Chapter 2: The Birth

.:Save Me:.

Here's chapter 2! Please favorite, follow, and review what you think! I hope you all enjoy!

It's been nine months since Toshira has been labeled as a missing person from Kohona. Normally, civilian missing person cases aren't necessarily seen as a high priority unless the person in question is of influence. In this case, the one that's missing is, to put it plainly, a janitor with a lung problem. Given her health issues, is not so far fetched to assume that Toshira is more than likely dead. If that's the case, why go after her? She has no family that they know of. She lived alone with no children or even a pet. She didn't even make any real contributions to the village. So, why has Minato sent out squads to search for her? That answer maybe simpler than you think.

One could say it's out of guilt for allowing the clan heads to treat her so poorly during the dinner. One could also say it's out of pity given that she's lived in isolation for so long. It could even be suggested that Minato has grown rather fond of her in the short time he's known of her, but all of those would only be partially right. In truth, the main driving force in finding her is the determination the Uchiha matriarch to repay a debt.

Yes, Mikoto Uchiha won't rest until the pink haired woman is returned to the village. At first, she was going to go look for her herself- to hell with her husband's reservations- but the little bundle of life in her womb was the only thing that stopped her. How can she try to find the savior of her eldest child and put the life of her younger child at risk as well? So, instead of going herself, Mikoto has pestered and demanded results from Minato and, when they tried to stop it, the village elders. The only time she didn't go, was during the time she gave birth to the second son of the main Uchiha family, Sasuke. However, now that he's three months old, she's continued her provocation with the sleeping infant wrapped against her stomach the only difference.

"I've never seen such insolence over a single civilian woman." Danzo, Mikoto's least favorite of the elders, scoffed at her. "Besides, how do we even know the woman was taken by force? She could have left of her own free will."

"I know Toshira. She wouldn't have left without saying something."

"Obviously, you don't know her as well as you thought." Mikoto's lip curled in anger. "How about you spend more time with your newborn then chasing after theories." The wrath wafting off of the Uchiha matriarch was suffocating, the soft cries of her precious little boy smothered it quickly. She observed him for a few seconds before it was clear that he wanted food. Taking in a deep breath, she returned her gaze to Danzo- her rage burning in her eyes.

"This isn't over." Without waiting for a response, she twirled in her heels and quickly made her way out. Once the doors closed behind her, she let out a frustrated breath before trying to soothe her fussy baby.

"Let me guess, the elders were old bastards?" Looking up, Mikoto smiled at her heavily pregnant long time friend as she approached her.

"Kushina, aren't you supposed to be on bed rest?" The red haired beauty scoffed, placing a hand on her extended belly.

"Like is ever go along with one of Minato's over protective rules." The two women giggled before a serious look washed over Kushina's face. "But, how is everything?" Mikoto's smile slowly fell, her eyes downcasted to look at the sweet face of her baby.

"Sasuke is rather easy to care for, but he does get really fussy. Itachi…" tears pricked the back of her eyes just at the thought of her eldest son. "I tried… I tried so hard to save him, but-" Kushina placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"You did everything that you could, Mikoto. All you can do now is help him through the tough days." Mikoto raised her head to meet Kushina's gaze with glassy eyes.

"I can't fail Toshira like I failed Itachi." Kushina frowned before pulling her into a tight as hug she can manage with an infant and a belly in the way.

"Don't lose faith, Mikoto." She whispered in her ear. "Everything will work out in the end."

But the funny thing about some endings, is that you have to trudge through hell to get there.

At five years old, Itachi Uchiha, heir to the mighty Uchiha clan, is broken. In a few months, he will have been a ninja for two years. That will mark the occasion that he entered and graduated the academy within a year as well as when he's been exposed to the cruel life he's been blissfully ignorant of thus far.

Since he was old enough to speak, he's known about the superiority complex his clan has. That's been made obvious from the way every member of the clan speaks about other clans and the village as a whole as lower than them. Now that he's a genin, that talk has only gotten more severe. Adding the fact that he is to be the next head of the clan, there is a lot he's been told that he wishes he hadn't.

