Original Posted On: Oct. 17, 2020

Beta Read by: Heckelman88, Crowfeast, Tachyon99, xhope14x, Neostardustdragon101

Review Response:

Redlox2: Yes, he will get them back, and don't worry, I still have the original up so you can compare the stories with each other. Though, hopefully this one is better.

Anti-weeabo Faction: Certain things will remain the same.

Nickclause: Thank you.

HayakuHayaku: Thank you.

Calderoneric758: I won't spoil it, but like I said earlier, certain things shall remain the same, but aspects of them shall be different.

Issy786: Already on it, man.

Dlowe265: Thank you, and here is the update.

FatherofApokalypse: Awesome name man. And yes, certain things are similar, some things are outright different.

Flighter: Oh, god, yes, major changes like that will be added, or should I say, reduced.

Guest: Hm, I don't know about Naruto dating a god.

SPark681: We can hope man, we can hope.

Infinity monk: Awesome name. All those questions will be answered soon. Though Yoshimaru is an OC, Tamamo is sort of OC, and Miko is Miko from No Game No Life. Also, your review really helped me with this chapter, so this is thanks to you.

Prbenjamin: No, Jiraiya won't appear in the story, its why Iroh is there, LOL!

Guest: I will, and thank you for the support.

KINGShaheed: Thank you.

Guest: No, it won't.

ProminentDawn: Yes, this actually takes place before the Faction War.

Wolfydragon104: Thank you man.

Lilhuesos: Thank you.

Proxie885695: Oh, you have no idea what changes I have planned, some more obvious than others.

SHADOWNINJAMASTER: Thank you.

Guest: I will.

Yudhazebba: Here you go.

Le Phoque Blanc: SHHHH DON'T SPOIL FOR NEW READERS!

Beancan69: Here is chapter 2!

Current Harem:

Children:

OKAY, LETS READ THIS SHIT! I DON'T OWN NARUTO OR HIGHSCHOOL DXD!

"Hey" = Speaking

'Hey' = Thinking

'Hey' = Memory

"Hey"= Sacred Gear/ Communication link/ Tailed Beast

Chapter 2: Nature's Love

Naruto (Age 8) gasped as his back hit a tree while he was surrounded by three older yokai children.

One was a Tsuchigumo.

One was a Kappa.

One was a Tengu.

He and Iroh had been attending a small festival, evident of the more elegant and festive kimono Naruto was wearing, and he had gotten lost before he was grabbed and pulled into the forest.

"Kawamatsu, he isn't even fighting back." The Kappa child said nervously to the Tengu as he kept an eye out for adults or anyone who would find them.

"It's alright, Domamaru." Kawamatsu stated to the Kappa, as he cracked his knuckles. "He won't make a sound."

"Come on, let's do it." The Tsuchigumo urged as his eight eyes looked at Naruto as the boy shook. "He is just a weak human after all."

"Then by all means, Shun, take the first punch." Kawamatsu allowed.

Shun grinned, his fist colliding with Naruto's face.

"Stupid, useless human!" Shun shouted as Kawamatsu kicked Naruto. "You have no right to be alive, especially with you having those false whiskers! You trying to be one of us?"

Domamaru felt intense guilt as he watched his friends kick and punch Naruto, who didn't raise a hand as he lay in the fetal position, covering his head with his thin arms.

"Now, to end this waste of space's life." Kawamatsu stated as he channeled some chakra into his arm.

"Guys, that's enough." Domamaru stated, not able to stomach this anymore. "He isn't fighting back, and if we kill him…"

"No one would care." Shun interrupted as he backhanded Domamaru. "Lord Iroh must have kept him around to eat him. This human may have chakra, but he can't use it, so Lord Iroh must have been planning to take it for himself!"

Naruto's eyes widened.

'Gramps… doesn't love me?' He questioned, not noticing Shun and Kawamatsu grabbing large rocks.

"DON'T!" Domamaru shouted, trying to get up to stop them.

Shun and Kawamatsu were bathed in chakra, Domamaru and Naruto feeling it as well, but no where as much as the acting bullies.

Kawamatsu and Shun slowly turned and dropped the rocks.

Iroh stood eerily still as he looked past the boys to see his grandson on the ground, bleeding and crying.

He walked forward, his face set in a calm and calculating mood as he took each step.

