Blinking against the sunlight, I took off my fox mask and turned to Gaara. The year of training had passed quickly, turning Gaara into someone I was proud of.
"It's strange… One year later and it still looks the same," Gaara mused, staring at the village in the distance. Suna was exactly how we left it, if not worse for wear.
"Yeah," I agreed. Shukaku glanced at the village before turning his eyes to his summoner, Gaara. My mind turned to that moment, about six months ago, when Gaara had finally gained the raccoon's respect, single-handedly destroying a troop of Mist ninjas including one of the legendary swordsmen, all to save a young girl named Suki. After discovering that her parents had already escaped the ninja, Suki had left our small troop. Using a strange bloodline limit, she kept in contact with us, using the ability to speak to and manipulate wild animals.
"I wonder how Temari and Kankuro are doing… I haven't seen them in so long," Gaara said, smiling as he remembered his siblings' antics.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Temari and Sandstorm kept Kankuro in line. And Sandstorm wouldn't let anyone touch Temari, foxes are too loyal," I smiled in return, thinking fondly of the blond kunoichi and the make up wearing puppeteer. "Temari should be a genin by now, maybe Kankuro too. I don't know too much about your life before the Chuunin Exams."
Gaara just nodded and pulled his raccoon mask back onto his face, the scarlet rings around the eyes contrasting heavily with the green of his eyes and the white base of the mask. The black whiskers were not as defined as mine but were prominent enough to exaggerate the animalistic grin on the mask. I smirked and put my own mask back on. My mask was in the form of a fox, the ears longer and more angled than a cat's. The face did not have a white base like most ANBU masks and Gaara's mask; mine was yellow, matching my hair. The whiskers were a deep scarlet that matched Kyuu's fur. Black swirls ran behind the whiskers and faded as they went upwards toward the tips of the ears.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, let's do this," Gaara said, his voice determined. I chuckled, knowing that my nindo had rubbed off onto the young redhead.
"Are we going to go for the subtle approach? Or are we bombing the village and Hiraishining into the Kazekage's office?" Pyrai, looking as young as ever, asked me, staring at the village with expectation.
"Neither. We're going to walk right in. Hopefully we'll be taken before the Kazekage. If not, I'm sure Temari can get us an appointment with the teme."
"Naruto-taicho, he's still my father."
"And a bastard," I countered. "I know you hate thinking badly about anyone, but what that man did to you-"
"Keep in mind he hasn't had the chance to do most of that in this timeline, Naruto. Remember, you more or less kidnapped me?"
"Would you rather I left you in Suna?"
"I'm not complaining, I'm just saying that you should give him the benefit of the doubt."
"He still sent Yashamaru after you."
"And Shika killed him. Kyuubi-sama scared the hell out of my father, he won't try anything," Gaara promised. I still wasn't sold, but I nodded and began to run towards Suna, Gaara and the demons close behind.
"Kazekage-sama! There is an intruder in the village!" A Sand ANBU shouted, running into the Kazekage's office. Gaara's father jumped slightly at the entrance before regaining his calm and collected façade.
"Who is the intruder?"
"Reports say that it is the Kiiroi Kitsune and the Araiguma," the ANBU said. The Yondaime Kazekage nearly shook at the sound of the two ninjas name, one of which being an S-ranking ninja and the other an A-rank and his own son.
"Bring them to me," he ordered. I chuckled and let myself fall off the ceiling.
"No need to, teme. Dismissed, ANBU. I'm not here to kill anyone," I said, smirking behind my mask. The ANBU glared at me through his mask and took a step towards me, drawing a kunai. I yawned and put a hand on the katana I kept slung across my back. "I didn't come here to get violent, ANBU-san. However, if you push me, I will not hesitate to cut off Kazekage-teme's head and send you to your family in a body bag. I'm not a violent person, but I have less friendly companions," I said.
"Where is Gaara?" At his name, the redhead dropped into the room, flying in through the window. A shape flew in behind him, a large raccoon, about three feet tall: Shukaku.
"Hello, Father," Gaara said, taking off his mask.
"Well, Araiguma, you've been busy. What were you and the infamous Yellow Fox doing in Iwa? They weren't very happy."
"Neither was Kumo, Kiri, or Ame. I can't speak for Konoha- we haven't been there yet- but Wave was very happy to see us. As for what we were doing, that's not for you to know. All that aside, I'm a man of my word. I told you that I'd train Gaara for a year or so. One year has passed and here is your son, as promised. I trust you to not attempt anything; Gaara does know how to contact me if he ever needs me."