Allegedly, his clan believes they are being mistreated by the rest of the village. Not only that, but they also believe that, since they are arguably the strongest, they should be incharge of the majority of the power within the village. Word has already been spread about other villages capturing and sealing the nine tailed demons more rapidly, yet Konoha has not done so. When he was barely a year old, there was a secret attempt by his clan to summon and capture one of the tailed beasts, but that ended sourly when two appeared. The fight was barely contained and, in the end, both escaped before they could even attempt the sealing process. He wasn't told which ones were summoned, but he's figured it had to have been two of the most powerful. Either way, there's no telling where they are or what kind of grudge they may hold against Uchiha. If they do, then that could mean they will return to seek revenge. Adding to the stress in his life, he has to deal with the fact his three month old brother has been forced into this terrible world.

Honestly speaking, his brother is one of the few reasons why he's been working so hard. There father is a harsh, yet simple minded man. If Itachi keeps his attention on his success, then he will leave Sasuke alone. That means Sasuke will be able to have a real childhood and won't be exposed to this world as soon as he was. It may be selfish- and it very well may backfire in the future, but Itachi is willing to go through all of it if it means his brother won't have to do what he's been forced to do on this mission: murder.

Nothing could have ever prepared him on what it would feel like to take the life of another person. What if they have a family? People who need him? People who rely on him for their very survival? And what if he condemned them all to death by taking that man's life?

"What does life even mean?" he hauntingly whispered to himself, lagging a few yards behind his team. His jounin sensei, Jin, glanced back at him from time to time but mostly kept his distance.

From the first day he met the small boy, he knew he had- and has- no business being a genin so young. A child his age is supposed to be worrying about which toy to play with next, not how to cope with killing another person. He tried to talk to him before, but it felt like Itachi was folding in on himself. Jin couldn't figure out how to reach him, so the best thing he can think to do is give him space to sort out his feelings in his head. If it looked like he was going to tip over the edge, then he will step in. For now, space is what he needs.

So, for the past three hours, that's how their small group travelled. The two older members led from the front, Jin keeping a close eye on everyone from the middle, and Itachi slowly following from the rear. No one really spoke to each other besides the soft whispering from the two in the front.

"What's the reason behind all of this? What good does all of this killing and hatred do?" Itachi continued to whisper to himself, his eyes getting increasingly dull the longer he mulled over the questions. From the depths of his thoughts, he felt the faintest flare of a familiar chakra- a weak signal that made him feel safe. It almost reminds me of… His eyes grew wide as he paused. He watched the trees intently to his left for a second until he felt it flare once more.

"Itachi." Jin called from a few feet away from him. "What's wrong?"

"Someone is nearby." Without waiting for his response, Itachi quickly bolted through the trees, taking the branches to get there quicker.

Within a minute, he landed on the edge of a small clearing that held a few flowers. On the opposite side of it, a woman with dark red hair sat on the ground, her back to him and a basket to her side. Itachi could hear her trying to control her breathing. Taking a step closer, the woman finally noticed him and turned her head, revealing dark green eyes. It's her!

"Toshira-san." Toshira's head tilted to the side before recognition flashed across her face.

"Itachi-kun? What are you doing-?" a loud groan of pain cut her off as she hunched over. It was then that Itachi noticed that her belly was enlarged. He almost wanted to ask what was wrong with her when he recalled his mother going through something similar when his brother was about to be born. Since when is she having a baby?

"Let me help you to the hospital, Toshira-san." Itachi stated, quickly moving to her side. He placed on of her arms gently across his neck and did his best to wrap his other around her waist, but he could only rest it on the middle of her back. Through her pain, Toshira gave him a smile.

"It's okay, Itachi-kun. Just leave me here and I'll be fine."

"But-"

"Itachi!" They both looked up as Jin and the other two members of the team dropped into the clearing. His eyes made it clear that he was about to scold Itachi for running off, but the sound of another painfilled moan quickly brought his attention to Toshira. It didn't take long for him to figure out what was going on. "We can escort you to Konoha's hospital. It's only thirty minutes away from here." He said, moving to her other side. He started to pick her up, but Toshira pushed his hands away.

"No, no. I'll be fine just leave me-" she started to stand, both Jin and Itachi making sure that she was steady, but a particularly painful contraction nearly knocked her to her knees. If it wasn't for Jin catching her, she would have hit the ground hard.

"I'm afraid your baby isn't giving you that option." Before she could resist, Jin scooped her into his arms bridal style, making sure that she's properly supported.

