Bless the one reviewer that literally went "I hope this gets your creativity going" because it *did*. I had about half this chapter done already for a long time, but I wasn't happy with pacing, but I'm happier with it now.

Kurama wondered if his mother was proud.

He had to eventually tell her that he wasn't fully human as they got older and his aged had slowed down considerably. He never told her that he was a thief, but even knowing he wasn't completely human, she loved him.

Shiori Minamino may not have completely understood how her son wasn't completely human, but she accepted him all the same. She never told her husband or new son as it wasn't her secret to tell. Kurama knew he probably could have told his step father and step brother, but he only truly cared about what his mother thought.

When she finally passed away due to old age, that's when Kurama had first come to this dimension. He had landed on this specific planet just as an abundance of power was being changed. And thus, he saw the birth of chakra beasts that would become his children.

He had only gone to demon world, because he didn't have much in the human world anymore and he was checking on his friends. But that's when he had forgotten about the time ratio and had been gone much longer than he had initially intended.

But now, alone in his apartment, he couldn't help but wonder if his mother was proud. If she was proud of how he saw chakra beasts and made them his children and showed them love and affection (just like she had done to him). If she could see him also adopting some of the humans that had misfortune of being denied the love of family.

He wondered if she could see him from Spirit World. He hadn't quite figured out where she was in spirit world, but he hadn't necessarily looked for too long. Plus, there was a factor that she could have been reincarnated already, and he didn't think he could take that knowledge quite yet.

But above all, he just wondered if his mother was proud. Kurama may have been cold and distant as a child, but as soon as she had saved his life from a stupid death, she became his world. Everything he did, he did to make her proud.

So, he was top of his class. He was charming and a gentleman (even if the fan clubs were beyond annoying). He even went on to get a doctorate in biology, being valedictorian every time he graduated. He worked for his step father and made the company flourish, before branching back out into the scientific field.

Every single thing he did from the moment she had saved him, he had done for her. And may Spirit World show you mercy if you even thought of harming her, for Kurama would have none.

Due to his time in Suna, Kurama's ability to sense grew tremendously. This had the side effect of he could feel that he may be followed by someone, it wasn't the people who initially followed him. The person following him specifically had the edge of the seal he had pondered about the first day he had been back.

On one hand, he assumed that the village was no longer suspicious of him. On the other hand, he didn't know what to do or think about this outside force that seemed to be building within the village.

While this may not be his village, Kurama was more than willing to keep it standing for Iruka and Shikaku (not Naruto, because Naruto deserved so much more than this). So, every night since he came back, he subtly tried to feel out the edge of the seal.

It was very slow going as he couldn't physically see the seal, and more often than not he had to resort to demon energy as these people would absolutely feel his chakra going around the seal. Good thing no one registered demon energy as a threat.

But every night, he would draw just a little bit more of the seal he could feel out on a piece of paper. Oh, he hid that paper behind and under one of his Demon World plants that was especially vicious, but he needed to visually see the seal before doing anything.

Finally, after a month of carefully feeling out the seal, Kurama thought it was done, now time to decipher it.

It didn't take him long to decipher. There were a couple of things that looked more complex than what he was used to, but sealing was fundamentally the same and he could figure out vaguely what it did.

Sitting back now, and looking at the seal, he couldn't decide if he was impressed or horrified.

First of all, it was a crudely done seal, going for a main function and a few mini functions but not much else. The person obviously knew some of the basics and a few advanced things, but it was put together inefficiently and they just layered the seals instead of working each layer into another, overall, it was kind of sloppy. Second, it was a suppression seal but more importantly it was a slavery seal.

Well, it wasn't completely one, but the way the functions were written it definitely felt like one. Only allowed to report to one person, forced loyalty to that one person, emotionally suppression, and a few other things.

Kurama sighed slightly as apparently, he now had another sealing project to work on along with what he was already working on. It's a shame that he can't just brute force it broken with demon energy. (Well, he could, but if the seal was on something living, it would cause irreparable damage.)

As he works on the seal though, he could plant some seeds and plants on the people with the seals to learn more about what exactly was happening, and who had made such a thing. Kurama had a feeling, he was going to very dislike whatever he uncovered.

It didn't take Shikaku very long at all to notice that Kurama was subdued this week. Oh, he still acted the same, but there was a solemn air around him that made the commander in Shikaku perk up and take notice.

So, during their normal shogi game, Shikaku couldn't help but ask, "Am I allowed to know what has been on your mind?"

For once, Kurama didn't respond right away or made any indication that he was going to. Which was odd, because even if Kurama wasn't going to answer, he at least gave an indication that he wasn't going to answer.

A few minutes passed before Kurama asked somberly, "Will you tell your Hokage?"

Shikaku paused in making his move and looked up to stare Kurama in the eyes. There was a tense moment, neither making a move before Shikaku slowly answered, "It depends on what you are telling me."

