So we've spent enough time in Konoha at this point. We have established a solid foundation, time for Kurama to actually go out.

Oh boy am I excited for Suna :3c

Also RIP all the bandits that think that Kurama is a pretty damsel in distress.

Leave a review, they fuel my writer's soul.

Despite letting his guard unwillingly, or actually because he had done so, the lunch and game wasn't suffocating.

Oh, it was still a word and information game but it felt more casual, which Kurama really appreciated if he was being honest. At least Kurama also got to play one of the hardest shogi games he's played in a long time.

It was really only humans that played board games, and after a while that got boring because they became predictable.

Kurama didn't despise that he actually lost the game which was rare. But internally Kurama had deemed Shikaku Nara a worthy opponent of equal grounding and thus it wasn't such a blow to his pride to lose to the man.

The silver-haired man might have been his first competitor, but Shikaku had quickly taken the spot as his top, most formidable competitor.

Probably the biggest highlight, well after he met with the alpha deer, was when Shikaku casually offered to let Kurama come over once a week. Kurama didn't lie to himself, this was probably to get more information and figure him out, but it also meant that Kurama could have some true relaxing time in the forest with the deer.

Don't get him wrong, Kurama enjoyed Naruto's and Iruka's company, but even then, he had to be on guard. And even though he had to be somewhat on guard in the forest with Shikaku there, he could still relax for the first time. He could let his tightly honed instincts go free just a little bit and be able to interact with someone on a baser level.

Humans almost always added layers upon layers upon themselves and every interaction, but with animals it was different. Animals were still complex, but they also had the instincts to be able to tell the difference of certain things.

Honestly, if Shikaku wasn't in the forest with him, Kurama would have changed into his true hybrid form. He had nothing to hide from the deer, they knew what he was and he could say the same for them.

Still, it was nice to let some more of the human instincts fade away a little and just enjoy nature.

Just because Kurama was part human and especially looked human right now, did not actually make him human in any regard. He was first and foremost a demon, a fox demon to be more specific. Just because he added a layer to himself with being born to a human mother didn't change his true nature.

A few weeks actually passed. Kurama was settling better in to Konoha, though he would never be fully relaxed except for a bit in the Nara forest. Kurama still made Naruto his lunch and regularly offered him dinner, making sure that Naruto was actually eating something other than ramen.

It didn't take long since that first visit to the Academy for Iruka to actually warm up to him, which was very nice. Oh, Iruka would never share actual secrets, but he was much more open and willing to give out information if asked.

Which, having Iruka giving him more information was helping vastly more than when Kurama was visiting the civilian library.

Kurama even managed to sneak in some shinobi lessons by sitting with Naruto when Iruka went over the material again.

He could safely say what shinobi weapons were and how in theory they operated. He didn't dare practice or even buy any currently, but in a fight, he wouldn't be fumbling around.

Though it did cross Kurama's mind to start putting up his hair and hiding senbons in it, but he loved his long flowing hair so decided against it.

Kurama had worked very hard on being strong enough that his long hair wasn't a hindrance in a fight or just every day activity. He wasn't going to start putting it up just to hide more weapons; the seeds in his hair served some of those purposes anyway.

The only thing Kurama didn't accomplish was visiting the plant shop ran by a clan. There was something about that man, his clan, and the shop in general that raised his hackles internally. The most alarming thing too was the instinct to better shield his mind.

Being a demon, Kurama had to be very effective in blocking out mental attacks; a distracted demon was a dead demon. So, he took the time to build a mindscape and then surround it in protection.

Now, he couldn't always tell when someone was trying to get in his mind, but usually there was a twitch in his barrier which let him know. And with that twitch, he could fully slam his shields down, hopefully cutting off the intruder. But if the intruder was good enough, Kurama wouldn't even notice until it was too late and they had gotten into some parts they shouldn't have.

It had been such a long time since Kurama had to worry about mental attacks, living in the human world, but there was something about the Yamanaka that were raising his instincts.

So, Kurama avoided the clan and the shop without being obvious. To throw off actual suspicion he would sometimes enter the shop, but he would always make sure the Inoichi wasn't in there when he was buying something from there.

Going by the fact that Shikaku Nara was a clan head, and they were all clearly teammates, it was safe to assume his companions were also clan heads.

And thus Kurama subtly avoided the Yamanaka clan head as best he could. It was a little difficult with him visiting the Nara as the Yamanaka clan, and the Akimichi for that matter, seemed very close. But Shikaku must have deemed him to not really be a threat because he never brought his teammates.

Kurama still hadn't seen the interior of the house, but he had seen Shikaku's wife and son, even if it was just a glance. The fact that Shikaku let him actually see them spoke volumes of how he was starting to become certain that Kurama wasn't a direct threat.

As much fun as Kurama was having in Konoha: playing with Shikaku, adopting Naruto, befriending Iruka, he really did need to get back to his original goal - finding his children.

