Author's Note

Well, many apologies for the long wait. It's been at least two months now, I know...

If anyone follows my account then they know I've been working on a few other new stories between this one. But fret not, I cannot put this story down for long. Out of all my works, this one is my baby and I try to put the most thought, the most care and foresight into it.

In a sense I constantly hit writers block with this one, not because I don't know what I want to happen, but it is because I struggle with putting it down into words. Or, furthermore, I'm afraid of how it might negatively impact future chapters and I'm forced by myself to rewrite it.

As it stands right now, I rewrote the second half of this chapter at least five separate times, and I didn't enjoy any of them until I settled on this one. I also understand the fear of the Wave arc now, because I've heard of so many stories dying in wave, and I now feel that pain.

But we've made it through, so I take it as a W...

Uploaded

01/06/2022

Revised as of 03/06/2022

LEGEND BELOW

"If you don't shut it, I'm going to punish you..." = Normal speech.

''Hah! That'll teach him!'' = Normal thoughts.

"No... Go away..." = Bujuu/beast Naruto talking.

''So noisy...'' = Bujuu/beast Naruto's thoughts.

Chapter 12

Playtime is over.

The sun hung low in the sky above the land of Wave, ready to set the end of another day under the rule of the vile Gato.

Unbeknownst to the people of the land however, this would be the last day that they'd suffer under the cruel punishment from the despicable man. At the very least, a certain Hyuuga princess's nine tailed Yokai would see to it that the man met his fate, whether with his own claws or someone else's, Gato would die.

That was what he decided would happen, and no one would stop him. The mission he and his team went on didn't require this, only the protection of the bridge builder himself was the requirement.

However, it was the men that Gato employed and the disgusting man himself that set Naruto's heart ablaze in anger. Gato was doing everything he did out of greed and lust, taking children like livestock, slaves probably too many to count, and committing unspeakable atrocities.

If, for nothing else, Naruto had an unquenchable hatred for people in this world that raped women and children and thought they could get away with it. Thinking, what, that mere money could save them from their sins against the world? It was the same reason he held an uncontrollable hatred for Kumo, the village hidden in the clouds, because of what they attempted and almost succeeded in doing to Hanabi.

It was almost like a fatherly instinct, built deep into his mind, dictating his thoughts. Where such feelings came from was unknown.

But…

When he thought back to the little children that would smile up at him, a massive nine tailed fox whose power allowed him the ability to destroy everything around him, and could easily take the lives of those near him, his heart clenched. Those children, the ones that would climb on his belly when they thought he was napping in the gardens, playing with his tails without any fear, their innocence the most adorable thing in the world.

What would happen if he were to allow Gato to go unpunished? Those little children in the Hyuuga compound, the little children of Konoha, would Gato eventually get to them too? And then, above all, what about the girls on his team? What about Hinata…?

The very thought made him feel like puking, and he couldn't stomach the thought longer then he needed to.

Gato's men called him a demon, and perhaps in body they were right. But the real demon's were the likes of which were previously described. And he would purge them from the face of this earth, and they would find no ounce of mercy from him when he did.

Perhaps Hinata was right…

He really had become a protective mother fox over her, and the children of his village had won his heart with their actions. Mind you he meant little children, not the twelve year old little shits that acted just like their ungrateful parents. Maybe they'd too change however…

God forbid anyone dare to harm a child in his care, lest they suffer the wrath of a spiteful Yokai. And for those that take pleasure in doing so?

Well…

There was nowhere in the land that you could hide from him…

"Kurama-Kun? Are you okay?" The voice of the lavender eyed heiress snapped him from his thoughts, his flaming gaze torn from the window he'd been staring out.

"Oh…" He tore his attention away from the window. "Sorry Princess…" The little nine tailed fox muttered.

"You were staring literal holes into Tazuna's window… Are you alright?" The hyuuga heiress questioned softly, coming up from behind him. The fox sighed as she deftly plucked him from his position, holding him lovingly in her arms. If possible he'd pray to stay in this position forever.