Kurama continued to stare at the Nara. There was something heavy and judgmental about his gaze that was screaming at all Shikaku's senses to pay attention for something important was going to happen.

The only sounds that could be heard came from the forest's wilderness. "Why haven't you told your Hokage about me?" Kurama finally broke the silence.

Both were now unbent from their positions over the shogi board. And Shikaku knew that this wasn't his friend at the moment, this wasn't the man that was looking for and adopting children. This was the warrior and non-human part of his being that was talking. And in this moment, Shikaku could feel that what he answered would completely decide what would happen next.

"While your battle prowess is intriguing, there is no real reason my Hokage should know about you." Shikaku spoke slowly but deliberately.

"Even with how I'm not completely human and how the deer received me?" Kurama couldn't help but press.

Shikaku was only a little surprised that Kurama knew that how the deer accepted him was completely different than how they usually accepted humans. "You are not a threat to Konoha." Shikaku finally settled on.

What he didn't say was he knew for a fact that if Konoha attacked or kidnapped any of Kurama's children, the man would go to war.

The Nara, and especially Shikaku, knew that not every non-human was dangerous. It was stupid to group all non-humans together and label them as dangerous. Oh, there was no mistake that whatever Kurama was, he was extremely dangerous, but he also wasn't a mindless being.

Kurama continued to stare at the Head Nara, Shikaku not backing down. Something seemed to pass between them before Kurama gave a nod and went back to the game.

Now much more animated than before, though there was still an undercurrent of something that has now been subdued. Shikaku couldn't help but wonder what would come from this conversation.

It would take exactly two days before Kurama approached Shikaku randomly to inform the man that he was leaving again. Shikaku had an instinctive feeling that Kurama had just overhauled something in the village but he had no proof.

Though, the deer giving a nod of thanks to Kurama might have been a big clue.

With Kurama leaving, there was something building in the air. Even the rest of his team had felt the changes, but no one had an idea why. If Shikaku could put words to the feeling in the air, he would admit that it felt like the beginning of change. For better or for worse was the question.

The next week, the clan heads and counsel were called together.

Sarutobi looked every inch of his age as he revealed that Danzo had been found dead in his home. So far, the medical team had deemed it as a natural death but they weren't ruling anything out.

Instantly, Shikaku's mind flashed to the day with Kurama. Is this what the man meant?

The clan heads spoke for awhile before dispersing into what they had previously been doing.

Shikaku was honestly slightly surprised at a package at his front door. It was addressed to the Jounin Commander which was interesting.

He obviously could tell whose handwriting it is, especially because there were some complex seals on the package, but he decided to keep that information to himself. He was curious what Kurama had sent him, and he couldn't get rid of the idea that Kurama had something to do with the elder's death though there was no evidence.

He immediately went to his office, telling his wife that he wasn't to be disturbed.

Shikaku undid the first layer of seals and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the coded message of sealing his office. Still, following the instructions, he sealed his office before going further in the package.

With every piece of information Shikaku read though, gone was the friend of Kurama. In his place was the Nara Head and more importantly the Jounin Commander. He would have to double check some things, but the information was damning especially as there was hard evidence.

Hours later, Shikaku sat back, his eyes darkened with rage as he thought and discarded plans in the matter of seconds. He had always suspected that Danzo had been doing some questionable things, but he had never realized just how deprived the man was.

He considered just telling his Hokage, but then thought back to some of the things he read. He would need to fully investigate before he brought the evidence forward.

It took Kurama exactly two weeks to return, and return with an extra. She was especially bubbly and almost gave a constant commentary; Kurama put up with it with repressed humor.

The guards at the gate though couldn't help but stare at her as she almost seemed to flutter around. Kurama was immediately amused and was reminded of the first time he came to Konoha; where everything was unknown and he could have been deemed an enemy.

Oh, Kurama didn't lie to himself that they were still wary of him. But he's had months to cultivate a relationship with Shikaku Nara and thus now had a layer of protection.

"Name and reason" One of the guards asked.

Kurama was amused by the fact that even if they knew he lived here, they always asked him. They had watched him warily when he came back from Suna in a rage. Though, to be fair to the shinobi, his companion did tend to stand out.

"Kurama Minato and returning home."

Even now there was a twitch at the last name. The demon briefly wondered if they would have twitched at his first name if they knew it was the same as the Kyuubi. Thought for later though.

"Hi I'm Fuu! Kurama-san says I can live here! What do you like to do? What - " His companion finally burst out and only really stopped when Kurama chuckled and the guards looked a little disorientated.

Ah, there were the watchers he knew. It had been a long time now that he had a watcher, disregarding the one that is natural at the complex Naruto lives in. The amount of noise that Fuu made probably drew them in.

It was only a shame that he established himself as friendly but polite. He would have loved to see the village's introduction to him if he had Fuu the first time. Probably for the best though that he had arrived here alone.

