The Animal I've Become

This is a challenge fic by Chewie Cookies

No, I don't own Naruto

Hinata was beginning to wake up. "Such a nice fluffy blanket," she muttered in her sleep. She thought last night was a dream. A very weird dream, but, in a way, a great dream. She finally opened her eyes to see what happened was not a dream at all. She was curled up with Naruto on the couch with all nine of his fluffy tails covering them like a blanket.

She looked at Naruto's face. He was smiling happily in his sleep. Hinata was happy, yet sad. She was happy Naruto was with her like this, but sad about what happened to him. She hugged him tighter. She hoped she could stay with him from now on.

Kurenai and the third Hokage never talked with her last night about much. She had just sat on the couch and cuddled with an affectionate Naruto. Every time the grownups talked, they walked away, making sure she couldn't hear anything. But she was happy though. Kurenai was going to adopt her, so she didn't have to go back to that place anymore. She didn't know it, but Naruto was awake and watching her as she was lost in thought.

Naruto nudged her a few times, getting her attention. She just smiled at him and rubbed the whisker marks on his face with one hand. Naruto really seemed to like it.

Kakashi and Kurenai were watching them from the other side of the room. They took turns last night keeping an eye on them to make sure no one tried anything.

"So, Kakashi, what do you think about all this?"

"You mean the fact I'll be living with you, Naruto, and, Hinata from now on?" She nod ded. "Should be interesting," he said, his eyes looking up and down Kurenai, who was in her nightgown.

This didn't go unnoticed by Kurenai, but she acted like she didn't see him scanning her with his eyes. She had actually worn her nightgown instead of her normal clothes just so she could give him a small peek.

They both turned their attention back to Naruto and Hinata when they heard Hinata giggling. Naruto was snuggling with Hinata; his tails were brushing up against her skin.

"Well he certainly is affectionate right now," Kurenai, stated a smile graced her face.

"Indeed, but I think we should get him in some new clothes, the clothes he's in now have had it, Kakashi replied.

"Yeah, they certainly have."

"I'll be back in a little while. I'm going to Naruto's apartment to see about getting him a change of clothes."

Kurenai nodded and Kakashi disappeared from the room. Kurenai went into the other room to get changed. They were most likely going to be summoned to the council cham bers soon enough.

Naruto and Hinata were left alone in the room. Naruto was snuggled up against Hinata. She smiled at him as she played with one of his tails. She really did like the tails. A few minutes passed of the two of them sitting there enjoying the moment when Kakashi popped back into the room.

"Hinata, I need to borrow Naruto for a moment," he said while showing her some new cloths for him.

Naruto raised his head, looking between the two.

"Naruto could you go with Kakashi? He has some new clothes for you," Hinata said in a soft tone. Hinata wasn't sure if he understood her at all.

Naruto let go of Hinata and got off the couch. He didn't say anything as he walked over to Kakashi.

'Well, he seems to understand what we're saying. At least, I think he does,' Kakashi thought. Kakashi pointed to the bathroom. "We need to get you into some new clothes," Kakashi said as he ushered Naruto to the bathroom to change.

A few minutes later three loud crashes and what sounded like breaking glass came from the bathroom. Naruto and Kakashi came out of the bathroom, Naruto, with his new clothes and Kakashi, cradling his right arm. It seems Naruto didn't know exactly what was happening.

Kurenai walked over and proceeded to check Kakashi's arm.

"You really should be more careful you know. I really don't think I could handle both of them myself," she said. "Well it's not broken but you might not want to use your arm too much for a day or so."

"You know, those tails of his really hurt," Kakashi said as he rubbed his bruised arm.

"I can see that," Kurenai said with a short giggle.

They both looked at Naruto who was wagging his tails happily, as he stood next to Hinata. Hinata blushed when Naruto wrapped his tails around her and began to snuggle with her.

"You know, at this rate, we might have to really keep an eye on the both of them, considering how Naruto is acting," Kurenai remarked as she watched the two of them.

"Yes, well I don't think Hinata minds all that much," Kakashi replied.

Just then they hear a knock on the door. Kakashi walked over and opened the door to see an Anbu standing at the door.

"The Hokage wishes to speak with you in the council chambers now." The ANBU disappeared right after he spoke.

"Well it seems we have to get to the council chambers," Kakashi stated. The four of them left shortly after.

The four of them walked to the council chambers. Naruto didn't notice the glares he got from the villagers, he was too busy looking at everything they walked by. They arrived at the council building without incident. Naruto never left Hinata's side on the way there. The four of them entered the council room. The civilian council sat on the left side of the room. The shinobi council on the right side, and Hiruzen sat with two rather old looking people in the middle of the room.