"You're just going to give him back?" The Yondaime Kazekage asked, incredulous.
"I knew you were stupid, but Kami! Give me a break," I complained, unwilling to explain myself. "I'm honorable, I only did what you and Suna were too stupid or busy to do: I trained him to befriend Shukaku, as I told you in the letter my furry friend delivered. I believe you remember Kyuubi?" I asked rhetorically. The Kazekage paled as Kyuu dropped off the ceiling, stretching.
"I really hate hiding that much chakra," he complained. "After a while it stings, holding all that power back so these fools won't notice."
"Kyuu, you didn't have to hide. You could have waited outside like Shika, Gaara, and Pyrai."
"And miss the Kazekage's face when the cub flies in? No way, that was priceless," Kyuu laughed; a tail whipped towards his face and wiped a tear out of his fiery eye.
"Careful, Kyuu, we don't want to sink Suna any further," I chuckled as Kyuubi's booming laugh shook the Kazekage's office. He stopped and looked at me, disappointed.
"You're no fun, kit."
"Be a good demon and talk to Shukaku while the Kazekage and I talk business," I said, smiling behind my mask. Kyuubi grumbled but trotted over to Shukaku. "Now, back to what's happening here. I'll give you a basic overview of Gaara's abilities, at least those I think you should know about. Gaara can tell you more if he chooses too but once again, it is completely his choice.
"First, Gaara is the holder of a summoning contract. I won't tell you which one, just know that he has enough control and chakra to summon the boss. He has complete control over sand, a power that he has always possessed but is now more defined and precise. Next, he can successfully utilize Kage Bunshin. I'm sure you've heard about shadow clones, so I won't go into details. He is currently wearing over two hundred pounds in weights, and-"
"Excuse me, how old are you, Araiguma?" The Sand ANBU asked hesitantly. Gaara looked at him and gave him a dazzling smile.
"Seven and a half," he said, grinning. "Sensei, I think I can take over from here," Gaara said, looking at me. I nodded and took a step back, joining Shukaku and Kyuubi. "As Kiiroi Kitsune-sensei said, I am the holder of a summoning contract. I think it is important for you to know that I hold the summoning contract for demon and mortal raccoons, such as Shukaku over there. The seal holding Shukaku sealed within me has been improved by Kitsune-sensei and allows me to have some control over his power when Shukaku is released. I can absorb his chakra and pull him back into the seal if he misbehaves.
"I'm wearing fifty pounds on each leg and arm with an additional thirty on my vest. Without the weights, I have no doubt that I can beat any and all Suna nin in a race or battle. I can call on Shukaku's chakra at any point, creating what Sensei called a demon cloak. I can form a Rasengan, one of the Yondaime Hokage's original jutsu. Everything else you'll learn in time," Gaara finished, smirking as his father's jaw fell.
"How did you learn the Rasengan?"
"A lot of practice, water balloons, small explosions, and quite a lot of time," Gaara chuckled, looking at me.
"Gaara, I think he meant how anyone could teach you that. The Rasengan was supposed to die with Namikaze Minato," I explained, scratching Kyuubi behind the ears. "Don't worry, Kazekage. A very small number of people know Namikaze jutsu and only I know the Hiraishin."
"You- you know the-"
"Yes, I know the Hiraishin. If you look, there is a seal above your doorway," I said, shrugging. The ANBU stood and walked towards the doorway, standing on his toes as he checked the doorway. Turning so that he faced us, he gave the Kazekage a nod. "I did that the last time I was here, when you sent Yashamaru after Gaara. When you sent for Temari, I snuck in after her and placed the seal before going back to Yashamaru's place. I've had this jutsu mastered for over two years of my life."
"And how old are you, Kiiroi Kitsune?" the current Kazekage spat. I smiled behind my mask, anticipating his reaction. Kyuubi and Shukaku tensed, leaning forward.
"Well, I just celebrated my birthday," I chuckled, remembering the small party we had thrown in Kiri. "I'm eight years old."
"What?" The Kazekage laughed. He actually laughed. Kyuubi growled threateningly but I shrugged it off, forming a Rasengan/Chidori and activating my demon eyes before staring at Gaara's father.
"I may be eight years old, but I am more powerful than you can even imagine. I am the holder of the demon fox contract and a personal friend and vessel of the Kyuubi no Kitsune. I was taught by Sharingan Kakashi and can now beat him in single combat, leaving him in the hospital while I leave without a scratch. I am the only Kitsune-Sennin and my father's son. Do not try to belittle me. You will only get yourself killed."
