Hanyou Family Chapter 5. Families: United, Missing and Lost.
Thank you everyone who has stuck with this story despite the excessively and inexcusable length between the chapters.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Inuyasha.
The dawn of a new morning crept over the village. People began to stir from their dwellings, adults preparing or work or caring for their homes, and children trying to steal some extra time asleep. While some parents were tending their children, including a certain Lecherous Monk.
"Waaaaaa!"
"Shhhhh….Hushshsh…." The man tried to sooth his youngest child. A son named Chikashi, only one-and-a-half years old. The infant was quite mad, demanding all of his father's attention. Leaving the older twins to care for their siblings.
The older girls, Akemi and Chisato, were trying to shake the other three children awake.[1] The pair took strongly after their mother, and if not for their clothing could easily be mistaken for the other. Both were quite mischievous and enjoyed confusing people, although none of their tricks could work on Kagome, Inuyasha, or their mother.
Meanwhile, Miroku's oldest son, Miyatsu, began to walk outdoors to get firewood to make breakfast. The boy resembled his father as much his older sisters took after Songo. Although, he held an almost sacred reverence towards girls; from Songo's obsession to prevent him from gaining his father's lecherous habits.
Back on the futons, a younger set of twins were still asleep, making their father chuckle. A fraternal pair, one a boy, the other a girl. Miroku's 2nd son, Shako, had his mother's dark brown hair but the angular face of his father. While the girl, Kahoru, had her father's eyes and height, but her mother's facial features.
Miroku grinned at the pair. Especially Shako, named after his maternal grandfather.[2] To ensure one name from the Demon-slayers would live on.
'Hmmmmm. I truly am a blessed man," Miroku pondered in reflection.
'To think that just beyond a decade ago, the need to have at least one child dominated my every thought. With the Wind-Tunnel's curse sealing my fate.'
Briefly, an old memory echoed in his mind.
(Flashback)
"Father!" "Father!"
"No! Don't run towards him Miroku!"
"No! Father! Father! Hhhh-Let me do Mushin!"
The demon winds spread out, encompassing the man a stone's-throw away. Their strength grew, a spiraling vortex, even as greater power burst from the man's cursed hand.
(Present)
Miroku left his reminiscing's, smiling deeply at his family.
'But now…Now neither of my sons have that wretched curse. They will have their own lives without a bleak outlook on how long they will remain on this earth. And I will be here to see them grow in men. Beyond even that, dear-Songo and I have three strong daughters. A true and growing family, greater than I ever imaged prior to meeting her.'
"Good morning Aunty Rin!" Miyatsu's voice came from the door. Sure enough, a graceful and prideful woman entered the house. Rin stood slightly taller than most women her age and carried a serious demeanor. Yet, beneath it she was still the same kind, open heart of her childhood.
Miroku rose to greet her, while Akemi and Chisato succeeded in making Kahoru and Shako open their eyes.
"Good morning, Lady Rin. How does Lady Kaede fare?" he asked.
The woman smiled. "She is growing better by the day. Old age can take a heavy toll on all humans, but she is very happy and stubborn. Almost too much of both to ever leave this village."
Miroku nodded, glad that despite outliving nearly every human he knew, Kaede would stay with them for a while longer.
"Aunt Rin!" Chisato and Kahoru cried in delight, charging into her welcoming arms.
After a brief hug, she thanked the pair, and moved to relieve Miroku of his infant son. Leaving the man free to prepare breakfast for them. As he moved about the kitchen-space, the man conversed with Rin.
"How is Lord Sesshomaru lately? Have you received any word from him?"
Glancing up from the infant, Rin nodded.
"Yes. My Lord journeys in the North, to satisfy his curiosity with rumours of powerful forces in the region. I wished to accompany him, but Lady Kaede's health led me to stay here. So now-
BAM!-"Miroku!" a familiar cry rang through the house.
Turning his head, the sight lit a powerful shock in Miroku. Songo's face and eyes were haggard, standing there in her Demon-hunter's armour.
"MAMA!" "MOM!" "KA-CHAN!" "MOTHER!"
Near-immediately, her clear fatigue gave way to joy. One look at her children, and the woman felt deep happiness empower her heart. Falling to her knees, 3 girls and 2 boys latched on to any part of her they could reach. Pure glee and innocence, that their father did not share.
'Something is wrong," Miraku quietly realized.
'Songo always wears a regular Kimono within the village, unless danger is at hand. Plus, it's the early morning. If she had been that close to our home this past night, she would have come all the way rather than camp somewhere else and return at dawn. I don't see Lady Kagome or Inuyasha either.'
"Songo. What is-"
"Big Brother," a familiar voice called out. Turning his head, Miroku saw Kohaku standing in the threshold.
"Uncle Kohaku!" Miyatsu and Kohoru cried in delight. Rushing forward, their Uncle quickly wrapped each child in his arms, then stood up suddenly.
"I'm sorry. But something happened while we were absent from the village. I need to talk with your father right now." Kohaku spoke. A glint of happiness trickled from his eye at the sight before him.
Glancing up, he noticed the other guest. "Lady Rin!?" Shock coloured his voice, before a welcome smile grew over Kohaku's face. "Hello there, Kohaku," Rin voice replied, joined with a deep smile. The friendship between both was quite strong, even from their shared travels with Sesshomaru's entourage.
They were interrupted as Chikashi began to wail. His arms flailing towards Songo. Soon, the woman rose to her feet, and was cradling the baby to her heart. While Miroku called towards Rin, a question easy to spot in his eyes. Once she nodded, the monk's gaze shifted to Kohaku, and mentioned towards the door.
Kohaku nodded, moving outside where they could talk without spoiling the children's happiness. Once outdoors, Kohaku did not wait for the questions.
"We managed to defeat the demon without much struggle. However, grave misfortune befell us afterwards. Lady Kagome and Inuyasha are missing. We have no idea where they could be, or what terrors may have befallen them."
0…0
"Ahhh! Now that was just what I needed." Anko groaned in pleasure, stretching back after finishing a plate a dango. "MMmmmhhh," Inuyahsa nodded, munching on his own stick. "Gotta say it, these are pretty tasty, Anko-san." Kagome chuckled with him, "I'm certainly glad you knew this place, Anko-san. It's been so long I actually forgot how delicious restaurant-cooked red-bean soup can be, or some good-old dango-sticks. And this!"