"No," Toshira was able to say through her heavy breathing. "If you take me there then my husband won't be able to see the birth." Just as Jin was about to question her, a monstrous growl practically shook the ground beneath their feet. The two members on the opposite side of the clearing shook, horror frozen on their faces. Concerned, Itachi and Jin both followed their gazes only to feel their blood turn ice cold.

Only a few feet away stood a monstrous red fox. His paws alone were five times the size of Jin- and he is above average when it comes to size in shinobi. It's massive head lowered between its paws, it's fangs bared as it growled viciously at them. Behind him, nine red tails twitched threateningly from it's raised rear.

"T-T-The nine tailed demon!" The two other members of the squad cried, turning tail and bolting away. Initially, Itachi shared in their fear, but something about him felt oddly familiar. Hasn't he seen those red demon eyes before?

"Put me down! He will attack you if you don't!" Toshira tried her hardest to escape Jin's grasp, but he wasn't budging.

"Itachi, don't fall behind by any means necessary." Itachi could only do as his sensei said as everyone moved at the same time.

The nine tailed lunged at Jin, but the experienced jounin was already leaping away using the branches to avoid any obstacles on the ground. Itachi kept pace with his sensei, but he didn't have to turn around to know that, if they slowed even the slightest, the nine tails would have them in it's jaws. With the adrenaline pumping and dedicating their chakra solely to their legs, they turned the thirty minute run to the village into a minute in a half. As the looming gates came into view, Jin could also see a massive number of shinobi gathering.

"We-" A red tail smashed into his body sending him flying at an impossible speed into the gate, destroying a large chunk of it. Itachi didn't stop running until he was close to the first line of ANBU shinobi standing a few feet from the gate, Minato standing at the head.

Itachi turned around, his breath ragged, to see the nightmarish, nine tailed beast bring one of it's curled tails to its front paws. As it unravelled, Toshira gentle slid out of it, a hand holding her stomach while another supported her weight as she tried to sit up. The nine tails lowered it's massive snout, nuzzling her body tenderly. She looked up at him, giving him a soft smile as she moved the hand on her stomach to pat his nose. Why would a demon act so lovingly to a human? As if remembering their predicament, the nine tails raised its gaze to the growing number of shinobi before it and growled threateningly, lowering it's chest over Toshira.

"Leave!" He roared in a demonic sounding voice. A collective fearful murmur rose from the group of shinobi. Who knew that the nine tailed demon could speak?!

"Itachi- get back!" Minato didn't wait for his response as he flashed to where the boy was and stood in front him. The beast snapped his eyes to him, his soft growls becoming more menacing. "What are you planning on doing with a civilian of Konoha?" Minato almost immediately recognized the dark red haired woman lying between the paws of the single most dangerous species on the planet as Toshira. What has she gotten herself into? At the mentioning of her, the nine tailed lowered his body until she was out of their gaze, baring his fangs at them.

"If you come near her, you will not be shown mercy!" He roared, his entire body tensed. The atmosphere only became that much more threatening except for the young dark haired Uchiha heir. I remember- he's the man that was with Toshira when she saved me!

"You're the man!" Itachi yelled, slicing the tension. Minato raised a brow, as he gazed at Itachi from the corner of his eye.

"What are you-"

"You're the powerful shinobi that saved me from the-" Before he could finish, he was yanked back harshly by his shoulder. When he looked up, his father was glaring down at him.

"Go home."

"But-"

"Now, Itachi!" Like that, Itachi sealed his lips. He took one last glance to the nine tails who also regarded him in recognition before turning and running passed the half a dozen lines of ANBU into the village.

"Leave demon, we do not wish to fight with you." The Hokage yelled with a firm voice. The demon growled but stopped as a piercing scream sounded from under him. He quickly lifted up and looked down at the pale woman as she held her swollen stomach and screamed. "Toshira?" The Hokage called out in disbelief as he saw the woman wither in pain. Immediately he sprang into action when he saw the demon lower his head to her. "Everyone, your objective is to get Toshira to the hospital immediately!"

"Hai!" Came everyone's reply as they all charged at the demon.

The beast used his paws to swat the shinobi away, his claws slashing them to make sure they didn't get back up. After he cut down another battalion of shinobi, a long thick tongue wrapped around his waist and yanked him toward a giant frog. He growled at the toad and lunged with his teeth at its face. The toad reacted quickly and lifted its arm to block the attack before Kurama could sink his teeth into the toad. Kurama growled furiously as he gnashed at the toad wildly.