Hinata looked at Naruto. He looked nervous, so she grabbed his hand, trying to reassure him things would be alright. Hiruzen cleared his throat in order to grab everyone's attention.

"Shouldn't we wait for Danzou?" Homura asked.

"Well I suppose I'll start with him first. Danzou is dead. He died trying to use Naruto's tenant for his own gains. Naruto has changed, as you can see, and his memories have been erased."

"He should be killed before he attacks!" one of the civilian council members shouted suddenly. Many of them nodded in agreement.

"You will hold your tongue!" Hiruzen shot back. "I have sent ANBU to the place Inoichi provided. What we found were underground training camps for orphans that were plucked off the street. The ones that fought have been dealt the others are being taken care of."

"Yes but I think our main concern is Naruto here. What will happen to him now?" Shikaku asked.

"I have already decided on that matter. Kurenai Yuhi and Kakashi Hatake will be looking after Naruto and Hinata for the time being," Hiruzen replied.

"Hinata as well?" Chouza asked. He looked over and noticed for the first time Hiashi was not among them in the council room.

"Yes. I believe it was not safe for her to stay within Hiashi's care any longer," Hiruzen replied.

The shinobi council didn't question Hiruzen, as his judgment was never wrong. The civilian council on the other hand questioned it all the time.

"What do you mean? You have just decided to let this monster live in a home and not a cage? And you have taken the daughter of Hiashi for some reason unknown to us?" a fat civilian council member shouted.

A kunai passed right by his head, cutting the man's cheek rather badly. Everyone looked to see Kakashi was the one who had thrown it.

"You'll do well to shut your mouth, or I'll shut it permanently," Kakashi said in a threatening tone.

"Kakashi, that is quite enough. Moreover, to answer your question, yes, I have decided on all this myself. In addition, seeing as the shinobi council sees no problems with the arrangements, there is nothing more to discuss. And before you complain again, like I know you will, you have no say in the matter whatsoever, and you will do well to not overstep your boundar ies again, or I will allow Kakashi to finish the job."

The rest of the talking was between Kurenai, Kakashi, Hiruzen, and a few of the clan heads, regarding security issues when concerning Naruto. The civilian council kept their mouths shut this time. While they talked, Naruto was becoming more and more concerned about what was going on.

"Hina stay?" Naruto asked. His tails were not waving in the air any longer. They were on the ground.

Hinata smiled. "Of course, Naruto-kun. I'm not going anywhere," she replied.

Naruto smiled and his tails wagged a little bit. The talks went on a while longer. It was agreed to let them use the fourth Hokage's old estate. The home on the estate was more than large enough for the four of them, and the grounds were walled so they could have some privacy when it came to Naruto's rehabilitation.

The four of them left the council room. Hiruzen had allowed Kakashi to pick a squad of ANBU to protect their new home from anyone who might want to harm them. A few ANBU were sent to gather a few of the things Hinata wanted from her old home. And Kakashi and Kurenai were currently cleaning out her place while Hinata and Naruto helped.

They quickly cleared out what Kurenai wanted and went off to see the estate of the fourth Hokage. They arrived at the front gates to the estate. Kakashi opened the gate allowing the three to enter the estate.

Naruto was walking next to Hinata; he was quite content just being next to her. Hinata was looking at everything as they walked towards the house. She saw a nice place for her to start a nice garden. She wondered if Naruto would help her with that.

"So, Kakashi, are we going to get the things from your house?" Kurenai asked.

"No. There really isn't anything to get. I can pick up some changes of clothes later," he replied. He looked over and Naruto and Hinata. "We should probably get these two set up with rooms."

Kurenai nodded and they walked into the house and got situated.

A few hours later, Kurenai and Kakashi were sitting on the front porch of the house as they watched Naruto and Hinata look around.

"You know Naruto seems very uncomfortable in small rooms," Kurenai stated as she sipped her tea.

"Yeah. I'm sure he was kept in a rather small room, and now he can't stand being in such a place," Kakashi replied.

"He also seemed to not want to be in a place where Hinata wasn't. What do you think we should do about that?"

"Well I've noticed that all as well. I bet he will sneak into her room at night. So I think we should just let him if it makes him feel more comfortable. And if Hinata doesn't mind, it will be a good thing."

"Is that why you gave Naruto the master bedroom?"

Kakashi looked at Kurenai, who was giving him a nasty look. "I gave Naruto that room because that was his parents' room."

Kurenai gave him a shocked look. "Wait, you don't mean..."

"Yes. He is the fourth Hokage's son. Only a few people know and we would like to keep it that way for the time being. I'll tell you everything later, but right now, we need to get Naruto back up to speed. We only have six months till they graduate from the academy."

