Hi! I'm alive! I'm so sorry I kind of dropped off the rader. A lot has been happening in my life. Good things. I got a new job and moved to a new city! But really the reason I haven't posted is simply because I've been lazy. My posts aren't going to be regular and I should have told you guys that. So again...sorry! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

I don't know when the next is going to be but I'm not going to abandon this story. I may just be a little...George RR. Martin about it. For those of you who aren't complete nerds and don't get that reference, George RR Martin is the writer of Game of Thrones and he is notorious for waiting a really long time to write new material for his book. The Game of Thrones series still isn't finished and it's been over 10 years!

Anyways, hope you enjoy!

"Kyuubi Speech"

"Midnight Speech"

"Everyone else's speech"

"Thought Speech"

Chapter 40

On with the story

A ladybug moved slowly across the pedals of a flower. Merely an inch away big purple pupils stared at the tiny creature with an amazement never before seen in those violet irises.

Sasuke was speechless, the boy moving a single clawed finger down in front of the tiny insect. It climbed onto his nail to rest, seemingly comfortable atop the digit. Sasuke brought the finger closer to his face, using his free hand to cover his mouth. It was all he could do to stop himself from crying.

A few yards away Kyuubi, Naruto, and Midnight sat huddled together. They all watched Sasuke explore his new environment with heart warming smiles on their faces.

Sasuke had been walking around on wobbly legs all morning, the boy crawling now to simply take in the sights of the forest. He gazed upon every blade of grass, every leaf, every minuscule organism and small creature which inhabited the forest around them.

"How...how is this possible? How could I...we have missed so much?" Sasuke questioned in disbelief while settling down the ladybug onto a leaf and casting his glance up to marvel at the sky, the tree line, the life around him.

Strings of chakra weaved and flowed within every living thing, connecting everything together in an intricate network, an invisible web of chakra normally invisible to even Hyuuga eyes. What Sasuke saw now was like a creature without eyes seeing color for the first time. The beauty, the feeling of connection and oneness, it was indescribable.

Sasuke's eyes slowly settles on the trio watching him, a river of ever-flowing tears pouring down his cheeks. Just seeing his face was too much for the group. Naruto held a tender smile, the effeminate tween holding his dainty hands delicately against his own chest. He could feel everything that Sasuke was experiencing. This was different than when Naruto transformed. When Naruto transformed his focus was on his new mother. She was his world. Sasuke's transformation was more general, opening his eyes and his heart to beauty he'd never been able to recognize before. Every demonic transformation would be different but equally profound.

Sasuke tried to stand again, having been crawling before. Again his knees wouldn't allow it. He fell forward into the grass, catching himself with claws fingers digging into the dirt. No one moved to help him. They knew he'd want to work on succeeding on his own, discovering the limitations of his new body which was similar to his old one but still different in so many ways.

"I guess this might take a while." Sasuke joked lightheartedly while sitting up on his butt.

Naruto released that familiar high pitched giggle, covering his mouth with one hand.

"We have plenty of time. Don't worry about that. Let's just...enjoy this." Naruto whispered in a gentle tone.

As he spoke a small squeeze was felt near his belly. Midnight had her arms wrapped around his petite form from behind, the pale skinned demoness watching them with a contented expression.

Naruto looked back to her, the two meeting gazes silently. What they felt at this moment, it was sacred. The entire atmosphere had been like this all day. It would not be inappropriate to say that love was in the air.

Kyuubi watched over the group, kneeling in the grass behind Midnight and Naruto. She maintained a pleased expression, holding a smile of deep satisfaction. She witnesses Sasuke fall over again as he attempted to stand up, only for the boy to release childish laughter from the failed attempt. A laughter she'd never heard from the, now, raven haired demon child.

Wordlessly Kyuubi rose to her feet to step past Midnight and Naruto and walk over to Sasuke. As she neared her body was engulfed by flames which dissipated as soon as the embers arrived. Kyuubi's voluptuous frame was clothed by a blood red, silky dress. The bottom fabric of the skirt dragged across the grass as the woman moved gracefully towards the boy.

Upon arriving in front of Sasuke Kyuubi presented a hand to him. Instead of kissing it Sasuke rubbing his cheek against the back of her fingers, nuzzling against her affectionately. Kyuubi was rather pleased, the woman bending over at the waist to place a little kiss into his hair between the furry black fox ears which sprouted from atop his head.