"Take her the hospital quickly!" His ears perked at that, his head turning in time to see a team of three shinobi grabbing his beloved wife and dashing away into the village. Panic filled him, as he tried his hardest to get out of the slimy toad's grasp, but it wouldn't budge.

"Release me!" he howled, slashing the toads tongue. It's quickly retracted it before he could completely chop it off and jumped away. Not wasting a single moment with him, the nine tails dashed pass the crumbling gates and into the village.

He tried to find the ninja that took his wife, but a swarm of them were throwing all sorts of jutsus and weapons at him that he couldn't focus. He roared at them and tried to knock them down or at least keep them away long enough for him to focus on finding his family, but the feeling of a slick tongue wrapping around his body once more brought an enraged roar from his lips. The beats cursed as he tried to slash the damn thing's tongue once more, but it grabbed his forelegs, holding them in the air so he couldn't use them. Angrily, he tried to snap at the toad's face while his tails whipped around wildly, destroying anything in their path.

"Kuton," He heard a male voice yell before a giant purple chakra started to form behind the toad. His eyes locked onto the Hokage standing on top of the toad's head as he finished the hand signs for the jutsu, not an ounce of fear within his eyes. "Death reaper jutsu!" A hand pierced through Minato and grabbed Kurama by the neck. He roared in pain as he fought vigorously against it.

He can't be taken down now- he can't! If he submits, he won't be able to see his wife again. He may never be able to even see what his own child looks like. He can't- he won't lose the only bit of happiness he's taken for himself! With that on his mind, Kurama reared back, using a strength he hasn't had to use in a while, when a piercing sound, made his body freeze: a babies cry. Not just any baby, but his own. He knew, because he could feel his heart flutter and his every instinct call for him to go to it. However, with that single moment, he lost his focus on escaping.

A pained roar left his lips as he was pulled forward, his body turning into his unique pure red chakra. Panic filled him as he felt himself being sealed. In his desire to fight one last time to get away, he reached out as he passed through the Hokage's body and grabbed hold of the blue flowing chakra. Instead of stopping the sealing, his red demon eyes widen in shock as a pair of ocean blue eyes stared back at him in equal astonishment. Neither of them could do anything as they were dragged into the body of an infant boy with a stunning head of golden hair.

At the Hospital

Toshira hates hospitals. There hasn't been a time in her life where she's entered a hospital and something good came out of it. When she was born, her mother died during giving birth to her and her father left out of grief because of closely she resembled her mother. Years later, she was brought back to the hospital only to be told that she has an unidentifiable issue with her lungs. Then, years later, she was brought to the hospital to be told that her aunt that took her in, died. Years after that, Hiroshi died. Even now, after she's been able to give birth to her beautiful baby girl, she also has to deal with the fact that her husband- the second man in this entire world that has loved her truly unconditionally- is gone forever. Yes, Toshira hates hospitals.

"Here's your healthy baby girl." Toshira lifted her head to see her doctor approaching her, a pink bundle in her arms. "Everything looks good with her." The doctor carefully passed the bundle into Toshira's awaiting arms.

"Thank you." Toshira whispered as she looked down at her daughter. The doctor smiled at the duo before moving to the otherside of the room to fill out the newborn's birth certificate. While the doctor's back was turned, the newborn gave a soft whin before her eyes slowly opened. A soft gasp left Toshira's lips at the sight of all too familiar red eyes with an oval pupil looking back at her.

Just like with her father's, Toshira can't help but be mesmerized by them. They're just so alluring that it's nearly impossible to look away. However, similar to her father, her heart skipped a beat and her throat started to close. What will happen if people see her eyes and connect it to Kurama trying to get them back? What if people learn that her baby's father is the nine tailed fox demon that everyone fears? Obviously her life won't be anywhere near normal- if she's even allowed to live in the first place. How is she supposed to protect her when she can't fight?

"Do you mind tell me what color her eyes are?" Toshira's heart jumped in her throat as she looked between her daughter's curious red eyes and back to the doctor's back.

"Um," As she returned her gaze to her baby, the newborn blinked at her a few times before her pupil shrunk and the red bleed to a brilliant viridian green. The amount of relief that flooded her body bordered on ridiculous given that it's about something as simple as eye color. However, in this predicament, it's barely debatable how important it is. "Green." Toshira replied, hugging her baby close to her chest.

