It has been such a long time! I'm sorry I have been away for so long. I went though a long dark period during my absence. I am slowly getting back into the things I love and I can't wait to share the things I've planned out with you all. Thank you for being so patient and waiting for my return. It means a lot to me.

Now, on with the story.

Chapter 4

Naruto gazed in horrified awe at the scene before him. He had never seen Kurama look so frail and weak.

"It's alright kit. I knew this would happen. It's a sacrifice I am honoured to make for you, little one."

"Are you… will you be okay?" Naruto asked in a worried whisper.

Kurama sighed.

"I will not lie to you, Naruto. I am dying. When I burned off the seals, I caused my own power to destroy itself."

Naruto's world shattered at that. The only person who had been there for him since birth was dying?

"Worry not, kit. We will meet again. Before I was sealed into your great grandmother Mito, I was the Chief Summon for the Fox Clan. It will take some time, but with my death, the contract will reform, and I will be Chief of the Fox Clan again. It would be a great honour to have you as the first Fox Sage in 100 years."

"Yes! Anything if it means I can have you back!"

Naruto darted into the crumbling cage and wrapped himself as best he could around Kurama's snout.

Kurama felt tears well up in his eyes as his form began to shrink, becoming less vulpine and more human.

"Kit."

Naruto looked up to see a tall, middle-aged man with red hair and eyes staring back at him lovingly, tears glistening him his ruby orbs.

"I have one more gift for you, kit."

"Is that you Kurama?"

"Yes, kit. We bijuu can only show this form to one person whom we love unconditionally. I have chosen you, my kit. You are like my own son. Which is why my last gift to you is my remaining chakra."

Naruto buried his face into Kurama's chest, gratitude and sadness overwhelming him.

"Thank you, Kura-tou-chan."

The arms around him tightened as Kurama pressed a feather-like kiss into his hair, beginning the transfer.

"It's what we fathers are supposed to do, kit."

Gently, Kurama ended the embrace, kneeling down to Naruto's level.

"I must tell you, kit. Before the seal fully disappears, it will filter out any toxic parts of my chakra before adding it to your reserves. This will make you unique, as you will be able to align yourself to any affinities you wish, including medical chakra. For your own safety, only choose 2 or 3. Train yourself well, kit. I look forward to seeing you in a few years."

"Where will I find you?"

"Your favourite spot when you want peace. Now, I have one more request."

"Hm?"

"Smile for me, Naruto."

As the tears continued to fall, Naruto gave the biggest grin he could for Kurama.

When he opened his eyes again, he was alone. There was no cage, no seal, and no Kurama. Unbridled pain lashed his chest as he left his mindscape.

"Is he alright, Naru?" Minato gently inquires.

"He… he's gone. Kurama's gone, dad."

Minato knew that this was more than just the fox escaping the seal. His son's confidant, caretaker, and first friend was gone for good. He cradled his son to his chest.

"Let it out, Naru. I'm here for you. Allow yourself to grieve for Kurama. I know he loved you just as much as I do."

The kind words made the frayed tether holding Naruto's emotions snap. He began to scream, sob, and wail. All the while, Minato held his son tightly, being an anchor for the anguished emotions spinning from his child.

"I'm here, Naru. And I'll be damned if I fail you again."

Until next time, everyone, keep reading, writing, and keeping the creativity alive! SRK out!