Kagome raised a cup of coffee to her lips, reverently. "Hmmmmm," the raven-haired miko hummed at the taste flowing softly past her lips. 'Almost just like back with Mama, Sota and Grandpa. They even made it light and have sugar and milk.'
The pair had been dragged by their purple-haired acquaintance to her favourite dango-stand for lunch, along with Kurenai. The other female was enjoying a cup of vodka,[3] her hypnotic eyes tracing over Kagome, humerously.
"Hmhmhmhmhmhm," Kurneia chuckled, with a teasing smirk. "You may have to be careful with your husband, Kagome-chan. I think I heard you purring like a cat after that last sip."
"Huh!" the woman cried out, embarrassed. While Anko and Inuyasha froze, the former quickly breaking-down with laughter.
"HahahaBaHaBa-Better warn her husband before he all dogs and starts chasing her around!" Anko joked about, nudging Kurenai. Who's straight-face collapsed, "Hahahahahah!"
Inuyasha grew annoyed, then worried for their friends. "Grrrrrrrrrrrr," Kagome let a growl slip out. "Anko….do you…recall those beads of subjugation I use on Inuyasha?"
"Ga-Yeah! But maybe you should call them the leash that keeps him obedient!"
A statement that brought Inuaysha's glare towards her. Yet he felt Kagome's hand on his arm, and stayed silent.
"Realy? Well, you should be informed that I am more than capable of making an extra set. And casting them over whomever, whenever I choose. Would you like to experience that sensation for yourself?" she coolly asked Anko.
Immediately the younger woman stopped, growing silent and stone-faced to hide a trickle of fear in her gut.
"Gulp. Ye-ye-yeah. But you…you wouldn't dare to try doing that t-to me. R-right?"
"Hm." The miko smiled. "Perhaps. Your table manners and jokes have started to encourage me. Some obedience school might do you some good."
"Are you trying to patronize me!" the purple-haired girl shouted.
"Someone should. You've got almost no respect for anyone, and are way out of your league if you want to leave my wife scared of you." Inuyasha stated proudly. Earning himself a peck on the cheek from the recipient of his praise.
Soon Anko began complains towards the couple, while Kurenai was blinking in awe.
'Kagome-chan is barely reacting and takes it all in stride. It is impressive how she can appear to be mature and poke fun at others, at the same time. While Inuyasha-san is highly protective and has great faith in his wife. Both of them would probably make good Jonin-sensei, were they ninja.'
Gradually, the group finished their lunch, before leaving the restaurant. The kunoichi were part of a rotating shift assigned by the Hokage. Indebted though he was for them saving his ninjas, the Sandaime was aware that someone skilled enough to ambush two rouge-nin and smite a Jonin with one blow could be a risk while inside his village.
Subsequently, and in light of possible encounters with conveniences or installations that did not exist in their dimension, Anko, Kakashi, Guy and Kurenai had been ordered to accompany them throughout their time in the village. That had been two days ago, and the four shinobi had organized a time-schedule for at least one of them to be on-duty at all times of the day.
Kakashi had spent the first day giving them a general tour of the village. While earlier that morning, Kurenai and Anko and show up to the apartment Hiruzen had allocated for Inuyasha and Kagome to use for their stay.
The hanyou-couple had spent the morning wandering about Konoha, without any crucial destination or plans. Before Anko's sweet-tooth had demanded they make a stop for her one vice in life.
The group left the restaurant soon after, only for Kagome's eyes to wander up to the most distinct monument present.
"Wow." she murmured in awe, swept up under the gaze of the village leaders, watching over the village there were charged with. Until a hand fell on her shoulder.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha called over, splitting her attention. His eyes followed hers up to the Hokage Faces. "You really admire them that much, do you?"
"I'm sorry, Inuyasha. But I'm afraid I can't help but marvel at them. The ones who were entrusted to lead and command everyone in this village; etched in stone to watch-over their charges, even after giving their lives or their lifetimes for it. I can't help but remain impressed with them, and the lengths their people went to ensure their leaders would be remembered."
Kurenai and Anko were listening, their respect for Kagome rising at her praise for their home.
"If you want, it is possible to go up there above the faces, Kagome-chan," Kurenai informed her.
"Really?" the Miko inquired. Her new friend nodding in return. "It can be a long walk, but a small park lies above the Hokage's faces. It even provides an amazingly scenic view of the entire village, and further beyond."
Anko grinned, the last Dango-skewer in her teeth. "The best time for that is at sunset, when the light casts all over the village and the faces. In the meantime, I wanted to hit-up the hot-springs after that crazy mission we had, but the Hokage's report took away the chance. Why don't we kill time in there, then head up to the Monument before finding some place to chow down on some dinner."
Kagome thought over the suggestion, before looking towards her husband. He didn't have a problem, and soon they were following Anko and Kurenai to the next destination. 30 minutes later, sweet sighs of content rose with the steam. Signalling that the women's hot-springs were blissful and occupied.
Inuyasha was outside the building, taking the chance to sharpen Tessaiga near a tree, and keeping a watchful eye for anyone trying to peep inside. 'No way I'm taking any chances that some pervert might be trying to get close while Kagome is in there. If that happened, Kagome's temper would may a lot of explaining to the Old Man Hokage."
Inside, Kagome was sunking past her shoulders into the heavenly waters."You were not underselling these hot-springs, Anko-chan," she declared. "This is really perfect, and oh so rejuvenating." The woman sunk deeper, letting the heated water engulf her body, even while others eyed her jealously. Living in Feudal era had done wonders for Kagome's figure, not to mention her own chest-level assets were envious in their own right.
Anko and Kagome didn't care, lounging about in the rejuvenating water to unwind after the mission that nearly ended their lives. "Damn…this is one of the best parts of any mission, and always amazing whenever you come by," Anko declared, raising her arms behind her head, relishing the comfy sensation and showing off her own assets for all to see. While Kurenai frowned at the move, retaining a more conservative posture.
