa-! Kaaa-cha-(hiccup)-Kaa-chan! …AAAAHHHHHEE-HEH-HEH-AAAHHHHEH-HEH-HEH-!"

Naruto continued to cry harder and harder, suffering in a pulsing vortex of things he was so unfamiliar with. Reliefs, comfort, and joy over how that parents, how somebody was there beside him were so powerful they left him raw and excruciating. Yet, calling on practiced habit, he began forcing those feelings down. Just like he had before when he would escape from one nightmare, only to wake in alone in another one.

"I-I'm-m s-s-sorry. I-I'm s-sorry th-tha-at I-I woke y-you-up. I-I w-was just ha-having a bad dream. You-you can go now."

As Naruto stuttered out his apology, with a smile plastered on his face, he felt a hand under his chin. Kagome tiled his face up, until he saw her eyes. Her gaze was warm, but behind it a steel glint shown through.

"Naruto-chan. It's ok. You never, never have to apologize for a nightmare. When we have nightmares, we're trapped in our own minds. They bring our deepest fears to life. And in the most terrifying ways." Kagome's eyes were filled with concern and understanding. She wanted Naruto to continue crying. Continue to let-out the emotions he kept bottled-up, so he could finally have peace.

While she had been separated from Inuyasha for 3 years, nightmares had happened to her a few times. Fears had plagued her: of him dying, hurting, or needing her in some. Until her own mother talked to her about sharing her fears rather than repressing them.

'Mama. Please let this works for my son as well as it did for me.' Kagome prayed, as she began to repeat the advice her own mother had given her.

"Honey. Often, we have nightmares because we are terrified of something. But we bury it too deeply in our hearts. Then when we are asleep, we betray ourselves, and bring those repressed fears to life inside our minds. A place that we can't escape from. When what we fear is around us, our minds allow us to push past that fear and go on. But when the fear and pain is inside our minds, it is always at its worst."

"Please, Naruto-chan. Tell us what was your nightmare about? We want you to tell us because we care about you. Because we want you to feel better."

Naruto was hooked onto every word she spoke. He felt her rubbing his back as she was talking, along with he something hurting inside his chest. "I-ah…..ah…." Naruto's throat was tight. His eyes just kept looking between Kagome and Inuyasha.

The latter, who had sheathed Tessaiga, recalled one time when he had seen the same look in another child's eyes. Even he could piece-together what his adopted-son's nightmare had been from his shouting. "Kid. Your mother and I are right here. We're not going anywhere. And we'll never let anyone take you from us. You aren't alone, and that's a promise! Not anymore, and never again!"

At that…..the dam broke.

Naruto buried his head into Kagome's shoulder, and began to sob. His grip on her tightened, his heart releasing…a decade…of pain….sadness…and misery. It was almost painful to feel them being flushed out…and replaced with love and acceptance.

"I-I-I COU-(hiccup)-COULLDN'T FIND Y—Y0U! P-…(hiccup)…-PEO-EOPLE THRE-THREW ME(hiccup)ME OUT! O—O—OJI-SAN D—(hiccup)-D—DIDN'T KNO-OW YOU! I—(hiccup-hiccup-hiccup)—I WAS AL-ALONE AG-AGAIN! I-(hiccup)-YOU-G-G-GONE-I-I-"

With nobody to help him feel better, to comfort him after being tortured inside his own mind…Naruto had struggled with nightmares…immeasurably.

But now…Now there were people to comfort him. Now, his fears and sadness were replaced with love and assurance. His life was no longer a nightmare.

Kagome was hugging her son. Murmuring her support and encouragement. "That's it…Let it out…We're right here…" She felt his grip tighten, as he pressed himself further into her arms. "I promise. We will never. Never. Abandon you Naruto. Nor will we allow anyone to hurt you," Kagome whispered, gently rocking Naruto, her grip soft yet strong. As a mother comforts her child, eager to keep him in the safety of her arms.

Inuyasha moved towards them. One of his arms were around Kagome's shoulders, and the other around Naruto.