Throughout knowing Naruto, Kurama deemed that his eldest's energy was dormant right now, meaning that Kurama couldn't contact him and find out what happened.

So that left only one thing, go to another of the big villages and try to find his other children. They better not be ripped in half too or Kurama was going to start killing now, asking questions later. (Well not really, but a lot of people were going to start popping up dead if that was the case and kindness was going out the door immediately.)

On one hand, Kurama hoped that it would be easier to find his other children, on the other, he didn't think he would like where they were being kept currently. But the faster he found them, the faster he could (would) free them, regardless of what the humans thought.

Biggest obstacle was finding them. Kurama had taken a good chunk of time feeling out with his demon energy, and even chakra, at what seemed to be a seal. To his relief, sealing basics were exactly the same (like hand signs), there were just more options and complexity now.

He would have to physically see the seal to completely understand it, but poking around just a little he could get the faintest idea what it was.

With how well it had been going though, Kurama decided to stay until the end of the year and start off the new year traveling.

Throughout his time here, he managed to accumulate a good chunk of funds. It helped immensely that he didn't really pay for fruits and vegetables, and though from a different dimension and looking slightly off, his clothes still fit in.

He had considered getting a part time job somewhere in the civilians' area but decided against it as he would be leaving soon.

Kurama was going to be a little upset about leaving Naruto after giving him so much care. He didn't want the little ball of sunshine to think Kurama was abandoning him, but he had to go find his children. Kurama might be adopting Naruto, but he helped physically raise the bijuu, and thus they came first.

He did notice though that they seemed to send messages via hawks and figured that at every village he could send a letter back to reassure Naruto. Naruto couldn't write back because he would probably be gone by the time the letter returns, but it was better than nothing.

Well, reassure Naruto and Iruka. Iruka was turning out to be a great friend, even if he had to fight him a little on Naruto's custody.

Kurama wondered if it was worth going through the legal process of adopting Naruto, but decided against it. He was a thief for many reasons, but one of them was because he didn't have to do any paperwork. An unofficial adoption was good enough, as long as Naruto knew and understood it.

Plus, what he learned from Iruka was that once Naruto graduated, he would be considered an adult so there wasn't really a point to adopt him now.

Oh, he was still adopting Naruto, it just wasn't going to be on legal paper. That was a thought though, even as an adult you can be adopted. Kurama would probably have to give that more serious thought though, so unofficial adoption right now.

Back to the present though, it was fast approaching the new year and Kurama hadn't really informed anyone of his travels. He briefly wondered if this would set back any progress he made with Shikaku. Well, Shikaku had known instantly that Kurama had other children so probably wouldn't set back too much.

So, when he did his weekly visit to the Nara complex less than a week before the new year, Kurama casually told Shikaku and the deer, "I might not be around soon. I have to go travel for a little bit."

"Oh, for your other children." Shikaku commented.

"Yes, I haven't seen them in a long time and I would like to again." Kurama easily answered back.

And that was the end of that conversation.

Now it was dinner with both Iruka and Naruto in his apartment and he had to break the news that he would be gone for a bit. He wasn't quite sure how Naruto would react but hopefully Kurama could calm him down and Iruka was here as backup.

Though before he gave unpleasant news, he had taken out 2 packages.

Kurama had noticed that without the influence, Christmas wasn't a holiday here, but New Years was still celebrated and it was relatively ok to give out gifts. He wanted to give them out now before he would take off and didn't want to wait last minute.

Both of them seemed surprised and delighted though at the idea of presents.

Naruto couldn't help himself and immediately tore into his gift. To his confusion though, it was just a scroll with symbols on it.

"Ah, I should show you how to properly open it." Kurama commented before moving over and taking the scroll from Naruto.

He laid it on the floor, ruffled Naruto's hair, and pushed a little chakra into the seal.

The seal was pretty simplistic and was just storage though Kurama had been branching out a bit than just the basics.

Naruto gasped though when he saw the pile of clothes, a pouch, and a necklace.

"For me? All of it…?" Naruto couldn't help but ask as he couldn't take his eyes away from the gift.

"All for you. I hope you don't mind, some of the clothes are a little too big so that you can grow into them a little more." Kurama smiled gently at the boy that was quickly becoming like his son.

Naruto started to tear up a little but stubbornly forced his tears away and sat next to the objects. He was gentle when he looked at each piece of clothing. It wasn't many clothes but Kurama had bought civilian and some shinobi clothes for him.

Naruto gave a delighted gasp though when he picked up the pouch and found some kunai in it.

And if there were less kunai in there than he had bought, well only he knew that. Just because he was buying this for Naruto didn't mean he wouldn't slip a few into his own stash of weapons.

Iruka had been quietly watching Naruto go through his gift, not even starting to open his own package. Kurama swore he saw Iruka's eyes become glassy with tears for a minute there, but he didn't call the chunin out on it.