"I admit, there are some amazing nature springs near my home village," Kagome described. "But enjoying a more luxurious one here is pretty nice."
Two hours later, and after Inuyasha a took a brief time in the men's section, the group found themselves strolling up an inclined pathway, leading to the hill. Kurenai took another glance at Kagome, her eyes widening in respect. The older woman set the pace, striding alongside her husband with athletic grace up the road and stairs they had followed.
"Kagome-chan," the genjutsu mistress called ahead.
"I'm quite surprised that you are walking ahead of Anko and I so well. It seems that living in a feudal period really has some benefits for your health."
Kagome glanced behind her, slowing her pace to talk with them. While Inuyasha joined up.
"Yes, that's right. The air is so much cleaner, and I really enjoy how active that lifestyle can be. Thankfully, it isn't too demanding as other people live. My job is as a priestess or a exorcist, rather than a farmer or some other back-breaking type of work. In fact, from what you've both described, it's pretty similar to how both of your jobs as ninja can be."
"Gghhhmmmm," Inuyasha made a small grunt. "Kind of, I'll admit. Fighting various demons that seen humans as little more than food or a threat has kept us both sharp. Though since Naraku was finally killed and the Shikon jewel erased, we've rarely had any truly destructive forces coming in without warnings."
Kagome nodded, while Anko and Kurenai recalled the various enemies the pair had described during their travels back to Konohagakure. Neither Kagome, nor Inuyasha had not gone too deeply into their interactions and the ninja's could tell some things were withheld. But they respected that, as the different skills both Inuyasha and Kagome had supported their stories.
"After I joined Inuyasha in our home," Kagome continued. "I made a lot of strides in different healing practices and learning to perform exorcisms and various blessing rituals. My mentor, Lady Kaide, really was a deeply patient and dedicated teacher. There was a lot I needed to learn and re-learn about the feudal era after being gone for three years."
"I bet you probably miss a lot of things from your old home as well," Anko playfully accused her. "Your eyes were drooling over the shower and fridge back at your apartment. Plus, we almost had to drag you away from the restaurants and clothing stores in the village," she teased her.
Kagome frowned through her blush. "So, I like a few commodities. What's so wrong about that? It has been eight years since I last saw them."
Inuyasha frowned slightly. A little put-off at the sacrifice Kagome made to be with him. 'It's undeniable how much Kagome is an unparalleled woman. How did I become so fortunate to have her love after so much time with hatred and lonesomeness?' his thought travelling to the past.
"I still think it's amazing."
Kurenai cut in, to avoid another playful clash of egos between Anko and Kagome.
"You really were separated from Inuyasha for 3 years after that jewel was destroyed. Yet still kept a your love for him deep in your heart. To the point that you were able to return but gave up your old life to be with him in the past. Even after he was willing to leave you behind with people that care about you just as much as he does."
Kagome smiled at those words, her hand lacing with Inuyasha's before he shared the smile with her.
Anko almost gagged, "Uhhhhgggg. Not more gushiness Kurenai!"
The others chuckled at her antics. Before Kagome thought back to the decisions Kurenai had described.
"Yes. I honestly didn't feel…complete without Inuyasha in my life," squeezing his hand, to convey those words to his heart. "We had been through so much, protecting each other, helping the other grow, and accomplished such amazing things together. Our bond grew through so much, until all we cared about was each other's happiness."
A deep grin of pure love spread across Kagome's face.
"Wow," Kurneai murmured.
"It's truly amazing that in the end, it was the love for him and his for you that allowed you to be reunited again. By the way, do either of you have any children of your own since you were married?"
The question was eager and innocent. But Inuyasha' head lowered in shame.
Anko jumped in "Hahahaahaha! I bet that dog really loves to romp around with her every night. Hey, how is he once he gets in 'heat,' huh?"
"Anko!" Kurenai admonished her. "Don't ask such private questions! I doubted Kagome-san wants to discus any..private..t-…"
Only now, did the kunoichi notice Kagome had stopped.
It was unseen, but the mention of children caused Kagome's heart to plunge like a stone. Her body was frozen, dead in her tracks. The woman's hand clenched over her lower abdomen. Grasping for something that wasn't there.
"K-K-Kagome-chan?" Kurenai cautiously called. Inuyasha growled, until Kagome placed one hand on his shoulder
Some tears stilled pooled in the corners of her eyes as she faced the two companions.
"I-I'm fine Kurenai-chan. And no, Inuaysha and I don't have any children of our own. Let's continue to the mountain top. I think I can see it from here," she spoke, pointing to a high railing against clear skies at the crest of the hill.
The group moved towards it, with Anko sharing a worried look with Kurenai. Both silently agreed not to bring-up children anymore.
Once she reached the peak. Kagome gasped in awe of the view. Even Inuyasha found a sense of beauty in the orange-streaked skies, casting the same shade of light as one stage of life began to end. Spanning the entire village and even further beyond, the sight was truly breath-taking.
With a glance to his wife, it was clear to see the view before them was filling her with a sense of wonder. Driving out the pain and despair of inner wounds and failure she felt moments ago.
"Wow…." She murmured. Glancing around further, until her eyes rested on a patch of blonde hair, crouching on top of the faces.
"Hey! What are you doing so far out there, little boy?!"
"Hey, what's wrong! I like to sit here, and I never fall down! Come on, I'm not bothering anyone, dattebayo!"
Kagome frowned at this response, deeply worried for the child so close to the end. "Please, please come back where it's safer behind the railing. I'm just worried that you might hurt yourself."
The boy blinked in surprise at her words. "I come up here like this all the time, dattebayo. Don't worry," he said, raising a thumbs up towards them. "I've never fallen off and it can be great to see the village from up here. Just like My face will be one day, believe it!"
Kagome herself grinned at the boy words, following their meaning. But still tried to maintain a sense of urgency. "Well perhaps you should take some care to live long enough to become the Hokage and not take risks before becoming a ninja. Please, come over here away from the dangerous edge and stand with us," she waved towards them.
The blonde child was gapping, before he timidly stepped forward towards the miko. "That's it…come one…right here just like that." Kagome coached him.