"L…Lord Iroh…" Domamaru whimpered as he started to cry. "I'm… I'm sorry…"

Iroh didn't acknowledge Domamaru's words, at least it didn't appear he heard the boy.

Iroh passed Kawamatsu and Shun, kneeling down and carefully picking Naruto up.

His face didn't change as he turned, gently holding Naruto in one arm, as he used the other one to gently push against Domamaru's back to help him up.

"Come with me, young one." He stated, not ordered, calmly.

Kawamatsu and Shun started to shake as Domamaru got up.

"Yes sir." Domamaru whimpered, cleaning his eyes with his hands as he followed the former Leader of Kyoto.

As they walked through the city, Domamaru saw everyone looking at Iroh, specifically, Naruto in his arms.

He was bleeding with one eye purple and swollen shut.

These were the visible injuries.

Only Amaterasu knew what happened internally due to Naruto being human, meaning the attacks of yokai children could kill a normal human.

Domamaru's guilt increased the closer to Iroh's home they got.

"May I ask your name?" Iroh asked.

"D-Domamaru." The Kappa replied meekly.

There was a silence.

"It is a good name." Iroh replied.

Domamaru nodded, scared to reply.

There was more silence, and Domamaru felt out of place as he and Iroh arrived in the lush and extravagant compound the Leader's of Kyoto and their families lived.

AKA, Iroh's family.

"Lord… OH MY AMATERASU!" One of the guards shouted as they saw Naruto in Iroh's arms.

"Please, stay calm." Iroh stated. "He will be fine. Is the doctor in?"

"No, he isn't, I shall go retrieve them." The guard stated quickly before they took off with their superior speed.

"Follow me, Domamaru." Iroh asked as he removed his slippers and entered the compound.

Domamaru, being poor, didn't have 'clean' clothing, but followed suit behind Iroh.

Iroh turned and entered the infirmary, carefully placing Naruto in one of the beds, seeing Naruto flinching as he did.

He sat down in one of the chairs, prompting Domamaru to sit as well.

"Lord Iroh, why did you bring me here?" Domamaru asked as he was overwhelmed by being in the presence of the Great General Iroh.

"I wanted to thank you." Iroh replied as he looked at the Kappa. "You tried to stop those two boys from hurting my grandson, so I wanted to help you."

Domamaru faltered.

"I… I didn't do anything. They still hurt him." Domamaru replied.

Iroh smiled with a soft chuckle as he raised his hand and carefully patted Domamaru's head.

"You may see it that way, but if you didn't try, Naruto could have had his head damaged by the rocks those boys had." Iroh pointed out.

Domamaru started to shake.

"Thank you, sir." He said as he gripped his legs. "Thank you."

"No, thank you." Iroh said with a bright smile.

While Iroh was angry, he had mastered his emotions to be able to have unclouded judgement on the battlefield, and it helped while being leader as well.

Before they could talk more, the bull demon doctor entered.

"Lord Iroh, I rushed here as soon as I heard what happened. Please, move aside." He stated as he prepared to help Naruto as a few nurses appeared.

Iroh and Domamaru exited the infirmary, and saw Tamamo (Age 8) and the look of fear as she could smell Naruto in the room as the doors closed.

"Grandpa, what happened?" Tamamo asked, grabbing onto Iroh's kimono as she looked up with teary eyes.

"It is alright child." Iroh said with a smile as he patted her head. "Naruto is going to be alright."

Domamaru watched the Princess of Kyoto hug her grandfather and felt like a third wheel.

"Now, for you, Domamaru." Iroh said as he turned to the Kappa. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Domamaru had expected this, and felt guilt as he told Iroh everything.

"I see." Iroh replied sadly. 'It isn't only the adults, but the children as well.'

"Sir?" Domamaru asked as he saw the deep thought look on Iroh's face.

"Nothing, now, let's get you home." Iroh stated as he took Domamaru's hand.

As he promised, he got the Kappa home, and then walked back.

'Naruto isn't safe outside the compound.' Iroh thought as he walked in silence. 'So, he won't be allowed to leave… but that is cruel. He needs to be able to fall, but that means I must be there to help him stand.'

Iroh nodded in self-agreement before he stopped and sadly looked up to the stars.

'Lu-Ten, please give me the strength to help Naruto, and be the person he needs.' Iroh silently prayed before he continued home.

Once back at the compound, Iroh talked to Dr. Izo.