"I'm just contemplating the plan… that's all, in fact…" He muttered, looking away. She narrowed her eyes.

"I know that look…"

"What look, I wonder?"

"That one…"

"I don't have a look."

"That's the look you have when you play with the Hyuuga children back home…" She ignored his blatant attempt to dissuade her. "I know what you're thinking…"

"Tsk…"

"I don't blame you for feeling that way." She muttered. He turned to her, surprised. "Neither will I try and stop you."

"…But… But I..-" He glanced down at his claws, the hyper sharpened digits glinting in the light. He just wanted to run them through the man…

"I know. I can feel it radiating off of you. The burning anger, the urge to tear him apart limb from limb, to keep them all safe. You can't hide that from me, Kurama-Kun…" The Heiress said softly.

She turned from the window, facing him again. His black lips were pulled back into a snarl, a terrifying look marring his maw. He couldn't help it, fangs exposed and ready to tear someone apart. There was a fire in his eyes, his slitted orbs glowing a baleful hot red.

"I'm sorr-"

"Don't apologize to me." She cut him off. "Please, don't ever apologize because of that." She grabbed hold of his cheeks, bringing his gaze to her own.

"But-"

"No, no buts. How could I ask something of you that goes against your blood?" She stated. His eyes widened, but he didn't speak. "Don't try and deny what you are just for my sake, you'll only hurt yourself…"

"What you are doesn't change my feelings towards you, nor does it change how I see you. You'll always be Kurama-Kun to me, no matter what form you take." She smiled genuinely, gently rubbing circles in his cheeks. "And besides. Your burning anger over such a subject really makes you such a big softy…" She commented lightly.

He felt a cooling warmth full his entire being at her words, unspoken worries that plagued him for years finally eased.

"Thank you, Princess." The little Kyuubi suddenly stood up, gently pulling away from her grasp. "I'm going to go get some air. I'll be back before dark…" He muttered, stretching lightly before trotting for the door.

Hinata watched him go, a small smile adorning her face. She felt like he really needed to hear that. Before he left, Hinata pulled aside Inari, saying something inaudible to him. The little boy nodded, before running to catch Naruto.

"H-Hey.. Kitsune-Sama…" Inari spoke up nervously from beside the fox. "Can I come with you..?" He asked nervously. He'd begun viewing Naruto in a much different light after the events that took place yesterday.

Naruto didn't say anything, but did make a 'follow me' gesture with one of his tails. The little boy smiled brightly, making sure to grab his coat and his hat before running out after the legendary fox Yokai.

A few moments passed before Tazuna appeared from the other room. "Do you think it was a good idea letting your fox go out alone?" The bridge builder commented worriedly.

Ino suddenly popped up from her half dressed position on the couch, half assed waving her un-bandaged arm. "Chill out… Fluffy-Kun is fine on his own…" She yawned. "He saved Inari when we were gone, he can protect himself."

"Yes well… protecting himself wasn't a worry, so I've learned. It's blowing up our entire village by accident while doing so…" Tazuna deadpanned, staring the spunky Yamanaka down.

She frowned, but nodded. "Oh… Yeah I guess that's a valid worry…" The blond glanced over to her best friend, the petite pink haired brute hand signing in return.

''Say goodbye to the town I guess…'' Sakura signed, shaking her head with a shrug.

Ino nodded sagely. "Yeah, I would."

"What? What's she saying?" He questioned, nervously.

''I mean, you were out cold when he was fighting Zabuza, so you didn't see it. Fluffy-Kun glassed the beachside…'' Sakura signed, making an awed expression. Ino's expression fell.

"No, really? Damn, now I'm upset I missed it…" The blond pouted, crossing her arms.

"He… He hasn't ever bombed your village before? Has he?" Tazuna shakily broached the question. Ino waved him off, clearing her throat.

"… no."

"Oh good, that's… W-Wait! You hesitated!" The man choked out, pointing an accusing finger at the blonde. Ino coughed.

"… no I didn't."

"Yes! Yes you did! You did it again just now!" He hissed, steaming. Ino rolled her eyes.