"Take all the time you need Sweetheart. In fact I want you to spend as much time as possible enjoying this, thinking of nothing else. If it's ok with you I'm going to forbid you from leave our home for at least a week." Kyuubi proposed in a sweet voice.

Sasuke nodded with no resistance. He sat back, supporting his weight on his hands. The boy closed his eyes, inhaling deeply to take in the scent of the world around him. His toes dug into the dirt, the same with his fingers.

"Yea...sounds good." The boy stated nonchalantly.

He wasn't going to complain. Kyuubi nodded in approving before walking past him.

"Where are you going mother?" Naruto called out curiously.

Midnight raised a brow, matching Naruto's curiosity.

"I have some business to take care of but none of you need worry about that. That decree applies to both of you as well. This is a special time. I expect you to make the most of it." Kyuubi spoke in a authoritative yet motherly voice.

Naruto nodded in acknowledgement. Midnight's gaze lingered on Kyuubi as the ancient demoness departed with a regal swagger. She decided not to think more of it. Whatever business Kyuubi needed to take care of Midnight knew the woman would be able to handle it.

"Oh, hey." Sasuke called out suddenly, drawing the gazes of Naruto and Midnight.

A small baby bear had wandered into the clearing, exploring curiously. Sasuke watched the bear with childlike wonder. Seemingly without hesitation it ambled over to Sasuke, tentatively placing it's muzzle next to the boy's face and sniffing at his skin. To Midnight and Naruto's bemusement Sasuke mimicked the bear's behavior, sniffing at the cub. Sasuke raised both hands to carefully delve his digits into the bear's brown fur.

"I've never seen a bear before." Sasuke commented idly.

Naruto laid his head atop Midnight's shoulder. He could feel Sasuke's wonder. Midnight couldn't help the bright smile growing along her face.

"They can sense you as you sense them. They are drawn to you. They feel what's happening. They feel what is to come." Midnight explained with a narrowed gaze.

Sasuke glanced over to the demoness.

"What is to come?" As he spoke that question a rustling of leaves was heard nearby.

A much larger bear made its presence known, ambling over to Sasuke and the cub. Despite Sasuke literally having his razor sharp claws digging into the cub the mother bear didn't seem alarmed. It joined in, applying small licks of it's large tongue to the side of Sasuke's face. Sasuke couldn't help laughing. He felt no threat from the creature, nor it him.

Midnight never answered Sasuke's question, something which Naruto noticed. Naruto could see the look of pure satisfaction on her pale face. There was something almost sinister about Midnight's smile. Naruto found her reaction amusing. He could tell what was on her mind.

Elsewhere...

"Akiyo did you find the Iko Business document?" A feminine voice called out.

"Yes, they're appointment has been pushed to 2:30pm... Yes, Sir I understand you have a schedule to keep but you'll simply have to wait patiently like everyone else." Another woman responded back before directing her words to a disgruntled man in front of her.

"This is the third time my appointment has been pushed back!" The man retorted in annoyance.

"I understand Sir…" The woman went on.

This described the busy scene of the Hokage tower waiting room. Three receptionists stood behind a counter processing a line of guests and a stack of paperwork. Employees entered and exited the reception room, taking paperwork to the back halls of the building.

One woman was currently reviewing some documents with a look of stress on her brow, however her mood brightened considerably when noticing a certain redhead entering from the front door.

"Kurama-chan. Good morning!" The woman's voice rang out.

As soon as the woman spoke the other receptionists also brightened up, shouting past the bodies of their guests to greet the ancient demoness.

"Kurama-chan, you're here earlier than usual!"

Kyuubi sauntered forward with a pleased expression, walking past the line of guests and heading straight for the receptionist desk. She drew a few curious glance. When she arrived at the counter Kyuubi bent over at the waist slightly to lean along the counter, staring alluringly at the three.

"Ever the busy bees. You seem more backed up than usual." Kyuubi drawled out.

"Hard to miss." One middle aged woman replied in a teasing manner while walking past the group with a stack of papers, she was carrying them towards the back.

Kyuubi let out a sultry giggle before reaching forward to place a delicate touch along the cheek of the woman in front of her.