"Sensei, I know he deserves it but can you make an effort to not kill my father? I'd rather not have to deal with a new Kazekage."
"A new-" Gaara's father began to stammer before I cut him off.
"Good point, Gaara, even though I told you not to call me sensei. Kitsune or taicho work just as well. Yondaime, I'll try not to kill you while I'm in Suna. No guarantees, but I will try. Kyuu, that goes to you too," I said. The demon narrowed his eyes but faced away from Gaara's father. "I'm serious Kyuu, one wrong move and you're sealed."
"I wasn't going to kill him, kit. The longer he stays alive, the longer I get to laugh at him."
The Kazekage looked at the nine tailed fox pointedly, trying to decipher his words. Gaara chuckled under his breath and I laughed loudly, not bothering to hide my amusement. Gaara's father glared at me openly and I added more chakra to the Rasengan making wind whip around the office. The Kazekage gulped and backed away.
"Now, Kazekage, if you are finished, I'll be saying hello to some old friends; Gaara? Are you going to come with me or try to talk some sense into your father?"
"I'll catch up; I need to make sure he understands a few things."
"Don't tell him anything I wouldn't, especially about me. I'm going to be giving that speech to Konoha first."
"Okay. Say hello to Temari and Sandstorm for me, I'll see them as soon as I'm done here." I nodded and smiled.
"Remember to stick to the plan. If I don't see you before I leave, see you in a few years."
"Same to you, sensei," Gaara said, smiling an animalistic grin.
"Taicho," I corrected. Gaara smiled and nodded, chuckling quietly. "Ja ne," I said, pulling a Kakashi: I eased out of the window, waving goodbye to the jinchuuriki, the Yondaime Kazekage, and a very startled ANBU.
"Sabaku no Temari… You're still short," I smiled, leaning in the doorway of Temari's Academy classroom. The Chuunin instructor stared at me, apparently angry at having his class interrupted. He looked over my now unmasked face and frowned, not recognizing me.
"Naruto-kun!" Temari shouted, surprised. Her smile fell into a concerned frown. "Why are you here? Is Gaara-"
"He's fine, he's okay. I just thought that I should stop by before I go back to my village. I'm from Konoha," I explained to the chuunin. He frowned and reached for his belt, probably for a kunai or shuriken. "Calm down, chuunin-san, I'm only here to say hello. I've already seen the Kazekage, he knows I'm on my way out."
"Who let you leave Konoha? You can't even be a genin yet," the chuunin exclaimed, confused.
"Nobody really let me leave, per say. As for my rank, I'm not technically a genin yet. I am, however, an S-ranking ninja in the Bingo Book if that changes your opinion of me. You may know me as the Kiiroi Kitsune or the Kitsune-Sennin."
"The Kiiroi Kitsune is a kid? I highly doubt that," the chuunin said, rolling his eyes.
"I'd challenge you to a spar but I don't think the either of our Kage would be very happy if I hurt you," I said, making the children in the classroom laugh and the chuunin redden with anger. "Anyway, can I have a few minutes to talk to Temari-chan?"
Without waiting for an answer, I walked into the room, grabbed Temari's wrist, and pulled her out of the classroom, laughing.
"So what is this all about, Naruto?" Temari asked, still laughing at the image of her teacher's face as she was pulled out of the class.
"It's about Sandstorm; I need to talk to her about something important."
"What about? The fact that she can turn into a human or the fact that she didn't seem to know about that ability until she transformed during training?"
"She already turned? I'm so sorry, I meant to come back before that happened. When did it happen?"
"Last week. Let's just say that Kankuro was very surprised," Temari said, chuckling. I smiled, imagining the puppeteer's face as he watched Sandstorm turn into a beautiful teenage-looking girl. "Do you want to see her? She should be somewhere in the village; she doesn't usually come to class with me, she says that everything they teach at the Academy is a waste of time."
"It is. I think I'll summon her; it's faster than searching on foot, even with my demon eyes activated."
"Demon eyes?"
"New bloodline I… inherited, I guess, from Kyuubi. Anyway, Kuchiyose no Jutsu: Sandstorm!" I said, slamming my palm to the sandy street. A puff of smoke rose and parted, revealing Sandstorm in her fox form. Seeing me, she snarled and crouched, ready to pounce.
"Naruto," she growled. "Give me one good reason as to why I shouldn't disembowel you where you stand."