Meanwhile Kurenai and Anko had caught up, and stood back from the encounter. Sharing a look, Anko make a shadow-clone and sent it to the Hokage. While Kagome felt relief once the child was beside her on the opposite side of the railing.
"That is much better. Why were you out there like that…and what is your name?" she asked.
"You…you don't know who I am?" the whiskered child cocked his head, confused.
"We're not from this village," Inuyasha declared, plainly. "And what could be strange about someone not knowing who you are? Are you related to someone important or the village leader?" The hanyou's deep voice made the question sound aggressive, but the boy barely noticed. His head began to drop in sorrow.
"No. I'm not related to anyone. I wish I could have someone cool like the Hokage as my Dad, but I don't have any parents," he murmured, before perking-up with a massive grin.
"But I don't ever let that get me down! Because I'm Naruto, Uzumaki Naruto! And I'm gonna become the Hokage of this whole village, someday! Dattebayo!" The boy's hands clenched with determination, while his smile grew wider at the proclamation.
Kagome could only focus on his words, though. 'No parents? This child is an orphan?' She turned towards Inuyasha, who's own face was taciturn. Then her eyes crossoved around the park-space. Realizing that anyone else present was avoiding herself and the boy. Nobody was keeping an eye on Naruto, which to her implied that he can come up alone.
"Kid. Are you really alone? No family, or anyone to look after you here?" Inuyasha demanded.
Naruto's eyes looked up, unblinking with his smile clear. "Nope. I live on my own, but that's not a problem for me. Once I get out of the ninja academy, then I'll become the Hokage in no time, and everyone will look up to me!"
Kagome could barely process his words. While Inuyasha recognized tell-tale signs of the mask over Naruto' face. But before either could respond, the growl of a hungry stomach reached their ears.
"Hahahahaha! Guess I was up here so long I forgot it's almost time for dinner," he rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed.
"Why don't you come with us?" Inuyasha had invited the boy, while Kagome looked at him in surprise, then with a smile. 'It can be uncanny how often he and I can read each other's thoughts or share the same ones simultaneously.'
"I agree," she said, turning back to look at the surprised boy. "Naruto-san? Inuyasha and I are new to your village, so we don't know about different places the stop for dinner. Do you think you could help us find somewhere? And in exchange, wepay for you to eat with us?"
Naruto's face began to slip. His eyes were wide at the offer, wonderous and clear. "Y-y-y-yeah! I know where the best food in this village is! Ichiraku Ramen shop. And I can defiantly show you guys there if you let me eat with you, dattebayo!"
Kagome smiled, forcefully. Recalling some orphaned children that can come to Kaide's village after losing their families to the chaos and turbulence of the Warring States. Before extending her hand towards Naruto. "Come on then. Will you take my hand and show us where?"
The boy stared at the hand for a few moments, tears trickling into his eyes. Before Inuyasha was beside him, and gently pushed his shoulder. "Go ahead and take it, kid," the warmth in his words not reaching his face. "You'll have a big meal on us, and we'd like your company as well."
A blink and sniffle followed, before Naruto slipped his mask back on and took Kagome's hand. Leading them down the mountain, before she noticed Anko and Kurenai had been replaced. "Kakashi-san? When did you arrive her, and why did Anko-san and Kurenai-chan leave?"
The one-eyed ninja simply waved at her from a few meters away. "Oh, the Hokage needed one is his office, and the other got called away to her usual job. I wasn't going anything and decided to come down and meet up with you both. So, I suppose you've taking this boy to dinner at Ichiraku's?"
With a nod, the four of them went down the mountain, Naruto feeling lost and confused, while Kakashi did most of the guiding towards their destination. Taking a winding but less populated route to avoid larger crowds, that went unnoticed to Kagome and Inuyasha. Until they moved closer to their shop, and the hanyou stopped n his tracks! His nose twitching in the air.
Hmhmhmhmhmhmhmhm. "This smell. That salty, warm, delicious scent! There's No Mistake!" Ignoring everyone, he dashed forward, kicking up dust in his wake. Following his nose to a brightly-lit hut, where a dream came true.
"Ninja Food! Alright Right!" Inuyasha exclaimed, ducking into the Ramen Stand. A pair of customers looked at him, puzzled by the statement.
"Umm. 'Ninja food?'" Kakashi called, just behind his companion. "I admit, Ichiraku's does make good Ramen. Is that really what it's called in your home, Inuysha-san?"
"Ohh…uhhhh. It's a…a type! Yeah, a type of Ramen in my own home. Or, rather it used to," the hanyou explained. "My. Wife used to bring some from her own village, but after we got married they stopped delivering it to either places."
"WHHAAAAATTTT!" shouted Naruto, after catching up with him. "How can anyone live after no Ramen! Old Man Teuchi, you've gotta help this guy, Dattebayo!"
0….0
A new day was on the horizon. The welcoming sunlight casting over Konoha, slipping through windows and doors to gently coax the people from their slumber
"Hmmmm….." Kagome nearly purred with content. The young woman was awake, after a deep and comfortable night. Cuddling into her sleeping husband's arms, she relished in his strong, welcome touch amidst the comfy mattress and soft sheets. 'I'm in heaven,' she silently vowed.
Then simply lay there, determined not to fall back asleep and miss the feeling of their closeness.
After another hour, Inuyasha crack open one eye. He and Kagome found it very difficult to leave the bed, wrapped in each other's arms. Eventually, the pried themselves apart long enough to move into the bathroom for a shower, together.
30 minutes, lots of moans, and a couple screams later, they were in the kitchen. Inuyasha wore his hakama and a white shirt, while Kagome donned some shorts and long-sleeved shirt that she had bought with Anko and Kurenai, with a bathrobe over top.
She was preparing breakfast, while the pair talked about their thoughts on Konohagakure.
"I admit. This is place is a lot different from either your home, that Tokyo place, or anywhere I've seen in our era," Inuyasha commented.
"Yes. It truly is amazing," Kagome agreed, before her eyes became sorrowful. "Though it no longer seems as compassionate and benevolent as I previously though. Not after learning about Naruto-san last night."