"Uh, well, sign here." One of the guards finally managed as Kurama signed his name neatly.

Fuu took only a second to sign, though one of the guards stopped and inquired, "No last name?"

"Not that I know of though – "

"Just include mine." Kurama firmly cut Fuu off before she could get going again.

He had already explained that he'll probably adopt here, there was no harm in a little fib right now. Fuu though seemed to stop for a second and still give him a wide-eyed look.

Inside, Kurama felt a familiar rage raise its head. He firmly squashed it down, because at least with Fuu, like Naruto, he could do something about it. Though, he might inquire Shikaku to spar with him again to make sure it didn't fester, especially as he was vaguely reminded how the villagers treated Naruto.

The demon just reminded himself that he couldn't just kill the shinobi to free his children. Yet. Plus he had no way to extract the bijuu without killing the host. Though with Fuu here, he could now start to test out his theories.

Fuu stared for another second before giving a blinding smile and added Minato to her name on the paper.

Now done, Kurama started to herd the girl into the village. He still felt the watchers and briefly wondered if he had this many watchers the first time he joined the village.

Fuu was looking around with wide, excited eyes, just seeming to take everything in. He smiled gently but still pointed her in the right direction of where he currently lived. He knew, or well figured out mentally, that the bijuu hosts weren't usually allowed to leave the village, so this was a novel experience.

As long as no one knew what Fuu was, she could easily live here. Though Shikaku and Iruka might figure it out, but they could be trusted to an extent. Kurama was just thankful right now that she was distracted by her new home and thus wasn't causing trouble.

"Ah Kurama-san, it's good to see you again." A voice called out from the crowd.

Kurama had felt the man in the crowd but had been hoping he could get home and hide Fuu away for a little bit before talking to others. Alas, he didn't get his way as he saw Shikaku and his teammates walking over.

This was less than ideal. He might have a friendship with Shikaku, he didn't know the rest of the team and even the glimpse of the Yamanaka caused his mental barriers to bristle.

Kurama quickly stated, "Walk with us as I get Fuu settled."

Shikaku seemed to just raise an eyebrow at him. Kurama gave an innocent smile as he started to herd her again to the apartment; Shikaku didn't believe it for a second.

He was definitely amused though, as along the way, Fuu started to bombard them with questions. After a few questions, Shikaku sent Kurama a stunned, and a little amused, look.

Kurama's eyes crinkled as he gave Shikaku a true smile. Shikaku snorted and continued to lazily follow them as his teammates tried to fight her questions.

Finally, they were at the apartment. Kurama seemed to stop and contemplate the people with him though and if he was willing to share his apartment. He assumed with their connections, they knew exactly where he lived, but showing them the inside of the apartment was a different matter. Only the Nara had really earned that ability, and being opposed by a team still put the fox demon on edge.

"I'll be right back." Kurama finally decided as he was herding Fuu upstairs.

It was better that he played this safe, especially as he had brought a new element to the board. There was no reason to show things to people who hadn't earned the trust yet (Shikaku non withstanding). Plus, if the red head was being true to himself, it would be nice to play a mental game with the genius.

He might have used almost all his cunning to get custody of Fuu, but that was just politics in his mind. And politics weren't really worth the mental strain of a game.

Still, he got her settled in the apartment, subtly blew some pollen at her and she started to feel sleepy. He felt a little bad about drugging her, but he rather not leave her to her own devices. He put her into his bed and contemplated getting a second bed or futon. At this rate though, he might be forced to move out of the complex due to spacing and Kurama had no illusion that Naruto would come with him.

Maybe he should figure his summoning like seal before finding more children. He assumed (rather hoped for the human's sake) that not all the bijuu required a new home like Naruto and Fuu. There should definitely be some adult bijuu holders. And if all the bijuu holders turn out to be children? Well, his demon heritage would make itself known. He barely accepted the bijuu being sealed and especially the situation of Gaara and Naruto (and Fuu now). He did not condone children being treated cruelly for reasons outside of their control (though Gaara was a slightly different case).

Still, he set his bag down, and took a deep breath. It might not be his true home, but it was nice to be home.

He triple checked his weapons and seeds before leaving and locking the door. The amount of pollen he used would make her tired for only a couple of hours. Luckily, this pollen didn't mess with the body's natural sleep schedule so Fuu should easily be able to go to bed later in the night.

Glancing up, he verified that at this time, Naruto was either having, or about to have, lunch. Which made Shikaku and his teammates being around a little strange as most people would be working.

Actually, knowing the Nara, it wouldn't surprise him if the man felt his chakra and decided to meet up with him. He still wasn't quite sure if the teammates were intentional or not though.

Would you believe me if I said I have never seen or read Naruto? That I got all this information from osmosis (aka fanfic)

Also did I rush killing Danzo? Absolutely. Do I regret it? No. We're lucky I didn't just kill him on principle.