"Ok, who is the father?" Toshira paused, before letting out a deep sigh, bringing her baby that much closer to her.

"I'd rather not say." The doctor paused, looking over her shoulder at Toshira with a sympathetic expression.

"There's nothing wrong with that." Turning back around, she scribbled something else on the paper. "Now, to finish up, I need to know what her name is?"

"Her name…" Toshira thought about it for a second. Believe it or not, but she and Kurama had a few conversations about what they would like to name their name baby depending on the gender. However, during all of their conversations, Kurama only ever mentioned one name in the event that it's a girl. That, is the name of his favorite flower that always made him feel at peace. "Sakura. Her name is Sakura Haruno."

"What a beautiful name." The doctor wrote it down and finally turned around to face the small family. "Now, all I have to do is process these documents and then you'll receive-" a high pitch screech from outside the door cut her off. Raising a brow, the doctor excused herself before walking outside.

Toshira raised a confused eyebrow, but didn't dwell on it for long. Sakura didn't seem to mind the noise too much as she kept her eyes on her, watching every little thing that she did. Within the next few seconds, the doctor returned. Toshira was about to ask her what happened, but the dazed way she walked and her unfocused gaze made her pause.

"Is… everything alright?"

"The Hokage and his wife are both… died." And yet another reason for Toshira to hate hospitals. "It's such a tragedy. Now their baby boy is going to go into the system as an orphan. Poor thing."

"Kushina has a son?" The doctor nodded, giving a sad smile to the shocked new mother.

"She just had him yesterday. They both weren't doing so good, but the baby pulled through. I wish I can say the same for Kushina-sama…" she let out a heavy sigh.

Kushina's mind reeled with the information. She may not have been friends with the couple for long, but the short time she's known them they were kind to her. They had every right to treat her as lower than them being as they are the leaders of the village, but they chose to be kind. Given that she's only been shown such gentleness from only a hand full of people in her life, their short interaction is priceless.

"I want to adopt him." The doctor did a double take.

"But… you can't just-"

"You said he isn't in the system as an orphan yet, right?"

"Well, no but-"

"Then just put me as his mother. What's the other option? Leave an infant to the mercy of the system?" The doctor still looked uncertain as she rubbed the back of her neck.

"Well, if you're requesting to be the adoptive mother, I can get the papers prepared. Of course you'll have to prove you're fit to care for him."

"I know, but I refuse to allow an infant to be abandoned when I'm more than capable of caring for them." It's the least I can do for such kind people.

"In that case, I'll go get the paperwork and, once that's filled out, I'll bring him in."

For the next hour, the nurse came in and out of the room with adoption paperwork and updates about the investigation into who she is. Who knew there was someone who could spare the time to do such extensive research into a civilian given everything that's happened today? Eventually, after the hour ended, the doctor entered the room, a blue bundle in her arms.

"Everything seems to check out. Here's your new son Ms. Haruno!" Passing the bundle to Toshira's free arm, Toshira peered curiously at her new son's face.

Like his father, his hair is a shocking golden color. His bright, wide eyes are the same color as Minato's- a brilliant ocean blue. It seems the only thing he really inherited from Kushina is her rounder face. However, there is one thing about him that reminds her so much of her baby's father. Why does he have whiskers?

"Did Kushina-sama name him?"

"Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki is the name she gave him. Would you like to change his-"

"No. That's the last thing Kushina gave to him and I won't change it." Toshira firmly stated, shooting the doctor a serious look. The doctor nodded, deciding it would be a good idea to give the small family some time on their own. "By the way," the doctor paused in the doorway, looking from over her shoulder, "why does Naruto have markings on his cheeks like whiskers?"

"From what I've been told, they're birthmarks." Toshira's brow rose. I've never seen birthmarks like these is what she wanted to say, but the beginnings of soft cries from said baby boy made her quickly shut down any more questioning thoughts. "I'll give you some privacy." The doctor flashed one more smile before exiting.

Toshira let out a soft sigh as she shifted her children so that they rested comfortably in the crook of her arms. Her eyes focused on Naruto's scrunched face as he shifted around, soft cries leaving his lips. Glancing at her daughter, she couldn't help but the notice the inquisitive way she watched the boy in front of her as if she's trying to figure out why he's crying. It's like how Kurama acts. Just the thought of him had tears pricking the back of her eyes. Squeezing them shut, she took in a deep breath, bringing her children closer to her.

