Picking up where the last chapter left off at this one will contain the first big shakeup to canon.

I do not own anything.


FOX TAILS AND WHIRLPOOLS

Chapter 3 - Building a Home


He'd never been invited into another person's house, matter of fact most days Naruto was able to make it back to his own home without incident were days he considered himself lucky. He honestly had no idea how long it would be until he had someone he could actually call a friend or if he would ever get to do the things that other kids got to do. Never did this was how one of his many dreams would come true - at the hands to two people who seemingly fell out of the sky, one of them even having foxlike ears and a tail along with the ability to perform some kind of magic. Naruto didn't know who these people were but they were kind to him, and that was all he could ask for, all he'd ever asked for.

Their home was modest yet compared to what Naruto lived in, it might as well have been a palace. Hakuno was the first through, making his way towards the kitchen carrying the bags with Tamamo and the little jinchūriki tailing behind him. Once they were inside Naruto stopped to look around the cozy home, noting how it already had a nice and warm feel about it. Evidently he wasn't alone as Tamamo finally allowed the magical veil she'd thrown over herself to come down, thus allowing her tail and ears to shimmer into existence in clear view of Naruto. Taking notice, Naruto stared at the brown-furred appendage in open-mouthed awe. Fully aware of his staring, Tamamo decided to have a little fun with the boy in manipulating her foxy appendage.

As the young blond quickly discovered the tail wasn't just real, it was highly flexible. Like a living thing it came alive, gently brushing up against his face. For Naruto it tickled, the fur was soft and warm like a living blanket. He wouldn't remember the last time he'd ever felt something this soft or that made him feel this safe and protected. "Um, Miss Fox Lady, are you and Mister Hakuno, um aliens?"

Giggling at the idea, Tamamo toyed with going along with the boy's suspicions until deciding perhaps even he was owed a little bit of the truth. "No, contrary to what you think my love and I are not aliens, at least not the kind I'm sure you're thinking of. If we were would that change your opinion of us?"

"Nu-huh, you two are nice, not to mention I still want to learn what that was you did yesterday to the Anbu."

"That, my dear little one, was witchcraft." She answered, still allowing him to play with her tail. In the past Tamamo would have been extremely reluctant to reveal such information about herself, but something in her gut told her it was alright with this boy. Maybe because he was one of her own who'd never once betrayed her or turned their back on the courtesan in her hour of need. "Come along, Naruto, you did promise to help us."

His eyes still half-focused on her swishing tail, Naruto followed the pink-haired woman down the hallway to the kitchen area where Hakuno stood, sorting out the day's items. Upon laying eyes on the small kitchen table, Naruto did a double take. Food, furniture, cooking utensils, and housing decorations, Hakuno seemed to be pulling it all out of the fox-imprinted bag he'd seen him carrying around all day. Unable to contain his curiosity, Naruto ran up to the table to get a closer look at the bag.

"Careful," Hakuno warned, putting up knives and forks where they belonged along with other kitchen items as if he were used to the entire process.

Like any child, Naruto chose to ignore the warning and further examined the apparent hand-woven bag. Letting his curiosity get the better of him, he pried the two flaps open and stuck his head inside.

"H-HUH?! W-What the?!"

His scream echoed in the colorless void in which he found half his body submerged in. Oddly enough, his lungs inhaled a health dose of air despite the space-like vacuum. Honestly, he didn't know rather to be more frightened or amazed. Just as a collection of items began to drift into his view, Naruto felt someone gripped the collar of his shirt and pull, yanking him out of the void dimension and back into the real world. Still held up he was brought face to face with a flat-faced Tamamo.

"Hehehe, uh, nice bag. A whole lot of space in there. Did you um, use magic on it?" He began with a sheepish grin, hoping not to ruin the good will he'd been shown.

"Yep, she enchants almost every bag she makes to be able to carry anything from a few things to an entire street light, trust me, it's come in handy a lot." Hakuno answered, reaching into the bag for more items while not saying one word about Naruto's current predicament.

Tamamo could practically feel the curiosity and question at the edge of the boy's tongue. "Naruto, would you like me to make you a bag like that?"

"Uh, um, y-yeah, it would help."

"Then be a good boy and help us." Finally putting him down, she gave the ostracized child a smile that made his heart flutter in joy. "Do that and I promise I'll reward you in the end. Deal?"

"Deal! Thank you, Miss Fox Lady."

Behind the two of them, Hakuno barely managed to contain his laughter while Tamamo's happy smile morphed into a childish pout. Something in the shrine maiden's gut was telling her she and this boy were going to be seeing a lot of each other; if they were she was going to have to lay down some ground rules. "Naruto, can you start by doing something for me?"

"What?"

"Stop calling me that, if you're going to address me do so as Tamamo or Mrs. Kishinami. Understood?"

Happily nodding his head, the blond jumped to work in helping the brown-haired teen. Now with a little privacy, Tamamo shook her head with a whimsical smile on her face. She supposed Hakuno and the others had been right, when it came to children she just couldn't shake old habits. Perhaps though, that wasn't a bad thing.

