Hiiii! I'm a day late with this I'm afraid D:!
Srsly I was intended to get this up yesterday, buuuuut I'm a perfectionist when it comes to this so slight delay sadly haha.
So I won't stall! I REALLY hope you enjoy this chapter! 13k words!
The creak-cracking-pop of his bones as he stretched in his sleep is actually what woke him up.
What a night. After a few kicks too many from his little cousins, he dumped their aggressively sleeping asses with their parents where they belonged and thoroughly searched the entire compound for anymore threats before falling asleep outside. Blinking his eyes open to see the sun starting to rise in the east, he was pretty sure he wasn't going back to sleep. Of course, that's normal when he sleeps in favorite garden, even for a time as short as 30 minutes.
But he can go 3 days on 3 hours of sleep just fine so his lack of rest last night was just fine too. Plus this was too important of a day to sleep in.
He needed to get up and get going and, on the way, get some things straight.
Kurama,
I am writing to let you know that I will be returning today, sometime between when the sun is highest and after it has set. Nothing special needs to be done for my return. Worry not. Do not plan a meal for me. Do not engage in any food preparation at all. If I find out you or anyone you authorized were in my kitchen, worry.
I was originally going to end it there, but it is my understanding that my important trip may have disappointed you. Or maybe it upset you or angered you. I am not sure the term, I just remember you threw a fit when I left. In light of you being upsepointgry with me taking a much-needed health replenishing, I want to assure you with some fatherly care. Take these words to heart as they are easier to put on paper after 168 hours of thought.
I am very impressed with your foresight and fair views. Your work as my heir has shown a compassionate heart with a touch of ruthlessness and cleverness that makes you a very sure zenko fox worthy of my pride, praise, and trust.
And I'm happy that you will have someone at your side you can trust too. It is more important than you may realize for your future. Take it from me. Your grandmother messed up, and I in some ways messed up a little bit too. You however, will not mess up. Because you are doing good and I trust you.
Take care until I return
,Your father
Dear old pops and his way with words. Unique as always, but this is the most normal he's sounded in 100 years, Kyuubi thought with a snicker at his old man's letter. Counted hours, mashed up words, oblivious pride bleeding from the page, sickeningly sweet sentiments and everything. The only thing missing was the scolding about the destruction his 'fit' caused. But he'll take it, because it was kinda nice not to hear it. It almost felt like he was finally being understood as the destructive person everyone knows he is. But, he'll also see how long this lasts. Kyuubi carefully folded up the 7th and longest letter out of 7 letters, and pocketed it in his jacket. He'll have to put it in his letter box later. Right now he was too close to his destination. Too close meaning he reached it.
As a strict reminder to himself, the person whose behind door color orange is his partner.
His partner cannot die before he's done with him. His partner also can't get closer to him than he already has.
What they have now is a casual, mutual, you-groom-me-I'll-groom-you, beneficial respect for each other that is growing in benefits surely, but that is fine so long as it's not growing on its own. It's better than what he originally imagined actually, which at best was putting Naruto in a corner and forgetting about him.
They're not anything more than partners with respect for each other. It makes sense that Kyuubi protects him, and they get along and even use each other's names. All fall under the rainbow of respect. Not friendship, not trust, not potentially more. He's not gonna break his back or go out of his way to accommodate anyone he JUST respects. That would be disrespectful anyway if one thinks about it. So keeping things strictly and positively respectful is for his and that lapsitter's own good. Even this purposeful hiccup of a week just made them stronger as respect-givers and respect-receivers.
That is, what it is.
With a nod, Kyuubi knocked on the door out of politeness. With no immediate respectful response, he opened the door disrespectfully anyways.
Well this was a shocker.
As Kyuubi stood in Naruto's doorway, his partner was still passed out asleep. What was Naruto doing still sleeping after him?
He must've had quite a dream because that position was SO uncomfortable looking! He was upside down, bottom half on the bed, top half stretched to the floor, and light snores sounding out of his mouth. Is that drool too? Ugh he's going to choke again AND get a creak in his neck!
Geez! Of all the days! This is first time he woke up wanting to hear Naruto talk, and he sleeps in? Kyuubi has a bunch of pressing questions and excited requests to make! It is important for them both to be awake, on the same page, and ready to go at a moment's notice!
"Naruto!" Kyuubi shouted, clapping his hands together. He was pleased when he saw sleepy blue eyes open.
"Sun's up you're up! Let's go we have a lot of—" Kyuubi stopped and watched as Naruto attempted to stretch and ended up falling the rest of the way off of the bed. He did not move. Light snores—
"Naruto," Kyuubi growled out. He clapped again but only Naruto's tail reacted to the sound, standing straight up before curling around him. Unbelievable! What's he doing not waking up? How could he trust someone who doesn't wake up on time?! He ought to march in—because he owned this room—and wake him up the hard way!
Stepping into the scent of lemony leaves distracted him only a little as the plants in here somehow grew in number from the last time he paid attention. He marched over to Naruto. Looking down at him, he could see Naruto's face was relaxed in a peaceful and undisturbed expression. Even that bruise that was forming on his cheek last night apparently decided 'not this one' and no sign of it remained.
He had never seen Naruto like this before. Wait. Yes he has. And just like that first meeting he was entranced by the sight of an almost perfectly cute face, resting peacefully on long orange sleeves. He's never seen Naruto wear anything that wasn't long-sleeved. Even when they're training during the hottest periods of the day, he'll come across Naruto still wearing a jacket and running around breezily. Literally breezily, as Naruto uses his chakra to stay cool and it causes an admittedly welcome breeze in the air as well.
Usually he has a smile on his face, because of course he does. Smiling seems to come as naturally to him as those blond strands that grow from his head.
It didn't take long for the longest-lasting suitor he's had to find something to smile about here huh? And he goes through the whole range daily. Big smiles, small smiles, dangerous smiles, impish smiles, nervous smiles, sleepy smiles, those stupid flirty smiles or when he pokes his tongue out…everything except fake smiles. It's like no matter what happens, he'll smile his way through it and Kyuubi can't find anything wrong with the positivity. It's amusing really! Especially when he's outside at night, giving him a little reassuring grin. He's holding his cheek but that smile says it all; that everything is okay. And how many times can he recall just looking at someone and getting the feeling that everything was okay?
As of this moment…just once.
—wait. No-no no he's not daydreaming! Not about—about NOTHING! He's leaving—he's just…leaving.
"You have until I finish cooking breakfast!" He growled out. It didn't matter that Naruto didn't even stir to his words. He reached under his partner and effortlessly lifted him up, placing him properly in his bed. As he grabbed the blanket and tossed it haphazardly over Naruto, an idea tickled his brain for what to do when his pops returned. But he didn't pursue it because he had to respect the fact that Naruto was sleeping alone under a blanket. Instead, he left to go cook that breakfast with his mind on better things.
Better things like…like…why the word 'like' existed and how convenient it was that it had so many different definitions. He liked a plan well executed. He was like a stone statue because what is stronger, more disciplined, and more respectful than something that can't move and does what it wants to do for all eternity. If statues did have wants that is…he would want to pose menacingly for eternity if he was a statue…
In the kitchen he could at least focus on meal prep until his mind was sufficiently distracted from lesser things. And then, sitting in front of a hot spot, yeast still rising inside of it, he reflected on some real things.
Like frogs.
That frog was no random happenstance. It had a mission and Kyuubi would bet his left foot it had to do with Naruto. It used advanced seals and deception as a way to avoid him and get Naruto alone and then tried to lead his partner to the border of the backyard—at least. It then damningly tried to run from him on sight. Kyuubi is well aware of what true fear in an opponent's eyes looks like. That frog had no plans to fight him.
To come across Naruto hurt but still standing was similarly suspicious. At 6 tails it had ample opportunity to kill his partner. Naruto was naive, it probably didn't even occur to him that a frog would try to…what? Kidnap him? Had Naruto not realized what was going on and stopped, who knows what would've been waiting for him.