"It's okay, I'll protect you. I won't let anything happen to you."

"I don't think anything will happen to them- especially if they're in this village." Toshira's eyes snapped open as she looked towards the door. Mikoto sent her a soft smile as she gently closed the door behind her, walking into the room and settling in the lone chair by Toshira's bedside.

"Mikoto…" Toshira couldn't stop the tear that escaped her eyes. Who knew seeing a familiar friendly face would bring so much emotion out of her? From the way Mikoto's eyes also glasses over with tears, it's clear that the feeling is mutual.

"I'm so glad that you're okay!" Mikoto shot forward, wrapping her arms around Toshira's neck in a light hug.

"I'm glad you're doing well too." Toshira softly said, the two pulling apart. Mikoto smiled brightly at her before looking down at the two bundles in her arms.

"Did you have twins?"

"No, I adopted Naruto since Kushina and Minato…" Neither needed the words to be stated- it's been said enough for today. "However," clearing her throat, she lifted Sakura a little, the little girl staring curiously between her mother and the new dark haired beauty in the room. "I had a little girl." Mikoto leaned forward, her eyes scanning over the newborn's face curiously.

"She's gorgeous." Mikoto cooed at the young girl. Toshira smiled at her before Naruto started to fidget and cry. Without having to share words, Mikoto carefully took Sakura from Toshira's arm so she could better hold Naruto in order to give him what he wants- milk. "What's her name?"

"Sakura." Toshira stated, once she settled Naruto so he could eat in peace.

"I have to say, I never knew you had someone in your life." Mikoto stated, rocking the little girl who still looked at her in curiosity. "You never spoke of anyone before." Toshira's body went rigid before she deflated.

"Well… that doesn't matter anymore." A tear that she tried hard to keep at bay fell down her cheek. "He's not going to come back." Alarmed, Mikoto shifted Sakura in her grasp in order to place a hand on Toshira's shoulder.

"What's wrong, Toshira-chan?" Toshira shook her head, maneuvering Naruto to her shoulder and patting him on the back gentle.

"Do you remember always asking me how you can repay me for saving Itachi-kun?" Mikoto was taken aback but nodded her head anyway. "Well, I finally know how you can do so." At that, Mikoto perked up, turning her body to fully face Toshira.

"Anything." Toshira took a deep breath.

"For you to understand what I'm going to ask of you, I need to tell you the truth about who Sakura's father is." Mikoto's brow rose, but she didn't say anything. Toshira paused for a long time, before letting out a shaky breath. "He is… was a man that I've been with for nearly three years. I didn't tell you about him because I couldn't- and can't- tell anyone about him. If word got out, the onslaught of people coming after him would be endless. Even worse, people could even try to use me to get to him." A soft burp cut her off. Toshira shifted Naruto once more until he was laying comfortably in her arms, an inaudible yawn the only warning before he closed his eyes to sleep.

"Why… why would people be after him?" Mikoto nearly whispered. Her mind is already running a mile a minute at the possibilities. Is her friend telling her that she's involved with a criminal? That she birth a child from a possible fugitive?

"Because," Toshira's soft voice silenced Mikoto's raging thoughts, "he's a very powerful man that many people fear and would do anything to get to his limitless power."

"What are you talking about? Are you trying to say he's some kind of S-rank criminal?" Toshira gave Mikoto a pained smile before turning her gaze down to look into her daughter's bright viridian eyes.

"I'm saying it's my fault." tears shined in her eyes before they started to fall. Bringing Naruto as close as possible to her chest, she lowered her head. "The village wouldn't have been attacked today if it weren't for me. If I had been more careful- if I hadn't have been out at that time, none of this would have happened." Mikoto's heart pounded in her ears. Whether it was from worry, fear, or something else, she can't tell, but the raw guilt and anguish in her friend's voice stirred a feeling of unease in her. Before she could even open her mouth to ask, Toshira snapped her head up, her lip twisted in a harsh frown, her face wet from tears. "He's her father, Mikoto. Kurama- the Nine Tailed Fox- is her father." Mikoto's body went rigid.