"He will be fine, but several bones were cracked/broken." Dr. Izo explained as he showed Iroh the paperwork. "Surprisingly, his body is healing much faster than a human should, I mean, MUCH faster."

"What does that mean?" Iroh asked in worry.

"It means he is resilient, but that doesn't mean this can be allowed to continue." Izo replied as he pushed his glasses up. "He is still human, so one well placed attack can kill him."

Iroh felt his gut wrench and twist.

"I'll do what I can to help him finish healing, but please try to keep this from happening." Izo said as he patted his old friend on the shoulder. "I care for him too, so please don't hesitate to call me if anything happens."

He turned to leave, before he stopped.

"Princess Tamamo is in there with him now, he is awake." Izo said before he left.

Iroh bowed.

"Thank you, Izo." Iroh said sincerely.

Izo lazily waved.

Iroh walked to the infirmary, stopping when his fox ears picked up on Tamamo's voice within.

"Naruto…" Tamamo begged as she nudged Naruto, who was covered in bandages. "Naruto, please talk to me?"

Naruto's visible eye were dead, no light in it as he avoided Tamamo's gaze.

"Naruto?"

"Tama, was it okay… for me to be born?" Naruto whispered, knowing she would hear him.

Iroh and Tamamo's eyes went wide at these words.

"Of course, it was okay." Tamamo shouted as she took Naruto's hands in hers. "Grandpa would be sad, and I would be lonely if you weren't here right now."

Naruto looked away.

"But, those boys… they said I was useless, and that gramps only wanted me for my power…" Naruto said in defeat.

Tamamo hugged Naruto, ignoring his pain as she did.

"I want you in my life." Tamamo admitted, blushing and tightening her grip and her tail wrapping around Naruto. "I won't let go until you are okay!"

Iroh walked in, making Tamamo see him.

"Naruto." Iroh called out as he sat down, calling the boy's attention. "Those boys were nothing but liars. I took you in because I needed you."

Naruto didn't believe Iroh, which the latter could see.

"Naruto, the day I found you, my son Lu-Ten had been killed in battle." Iroh told him, believing now was the time.

Naruto and Tamamo blinked.

"What?" Naruto drying asked, his throat feeling parched.

Iroh took a deep breath.

"Lu-Ten was a general, like me, however I had to send him into the front lines. On October tenth, eight years ago, I was told he died protecting his comrades." Iroh continued. "I gave up my position as Leader and gave that to Miko, and I left the capital, and once at my tree, I found you and your dying mother. What I saw that day, wasn't a thing I could take power from. I saw a baby that needed someone after losing someone dear to him. I saw myself in you."

Iroh looked Naruto in the eye, tears in his eyes.

"I had a hole in my heart after losing my son, and you filled that hole, Naruto. I love you, and please don't ever doubt that fact." Iroh finished.

Naruto grit his teeth as he tried not to cry.

"Love you too, Gramps, Tama." He choked as he broke down.

Two years later, Compound training garden…

Naruto (Age 10) sat besides Iroh as they watched Miko training Tamamo (Age 9 1/2) in gathering Nature Energy to become a sage, and then later on, tap into the Ley Lines.

"Deep breathes, Tamamo." Miko guided quietly.

Tamamo frowned as she sat in a meditative stance, eyes closed and hands together.

She had been trying to gather nature energy for hours.

Miko and Iroh could feel her 'reaching out' for nature to lend its power to her, but it wasn't reciprocating.

"I can't get it." Tamamo gasped angrily as she stood up, not being able to get it. "It's too hard!"

Miko smiled a bit.

"It's okay, sweetheart." Miko said as she made a hand gesture to have Tamamo sit down. "It isn't something that can be mastered instantly. You need to go at your own pace. No need to rush it."

With that, Miko entered her Sage Mode, tribal markings appearing on her body, her eyes becoming red as nature energy entered her body. (1)

"Nature will lend its strength." Iroh stated as he entered his own Sage Mode, red and black markings appearing across his face as if he was a Kabuki theater actor.

Tamamo glared and pouted at the same time.

"Show offs." She muttered.

Miko and Iroh let out a laugh as they exited their sage modes.

"It will take time, Tamamo." Iroh said before he looked at Naruto, who tugged on his sleeve.

"I want to try." Naruto stated innocently.

Iroh and Miko blinked in surprise.

'Well, he does have chakra, so there is no harm in letting him try.' Iroh thought positively.

Miko, on the other hand, frowned as she pushed her monocle up.