Lastly, Naruto gently picked up the necklace.

As much as Kurama would have rather used fox imagery to give Naruto, he also vividly knew that the animal and the color he would use would be very unwelcome. So, he compromised in getting a red rose.

"I put a very simple seal on the charm, if you channel chakra into it, it will act like a beacon. I'm still messing around with it, but I hold the other copy and it can lead me to you if you are in trouble." Kurama explained for both their benefits.

"The material of the charm and of the necklace itself are shinobi strong so you shouldn't worry too much of it getting broken."

Naruto was opening and closing his mouth, trying to form words and failing. Kurama walked over and gently took the necklace and put it around Naruto's neck. "There." He stated softly as he raised from his crouched position.

It was a good thing Kurama had his reflexes and strength or he would have immediately fallen on the floor from the amount of force Naruto turned and jumped at him. Naruto had wrapped his arms around Kurama's torso, with his face buried just above his stomach.

Kurama couldn't help but run gentle fingers through Naruto's hair as he felt a patch of his clothes become wet. Kurama's human mother used to do this whenever he was overwhelmed, even if he didn't usually need it.

Kurama glanced over at Iruka to see the man with glassy eyes but stubbornly not allowing the tears to fall. Kurama then, on impulse, dropped a kiss on top of Naruto's head which just made Naruto start to cry harder.

Kurama didn't quite know how long they stood there, Kurama holding the blonde child he had come to see as his own. But finally, Naruto's breathing started to even out and he started to pull away.

Kurama couldn't stop the smile as he saw Naruto's face flush in embarrassment from crying but quickly commented, "I'm glad you liked your gift."

Naruto gave Kurama a smaller but more heartfelt smile and just nodded, not trusting his voice. He sat back on the floor, and started to more thoroughly go through his gifts.

"Before you leave, I'll show you how to use the storage seal. I want you to use that storage seal as much as you can, I know that your stuff isn't the best protected." Kurama stated before turning to Iruka.

Ever since Kurama moved in next door, vandals and thieves couldn't get even close to Naruto's apartment. But with him leaving, even if for a while, he felt better if Naruto's stuff was safeguarded. Kurama still didn't quite understand the level of hatred the civilians had towards the blonde, but it didn't mean he wouldn't try to help the blonde in any way he could.

Iruka was just staring at Naruto with almost a blank face, but his eyes were a swirl of emotions. Finally, he jerked himself out of the trance and looked at Kurama.

The fox demon hybrid could clearly see the gratefulness in Iruka's eyes, but he didn't do it for that, it was just a nice bonus. Still, Iruka gave Kurama an emotional smile before turning to his own gift.

This one was also on a scroll but it was a smaller scroll. "You can open it on the table." Kurama helpfully pointed out.

Iruka nodded and after laying it flat he put in just a bit of chakra to unseal the contents. Inside were some jars and some basic medical equipment.

"I know that you are primarily a teacher, but you probably still practice on a regular basis. Those creams will help get rid of bruises, sore muscles, and heal some cuts with no scar. I had to make them myself with the plants I have around the apartment, but I hope they help." Kurama explained while he humorously looked around his apartment to take in just all the potted plants he had out.

Iruka gave a smile before picking up one of the jars. "The instructions are on the paper on the side of the jar." The red head explained further.

Iruka's smile just widened a little and he gave Kurama a nod of gratitude.

Kurama was pretty proud of himself for the gifts. With the lack of a winter holiday like Christmas he didn't quite know when he could give them something like this. Which reminded him, he had a gift for Shikaku and the deer; he'll drop it off later.

Kurama let them enjoy their gifts a little longer before stating, "Besides the gifts though, I have an announcement."

At this, both shinobi looked up at him immediately. If he wasn't about to deliver sad news, he would have laughed at how in sync that turn and look was from the both of them.

"Once the new year comes, I'll be off traveling a bit. I don't quite know where I'm going but I'll probably still send mail back, you just can't reply. I will come back at some point but I don't have a concrete idea of when that will be." Kurama finally dropped the bomb.

Iruka nodded his head while Naruto started to look devastated. "Now none of that, I will still send you letters as I travel and I will be coming back. There are just some things I have to do outside of the village." Kurama told Naruto before Naruto could become too sad about him leaving.

He didn't look happy about the news, but at least he looked like he understood that Kurama wasn't abandoning him. "You'll be good for Umino-san right?" Kurama asked almost rhetorically.

"Iruka."

Kurama didn't quite startle at the word but he still glanced at Iruka. Kurama gave a wide smile, "Iruka-san then."

Naruto stuck out his bottom lip stubbornly and gave a nod. This kid really was adorable.

Kurama felt content as he watched the both of them enjoy his gifts, and was especially content in knowing that he was going out for his children finally. He just hoped that he wouldn't despise what had happened to the bijuu (well more than he currently did).