"Alright, fine… You crabby old coot…" The blonde grumbled under her breath. "Yeah… That might have happened once before…" She muttered, deliberately not making eye contact with him.

Sakura held an accusing two fingers up, tongue sticking out cutely.

"Oh yeah, he did blow up that training ground too, didn't he?" Ino asked aloud.

Tazuna wanted to faint, shakily making his way to the couch. Hinata felt like she'd needed to speak up at this point.

"Tazuna-San, I know you are worried. But I promise you-" The heiress held her hands to her heart, smiling genuinely. "he won't prove your fears true. That's just not him."

The man sank into his chair, feeling relieved and suddenly tired. Didn't mean he wasn't still worried…

"On purpose…" The heiress added last minute.

"Damnit!"

"So Kitsune-Sama… Where are you going?" Inari questioned lightly, jogging slowly to keep pace with Naruto's long strides.

"Hn… I just needed some air…" The fox grumbled, eyes forward as he went. He didn't have a set destination in mind, but was simply walking. Wherever he ended up would be wherever he ended up.

"So.. You don't know where you're going?" Inari questioned again, leaning forward.

"No." He muttered deeply. The boy smiled brightly, running ahead of him. "Don't really care, I suppose…"

"Hey hey, let me show you around town then!" He jumped with a sudden bout of excitement, eyes sparkling. Naruto stopped for a moment, staring him down. The fox's eyes twitched, before he conceded.

"Alright… lead the way…" Inari's eyes lit up, his joy bringing a small smile to the fox's black lips. He ran off ahead, heading into the village.

After arriving in Wave, personally, Naruto hadn't seen anything more then the bridge itself and Tazuna's own home.

Was it like Konoha? A big and bustling city village?

No, it couldn't be. If it was such a place, there would be no need for another hidden village's interference.

He'd heard a little bit about it from Tazuna, now that he remembered. They were poor, a village and people lacking so much that scum like Gato were easily allowed to move in.

But after living in royalty with the Hyuuga for so long, he wasn't sure just what to expect. Konoha itself was a very prosperous village, more so with the wealthy neighboring feudal lords.

And as Inari led him into the village entrance, he learned truly, what Gato's chokehold on the people of wave really looked like.

The street he found himself led down was destroyed, lined with buildings that were barely standing and needed to be condemned. Broken beer bottles and old produce lined the roadsides, and the occasional citizen that was out this late was sent running at the sight of him.

The people that he did see were in such a sorry state that he was surprised some were alive. It was clear that they were starving, for more then just food.

Perhaps, he supposed, it was the presence of little Inari that made some stay, instead watching from their windows. He supposed being led by a child would break the tension in his case.

"I-It's… It's not much…" Inari suddenly spoke up, having been watching his expression closely. "That stupid Gato has messed everything up. If he wasn't here then maybe… maybe my dad would still be around…" He trailed off.

Naruto found the bravery the kid displayed despite his situation surprising. Knowing his own past…

Well…

He would've broken and probably killed everyone at this point. It was only Hinata's presence that put a tight leash on his rage. He would never not be thankful to her, for as long as he lived…

"Inari… Your dad will be avenged, I promise it." Surprising the little boy, Naruto spoke up. The burning intensity in his gaze was enough to bring comfort to anyone that was near.

After a short depressing walk through the small fishing town, Inari led the Kyuubi to a small park. It was clear that it had been used as a dump, probably from Gato's thugs. The lowly gravel should count themselves lucky that they weren't here at the moment, because he'd squash them like the vermin they were…

Naruto watched in silence as Inari wandered over to a lone tree, the only tree with leaves left. The kid had been trying to put on a tough front, but it was clear that it was only a mask. He was hurting, and probably had been for a while.

He didn't deserve this. And he could see himself in the young boy's eyes. That was how he was once, before Orochimaru ruined him and his Princess put him back together.

"I-I'm sorry… Mother always said t-to not cry in front of g-guests…" The little boy was drying so desperately to look fine in front of him, but the tears pushed through his mask. Inari sucked in a gasp as he found himself enveloped in a large golden tail, pulled close to the fox.