With three hands the unpacking went by fast, or to them that's what it felt like. Food was quickly and carefully moved into the refrigerator and pantry where it would sit until someone grew hungry, which given the home's occupants would be in a few hours or so. Naruto couldn't help but sneak a few shot glances at the items put up and finally stare in open awe when Hakuno stood in front of the kitchen to do some inspection.

"Not as big a stock as I would have liked, but it'll work. Tamamo, I'm gonna run back out to get a few more things." Proclaimed the brown-haired Master, looking to his spouse. In one glance he could tell she wanted to go with him. As much as he wanted to walk over and hold her, he was still aware that Naruto was watching them. It didn't much to figure out this wasn't the first time anyone was showing him genuine affection, but it was his first time seeing such a thing up close. With that in mind, he directed his attention to the boy. "Since you're going to be spending the night with us, is there anything you want me to get you, Naruto?"

For a minute or two, the boy looked absolutely stunned at how he was being addressed. There was something in that hesitation, that Hakuno found deeply troubling yet he chose to say nothing about it. Regaining his senses, Naruto began to give some serious thought to his request. "Um, well, could you get me some instant-cooked ramen?"

"So you want more ramen do you, I can supply you with that." Tamamo proclaimed, proudly puffing up her chest turning the boy's attention to her. "While I won't put down Mr. Teuchi and his daughter I'll have you know, little kitsune, where I'm from my cooking was revered far and wide. Simply ask my dear husband for tales of my culinary exploits! Right, my darling?"

Hakuno honestly wondered if Tamamo was attempting to cheer the boy up or making another half-hearted attempt to boost her ego in front of a child she viewed as one of her own. Knowing her, it was probably a little of both. "What she really means is she knows how to cook every type of ramen imaginable, all you have to do is ask her nicely, Naruto." His response came in a completely deadpan manner. While Tamamo expectedly drove herself into a childish fit, Naruto's eyes lit up like a pair of Christmas trees.

"Any…kind of ramen?" He whispered again.

"Yep, I've actually seen her cook ramen with pork, chicken, ham, heck, she even found a way to combine ramen and sushi to create what was probably the weirdest combo meal I've ever had." The older male continued thoroughly, enjoying the reactions he was getting from his Servant-turned-lover and his young house guest.

After hearing his proclamation, Naruto was now gaping at Tamamo with eyes as large as the preclean plates he'd just put up. For her part, the fox-eared Servant seemed torn between being angry at her Master and basking in the attention the young jinchūriki was giving her. Crossing her arms, she shot him a glare that would have been threatening if he wasn't so used to seeing her softer side. The harder she tried to focus on him, the wider his grin became until Tamamo could no longer maintain the front. Allowing his laughter to show through, Hakuno walked over and placed a soft kiss on his wife's cheek before making towards the door.

"Um, Mister Hakuno, could you….uh, see could you…" Began the young child, looking at him with a mixture of shame and worry.

Hakuno already had a feeling of what it was the boy was about to say. Kneeling down so they were almost eye-level, the battle-tested human ruffled the boy's blond head. "Hey, I may not look it, but I've lived through worse than just some angry glares and smart-alecky cracks. Trust me, I'll be just fine."

Catching sight of Naruto's continued unease, Tamamo chose to jump in. Placing her head atop Hakuno's, she summoned forth a warm burst of air from her body bathing the two males. Naruto took in the soothing breeze, momentarily losing himself in it. "I know you may have just met us, but we can handle ourselves. Naruto, while you're under our roof you're under our protection. That is a promise."

When Hakuno looked back from the door, Naruto was still staring at Tamamo with a mixture of awe and admiration. Tears were on the crisp of falling from his eyes and he wanted to desperately to be the one to wipe away those tears, but he knew Tamamo could do it herself. She called herself an Anti-Hero, an enemy of humanity, but Hakuno didn't believe those things. He'd fought hard to prove to Tamamo she didn't have to be bound by those labels, and in time she'd proved him right. She'd give young Naruto the console and love he needed, if only for a little while or at least until they figured out their next step.

Speaking of next step, the minute he was out the door and five paces from their home Hakuno allowed his peaceful smile and calm aura to evaporate. "If you've got something to say, I'd rather you come out and say it to my face." In total, there were four of them. He wasn't sure which was more troubling - his ever growing sixth sense or the fact the men who'd been spying on him and his loved ones possessed absolutely no emotion to begin with. All he could feel were four souls, four heartbeats simply beating in required rhythm, absolutely no emotion such as anger or frustration whatsoever. If Hakuno didn't know any better, he could have sworn they were being watched by machines instead of people.

A second passed and the four men seemingly scattered, though Hakuno wasn't foolish enough to believe they were gone for good. Two days he and Tamamo knew they were being watched, and for two days they kept quiet about it not wanting to cause a scene. Given what they'd just seen with Naruto something told him that had to change.

He was thankful they chose to follow him rather than remain the shadows watching Tamamo and Naruto. Truth be told, he didn't know which scenario would play out worse - Tamamo trying to remain patient and quiet while under surveillance or her attempting to do something about it. If it came to the latter he'd know either by a column of smoke, massive whirlwind hurling debris a hundred feet skyward, or a giant glacier suddenly appearing out of nowhere.