"So what's caused the stir Eriko?" The demoness questioned curiously.

Eriko released a gentle sigh from the touch. There was something about Kyuubi which was always so calming about her presence.

In the months that Kyuubi had been regularly acting as the Hokage's consultant she'd gotten to know the staff quite well. Despite Kyuubi's apparent youth she'd become sort of a big sister to many of the workers, taking part in the gossip, giving out advice and encouragement, and always being an ear who would listen.

"The Hokage's current meeting is going longer than usual. He's had to cancel several meetings because of a few special guests." Eriko explained.

"Hey, instead of wasting time talking you could spend more time processing my paperwork!" The same disgruntled man called out.

Kyuubi turned around eerily in order to lay her intense purple eyes on the man. His body instantly froze. Her gaze lingered for a moment before shifting to the long line of people waiting. Each person felt a chill crawl up their spine.

"This simply won't do at all. I think many of you have forgotten yourself. You are in the Hokage tower, not a line at a restaurant. If you cannot show proper respect…" Kyuubi began before hopping up on the receptionist desk to rest her covered rump atop the counter. She crossed her legs in a sensual manner, now looking down at the crowd with a narrowed gaze.

"...I can teach you proper respect." Her voice whispered in a haunting tone.

Almost immediately the huge line dispersed. Many kept their eyes on her and left the tower out right. Those that remained sat down in the waiting room silently, where they should have been in the first place instead of forming a line out of impatience. When that particular man sat down he had to bow his head to avoid Kyuubi's gaze.

No one said anything but they could sense it, Kyuubi's presence was unsettling.

With a contented smile Kyuubi turned her head to look back at Eriko. Eriko and the others seemed positively delighted. They were used to Kyuubi's presence. This wasn't the first time she'd done something like this for them and it probably wouldn't be the last. Kyuubi, in her human form, had developed quite the reputation. Still no one knew who she was but everyone was pretty sure that she was very dangerous. She had to be if she were worthy enough to be the Hokage's consultant.

"Now tell me Dear, who are these guests?"

In another part of the Hokage Tower...

"Now that you've had time to think things over I'd like to know how you feel about my proposal." A familiar old voice spoke out.

Sarutobi sat behind his desk looking upon two figures, his former students.

"I can't believe it's come to this. I feel partially responsible. If only I'd taken the boy in, maybe I could have…" An older man with long, spiky white hair began to lament.

"...That kind of thinking won't do us any good now Jiraiya. What's done is done. We need to focus on what we can do now." Sarutobi interrupted the man, filling the area with a cloud of smoke from his nostrils after speaking

Jiraiya gritted his teeth and looked away. As he did a strong fist came down to crash atop the Hokage's desk, causing a deep crack in the wood.

"This can't be it. There has got to be something else we can do. He's just a boy. Maybe with some time...possibly therapy." A young looking blonde-haired woman barked out, though her voice became softer at the end of her sentence.

"This isn't something you can just talk away. The period of time where we could have brought him back from the brink, where we could have shown him another path...it's gone. With all due respect Tsunade-Sama." A voice from behind spoke out towards the blonde-haired woman.

Tsunade swiveled her head to look back at Kurenai. Kurenai stood with her arms crossed, a solemn gaze in her scarlet orbs.

"I told you not to address me in that manner." Tsunade huffed in annoyance.

Kurenai nodded, showing a gentle smile.

"Of course."

"Calm down Tsunade. This isn't productive. I need an answer." Sarutobi spoke up, trying to keep the group on track.

Tsunade swiveled her head to send a harsh look towards Sarutobi. He could tell she wasn't angry at him, more the situation.

"How am I supposed to stay calm after everything you've told us? How can you be so calm? This is the end of us, of everything. There is no fucking way we are going to make it at this rate, under the conditions she gave. It's just a matter of time. And you want me to stay here and basically do nothing to confront the problem directly?" Tsunade ranted.

Sarutobi stared at her with an unfaltering gaze.

"Yes."

Sarutobi's table exploded as Tsunade's fist came crashing down upon it once more. Wood chips sailed in all directions though no one was hurt, given that everyone present were all shinobi.

"I just...can't believe this." A quieter voice spoke out from a corner of the room.