Kyuubi couldn't be sure of the motive, but there was definitely an ulterior one. And this morning, his prayer with Inari gave him the privilege of knowing it ahead of time. Though their words were a little rough and very panicked, he could finally pick out the details:
"Impatient one! How many times will you torment my ears with that question?! YEEEEEESS the ten tails is on the horizon but NOOOOOOOOO it is not for you! It is from ALL the enemies of you and your growing family. Including the ones I've warned you several times about and I've noticed you STILL trust! If I sound frustrated IT'S BECAUSE I AM! Your list of tasks is growing ever longer and longer and you're heading into a battle you clearly don't understand! I want you to rethink your position on power and its importance to you because the rest MIGHT follow. Stop being blind, don't be tempted! You MUST resist if you don't want the worst outcome possible. And then, there are the other concerns that need your focus like-"
And then, completely without meaning to, Kyuubi lost focus. Maybe the rest wasn't just blah blah blah other stuff, but 'other stuff' wasn't his business right now. The 'ten tails on the horizon'? And the threat from enemies? THAT was his business. Challenges weren't hard to come by, but threats were on a whole nother level. Someone who was a threat, was someone who was desperate enough to do anything to complete their goal. A challenge came with an understanding of honor, a threat was so so much…different. And exciting.
He almost couldn't believe Naruto brought something other than his loudmouth self and multiplying plants to his doorstep. And that's what makes this intended more useful than all of his previous ones combined. Bet his pops didn't see this coming when he set them up hehe!
Who cares that he might just need this suitor to…count as 'growing family'?
That's not to say they won't break up. They'll just have to make slight adjustments to ensure that his trusting mushy-gushy father at least likes him enough to strengthen the friendship with the Namikaze—the little one—and let Kyuubi go solve this threat problem they all have. He needed to grill Naruto for more information about it, as soon as he wakes up.
He could have an actual adversary. Sure it was just some cowardly six tails now, but there's more by the sounds of it. What enemy could possibly bring a ten-tails against him? Someone with tricks above the usual trade obviously. No one else in this realm could match his potential in power or else he would know about it. Naruto said seals can do anything. Although he's never seen it, never even heard of it, is it possible a seal could increase someone's power to a level of a ten tails? Someone who could do that was someone…who could force his perfect control. Could trigger his ten-tailed transformation.
Nah, Kyuubi thought biting his lip with a wicked grin. He's probably getting way ahead of himself. No one is that exciting to face.
The sweet scent of bread broke him out of his thoughts. Ah! Finally.
He wasn't looking for the whole shebang, some bread with some fruit will give him and Naruto all they need this morning. Of course he piled the blueberries on his slices, but he couldn't bring himself to do the same with Naruto. Did he even like blueberries? What if he chewed them up and spit them out? So he put cherries on instead. That'll be fine.
Finer actually, then what would happen if he gets to the dining room and Naruto isn't—oh there he was.
Naruto was slowly shuffling across the room. Eyes shut, body slumped and tail dragging along the floor as he made his way to the table. But there was a smile on his face. He sat down with a plop and immediately laid his head down on the wood. Kyuubi heard the distinct sound of his lips smacking as he came closer.
"Good mornin," Naruto mumbled.
"…The hell is up with you? Or should I ask 'down' with you?" He asked as he set the plates down.
"'m so sleepy…Is that bread and fruit? That looks good. Can I have some tea?"
He had an inkling he was forgetting something! Kyuubi got the tea, but Naruto wasn't exactly picking his head up to drink it. Or eat. Literally. Kyuubi watched as Naruto dragged his hand across the table and grabbed a cherry, and dragged it all the way back to his mouth. Fascinating.
"This is the most bizarre I've ever seen you. Haven't you ever gone to bed late before?"
"Yea of course," Naruto mumbled around the berry before swallowing it whole. "Why do you think I go to bed early every night?"
That makes so much sense.
But it also must not get in the way of his interrogation this morning. Who were these enemies that Naruto had? They were likely more aware of his situation than he thought. But before he can ask, Naruto mumbled,
"You'd take the night shift by the way?"
"What?"
"Our first one named Cherry okay? Y'know I can't stay up late late for that late night shit…y'know."
"What."
Naruto didn't answer. Kyuubi was never going to let him stay up late again if he can help it. Naruto's eyelids went halfway up. The hazy blue was trained on the cherry at the edge of his plate and he…stuck his tongue out towards it. Licking the air as if that would magically drag it closer to him.
Kyuubi, being the great host that he is, reached over, and grabbed the cherry by the stem. He watched Naruto's eyes get wide as he proceeded to sit back and plop the berry in his own mouth. Chewing it brought a burst of a tartness flavor…ugh. And it's kinda bitter too.
"Fuck you I was tryin t'eat that!"
"Today is about my happiness Loudmouth. Besides, I thought you were going for that delicious bread I so lovingly baked for you."
Now Naruto's tongue was sticking out at him. It was such a familiar sight, but Kyuubi felt his chakra, low in his gut, buzz uncomfortably as the intruding thought taking that red thing into his mouth appeared. And no no no no he was not going down that thought trail again.
So he stood up and began to pace.
"Eat everything else on your plate, you'll need the energy! We have too much to do today! We'll break it down with the most pressing matter first. My father is returning today, exactly what time I don't know. Which entrance I also don't know. Still our best chance is an obvious one. We'll hang around the front gate for the return of his carriage with a plot in place."
"And that plot is…?"
"Um…" Was Naruto for once too out of it to shout his suggestions? Right when Kyuubi really needed it? For the first time ever, he had something he wanted to think about MORE than breaking up with Naruto. Though a tickling thought in the back of his mind noted that this potential threat involved Naruto sticking around. But he had to IGNORE it, because if he had to think of more reasons to keep Naruto around, it was going to flip his entire scheme on its head.
What if he revisited that earlier idea?
"I could give you one of my blankets…like let's say you borrowed it. And my father returns to see us arguing over you giving it back…" Saying it out loud helped him realize how brilliant it was—
"You want me to STEAL from you?!" The loudmouth stood up, showing how awake he was now. "Have you cracked!? NO!"
Kyuubi rubbed his hands together like an evil maniac when he responded, "you're not stealing! You'd just be borrowing it and then we'll disagree on the return date. You'll hold onto it longer than we originally agreed."
It was too perfect to yield! It made Kyuubi's tail wag, that he thought of it!
Because it would be a minor misunderstanding and his pops won't be THAT bothered, but it's just also a major step down from a former actual problem in the compound: his mother was a thief. Every which kinda way. She would take their stuff without asking, refused to return anything she took… "what's yours is mine" was her mantra and she hypocritically refused the reverse. Pops locked all of his spaces while she was present for a reason.
"Wait just a second. Are we sharing the blame? I don't want it to be all my fault! Do y'know how painful that's gonna be?"
"It's my happiness we have to convince him is at stake here. And relax, you don't have to be at any actual fault. You just misheard the return date."
Besides, how's he supposed to look like the bad guy to someone who just wrote in his letter that he trusted him?
"GRRRR!" Naruto shook his head. "You STILL got some nerve don't ya? Y'know I'm not gonna do it that way!"
Kyuubi inhaled deeply and then exhaled. Experience so far has taught him that when Naruto had an argument, there was enough reason to listen. But dammit he was so annoyed anyway.
"What's the problem now?!" He bit out.
"…" Naruto looked terribly irate. He squatted down while gripping his hair while ears went back in a defensive posture. But Kyuubi wasn't the source. No from what he could see, those frosty blue eyes weren't even looking at him. Something was bothering Naruto a lot for him to shut up.
Until he brought his forehead back to the table and let out a low whine. Kyuubi twitched. Something about that sound just sent jitters down his spine. He wished he could banish it.
"Alright, I'll have to assume. Someone stole your blanket."
"AHAH! Yea…"
"Wait, seriously?"
Naruto held up two fingers. "Suitor number…"
Shit.
"Alright argument made. Let's make nice and let him skip the 'assuming my son did something wrong' part and make it clear from the start. Better yet, we'll make HIM look like the idiot. Okay? Okay done." Now he's just gotta figure out the dialogue.
"Kyuubi…?"