Word of the incident at Naruto's apartment had already begun to spread, and of course it didn't take much for people to connect the incident to him. No one directly mentioned it or said it to his face though, or at least most people didn't. Angry looks, silent threats, Hakuno took notice of them no matter how veiled or hidden they were, even when he was maintaining a smile at a cashier or greeting a store worker. The common thread in all of them was Naruto, usually with a negative thrown in.

Why, why do they hate him this much? It can't be because of his pranks.

Hakuno didn't fancy the idea of barging into Hiruzen Sarutobi's office and demanding answers like he was some big shot, especially when he and Tamamo only had the man's good will to go on and not much else. At the end of the week, he did have a physical examine scheduled so he could brooch the topic then, discretely of course. How much info he was going to get was anyone's guess; though he could only hope Tamamo didn't get too cheeky with the thought of someone examining his body. Speaking of which, how exactly were they going to handle her examination?

Mister Sarutobi, remember what I said about Tamamo not being human? She's actually a two-thousand-year-old fox spirit who is a facet of the goddess of the sun who was hunted down and transformed into a nine-tailed monster fox that slaughtered thousands of people! Or the "threat" we were running from is actual seven of her eight other tails all of whom have their own personalities, and the strongest of them is a genocidal bitch hellbent on wiping out humanity?

Halting in his tracks, the teenager hung his head drawing curious glances from the citizens passing him by. Maybe Tamamo was right, perhaps he was still too optimistic for his own good.

"Three days in and it already seems our fair village has taken its toll on you. Thinking about relocating already?"

Pushing his grim imaginations to the side Hakuno turned to the newcomer, not sure what he was going to find. The first thing that struck him were the creases stretching from his eyes downwards; those marks alone told him this man had seen his fair share of troubles, and then some. His onyx eyes held his with faint interest while his mouth remained a thin line.

"No, no, it's just I've…had a lot to take in for the past few days. It's funny really, I've traveled far and wide yet places like this village still tend to blow me away." Hakuno finally answered, hoping he didn't sound too offensive.

"Heh, sounds like you still have your youthful passion, don't lose that." The man chuckled, looking backwards. As he did so, Hakuno felt the four men trailing him come to an immediate halt and scatter off into the shadows. "You've felt them trailing you for a while, haven't you?"

"Is that a usual thing or is it because me and my partner…"

"Don't blame Lord Hokage," the mysterious man began, still keeping his eyes on the countless buildings now beginning to turn subtle shades of red and orange due to the sun beginning its journey downwards. "Unfortunately, this village is home to its share of good and wicked men. It appears you've caught the eye of one of the latter."

"There's always people like that, in every city in every country." Sighed the teenager, adjusting the strap of his bag. "I've been through this so much I've gotten used to it. I don't blame people for being scared of us, it's only natural."

Visibly impressed, the mysterious man raised an eyebrow before peering down at his bag. Thankfully he didn't say much regarding the cartoonish fox sown into the front. "You're out doing some even shopping, perhaps for dinner?"

"You doing the same?"

"Yes, since you're new allow me to show you to some places. Consider an act of village hospitality."

"Thank you, Mister…?"

"Fugaku, Fugaku Uchiha, a pleasure to meet you." The man identified himself, taking a few steps away and giving Hakuno a slight bow he returned.

At least he was out shopping with a male, he'd encounter a woman Hakuno knew he'd be in the doghouse (or fox house) for the week.

It wasn't hard to piece together the fact that Fugaku was married, he was far too skilled at shopping to not at least have been involved with someone or have a family. Likewise, the adult male was equally impressed with Hakuno's capability to pick out brand name products and the finest of what was being offered with a mere glance. Though he glanced once or twice at the bag Fugaku never once said anything, only muttering something about how it was every woman's dream.

"I don't suppose you could tell me where I could find a bag like that, could you?"

"One of a kind I'm afraid."

"Your partner?"

Shamelessly holding up the custom-woven shopping bag, Hakuno grinned which in turn caused the older man to chuckle. "What gave it away?"

The next time Fugaku spoke, they were looking through various fruit stands. He made sure to avoid eye-contact while keeping his voice just quiet enough only Hakuno could pick up on it without diverting his attention from his current task. "The men surveying you are from an organization called Root, a secret branch of the Anbu that don't report to the Hokage."

"Then who do they report to?" As much as he didn't like where this was going, he knew he had to listen. For all he knew Fugaku could have been lying to him, but something in his gut told him that wasn't the case.

"A man far more ruthless and morally gray than Lord Hokage. Be weary of him."

"Any other advice, or can I get you to give me a name?"

Hakuno was patient in his hunger for an answer. Patient enough that he didn't say anything for another four stores and nearly entire hour of walking and searching. As much as he would have liked to have said, it was because of his many life experiences the truth was he didn't want to dry unnecessary attention. Their watchers had returned, and they'd brought a friend with them. Though he was a calm and easy-going man Hakuno was beginning to feel worried, not for his sake but for Tamamo and Naruto. Were they being watched as well? As peaceful and tranquil as Konoha was it was still a village of ninja, assassins and killers who during the Sengoku era were the go-to option for the nastiest of deeds. Several times, Hakuno shot cautionary glances at his hand where his Command Seals still lay emblazoned upon his skin. They weren't throbbing or burning so he tried to take that as a sign not to worry, yet he couldn't bite down the nagging feeling of doubt and unease.