"Because that would kill Kyuu?"
"Try again," she snarled. Looking at her with admiration, I saw the honesty in her threat.
"Because I can talk to you about your parents. I wasn't lying to Temari when I said I found you alone," I said quietly. Sandstorm, with wide eyes, shifted out of her crouch and closed her eyes in concentration. When she opened them, she was human: standing at 5'6", she had tanned skin and bright green eyes not unlike Gaara's. Her blond hair was cut short, out of her face.
"Tell me," she demanded.
"I can't tell you everything now, it's not the right time. You need to be a little older before I tell you everything. You are a true kitsune, a half blood; no matter how strong you become, you will always have just one tail when you are in your fox form. I can tell you that your mother was a human named Aisa from Whirlpool Country, the same as my mother, and your father was a three tailed demon fox named Mamoru. I only knew your mother, and for a short time at that, but she was always smiling and laughing. She was one of my mother's closest friends before my mother, Uzumaki Kushina, left Whirlpool to become Kyuubi's second jinchuuriki. Your mother was away on a solo mission when Whirlpool Country was attacked and destroyed. I found your mother while I was away training Gaara, after I had entrusted you to Temari. She was in Kumo and really sick. I offered to heal her with my medical ninjutsu but she refused. She said that, as long as you were safe, she was happy."
"Is- is she-?" Sandstorm asked, sniffing.
"She died right before we left Cloud two days later. I'm sorry," I apologized to the kitsune. She seemed to mull it over for a while before she smiled tightly.
"Guess I'm like you, Naruto."
"An orphan but still kickass to anyone that gets in our way?"
"Yep," she said, laughing. "When do you go back to Konoha?"
"Right now, actually. I only came back to Suna to drop off Gaara and talk to you and Temari. I had hoped to come back before you had transformed. I've helped others through the transition; you weren't the first kitsune I had found," I explained, smiling. At mention of her brother, Temari's eyes lit up.
"Where is he?"
"I left him talking to your father. He should be back any- there you are, Gaara," I said, smiling at a building. Temari looked at me as if I was insane but stopped when a chuckle sounded from the sandy wall. Gaara deactivated his camouflage jutsu and jumped down from the wall.
"How did you know I was there?" Gaara asked, looking between myself and Temari. Recognizing his sister, he smiled and gave her a hug. She stiffened slightly before relaxing and hugging her youngest brother back. "I missed you Temari-neechan."
"It's okay, Temari. He's different. I taught him to separate his consciousness from Shukaku's and it was that closeness that drove him nearly insane. Gaara is in control over that part of him, just as I am with Kyuu. As for your question Gaara, my sense of smell is inhuman, ever since I signed the summoning contract. Your senses should begin to heighten as well, but yours' won't be as acute as mine." I chuckled as Temari pulled back and smiled at her brother.
"I missed you too, Gaara. How have you been? I haven't seen you in so long…" Temari said, watching her brother smile and laugh. "You're so different."
"Yeah, Naruto-sensei helped me with Shika. He improved the seal our teme of a father put on me."
"He isn't that bad, Gaara-niichan. He's changed…"
"Maybe to you. The first thing he did when he saw me was think about how he could make me into a weapon. Don't try to deny it, Naruto-sensei, you must have seen it in his eyes. The only thing keeping him from saying it was the fact that you kept threatening the man. Personally, I don't think he'll ever change to me."
"Just make sure you don't kill him. That'd screw up all my hard work and planning. And don't call me sensei!" I shouted, just noticing the suffix.
"Sure thing, Naruto-taicho," Gaara said, rolling his eyes, carefree. I chuckled and brushed the sand off of my pants, ready to leave. "Are you sure you can't stay a little longer?" Gaara asked, pouting. I gave him my signature vulpine grin and shook my head.
"I have a mate to get back to. I promised her I'd only be gone as long as I was training and setting up my network. I've finished both as much as I can in a year, it's time for me to go back to Konoha." I stretched and sent a pulse of chakra to Hinata's necklace. Gaara shivered, feeling the subtle pulse; Temari didn't even notice.
"I'll stick to the plan, make sure you don't mess up on your end, Naruto-taicho."
"No problem. I'll see you at the Exams, cub." I chuckled, using Shukaku's nickname for Gaara. His eyes narrowed before he shook his head, chuckling quietly. "Bye Temari, Sandstorm. Remember what I said last time I was here," I said, nodding to the two before following my pulse to Hina-chan.