Kyuubi's ears went erect at attention. He looked at Naruto to see his suitor with his head up. And although he no longer looked sleepy, he looked tired nonetheless. The way his bottom lip stuck out and his eyebrows furrowed spoke to something tormenting his thoughts.
"I'll go through with it. Your original plan." But it appears he wasn't going to let Kyuubi in on it. Whatever. It's not his place to ask.
"No, you don't have to. If it makes you upset then the plan won't be executed perfectly. We'll figure something else out—we always do."
"Forget about it! You're right, what matters most is convincing your dad that your happiness hangs in the balance. I'll be fine."
Naruto stood up and rolled his shoulders back before rotating his arm with a bit of a crack. "I don't know what changed about my bed, but my arm feels great! Y'know it feels like I wasn't injured at all! So let's go get set up with all the guts we have so we'll be ready! Okay?!"
"What haha? Are you trying to motivate me?" Kyuubi chuckled, closing his eyes and shaking his head a little as he stood up too. Well that power in his voice was unmistakable. He was definitely alright then. Good.
When Kyuubi opened his eyes, he witnessed a tan finger, brazenly pressed against a bottom lip. A red tongue peaked out, wetting that mouth as it slowly stretched into a flirty smile. Eyes as blue as the stars at night were looking right at him, bright, but untouchable.
He blushes.
"Akagitsune. The day I'm trying to motivate you, will be the day of the red moon."
His voice sent shivers down his spine, like a breathy sound that is whispered in the dark. Kyuubi felt like his throat was closing up and he didn't know why. What was he trying not to say? He ended up not saying anything, as Naruto broke the trance to throw his fist in the air.
"Now LET'S GOOOOOOOO!"
'Let's go' he shouts, as he hops over the table. And it looked like he was coming right for him so of course Kyuubi leaned as far back as he could go, watching Naruto sail over him. It's not until Naruto landed that Kyuubi realized what was left of his bread, with blueberries still on it, had been swiped. How dare he, and yet it was exactly what he needed.
"HEY! Think you can just take food from me—WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!"
"Oh? You mean you were going to finish? You looked like you were full and we don't want this to go to waste hm? I'm doing you a favor hahahaha!" Naruto's cheeky smile was on full display as he stopped in the doorway and took a bite out of the food in his hands.
Kyuubi chased after a cackling Naruto, recognizing that the loudmouth knew exactly where he was going. And his heart began to race as fast as he did.
Naruto looked so damn comfy with his blanket wrapped around him, like a happy little bud peeking out of a seed pod. The wagging tail poking out from beneath certainly didn't give the impression they were trying to give.
"Will you cut it out? You're supposed to be angry," Kyuubi said with only half of his usual bite. He really can't be blamed. They've been out here for a while now—well, truthfully, he had been chasing Naruto up and down the halls and they just now came and sat outside-and no sign of his father yet. He hated this. Oh sure. The man couldn't let him know when he left and now he seems to be all vague about the 'return' part.
And he wasn't worried. One week of rest is all he needed. Probably less, because that doctor has no idea how to do her job. And that letter sounded pretty sure about him returning today. It's not like he's going to have a freak relapse after a relapse and get another week away. Oh no. Not his proud pops.
Naruto inhaled deeply. "What's there to be angry about? Aside from the fact that you kicked me out of your room and yet I'm still definitely gonna smell like you once you get this back."
"Disobedient little sneaks lose privileges. And no one told you to wrap yourself up in it," Kyuubi grumbled, knowing Naruto was right that was going to be such a pain to get straight in his head. "I'm in the mood to give you several reasons to be angry."
"So just start shouting then. Make sure everyone in a compound radius is allll ears."
But Kyuubi still couldn't sense his old man. He couldn't hear the distinct sound of the wheels of his carriage kicking up sand or smell those dried fruit and walnuts he liked to keep stashed in there. They had a script prepared and he didn't want to start too early…Still, it's not like he could think of anything better to cure his boredom and frustration since reminding a flirtatious idiot of his role was getting old. It's ridiculous how long they've been waiting—the sun has BEEN reached the highest point in the sky!
"Can't you say anything useful out of that loudmouth of yours?!" He said rather loudly.
"Excuse me?!"
"Every time you open it, I immediately regret what I'm about to hear!"
"Well what about me huh?! Y'know you've been bitching all week! I wouldn't have plenty to say if you would just change your attitude!"
"You're the one who refuses to change! I've given you everything you could ever want and this is how you repay me?! No appreciation at all!"
"I didn't ask for nothing! I don't owe you shit for the things you decide to give me!"
Kyuubi remembered very clearly what he was supposed to say next. Naruto was holding onto a covering he 'should've returned yesterday'. He's supposed to shout something along the lines of, "well I didn't give you my covering for you to keep! Why do I still see you with it when you were supposed to give it back yesterday?!"
It was accusatory and brutal but not too brutal as to accuse Naruto of stealing. It was what Naruto was prepared to 'defend' against. As always they practiced their lines several times and they shouldn't deviate from the script. Breaking character has been a no-go since the beginning, he's made that clear to Naruto.
But. His breath hitched. A new direction took hold as he thought of Naruto himself. Naruto who may have the key for him unlocking everything he has ever wished for. The ten tails was on the horizon, which meant it was within grasp. Who cares if it was from enemies?
He has never lost to one. And so instead he said:
"Well then maybe I'll undecide! Give me the blanket. Now."
His partner's eyes went WIDE. He opened and closed his mouth for a second before letting out a quiet, "Huh?"
"I've changed my mind about you keeping it! Hand it over now!"
"Uh…no…? Because…y'know, you said I can keep it…til the end of the day…today."
"Don't make me repeat myself! I don't care WHAT I said before," he retorted. Standing up he held his hand out to receive the covering. Naruto blinked several times before finally catching on that Kyuubi was going off script. His bottom lip stuck out and a mean glare appeared on his face as he pulled the blanket tighter around him and turned away.
"SCREW YOU I'M COMFORTABLE! Let me hold onto it a little longer!"
"No!" He grinned just briefly before grabbing a hold of the loose ends of the blanket and tugging. Naruto leaned away just as hard.
"You're being a bad host!"
"You're being a shit guest!"
Kyuubi realized that they were going to have to improvise this fighting until his father returned. Although he would not give Naruto an actual fight, a little 'keep away' might make this ploy look even better. It would be actually entertaining too, if an unexpected threat turns up again.
"ENOUGH!"
Funny, that word sounded in the distance but also very clo—Kyuubi and Naruto both squealed—no Naruto squealed, Kyuubi obviously is incapable of making any sound of fear—when there was a loud crashing sound and shockwaves rippled the ground around them.
As he regained his awareness and his balance, Kyuubi looked up to see his father, in all his angry glory. Arms crossed, nostrils flared, he looked healthy. Standing tall as always, there was not a dip in his stance or a sag in his muscles. His copper brown skin looked to be the right tone, not pale and still free of any old spots or blemishes. His long deep red-orange hair was pulled up in its typical pristine high ponytail, although it looked a tad dull, but it's been that way and it's probably because he's old.
He's okay. What a reli—expected conclusion! Kyuubi was not relieved to see that unnecessary week away must've worked. He relaxed his shoulders because it was just his father here, not some other outwardly threat. In fact, he should be disappointed! No enemy, but he was definitely about to get lectured.
"I could hear you two from all the way back there! What's the matter—why are you arguing so childishly!? I expected to be greeted with far better for my return!"
"I expected a warning! The hell are you doing just dropping in out of nowhere—one of these days I might retaliate!"
Daitaru raised an eyebrow at him.
"Afraid I'll catch you doing something you shouldn't? Like say, cutting your hair again?"
"What? Me? No I'm fine! I'm not afraid of anything least of all you, yanno this." And just to be flippant, he fluffed his short strands as he squinted his eyes and gave a saucy kitsune grin to his pops; who predictably, pinched the bridge of his nose in that universal parental frustration.
"Boy, can't you go ONE day without trying my patience?"
"That depends on you pops. Can you accept me for who I am and what I want to be? I think you caa~~n!"