'He may have chakra, but he is still human. Sure, go ahead, try. You won't be able to.' She thought negatively as she kept her poise.

"Now, sit like this… no like this." Iroh guided as he helped Naruto enter the same meditative stance Tamamo was sitting in. "Okay, now put your hands like this, yes like that."

Naruto, now sitting with his hands clapped together, waited further instruction.

"Now, close your eyes, and take nice, long deep breathes, empty your mind and Nature will decide if it wants to lend you energy." Iroh instructed in a way Naruto could understand.

Well, he hoped Naruto understood.

Naruto nodded his head as Tamamo moved and sat next to Miko, who was watching Naruto with a critical eye, not wanting to miss any detail.

Iroh sat back down and nodded.

Naruto took that as his signal and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

He kept his breathing at this rhythmic pace.

'As I thought,' Miko thought as she glared at the boy. 'He can't do it…'

At that thought, Iroh, Tamamo, and Miko watched as yellow-orange pigment appeared around Naruto's eyes.

The two older kitsune felt nature lend its power, entering Naruto's body.

'Impossible.' Iroh thought in amazement as Naruto naturally mixed and balanced Nature's energy into senjutsu.

Miko's eyes dilated as she watched Naruto open, revealing toad like eyes.

'He… no, impossible…' Miko thought erratically as she looked at Naruto innocently look around himself, not noticing the difference. 'He mastered Sage mode…'

"Naruto, this is amazing." Iroh said with joy as he patted Naruto's head, making the boy smile.

"Unfair." Tamamo whined as she poked Naruto's cheek. "I'll get it soon, just you… wait… Mama?"

Iroh and Tamamo were pushed aside by Miko as she grabbed Naruto by his throat, gripping it tightly as she entered her sage mode again.

"How DARE you!" She shouted angrily, bearing her fangs and claws. "YOU, A LOWLY HUMAN, BEING ABLE TO USE SENJUTSU GOES AGAINST NATURE, YET IT ALLOWS YOU TO USE ITS POWER!"

Naruto, scared out of his mind, subconsciously felt her emotions hit him like bricks.

It was bleeding out of her body in torrential waves, black and red pools of malice that held years of anger and resentment forcing itself into Naruto from Miko's hand.

Naruto choke-screamed in pain as Miko's claws dug into his flesh when she squeezed, easily able to snap his neck if she wanted to.

'Kill him. He will take everything. He is a filthy human, so he deserves to die.'

Miko's eyes widened as her pupils dilated further to the point they nearly vanished.

"Die." Miko stated as she went to impale him in the stomach, only to get her wrist grabbed by Iroh, who was in sage mode.

"Put Naruto down, NOW." He demanded, his tails waving dangerously as did Miko's.

Miko released Naruto, dropping him and as he coughed, she turned, exiting Sage mode.

"Forgive me, father." Miko apologized, thoroughly disgusted with herself as she realized what she did, seeing the fearful look in Tamamo's eyes as she tended to Naruto, as the boy clung to her. "Please continue your training with your grandfather, Tamamo."

Miko left the garden.

Once alone, Miko took a deep breath.

She held it.

Then let it go.

'That boy…' She thought as she remembered the look of fear he had as she held his throat. 'What about him makes me so angry?'

Miko, as much of a nice person she was to her people, could never love nor did she ever want to interact with humans.

Her mother died due to humans.

Her brother died due to humans.

Her father left her for a human.

Her husband died to humans.

And now her daughter is falling for a human.

'But these don't excuse my attitude towards him.' Miko thought in self-anger as she shook her head. 'He has never done anything to me, so why am I this angry?'

She gripped her head, straining her thoughts as she tried to come up with an answer.

No matter how hard she tried, she could not come up with an answer.

'I hate him, and that is all I know.' Miko thought, her eyes thinning as she entered sage mode again, the darker side of nature fueling her aggression. 'It's all I need to know.'

Chapter 2, DONE!

1 Miko's Sage Mode and Appearance in general is Miko from No Game No Life. Iroh's is more of a Kabuki theater face pain.

Well, there are two moments of Naruto's life that show he doesn't have a normal childhood.

Like, why would he? He is a human living among yokai, many who hate humans, so something like this was going to happen sooner or later.

I am happy this chapter turned out well.

If you enjoyed this chapter, please leave a review, and if you hated it, tell me why so I can do better.