The boy, still so unfamiliar with this comfort, began to cry louder, harder. His body shuddered in Kagome's arms, feeling the locks he kept over his true feelings breaking from her tender, motherly comfort. Gradually more and more emotions were bursting out. And with each tremor that tore through Naruto's mind and his heart, he was filled with the love, patience, and understanding of the pair who embraced him as their son.

Even as his pain tore at their heart-strings. Both of his surrogate-parents understood that this needed to happen. They just stayed like that as Naruto's sobs echoed through the room, as his inner suffering was softly coaxed out of his soul. And replaced with the assurance and devotion that only loving parents can provide.

Gradually, Naruto began to quiet down. His deep cries grew into powerful moans. Softer, but still present. It was an hour until the only sound from him was a quiet murmur. Growing…to…welcome…silence….

"Kid. Wha-" "Shshshshshshshshshsh…." Kagome hushed Inuyasha. "He's asleep," she whispered.

Sure enough, Naruto had released so much, and felt so safe, that he'd worn himself out. And was asleep in Kagome's arms, with a pure, deep smile.

Inuyasha nodded, then a pondering look crossed his face. Coming to a decision, he stood up. "Come on Kagome. Bring him to our room. Do you remember when Songo talked about the twins having nightmares while Miruko was away, and she would take them to sleep with her?"

Kagome beamed, nodding in agreement. She adjusted her grip on Naruto and carried the boy down the hall.

Soon she was sitting down on the King-sized bed. Turning on her side, she placed Naruto down in the middle. O,r she tried to.

As she let go, his hand jerked, and held her nightshirt in a vice-grip…desperate to keep her close.

With a smile, sorrowful and eager, Kagome swung her body around without getting too far away from Naruto. Soon he was subconsciously snuggling in close to her, with a true smile, of pure content. Inuyasha himself grinned, watching them both. Then he pulled half of the covers over them, before lying down and spreading himself as an extra layer. Curling up with his family, all three were soon fast asleep.

Safe, happy, and loved.

End.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and still love both of the series connected through this story, Naruto and Inuyasha; especially the latest addition to it: Yashihime: Princess Half-Demon.

I decided to move these section to the bottom and give the beginning over to Kirby Morrow. His brother is a friend, and wanted to give the beginning over the spreading his memory.

Across the last two years I kept shelving Hanyou Family for my career IRL or other stories that were simple to start but more challenging to continue. After Yashihime: Half-Demon started, I was torn between continuing this story, altering it, or dropping the project. To clarify, from the Yashihime timeline, Inuyasha and Kagome disappeared around 5 years after the end of The Final Act.

Fromm what I could find, Rin is age 29 currently in Yashahime, while her and Sesshomaru's twin-daughters are both 14-years-old. Working the math would mean Rin gave-birth to them while she was 15 years-old (in Feudal-Era Japan, pre-1500's, a far-from uncommon event). This homage to historical-accuracy aside, Rin was noted to be 11-years-old when Kagome returned and married Inuyasha, placing a span of 4-years between the end of the The Final Act and Towa and Setsuna's birth.

When I uploaded Hanyou Family, the setting for this stage is 8 years after Kagome and Inuyasha reunited in The Final Act, overstepping the cannon-chronology and the rise of Kirinmaru. This left me torn, as I like to mix-in the pre-established events and chronologies where possible and introduce different changes gradually.

In the end, I decided to continue this story instead of starting over, making it officially an AU setting for Inuyasha and Naruto.

Although ,Kirinmaru is an exciting addition to how the plot and different events may play-out in Hanyou Family. Particularly since Konohagure might be a fresh place to hide a certain set of twins, and I officially have a daughter of Inuyasha and Kagome to work into this story. More components from Yashahime are being adapted very selectively going forwards. And I admit, playing around with them can get addictive.

For now, Kagome and Inuyasha meet fresh challenges, Naruto has to digest how a family into his life, and Konohagakure has to learn how to handle Inuyasha and even bigger hand-full: Kagome.