"I know you're hurting…" His voice was surprisingly soft, an odd sound that mixed with his growly tone. "Your mother sounded like a wonderful person… I would've loved to meet the mother of one as strong as you…" Inari found the tears return with a vengeance at the genuine expressions from the fox.

"I-I'm not s-strong… I c-couldn't even save my dad…" The boy admitted. Naruto sighed, pulling him in closer. He summoned a small orb of fire to keep the little boy warm.

"If you weren't strong, then what do you call that back at the house yesterday, I wonder?" Naruto grunted, narrowing his eyes at the boy. Inari's surprised expression said it all. "In the face of those two men you were brave, braver then any other kid around here. I don't want to hear anything about you being weak…" He growled, looking away.

Inari looked up, eyes shining. He couldn't help himself as a massive grin broke across his face. It felt…

Wonderful, to hear those words.

"Y-You know…" Inari muttered quietly, a genuine smile on his tear stained cheeks. "Lady Hinata was right… Y-You aren't scary at all." He admitted cheekily.

"Tsk…" Naruto grunted, blowing off the comment. A light tinge of red made its presence known through his golden fur, cheeks warm. "Whatever… I just don't want to hear you muttering about that anymore, I suppose…" He lied to himself, turning away from the little boy's bright shining grin.

The two sat there for a little while, not talking about anything. It was freezing out tonight, but with the warmth the fox was offering, Inari felt perfectly fine.

"Are you feeling better now?" Inari piped up after a while. Naruto gazed down lightly at him in confusion.

"Pardon?"

"Lady Hinata wanted me to go with you to try and cheer you up. Did it work?" He asked with a smile.

The Kyuubi sighed, cracking a smile despite himself. "Of course she put you up to that…" He muttered.

With the deafening silence that preserved throughout the village, Naruto was able to pick up on the little sounds that got caught in his large ears. The long furred appendages twitched, the fox slowly sitting up at attention.

"You can come out now…" He sighed, looking pointedly at a tree that lined the park. There was a squeak of surprise, sounding so very small. He waited patiently for them to show themselves.

A minute passed in a comfortable silence, before they made their presence known. It was a small girl, with bright blue eyes and messy shoulder length brown hair. She poked her fingers together nervously, eyeing Naruto and Inari from a distance. Immediately, Naruto's eyes softened.

"Ageha..?" Inari spoke up, waving to get her attention.

"I-Inari-Kun…? W-W-What are y-you doing over there?" She asked quietly, nervously eyeing the big fox. "I-I thought mama said t-to stay away from monsters… They'll eat you…" She whispered. Though she seemed concerned about being eaten, she hadn't run away yet. Naruto smiled, laying back down beside he little boy.

"H-Hey now! Kitsune-Sama here is a friend." Inari was quick to jump to the nine tailed fox's defense. "He's not going to eat us."

"R-Really?" Ageha squeaked in surprise.

"Yeah!" Inari exclaimed, hands on his hips. "He's here to help get rid of stupid Gato! He's gonna save everyone! Believe it!"

The girl felt tears well up in her eyes, and was unable to hold back as they fell. She ran forward, latching onto his legs.

"R-Really? You're g-gonna save mama?" She asked. Naruto grinned softly down at her, patting her on the head with his claws. Her eyes sparkled.

"You have nothing to worry about now..." He yawned. He'd probably get another nap in before the raid. This whole dark countryside was really making him moody. He needed his Land of Fire sunlight, damnit…

"Come on munchkin, you're coming with me until we get your mother back, in fact." Ageha suddenly found herself plopped on the large fox's back alongside Inari. She squeaked in surprise, but her eyes lit up in a way Inari hadn't seen in a long time.

Due to her minimal state of dress, only a long purple shirt and torn brown pants, she was practically freezing. The little girl jumped when Naruto summoned a small orb of fire for her to hold, the flames hovering over her hands and somehow not burning her. The little trick of his power deeply amused her, and he couldn't help but be amused himself.