Everyone's eyes shifted over to a man leaning against the wall. His head was hung low, his posture seemed defeated. When he lifted his head a trail of tears were streaming down his eyes. Sarutobi looked over to the man in quiet understanding. Kurenai walked over to him and place a hand along his shoulder.

"It's ok Iruka." The red eyed woman spoke gently.

"How can it be? Naruto...did all those horrible things. I didn't believe it at first, I thought it was some kind of sick joke but...it is just now sinking in." Iruka whispered in a shaky voice.

Kurenia tugged Iruka's body into him, embracing him in a hug.

"Its ok. We will figure this out."

From the side Jiraiya nodded.

"We can overcome this, we just need time to come up with something." The toad Sannin mused, almost too himself.

Tsunade nodded in agreement, standing up straight and crossing her arms.

"That's right. This won't be the end. I'll crush them myself if I have to." Tsunade spat out confidently.

Sarutobi shook his head.

"No, this is not the way, this is the type of thinking that started all this. We need to…" Before he could finish a sultry voice interrupted him.

"My my, crush us you say? How bold." The slick voice of Kyuubi drawled out as she walked forward from the doorway.

Everyone but Sarutobi stood on high alert. Jiraiya rose quickly from his seat, instantly understanding the situation. Tsunade stood at his side, her face contorted into a harsh glare.

Further to the side Iruka was completely froze, staring at the woman in terror. Kurenai let go of the man to stand with her arms at her side. She was more calm and used to Kyuubi's presence. At least more than the others. Sarutobi remained seated, lamenting Kyuubi's timing inwardly to himself.

Kyuubi's body adorned that silky Victorian dress, much of her cleavage exposed, not that anyone present would care. Unlike usual where her tails would be hidden, Kyuubi's nine fox tails swayed behind her. Her claws were extended, teeth elongated. Despite her demonic visage Kyuubi walked with calm grace, hands resting against her pelvis. She stopped a few feet away from Jiraiya and Tsunade.

"Well, here I am." Kyuubi spoke out playful yet challenging tone.

Despite Tsunade's earlier ferocity the woman didn't move, her confidence faltering. Jiraiya was unsure what to do. This was The Kyuubi. He'd been briefed on everything that has happened until now. Not even his master could beat her. In this current position, with her so clearly ready for them, that didn't stand a chance.

As usual it was Sarutobi's job to attempt to break the tension. He huffed another cloud of smoke through his nose, calmly rising from his seat. He placed a hand on the shoulders of his pupils.

Tsunade and Jiraiya tore their fearful gaze away from Kyuubi to look at Sarutobi. Both were thrown off by his poise.

"Be calm. You have nothing to fear here. Isn't that right Kurama-chan?" Sarutobi spoke now towards Kyuubi.

Tsunade and Jiraiya's expressions were beyond shocked when hearing the way in which Sarutobi addressed the ancient demoness. Kyuubi caught the gaze Sarutobi sent her. She smiled gently and relaxed, raising a hand over her mouth to release a sultry giggle.

"Of course Hiru-kun. I wouldn't hurt your precious students." Kyuubi stated lighthearted while moving forward in a more casual way, passing by Jiraiya.

All eyes were on her, a mix of confusion, anger, fear, anxiousness in their expressions. Kyuubi would definitely commit their reactions to memory.

Once she passed Jiraiya a small pout formed across her painted lips. She kneeled down and reached forward to pick up a few straps of wood.

"This was my favorite desk." The ancient demoness stated in a huff.

Her hands began to glow a dark red. As it did the chunks of wood scattered all across the room began to glow as well. They rose into the air and sailed in front of Kyuubi to reform the desk. After just a moment the desk was completed, looking brand new. Kyuubi showed a pleased smile, rising to her feet and turning around to settle her skirted ass along the counter. She crossed her legs and placed her hands atop her knees.

"Much better." The demoness cooed.

The entire room were flabbergasted, looking from Kyuubi to Sarutobi.

"What is this?" Tsunade questioned in apprehension.

Sarutobi calmly returned to his seat, folding his hands atop the desk.

"This is where we talk." Sarutobi explained.

Tsunade and Jiraiya's mind were racing, still trying to process all that had happen. Kyuubi's behavior wasn't something they expected from a cold blooded demon who held absolute hate for humanity. Jiraiya slumped down in his chair, keeping his eyes on Kyuubi.