"P-Pops?"
Oops. He didn't mean to have that slip out.
"Is your hearing going now too ya old senile one? I said 'father'."
Daitaru let out a snort that suspiciously sounded like a chuckle. The little half-grin he gave Kyuubi was even more suspicious. Rrrgh. He hadn't called his pops 'pops' in forever! His mature streak messed up, just like that! If his father ruffles his hair, he's gonna-
Then Naruto's voice cut through the atmosphere, sharp as a blade.
"Where's my mom?"
What? Kyuubi looked at Naruto, who appeared surprised he had said that. Naruto glanced at him briefly, looking almost sad before his expression steeled into a grim glare. And he glared right at his father.
"I think you've kept me waiting long enough."
Waiting long enough for what? What about Kushina whereabouts? Kyuubi looked at his father and tensed up as he saw the man stiff as a board, hands behind his back, expression serious.
"Well I can't say you're wrong. You're right actually. But I just—"
"-Right about what?" Kyuubi interrupted, already feeling like he's gonna get upset. He had no idea what was going on and he was already pissed about that. Really pissed. Even more pissed when his father looked at him with a familiar grimace. The same expression he made when he had something he either didn't want, or waited too long, to tell him.
"I just wish I had until next the sunset to plan how to tell Kurama. But very well, come along you two. To my room please."
Kyuubi kept his eyes on Daitaru as he walked past them. He almost missed Naruto giving him a guilty look, but he wasn't paying attention to that. His attention stayed right on the kitsune who walked like he had nothing to hide.
Well, it didn't last long at all. Not surprising. But the news was. Kyuubi really didn't know where to begin. He felt kind of numb actually, like he wanted to be angry but he didn't know what to be angry about. In fact, he almost didn't even understand what he just heard. Did he understand? Was this even the full story?
"Anything else you don't want to tell me."
Daitaru's eyebrows furrowed, as if he were annoyed with Kyuubi's statement. As if he deserved to be annoyed, after revealing that he's been searching for Kushina's never-buried body for the last 500 years and never told him. There were stacks of papers—clues, trails, maybes, and dead-ends—collected over the centuries. Some of the stacks were so tall, they reached the ceiling. And he didn't know about any of this. A secret kept from him all this time.
"Kurama it was to protect—"
"Yourself? Clearly not me. I was not considered here at all." Please, Daitaru should never go there. Kyuubi didn't need protection. He wasn't weak and it was insulting how often Daitaru inferred that he was.
"It was your mother who insisted that this be kept secret from you!"
At that mention of her, Kyuubi felt something inside of him snap. Numb confusion was fogging up his mind until a rush of anger bled in. He could feel his chakra boil inside of him—hot and rapid, but he swiftly kept it in. Pack it in, keep it down. Tightly. Wrap it up with will power like it was some psychotic sandstorm willing to raze the entire compound down and he didn't want that. He wanted stop that. He didn't want to be angry about this at all—why should he care?! It was Kushina, it wasn't his business!
But why, he heard the anger ask. Why is it always her fault?
And it was a question, he had himself. So he was willing to let that little bit slip out.
"You're a broken record. Always blaming her for everything! YOU let her alright?! YOU knew she was nothing but trouble! YOU just kept letting her cause it! And what's your excuse for after she left hm?!"
The great Daitaru, so tall so proud. Always had a response to give or a lecture to annoy him with. And now he looked speechless. The room as a whole was silent. To the point that it was slightly startling when Daitaru did answer, quietly, almost timidly.
"I…had more pressing concerns." Daitaru ended the sentence there. No further explanation. And what…what did that really answer? Is it because he knew—they both knew— the real answer wasn't good enough? Because Kyuubi knew the real answer. He's been living it, unfortunately, for the past a hundred fucking years.
"Setting me up with a mate right? Tell me is that why he's here? Is this all just some…guilt you're feeling for letting Kushina go missing? Figure you could bargain me away and that'll make up for it?"
He heard a quiet gasp from behind him.
"That has nothing to do with this arrangement," Daitaru stated firmly. "The only relation, is that I trust the rearing job Minato-kun and Kushina have done. I've always wanted what's best for you and their family is the best I could trust."
Liar.
"Kyuubi?"
Kyuubi's ear twitched and he barely looked behind him in Naruto's direction.
"Let's just hear your dad out," Naruto quietly suggested. It was quite brave of him to do so actually, because did Kyuubi look like he wanted to listen to whatever nonsense Daitaru had to say?
"..." Kyuubi turned back to Daitaru. Only because Naruto wasn't the subject of his ire. Daitaru looked to be aware of Kyuubi mercifully keeping quiet and giving him a chance to explain. It was a surprise seeing a flash of vulnerability and confusion appear on his face, just for a second before he changed it back to that blank stern expression. Had Kyuubi cared a bit more, he would've chased the curious thought that maybe Daitaru preferred a screaming match over what he was about to say. But he didn't care. He was already tired of waiting in this conversation.
"Ahem. Kurama's mother was…"
Why was he pausing? Why was he stalling? Say what they already knew and get the explanation over with.
"Trouble," Kyuubi bit out.
"Kura—…yes you're right. Your mother was…trouble. A lot of trouble. Her biggest concern Naruto-kun, was to ensure that everything went her way, regardless of who it affected."
Kyuubi didn't have time for this.
"This is not about her though. This is about YOUR failing. She left so long ago and that is LOT of time for you to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!" He shouted, louder than he meant to.
"I'm SORRY! Alright?! I apologize! All my tails out, I am sorry. I had more pressing matters to fix and for what it's worth Naruto-kun, I kept up with the search! That was always a priority!"
Kyuubi didn't hear Naruto make a response. He didn't even look back to see his reaction. Daitaru's attention was back on him within the second.
"And to you my son, don't misunderstand me. Of course I was considering you—in everything I am thinking about you! Your troublesome mother argued to keep it a secret and…The reason I chose Naruto-kun for this is so that you've never have to understand why I did what I did, never have to have the conflicts that I had!"
"You still only gave us about 90 days to make this decision!"
"Which is STILL longer than what I had to make the same decision! And that's the point! If you'd just take the time to get to know Naruto-kun, we can be sure this is the perfect fit!"
"Then why'd you make it BINDING before we could figure that OUT?! You're making no damn sense as usual!"
"DO NOT ARGUE WITH ME ANYMORE! What's done is done and you have better things to do with your time AND mine!" Daitaru roared, so loudly that Kyuubi's ears rang with no other sound as they instinctively went down in a defensive position.
Ah.
This is really familiar. Daitaru couldn't have a conversation without inevitably shouting for his way if his life depended on it. And that really pissed Kyuubi off. To the point that he trembled, clenching his fists, but he stood still anyway. He brought his gaze down, not out of subservience, but because he couldn't stand to even look at Daitaru. He could feel Daitaru's stare on him but if he turned to meet it there's no telling what he would do.
"Don't you think Naruto-kun's search is more important right now? Show a little consideration I KNOW you can do that!"
"Huh?!" Naruto gasped, sounding a lot closer than he did before. Kyuubi turned to him on instinct, only to see that he was standing close to him, in the middle of reaching his hand out (to what? Hold his hand? Touch his arm?). It didn't matter what he was about to do because Kyuubi didn't want to be touched. He wanted to do the touching—destroying actually—and he. Couldn't. Not in here. Not in this company.
But he was so angry. His chakra was slamming so hard against his insides it was actually starting to hurt—which shocked Kyuubi to a standstill. His chakra had never hurt him before, not when he wasn't training. He wasn't pulling copious amounts to one spot; it was doing the same thing it always did and now for some reason it was hurting him. It caused an almost sharp pain that left an ache, like someone was tossing stones everywhere inside of him.
Kyuubi didn't know why it was doing that, but he wanted it to stop. And standing here was like standing in the middle of the battlefield with his arms and legs tied together while his opponent was free to send attack after attack. Kyuubi hopped over to the other side of the room. Away from Daitaru.