The teenager's emotional turmoil didn't go unnoticed by the Uchiha's clan's current leader. In his eyes the brown-haired Master was calm and rational, yet still young and swayed by emotions. "Danzō won't make a move on them in public, at least not without being given reason to." He finally spoke as they entered the refrigerated section of a supermarket his wife enjoyed shopping at. The fruity yogurt his family had developed a taste for was sold here thus they were frequent visitors.

Hakuno turned to the man who was still going about his business absent-mindedly. "Danzō? That's his name?" Immediately the first name that jumped to his mind was Kato Danzo, one of the famed ninja of the Warring States period. A ninja named Danzō, heh. Sounds just about as right as having a head ninja named Sarutobi, all I need now is to meet someone named Sasuke and Hanzo then I'll be set. "This Danzo guy, how dangerous is he?"

"Lord Hokage probably hasn't told you of him because he doesn't want to scare either of you but be weary of him."

"Is he head of village security or something?"

"He's self-appointed."

In that one statement Hakuno had enough information to form a mental image of this Danzo, and he certainly didn't like what he was picturing. Again, it was fortunate Tamamo wasn't with him as he could only imagine how she'd react to this news. Then again, it's probably only a matter of time before she finds out. "We've been here for less than a week and already we've made enemies. Great."

"Simply keep your heads low and don't let him anywhere near your lover." With exercised grace, the brown-haired man took away the candy-cane flavored yogurt he'd been examining and replaced it with blueberry. "The candy-cane isn't nearly as good as advertised, at least not according to my sons."

"You've got boys at home?"

"Two, one of is perhaps a year or two older than you while the other just recently entered the ninja academy. By the way, you did the right thing." For the first time Fugaku turned his full attention to the teenager, his lips ticked upwards in something of a proud smile. "Protecting Naruto, contrary to what everyone thinks or does, that boy's done more for this village than most will ever know, and he deserves better for it."

That was the final confirmation that he had to talk to the Hokage. There was something about the little blond child that seemed to have certain parties in this village on edge and he was now determined to get to the bottom of it.

By the time they left the supermarket, the sky had begun to turn from bright blue to a myriad of orange, red and purple. It was a welcome sight for the teenage Master. Sure, the digital sky of .PH had its share of wonders, but seeing the genuine article was a special type of magic in its own right. Looking around, he noticed the night life had begun to take hold of the streets as evident by the thicker crowds of people and generally liveliness of the bustling crowds.

"Thank you for the evening, Mr. Uchiha." He said, realizing the time had come to part ways with his compatriot. "And um, thanks for the shopping help."

"Don't mention it." Turning on his heels, Hakuno felt the man tense up signaling a warning. "Just remember what I said about Danzō."

He kept those words close in his heart and mind as he walked down the winding roads that led to his and Tamamo's new home. Only when he was half-way, there did he realize that the men who'd been following him had ceased their actions. He honestly didn't know rather to feel relief or another sense of dread.


Tamamo was still delicately stroking the hairs of the blond child curled up in her lap when her beloved returned. Deciding she'd let him come to her she remained where she was, the truth was she simply couldn't beat to move and risk awakening the boy peacefully dozing away in her lap. Her ears picked up everyone from his shelving and debagging of items to his moving of furniture; she'd inspect his choices latter after they'd felt with the current issue. Minute by minute, the sounds grew lighter until she could pick up the sound of footsteps coming closer and closer towards her.

Hakuno poked his head out of the doorframe finding his wife sitting atop their bed, Naruto tenderly laying in her lap with his soft breathing going head in head with the evening wind. Unwilling to break the serenity of the scene, he tried as quietly as possible to make his way over to the bed and join Tamamo. "I found out who our…watchers were, they're from an organization called Root, headed by a man named Danzō that operate completely independent of the Hokage."

The fox's ears bristled at the information, though she never once stopped stoking Naruto's golden mane. "Typical. A secret organization dedicated to watching the village because this Danzō character must view Mister Sarutobi as being too weak for the job."

It didn't surprise him in the least that her mind had already worked out the political structure surrounding the Hidden Leaf Village. Kind and selfless (when she wanted to be) as Tamamo was, she was still a former courtesan who won the favor of the Emperor of Japan. She'd come to her own conclusions about the gray-haired man that had offered them an olive branch that differed from his. Though she personally was grateful for the man's generosity she knew there had to be a catch somewhere, this was after all, a village of ninja.

"What's the best way to ask Mister Sarutobi about them?" He broached.

"Not mincing words and telling him that if these Root will not leave us in peace then he and this Danzō will be forced to build a heater to thaw out those I freeze and find a retriever for those I blow away."

"And the ones you burn?" The pair shared a brief chuckle at picturing how easily the dark coats and masks would burn before Tamamo commanded the flames to cease before life could be lost. "How was he?"

"Even I was never this hyperactive when I was his age, still, I didn't have the reserves of energy he does." She answered wistfully.

Hakuno's full attention turned to the sleeping boy. From the get-go, he'd sensed something unusual about him and that feeling and had only grown over the past few hours. The bedroom around him became little more than a brightly colored blur as his mind focused entirely Naruto, his vision contorting and warping between his eyes. To him, he was a colored mass of blue, sky blue that made Hakuno's heart flutter with happiness and made him question why anyone would attempt to do this child harm, but then he saw it. Centered in the midst of the blue was red, crimson - a swirling scarlet mass of demonic energy he'd stared into countless times. His self-control lost Hakuno reached out to touch it, Tamamo's frantic voice little more than an afterthought.