Tsunade mimicked him. She reached into her cleavage and pulled out a small guard before tossing her head back and chugging at the contents.

Kyuubi watched the two Sannin in amusement. She then shifted her playful gave over to Kurenai and Iruka. Iruka nearly jumped out of his skin when seeing her eyes land on him. Kyuubi grew a sympathetic expression.

"Come closer Darlings. I wouldn't want you to miss anything." Kyuubi insisted.

Kurenai moved without hesitation. Iruka followed soon after, sticking by Kurenai side and feeding off her strength.

"Kurama-San." Kurenai addressed Kyuubi respectfully with a small nod.

Jiraiya raised a brow at the familiar way in which Kurenai addressed Kyuubi.

"Kurenai Darling, your hair has grown. Going for a new look?" Kyuubi questioned in a casual manner.

Kurenai shook her head.

"Just too busy to cut it."

While Kurenai was used to Kyuubi's presence the woman was still a bit tense around the demon. Though notably less than the two Sannin and much less than iruka.

Kyuubi nodded before giving her attention to Iruka. He couldn't help flinching.

"It's nice to finally meet you Iruka-kun." Kyuubi's voice drawled out.

Iruka hesitated, bowing his head after a moment. He tried to speak but his voice was caught in his throat. Kyuubi frowned.

"Such a meek little thing you are. Absolutely adorable." Kyuubi cooed.

"I'll give you some time to adjust. I won't tease you too much. This must be so overwhelming." Kyuubi continued sympathetically, reaching forward to lightly sweep a manicured finger across a bit of the hair along the side of Iruka's head.

He couldn't help the terrified shiver that crept up his spine. Iruka while being a shinobi never rose past the rank of Chunin. He'd never even taken a life. Not only did he have to deal with his fear, but of the crushing reality that this demon was the mother of arguably his favorite and most cherished student. Kyuubi quickly pulled her hand back, the woman shaking her head.

"Poor thing." She said before lifting her legs up and laying down along Sarutobi's desk.

Since the desk was shaped like a upside down U, Kyuubi's body was positioned at Sarutobi's side. The woman was on her belly, the side of her head resting atop her forearms as she looked over to Sarutobi expectantly.

Sarutobi took his time, having been observing everyone's reactions. He knew this was a delicate situation. He exchanged glances with Kyuubi before nodding.

"Tea, just a bit of honey today." Sarutobi spoke out while leaning back in a relaxed manner.

Jiraiya and Tsunade had no idea what the old man was talking about. After Sarutobi spoke Kyuubi lifted a hand up and waved it lightly. As she did a small blue flame appeared atop Sarutobi's desk and when the flame dissipated a cup of tea appeared.

Sarutobi reached forward casually and picked up the tea, putting his pipe away to take a sip. The others were shocked. Did Kyuubi just follow an order given by Sarutobi?

"Document 46." Sarutobi spoke out again while glancing at Kyuubi.

The woman smirked, she could see what he was doing. Without hesitation the woman reached down and pulled out a drawer. It was of course close enough for Sarutobi to reach himself but the point was that Kyuubi was doing it for him. And everyone was a witness to Kyuubi's compliance.

"Here you go Darling." The demoness spoke out sweetly while pulling out a stack of papers and presenting it towards the Hokage.

Sarutobi calmly took them from her and placed the papers down on his desk, still holding his tea in one hand.

Even Iruka was taken aback, glancing from Sarutobi to Kyuubi, wondering to himself just what kind of relationship they had. The old Kage stacked those papers up neatly and reached over to Kyuubi. Kyuubi smiled warmly, reaching a delicate hand over to embrace him. They exchanged a lingering glance before shifting their attention to the four in front of them.

Tsunade let out an audible gasp, coughing and spitting out a bit of alcohol.

"What...the...hell?" She thought to herself, more or less mimicking the thoughts of the others.

Sarutobi visibly squeezed Kyuubi's hand, and she returned the gesture. The old man finally spoke to break the silence.

"We have much to discuss."

That's the end of the chapter. Please review~

Again, it will probably be a while until my next chapter. Hope this tides you over. Thanks for all the support! And please review!