"Go on! Finish your conversation!" If he didn't have to look at him, he could work on stomping this anger out. He had to remember the fire-eating-fire analogy. Geez! What was his problem anyways?! Why was he so mad about this?!
Yea, Daitaru lied and kept secrets but what else was new? Did he really expect it to change after one letter? Yea, Kushina was once again the center of attention, but again what else was new? It always somehow came back to Kushina didn't it? Always! No one could shut up about her! Daitaru was obviously more proud of her than of him, she was Nagato's favorite cousin, everyone in the clan who knew her showed more emotion over the loss of her than…
He'll be the first to admit that his feelings for Kushina were complicated. She scolded him like an annoying hag, but also encouraged him to do great and defended him when he was caught rule-breaking. She chided that yako fox for picking on a toddler who was barely a kit, but for who knows WHAT reason mated him and left. He didn't pay much attention to most of the people Daitaru allowed into the clan at that age, but Kushina was a real stand out.
And so he'll admit deep down, he was jealous of her.
To hear that once again she's the reason behind everything, Naruto probably even stuck around this long for her…it did bring up old resentment. Was he the only one who could get anything done around here without her?!
At least his mother never cared—and she hated Kushina more than he ever did.
Ouch! He reflexively thought, through the fury. The pain wasn't really burning even though his chakra felt hot, but it was uncomfortable. And right in his chest now too! He needed to calm down, but to leave now to destroy the training grounds would mean missing out on good information and—yes! Yes, what if he just focused on his original motivation here!
He wants to find a threat. He wants to fight an enemy. Not Daitaru, but the one who would unlock his ten tailed transformation. That could only be found out here. He can't leave. He needs to calm down.
"Kyuu-"
"Naruto-kun, just let him be. It's good enough that he's still here to listen. Ahem, I was using the week you got here to organize everything I had found. Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish before I had to leave. I will definitely work on it now that I'm back."
"Can't you tell me what you know now?"
"Kushina's body was taken and not by mistake. There is a deliberate plot happening in the background and I believe the masterminds have need for Kushina, specifically her blood. You know as well as I do how special Uzumaki blood is."
"Sealing arts…"
"That's right. I didn't want to cause you fear Naruto-kun. I've been chasing every possible trail and seeing who could be involved. As a matter of fact, I have a mission for you. It's outside the compound if you're up for it. I have two leads that need to be followed up on and I would like to send you to follow one of them. All I need is confirmation that who I'm searching for is exactly where I think they are. The information is vital for making a connection to what they could be planning."
It went quiet, and he could feel their stares on his back.
"…I have to take this mission. Kyuubi?"
"Do what you need to Naruto. It's your mother, you think I'm going to say no?" He did his best to not sound snappy.
"You couldn't stop me even if you did!" Naruto snapped back. Okay so maybe he didn't really succeed there. His chakra was really getting on his nerves, but at least it was finally slowing down.
"Alright, alright hold on! Kurama you should go too. I think you would be strongly interested in going."
"How so." He didn't give a shit what Daitaru thinks he would want. He just better tell him something actually interesting.
"Well one of my leads is at the base of the mountains Hachibi lives on. And meeting with him and perhaps even the rest of your friends would provide a good alibi for you being in the area. I prefer to send teams of two actually, so I insist you go with Naruto-kun on this."
Oh wonderful. That was four days away from here at least, because the trip to Hachibi's mountain took a good two days. But for a threat, it would be more than worth it. It's about priorities here and his own strength is the ultimate priority. Everything else will follow right after won't it?
"Who are we chasing? Who's this 'they'? Who's plotting and what is it that they want? What sealing art are they using my mom's blood for? Is that dirty cat involved in ANY of this?!" Naruto asked those questions rapidly.
"I cannot to go into too much detail."
"Wait, wait the fuck? How are we supposed to do our job if we don't know who were looking for!?" Kyuubi snarled, turning around.
"I'm not telling you so can't do your job! You certainly can with the detail I WILL give you! The reason I'm not telling you identities, is because I KNOW you Kurama! You'll try scout them all out and fight them yourself! You're hearing this situation right now and you're already thinking it's a challenge!"
So what?! "What's the point of being careful!? I have 8 tails! This can all be solved in one battle—"
"OUT OF THE QUESTION! I am not sending you alone against an army!"
"AN ARMY?" Naruto and Kyuubi shout at the same time. Kyuubi even stood up, treated to the view of Daitaru smacking his own forehead.
"Dammit," Daitaru grouched. "I did not mean to tell you that."
Kyuubi grinned. An army? Well, well, well! This is lip-licking good news. They had a whole alliance to fight, did they? Inari's panic was making even more sense now.
"Ahem! Don't think too much about it! I am sending you two to confirm the location of one person. I just need to know that they live at the base of the Cloud Mountains. That's it. I don't care the evidence that you find, either a residence, items, sealing scrolls or a person who shows off it doesn't matter. But there is no more than one seal master to find there."
"Seal master?!" The frog! Kyuubi looked at Naruto across the room and met his eyes. He must be thinking the same thing.
"Is it a frog?" Naruto asked. Daitaru looked surprised.
"Probably. I suspect so. A frog has been seen showing off a lot of seals lately, but I'm not too confident in the intelligence of this creature. Wait, how did you guess?"
As Naruto told the story of what happened last night to Daitaru, Kyuubi looked down in thought. Well at least there was a potential explanation now for why that thing wanted Naruto. But Kyuubi won't lie, he hoped it wasn't the frog. He hoped the frog was just a lackey with a stronger master calling the shots. If he's going to fight an army, he hoped it was against people who would be ready to fight him. Who would show no fear.
"Dammit. But I'm not surprised. I haven't told anyone about you being betrothed to Kurama Naruto-kun, but they've been making regular attempts to get Nagato for quite some time now. It's possible they were here to make another one, figured out you were an Uzumaki and wanted to take their chance. It's a good thing you were there Kurama."
So Nagato knew about all this too? Figures. Shion definitely knew too then considering their close relationship with Daitaru. And maybe Kira and Hakucho auntie. Heck why stop there? Maybe everyone else knew too. All of them keeping secrets…Not that it even matters anymore! He's in the know now so all he has to do is plot his own course!
"Yea he really saved me…but don't worry about me. I can handle myself. I just wanna know…answer me this! Is my mom—can we even save her?! Y'know if they got her 500 years ago, then why are they keeping her now?"
A good question. Dead bodies don't make blood. It's weird to hold onto the hope that there even is something to find after all this time. But Kyuubi could hear Naruto's heart pounding at an incredible rate. Faster than his chakra was moving, Kyuubi realized. It must be making him distressed to think about this. Not that Kyuubi could blame him at all.
…Geez. It's a good thing that they both have the same goal even if they have different reasons. It's good, that they're once again on the same side. Maybe there'll be less arguing about this plan too. Kyuubi already didn't plan on sticking to Daitaru's 'slow-and-careful' way and maybe, Naruto's just as impatient as he is. That'll probably make his partner feel better.
"I trust Minato-kun's judgment that she had indeed perished. That's not even a consideration. And her body is intact I know it! The recent clues we have talk about using Uzumaki blood and you're right it makes no logical sense for them to keep a body they have no use for…Not that I expected them to politely return it, but I don't where she is or what they are planning.
"My hope right now is that these seal masters would know something since it is their realm of expertise. But I'm warning you two no confrontation yet! It's been hard enough to track these two down and the more I find out whose involved, the better I can plan a rescue and counterstrike. This mission will take about a week. 2 days to travel there, 2 days to confirm, and 2 days to travel back. Do you both understand?"
"Yes!"
Kyuubi crossed his arms and gave Daitaru the slightest nod when he looked at him.
"Oi, then are we leaving tonight?"
"Tonight? Why?"
"Y'know, because it's safer for foxes to travel at night."
"It's safe for you travel whenever, so long as you have the strongest youkai with you!"
Bizarre time for an unwanted compliment, Kyuubi thought as his ears twitched.
"So are you saying, we can leave now? Right now?"
"If you would like to. You may go pack now if you wish. In the meantime, Kurama I'll reach out to your crew to help create your alibi, and I will get some people to carry your carriages."