He was trying to focus on the positives, and not what got the poor thing into her situation in the first place. It seemed like Gato had another sin to tack onto his list of endless torment.

That just meant that his end would be that much more satisfying…

He needed to get back now. The plan was about to take off, and he planned on being there…

"We've already covered the plan, but for the sake of safety, I want to cover this again. I will not allow anyone here to die." The soft and firm voice of Konoha's Ice Princess spoke up.

"Hinata-Chan. You will take point. Make resourceful use of your Byakugan to scout the route to Gato. I don't want any surprises." She stated, focusing on the flowering Hyuuga Heiress.

"Yes, Sensei." The lavender haired girl said. She'd make it through this no problem.

"Ino, you are to flank with Hinata. Once we're inside, I want to you take control of Gato's guard. Find out where he's keeping his slaves." Kurenai stated.

"Bitch won't know what hit him." The blond bragged, flicking her hair over her shoulder. She was looking forward to kicking some ass, especially after that last fight with Zabuza.

"Sakura, you are to push forward with Hinata. I know your skill with that blade is not up to par, but these men are still clearly outclassed by you. Whether you use it, it is up to you."

''Of course, Sensei.'' The petite mute signed. As the proud newest owner of the legendary Kubikiribocho, Sakura was eager to use it in a real fight.

All of them were eager to test their skills, but were hesitant to kill. They all knew it was part of her job they signed up for, but after finally coming to a point where it was required, they had reached a point.

Do they chicken out? Give up on the path of a Ninja and return to a normal life? Or push forward, and do what must be done? None were eager to end life, but it was the reality of the job of a ninja. If they didn't do it today, then it would eventually happen. One way or another.

"Do you all understand?" Kurenai asked, arms crossed. She was taking this very seriously, and for a good reason. This wasn't going to go south, she wouldn't let it.

Her team nodded in confirmation.

They were ready.

"Kurama-Kun." The dark haired beauty started, facing the fox that had taken the chance to relax up in a nearby tree, much to Hinata's amusement. "I want you to guard the entrance. Don't let anyone get away."

"Tsk…" The fox grunted, clearly upset.

"I know you want to be there, but I can't have you babysitting the team the whole time… Let them prove themselves." She sighed when his expression clearly belayed how he felt about her decision.

He knew she was right, but he hated hearing it. It was the same conversation he and Hinata had the other day after their confrontation with Zabuza. He knew his presence alone was already discrediting Team 8, because it would be so very easy to put the blame on him when they came out victorious on every mission.

Merely stating that he was underneath the full control of Hinata only made others view Hinata as some sort of someone extremely dangerous, not because she was as powerful as the Legendary Tsunade, but because she had him at her beck and call. She didn't want to be known as the Master of her pet Nine Tails, despite the fact that Naruto himself didn't mind.

She wanted to be recognized and respected on her own merits and skills, not labeled as strong because she controlled someone strong. So he couldn't be the one wining the fight, and finishing the mission. Zabuza was an exception, because he had decided to step in when he knew things were going well south.

Naruto glanced down from his tree, locking eyes with Hinata. She was silently begging him with her eyes, he could see it. He knew he couldn't say no to her, not before, and definitely not after the look she just gave him.

She wanted to prove herself, more then anyone else. And, she wanted to prove herself to him. To show him that he didn't need to babysit her, despite the fact that he only did so out of intense love and adoration for her. She wanted to prove that she was becoming strong on her own.

"Tsk… Fine." He muttered, looking away. Hinata smiled, beaming up at him. His cheek felt warm, and he couldn't help the tingling sensation that traveled up his spine at her look.

"Ino, please, don't hurt that shoulder. Zabuza did a number on you…" Kurenai warned. Ino felt her cheeks grow red at the display of care. The Jonin faced forward, eyes on the horizon. "Alright team, move quickly and quietly. Gato will fall now!"

"What the hell happened…?"

Flash forward found team 8 being interviewed by the Hokage after their first official mission outside of the village walls. The old man had expected that it would've gone perfect and the team would return untouched.