"Hmmm…" Inuyasha's thoughts travelled back to the day before. The image of Naruto's face crept into his head. The boy had been clearly happy during dinner, and the chef Teuchi and his daughter were kind and generous to both him and his wife. Afterwards, Kagome had insisted on walking Naruto home, and fussed over the boy slightly once they reached his apartment. From there, they returned to their home and shared their feelings together.
"I admit, he kinda reminds me of myself Kagome. Hundreds of year ago, after my mother died. Every time I would find a river or a lake, the look in my reflection was the same one I saw in the kid's eyes. He's alone, but hiding it in a much different way than I did. At least he wasn't filled with fear or anger at everyone around him like I was."
Kagome's hand rested over his, expressing her own feelings to him. "We've seen children like him before. Still, I can't believe that he lives alone either. Especially since this village…more like this city would certainly have an orphanage for children like him. Who knows, maybe the Hokage would let us take Naruto with us back to Kaide's village if we were to ask him," she suggested.
Inuyasha smiled at her answer. "Hhh. I like the sound of that idea, Kagome." With the matter settled, Kagome finished their breakfast and both sat down at the table. Just after they finished, a knock came at the door. Kagome moved to the bathroom to change while Inuyasha stood up.
"Yo," Kakashi answered once it opened. "Hi there Kaka—"
"Shhhhhhhh." The Jonin glanced around, before he turned a pleading eye at Inuyasha. "Please, just let me in. Guy's been tracking me everywhere for another challenge, and I need somewhere to hide." Inuyasha was confused but still let the man through the door. Kagome emerged and suggested that they spend a beautiful day near a lake or through the forests surrounding the village. Kakashi nodded and began to lead them over to one of the unused training grounds.
0…0
Naruto's feet raced up the hill, arms pumping constantly with the boy at a hard sprint. He was breath hard, pushing for more out of his tiny, 8-year-old body, while grasping a kunai in his right hand.
The path was clear on a hill he was running up. Dozens of trees covered it, with bright warm sunlight pouring down, appreciated by some but only making Naruto's run all the harder. He knew where the finish-spot was, eyes searching for it to come into view and signal the end.
'There it is! Harder!' he thought, driving himself at a faster pace; before throwing his arm forward, stabbing the kunai into a tree as his left clicked a stopwatch it carried.
"Hhhh…Hhhh…Hhhhh…Darn it! I just can't beat it!" he cried. After noting his time, Naruto looked up the tree. Kanji were carved into the bark, listing names and times with "Kiba 3:37" at the top. The one Naruto was trying to beat.[4]
"Darn it!" he gasped, hitting the tree before looking ahead, dejected. With a grunt of determination, the boy turned on his heels, running down to the starting point for another try. But on the way, a shapeless image danced above him, on the edge of his vision.
"What is…!" stopping to look up, the boy saw three other ninja's leaping through the trees, moving fast before disappearing through the growth. None sparred more than a glance, at the boy who followed them with eyes wide.
"That's it!" he exclaimed. "That's how I'll beat Kiba's time. Iruka-sensei did that no problem when he carried me through the Black woods, so doing it without an extra load will be easy! Believe it!"
With that idea, Naruto hurried back to the starting point and cast off with his timer. Sprinting from the clearly to a nearby tree, the boy began to climb easily enough. Before reaching higher and higher, then casting around to spot a large branch some meters away.
'Hm! That one's close enough!' he thought, before squatting down and making a jump…
0…0
It was early-afternoon now. Kakashi was laxing about, his book in-hand outside of the Konoha General Hospital. The man's ears and nose were open, cruising his surroundings and waiting for some indication that Kagome and Inuyasha had left. The couple had been insistent on going inside, and hesitant to mention why; apart from looking to schedule an appointment for Kagome.
Some minutes later, the Copy-nin caught their scents, and two pairs of foot-falls growing louder. Quickly replacing his book out of Kagome's sight, he stepped out to meet the pair.
'Hmmm…Kagome-san seems to be grasping her husband's arm, and he appears more serious than usual. Better to not ask, then,' Kakashi decided. He simply waited for the couple to reach them, and slide in-step behind the pair to keep them both in his sight.
The trio moved through the village aimlessly, focused on moving forward and little else.
As she walked, despondency filled Kagome's every step. Thoughts of the appointment she made at the hospital churned in her mind, blending hope with despair. 'Maybe we'll find some answers. If it truly was bad fortune or—"
"Hey come on, stop looking at me that way! I didn't do anything!" a familiar voice, deeply upset, cried from up ahead. Pulling Kagome's attention from herself to another.
"You're nothing but a monster! And a blight on this village that should disappear!"
Inuyasha….and Kagome….froze…..
Both recalled others throwing such words at them, at Shippou, at Jinenji and other Hanyou both had encountered before.
The couple shared a look, before rushing towards the voices, ignoring their guide. Both
spotted a loose crowd close by, enclosing a small child.
"I'm not a thing!" Naruto shouted at an adult, looming over him. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto! Uzumaki Naruto! Stop calling me an 'it!' Or a 'danger!' Dattebayo!"
"You're an abomination! Now get away from my store!" the man glowered, his leg reared back before a kick sent the boy to the dirt. Naruto skidded on the ground, covered in cuts and bruises. The adult gave him another kick, harder, driove the boy further into misery and pain. His cries bringing a sadist's glee to the adult.
"Come near me again and—"
"Naruto-san!" "Bastard!" TGhaaaack!
Immediately, the man found his world spinning. A sharp sting covered his face before the ground came up towards his chin.
"What the hell is going on!" "What are you doing to Naruto-kun!"
"K-k-Kagome-chan? Inuyasha-san?" the demon-container mumbled in awe.
At the sight of the clerk's hateful kick, Kagome's hand met his face with a vicious slap, enough to send the broad man tumbling to the ground. Without missing a beat, she left him down and crouched beside Naruto.
"Naruto-kun! Do you remember me? Are you hurt badly at all?" She fussed him, noticing a few scrapes that seemed to be from the fall. Quickly and carefully, she lifted Naruto from the dirt and into the safety of her arms. before caressing his face.
"What happened?" she gently spoke to the bewildered orphan. Before the crowd recovered their wits.