"Ah ah okay! Okay! I'll get packed right now! A week you said? Okay! Ah wait but what about food?!"
"Ah yes right well…normally, ahem, I would cook for you but I don't think I'll have the time to. I think I will have to just write the letters and lay down for a bit. The journey I had was long and so I'm a little tired."
Kyuubi didn't mean to, but he noticed it. Daitaru's breathing was slightly heavy. Just slightly. All that yelling must've taken a lot out of him. Old coot. Kyuubi had no sympathy. None.
"That's okay!" Naruto chirped. "Kyuubi and I can cook for ourselves anyway! He made some pretty good bread this morning even! You should've seen his first attempt haha!"
"Oh really?" Daitaru smiled at him. A full-blown smile. It weirded Kyuubi out so much that he glared back and didn't know how to feel at seeing the smile falter. So he turned away.
"Well, then I trust you two to take care of yourselves for this trip."
"Can do! Okay I'm gonna go pack now! Kyuubi as soon as I finish, I'll head to the kitchen to start making some meals okay? Ahhh by the time we get ready it might be night already! So much to do, so much to do~! Thanks for all this! I appreciate it a lot Daitaru-sama! I'll see ya!"
And Naruto waved to them both before running out of the room, leaving the door open and him alone with his father.
"So just confirm to me that you bonded me to Naruto as a favor."
Daitaru went quiet and took a long look at Kyuubi before he took a deep breath.
"Alright. That is not the reason. Trust, honesty, and love are very important parts of every relationship and I believed, from what Minato-kun told me, that those are qualities Naruto-kun fully embodies."
"So what? If it all falls flat it won't be the end of my world."
Daitaru scoffed, though something about it sounded incredibly bitter. "The reason I chose Naruto-kun is so that you hopefully never have to understand that."
"Hmph. Whatever. In the interest of 'getting to know him' I hope you won't be expecting me to write much. Might be too busy. You understand right?"
"So you are very angry at me I see."
"I am NOT angry!" Kyuubi growled out.
"I AM sorry to you, for keeping all this a secret for so long. It's not that I didn't trust you-"
"I said I'm NOT angry so I'm NOT asking for an explanation! So I'm gonna go because I have to get packed okay?"
It wasn't a question he was looking to get answered because he wasn't asking for permission to leave anyway. So he marched towards the door, trying to keep his eyes off of Daitaru whose shoulders started to sag and whose face was starting to reflect exhaustion. He didn't care.
"…Very well. Have your space…and a safe trip."
Kyuubi didn't even reply to the suspiciously quieter than normal voice as he closed the door behind him.
I'm. Going. To save. My mom's body!
Ahhh this is it! This is happening! I'm gonna go out and get names and get locations and y'know I'm gonna bring her home! She's coming home! All the way home! Her soul will be put to rest! She'll see our gifts and read my letters! AH! Which letter should she read first?! Should I give them to her in order or the ones with the entertaining stories first?! I didn't plan that I should plan that!
Dad's gonna be so surprised when I bring her back! And Iruka and Kakashi! Ahhh I can't WAIT to see how happy they'll be!
Look at me, celebrating before we're done! My dad's said something about not doing that, but come on come ON! Y'know I've been waiting all my LIFE FOR THIS!
It's almost evening. We gotta go now! Where's Kurama?! If he's not finished TOO FREAKIN BAD—eh?
He's leaning there, against the west side gate post staring at a small bag in front of him.
What's he thinking? That's not the face of someone ready to get out of the compound and go on a mission…That's the face of someone with a loooot on his mind. A lot, probably being related to a fight he had earlier with some screaming and roaring and heat waves and potential destruction. Kitsune are crazy.
Sometimes! Or some of them or…maybe not crazy just…emotional. Or something. Because not all kitsune are crazy…exactly. Maybe.
Whatever. Kurama's is probably in a shitty mood because of it. I wasn't tryin to start an argument between him and his dad, I just didn't think things would escalate like they did. Y'know sometimes parents keep secrets to keep their kids safe! I know it's a shitty feeling to find that out, but I don't think it was meant to hurt Kurama. It was his mom's fault anyway right? She's 'terrible'. I'm curious about her now. I guess she's not here on purpose but it sounds like something intense was happening when she was here. Kurama was really riled up about her, but why at Daitaru? They seemed to agree! Y'know I tried to smooth it over with that cooking compliment, but it doesn't look that really worked. I shouldn't rouse the beast so soon afterward. A-And I don't want to get distracted from my own mom!
Gah! If Kakashi were here he'd tell me that I care too much as always! And maybe he'd be right. This isn't even supposed to be about Kurama! My carriage is packed, my plants are watered, my mind is brimming with ideas for this!
But he also cares about me. And so, I'm gonna care about him too! Y'know he should be more talkative or something so I have to say something!
Look at this! I'm walking up to him and he's not even looking at me!
"Thank you."
HUH?! I just almost tripped into him. Did I hear that right?
"H-Huh? Why are you thanking me?"
"I'm thanking you for bringing everything up. I can't imagine how hard it is know that Kushina's dead, but not know where she is. Frankly I can't believe you've been dealing with that as long as you have AND while here. No wonder you were always giving my father the evil eye. I would've done way worse."
"Y-Yeah well it's in the past. He helped me now, as he said he would so, in hindsight there wouldn't have been a point to…doing something I shouldn't have."
"Hmm. You're a forgiving person." He's giving me such a weird look. I can't make heads or tails of it. But he still sounds mad at Daitaru. Maybe I should explain myself! Y'know it wasn't his business, but maybe if I had told him this morning like I had planned—and I meant to—still can't believe I forgot until Daitaru was standing right in front of me! If I had, maybe that whole argument wouldn't have happened. Maybe. I don't really know. I can't call them crazy but kitsune sure are complicated! And I just—I just want him to talk to me like normal damn it!
"Anyways I came over to say I should've told you the truth earlier! I kept it a secret too and I should've said something this morning but-"
"Shh-shush Naruto. You're the LAST person who would have any apology to give. We just met two weeks ago, I'm not surprised you weren't so forthcoming about such vulnerable information. So don't worry about it."
"Yeah but I feel like I caused an argument between you and your dad." And now I can't stop worrying about it! I've had fights with my dad before, they're awful and I don't see how this kitsune could be okay with the same!
"You didn't have anything to do with our fight. We have another problem by the way. You're so charming, I bet my crew will love you soon after meeting you. This might have ramifications."
But...then what did have to do with it? Daitaru's just a dad, he wants what's best. He even told me that when he was talking shit about Kurama sabotaging himself by being bossy. It's consistent! But is it my place to pry? He's obviously changing the subject to talk about…
—waaaaaaaaait he called me charming. Is he serious? "You don't actually think I'm charming."
"No no no it's true! You've definitely got something strong in you and it's…magnetic."
He thinks I'm strong? A-And magnetic? And he's smiling such a sweet smile~…But no wait is this a trick?! He makes that smile when he wants me to do something! That's how I fall for it every time!
"Now what's this? Has the loudmouth finally gone quiet? I honestly expected more cheer. More bragging that your personality is working me over."
"SHUT UP OKAY?!" Now I KNOW he's teasing me—WHY IS HE WINKING?! My eARs are on FIre! "I just think you're up to something! What do you want? You make that same smile every time you want something!"
Oh now he's tryin to look innocent! He ain't fooling me!
"Come on. You're my friend. Take the compliment I don't give them out often."
Friend?
"I know what I said." And he had to, he was smirking. He even bounced his eyebrows!
Rrgh…I'm not even sure if I'm there yet. I don't HAVE kitsune friends. He's jumping the gun isn't he?! There's so much I don't know about him. He's moving too fast I'm not ready to say those words back! I'm only ready to save. My. Mother!
"WE'RE GONNA SAVE MY MOM!" And so I reached out and hugged him and squeezed him tight and lifted him up and spun around so he'll be distracted. We'll see what he means by what he's saying. We'll see what he really wants, where his ambitions lie! We'll see if he's being honest.
"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!"