What he wasn't expecting was the burnt and torn up ninja that stood before him, their clothes cut and charred.

Ino was cradling her right arm, Sakura had collapsed onto the ground the moment she entered, dropping what appeared to be a legendary sword unceremoniously on the wooden floor.

Hinata was just completely missing her typical oversized jacket, left with nothing more then a tight fitting black undershirt.

Kurenai herself was missing a lot of her wrappings, leaving her in an…

Underdressed state, to say the least…

More then that, they were all covered in smoke and ashes. From the irritated look on Naruto's face he presumed that something went horribly sideways.

And speaking of the fox, while seemingly unharmed, he was what could only be described as someone drenched in ash and smoke. Smelled like it too.

At least no one died, thank kami…

"Ino did it." Naruto piped up nonchalantly, getting an indignant squeak out of the only blonde girl on team 8.

"W-What!? Bullshit! That's totally not my fault!" Ino defended hotly, crossing her arms. The fox raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Oh really? From what I remember you used mind transfer on a guy and used a fire jutsu to burn down the whole damn mansion, in fact…" Naruto deadpanned, a singed eyebrow twitching violently. "I had to run in to save all the damn people he had locked away in the basement, which Hinata was practically scrambling to find since you set the place ablaze way too early…"

"Y-You're saying it like it was completely my fault!" Ino jumped back.

"It was completely your fault." Naruto drawled in an exhausted monotone, tails flicking back and forth in a amused manner, belaying his actual mood. "I can't make that any clearer for you, but if you wish I can try." He added with snark, cracking a small grin.

"You little twerp!" Ino squeaked.

"Now now, to be fare to Ino-Chan… A falling support beam did hit the thug you were controlling when you cast the jutsu." Hinata spoke up, defending the other girl.

"See!"

"I'm still not seeing anything…" He snorted. Ino seethed, eyes narrowing.

"That's it! Playtime's over!" The blonde shouted, rushing the fox. Naruto's eyes widened.

"No! Back! Go away!" He cried out, lightly slapping at her with his tails.

"You're in need of a punishment, mister!" The blonde jumped at him, the deadly threat of a playful wrestle looming over his head.

"Get back! Stop it!"

Kurenai took that moment to step forward, approaching the Hokage. The older woman sighed, rubbing at a nasty kink in her neck. "I apologize, Hokage-Sama. The mission was a total success…"

Hiruzen felt a wave of confusion wash over him, eyes twitching.

It sure didn't sound like a success to him…

What the hell was this about a mansion and a fire? What happened to defending the bridge builder?

Ignoring the subpar explanation he'd received so far, he was actually surprised more then anything by just how much Naruto was speaking. A few months back and the most the fox would ever speak to damn well anyone that wasn't Hinata and his few friends was five words. He'd usually also follow it up with a death threat, but sometimes he'd leave that option up in the air...

But…

To see him with an expression that wasn't a blistering rage, smoldering anger, or fuming irritation, it was amazing. Seeing him actually snickering and cracking jokes at his teammates expense, teasing them even. The wag of his nine tails giving away his amusement, the blushing blond becoming increasingly incensed by his words. Sakura giggling silently at their antics, and the Hyuuga Heiress couldn't contain her smile.

He knew then that placing them on this team was a right choice.

Probably the first one he'd made in a while.

The aging man allowed a smile to adorn his face, the teens before him smiling and laughing in their antics. Despite what may have happened, and the struggles they seemed to go through, Team 8 had returned home safe and sound, a successful mission under their belt.

And…

If it was anything to him…

It was all that mattered…

"Team 8, you are dismissed… Kurenai can… update me on the details at a later date." Hiruzen smiled.

"A-Ahh!? Not my ears, they're sensitive! Let go!" The fox screeched.

"Never!"

Hiruzen smiled an old smile.

Yes…

Giving Naruto into the hands of these four troublemakers was indeed a great plan. They bounced perfectly off his attitude and mannerisms, and seemed to get along well. He was sure Jiraya too would be happy.

"Princess! Help me!"

"She can't save you now!"

Chapter

12

End