For a brief second, he took stock in the feeling of his feet being immersed in water before realizing the air had turned from warm and pleasant to suddenly stuff and near suffocating. He was still indoors, except he was in some sort of warped hallway with pipes running along the ceiling with lights spaced out every few feet. After a quick look around him, Hakuno turned to his front and finally found the source of the crimson malice.

Behind the double-doored gate lay a fox, one of equal size to Scorn's dreaded demon form, no, exactly like his Servant's rogue persona. Like targeting sights, the black slits within blood-red eyes homed in on him, nearly freezing him in place. If not fall all his previous encounters with the god-like and powerful beings, Hakuno was sure he would have followed under the feral gaze of the enormous beast before him. Beyond the bars he saw a maw filled with teeth bigger than palace columns and sharper than any blade he'd ever seen open, releasing a dry gale that carried hatred and violence. His lungs which had been only barely able to maintain functionality froze for a minute before resuming their proper function.

"…You don't seem scared, maggot."

Unlike Amaterasu's voice this one was male, but it carried all the same echoing power and unchecked malevolence as the sun goddess herself. Strange as it was, Hakuno actually found comfort in that fact, probably because it meant this creature could be handled in the same way as the Shinto goddess.

"Well, you're not exactly the first giant fox I've met. You've got the deepest voice though." It couldn't hurt to try humor, would it?

Odds were the caged fox was forcing itself to laugh and not because it honestly found Hakuno's statement funny. Even so, the tension never left the tunnel as the teenager knew if not for the steely doors and seal-like parchment between them, the giant animal would happily rip him apart without a moment's hesitation.

"You may have tamed that pathetic little witch," the nine-tailed beast growled, flooding the tunnel with more malevolent energy, this turn in the form of reddish-orange tendrils. "But you won't best me. I don't know where you came from, but you're still a-"

"Would you believe me if I told you I'm not?" The statement was so forward and direct, it actually caught the demonic fox off-guard. Briefly its crimson eyes widened while Hakuno took a brave step forward. "Like I said, you're not the first giant fox I've meant, and something tells me humans have put you through the ringer too." He spoke, allowing his face to show sympathy.

Shock danced in the eyes of the beast confirming Hakuno's mental hypothesis on what this creature was, or more precisely what had been done to it. Before more could be said, he felt a familiar hand fall upon his shoulder and pull. His mind was slipping from this mental realm, no, it was being dragged out. Just before he was completely yanked out of the flooded sewer, he caught the massive male fox giving him something of a curious glare.

"That's an awfully bright light you got in there, human, almost reminds me of moonlight."

After a short blinking of the eyes, Hakuno found himself back in the comforts of his bedroom. Silently dreading it he turned to his left to find the pouting face of his fox-eared lover, glancing downwards he was somewhat relieved to find Naruto was still asleep. Instinctively, his hand went to his chest where he felt a residual heat.

"Darling, I hope you're not interested in seeing another fox."

"Nope, the only fox for me is the one sitting her beside me, who probably just saved me from being sliced into meaty ribbons." At this point he had ten automatic responses he could give, and that one was probably the one Tamamo liked hearing the most. "You, um, peaked inside of Naruto while I was out?"

"Yes," she admitted, glancing down at the child with a look of true pity and tenderness. "His blood and soul are human, but he possesses a second soul inside of him, a nine-tailed fox like myself. From what I can gather it was…sealed inside of him."

Whatever deity reigned over this world was apparently leading them somewhere as both finally took notice of their unseen and unheard house guest. Sitting on the window still was a monkey of average height and average build save for a dark red and green-outlined vest across its abdomen. Once it realized its presence had been detected, it made several noises before jumping from its perched spot onto the body where it trotted up to Tamamo, lowering itself thus revealing a scroll attached to its back.

Quickly ripping the scroll away and reading it, the Caster scowled. The monkey recalled in slight fear as the golden eyes turned towards it. "Tell your master that my husband and I have questions and we'll be expecting answers. We'll be at the tower shortly, now away with you!"

Hakuno remained silent as the monkey fled out the way it came with Tamamo slamming the window shut behind her then placing a talisman up against the window. "I take it the Hokage wants to see us?"

"Yes, he said he found some way for us to support ourselves, though the truth is I imagine he heard about the vandalization of Naruto's home and our involvement."

Turning his worried eyes south, Hakuno asked, "Can we leave him here?"

Adventuring across the Moon Cell and combating almost every threat imaginable had engraved a deep sense of paranoia into the both of them, and given Tamamo's own history that was saying something. Three bounded fields, all of which were directly attuned to the Caster herself protected the house from potential invaders which was one reason why those Root operatives were force to spy on them from afar rather than up close. Even with that protection, Tamamo still didn't feel safe leaving the boy by himself for less than a minute.