! That voice! So tingly and melodic—could it be?! Kurama's got such a sour look on his face as I dropped him so it has to be!
"You've got to be pulling my tail! Why are you here!?"
"Little nephew stop shouting so much, this is supposed to be discreet."
Nephew! Yes! His aunties! The SWAN! Ahhhh she's SUCH a stunner! I could stare at her all day~! Look at her! So tall and fit, like she could break my back with the flick of her wrist~. And those ~striking~ teal eyes~ just shining~~. Her fair skin surrounded by white feathery hair~. Swans are SO beautiful~! I'll never forget my childhood dream was to meet ~~Yukie~~, THE most famous and beautiful actress PERIOD! On stage, in photographs, as a drawing, her midnight looks and very presence are just so radiant! But my tragedy! There's a picture of her KISSING ME ON THE CHEEK at my house and I was PASSED OUT! I never got to actually meet her! Never got to know why she did it! Kakashi that asshole gives me a different answer every time!
But this swan is here~~Hakucho~~! Maybe she knows Yukie too! Ohhhh I can die happy if she does and she introduces us and all 3 of us go to dinner!
"You with the blond hair. Stop staring at my mate like that."
…Alas, I don't think dinner would last very long with Kira. Y'know going to dinner with just Yukie is fine too. And the third person can be Sakura-chan.
"Ah! Sorry! Y'know I don't mean anything by it ahehe! I just am mesmerized by the beauty every time! She's mated I'm betrothed it'll never work out hahahahahaha!" Why is Kurama glaring at me like how Kira is glaring at me?
At least Hakucho looks as nice as ever, smiling in sympathy and clapping her hands together. Real nice and dangerous! Actually, she and Kira were dressed in warrior outfits with gear around their waists and were carrying small bags too. Hakucho also had a big ass camera strapped to her back. Looks like they're going on a trip too.
"Dear and I have good news! We are the other team of two chosen to search the other lead!"
"We're just going to escort you to your destination since its on the way to ours. Extra security so says my big brother."
"A waste of time."
"I agree. Which is why I successfully argued not to escort you back here. It's just not practical to cut our mission short just because yours is."
Well she's as blunt as always. I don't get it either, she ignores me or looks at me like I'm a piece of crap, but I haven't done anything to her cept maybe look at Hakucho but I know they're together I'm not crushing! Besides I'm betrothed! And she's been like this since I first saw her! Her attitude…is almost a comfort! She acts like a real kit—er l-like some people I've met before. Must've had no friends growing up.
"But if you need us to escort you back, I have my letter pack with me and I know you remember the address Kurama-chan."
KURAMA-CHAN? Oh oops haha! I screamed that out loud. Hakucho looks embarrassed and Kira is glaring at me holding her ears and Kurama-chan's giving me an akagitsune grumpy look.
"Hakucho Auntie…"
"I'm sorry! I thought you both were on a good name basis already!"
"He cannot call me that. He's calls me Kyuubi."
"Correction. Kyuubi-chan."
"DON'T START THAT WITH ME TODAY!"
"PFFFFFFFFT HAHAHA!" He's flipping me off! He's as mad as the sun when the clouds are out! Now THIS is normal Kurama! This is who I love to see~!
"Anyways. Blond one, get your carriage. I'm not pulling your superfluous mini castle little nephew. I'm carrying the little one."
"Dear will most likely need to use her arms later on. Since mine are stronger, I'll be the one carrying you Kurama-chan."
"Don't worry about that. Mine's broken." I wonder if his carriage was that massive red, black and gold thing I saw fly over the compound, crash somewhere in the backyard, and then catch fire. I'm gonna feel SO weird being the only one in a carriage. But I need mine so…I guess I'll just keep the door open the whole time.
"Oh we can still work this out then. Let's let Dear and Naruto-sama travel on ahead and Kurama-chan and I will walk together in the back. Sound good?"
Obviously keeping Kurama away from his aunt is a good idea. I'm not excited to get Kira to walk with, but—sigh— maybe she's not bad if I get to know her. I'm pretty good at getting through people's shells. It's not like she's just another kitsune.
…
She is definitely another 'person of few words'. Look Kurama and Hakucho are back there laughing and I'm kicking my feet here already. I'll try to talk to her!
"I think it's pretty sweet that the Kitsune Clan accepts so many non-kitsune."
"It's the only thing he does that makes sense."
"Eh?"
"My dumbass big brother needs the friends."
"O-Oh really?"
"Yes."
Okay. I'm getting the feeling I wasn't the only one with an issue with the Head of the Kitsune Clan. Yeesh. Maybe I can change the topic.
"So this trip to the mountains will bring us through some pretty interesting terrain huh? I never traveled that way from here!"
"If you talk less, you could notice the surroundings more."
Another tough nut to crack. There's a million of them. But fine whatever. She's on her way too to try and find my mom and y'know, I don't make enemies outta people who are helping me with my goal. I'll try again later. I can use the quiet time I have to plan anyways for what to do when I get there. I've spent my whole life around seals. The best person to find a seal master, is another seal master!
Kurama better listen to me more when we get there.
Itachi will never admit to Sasuke that he allows his little brother to complete his 100-strike combos.
There's just something soothing about the sound of Kusanagi against Totsuka. Metal against encased liquid. The sound was peaceful in his ears. And he always needed peace, especially during these times. The Uchiha were once again in the valleys that belong to the Chinoike Clan and once again in a battle of threats to force this alliance that to be frank, has a scarily high chance of getting them all killed.
Itachi was forced to sit still next to Sasuke, as their father talked highly about his eldest nekomata son and his strength, more than the terms of the alliance. He also lied again about Itachi's nonexistent potential for an 8th tail, because when it comes to the Uchiha, what you are and what you have is never enough. And it was only day 2 of 6.
And that's the main reason why he's letting Sasuke make all his strikes. The confidence boost it must be giving to him, is an extra bonus. When they separated after Sasuke completed his combo, even though he never landed a strike on Itachi, he had this triumphant smirk on his face.
"It's only a matter of time Nii-san, before Kusanagi finally tastes your flesh."
"Hmph. We'll see." He won't discourage that. It was his personal, sworn duty to give Sasuke all the support he needed to succeed. He would ensure, even at the cost of his own ranking that Sasuke will have mental AND physical strength to do so.
Truly, it is actually Sasuke who had the potential to have 8-tails. But their impatient father refuses to see it. He only notes that Sasuke is a 4 tails as a new adult whereas Itachi was at his 7th tail by then. He ONLY notes that Sasuke is slower to master his natural talents, rather than seeing that he continues to master new ones. Whereas Itachi mastered all that he could master too early. There's no more growth for him.
And there's no more growth for the Uchiha Clan so long as he is the chosen heir, groomed to follow in their father's and his father's, and his father's and beyond's footsteps. The cursed underbelly of the Uchiha lives on through him as he continues to accept the way Fugaku is running the clan without argument.
Prideful. Power-hungry. Greedy. Judgmental.
But Sasuke will be different. Sasuke had an advantage that only he and their mother recognized. And so if Sasuke were to take over as Head of the Clan, he could lead the Uchiha in a never before seen direction. A direction that is for once—finally—peaceful, open, and accepting.
"Shall we have another round?"
Sasuke's expression lit up in excitement as he adjusted his stance and Itachi did as well.
"HEEEEEEEYYYYYYY!" A loud voice interrupted them. Sasuke straight up growled as he turned to face their intruder. Itachi didn't find much of a point to showing his own annoyance. There's only one 'loud' Uchiha here—there's only one 'loud' Uchiha period—and he knew it and did not care about being the black sheep of the family. Itachi actually felt a little sorry for him sometimes.
Obito Uchiha was waving his arms wildly as he ran towards them. Unsurprisingly, he was still dressed in official Uchiha battlewear, compared to him and Sasuke and who have since changed to something more casual as they trained before bedtime. Obito was a full-blooded Uchiha and thus required to attend all treaty meetings. But he was a bakeneko—a one-tailed cat— and so Fugaku essentially relegated him to babysitting duty in these trips. Without the clothes on his back, it would be hard for anyone not an Uchiha to know that Obito was a warrior to be taken seriously. Not the joke everyone sees and treats him as…the joke he actually sometimes is.