"Wha… how…" Her eyes once again dropped down to the infant- the offspring of a demon- still cradled in her arms. How can this be? The baby doesn't have any signs of being the daughter of a monster that many say is practically the devil incarnate. She doesn't have any devil horns or any grotesque abnormalities… how can that be possible when her father is a demon?

"He didn't attack just because." Mikoto's slowly raised her gaze to meet Toshira's glassy eyes. "He only wanted to protect me and Sakura. He knew that, if anyone finds out that Sakura is his daughter, people will stop at nothing to turn her into a weapon- including the heads of Konoha. You know as well as I do that they will destroy any chance she could possible have of a happy life. Can you imagine what they will do to her if they find out?" Mikoto didn't need to use her imagination to know what that would intel. After all, they're doing that very thing to her precious baby, Itachi. With everything that he's already been through when he isn't even a decade old shatters her heart every time she has to hold him at night during his hysterical fits- and she wouldn't wish that upon anyone.

"I can't say I'm okay with keeping the truth behind why so many people were either hurt or killed today, but believe me when I say I understand you desire to want to protect your children." Toshira nodded in understanding. "However, I don't think anyone told you exactly why Minato-sama died today." Now, it's Toshira's turn to be completely caught off guard.

"Did… did Kurama-" Mikoto shook her head, cutting her off.

"Minato-sama sacrificed his life to seal the demo- I mean… Kurama, inside of Naruto. So, technically speaking, he's still with you." Toshira looked down at Naruto with wide eyes.

"Kurama… is…" A few tears fell down her cheeks before a small, sad smile graced her lips. "That's more than I can ask for." She whispered, placing a kiss on Naruto's forehead. Mikoto couldn't help but smile- even if it's about her friend being happy that a demon is still in her life.

"What is it that you want from me?" Mikoto finally asked. Toshira returned her eyes to Mikoto, a desperate shine taking over them.

"I know you don't like this- I wouldn't blame you if you even find me and my children repulsive, but I'm begging you- please help me protect them." Mikoto didn't think she could continue to be surprised after learning the child she's holding is the child of a demon. "I know I'm not enough to protect them from everything that will come after them. I want both Naruto and Sakura to be taken care of and be able to live the happy lives they deserve. So, I'm begging you, please help me insure their happiness." Neither spoke for a long time. Both were caught up in their own individual worries and fears of what they other may say or do. Eventually, Mikoto sighed, her shoulders slumping.

"I… I may be able to arrange a marriage between Sakura and Itachi-kun. As long as Sakura can show that she's a strong candidate, it will allow her the opportunity to decide on whether or not she wants to be a ninja or a civilian. It'll also mean that you and Naruto will have be shielded from the village hierarchy by the Uchiha clan. It may not be ideal, but it's the best way I can think of to insure what you're asking of me." Toshira mulled over the idea before, she too, slumped.

"I don't like the idea of forcing either Sakura or Itachi into something, but I see why it's the best option." She took in a deep breath. "I accept the offer, but I want Itachi and Sakura to decide whether or not they will marry when they're of age."

"I can't argue with that either." Mikoto chuckled lightly. "Is there anything else I can do for you?" Toshira shook her head.

"You're saving my children's lives. That's all I can ever ask for." Mikoto smiled, turning her gaze to look over the two children once more.

"I still can't believe how adorable these too are. Naruto-kun looks identical to Minato-sama while Sakura-chan looks like she could be your twin, but I don't know where her hair color comes from." Toshira looked at her daughter as well and smiled.

"Maybe it's a recessive trait from Kurama." Mikoto hesitated for a moment, but eventually caught Toshira's gaze.

"What… what's he like?" Toshira hummed, her eyes fogging over as she reminisced.

"Believe it or not, he's almost ridiculously blunt, a little reserved, but very curious."

The two continued to chat with Mikoto asking many questions and Toshira doing her best to answer them truthfully. Even if Toshira got the feeling she's being interrogated, she can't blame Mikoto. After all, it's not everyday you meet someone who's been in a relationship with a demon. If the roles were reversed, Toshira would do the same thing. Eventually, Mikoto had to leave as she has to care for own infant son but she promised to bring him the next time she visited. It almost felt to Toshira that nothing has changed between them, but can she say the same about the rest of the village? Only time can tell, but then again, time isn't always so generous.

And that's a wrap! Next updates will come every other Saturday as this story has a brand new editor on it. I hope you enjoyed!