Honestly, it's only been a few days and look what you've got me doing, you little one-tail. Mentally sighing, she withdrew a strand of hair from her fluffy tail and held it up. Hakuno's ears picked up the ancient Japanese sutra as his eyes thinly made out the rush of energy that flooded the hair strand, giving it life. Light shimmered around the strand before Tamamo it away, a form began to materialize into existence - a fox. Not too big and not too small, though anyone who made the mistake of assuming it was an ordinary animal would be in for a rude surprise.

The orange-furred create stood at attention to its creator, causing Tamamo to let out a proud chuckle. "It seems I am capable of creating familiars here as well. Protect this boy with your life," she spoke to the small creature in a commanding tone. "If anyone comes for him attack until they retreat, and if that fails, take him and flee." A swift swoosh of the tail served as confirmation of her orders. "Now, then, darling?"

Hakuno had already gotten his sandals back on when he turned to her. "Let's not keep the Hokage waiting."


After a long day of bountifully sunshine, the village had finally begun to become painted in the colors of dusk. This did not stop anyone as the night life Hakuno earlier observed began coming out in full force on their way to the Hokage tower. The guards made way for them, though part of it might have been because of the silent aura of aggression that Tamamo walked with.

The closer they got to the meeting room, the tighter the knot in Hakuno's stomach became. Just as they'd reached the door, it swung open outwards and the knot in his stomach morphed into a steel ball. The man that step out and into the pair's line of sight was Sarutobi's age, though that was where the similarities between them ended. Though he looked to be missing his right arm, both Master and Servant knew better than to be deceived to by the look. Speaking of which, the right half if his wrinkled face were covered by bandages with a x-shaped scar on his chin. Contrasting to the Third's eyes which shined with a curious albeit friendly light, this man's remaining eye was as cold as ice and sharp as a dagger. Tension seized the bodies of the duo upon locking eyes with him.

So this is Danzō, I wonder if he has any possibly relationship to the Fujiwara Clan, or if this world has a parallel. Thought the fox, never once letting her eyes drift from the one-eyed elder before her. Just as she was sizing up him, he was doing the same to her.

It was at that moment the shrine maiden knew one way or another, she and this man were going to be enemies.

"Excuse me." He finally said, breaking the tension between them. Hakuno lightly tugged on his wife's sleeve, causing her to step aside allowing Danzo to pass. As he did so both felt as if they'd just watched a tornado blow by.

"Is it possible we can consider relocating to a village in the countryside? Or one without creepy old men?" the fox whined once she was sure the cyclops was out of earshot.

Playfully shaking his head, he guided her into the meeting room where the Third Hokage had first sat down with them and explained the situation. In a replay of past events he was sitting in the exact same chair, a look of deep worry and thought engraved into his face. "Did we come at a bad time, Mister Sarutobi?"

"Hm, no, no, I just…"

"Had to discuss political matters you're getting too old for?" Shot the pink-haired Servant who arrogantly marched into the room headless of her love's calls. "Your…may I ask what exactly we've done to earn such scrutiny from your…regent?"

Instantly picking up on the Caster's train of thought, Hiruzen let out a shaky sigh while rubbing his brow. "I see you've had your first run-in with Danzō. I told him not to spy on either of you, but it appears he once again chose to ignore my orders."

"Again?" Echoed the young male with a crocked frown.

"I'm sorry about that."

"We can discuss this another time, preferable when we have the tolerance for it." Tamamo declared, attempting to sound reasonable. "Are we correct to assume you called us here because you…heard about the incident today?"

"Actually, I called you two here because I found something that may be of interest to you provided you fully intend on staying in the village." Gracing the pair with a hearty smile, the old man reached below the table for a collection of folders and documents that he handed over to Hakuno. "Not too far from where you two live is a candy store whose owner is an old associate of mine, I just recently learned he's decided to travel the world and is leaving his shop. All the previous shipments and equipment are still there and I've already ran it by him. He's perfectly fine with me passing the store into the hands of another I believe will be able to keep the business operational."

Intrigued, Tamamo leaned over to examine the files regarding the shop. Her fox ears perked up in interest while Hakuno's lips curved upwards into a smile. "Once again, it appears we are indebted to you, Lord Sarutobi."

"Think nothing of it. As Hokage it's my job to ensure the village runs smoothly and its people are well cared for, though I…" Darkness fell over the older man's face, mirroring the weakening sunlight outside. Folding his hands, he breathed inwards then exhaled, knowing the time had arrived for him to face up to one of his many failures. "Thank you for defending Naruto today."

Putting down the files, Hakuno and Tamamo looked between each other, silently debating which one would speak first. Hakuno wanted to be the one but Tamamo shook her head motioning for him to wait while she broke the ice. She wouldn't mince words, but she wouldn't go as far as disrespecting their benefactor.

"We peered inside the boy's spirit, or rather, we were able to see the second soul residing in his. It is a fox, a nine-tailed fox of great power and malice, so powerful I even dare say it could rival me with all of my tails."

Heavy silence preceded a a heavy sigh. Reaching down again, he grabbed a colored notebook and handed it over to the pair. Painted onto the cover was an odd symbol that reminded Tamamo of the Indian Vajra. "Then it's time you knew the truth."

Opening it, both went cross-eyed at the book's contents.

"Are these…kaiju?" Hakuno questioned incredulously.