"I think Hinata wants to start a garden," Kurenai said, pointing at Hinata who was checking an area with Naruto.

"Seems so," Kakashi replied.

Hinata was looking at a little spot near the front of the house with Naruto.

"This place should make a great garden," Hinata said to herself.

"Garden?" Naruto asked.

"Yes a garden," Hinata replied. She looked at Naruto. He didn't seem to understand what the word meant at all. "A garden is a place where you plant things like flowers and other things you like."

Naruto nodded in response. Naruto watched Hinata as she moved a few stones into place making a square. Naruto decided to do as she was and fix the stones that had fallen out of place. He used his tails to quickly move the other stones into place.

"Thank you Naruto-kun."

Naruto and Hinata wandered around the property for a time before going back to the house because it was one in the afternoon. They were heading inside because Naruto said he was hungry. Hinata had a feeling that table manners were going to be a problem with Naruto for a while.

Naruto was looking at the food that was on the table. It had taken about thirty minutes to get the concept that he had to sit on the chair at the table to eat. He sat next to Hinata looking at her and the food.

Naruto couldn't take it any longer. He jumped out of his seat and onto the table and started to eat. He was using his tails to grabs plates and eat off them.

"Naruto!" Hinata yelled.

He stopped eating, and looked at her with big puppy dog eyes like he had done nothing wrong at all.

"Hungry," was all he said.

Hinata sighed, "That's not how we eat," she explained.

Kakashi was actually enjoying the show Naruto had put on while he was eating. Naruto got off the table, food was everywhere now. Once Naruto got off the table and sat back down in his chair Hinata got a washcloth and began to clean the bits of food off him.

"So much for lunch," Kurenai said.

"Did you expect it to go well the first time?" Kakashi asked.

"Well, not really, I guess."

They finished what was left of the food. Kakashi and Kurenai dealt with clean up duty, while Hinata kept Naruto company in the other room. Hinata sat on the couch while Naruto was playing with one of his tails. She giggled at his antics. Suddenly, Naruto jumped on Hinata. He licked her cheek and started to snuggle with her, then wrapped his tails around the both of them. Hinata's face turned about seven different shades of pink and red in the span of thirty seconds.

"My Hina," he mumbled.

He snuggled into her chest, causing her to moan ever so slightly. Naruto was making a purring noise as he snuggled. Hinata yawned. She was worn out from today's events and quickly fell asleep with Naruto holding her. Naruto looked up to see she was asleep, and began watching her intently.

Kakashi and Kurenai walked in thirty minutes later to find the two of them asleep. The two of them had smiles on their faces.

"You know, they're really cute together," Kurenai remarked.

"I suppose they are."

They stood there looking at the two when they heard a knock on the door. Kakashi opted to answer the door. Kakashi went over and opened the door to see Iruka standing there.

"The Hokage just informed me of what happened," Iruka stated. "How is he at the moment?"

"He's fine, besides some changes to his appearance, and I'm sure you've heard about the memory loss," Kakashi replied. Iruka nodded in reply.

Kakashi led Iruka inside the kitchen so they could talk more about it. As they began to talk, Kurenai walked into the room. Kurenai sat on the chair next to Kakashi.

"How is Naruto's behavior?" Iruka asked.

"Honestly, he has the same temperament as he did before all this happened. Well, you could say he's rather clingy to a certain someone in the other room. I think you would probably get a somewhat violent reaction out of him if something bad happened to her," Kurenai stated.

"I see. So no aggressive behavior?" Iruka asked.

"Nothing we have experienced yet." Kakashi replied.

"When do you think Hinata and Naruto will be returning to the academy? There are only six months left till graduation, after all," Iruka said.

"Well, Naruto has the capacity to learn, it just might take some time to get him up to speed with the things he can no longer remember. The fact that he can still speak helps greatly, but I'm just not sure I can give you a time frame at this point." Kakashi spoke.

"I see. Would it be alright if I came down and helped out with the teaching?" Iruka asked.

"We were actually hoping you would help us out with that Iruka," Kurenai replied.

"Of course. I always liked Naruto, and I'll do what I can, but even when Naruto was well... all human, he was difficult to teach. I just hope he isn't even more difficult now than he was then."

"Hmm... for some reason, I don't think it will be as hard as it used to be to teach him," Kakashi said.

The three of them talked for the next hour about what they were going to do. Teaching schedules and everything were planned out for Naruto. Once Naruto was at least able to understand the basics, Kakashi would teach him how to fight. They all hoped Naruto would catch on fast to what they taught him.