"Why are you helping that abomination!? Do you know what that is? What it has done?! A smack like is more than well-deserved towards it!" a shrilling voice cut through Kagome's ears.
At those words…Kagome was steam personified, her blood was boiling, while shock at hearing those words left her mind frozen. Glancing up to their source, she spied a prissy woman with a face of disgust pointed at Naruto. Kagome's jaw hung open, before the ice was thawed and furious glare crossed her face, fueled by anger and disgust.
The perpetrator paled, dauted at the ferocity burning in the miko's eyes.
"From what I can see he is an innocent boy! Being unjustifiably hurt by the man in front of my husband! And how can you refer to an innocent child, unfairly abused, with such disgusting words!" she yelled in response.
"Kagome. Look around. Their faces," her husband growled. Glancing towards him, Inuyasha was crouched over, his claws spread and ready for anyone who came too close.
Looked around, Kagome's shock and revulsion grew. All around them, faces in the crowd were coloured with surprise and confusion at Inuyasha, while scorn, refusal, disgust and even satisfaction were made towards Kagome. Yet…
'No,' she realized. 'They aren't looking at me. Those only have surprise in their eyes. Those negative feelings are being levelled at...!' At her realization, Kagome shifted herself protectively around Naruto, pulling his face into her blouse to shield the boy from their assaulting glares.
Inuyasha's blazing golden eyes cast around at the painfully familiar looks in the crowd, forming a power deterrent. At the words of "it," "abomination," and "monster," his memory set-off with recalls of people who mistreated him in the past, or whom would revoltingly greet him and Kagome whenever they travelled to a different village that was unaccustomed to a hanyo and a human being married.
His sharp ears twitched, detecting loud whispers around them.
"Why are they defending it!?" "They probably don't know about it?"
"Just more trouble brought by that boy." "Wished I'd kicked him myself."
"Must be like a pair of demons helping the-"
Inuyasha's hand flew to grasp Tessaiga, while Kagome herself was growing. Both could feel the palpable hatred from each of the assembled villagers, towards the blonde orphan nearby.
"What the hell is wrong with all of you!" Inuyasha shouted. "A kid gets beaten down by this bastard and all that you do is watch or gloat! Where the hell could you have gotten any reasons to do that!"
"You don't know then!" a yell came from Inuyasha's feet. The shop keeper that Kagome had struck glared ignorantly and indignantly at the hanyou. The man struggled to rise, spitting a glob of blood from his mouth.
"That little shit deserves it! The trouble-maker!"
Shorter than a moment, the shopkeeper's eyes were open with fear. Inuyasha's furious glare invoked his senses with terror, forcing him backwards in pure fear. The red-clothed figure moved forward, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"Inuyasha," a voice came forth, sending deep chills down the hanyou's spine. "Come here and stand by Naruto-kun. I..want…to…speak…with…this…one…"
As she spoke, Kagome's husband faced her. When their eyes had met, Inuyasha felt an even stronger chill through his bones. Scarcer than a blue moon, he knew how to see when Kagome was royally pissed.
Deliberately, without sparing a glance at the offender, Inuyasha moved towards the boy and hefted Naruto upwards. After settling him in one arm, Inuyasha kept his eyes on the crowd, daring any to approach, missing the bewilderment on the child's face.
Once their charge was safe, Kagome gracefully stepped towards the man, her faced shadowed by hair.
"What is your name?"
The man in-question blinked, before frowning at the woman.
"I'm Ghiest, and that's all you'll learn of me! Demon-lover's aren't welcome in this village, and vile scum should-!"
"WHAT IN ALL THIS GOOD WORLD COULD GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO SPEAK IN SUCH REPULSIVENESSSS! WHO IN ANY MIND WOULD DARE TO ABUSE ANY CHILD AND THINK THEMSELVES JUSTIFIED!"
Kagome's shoulders were hunched-up, her hair a blazing mane of dark fury none would dare to contradict. Driving back the crowd as a Lioness defends her young. Any ninjas present began to ready their weapons. While Ghiest was scrambling further away, with every word she roared.
"HAD YOU ANY CHILDREN I WOULD DEEPLY WORRY FOR THEIR FUTURES WITH A FIGURE LIKE YOU IN THEIR LIVES! NARUTO-KUN CANNOT POSSIBLY BE A DEMON, IF THAT IS WHAT YOU SEE IN HIM! I HAVE NO CARE FOR WHAT THAT EXCUSE CAME FROM! ONLY ATTROCIOUS, REPULSIVE, SOULESS BEINGS WOULD BULLY AN ORPHANED AND DEFENSELESS CHILD! AND NOTHING CAN INFURIATE ME MORE THAN YOU!"
A pause came in Kagome's tirade, fixing Ghist with a look even Sesshomaru would tremble before.
"My name is Higurashi Kagome. I am spiritual miko, staying in Konohagakure, temporarily. As a priestess, I can sense a person's spiritual purity, or demonic energies that surrounded people."
Her eyes cast over the crowd, some beginning to straighten in respect demanded to a priestess.
"Naruto-kun carries no demonic aura in his soul.[6] No matter whence he came from or what happened during the past, I can sense nothing in his soul that would suggest the influence or association of a demon. He is a solely innocent child," she declared.
"Impossible!" another person shouted, muscling his way into the open.
"You've gotta be a fraud. There is no way possible for that boy to lack any connection to a demon, from the…." The newcomer, a ninja was red-fangs adorning his cheeks, broke his declaration short. Kagome's eyes were turned on him, before a figure interposed themselves between them.
"Now, now, I doubt that is any way to treat someone who guest in this village."
"K-k-k-k-k-Kakashi-san!" the fang-cheeked ninja stumbled backwards. Before he could speak again, the Copy-nin appeared before him, drawing attention away from Naruto, Inuyasha and Kagome.
"It is highly disrespectful to question a miko over their position, or accuse them of dishonesty," Kakashi stated, calmly.
"I can vouch that Kagome-sama truly is a miko, and one who has been trained to either fight or heal in equal measure. She and her husband[5] Inuyasha saved my life, and that my squad on a mission against rouge-nin whom nearly killed us. Kagome-san was extremely selfless in healing my companions and I. Hokage-sama himself allowed Inoichi Yamanaka to examine her mind and everything she has spoken is the truth. In response, the Sandaime has allowed them to stay here, to repay their selfless efforts. I'm sure all of us will have a better day if everyone were to disperse."