"Sasuke-samaaaaaa UFFFFFFFF!" Obito screamed as he—sadly—tripped and slid face first in their direction. Itachi couldn't help but wince. The Chinoike generously let the two borrow their hottest valley for their training, so long as they used it when no one in the Chinoike Clan was using it. Beneath the ground they stood on was boiling hot water, which made the ground at least 15 times hotter than normal, more depending on the time of day. At least at night it was cooler. And as an Uchiha, Obito had fire-based chakra that gave him some protection from heat, and he was at least wearing his uniquely designed orange-spiraled battle mask. But still, a face plant here MUST hurt.
"Ugh. What do you want clown? Beat it I don't have time for your clownery."
"Whoa whoa whoa honorable son, it's okay!" Obito exclaimed getting up like it was nothing. Well, fools aren't easily injured Itachi supposed. "It's not like I'm here for anything silly! I have an official request to give you. Hi Itachi-sama."
The short acknowledgment was returned with a short nod.
"We're training. As in, I'm busy!" Sasuke growled.
"Sasuke, it's more becoming to listen to our family when they're in need." Itachi chided. Yeah Obito could be incredibly annoying and had ridiculous requests at times, but he was family. And ignoring family, was the sin of their fathers. He'll make sure Sasuke does it differently no matter what.
Sasuke pouted, but listened, giving a nod to Obito. "Make it quick."
"Take your time," Itachi insisted, giving Sasuke a look which he rolled his eyes at.
"Thanks! Okay, okay, I just have this dilemma right? It's been bothering me for a long long time now, you knoooow! I mean it's kinda the same ol same ol yadda yadda you've heard me talk about it before, my decision, my choice, my life but actually it's not! Because your father makes all of the ultimate decisions for me and everyone else in the clan!"
Itachi could see Sasuke's mouth twitch as Obito rambled on.
"But I just got a letter asking me to be somewhere for my very, very, VERY good friend, and I can't go! It sucks right?!"
"If you want to leave somewhere I'll grant you permission," Sasuke said through gritted teeth.
"Sasuke, you can't do that. You know the importance of treaty meetings and all full-blooded Uchiha must be present. Father would simply override you and then punish you for it." Itachi shook his head as he recited the law. He wanted to let Obito leave too, though probably for less annoyed reasons.
"Right right?! I even asked Fugaku-sama before coming here, he said no. Under no circumstances except one! And that one circumstance doesn't apply! Yet~! With your help though Sasuke-sama, I could make that circumstance a reality, and be free from the total lockdown Fugaku-sama has over me and maybe you too."
Sasuke sighed heavily. "I want to be nice. But I really need you to get to the point. You're just rambling, just, what do you want?!"
"It's actually kinda what we want Sasuke-sama."
At that Itachi raised an eyebrow. Is Obito trying to drag Sasuke into something? He glanced over to see Sasuke making the exact same expression as him.
"Namikaze Naruto, Fugaku ended your courtship with him right?"
Sasuke stiffened immediately.
"Well maybe 'ended' is a strong word. To say that would mean admitting that he acknowledged it in the first place, and he refused to do that didn't he?"
"As Sasuke said, your point Obito?" Itachi warned in a low tone. He knew how much that period of time affected Sasuke. He won't allow Obito to bring up bad memories for no reason. Obito put his hands up in a defensive position.
"My point is that I think I know of a way to get him to accept it finally! I can help you, if you help me."
"You're wasting your breath. Naruto and I are through. Besides he's…busy elsewhere right now. If that's all you had to say then you can just leave."
"I know where he's busy at Sasuke-sama. What he's doing. It's such an obstacle isn't it? But that's why I'm here, I can take care of that obstacle, if you can take your best friend back."
What? Not even HE knew where Naruto was. Sasuke mentioned ONCE that they would not be visiting each other for a while. Sasuke looked surprised too, that Obito apparently knew what was going on. Well, what fools lack in common sense they tend to make up in other areas. Obito did often know secrets that no one has told him. Itachi always supposed sleuthing for information was his specialty area that no one seemed to recognize yet.
"That 'obstacle' is really moreso an ultimate source of power. And don't you think Fugaku-sama would be willing to make concedes for the Uchiha Clan to have power?"
If Itachi was hearing this correctly, it sounded like Obito had a plan to bring Sasuke and Naruto together as mates by using some recent 'obstacle' of sorts to convince Fugaku that Sasuke and Naruto would lead to more power for the Uchiha Clan.
He didn't have enough information to trust it.
Gut instinct put him on guard. Although Obito was Obito, and talented in specialty areas or not he's harmless, his and Sasuke's mother was the only other person who had an objective, unselfish view of the clan. They were the only ones considering all the factors, the people, the moves, and the outcomes of those moves, that would lead to a revolutionary change for the Uchiha.
And sweet, little Sasuke was key to it.
'Sweet' meaning Sasuke's big advantage is his heart. He could be compromised by his emotions which, everyone says is a weakness because they were too afraid of the power emotions could give someone. As much as Sasuke tried to emulate the perfected emotionless mask of the Uchiha, he couldn't quite do this. There was always something, in his body language or in his words, that betrayed his true thoughts.
Like right now. Sasuke thinks Obito is the most ridiculous person in the clan—an understandable thought—but he looked like he believed him now. He looked like he wanted to believe him. The earnest expression on his face was there just long enough, before a conflicted expression appeared and he looked down. His splitted tail swished anxiously from side to side.
"I know it might sound like a long shot. But believe me, I think I've found a way to make it all work out. Let me explain and let yourself trust me!"
Whatever Obito was about to explain, he would use all of his power granted to him by the angel Amateratsu to protect Sasuke from it.
Obito's track record of ideas didn't leave much to be desired anyway.
And done! Intense right? I'm trying not to be afraid to go the distance hehe. And remember ya'll, denying your growing feelings for someone is respectful and makes you a martyr ahaha! But I gotta say I LOVE writing KyuuNaru banter. It makes me remember why they're my OTP in the first place!
And on that note i'd like to play a little game! There are TWO instances in this chapter, where Kurama and Naruto each obviously admit that they love each other. Can you find them? I have the answers in my mind but I'm SO curious as to what you think!
Story Fun Fact Corner:
1) I did away with the phones because I want to keep it very simple when it comes to technology. So yea as said in earlier chapters, they all write letters to each other. The letter bags I picture looking like regular mail bags and work like cell phones. A letter will automatically go to the bag its addressed too. There's magic involved. That's all that matters hehe!
2) Real life biology don't apply here, but I couldn't help but draw some inspiration from the fox family for all the main foxes! So Minato is based off an arctic fox and Kushina's based off of a classic red fox; which means Naruto's a mix of both. I have a little arctic fox trait in mind that'll come up for Naruto later hehe. Daitaru is based off of a corsec fox and Kurama's mom is based off of a classic fennec fox. So yea Kurama's a mix of both of those.
Author Fun Fact Corner:
1) This chapter is a blend of version 1's chapter 9 and 10! Quite happy with the finished result if I may say! I think I've mentioned this a few times, but I want to have the subplots in there actually BE there. I hope things aren't moving too fast or too slow. And I really hope it's clear that the KyuuNaru relationship will firmly remain the A-plot. Because its my favorite plot wahaha!
2) I just wanted to point out that back in chapter 7, Kurama suggested he and naruto go and attack Daitaru's room. Had they done so, they totally would've came across all of those papers back then LOL.
That's it! So thank you thank you THANK YOUUUUU for the reviews! The favorites! The subscriptions! The reading! I always appreciate it all! And thank you for your patience with this chapter. I guess I was in denial about doing monthly updates ;_;. That's more of a happy surprise haha. But I hope y'all know that I am working on this story and it takes some time because I want to give y'all the best this time around. Annnnnd admittedly, when I go back and reread this story I want to laugh and smile and feel emotions without any cringe.
So thank you again! Next update we'll shoot for in December! I have ideas a plenty hehe.