With Naruto and Hinata

Almost two hours had passed since Hinata had fallen asleep.

Naruto had sat there holding Hinata and just watching her sleep. He couldn't understand why he wanted to watch her and keep her safe. He just had this feeling, and he liked it. He felt at ease around her. Suddenly Naruto felt a hand other his own or Hinata's touch him.

One of Naruto's tails struck at whoever it was. Thankfully, it was Kakashi, and he was able to dodge it. Naruto had been so preoccupied, he wasn't paying attention to what was around him.

"What is it Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked in a sleepy voice.

She had forgotten all about being wrapped in Naruto's tails with him. Her face turned red again from embarrassment.

Naruto looked over at Hinata making sure she was alright. He then looked to see who it was that had come into the room. He recognized the person as Kakashi. Kakashi was on his back on the ground as dropping to the ground was the only way at the time to avoid Naruto's tail.

"Hina alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine Naruto-kun. Umm... could you let me go now?" She asked.

Naruto reluctantly let go of Hinata.

Kakashi was still lying on the floor, thinking that from now on he should say something first then approach them. That tail of Naruto's could have probably taken off his head. Kurenai came into the room to see Kakashi lying on the floor.

"Kakashi, are you alright?" she ask as she went over to him. She knelt down on the floor to see if he was alright.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just remember to say something before approaching him while he's with Hinata. I guess he was spaced out and didn't realize it was me. One of his tails almost took off my head."

Kurenai grinned. "That's what you get for interrupting a couple's special moments," she said slyly.

"Special moments, aye?" Kakashi's hand suddenly put his hand on her back side and squeezed.

Kurenai jumped, blushing madly. "W-what a-a-are you doing!" she yelled.

"Well you said special moments and I couldn't help myself." he replied.

They both looked to see Naruto and Hinata were watching them. Hinata had a small smile on her face. Naruto on the other had his head cocked slightly to the right in confusion. He didn't understand what had just transpired. Although, he could tell Kurenai didn't exactly mind it all that much.

"Not in front of the children," she muttered.

Kakashi got up off the floor and walked out of the room. He seemed to be thinking about something.

A few minutes passed and Kurenai finally spoke after recomposing herself after that rather embarrassing scene.

"So, Hinata, how was your nap?" Kurenai had a smile on her face.

Hinata blushed. "It was comfortable," she muttered.

"Why don't the three of us take a good look around the estate grounds?" Kurenai asked.

"Alright," Hinata replied. She had gotten a look at some of it earlier, but that was only things close to the house.

Naruto just nodded. He liked the outdoors more than this house right now. Even if the rooms were rather large, he didn't like being in an enclosed space such as this. The three of them were soon out and walking around the estate. The estate around the house was at least four times larger than the Hyuga's estate.

The estate had a small forest behind the house, which was actually a good place to train both Naruto and Hinata. They were currently looking through the forested area. The trees were rather large and very sturdy looking. They stopped for a moment to look around. Hinata noticed Naruto wasn't with them at the moment.

"Naruto-kun!" she called out.

Suddenly Naruto came down from one of the trees. He was scanning Hinata, he had a worried look on his face, but was relieved when he found she was fine. He smiled and hugged her. Hinata suddenly started to giggle when Naruto's tails started brushing up against her.

Kurenai couldn't help but smile at how cute the two of them looked.

They resumed their walk; Naruto was jumping around and playing with his tails. Hinata found his antics very amusing. They continued to walk for another few hours around the estate to let Naruto expend all his excess energy. This didn't seem to work at all.

They went inside to have an early dinner. It was less entertaining than lunch, since Naruto didn't decide to jump on the table and eat what he wanted. But he still couldn't understand why he had to use utensils and couldn't just use his hands. But once Hinata told him, he accepted it and used the utensils. Kakashi and Kurenai were glad he wasn't that hard to teach when it came to rules of the house.

It was time for Naruto's bath. He had yet to take one since they had found him last night. Kurenai and Hinata and taken him into the family sized bathing room that was in the estate. Hinata was actually the one who said they should do this. That had actually surprised Kurenai; she hadn't expected Hinata to volunteer to help her with Naruto.

Of course Hinata was blushing like crazy just being in the same room with Naruto in nothing but a towel. They realized this place was built around a hot spring, and the bathing area of the estate was the hot spring itself.

Naruto frowned upon seeing the large pool of water. "Water bad," Naruto stated.

"Naruto, everyone has to take a bath, including you," Kurenai said.

"Water bad," was all he said in reply.

"Hinata, say something. He listens to you."

"Umm… N-naruto-kun, p-please get in the water."