Kakashi soft demand, etched with steel that refused any complaints, coaxed the ninjas before him to quickly backed-down. Murmurs were sailing through the crowd, leaving ripples of uncertainly behind them. The civilians recognized Kakashi by his name and enigmatic appearance. While the news of how the strangers defending Naruto had managed to defeat rouges that could nearly managed to kill him was deeply unsettling.
Yet the real impacts to come were among the ninjas in the crowd. Another person saving one of their own was no light matter to the regular Konoha shinobi. The revelations that some of their more prominent comrades owed this new couple their lives swayed many to their side. Even the ninja Kakashi had confronted was visibly confused.
These ninjas began to help that crowd dissolve. Though Kagome and Inuyasha kept Naruto nearby, silently daring anyone to even try or approach the boy under their guard. Soon, the only person left was the tattooed figure whom insulted Kagome.
The man now stood by Kakashi, glaring at the miko and hanyou with deep resolve. Inuyasha kept watch over the crowd, while Kagome met his eyes with her own.
Yet the figure grew stiff, and bowed deeply towards her.
"I apologize, for my insult towards you miko-sama. I am of the Inuzuka clan, and our fellow shinobi, our pack, is valued above everything else. For you to save Kakashi-san and more of my fellow Konoha-shinobi, I apologize."
Quickly, the man straightened. His eyes rested on the blonde child held close to Inuyasha. THey remaiend filled with spite, before smoke engulfed the Inuzuka, and no trace was left of the man.
Kagome found the street had been deserted, even the instigator, Ghiest, had left with the others. She paid the situation no mind, preoccupied with concern for the boy in her company.
Naruto himself could barely speak. His eyes resting only on Inuyasha,
'They…they helped me?...Kagome-san she…and after one called me a 'monster' Inuyasha…..' For the first time in his long, lonely life; people had protected Naruto. Stood up for him, helped him. The boy could barely think from the act of random kindness done on his behalf.
A soft touch came to his arm, and the boy saw the face of an angle. Open, light, powerful, with the promise of safety and sensitivity brighter than a diamond.
Kagome gave a warm smile to the boy. But it did not last, once the scrapes, tears and bruises caught her eyes.
"Naruto-kun! What happened to you!?" Carefully, she took his arm and rolled the sleeve. Unveiling an ugly mash of dried blood, dirt and leaves. Looking over him with the eyes of a healer, several more tears in the boy's pants and shirt were clear, joined by scratched to his face.
"I…uh I was out in the forest and tried running through the trees. But I missed a step for a branch I was jumping for and fell-down," he explained.
"I hit some through some bushes and branches during my fall. They broke my fall but got all these cuts and scrapes. I was out of Band-Aids at my apartment, and the usual place I go to was closed. That's why I was trying to get some new ones when the mean man kicked me out, and you came along."
Kagome felt no relief. His words stoked her anger, looked back to the store nearby and around the streets.
'He needed to come here for help. That would mean walking through the village for anyone to see, and nobody noticed or gave a thought to help him,' her reasoning came.
'Far worse than that, either the crowd or that terrible excuse for a person would certainly have seen his injuries clearly. Either their hatred obscured it, or they did notice and took glee in adding to his suffering.'
After turning over these morbid facts, Kagome glanced around for a destination and made a decision.
"Well then, let's get these taken care of as soon as possible. Naruto-san, the place Inuyasha and I are staying is close by. I can clean and heal these for you, far away from anyone else that could glare or treat you poorly. Would you like to come?"
Naruto was unable to speak. The warmth or her gentle touch, something he had never experienced before. Her hand turned his face to look straight at her, to meet her smile.
Too many first experiences had come to him all at once. For one instance of his life, protection, care, and concern had all come forward in the open streets; rather than isolated to a single old man or a restaurant.
Inuyasha saw his eyes, and buried the flicker of pain in his heart.
"Kid. Climb up on to my back. You're pretty banged-up, so don't even think of saying no. I'll give you a lift to our place, but you've gotta hang on tight. OK?"
Soon, Naruto was positioned on Inuyasha back, while the hanyou turned towards Kakashi and Kagome.
"Kagome. I don't want anyone else giving him a hateful-eye. We'll take the faster way. Just meet us at the room soon."
It wasn't a request, but Kagome nodded all the same.
'All those words spoken by the crowd. Inuyasha must have had to same during his childhood. I'm never seen him have such altruism.'
With a smile, she gave a light peck on his cheek, filled with pride.
Unnoticed to both, Kakashi used the distractio not signal a watching ANBU, discretely. Informing him not follow and inform the Hokage immediately.
Momnets after, Inuyasha was leaping over rooftops with Naruto, and Kagome turned back to Kakashi.
"Kakashi-san. Thank you for your help. Inuyasha and I are going to return to our apartment, to help Naruto-chan after that horrible mistreatment. Would you mind coming with us? I have some questions to ask about him," her compassionate tone demanded.
"Oh….uhhhhhh." Even the Jonin needed a moment to adept from the weight in her words.
"N-no. That wouldn't be any trouble at all, Kagome-san." Kakashi answered. "Let's get going. After what you did for Guy and Anko, his pain will likely be gone in minutes from your care." he suggested with an eye-smile.
0….…0
Outside the windows of his office, the Hokage's watchful eyes cast over his village. The day was cloudless, warm, and calm. People were moving about, missions were finished at a steady rate, and the past few days had saved him the loss of four very prominent ninjas.
'Moments such as these truly make this hat lighter on my crown. The serenity of this village certainly can place the sacrifices many have made in the past into a new light. The cold gaps left by their absence can be countered-balanced by the warmth and serenity everyone can see in this moment.'
The Hoakge lit fresh tobacco for his pipe, as four particular faces came to the forefront of his musings. As had the spectre of their saviours.
'Hatake Kakashi, Mitarashi Anko, Yuhi Kurenai and Might Guy. They're talents and skills aside, those four are among the best of a generation that will soon rise to the position of Jonin-sensei. Each have long lives ahead of them, and much to pass on the generations that follow. I have seen enough young talents lost too early, and their generation already suffered the tragedies of Uchiha Obito and Nohara Rin.'