"Kaiju?" The Hokage repeated. "Well, that's one way to look at them. In this world exists nine powerful beasts comprised of pure chakra, titanic beings of pure power. They are the Bijū, Tailed Beasts. They have existed for countless centuries, their origins lost to time but each of them being possessing special abilities that far surpass those of humans. Sealed inside of Naruto is one of those beasts, the strongest of the nine, the Nine-Tailed Fox."

They flipped through the pages, reading the information provided on each of the nine beasts, the human and Servant going through different reactions. Hakuno's first thought was that the nine Bijū were this world's equivalent of Phantasmal Beasts, they all certainly looked the part. Tamamo found herself repressing a chuckle, viewing the sketches of each of the nine.

How fitting that the one-tailed and weakest of the bunch is a tanuki and the strongest is a fox. Indeed, this world is based on that of Japan, specifically Japanese mythology. She thought, examining the notes inscribed within each. What she took notice of was that regarding each beast, one of the other Hidden Villages were listed. "They were all…tamed?" She began slowly, looking at the old Hokage with cold eyes.

Hiruzen was fully prepared for the look of cold malice the fox-eared and fox-tailed woman gave him. He fully deserved it. "Almost one hundred years ago, the First Hokage of this village, Hashirama Senju, tamed each of the Tailed Beasts and offered them to the other still-forming Hidden Villages as peace offerings. As I said, the Tailed Beasts are living masses of chakra, possessing power great enough that they each qualify as natural disasters. For centuries, ninja and warlords fought to control them."

"Until the First Hokage tamed them and offered them up to the other villages?" Far from his usual even and formal tone, Hakuno's voice was almost as cold as his Servant's. Hiruzen didn't ignore the slight shaking in his hands or the slight aura of rage building around him. "What's a jinchūriki? That word keeps coming up several times."

"A jinchūriki is a…person who is host to a Tailed Beast. As I said, various factions sought out the power of the Tailed Beasts to use as weapons of war, but due to their nature they're near uncontrollable."

"To get around that sealing them inside of humans became the norm." Tamamo answered, holding up the book and glancing through it with analytical eyes. "It seems the humans of this world are just as greedy and arrogant as they are in ours. Some things never change I suppose. That's what Naruto is, isn't he? He is the Kyūbi's Jinchūriki, am I right?"

"Yes, he is the third one to host the Nine-Tailed Fox. The first host was Hashirama Senju's wife, Mito Uzumaki," As he expected, both young adults went on alert upon hearing the name Uzumaki. "The second to do so…was Naruto's mother, Kushina Uzumaki, wife of my successor, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage."Shock hit the pair like a stormy gale leaving them speechless, though Tamamo recovered faster than her spouse. Flipping through the pages, she found the desired information and looked at him with her now silted eyes.

"While I don't condone what's been done, I can understand the jinchūriki having to be related to the village's royal family."

"What?! Royal family?!" Hakuno cried, looking between his Servant and the Third.

"Yes, Hakuno, it is a required rule that the jinchūriki must be related to the village's ruling Kage or leader. It was a law set forth by Lady Mito herself, who as I said was the wife of the First Hokage. The host of the One-Tail is the Fourth Kazekage's youngest son, who's just about Naruto's age while the host of the Eight-Tails is the younger brother of the Hidden Cloud Village's Raikage. The current leader of the Hidden Mist Village is himself the jinchūriki of the Three-Tails."

Running a hand over his face, Hakuno tried to maintain the whirlwind of emotions inside of him. Disgust, that was really all he could feel in regards to this system of taking giant monsters and sealing them inside of people, never mind that it fell to the village's leader to do it to one of their own family members. Steadying his thoughts he recalled the insults and accusations hurled Naruto's way. "What happened to Naruto's parents?"

"Naruto and his mother come from a clan of shinobi from a distant land, a clan known for their sealing jutsu, the Uzumaki Clan. The sealing jutsu used on almost all jinchūriki is in one form or another a variant of the original technique used by Naruto's ancestors. However, the seal holding a Tailed Beast weakens at one particular moment for females - childbirth."

As a woman Tamamo shuddered hearing that. She could only imagine what sort of immense pain Naruto's mother had to endure attempting to bring her child into the world. Balling her fists, her mind worked to formulate the conclusion Hiruzen was pointing them towards. "When Naruto was born…someone attempted to steal the Nine-Tails, didn't they?"

"I'm afraid so." The old ninja answered, thinking back to that grim night. "We'd taken all the precautions possible, kept Kushina's pregnancy a secret and had her under maximum secur-"

"Something went wrong." Tamamo interjected.

"Yes, a masked assailant found his way past our defenses, killing my wife and Kushina's Anbu guards. Naruto was safely delivered, but the Nine-Tails was freed and attacked the village forcing me to lead the defenses while Minato engaged this assailant in battle. Though he succeeded in driving him off, the fox had to be sealed." A hundred years could pass and never would Hiruzen let the image of Minato and Kushina's dead bodies fade from his memory, two young people, parents, robbed of their future, and a child robbed of his parents. "They sacrificed themselves to seal the beast into Naruto, leaving him in my care." There was a beat. "I've failed them."