Naruto's ears folded down on his head he didn't want to get into the water but Hinata asked him to. Naruto finally got into the water. At first he didn't like it at all, but he found a great use for his tails while in the large swimming pool sized hot spring. His head was half out of the water as he used his tails to propel himself back and forth across the water.

Hinata seemed to forget how nervous she was a minute ago. She found Naruto rather funny, darting across the water like that. She and Kurenai had gotten into the water now and were just relaxing.

"I could get used to this," Kurenai muttered.

"I think I could too. I don't have to worry about my father or clan anymore."

"True you don't have to anymore. And I think Naruto would protect you if they tried something." Kurenai said as she watched him dart across the water a few times.

"Really?"

"Of course. In the past day he has barely been more than twenty feet from you."

Hinata looked over at Naruto. He really wasn't going too far from her; he was staying at a constant distance. Hinata smiled. Hinata was watching Naruto when he suddenly disappeared.

"Where did Naruto-kun go?"

Naruto was under the water looking around. Because the place was full of steam, they couldn't see him as he got closer and closer to them.

Kurenai and Hinata were about to go and look when they felt there towels disappear from their person.

Naruto popped out of the water his tails hold their towels. He had a big smile on his face as he waved the towels around in mid air.

"Naruto! Give those back!" Kurenai shouted.

He just stuck his tongue out at her and started shooting back and forth across the water with the towels on his head.

Hinata looked as if she was about to faint from the embarrassment. The only thing above the water now was her head and that was only half way out of the water.

Kurenai was extremely embarrassed. Next time, the two of them were going to wear bathing suits.

"What's all the ruckus about?" Kakashi came in wearing his swimming trunks.

Kurenai's face turned bright red and she sank into the water. She was just trying to disappear for the moment. Kakashi heard no reply the only thing he could make out was Naruto darting back and forth across the water with two towels on his head. He had a good idea whose towels those were. He shrugged his shoulders and left back to the men only bathing area.

Thirty minutes passed before Kurenai was able to convince Naruto to give back the towels. Hinata wasn't able to get her head out of the water enough to say anything. She was just that embarrassed. Although, once they were dressed, she seemed to quickly get over what had happened.

Kurenai was showing Naruto and Hinata their rooms from now on. They started with Naruto's room which was the master bedroom. They walked up to the double doors that led into Naruto's room. Opening the doors and entering, they found that the room had a king sized bed in it, along with two sets of dressers and cabinets. The room itself was set up for two people.

Kurenai waited at the entrance to the room while Naruto and Hinata looked around the room. Hinata's eyes feel onto a single picture on that was sitting on a dresser on the left side of the room. The picture was of a familiar looking blonde man and a very pregnant red head. She picked up the picture and looked at the back of it.

"Minato and Kushina Namikaze," Hinata said as she read the back of the picture.

She looked at Naruto who was looking at the bed. Then she looked back at the blonde man in the picture.

"I'm sure you've realized the resemblance," Kakashi stated.

Hinata jumped a bit she didn't realize Kakashi was right next to her.

"These are Naruto's parents? Then this is actually his home?" she asked.

"Yes they are, and yes it is. Although no one else but a few know these things, considering a few things, we thought it best that people don't know who his parents were. Of course that turned out to be the wrong decision in the long run. For now, do try to keep that information from others. You can tell Naruto, of course, but not anyone else."

Hinata looked back at the picture the two of them seemed really happy. "Alright."

Hinata looked over to the bed to see Naruto was passed out on the bed curled up in a ball. She couldn't help but smile.

"Umm... would it be alright if I just stayed in Naruto-kun's room?"

"Why exactly?" Kurenai asked.

"Well... wouldn't Naruto-kun get upset if he couldn't find me?" she asked shyly as she pressed her index fingers together.

"Well if that's what you want Hinata I don't see a problem with it. Come on Kakashi we better leave these two alone." Kurenai said it in such a way that she was implying something.

Kakashi and Kurenai left the room and Hinata with a crimson blush on her face. She looked at the clock. It was seven in the evening. She didn't think they had actually spent so much time just looking in this one room.

Hinata walked over to the edge of the bed Naruto was sleeping on. She lightly touched the whisker marks on his face. Suddenly one of Naruto's tails picked her up and laid her on the bed next to him. Hinata just smiled and hugged him. She really could get used to this.

End chapter

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Please check out my other stories Jiraiya's last student and The Demon King if you already haven't done so.

I just recently posted chapter 16 of Jiraiya's last student. But it seems the site is a bit screwy and for about the first day or so it was posted, the chapter was available for people to read and then not available. Not sure how to explain it other than that. So if you haven't seen it yet please do check it out. :)