'Inuyasha-san. And his wife Higurashi Kagome-san. Husband and wife, one a human, the other a half-demon centuries old. They certainly are truly rare beings in this world, or any world. And I owe them both two debts of gratitude, now.'
The view of his people left the Hokage's sight. Resting on his desk were two scrolls; one a draft for the mission to the Void Well, the other a report from the Higurashi's encounter with Naruto.
'Kakashi-san is needed for another mission as soon as his recovery is complete, and Anko-san is needed in the interrogation department. Kurenai-san was the least wounded, and she could use more experience before a promotion to full Jonin. With Inuyasha-san present, power should not be an issue to investigate this Void Well. Their mission can be ready to depart tomorrow. And yet….'
The Hokage lowered his head, trying to organize his conflicting desires.
'The skills and power those two have displayed would certainly benefit the village if they remained here. The loss of the Uchiha Clan and Itachi's deep-cover assignment has led to a serious blow to Konoha's strength and capacities. Adding Inuyasha's power and Kagome's unique spiritual abilities may go somewhere to make-up a fraction of those losses. She may even have potential to learn medicine and is a highly intelligent young woman.'
'Even more so, the two of them befriending Naruto has become a mixed blessing.'
The man sighed deeply. Visibly reluctant to face the upcoming departure of Kagome and Inuyasha; for the impacts it may have on Naruto.
'Those two are completely ignorant of the burden that he carries, and may even befriend that child if they learned of how he has lived. Yet telling them directly could leave thatboy's own safety compromised should they decline to remain here. I still cannot comprehend how the open hands they gave that boy cannot be imitated by his own generation, or others whom were little more than toddlers when the Kyubi attacked.'
"Hokage-sama!"
The centre of the room was taken. Shimmering through the air, an ANBU had shushined inside, and crouched before their leader.
"Yes, report," Hiruzen responded, his softly commanding eyes locked on the ANBU.
"3 minute passed, the foreigners Hatake-taisho accompanied today encountered the Jinchuriki. A crowd of people had surrounded and ostracised him, while shop-keeper Ghiest assaulted him with a kick."
"What!" Hiruzen's tone lashed outwards, sharper than a whip. The man was grasping his pipe enough to crack its stem, alarmed by the news Naruto had been hurt.
"Hai. However, the man with white hair and his wife saw it happened and intervened. They stepped up on Uzumaki-san' behalf and led to a verbally hostile encounter with the villagers. One civilian referred to Uzumaki-san as a demon, and the miko nearly scattered the crowd with her furious shouts."
"The woman identified herself and proclaimed there was no demons power or spirit within Uzumaki-san. An Inuzuka stepped forward and nearly broke your law surrounded Uzumaki's role. Hatake-taisho intervened, however, and revealed how the couple had saved himself and his team. From there, other ninjas helped disperse the crowd, though Uzumaki-san had some injuries. The Inu-man took Naruto onto his back to reach the apartment they have occupied, while Hatake-taisho is accompanying the woman to the same place."
The Hokage looked on, blinking in surprise. After some time, he glanced back to the mission-draft, then shifted to face the building the Higurashi's had occupied. Sure enough, the aged shinobi could make-out the cloak of the Fire-rat leaped across buildings and balconies to find the one he was staying in.
"Well now," the Hokage nodded, a conspiring grin crawling over his face.
"I will deal with the repercussions of this incident myself, ANBU-san. You are dismissed."
With a salute, no trace of the figure remained. Leaving the Hoakge to depart his office and move towards the apartments with all his hast. A plan slowly taking form in his mind.
End.
[1]-The twin girls from the final episode of Inuyasha: Final Act. They were never given names, so far as I know.
[2]-For any who don't know. This is a canon-character, and the very person who sent the Shikon no Tama to Kikyo for safe keeping. He also cast Mistress Centipede into the Bone-Eater's well during his life, which is why she was down there in the first place when Kagome came through. And the first known person to have Kirara as a partner, and use the Hiraikotsu.
[3]-Naruto databooks; vodka and shochu, a strong sake drink, are Kurenai's favourites.
[4]-The tree from Naruto Shippuden, episode 240 "Kiba Determination." Please do not disparage me, but as aggravating as they can be, the Anime fillers do have some good moments. This episode is one of many that I admire, for some kids spending time with Naruto in his childhood, the moral of constantly driving yourself to improve and surpass a goal, and Kakashi's ninja-hounds got some time in the spotlight. Honestly, to me the fillers were a huge problem because they were badly mishandled, excessive, and made very little impacts on the story.
[5]-In real-life Shintoism, a Miko can only retain their position if they remain unmarried. Although, in the Inuyasha Anime continuity, Kagome is referred to as a Priestess/Miko even after she married Inuyasha. For simplicity's sake to keep the story moving, I decided to leave this title. And apologize to any followers of Shintoism if they are offended by this error.
[6]-While chakra may be a part of Naruto, I do not believe that the spiritual-aura that Inuyasha characters can sense is the same. Additionally, Kagome can sense Naruto's soul, which has never been directly linked to Kurama.
I hope you all enjoyed this story, despite the frustrating wait. This was a delicate point in the story since Inuyasha and Kagome already have a home and direct path to return there. Both would certainly prefer to take Naruto to their home village. Which isn't possible since despite the revolting hypocrisy behind it, nobody can let Konoha leave at all since he is a Jinchuriki.
Since the beginning of this story, I have planned for Inuyasha characters to reach Konoha as well, including Miroku and Songo, and especially Sesshomaru. This necessitated a scenario where Inuyasha and Kagome would have the motivations to settle in Konoha, leaving their former lives in Kaede's village behind to raise him.
While hot-headed, neither of them are likely to make a choice like that on whim. Which meant a lot of creative and contextual writing needed to be done before a scenario where they would make that choice could be built.
Otherwise, I also wanted to edit Kagome and Inuyasha carefully. Balancing-out between familiar traits or habits form them, with new changes in their maturity from both their time together and the passage of 8 years of marriage.