"I believe failure is an understatement." Barked the Servant, keeping a look of cold fury on her face. "That boy is royalty, yet he is treated as if he were less than a dog." Holding up the book, Tamamo scowled. "Everything in this book is top-secret information, how did the village come to know of Naruto's holding of the Nine-Tails' spirit? Shouldn't information like that have been kept secret?"

"It was, it's a law punishable by potential life-imprisonment to speak of what happened that night. However, through some unknown means the information regarding Naruto's status as a jinchūriki was leaked, worse, a majority of the villagers don't care to see Naruto as the fox's jailer and use him as an outlet for the pain and loss they suffered from the attack."

Like a bolt of lightning Hakuno's fist came down hard against the black marble table, so hard it actually left cracks. The Servant's gaze softened as she cradled his still-shaking hand.

"What…what is Naruto? Jinchūriki are made to be human weapons, aren't they? Is that all he is? A living weapon meant to fight for a village that hates him?" Though his head was still bowed, Hiruzen could tell it took all the young man's self-control not to lash out.

"He's a boy who deserves a chance at happiness, a boy who told me he wanted to become Hokage so the people would acknowledge him instead of fear him. He's a boy who…I've failed…whose parents…I have failed." Sighed the old leader. "While I may have failed…I believe you two can…perhaps you two can give him what I could not."

Wide-eyed both looked up at the Hokage, their mouths opening in shock at the proposal.

Coughing into his fist, the war veteran mustered what little charisma he hoped he still possessed. "I know you two are…ahem, young, and you both probably have a lot on your plate to deal with, but could you consider it?"

Quickly shutting their mouths, the duo looked between each other for several long seconds before turning back to the old Hokage.


Naruto couldn't remember the last time he'd gotten a nap that good, actually, he'd never slept that well.. He'd felt warm and at peace curled up next to the mysterious source of warmth he realized was Tamamo's lap. After helping out around the house, he'd fallen asleep for who knew how long. Turning his dozy eyes to the window, he found it was now night outside.

Turning around, Naruto yelped in shock finding himself face-to-face with a fox. The creature leaned forward sniffing him, then it began to lick his face.

"H-Hey, that tinkles!" He cooed, causing the fox to switch from licking him to stroking his face. "Um, did Miss Fox La-I mean Tamamo summon you?"

Rather than answer his question, the fox's ears perked up. It tugged Naruto down from the bed and guided him through the hallways down the stairs. He followed it all the way into the dinning room where he was blown away to find the Hokage, Hakuno, and Tamamo sitting around a table. The minute he came into view, all three turned to him.

"Am I in trouble?" Was his first response, fearing the worst and bracing himself for it.

"No, you're not," Hakuno stated, smiling in an attempt to calm the boy down. Getting up from his seat and walking towards him with Tamamo in toe, he kneeled down so he was almost eye-level with the six-year-old. "Naruto, do you remember what we said about you staying the night until your home was repaired?" Following a nod, Hakuno pressed onward. "Well, we talked with Lord Hokage, and we want to know, how do you feel about living with us from here on out?"

The blonde's eyes went larger than the rising moon. Fear and doubt danced within them as he looked between them over to the Hokage.

"Naruto," Tamamo began fully displaying our animalistic tails and ears. "I know what it feels like to be…persecuted, hated, because of what you are, because of things you can't control. For a time, I wasn't lucky enough to have anyone with me, then I met someone who stood beside me to the very end." First, she smiled at her Master, then at Naruto while caressing his cheek. "I don't know if I've changed from the selfish person I used to be, but the least I can do is try. I want to try to do what this someone did for me. Will you let me try do that for you?"

He remembered the few seconds before he fell asleep on Tamamo's lap. He remembered the way Hakuno had shielded him whenever trouble found him. He remembered the warm fuzzy feeling when the two of them welcomed them into his home and had lunch with him. Naruto never knew what those things felt like, but now that he had he didn't want to lose them again.

Tears springing from his eyes he hurled himself into Tamamo's arms, the Caster-Servant wrapped him up in her tender embrace followed by Hakuno throwing his arm around his pink-haired lover.

From the background, Hiruzen happily sighed watching the newly formed family of three. Minato, Kushina, I know I've failed you two up until now, but please, give these two your blessings, if only for Naruto's sake. Lady Mito, the love that you spoke of, let these two be able to give it to that boy. Prayed the veteran ninja. Rising to his feet seeing as how his work was done, he was almost to the door when Tamamo's voice stopped him.

"Mister Sarutobi! Aren't you going to stay for dinner?" Hiruzen almost shed a tear for the sight before him. Naruto was held tightly in Tamamo's arm, clenching at her as if scared she were to disappear any second. Hakuno's calm and peaceful gaze had returned as he looped his arm around her waist. "While I'm sure you've tasted fine food, I can assure you, you've never tasted my quality cooking. Food that satisfied royal princes and emperors!" Proudly proclaimed the Caster.

"Well, when you put it that way, how can I refuse." He chuckled.


A fair bit longer than I was expecting but I got the general idea across. For this story Naruto is only the first of four kids Hakuno and Tamamo are going to find themselves looking after. I'm sure you can all guess who the second will be but here's a hint for the last two, they're girls. I did say in the summary they were going to give parenting a try. Next chapter will have a little bit of a time skip plus a look at some of the other Master-Servant teams that are going to be running around.